Using one of my favorite international flight hacks, I saved money by making several individual flight bookings through several airlines. Rather than one roundtrip Morocco flight, I booked four different flights in order to land the best deal. I booked one-way from Boston to London, London to Marrakech, Tangier to Barcelona, and Barcelona to Boston.
Also, I wanted more flexibility in my Morocco itinerary by flying out of a different Moroccan airport at the end of my trip. I could avoid spending an extra travel day trying to return to the original airport I landed in and trek “one-way” across Morocco.
I landed in Marrakech, Morocco around 7:20pm. Given that it was nighttime, I definitely did not want to deal with trying to grab a taxi in an unfamiliar place. So, with the help of the owners of where I was staying, Riad Dar Tiflet, I pre-arranged for a car to pick me up from Marrakech airport. A driver met me with a sign, making it really easy and stress-free to get from the airport to my accommodations.
Upon arriving, I was invited to enjoy mint tea and share in conversations with the Riad owners. Many steps later, I was sitting on the rooftop overlooking Marrakech. As I sipped tea with my new friends in Northern Africa, I knew I was in for quite an adventure.
Where I Slept: Riad Dar Tiflet (Marrakech)
My Splurge Recommendation: The Oberoi Marrakech
As a Fora Travel Advisor, I can get you extra perks included with your hotel booking at no extra cost. Email me to book your stay. Perks at Oberoi include a complimentary upgrade, 50-MIN massage, and more!
After arriving late Saturday in Marrakech, I woke up tired but ready to explore the fourth largest city in Morocco. I stayed within the medina, the oldest part of the city with fortified walls mostly still intact. I spent the day winding through the maze of narrow alleyways and streets, only resorting to my GPS when absolutely necessary (which did happen a few times!).
Highlights of Marrakech included:
If you would rather have a guide and driver, book a private tour to explore the historic landmarks and culture of Marrakech.
Sleep: Riad Dar Tiflet (Marrakech)
In the spirit of spontaneity, I waited until I arrived in Marrakech to book my Sahara Desert Tour. If you are debating whether or not to squeeze the Desert into a one week Morocco itinerary, definitely go for it as it is such an incredible experience. Also, if you really want to book in advance, here is tour I would recommend.
With the help of Riad Dar Tiflet, I booked a 3-day, 2-night Sahara Desert Tour. At the time, I had to trust that my hosts, who make a commission by referring me, were putting me in good hands. All in all, the tour was a big success and absolutely a highlight of my trip.
The first day of the tour covered about 7 hours of driving, taking us through the High Atlas Mountains.
The small tour bus made several stops at major sights including:
Sleep: Bed & Breakfast (included in the tour) in the Dades Valley
The first thing to note is that Sahara Desert Tours are not actually to the Sahara Desert unless you plan to do an extended multi-day trek that takes you far beyond where the shorter 2-3 day tours bring groups. The desert is actually Erg Chebbi near Merzouga. Regardless, pretty much everyone just says the Sahara Desert so I, too, will refer to it as such.
We rode camels to the Sahara Desert camp where we set up for the night. Some went sandboarding while others relaxed as the sun set. Later, after dinner, we sat on the dunes by an open fire as local nomads played drums and sang songs.
Sleep: Tent in the Sahara Desert (included in the tour)
The next morning, we trekked across the desert again where we met a guide to drive us to the Moroccan city of Fes.
As we drove through the Middle Atlas Mountains, we stopped briefly to stretch our legs. It was then that we noticed Barbary apes hanging out in the forest! In the early evening, we arrived in Fes, said our goodbyes, and off I went through the medina maze to find the Riad I had booked.
Sleep: Dar Hafsa (Fes)
My Splurge Recommendation: Hotel Sahrai
As a Fora Travel Advisor, I can get you extra perks included with your hotel booking at no extra cost. Email me to book your stay. Perks at SAHRAI include a complimentary upgrade, $50 Spending credit, and more!
Fes is the cultural capital of Morocco and an absolutely fascinating city to visit. Ideally, two days would be spent in Fes, but with only one week in Morocco, one day will have to work. That said, make sure to get up extra early. Also, Fes is very easy to get lost in. A guide is the only way to get the most out of your visit so I highly recommend arranging one while in Fes. I booked my guide the previous evening with Dar Hafsa, but this is a tour I would recommend if you would like to book in advance.
We managed to fit SO much into a single day, which is entirely due to a guide who knew exactly how to navigate such a complex city. Places we explored included:
After a very adventurous, but exciting day, I took an evening bus from Fes to Chefchaouen – aka the famous Blue City.
Sleep: Airbnb (Chefchaouen)
Chefchaouen is known as the Blue City due to painted walls throughout the town. Although tiny, Chefchaouen is beautiful. Without a plan, but fueled with espresso, I wandered aimlessly through the narrow streets and explored the cute, small shops.
In the late afternoon, I took a bus to Tangier and enjoyed dinner at Anna e Paolo, an Italian restaurant (because by this point I was admittedly pretty over eating Moroccan cuisine…).
Sleep: Hotel Maram (Tangier)
My Splurge Recommendation: Fairmont Tazi Palace Tangier
As a Fora Travel Advisor, I can get you extra perks included with your hotel booking at no extra cost. Email me to book your stay. Perks at SAHRAI include a complimentary upgrade, $100 Spending credit, and more!
With an early flight, I departed for the airport in a cab arranged for me by Hotel Maram.
