Morocco from north to south in 18 days

Morocco | Apr 29 - May 16, 2026

We had an excellent trip.
We were very lucky with the weather during the first two weeks of May — it was perfect for sightseeing.
Tayeb was a wonderful driver: thoughtful, punctual, accommodating, and fluent in English.
The itinerary was excellent and allowed us to experience the country’s diversity — from vibrant cities, to the High Mountains, to the desert, and finally the sea.
Although we very much enjoyed staying in the riads, it was lovely to end our trip in Essaouira at an international hotel with all the amenities and right beside the ocean.

Highlights
• The blue city of Chefchaouen, including our walk to the Spanish Mosque
• Volubilis — a fascinating historical site
• Merzouga — sleeping in a tent under the stars and the camel ride
• Boumalne Dades and the wonderful Todra Gorge
• Being lucky enough to experience the Rose Festival and see the rose fields in bloom
• Marrakesh, We thoroughly enjoyed the Majorelle Gardens (though we would also have enjoyed visiting other exhibits), the balloon ride and the excellent cooking class

Upon arriving in Casablanca, I would recommend touring Hassan II mosque and driving immediately to Rabat.
General Comments
Casablanca – Barcelo Casablanca. The city is very noisy. Recommend room on upper floor near the back of the building.
Rabat – Riad Kalaaz We had a wonderful breakfast. The room was a split level with the stairs going down very close to the entrance door. They should have railings for safety.
Enjoyed seaside lunch at Asilah
Tangier – Palais Zohia . Excellent location. Beautiful inner courtyards. Room is a little small. Enjoyed medina . Good local guide. He recommended excellent restaurant for supper.
Chefchaoeun – Taj Chefchaoeun Very nice hotel. Lots of stairs to reach hotel. Very good guide who recommended many excellent spots for photos. We enjoyed the walk our guide recommended to the Spanish mosque at sunset.
Volubilis thoroughly enjoyed walking through the Roman ruins,
Fes - Riad El Amine Fes – Lovely room. Great roof top restaurant. Beautiful courtyard.
Guide was good and necessary as the Medina is large and very confusing to navigate.
Merzouga - Tiziri Luxery camp. Loved sleeping in the tent and riding the camel.
Boumaine Dadas -Dar Rihana Dades Lovely hotel. (Towels were a little hard). Excellent food!
Marrakesh - Riad Atrium and Spa. The courtyard was very nice. The room was good but the rug inside the room was very worn. We thoroughly enjoyed the Majorelle Garden. The food tour was excellent. (I think his name was Souheil) We very much enjoyed the Mechoui and Tangia. The Balloon ride and cooking classes in Marrakesh were amazing.
In general the internet reception was not very good.