V+D

Morrocco
Day 1: Casablanca

• Mahkama du Pacha: A fabulous example of Hispano-Moorish

architecture not frequently visited by tourists.
• The White Mosque (Mohammed V Mosque): Different from the
Hassan II Mosque, it's quieter and offers a tranquil atmosphere.
• Savour local eateries: Try traditional Moroccan dishes at non-touristy
local spots.
Day 2: El Jadida

• Portuguese Cistern: An underground chamber built by the

Portuguese.
• Mazagan: Wander around the old Portuguese fortress with its
ramparts.
Day 3-4: Essaouira (off-peak season)

• Local Fish Market: Enjoy freshly caught seafood, cooked to your liking.
• Skala de la Ville: Offers a panoramic view of the Atlantic.
• Essaouira's backstreets: Discover artisanal workshops and smaller,
intimate art galleries.
Day 5: Taroudant

• Often referred to as the "Grandmother of Marrakech" because of its

ramparts and medina, explore the Berber market and the less
frequented parts of the city walls.
Day 6: Tafraoute

• A laid-back town known for its Ameln Valley and almond groves.
Explore the local Berber culture and marvel at the painted rocks.
Day 7: Tata

• An oasis town in the desert. Visit the ancient ksars (fortified villages)
and enjoy the tranquility of the Sahara surroundings.
Day 8: Zagora

• Tamegroute: A lesser-known village known for its historical library and

green pottery.
• Drive through the Draa Valley: A scenic drive with palm groves,
ancient kasbahs, and Berber villages.
Day 9: Skoura

• Often skipped for Ouarzazate, Skoura is a beautiful palm grove with

ancient kasbahs. It’s perfect for a leisurely day.
Day 10: Return to Casablanca

• Use this day to relax, perhaps revisit a favorite spot in the city, or explore the local markets
for last-minute souvenirs.
• Tips:

• Hire a Local Guide: For an authentic experience, consider hiring local guides in each city. They
can show you hidden gems and provide insights that you won't find in typical guidebooks.
• Respect Local Customs: Remember to dress modestly and be respectful of local customs,
especially when visiting non-touristic areas.
• This itinerary gives you a blend of coastal towns, desert landscapes, and traditional Berber
villages. Remember to keep your plans flexible as sometimes the best experiences are the
unplanned ones. Enjoy your trip!
pictures
• Chefchaouen: Often referred to as "The Blue Pearl", this entire town is painted in various shades of blue. The
narrow alleys, stairways, and doors offer endless photo opportunities.
• Sahara Desert: The sand dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga or Erg Chigaga near M'hamid are breathtaking,
especially at sunrise or sunset. Starry nights here are unparalleled.
• Ait Benhaddou: This ancient fortified village (or ksar) near Ouarzazate has been the backdrop for many films and TV
shows. Its earthen buildings and towers look magical in the golden hour.
• Marrakech Medina: Particularly the Jardin Majorelle with its vibrant blue walls and exotic plants, and the souks with
their colorful displays of spices, textiles, and lanterns.
• Fez Medina: With its endless maze-like alleys and traditional tanneries, Fez offers a unique glimpse into the past.
• Atlas Mountains: The terraced fields, traditional Berber villages, and snow-capped peaks are very scenic.
• Dades Gorge and Todgha Gorge: These stunning canyons offer dramatic landscapes, especially when the light hits
the reddish and golden rock formations.
• Essaouira: The fortified walls, blue boats in the harbor, and windy beaches make for great photographs.
• Casablanca: The Hassan II Mosque next to the Atlantic Ocean is particularly majestic during sunset.
• Riads: Traditional Moroccan homes turned into guesthouses, often have intricate mosaics, lush courtyards, and
beautiful pools which are perfect for photos.
 Locals life
if I really want to experience life as the locals do, what you recommend as part of a trip to morrocco?
ChatGPT
Living like a local in Morocco is a deeply enriching experience. Here are some recommendations to immerse yourself in the authentic Moroccan lifestyle:
1.Stay in a Traditional Riad: Instead of booking a hotel, stay in a riad – a traditional Moroccan house centered around a courtyard. Riads offer a peek into
Moroccan domestic life.
2.Eat Local Food: Skip the tourist restaurants. Eat where the locals eat. Try street food in medinas, especially:
•Tagine (a slow-cooked stew)
•Harira (soup)
•Brotchettes (grilled skewers)
•Couscous on Fridays (the traditional day for it)
•Freshly baked khobz (bread)
3.Visit a Hammam: Experience a traditional Moroccan bath. Locals visit hammams not just for hygiene but also for social interaction.
4.Learn Basic Arabic: While many people speak French and Spanish, learning a few phrases in Darija (Moroccan Arabic) can greatly enhance interactions.
5.Shop in Local Markets (Souks): Hone your bargaining skills. Buy your groceries from local markets and try cooking a Moroccan dish.
6.Attend Local Events/Festivals: Depending on when you visit, try attending local festivals like:
•The Date Festival in Erfoud
•The Rose Festival in Kelaat M'Gouna
•The Imilchil Marriage Festival
7.Attend a Zikr Ceremony: Experience the spiritual music and dance performed as a means to remember God.
8.Travel by Local Transport: Use petit taxis in cities and grand taxis for longer distances. Consider taking the train or local buses for city-to-city travel.
9.Explore on Foot: Wander around neighborhoods, medinas, and villages. The most genuine encounters often happen in the smallest alleys.
10.Visit a Berber Village: Spend a day or two in a traditional Berber village in the Atlas Mountains. You might even get invited for tea by the locals.
11.Engage in Local Activities: Try:
•Participating in a traditional mint tea ceremony.
•Taking a Moroccan cooking class.
•Learning to play traditional musical instruments.
12.Stay with a Local Family: If you're adventurous, consider platforms like Couchsurfing or look for homestay opportunities.
13.Dress Modestly: Respecting the local dress code goes a long way in building rapport with the locals. Consider wearing a djellaba, a traditional long robe.
14.Visit a Traditional Tannery: Like the ones in Fez and Marrakech. Learn the process of how they make the beautiful leather goods you see in souks.
15.Participate in Local Workshops: Engage in activities like pottery making, carpet weaving, or learning traditional dance forms.
16.Go to a Local Café: Spend an evening at a local café. Watch people play board games, discuss daily events, and sip tea.
17.Respect Traditions & Religion: Morocco is predominantly Muslim. Understand and respect local customs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
Hammams
• Traditional, Local Experience:
1.Hammam Dar el-Bacha in Marrakech:
1. One of the largest and oldest public hammams in Marrakech.
2. Separated into male and female sections.
3. It's a traditional experience, so it's basic and very affordable.
2.Hammam Mouassine in Marrakech:
1. Another old public hammam with separate sections for men and women.
2. A more communal and very authentic experience.
• Mid-Range, More Tourist-Friendly:
1.Les Bains d'Orient Marrakech:
1. A mix of traditional and modern, offering the hammam experience along with massages and
treatments.
2. Beautifully decorated, capturing the essence of Moroccan architecture.
2.Hammam de la Rose in Marrakech:
1. Provides an authentic hammam experience in a serene environment.
2. They offer various packages that include body scrubs, massages, and relaxation rooms.
Berber Villages
• Morocco is home to numerous Berber (Amazigh) villages, many of which are scenically situated in the Atlas Mountains or in the fringes of the Sahara
Desert. While "best" can be subjective and depends on personal preferences, here are some of the most scenic and authentic Berber villages to consider:
1. Aït Benhaddou:
1. Probably the most famous ksar (fortified village) in Morocco, it has been a backdrop for many films, including "Gladiator" and "Game of Thrones".
2. Despite its fame, it retains its authenticity, especially if you stay overnight after most tourists have left.
2. Imlil:
1. Nestled in the High Atlas Mountains, it's the primary base for trekking to Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa.
2. The village offers stunning mountain vistas and insights into the Berber way of life in the mountains.
3. Tafraoute:
1. Located in the Anti-Atlas Mountains, this village is surrounded by unique pink granite rock formations and ancient Amazigh art.
2. It's less frequented by tourists, so it offers a more relaxed and authentic experience.
4. Dades Valley & Todra Gorge Villages:
1. Both areas have small Berber settlements that are scenically set amidst stunning canyons and gorges.
2. It's a great region for hiking and connecting with locals.
5. Merzouga & Surroundings:
1. While Merzouga is famous for the Sahara dunes of Erg Chebbi, the nearby villages and their oasis settings offer a unique blend of desert and traditional Berber life.
6. Tamdaght:
1. Close to Aït Benhaddou, it's quieter and offers a more intimate experience of Berber village life.
7. Telouet:
1. Once the seat of the powerful Glaoui tribe, it boasts the stunningly decorated Telouet Kasbah amidst mountainous landscapes.
8. Zaouiat Ahansal:
1. Located in a remote part of the Central High Atlas, this village isn't on the typical tourist trail, making it a serene and genuine Berber experience.
9. Chefchaouen:
1. While now a popular tourist destination known for its blue streets, Chefchaouen was originally a small Berber village. It still retains a lot of its original charm and offers
a different (Rif mountain) Berber experience compared to villages in the Atlas Mountains.
• When visiting these villages, it's crucial to be respectful and conscious of the local culture. Consider hiring local guides, as they not only provide valuable
insights into the Amazigh culture and traditions but also ensure that your visit benefits the local community. Remember, while these villages are beautiful
destinations for visitors, they are also home to people with their daily lives, traditions, and rhythms.
Sahari Dessert
Both Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga are popular destinations for tourists seeking to experience the Sahara Desert's vast dunes in Morocco. Here's
how you can plan your trip to these mesmerizing locations:
Erg Chebbi (near Merzouga):
1. Getting There:
1. By Car: You can rent a car from major Moroccan cities and drive to Merzouga. The roads are generally in good condition.
2. Bus: CTM and Supratours operate buses that go to Rissani or Merzouga from Marrakech or Fez.
2. Accommodation:
1. You'll find numerous accommodations in Merzouga, ranging from budget hostels to luxurious desert resorts.
2. Many accommodations offer "luxury desert camp" experiences in the dunes.
3. Activities:
1. Camel Trekking: Most tours include a camel ride to the dunes, with an overnight stay at a desert camp.
2. Quad Biking: For those seeking an adrenaline rush.
3. Stargazing: The desert skies are breathtakingly clear.
4. Traditional Music: Many camps offer Berber music around a campfire.
4. Duration: Most visitors opt for a 1-night desert experience, but there are 2-night options for a deeper desert immersion.

Erg Chigaga (near M'hamid):

5. Getting There:
1. By Car: M'hamid is further away from major cities than Merzouga. The roads are good until you reach M'hamid, but to get to the dunes of Erg
Chigaga, you'll need a 4x4.
2. Bus: CTM and Supratours offer services to Zagora. From Zagora, you can hire a taxi or join a tour to M'hamid and then to Erg Chigaga.
6. Accommodation:
1. There are fewer accommodation options in M'hamid compared to Merzouga, but you'll still find a range.
2. Like in Merzouga, many operators offer desert camps in Erg Chigaga.
7. Activities:
1. Camel Trekking: The primary way to explore the dunes.
2. Desert Drives: In a 4x4, exploring the vast landscapes.
3. Sandboarding: Some camps have boards you can use to slide down the dunes.
8. Duration: Given its remote location, consider spending at least two nights when visiting Erg Chigaga to fully appreciate its beauty.

General Tips:
9. Pack Accordingly: Desert temperatures can fluctuate greatly. Hot during the day, it can become cold at night. Bring layers, a hat, sunscreen,
and a scarf or turbans to protect from sand and sun.