Morocco Itinerary 5 Days From Casablanca

This Morocco itinerary on a 5 days adventure to northern Moroccan cities provides a good mix of old and new cities. After visiting Rabat and “the blue city” of Chefchaoeun in the Rif mountains, begin and end in contemporary Casablanca. Go south to Meknes, the Roman ruins at Volubilis, and experience medieval Fes, the cultural center of the world. Begin this Morocco itinerary 5 days in the vibrant city of Casablanca, where modernity blends seamlessly with tradition, before exploring the capital city, Rabat, adorned with historical landmarks and the beautiful Kasbah of the Udayas. Wander through the azure-hued streets of Chefchaouen, a fascinating mountain town, and marvel at the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis.

Dive into the imperial grandeur of Meknes, with its grand entrances and sprawling royal palaces, before concluding your odyssey in Fes, an ancient city steeped in medieval mystique, where winding souks and timeless medinas await. This multifaceted tour promises a charming fusion of culture, history, and natural beauty, creating memories to last a lifetime. Join us on this Morocco itinerary 5 days tour, where every moment is a chapter in Morocco’s grand narrative.

Greetings from Morocco! Greetings from the contemporary seaside city of Casablanca. One of the main draws of Casablanca is the massive and relatively modern Hassan II Mosque. It was built in 1993 and has amazing views from its perch that protrudes into the Atlantic. Its 690-foot (210-meter) minaret is the highest building in Morocco and the highest minaret globally! The fact that this mosque is one of the few in the nation that allows non-Muslims entry is what gives it even more distinction. Take a guided tour to witness the exquisite displays of Islamic and Moroccan craftsmanship. Head north to Rabat, the imperial city and current capital (the other imperial cities are Fes, Marrakech, and Meknes).

Wander the Roman and Islamic ruins and explore the medieval fortification of the Chellah Necropolis in the center of Rabat. Step back in time to the original city center of Rabat by passing through the Kasbah des Oudaias’ grand entrance. Now mostly a residential area, stroll the serene streets, painted in shades of blue and white. Proceed to the 20th-century Andalusian Gardens to take in the tranquil surroundings away from the throng of people. Finally, find the Hassan Tower, which is the mausoleum of Mohamed V. and a minaret of the incomplete mosque. All that’s left of this abandoned 12th-century project is the tower made of red sandstone, which is 145 feet (44 meters) tall and has roughly 200 columns.

Head further north this morning to the picturesque Rif Mountains town of Chefchaouen. Savor the picturesque journey through rolling hills and plains that give way to a mountainous terrain. Relatively unaltered since the fifteenth century, Chefchaouen is renowned for its blue-washed buildings in its historic medina and provides a laid-back vibe with some of the friendliest locals in the nation. Discover the quaint little lanes and streets that cling to the northern hillside. Explore the main square, Plaza Outa el-Hammam, and then grab a bite to eat at one of the cafés or restaurants in the area.

If you’re feeling particularly active, climb the hill to the city walls and then take the path that leads to Hotel Atlas. Reach the rooftop to take in the vast vista of the Blue City. Make sure to follow the streets east toward the white Spanish Mosque at the end of the day, which is 20 to 30 minutes up a path on the hill. Its location provides a great spot to watch the sunset behind the mountains. The building was built in the 1920s but was never used.

Photographers will love getting out of bed early to capture images of deserted, charming streets. After leaving Chefchaouen, get back in your driver’s car and head toward Fes. As you travel, pause to explore the UNESCO-protected Roman ruins of Volubilis and stretch your legs. Founded in the third century BCE, the sprawling complex that has been partially excavated was abandoned more than a millennium later. It was once one of the most isolated areas of the Roman Empire and a thriving city in its own right. You can also go to the smaller, less crowded Meknes from here, which is a good way to get ready for your stay in Fes. There are two primary attractions in Meknes: the Imperial City and the easily navigable medina.

Travel east to Fes and lose yourself in the sprawling, intricate, and remarkably large old medina that hugs the hillside. Starting at the Merenid Tombs above the city, you can enjoy an overview of the old city and get a sense of where you are in order to fully appreciate the size of Fes. The ideal time to visit the tombs is at dusk, when the muezzin’s calls to prayer fill the valley and the city lights begin to come on. Get comfortable in your traditional riad.

Fes, the oldest of the four imperial cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site, is thought to have the most complete medina in the Arab world. Fes’s motley streets, largely unaltered since its founding more than a millennium ago, give you an idea of what it was like to live in medieval Morocco. It consists of three parts: the more contemporary Ville Nouvelle, which was influenced by French colonialism, and the two medina quarters, Fes el Bali and Fes el Jdid. It is frequently referred to as the cultural capital of the nation. During a half-day tour, meet your guide and explore the medinas’ narrow, winding streets while learning about the rich history and culture.

Start at the well-known Bab Boujeloud gate in Fes el Bali and proceed into Talâa Kebira’s main thoroughfare. As you stroll past stores and souks looking through local merchandise for presents and mementos, take note of the architecture with influences from Spain and Tunisia. See the numerous dye-filled stone pots at the Chouara Tannery, which dates back to the eleventh century. The men who work there employ age-old customs that date back hundreds of years. Next, before moving on to the “new city” of Fes el Jdid (13th century), take in the exquisite zellij tilework of the 14th-century Al Attarine Madrasa. Take in the expansive views of the city when you visit the Mellah, the historic Jewish neighborhood and cemetery. Visit Ville Nouvelle if you have time to see the striking transformation in architecture.

Enjoy your morning as you please. Take a tour of a ceramics and tile collective to see how the makers create their products, from forming the clay to applying the designs. Additionally, observe the tile artisans as they piece together tiny tiles to create elaborate mosaics. Proceed westward in the direction of Casablanca, making optional stops in Meknes or Rabat. Depending on the specifics of your departure, you might want to grab a bite to eat and a drink at Rick’s Café, which is a restaurant, bar, and café that is modeled after the famous bar from the iconic Casablanca movie.