Five-Day Itinerary for Morocco

  • Day 1: Casablanca
    30 minutes (25.5 km) from Mohammed V International Airport

    Begin your journey in Casablanca, the largest city in Morocco. Visit Hassan II Mosque, the third-largest mosque in the world, and the Corniche, a scenic oceanfront promenade. Don't miss a chance to try some authentic Moroccan street food at Marché Central.

  • Day 2: Marrakech
    2 hours 55 minutes (243 km) from Casablanca

    Travel to Marrakech, a former imperial city known for its bustling medina and colorful markets. Explore the Jardin Majorelle, a beautiful garden once owned by Yves Saint Laurent, and the Koutoubia Mosque, the largest mosque in Marrakech. Get a taste of Moroccan culture with dinner and a traditional music performance at Dar Es Salaam.

  • Day 3: Ouarzazate
    4 hours 15 minutes (203 km) from Marrakech

    Journey to Ouarzazate, a city known as the "door of the desert" due to its proximity to the Sahara. Check out the Kasbah of Taourirt, an ancient fortified village, and the Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the setting of many famous movies. Take a scenic drive through the Atlas Mountains on the way back to Marrakech.

  • Day 4: Fes
    5 hours 30 minutes (477 km) from Ouarzazate

    Travel to Fes, the cultural and spiritual center of Morocco. Take a guided tour of the Medersa Bou Inania, an ancient Islamic school, and the Chouara Tannery, where leather goods are made. Visit the Bab Boujloud gate and admire the exquisite tile work.

  • Day 5: Chefchaouen
    4 hours 20 minutes (218 km) from Fes

    End your trip in Chefchaouen, a serene and picturesque mountain town known for its blue-painted buildings. Explore the winding alleyways and colorful markets of the medina, and take a hike to the Cascades d'Akchour, a stunning waterfall just outside the town.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Hassan II Mosque (1-2 hours, 120 MAD)
  • Corniche (1-2 hours, free)
  • Marché Central (1-2 hours, 30-50 MAD)
  • Jardin Majorelle (1-2 hours, 70 MAD)
  • Koutoubia Mosque (1-2 hours, free)
  • Dar Es Salaam (2-3 hours, 200 MAD)
  • Kasbah of Taourirt (1-2 hours, 20-30 MAD)
  • Ait Ben Haddou (2-3 hours, 20-30 MAD)
  • Medersa Bou Inania (1-2 hours, 20 MAD)
  • Chouara Tannery (1-2 hours, free)
  • Bab Boujloud (30 minutes-1 hour, free)
  • Cascades d'Akchour (2-3 hours, 25 MAD)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 665-725 MAD/£52-£57

Transportation

Transportation between cities can be done by bus or train. Bus rides are generally cheaper but take longer, while trains are more comfortable and faster but slightly more expensive. Taxis are also widely available and relatively affordable for shorter trips within cities. Renting a car is an option for those who prefer more flexibility, but be aware that driving can be challenging in Morocco and roads can be in poor condition.

Bus costs range from 40-100 MAD (£3-£8) depending on distance, while train tickets start at 80 MAD (£6.50). Taxis typically charge 20-50 MAD (£1.50-£4) for short trips within cities.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the seaside town of Essaouira or the Roman ruins in Volubilis. If you have less time, consider skipping Ouarzazate or Chefchaouen and spending more time in Marrakech or Fes. Be prepared for hot temperatures in the summer months and cooler temperatures in the mountains.

Airports

Morocco's main international airports are Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) in Casablanca and Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK) in Marrakech. CMN is located approximately 30 minutes from Casablanca's city center, while RAK is located approximately 20 minutes from Marrakech's city center. There are also several smaller airports throughout the country, including Fes-Saïss Airport (FEZ) in Fes and Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport (TNG) in Tangier.

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