Tuesday, September 19, 2017

Itinerary for Two Weeks in Morocco

Itinerary for Two Weeks in Morocco

Morocco is a country that draws you in. From the colorful, heady markets filled with the rich scents of spices to the vibrant Atlas Mountains, there is just so much to see in this incredible North African country.

While you can have a great time hitting up the main spots over a few days, I highly recommend lingering in Morocco to uncover all of the hidden treasures.

Ready to fall in love with this dynamic, gorgeous country? Here is my itinerary for two weeks in Morocco.

Chefchaouen morocco

Itinerary Overview

  • Days 1 – 5: Marrakech (4 Nights)

  • Days 5 – 7: Sahara Desert (2 Nights)

  • Days 7-8: Skoura Valley Oasis (1 Night)

  • Days 8 – 10: Essaouira (2 Nights)

  • Days 10-11: Night Train from Marrakech to Tangier (1 Night)

  • Days 11 – 13: Chefchaouen (2 Nights)

  • Days 13-14: Fes (1 Night)

  • Days 14-15: Casablanca (1 Night)

  • Day 15: Head home!

blonde at le riad yasmin in morocco

Exploring Marrakech

Day 1: Marrakech

  • Fly into Marrakech Menara Airport

Stay at Riad Yasmine: We checked into this gorgeous riad for a two-night stay and found out why it’s one of Instagram’s most famous hotels.

Eat at NOMAD: For our first night, we checked out this cool fusion restaurant for dinner. The food was great, and the place has an epic sunset view.

Matching doors in Marrakech

Touring Marrakech

Day 2: Marrakech

Have Breakfast at Riad Yasmine: Starting your day on a rooftop is a must in Morocco!

Explore Marrakesh: We went to the Ben Youssef Madrasa and the Bahia Palace, both of which are perfect for photo ops.

Get Online: SIM cards are cheap here. I picked up a Maroc SIM card for 40 dirham ($4 USD) plus 100 dirham ($10 USD) for 10 GBs of data.

Have Lunch at Le Jardin: A green oasis in the middle of the city, this was a perfect midday break. Don’t miss the pop-up shop inside!

Shop: Morocco is an amazing place for shopping, Marrakech has some good markets. I was really disappointed with Jemaa el Fna though. While it’s one of the city’s most popular attractions, it’s also overly touristy and has super aggressive vendors along with some unfortunate animal cruelty.

Read More: The Ultimate Marrakech Travel Guide

La Mamounia Pool

blonde holding hands at le riad yasmin

La Mamounia Rooms

Days 3 and 4: Marrakech

Stay at La Mamounia: We checked into the famous La Mamounia for our last couple of nights in the city. This is such a fab place to just unwind and indulge.

We tried to maximize our time here while exploring the winding alleyways of Marrakech before heading to the desert.

Luxury Sahara Desert Camp

blonde with camels in sahara desert

meal in the sahara desert

Days 5 and 6: Sahara Desert

  • Marrakech to the Sahara Desert (Approx. 10 Hours)

Stay at the Sahara Desert Luxury Camp: We were picked up from La Mamounia in the early morning of Day 5 and then spent two unforgettable nights at the Sahara Desert Luxury Camp. It takes almost a full day to get to the camp, but the travel is included in the glamping package.

While it’s a LONG trip, the journey through Skoura Oasis is truly breathtaking.

Read More: Morocco’s Sahara Desert Glamping Guide

driving to the sahara desert

Days 7-8: Skoura Valley Oasis

  • 5-Hour Transfer from Sahara Desert Camp in 4×4

Travel to the Skoura Valley Oasis: We left the desert behind to travel to the Skoura Valley oasis for one night at L’ma Lodge.

Sunset over Essaouria, Morocco

Essaouira Morocco

Days 8 and 9: Essaouira

  • Taxi from Skoura Valley Oasis to Essaouira (Approx. 3 Hours)

Stay at the Villa Maroc: We took a taxi to the coastal city of Essaouira (we paid approx. $90 USD) and stayed two nights in Villa Maroc. Be sure to book yourself a massage and spend some time in their hammam.

Explore the Medina and Souks: Shopping in Morocco is the best. There are endless souks in Essaouira so be sure to schedule some time (and budget) for a look through.

Stroll the Port: Essaouira is a coastal town and there is a huge port where you can see lines of bright blue boats and fisherman reeling in the catch of the day. Afterwards, head to the bustling fish market to one up!

Take a Cooking Class: Villa Maroc offers a great cooking class where you can learn how to make some traditional Moroccan dishes!

Eat at La Licorne: Come here for a fine dining experience and to try their tajin and couscous dishes.

train station in fes

Day 10: Overnight Train from Marrakech to Tangier

Take a Ride on the Overnight Train: Getting around Morocco by train is a great option for all types of travelers. a great way to see some of the incredible landscape between cities.

While there isn’t an extensive network of trains, you’ll find that the majority of tourist destinations in Morocco are well connected if you want to do some city hopping!

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Traveling by Train in Morocco

girlfriends in chefchaouen

stairs in chefchaouen

Days 11- 13: Chefchaouen

  • Taxi from Tangier to Chefchaouen

Explore the Medina and Shop the Souks in Chefchaouen: Visit the heart of the city to get a feel for the style and culture. Grab a bite, do some bargaining and find yourself some gems. One of my favorite shops was La Botica de la Abuela Aladdin for homemade soaps!

Stay at Dar Baibou: From Tangier, we took a taxi to Chefchaouen, which was just over two hours and $60 USD. When we arrived, we checked into Dar Baibou for two nights. This quaint little hotel has traditional Moroccan style and great amenities.

Stay at Casa Perleta: This top rated hotel has an Andalusian style and is very popular so book early! Don’t miss the beignet stand right next door!

Hike to the Spanish Mosque: Overlooking Chefchaouen, you’ll want to plan a couple hours to hike up and explore this abandoned mosque.

Explore Rif Mountain: There are guided excursions that will take you up into the mountains or it’s easy to plan a solo trip. If you are traveling in the summer, just be sure to plan for the heat!

Eat at Le Lamp Magique at Aladins: This spot is popular for its classic lunch dishes and it’s also one of the prime places in Chefchaouen to watch the sunset.

Read More: The Ultimate Chefchaouen Travel Guide

Fes Tannery

hotel in fes morocco

Day 13-14: Fes

  • Taxi from Chefchaouen to Fes (Approx. 3.5 hours)

Visit the Tanneries in Fes: Prepare for a very sensory tour of the famous leather tanneries (lots of strong smells). They have beautiful handmade leather pieces and other handiwork.

Go to Shop 64: For the best overhead view of the souk and the tanneries, take a trip up the stairs of shop 64!

Shop the Medinas: Filled with endless lines of color and aromas, these heady markets are unlike anything else that you’ll find in the world. You can bargain with any vendor and get rock bottom prices on great stuff.

Explore Al Attarine Madrasa: This educational institue in the heart of the medina has a very interesting history as well as incredible intricate architecture. It is definitley worth the quick tour.

Stay at Dar SeffarineIt’s the oldest hotel in the medina and, with just six guest rooms, it has a very intimate feel– a nice place to escape the busy streets.

Read More: Spending 24 Hours in Fes, Morocco

fes train tickets

Day 14-15: Casablanca

  • Train from Fes to Casablanca

See Casablanca: We took the train from Fes (which took less than four hours and ranges from $12 to $25 USD, depending on which seats you opt for) to get to Casablanca, and we stayed one night in Mogador Marina.

Walk Through the Market: This market is smaller than others so it is very manageable. THey have also nailed the aesthetic and it’s totally instagrammable.

Grab a Drink at Rick’s Cafe: This place is a classic and they make a great Negroni (my drink of choice).

Stroll Through the Parc de La Ligue Arabe: This peaceful area is full of greenery and is the ideal spot for a little walk and talk.

Visit the Hassan II Mosque: This incredible Mosque sits above the Atlantic Ocean which is visible through one room’s glass floor.

Treat Yourself to a Pastry at Bennis Habous: Located near the old medina this is often considered as one of the best pastry shops in the country. Try the hornes des gazelles!

Eat at Resto Zayna: For a very traditional Moroccan experience and a taste of the country’s traditional cuisine.

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Traveling by Train in Morocco

Morocco is an incredible country to visit and with an itinerary like this, you can experience so many of the unique cities in a two-week trip!

 

Shop my favorite Morocco style!

READ NEXT: Essential Tips for Your First Trip to Morocco

 

Itinerary for Two Weeks in Morocco is a post from: The Blonde Abroad



from The Blonde Abroad http://ift.tt/2heuYmP

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