Is Morocco on YOUR Bucket List?

A trip to Morocco is like visiting a dozen different countries! 

From the gorgeous red dunes of the Sahara Desert and the maze-like souqs of Fez, to the dazzling blue city of Chefchaeoen and the Alps-like High Atlas mountains, and the exotic romance of the kasbah of Casablanca and spice bazaars of Marrakesh - you will be overcome with the sights, sounds and aromas of Morocco!

Bucket List Travel is excited to offer this amazing 11-day, 10-night grand tour of Morocco that shows you all of this and so much more! 

Stop dreaming; start packing!!

The best time to visit Morocco is during spring (March to May) or fall (September and October). The weather is warm but pleasant, unlike the cold temperatures and snow of winter, or the scorching heat of summer.

MARCH

The weather in March is much like the start of spring in any country. With flowers coming out and the sun shining, the weather is generally between 50°F and 68°F although it can be cooler. Snow and rain are rare at this time of year, but you should pack clothing for all scenarios, as it can be unpredictable.

APRIL-MAY

This is a popular time to visit due to the favorable spring weather of between 59°F and 95°F from the High Atlas Mountains to the desert. Given the diversity of the landscape, weather can differ significantly from place to place and this is particularly true in spring when showers are common. 

SEPTEMBER

Cooling down after the hot summer months, September is an ideal time to visit Morocco as you can enjoy the pleasant warm weather and clear blue skies the country offers as it heads into autumn. The beaches are not as busy from local holidaymakers, the cities welcome gentle breezes and exploring the desert becomes pleasant again.

OCTOBER

October is one of the best months to visit Morocco, as temperatures are cooler and more comfortable. This is a great month for hiking in the mountains and visiting the Atlantic coast, with temperatures dropping in November. October is also date season in the desert region, which is when Skoura, Erfoud and the surrounding valleys are at their most lush and vibrant.

This moderately-paced, escorted tour covers  more than 1,000 miles in 11 days - which means a lot of time on a bus. We will have free water and snacks on the tour bus every day, and will stop frequently for rest stops and tours. 

The longest day spent on the bus is between Fez and Erfoud (day 6), which is approximately 9 hours. 

The tour includes a reasonable amount of walking and requires an average level of physical fitness. Most of the sightseeing stops are between one to three hours.

We find our guests are happiest when they can roll with delays and last-minute changes that may happen in the unpredictable world of African travel. 

The best things you can bring with you are flexibility, patience, and a sense of humor!

Please plan to fly into Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, Morocco, and out of Marrakesh Menara Airport in Marrakesh, Morocco.

You need to be in Casablanca on or before Tuesday, April 9, 2024, which means you will probably need to depart the USA on or before Monday, April 8, 2024. 

We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 3 PM.

Please ASK US if you have any questions before you purchase your airfare!

Plan to depart from Marrakesh in the evening on Friday, April 19, 2024.

If you are combining this with another trip, please make sure to check with us about arrival and departure flights. (Scheduled immediately after this trip: Barcelona, Venice, Sicily/Malta!)

Morocco has fantastic cuisine and the food will doubtless be a real highlight of your trip. 

There are two dishes for which Morocco is especially well-known: tagine and couscous. 

Tagine is a stew cooked in a conical earthenware pot, and often involves some contrast of sweet and sour: so whilst being essentially meat-based, you will find raisins, dates or almonds in there as well. 

Couscous, steamed semolina grains, is a real staple of Moroccan food. Served on a huge communal plate, it is topped with a variety of things — chicken, lamb and steamed vegetables are the most common. Meat, other than in the forms above, is normally roast chicken or lamb, which is often served as brochettes — barbecued skewers.

Green mint tea is a ceremonial beverage deep-rooted in the Moroccan traditions. Mint tea is often used to welcome guests in a friendly atmosphere. This thirst-quenching tea is served in a small, colourful glass. Whether it’s served in the city or in the countryside, green mint tea is traditionally poured from three feet high. 

The best Moroccan pastries are msemen (square-shaped pancakes), batbout (similar to pitta), harcha (pan-fried semolina bread) and baghrir (Moroccan pancakes), among others. You won’t be able to get these anywhere else in the world or at least nothing nearly as good as the ones made by Moroccan women. 

Day 1: Arrive in Casablanca 

Day 2: Casablanca to Rabat

Day 3: Rabat to Chefchaouen

Day 4: Chefchaouen to Fez

Day 5: Fez

Day 6: Fez to Erfoud

Day 7: Erfoud to Merzouga

Day 8: Merzouga to Ouarzazate

Day 9:  Ouarzazate to Marrakesh

Day 10: Marrakesh 

Day 11:  Depart from Marrakesh

Please take a look at the detailed Itinerary below for more information about each location.

International travel is often challenging, and sometimes changes in the itinerary or accommodation are unavoidable. 

If changes are needed, Bucket List Travel will always make our best efforts to provide alternatives that are equal to or better than what was originally planned.

Morocco is a Muslim country that is relatively relaxed, but you'll still draw lot of unpleasant and unwanted attention if you choose to go out in revealing clothing.

Choose to wear something that covers your knees and shoulders and doesn't reveal too much cleavage when you are out in public.

Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket.

 It may get quite cold in some areas we visit, so if you tend to be cold, make sure you bring warm clothes.

This 11-day, 10-night adventure is priced $2,899 per person double occupancy (not including airfare to and from Morocco). 

We have a payment plan which allows the entire cost of the trip to be paid in 12 equal installments. (You are welcome to make larger payments at less frequent intervals if you choose.)

Single supplement is $750.

In the event that you need to cancel your trip, these fees will be applied:

• Between 150-101 days before your arrival date, $375.

• Between 100-61 days before your arrival date, 25% of the entire tour price.

• Between 60 and 46 days before your arrival date, 50% of the entire tour price.

• Between 45 and 31 days before your arrival date, 75% of the entire tour price.

• Between 30 and 1 days before your arrival date, 100% of the entire tour price.

Local currency is the Moroccan Dirham  (DEE-rahm). 

As of June 2023, the exchange rate was 10.12  dirhams to $1 USD.

The dirham is a closed currency and you can only obtain it once in Morocco, and it should not be taken out of the country. Changing it - or spending it - once you've gone through airport security is next to impossible, so be sure to spend your dirham before leaving the country.

Credit cards can be used in hotels, major restaurants and shops, but not in many other places. There are ATMs now in most of the major towns that will accept Cirrus debit cards and credit cards for cash advances, and money can be changed at the main bank branches.

ATMs are hard to find in the medinas.

Tipping is customary in Morocco.

We have estimated what you might expect to pay in tips to drivers and guides during this trip:

Drivers = $5 × 11 days = $ 55

Guides = $10 × 10 days = $ 100 

TOTAL $155

This amount does not cover any tips to porters, waiters  or hotel maids. 

As a convenience to our guests, we offer you the option to pay this amount in advance so you don't have to worry about tipping during the trip. 

This is not required! But if you think it would make things easier for you during the trip, please check the option for "Tipping" when you register.

There are no vaccines required to enter Morocco.

All international travelers should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination.  These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and flu.

CDC recommends these vaccines for travelers to Morocco:

• Hepatitis A and B

• Typhoid

Please make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel. 

Morocco uses the following: Voltage: 220 V, Frequency: 50 Hz. 

You will need power sockets that are type C / E.

If you have one that works in Europe, then it will work in Morocco.

The Type C plug (also called the Europlug) has two round pins, 4 to 4.8 mm wide with centers that are spaced 19 mm apart. 

When you’re walking through the markets, be careful when taking photos of people and shops. People may get angry at you and even demand money for the photos.

When taking photos of the snake charmers, you will be expected to pay 20 DH. Some may even hassle you for more, so it’s good to first establish a price before taking a photo.

What is a souk?

Being a popular place of trade, the Souk means Market in Arabic. It's the traditional supermarket of all Moroccans. You can go there find everything in a welcoming atmosphere ! In the urban environment, the souk usually nestles in the old medinas.

What is a Medina?

Medina means city in Arabic, and refers to the old towns as part of several Moroccan cities. Often walled and characterized by its intertwined alleyways, the medinas are home to traditions and culture, architecture and crafts. Those of Fez and Marrakech are the most famous ones.

What is a kasbah?

The Kasbah, which is built out of mud and straw, is a fortified building defined as several structures behind a defensive wall widely seen in the south of Morocco. Being home to lords, this fortified castle is an important heritage of Moroccan architecture and the villages. 

What is a Hammam?

Inherited from the Romans, the traditional Hammam plays an important part in Moroccans' everyday life, and represents a convivial space. The Hammam ritual includes: steam bath similar to sauna, skin exfoliation and showering.

What is a Riad?

The Riad, which means garden in Arabic, is an old house typical of the great Moroccan families. Composed of several rooms overlooking a patio with a fountain and a picture perfect garden, the Riad has wonderful craftsmanship and architectural work.

What is Zellige?

Zellige is the name given to the ornate and colourful tilework that can be found in many elegant buildings around Morocco. Small pieces of colourful tile are shaped by hand, using a fine chisel, and then set into white plaster to create intricate designs. In keeping with Islamic principles, designs are generally of geometric formations or flower-like patterns.

Can I drink the water?

NO. Make sure you always drink bottled water. Use bottled water to brush your teeth; don't open your mouth in the shower; and don't get ice cubes in your drinks.

Should I haggle for prices in the souqs?

YES! There will be no marked prices, so ask the cost of something you like - and expect a ridiculous price. Quickly decide how much you'd like to pay, and offer a little less than that amount. This will allow you to increase your price when the real negotiations begin. Always have a firm final price in mind, and don't go over it. If you don't come to an agreed price, politely say no thank you and walk away. Many times you'll find your final offer will be accepted. Don't trouble yourself wondering if you could have gotten a lower price.. If you paid a price you were happy with, that's all that matters.

Are pickpockets a problem?

As in big cities anywhere in the world, pickpockets will be working in crowded areas. Be very aware if anyone gets unusually close to you, or if several people surround you closely. Just be smart, and you'll be fine.

What language is spoken in Morocco?

Moroccans speak Arabic, Berber, andd French. English is spoken in most areas, but French is more common. English is not used as widely so if you don’t speak French, you may be challenged at times to communicate.

What can I buy in the souk?

Moroccan souks are frenetic, noisy and crowded, and sell a wide variety of crafts and souvenirs. Most popular purchases are ceramics, leather goods, carpets, textiles, spices, jewellery, lamps, shoes and everything in between.

What should I pack?

Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops).

What is the government of Morocco?

Politics of Morocco take place in a framework of a parliamentary constitutional monarchy, whereby the Prime Minister of Morocco is the head of government, and of a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Mohammed VI is the King of Morocco. He belongs to the 'Alawi dynasty and ascended to the throne on July 23, 1999, upon the death of his father, King Hassan II.

Moroccan leather

The leather in Morocco is highly unique and tanned in a way that hasn’t changed in centuries.  You can get leather slippers, bags, jackets, wallets, belts and much more.

Argan oil

Argan trees grow in the south of Morocco, so it is a great place to buy Argan oil that is as natural as possible, made in the traditional Berber way. It is used for culinary and cosmetic reasons, and although it is widely famous for its benefits on all kinds of hair, it is also extremely efficient on acne and skin in general.

Lanterns

Lanterns make for great souvenirs, as their detailed features instantly remind you of the beauty of Morocco. They can be found in most markets and come in different sizes, shapes and materials. Beware of the aluminium ones, as they bend easily and might be a hassle to transport. The heaviest ones might be more expensive.

Rugs and carpets

Beautiful rugs are handmade in Morocco. Rug shops usually have a wide range of carpets on display and can even customise them and ship them to your home.

Babouche (also called  belgha)

Babouche means slipper in French and is widely known as such in the Kingdom.. Slippers are traditional Moroccan shoes, worn for centuries by men, women and children. They come in all colors, materials, patterns and shapes. The prettiest ones are vibrant and can be worn everywhere.