Morocco - Tour Highlights and Travel Tips
Morocco is an exotic country that never stops amazing you with its sights and surrounds. From ancient towns to chaotic cities, from remote villages to gorgeous coastal resorts, the country presents a variety of things to see and do that are sure to cater to all kinds of travelers.
Beautiful golden sand beaches, a long coastline that borders the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, four majestic mountains, vast open expanses of the great Sahara Desert, exotic vineyards and cascading rivers; some of the many beautiful things a tour to Morocco willoffer. Once you’re done with that natural beauty, you can also choose from urban explorations, desert towns such as Ouarzazate (yes, this is the town featured in movies like Prince of Persia: Sands of Time and Kingdom of Heaven).
Tour Highlights
- Stroll the blue streets of Chefchaouen
- Ride a camel through the Sahara Desert
- Shop in the leather bazaar in old Fes
- Watch snake charmers at the Djemma el Fna square in Marrakech
- Relax in the steam bath of a traditional hammam
Travel Tips
- Exchanging money before your trip can be difficult due to Morocco’s currency laws that prevent you from bringing more than 1000 Moroccan Dirhams in or out of the country (the equivalent of about US$106). Set aside time at the airport upon arrival to exchange your currency.
- Visitors, like Moroccans, are expected to dress conservatively, especially women. Cover your shoulders, knees and chest as much as possible.
- Always ask permission before taking photographs of locals, particularly in rural areas. Some believe cameras can capture a person’s soul using black magic, so asking is always a respectful gesture.
- Be sure to pack layers, as temperatures can drop drastically at night, particularly in the winter. At the same time, daytime temperatures can exceed 40 degrees Celsius in the summer!
- As a Muslim country, Friday is the weekly holy day in Morocco. Many shops will be closed on Fridays (particularly after midday) so locals can attend prayer, so buy what you need beforehand.
Morocco has seasonal weather so please do check up on the best time to visit Morocco before planning your tour. And if you’re still hunting for more things to do and places to explore in Morocco, do check out our Morocco Travel Guide for more information.
Popular tour types in Morocco
- Morocco group tours: Join like-minded people on one of our Morocco group tours for an unforgettable adventure. Stroll through the streets of Casablanca to marvel at the beautiful Mauresque architecture. In Rabat, take a scenic walk along the waterfront promenade to see a spectacular sunset. Live like the indigenous Berbers in a traditional homestay in the High Atlas Mountains or in a camp among the Sahara dunes.
- Morocco private tours: Kick back in true Bohemian style in Agadir or explore the labyrinthine passageways of the blue town of Chefchaouen on one of our Morocco private tours. These tours allow you to explore the best of Morocco at your convenient pace.
- Morocco guided tours: Sign up for one of our Morocco guided tours where our friendly and knowledgeable guides will take you to all the most popular places and some off-the-beaten-track hidden gems of the country. Wander through the cobblestone streets of Marrakech and Tangier to get a unique perspective of the country.
- Morocco budget tours: Traveling on a budget? Do not despair. We have a great selection of Morocco budget tours that offer an affordable way to explore Morocco. Experience the bustling markets of Marrakech, take in Fez’s beautiful Moorish palaces, or head to the coast and hit the waves in Essaouira. Our easy-on-the-wallet tours will take you across all the best spots without breaking the bank.
- Morocco luxury tours: Splurge on one of our Morocco luxury tours to enjoy five-star hotels, fancy restaurants, and all the bells and whistles that come with luxury travel. Private cars will whisk you around as you explore the sights and sounds of Morocco’s popular attractions. Wander through ancient medinas, savor delicious local cuisine and stay at a traditional desert camp without compromising on comfort and style.
- Morocco customized tours: We can work out a customized itinerary to Morocco that will take you through top attractions and highlights across the nation. Indulge in activities or visit places that are the most appealing to you. Contact our local travel experts to design a tailor-made tour of Morocco to suit your needs.
Activity-based Morocco tours
- Desert safari tours: Explore the beauty and tranquility of the Sahara Desert on our Morocco desert safari tours as you wander the sandy desert on a camel caravan or book a safari from Merzouga. Catch some of the world’s most spectacular sunsets at the edge of the desert before retiring in a Berber camp underneath the stars.
- Beach tours: Morocco is home to a stunning coastline stretching 2,310 kilometers from Tangier to Lagouira. Experience the best of the coasts on our Moroccan beach tours. Take to the air and kite surf or hit the waves and enjoy world-class surfing in Essaouira. Wander along the lively coastal corniche in Rabat and kick back over cocktails at one of the many beach bars along the coast.
- Trekking tours: Head out into the great wide yonder on one of our Morocco trekking tours and enjoy a unique experience. Trek into the sandy realm of the Sahara Desert in a camel caravan. Spend a few days in the desert and spend the night at a camp under the starlit sky. Take a four-wheel drive safari from Merzouga or go trekking in the High Atlas Mountain range that offers breathtaking views.
- Adventure tours: If adventure and adrenaline-rushing activities are your vices, then our Morocco adventure tours are just for you. Morocco is packed with exhilarating adventures, from flying high over the waves while kitesurfing in Essaouira to driving along the spine-chilling mountain passes of Tizi n’Test and Tizi n’Tichka in the High Atlas Mountains.
- Art and architecture tour: Morocco is home to some of the most beautiful art and architecture. Delve deeper into this side of Morocco on an art and architecture tour. Marvel at the unique blue buildings of Chefchaouen and take in the elegant Mauresque architecture in Casablanca. Visit the magnificent 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech and explore the art museum in Rabat.
Popular durations for a Morocco trip
Ten days in Morocco is the ideal duration to explore the highlights and visit the top destinations of the country. From the bustling cities and their ancient medinas to the laid-back coastal towns, the serenity of the Sahara Desert and the breathtaking beauty of the High Atlas Mountains, you can cover them all within this time frame.
Morocco — Top destinations to visit
- Blast through the Moroccan Sahara Dunes: Covering 30 percent of the African continent, the Sahara Desert is one of Morocco’s top attractions. Explore the Moroccan Sahara Desert as there are endless adventures and activities you can enjoy in this sea of sand. From multi-day camel treks and sandboarding through the shifting dunes to spending nights beneath the stars at a Berber desert camp, the Sahara is a smorgasbord of fun adventures.
- Visit ancient tanneries in Fez: The ancient art of tanning leather in Fez has changed little since the 11th century. The unmistakable smell of the tannery pits floats in the air for miles. Visit Fez which is home to three vast tanneries that create one of Morocco’s most extraordinary sights. The city’s largest and oldest tannery is the Chouara Tannery. Located in the Fes el Bali near the Saffarin Madrasa, the facility is a sight to behold, with its hundreds of stone vats filled with leather. You will be given a sprig of mint to place in your nose to mask the smell but be prepared for an assault on the senses. A guide will take you through the tannery, and you will be able to get up close to watch the whole medieval process.
- Shop for souvenirs at Jemaa el-Fna Marrakech: Located in the heart of Marrakech’s ancient medina (old city), Jemma el-Fna is a vibrant, bustling marketplace and the beating heart of the city. Dating back to the 11th century, the square is one of the main cultural spaces in Marrakesh and has been designated as a Unesco Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. This is the place to find a range of treasures, from leather goods and brass cups to handmade jewelry.
In the evening, the square comes alive with storytellers, snake charmers, Chleuh dancing boys, magicians, and traditional medicine men. But do keep your wits about you and avoid carrying valuables when visiting Marrakech. - Wander the Blue Alleys of Chefchaouen: Nestled in the Rif Mountains of northwest Morocco, explore the city of Chefchaouen, or Chaouen is famous for its extraordinary blue-hued buildings. Founded in 1471, the city only began to turn blue in 1492 when Jewish immigrants settled in the city and brought a tradition of painting buildings blue. Wander around the cobblestone lanes and marvel at the beauty of the blue buildings. Visit the 15th-century fortress of Kasbah with its red walls and dark dungeons. Sunrise and sunset are magical times of the day in this city. Be sure to capture them with your camera. Visit the pretty Ras El Maa waterfall for a cool dip in the fresh mountain water.
- Relax in a Casablanca beach resort: Kick back and relax at one of the luxurious beach resorts while you travel to Casablanca. This cosmopolitan city is often overlooked in favor of Marrakech, but it has so much to offer and beautiful beaches are just one of them. Boasting beautiful views of the ocean, most resorts here have gorgeous swimming pools, lush tropical gardens, and deluxe spas. You will also find fantastic restaurants serving top-notch local cuisine and buzzing bars.
- Relish the magnificent architecture of Rabat: Explore Rabat, the capital of Morocco which is known for its striking and unusual architecture, and if you are a lover of design, then wandering around the city is a must. Blending ancient history and striking modernity, the city is home to an eclectic mix of Arabic and Western architecture ranging from the Abul Hassan Medersa dating back to the 1300s to the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Rabat built in 1921. Stroll around the spectacular Andalusian gardens in the Kasbah of the Oudaias for a moment’s respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Peak season and low season tours in Morocco
- Peak season: The high season is between November and March, and this is the best time to visit Morocco as the days are long and sunny and temperatures are pleasantly warm. The northern areas of the country may still be chilly and wet, so this is a great time to explore the southern parts of Morocco and visit places like Agadir, Essaouira, and Marrakech.
- Low season: The low season is between May to September and while the weather is still pleasant, this is the time that two major religious festivals, Ramadan and Eid-al-Adha, take place. This may alter travel plans slightly; however, it is still a great time to visit Morocco if you do not mind working around the festivals and their rituals.
Popular Morocco trip travel guide
If you are planning a trip to Morocco, you will want to know about the best time to visit Morocco as well as check out all the available Morocco tours. you may also wish to learn more about the top things to do in Morocco. Once you are sure about some of the activities you wish to experience in Morocco, along with the destinations you want to visit, you may want to consider how many days to stay in Morocco. We generally recommend staying at least 7 days in Morocco, but recommend 10 days in Morocco or more, to get the most out of your trip to Morocco.
Next, we recommend you start thinking about the money you can allocate to the trip to know whether you should be looking for a budget tour, a luxury tour, or perhaps a completely customized tour in Morocco. If you are in doubt, check out all our Morocco tours at the top of this page.
Morocco is an amazing country to visit, and there may be other key factors that you wish to consider before traveling there. Please check our "Morocco travel guide" which will give you a lot of relevant information about traveling to Morocco.