Top 4 Can’t-Miss Experiences in Morocco

Prepare to be allured by the exotic spices, mystical sites, and ancient traditions on an intoxicating journey into Morocco - the jewel of North Africa. Over centuries, Arab, European, and Berber influences have combined to create one of the world’s most exotic, yet accessible destinations. Located just a few hours from the main European cities, Morocco offers desert, beaches, lush oases, and ancient cities with labyrinthine medinas. It’s one of Africa’s most diverse countries, and its bursting with stunning scenery and landscapes. Here are a few of the best things to see and do on your Morocco tour: Imperial Cities Tour Visit Casablanca, Rabat, Fez, Meknes, and Marrakech on a tour of Morocco’s most historic and beautiful cities. The movie-famous city of Casablanca is home to the huge Hassan II Mosque, the second largest mosque in the world. This vibrant and modernist metropolis is a great place to kick off a magical Morocco tour. Rabat is the capital of Morocco and its a very relaxed and hassle-free city featuring a 12th-century tower and minaret. Fez is the former capital of Morocco and one of the oldest and largest medieval cities in the world. It has one of the best preserved walled medinas in the Arab world and its special sights, sounds, and smells will leave you spellbound. Here you will see the largest royal palace in the country and enjoy a demonstration of the art of traditional mosaic making. Explore the medina and browse its incredible leather goods and artisan studios.

Nearby Meknes is a vibrant, modern city bustling with nightlife, restaurants, and an impressive royal palace. This friendly, laid back city was once an imperial capital, and it retains its extensive walls and a charming "old city". There are a number of vineyards in the area around Meknes that are delightful to explore. Marrakech is an incomparable destination, named the "Land of God" in the Berber language. In the centre of the city, the great plaza of Djemaa El-Fna comes alive at night with its musicians, belly dancers, storytellers, snake charmers, and henna artists. It’s a mystical spectacle that attracts locals and tourists alike, and it must not be missed. Visit the old-fashioned tanneries in Marrakech as well as the ornate El Bahia Palace. Suggested Itinerary: 8-Day Imperial Morocco

Desert Safari In the colourful Sahara Desert, spend the night in a bedouin-style tent under the incredible starry sky. The colours of the desert come alive at the village of Merzouga, where the spectacular Saharan dunes are a photographer’s haven. Here you can take a camel safari into the dunes, and to get a taste of remote (though somewhat tourism-influenced) Berber life. Travel by 4WD vehicles to your overnight stay at a charming luxury desert camp, for a truly unforgettable experience under the desert sky. Suggested Itinerary: 9-Day Majestic Morocco

Shopping in Souks An entire day can be lost in wandering around the souks (traditional North African markets), seeking out the best bargains. Just adjacent to Djemaa El-Fna, the main square in Marrakech, there is a souk where you can buy almost anything. From spices to shoes, jellabas to kaftans, tea pots to tagines, here you can bargain for incredible wares. Undoubtedly, being a foreigner means you will end up paying higher prices than a native would, but bargain nonetheless. If you happen to run out of dirhams, you'll find plenty of people in the souks who will eagerly exchange your dollars or euros (though a fair rate here is less likely than at an official exchange). Suggested Itinerary: 12-Day Signature Morocco - Holiday of a Lifetime

Atlas Mountains The Atlas Mountains is a mountain range which stretches across northwestern Africa, separating the Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines from the Sahara Desert. Here, you can visit a ski resort known as “Morocco’s Switzerland.” The Alpine town of Ifrane was developed in remarkable European style by the French during the Protectorate era. Next, enter a beautiful oasis boasting one of the largest palm groves in Morocco. Enjoy a walk through the famous Todra Gorge, carved into the Atlas Mountains, and travel onward to Ouarzazate, a UNESCO World Heritage site with some of the best preserved Kasbahs. Enjoy a Moroccan traditional lunch at the home of a Berber family. Visit Ait Ben Haddou, an astounding Mud Brick city that’s been featured in the films, Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator. Suggested Itinerary: 8-Day Kasbahs, Oases & Deserts

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By Kirsty Perring