Morocco: An Unforgettable Journey in Casablanca, Marrakech, and Essaouira
Greetings, cherished travelers of the Salambooking family! We’re thrilled to invite you on a captivating journey to the enchanting lands of Morocco. Nestled in the heart of North Africa, Morocco is a country that captivates us deeply with its labyrinthine alleys, historic richness, natural beauty, and the warmth of its people. Our comprehensive Morocco Travel Guide is set to take you on an exploratory voyage through the pulsating essence of Casablanca, the mystical allure of Marrakesh’s gardens, the tranquil beaches of Essaouira, and the awe-inspiring vistas of the Atlas Mountains. Ready for an adventure? Join us at Salambooking as we navigate the vibrant byways of Morocco!
At Salambooking, we believe in the power of detail to create the perfect travel experience. Our goal is to bring you the true essence of Morocco in its most genuine form. We’ve crafted an itinerary that allows for a deep dive into local culture, tasting traditional delicacies, and uncovering stories at every turn. Our knowledgeable and seasoned guides are eager to share with you the rich tapestry of Morocco’s history, art, and way of life. With Salambooking’s promise of plush stays, delectable cuisine, and smooth transportation, your Moroccan adventure transforms from a mere vacation into a treasure trove of lasting memories. Travel, for us, is more than just a journey to a destination; it’s about exploring undiscovered realms and collecting experiences that enrich your life forever.
Morocco's Most Loved Destinations
1-Casablanca
Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco and also serves as the country’s economic and commercial hub. The city’s history dates back to 1906 and has seen incredible development over this period. Home to Morocco’s largest port, Casablanca also holds significant importance due to its location in the country’s most productive region and being the center of mineral deposits. With a population of over three million, Casablanca possesses an atmosphere akin to that of a large Southern European city.
Historical Structures of Casablanca
The most striking structure in Casablanca is the Hassan II Mosque, which features the tallest minaret in the world and was opened in 1993. The city also houses a unique Jewish museum, a rarity in the Muslim world. However, the real charm of the city lies in its Mauresque and Art Deco architectural structures, built during the colonial period.
Casablanca’s city center, constructed by the French, along with its official colonial buildings, appears as though it belongs to a distant and different era. The style of the administrative buildings, often referred to as Mauresque or sometimes “Neo-Moorish,” represents a French idealization and “enhancement” of traditional Moroccan styles.
Accommodation Options in Casablanca
In Casablanca, there are numerous hotels and guest houses spread throughout the city, many of which are truly beautiful. When looking for accommodation in Casablanca, we recommend three main neighborhoods: Anfa (close to the beach), Habbous (a lovely market district), and the City Center (where most of the business area is located).
Luxury Hotels
Casablanca hosts many magnificent, luxurious hotels that make for wonderful stays in the city. Many of Morocco’s most popular and finest hotels can definitely be found in Casablanca. Moreover, many of these luxury hotels are still quite affordable, with nightly rates starting at around $90.
Mid-Range Hotels
Throughout the city, there are numerous mid-range hotels and Airbnb accommodation options. Many of these hotels offer beautiful and reasonably priced lodging. Generally, you can find many mid-range hotels with nightly rates ranging between $40 and $80.
Budget-Friendly Accommodation
For budget-friendly accommodations in Casablanca, definitely check out the many riads (guest houses) across the city. A riad is a traditional Moroccan house with an interior courtyard or garden. Many riads stand out not only for their beauty but also because they are often operated by locals and are usually located near medinas.
Dining Options in Casablanca
Casablanca’s culinary scene is diverse, featuring an array of upscale restaurants where traditional Moroccan flavors are blended. While exploring the medinas, you can find numerous options for meat, bread, and vegetables at local restaurants, shops, and stalls. Trying different local dishes can be a lot of fun, and the prices are unbeatable!
Visa-Free Royal Cities Tour of Morocco 4N/5D
May 15-19, 2024
Itinerary
Casablanca: United Nations Square, Mohammed V Boulevard, King’s Palace, historic Habous District, and Hassan II Mosque
Marrakech: Majorelle Gardens, Berber Museum, and YVES Saint Laurent Museum
Essaouira: Jemaa el-Fnaa, Courtyard of Miracles, Atlas Mountains
Included Services
- Round-trip economy class air ticket with
- Turkish Airlines from Istanbul to
- Casablanca / Marrakech to Istanbul
- All excursions mentioned in the program
- Transportation vehicles to be used throughout the trip
- Turkish-speaking guide services
- 4 nights half-board accommodation in 4* hotels
- All transfers, airport, and terminal taxes
- Breakfast and 1 dinner
- Entrance fees to the sites mentioned in the program
Excluded Services
- Meals not specified in the program
- Overseas Departure Tax
- Beverages taken with meals
- Tips
- Travel health insurance
- Personal expenses
- All expenses not stated as included in the fee
Places to Visit in Casablanca
There are numerous fun places to visit in Casablanca! These are our top recommendations, but don’t forget to check our travel plan for A Perfect 7 Days in Morocco for more suggestions and information!
Take a Food Tour
One of my favorite things to do when visiting a new place is to take a food tour! There are many delicious food spots around the city to visit, and trying local cuisines and learning more about the culture is a lot of fun.
Go on a City Tour
If you have limited time in Casablanca, a city tour is a great way to see the major sites! Even if you are on a longer holiday in Casablanca, a city tour on your first day is an excellent activity for getting to know the neighborhoods and finding out about fun things to do.
Visit Habbous
During your visit to Casablanca, spending time in the Habbous district is a must. Habbous, also known as the New Medina, is an open-air market filled with food, ceramics, crafts, art, and much more.
2- Marrakech
Marrakech, one of Morocco’s four major royal cities, offers a unique blend of Berber, Arab, and French cultures. The chaos and vibrancy of Marrakech require you to set aside a few days to explore. This guide will highlight what to look out for and how to spend your time in this distinctive city.
Transportation in Marrakech
Flying from Europe to Morocco is the quickest and easiest way to travel. You’ll need a taxi from the airport to the city center, but it’s better to arrange transportation with your hotel in advance. Marrakech is a large city, and the streets, especially in the medina, are complex. You can explore the city on foot or by taxi.
Accommodation in Marrakech
In Marrakech, you can find both luxury hotels and affordable accommodation options. For a traditional experience, consider staying in a riad in the medina. Riads are traditional Moroccan houses, often featuring a central courtyard. On the other hand, the modern and stylish Ville Nouvelle (new city) area hosts some of the world’s most dazzling resorts.
Places to Visit in Marrakech
Marrakech boasts numerous places to visit. The Bahia Palace, Koutoubia Mosque, Ben Youssef Madrasa, and Jardin Majorelle are some of the city’s most significant tourist attractions. Also, don’t miss wandering around the medina and experiencing Jamaa el-Fna square.
Bahia Palace: Built in the 19th century, the Bahia Palace now hosts the Ministry of Cultural Affairs of Morocco. Don’t miss this palace to see one of the finest examples of North African architecture.
Koutoubia Mosque: The Koutoubia Mosque is the most significant and oldest mosque in the city. Its minaret is the most recognized symbol of Marrakech and defines the city’s skyline.
Ben Youssef Madrasa: The intricate stonework, colorful mosaic walls, and Italian marble of this Quranic school enchant visitors. The stunning stonework in the main courtyard is the madrasa’s most striking feature.
Jardin Majorelle: This garden was created by the French painter Jacques Majorelle and contains 300 species of plants from five different continents. The entrance fee for the garden is 120 MAD per person
Dining in Marrakech
Moroccan cuisine is filled with rich spices and unique cooking techniques. You can experience an authentic meal in the markets of Marrakech. Don’t forget to try couscous, tagine, skewers, and traditional salads.
Activities in Marrakech
Marrakech is a colorful city of Arab culture, Berber history, the French language, and vibrant markets. Whether you prefer pampering yourself, exploring the narrow streets around the medina, or delving into the depths of Moroccan cuisine, there is much to do in Marrakech.
Ben Youssef Mosque: Your visit to Marrakech isn’t complete without seeing the Ben Youssef Mosque, the oldest and most significant mosque in the city.
Bahia Palace: This 19th-century palace now hosts the Ministry of Cultural Affairs of Morocco. Don’t miss this palace for a glimpse of the best in North African architecture.
Shopping: If you love Moroccan style, Marrakech is a shopping paradise. Leather bags, crafted carpets, spices – you can find it all in Marrakech.
Spa: Marrakech boasts world-class hammams and spa centers offering unique treatments. Don’t forget to try the hammam at La Mamounia.
Tea Time: Tea culture is strong in Marrakech. Delicious mint tea can be found throughout the city. For a classic high tea, visit Riad Chayma or La Mamounia.
Travel Basics in Marrakech
You will need a valid passport to travel to Marrakech. For Americans, no visa is required for stays under 90 days. Cash is king in Marrakech as only resorts, riads, some restaurants, and a handful of shops accept credit cards. ATMs can be found in the medina, but it’s best to exchange money at the airport or use your hotel’s currency exchange service. The official currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD), and the current exchange rate is approximately 9 MAD/1USD.
Safety in Marrakech
Marrakech is a safe destination for women, but it’s important to take necessary precautions. Although Marrakech is more tolerant of Western clothing, as Morocco is a Muslim country, it is recommended for women to dress conservatively. This means covering your knees and shoulders.
Tips for Your Safety in Marrakech
While Marrakech is quite a safe city, scamming is part of life in the medina. It often comes in the form of unwanted help, telling tourists a street is closed or organizing “leather tannery tours,” then demanding payment for their services. For your own safety, consider hiring a guide. Ask your hotel or riad to arrange one for you, or if you hire a guide yourself, ensure they are licensed (licensed guides will have a badge).
What to Know About Traveling in Morocco
Morocco is known for its traditional lifestyle and culture. The local attire and customs help travelers explore the unique beauties of this country. Morocco offers a variety of accommodation, dining, and sightseeing options, especially catering to Muslim travelers.
As a destination that aligns with Islamic values, Morocco is a comfortable place for conservative travelers. Many of the country’s hotels and restaurants provide experiences that respect Islamic values. Additionally, Morocco’s numerous mosques and places of worship are ideal for travelers to fulfill their religious duties.
With its rich culture, warm people, and unique experiences, Morocco can be an ideal destination for conservative travelers. Casablanca is just one of the many experiences this beautiful country offers. In this article, we have conducted extensive research to provide information about the various experiences offered in Morocco. We hope this information helps you in planning your trip to Morocco. We wish you a pleasant and memorable time in Morocco!