A Week in Morocco

  • Day 1: Marrakech
    Estimated Time from Previous Location: 0 minutes

    Marrakech is a vibrant and bustling city with plenty to see and do. Start your day by exploring the intricately designed Bahia Palace which showcases the finest Moroccan craftsmanship. Next, head over to the Jardin Majorelle – a beautiful garden once owned by French painter Jacques Majorelle. After lunch, visit the Bab Agnaou – a monumental gate that is one of the nineteen gates of the city walls. Finish your day by exploring the Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, where street performers, snake charmers, and food vendors come together for a vibrant spectacle.

  • Day 2: Atlas Mountains
    Estimated Time from Previous Location: 1 hour 30 minutes (35 miles)

    Take a day trip to the Atlas Mountains, where you will be rewarded with stunning views of the rugged terrain. Visit the quaint Berber villages, and interact with the locals. Head over to the Ouzoud Falls, a beautiful waterfall that cascades over 100 meters into a lush valley. Enjoy lunch at the falls before returning back to Marrakech.

  • Day 3: Ait Ben Haddou
    Estimated Time from Previous Location: 3 hours (120 miles)

    Drive to the medieval fortified city of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This city was once an important stopover for traders along the old caravan routes between the Sahara desert and Morocco. Explore its winding streets and see the well-preserved mud-brick architecture, which has been used as a backdrop for many movies like Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia.

  • Day 4: Casablanca
    Estimated Time from Previous Location: 4 hours (215 miles)

    Drive to the bustling city of Casablanca. Start your day with a visit to the Hassan II Mosque, one of the world's largest mosques, which has a partially glass floor that reveals the Atlantic Ocean beneath. Visit the Old Medina of Casablanca, a maze of narrow streets and alleyways, and explore the Mahkama du Pasha, a beautifully restored palace gifted to visiting Pashas.

  • Day 5: Chefchaouen
    Estimated Time from Previous Location: 4 hours (180 miles)

    Drive to the picturesque town of Chefchaouen, famous for its blue-painted buildings and narrow streets. Visit the Kasbah Museum to learn about the town's history and culture, and then stroll through the winding lanes of the old city, taking in the beautiful blue-washed buildings. Head over to the Madrassa, a beautiful courtyard filled with intricate mosaics and colorful tiles.

  • Day 6: Rabat
    Estimated Time from Previous Location: 3 hours (130 miles)

    Drive to the capital city of Rabat. Start your day by exploring the Chellah Necropolis, a historical site that was once a Roman city, and then converted into a Muslim necropolis. Visit the Royal Palace of Rabat, a grand palace that serves as the residence of the King of Morocco. Finish your day with a visit to the Hassan Tower, a colossal minaret of an incomplete mosque, and a popular tourist spot.

  • Day 7: Essaouira
    Estimated Time from Previous Location: 2 hours 30 minutes (115 miles)

    Drive to the coastal town of Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was one of Morocco's main ports during the 18th century. Stroll along the beautiful beach, and visit the Skala de la Ville, a fortification with stunning views of the coast. Explore the narrow lanes of the medina, and visit the Essaouira Citadel, a citadel that dates back to the Portuguese colonial era. Finish your day with a seafood lunch at the harbor.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Bahia Palace (2 hours, MAD70)
  • Jardin Majorelle (2 hours, MAD70)
  • Bab Agnaou (1 hour, Free)
  • Jemaa el-Fnaa Square (2 hours, Free)
  • Ouzoud Falls (4 hours, MAD100)
  • Ait Ben Haddou (2 hours, MAD30)
  • Hassan II Mosque (2 hours, MAD140)
  • Old Medina of Casablanca (2 hours, Free)
  • Mahkama du Pasha (1 hour, MAD20)
  • Kasbah Museum (2 hours, MAD40)
  • Madrassa (1 hour, MAD20)
  • Chellah Necropolis (2 hours, MAD20)
  • Royal Palace of Rabat (1 hour, Free)
  • Hassan Tower (1 hour, MAD10)
  • Essaouira beach (2 hours, Free)
  • Skala de la Ville (1 hour, Free)
  • Essaouira Citadel (2 hours, MAD30)
  • Seafood lunch at harbor (1 hour, MAD100)
  • Total Estimated Costs = MAD680

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a day trip to the Sahara desert or spending more time in the Atlas Mountains. If you have less time, skip one of the cities or only visit the main attractions. Remember to dress appropriately for the cultural and religious sites, and bring comfortable walking shoes. Make sure to budget for transportation, entrance fees, and meals, and negotiate prices with vendors in the markets. Lastly, enjoy the delicious Moroccan cuisine and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture!

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