Morocco is becoming a popular tourist destination because it offers a cost-effective way to experience North African culture. Morocco is only a short flight away from Europe on the northwestern edge of the massive African continent. Ryanair and other budget airlines fly to Morocco for under $100, making it relatively easy to include Morocco in a European vacation. There’s no reason not to visit Morocco now that it’s so easy to get there. This country features deserts, mountains, seashores, little towns, and large cities, so there’s something for everyone. The food is incredible, the style of life is excellent, and the prices are reasonable.
Morocco, roughly a tenth of California, is located on the Mediterranean coast, across the Strait of Gibraltar, and faces the Atlantic from Africa’s northwest shoulder. To the east is Algeria, while to the south is Mauritania. A fertile plain runs along the Atlantic shore. Mountainous terrain characterizes the Mediterranean shore. The Atlas Mountains, which run northeastward from the south to the Algerian border, have an average elevation of 11,000 feet (3,353 meters). The Berbers have lived in Morocco since the second millennium B.C. Morocco was acquired by Rome in A.D. 46 and became part of the province of Mauritania until the Vandals conquered this section of the empire in the 5th century. Around 685, the Arabs entered, bringing Islam with them. Invading Spain with them in 711, the Berbers revolted against the Arabs, resenting their second-class status. Berbers acquired control of vast portions of Moorish Spain in 1086 and ruled until the 13th century, when they were evicted. The area was rarely unified, and local tribal states dominated the majority of the time. Berbers and Arabs were constantly at odds. Invasion of Morocco by Portugal and Spain began, which served to unite the country in defense.
1. A tour of Rabat, Morocco’s Royal Capital
Visit the must-see city of Rabat, the capital of the Kingdom of Morocco, while you’re in Casablanca. Witness the king’s official house, the Hassan Tower, the Mohammed V Mausoleum, and the Udayas Kasbah during your guided tour.
Drive to the road and Rabat, Morocco’s capital and home to King Mohamed VI, as well as a number of the world’s most powerful leaders. The journey begins with a visit to the Mechouar and the royal palace’s façade, the king’s legal residence. Continue to the Hassan Tower’s esplanade, which is all that remains of the 1196 “Unfinished Mosque.” In 1956, Mohammed V presided over the first Friday prayer meeting at the Hassan Tower on his return from exile. The royal cemetery lies opposite the regal Mohammed V Mausoleum. The spectacular chamber with the white onyx tombs of Mohamed V and his sons, Moulay Abdallah and King Hassan II, the current king’s father, is reached through marble steps leading to a gallery. The Royal Watch stands guard in their flowing red and white burnous.
2. A Mosque Tour
On this East-meets-West tour, immerse yourself in Casablanca’s unique personality. Spend your day exploring notable locations and tourist attractions such as the Hassan II mosque, and then relax with a delicious meal at Rick’s Café, which was featured in the film Casablanca. After you’ve arrived at your hotel, take a private vehicle to explore the city’s major features and attractions. Pass through Mohamed V Square and the Place des Nations-Unies, and stop at Notre Dame de Lourdes to get a glimpse of the city’s Catholic population through its blue and red stained-glass windows depicting the Immaculate Conception.
3. City Tour of Casablanca
This city trip covers the highlights of Casablanca in half a day. Visit the Hassan II Mosque and enjoy the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Mohammed V Square, and the Art Deco buildings of Mohammed V Boulevard with a guide to shed light on the sights. While learning about Casablanca’s history, visit museums, the medina, the corniche, and the lush Habous area. With hotel and airport transportation included, it’s ideal for first-time travelers.
4. A vacation to Fez to explore the sights
Set out on an adventure to Fez, Morocco’s exotic center point and a mesmerizing city. Explore the UNESCO-listed Old Medina of the city and immerse yourself in a bustling civilization unlike any other you’ve ever seen. After being picked up from your Casablanca hotel, take a pleasant ride to Fez and begin your involvement in the city’s New Medina. Get a sense of how enjoyable the people are about their days by taking in the clamoring civilization that has recently become a part of the place. Approach the Old Medina, and you’ll quickly see why it’s one of the most well-preserved areas in the Arab world. Your driver-manager picks you up at Dar Bouanania, a famous neighborhood, in the early evening before transporting you to Al-Attarine Madrasa. This well-known educational organization, which Merinide people ran in the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries, is regarded as a local building gem.
5. Marrakech is a magical city.
Marrakech is a must-see for anybody visiting Morocco. On this journey, walk around the city and see the landmarks, such as the famous souks and the Bahia Palace, then sample Marrakech tagine before returning to Casablanca for the night. Your day begins when your private driver picks you up from your Casablanca hotel and transports you to Marrakech, the ultimate end-of-week getaway for the jet set. After arriving in Marrakech, meet your guide and explore the city, including the famous Koutoubia Mosque, which the Almohads built, and the Bahia Palace, formerly the sumptuous abode of the previous king’s array of mistresses. Visit the medina and the well-known souks of Marrakech after a lunch of tagine and kebabs at Dar Nejjarine, a Moroccan café adjacent to the Koutoubia. As you walk through the vibrant maze, ask your guide to show you the ancient bread chefs’ ovens, as well as crates, mats, calfskin items, diamond setters, kissaria, babouche, bags, and the beautiful kaftan souk.
6. Excursion on the Beach
Walk through the Habous area, where small squares and narrow arcade alleyways combine with the maze-like streets of the historic medina to create a fine example of contemporary city planning. Continue to United Nations Place and Mohammed V Square, which is awe-inspiring. Then see the bustling Central Market and the Royal Palace that surrounds it.
Discover the vibrant Habous Quarter and Mehkma (Tribunal). Experience two religious epicenters of the city by visiting Notre Dame de Lourdes Cathedral and the iconic Hassan II Mosque. Finish with a stroll around Anfa’s residential sector and a visit to the recently constructed Morocco Mall on the seashore.
Through the Department of Tourism, Morocco’s Ministry of Tourism develops and implements the country’s travel sector strategy. It has a General Secretariat, an Inspectorate General, and other significant directorates responsible for system and co-activity, guideline advancement, quality, assets, and planning. The National Moroccan Tourist Office promotes, popularizes, and creates Morocco as a vacation destination and revives air travel; and the Moroccan Agency for Tourism Development, which advances speculation opportunities and provides direction to financial backers and administrators in the travel industry. As a result, going to Morocco is one of the best choices you’ll ever make.
