Judd’s trip to Morocco Duration 8 days Marrakech & Fes via the desert 2 TravellersJudd, prepare for your senses to be slapped. Morocco's heady sights and sounds will dazzle, frazzle and enchant. Your journey starts with three days in Marrakech, one of the country's four Imperial Cities. Mint tea, hammams and haggling in the souks are the headline attractions of this destination, but scratch beneath the surface and you'll find that the best things to do in Marrakech have a contemporary feel to them, too. You're headed for the desert next, bringing together culture, nature and history in a spectacular way. Spend your days sandboarding and camel trekking and your nights singing, dancing, and stargazing. The final leg of your trip brings you to yet another Imperial City, Fes. Wander through high-walled streets, watch the daily procession of mourners entering the tomb of Fes' founder Moulay Idriss II, and see the ornate carvings and mosaics on every surface. Before you take off, we do want to point out that homosexual acts are illegal in Morocco. In practice, although not openly admitted or shown, sex between men is not uncommon, even if few people actively self-identify as gay. Platonic affection is freely shown among Moroccans, more so between men than women. For travellers, discretion is the key in most places. If you avoid public displays of affection you shouldn't run into any problems. MarrakechMarrakech - one of the most evocative places in the world. Just the name conjures up images of this cultural melting pot – sandstone buildings, dusty streets and towering minarets against deep blue skies immediately spring to mind. Known as The Red City thanks to the hue of the thick walls surrounding the old city, Marrakech has been a popular tourist destination in Morocco since the 1960s. It’s a place to engage the senses, nowhere more so than in the famous souks. These vibrant markets are a whirlwind of colour and noise, where throngs of people weave between tightly packed stalls exhibiting pyramids of brightly coloured spices, richly woven rugs and a thousand other exotic goods. Enticing smells waft through the souks, and the clamour of voices haggling and the cries of vendors competing for customers provides a constant backing track to the city.AccommodationAs far as we're concerned you cannot visit Marrakech without staying in a riad, a traditional Moroccan house or palace with an interior garden or courtyard. Take your pick from these 3 options close to the Medina with a spa and/or pool so you and your partner can relax and unwind after having been enveloped by the sights, sounds and smells of the city. Hotels - Marrakech Riad Danka Riad Danka in Marrakech provides adults-only accommodation with a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool and a shared lounge. The riad also features an indoor pool, hammam and room service. Book direct Book on Booking.com Hotels - Marrakech Almaha Marrakech & SPA Featuring a spa centre, Almaha Marrakech is 200 yards away from Saadian Tombs. The riad has a year-round outdoor pool and hammam. Guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant or a drink at the bar. Book direct Book on Booking.com Hotels - Marrakech Riad Azoulay Set in Marrakesh’s Medina, Riad Azoulay offers traditional, Moroccan accommodation with a patio, terrace with sun beds and outdoor swimming pool. It is just a 20-minute walk from Jamaa el-Fna Square. Book direct Book on Booking.com NightlifeMarrakech, sometimes dubbed the 'Paris of Morocco', is a sleepless city with endless paths leading some of the best nocturnal entertainment found anywhere in the world. Because homosexual acts are illegal in Morocco there are no gay bars or clubs in Marrakech, but the places we have selected for you offer a friendly, welcoming vibe and are frequently visited by members of the LGBTQ community. Cocktail Bar - Marrakech Le Bar Churchill For a sophisticated and classy night out in Marrakech, it’s hard to beat the refined Le Bar Churchill. Part of the five-star La Mamounia Palace Hotel, note that a smart dress code is in place for the bar and all other public areas of the hotel. Visit website Mixed Club - Marrakech Comptoir Darna Local and foreign hipsters love this place, and it's where you'll find the biggest gay and straight blend in the city. Move to the North African dance beats, sip on the signature cocktails, and you'll probably end up making conversation with a perfect stranger. Visit website Mixed Club - Marrakech Theatro Marrakech Theatro is a premier nightclub in Marrakech, open every night, the biggest DJs are known to spin here. Live entertainment, acrobats and jugglers are just some the unique attractions offered here. Visit websiteDay 1ExperiencesGiven that this is your first time in Marrakech, let's get some of its major attractions out of the way: Djemma El Fna, and the El Badi and Bahia Palaces. Major Attractions - Marrakech Djemma El Fna Jemaa el-Fnaa is the main pulse of Marrakech. By day, the square buzzes with snake charmers, henna-tattoo artists and various other entertainers, while at night there are countless stalls boasting traditional lamb dishes and fresh orange juice, among other culinary delights. Visit website Major Attractions - Marrakech El Badi Palace 4 hours The former palace was built by the Saadian sultan Ahmed al-Mansur Dhahbi to celebrate the victory over the Portuguese army, in 1578, in the battle of the Three Kings. Today, there remains only a huge esplanade carved gardens, planted with orange trees and surrounded by high walls. Book on GetYourGuide Major Attractions - Marrakech Bahia Palace A vast, gorgeously decorated palace once owned by slave-turned-vizier Abu ‘Bou’ Ahmed. Allow plenty of time to enjoy the different spaces, the most impressive of which are the quarters of Bou Ahmed’s favourite concubine, Lalla Zineb. Visit website ShoppingIf you're looking to purchase some leather goods, for which Morocco is famous, Galerie de Tanneurs is one of the better addresses in town to find top-end pieces. And stop by Ayaso to treat yourself to some local, organic produce. Accessories - Marrakech Galerie des Tanneurs Galerie des Tanneurs specialises in high-quality leather clothing, shoes, bags and accessories, and has been doing so for over 25 years. Head here to browse beautiful, locally-made leather products if you cannot deal with haggling at the souk. Visit website Food - Marrakech Ayaso concept store This concept store is entirely dedicated to products from organic farming and general well-being. Ayaso is a shop, grocery store, cafe, juice bar, and vegetarian restaurant rolled into one. Visit website Food & DrinkLa Patisserie des Princes is great for a quick snack while exploring the Medina. Head to Le Jardin for lunch, and opt for a refined place for dinner: Dar Moha. Coffee - Marrakech La Patisserie des Princes Situated just off the square Jemaa el Fna Patisserie des Princes is the perfect venue for a brief rest on any sightseeing tour of the old medina due to its strategic place near the square. Visit website Lunch & Brunch - Marrakech Le Jardin Hidden away down a secluded Medina alleyway, Le Jardin is an oasis of peace within the chaotic world of the Medina, and allows diners to experience the palatial charm of ancient Marrakech in peace and quiet. Visit website Fine Dining - Marrakech Dar Moha Indulge in some of Marrakech’s finest food, slow roasted tagines and a smorgasbord of perfectly created mezzes, followed by fragrant, pistachio and almond laced pastries. Set in a spectacular house, once owned by fashion designer Pierre Balmain. Visit website Day 2ExperiencesGet a different perspective by starting your day with a ballooning flight over Marrakech and the nearby countryside. After lunch head to la Rue Yves St Laurent to visit the Jardin Majorelle as well as YSL's museum. Adventure - Marrakech Classic Ballooning Flight 5 hours Take a relaxing flight through the Moroccan sky in a hot air balloon with Ciel d'Afrique. Enjoy breathtaking views of Marrakesh and the beautiful nearby countryside, if you decide to follow your flight by a camel ride. Book on GetYourGuide Major Attractions - Marrakech Jardin Majorelle The French painter Jacques Majorelle conceived this large and luxuriant garden as a sanctuary and botanical ‘laboratory’. In 1922, he began planting it with exotic botanical specimens from the far corners of the world. Visit website Major Attractions - Marrakech Musée Yves Saint Laurent Opened next door to the gardens in 2017, the Musee Yves Saint Laurent is dedicated to the fashion label owner’s work and has a permanent display of hundreds of garments from his 40-year career. Visit website ShoppingUpdate your look at the best purveyor of menswear in Marrakech, 33 Rue Majorelle, right next to the Jardin Majorelle. Concept Store - Marrakech 33 Rue Majorelle 33 Rue Majorelle features the best independent Moroccan designers including Les Maures, Salma Abdel-Wahab, Atelier Nihal, artisanal soaps by L’art du Bain, pottery by Ewwel, and a range of design as well as independently published books. Visit website Food & DrinkA couple of Mediterranean eateries for lunch and for dinner a fancy place where the opulent surroundings perfectly complement the scrumptious dishes. Mediterranean - Marrakech La Famille The leafy garden, driftwood furniture, herb- and flower-infused waters (no alcohol here, dears), organic salads served in Kilner jars, vegetarian quiches, and healthy cakes attract the city’s most beautiful groovers and shakers. Visit website Italian - Marrakech Le Catanzaro On a quiet street facing what was the central market this simple pizzeria is one of the most popular tables in town. It has survived by serving reliably good food and keeping its prices down. Visit website Local Cuisine - Marrakech Al Fassia Couscous is still on the menu but Marrakech's exciting new culinary scene also features everything from DJs to fusion cuisine. Lunch and dinner daily except Tuesday. Booking a table in advance is recommended. Visit website Day 3ExperiencesThe souks of Marrakech are the largest in Morocco and famed throughout the world as some of the most exotic marketplaces to shop. We recommend you experience the cacophony of smells and sounds accompanied by a local, who will afterwards help you whip the purchased local produce into a lovely meal. Come back to your senses at the end of the day with a relaxing visit to one of the best Hammams in the country. Local Culture - Marrakech Ben Youssef Madrasa The Ben Youssef Madrasa is an Islamic college in Marrakesh, Morocco. Functioning today as an Islamic historical site, the Ben Youssef Madrasa was the largest Islamic college in Morocco during its height. Visit website Classes - Marrakech Cooking class 4,5 hours You will meet your local host and chef, Ash, at the Jemma el Fna. Join him on a walk to the souk to buy fresh ingredients, fresh herbs, and protein of your choice. The class will take place at Ash's place in the modern and fashionable Gueliz neighbourhood. Book on Airbnb Spa & Wellness - Marrakech Royal Mansour Perhaps one of the loveliest spas in Morocco, with an intricate lace-like wrought-iron atrium where guests are greeted prior to their treatment, the spa at the Royal Mansour is truly fit for royalty. With three hammam treatments on offer, ranging from one to two hours in length, guests can rest assured that only the finest products are used. Visit website ShoppingScout for unique, handmade souvenirs and gits at Chabi Chic, and stop by MAX & JAN for original garments and accessories with Moroccan flair. Homewares - Marrakech Chabi Chic With modern and chic takes on authentic pottery and even beauty products, the designs and accessories are hard to resist as they await shoppers so perfectly displayed. Visit website Concept Store - Marrakech MAX & JAN MAX & JAN is an ethnic chic fashion and lifestyle brand that combines Moroccan heritage and craftsmanship with international fashion and flair. Visit website Food & DrinkGo plant-based for lunch, or opt for a classy colonial french restaurant. An al fresco dinner will make your final evening in Marrakech extra special and romantic. Vegan - Marrakech Earth Cafe You can’t miss Earth Cafe’s giant signpost in the noisy metalworkers’ souk pointing veggie enthusiasts down an alley to its funky psychedelic diner. The cafe menu offers only vegetarian or vegan dishes, prepared in an open kitchen at the entrance. Visit website French - Marrakech Grand Café de la Poste A huge statement staircase and art deco motifs give this place a Roaring Twenties vibe. At lunch expats gather here for hushed conversations under a jazz and Bossa Nova soundtrack. Visit website Local Cuisine - Marrakech Le Trou Au Mur Open for lunch and dinner, Le Trou au Mur brings a breath of fresh air to the city’s fine dining scene. This place is chic, laid-back, and intimate, making it one of the best restaurants in Marrakech. Visit website Marrakech MapDay of trip plan*Accommodation*NightlifeDay 1Day 2Day 3ResetDays 4-6ExperiencesAfter a few days in Marrakech, it's time for an adventure in the desert. The softness of the orange sand, the seeming infiniteness of the rolling dunes, the way that footsteps look as they leave magical trails in the sand, and the inky blackness of the sky punctured by a million tiny stars at night — there’s simply no comparison to the Moroccan desert. We recommend booking your tour in advance with one of these 2 operators. Adventure - Marrakech 3 day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes 3 days This 3 day Morocco desert tour from Marrakech to Fes is one of the most popular desert tours that connects these two amazing Imperial Cities. Book on Roaming Camels Morocco Adventure - Marrakech From Marrakech To Fes via Merzouga 3 days When experiencing all that Morocco has to offer between these two great cities, it’s important to dedicate more than just one day to see all the sights and sounds the country has to offer. Book on Morocco Desert Tour FesIn its heyday, Fes attracted scholars and philosophers, mathematicians and lawyers, astronomers and theologians. Craftsmen built them houses and palaces, kings endowed mosques and medersas (religious schools), and merchants offered exotic wares from the silk roads and sub-Saharan trade routes. Although Fes lost its influence at the beginning of the 19th century, it remains a supremely self-confident city whose cultural and spiritual lineage beguiles visitors. Something of the medieval remains in the world’s largest car-free urban area and its charms are many. Seemingly blind alleys lead to squares with exquisite fountains and streets bursting with aromatic food stands, rooftops unveil a sea of minarets and stooped doorways reveal tireless artisans.AccommodationAs with Marrakech, we highly recommend you stay in the world-famous Medina. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is where you’ll find some of the city's main sights. Hotels - Fes Riad Fes - Relais & Châteaux Located in the heart of Fes medina, this Riad offers air-conditioned rooms and suites with oriental furnishings and a panoramic pool-side terrace with views of the Atlas Mountains. Book direct Book on Booking.com Hotels - Fes Riad Mayfez Suites & Spa Set on the Andalusian Palace and Garden Route, this Patrician house is a 12-minute walk from Boujloud Square. It dates from the end of the 19th century and now features a Spa and a swimming pool. Book direct Book on Booking.com Hotels - Fes Palais Houyam Palais Houyam has a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, a shared lounge and garden in Fès. Popular points of interest nearby include Batha Square, Medersa Bouanania and complexe El batha"EL Morkkab”. Book direct Book on Booking.com NightlifeFes is a traditional, conservative city, meaning that nightlife options are limited. There are, however, some fabulous rooftop bars where you can take in the magnificent views, cocktail in hand. Rooftop Bar - Fes The Rooftop - Hotel Sahrai The Rooftop is the bar in Fes' 5-star Hotel Sahrai. Hotel Sahrai is one of the best of the imperial city with some of the most stunning views over the medina, and the view at The Rooftop by night is just as impressive as it is during the day. Visit website Cocktail Bar - Fes Riad Fes: Pool bar, Lounge or Rooftop Visit the Pool Bar, the Bar Lounge or the Rooftop at Riad Fes. The Wine Bar offers great wines from Morocco. L’Alcazar Bar for local and international teas or cocktails and the Rooftop for fantastic views. Visit websiteDay 7ExperiencesBeing one of the most important cities in Morocco, Fes is rich in culture, history, traditions, gastronomy and much more. With one of the first universities and the oldest medieval Medina in the world, this city has a lot to offer. Today you'll be visiting a tannery, exploring a palace, and wandering through the Jewish quarter. Local Culture - Fes Half-day private Fes Medina tour 3,5 hours Moroccan slippers, bags, and jackets are just some of the leather goods that you can buy in Fes. Be sure to check out the world-famous tanneries to see the traditional dying of animal skins. The smells are pungent so be sure to bring a scarf to cover your nose or grab some mint to sniff. Book on Viator Major Attractions - Fes Al-Attarine Madrasa This Madrasa was located near the Al-Attarine Souk, a market with a variety of local spices, dried nuts, fruit and much more. On display are beautiful green and blue zellij tilework, carved plaster and cedarwood, plus classrooms indoors and a fountain in the courtyard. Visit website Local Culture - Fes Jewish quarter Once known as a Mellah, in centuries gone by, this was the old Jewish quarter. It feels significantly more spacious and more open than the rest of the medina, with several different architectural styles on display. It gives another wonderful insight into daily life in Fes. More information ShoppingRetail therapy for today includes a café cum shop and a unique space conjured up by a Thai fashion designer and chef. Concept Store - Fes Le Tarbouche Boutique cafe Le Tarbouche on Rue Talaa Kebira is decorated with bold murals. Alongside tabuleh, tagines and the traditional Moroccan pie, pastilla, they also sell earrings made from recycled car tires. Visit website Menswear - Fes Maison Moi Anan Hailing from the north of Thailand Anan is a chef and fashion designer. His garments reflect the full spectrum of Thai tradition, from the most intricate and sophisticated through to the humblest clothes – inspired by his own upbringing in the Thai countryside. Visit website Food & DrinkWhile you’re in Morocco you must try the warming tagines, flaky pastillas, spicy hariras and fishy chermoula. And while you're at it, why not learn how to cook a traditional Moroccan dish or two? Also don't forget to taste the mint tea, widely available and locally known as 'Berber whiskey'. Local Cuisine - Fes Café Clock Café Clock has expanded and begun offering excellent traditional-cooking classes, and holds movie nights in a screening room furnished with vintage cinema seats. If all this doesn’t whet your appetite at least come at brunch for the best coffee and Berber eggs in town. Visit website Local Cuisine - Fes Dar Namir cooking school Dar Namir is a home-style cooking school in Fes specialising in modern Moroccan cuisine. Located in the Andalous Quarter, just 5 minutes from the city’s finest fresh produce market at r’Cif and within 10 minutes walk of some of its most celebrated sites. Visit website Local Cuisine - Fes L'Amandier Palais Faraj This restaurant is located within Palais Faraj Suites & Spa, a hotel in the Medina of Fes, overlooking the medieval houses surrounding the famous Chouara Tannery. The best time to go would be in the early evening, when you’ll be able to see the sun go down over Fes. Visit website Day 8ExperiencesDuring your last day in Morocco, we recommend you take a day trip to Chefchaouen or Meknes. Round off your day in style with a well-deserved pampering session at a luxurious, beaufitul hammam. Day Trip - Fes Chefchaouen Day Trip 1 day Discover the attractive blue pearl of the Rif Mountains on an enjoyable day trip from Fes. Explore the vivid lanes, thriving market, kasbah and more. Book on GetYourGuide Day Trip - Fes Meknes, Volubilis and Moulay Idriss 7 hours Visit one of the four imperial cities of Morocco and see the Roman ruins of an ancient kingdom on a day trip from Fes. Explore the Medina of Meknes, go to the historic remains of Volubilis and see the holy town of Moulay Idriss. Book on GetYourGuide Spa & Wellness - Fes Les Bains Amani This incredible hammam is located in the heart of Palais Amani, one of the best hotels in Fez, and offers a relaxed atmosphere with stunning decor. This hammam will provide the ultimate Moroccan steam bath experience, with top-quality products and masseuses. Afterwards, you and your partner will feel like Moroccan princes. Visit website ShoppingYour last day in Morocco represents the perfect opportunity to source some last-minute souvenirs and gifts, or make your own. Souvenirs - Fes Medin'Art Medin’Art is a little shop located in the Old Medina of Fes. It’s more of an artsy place with original artwork and unlike what you’ll get used to seeing in the Medina. It sells fashion items, as well as souvenirs and plenty of goodies mixing art and tradition. Visit website Arts & Crafts - Fes Craft Draft Craft Draft is a multidisciplinary art studio offering Moroccan traditional visual Arts & Crafts workshops to all age groups around the globe. Visit website Food & DrinkDelicious as Moroccan cuisine is, unlike many countries, it doesn’t vary much region-to-region, and if you spend any length of time here you’ll eat a whole lot of couscous and couscous. If this applies to you after a week in the country, you can mix things up a bit and have some delicious Italian or French food. Italian - Fes Positano Positano is above all a story of gastronomic enthusiasts. Convinced that the real Italian cuisine is first and foremost about products, their team is committed to ensuring the quality of the ingredients served to their customers. Visit website French - Fes Le Maure'sk Taste and enjoy the world cuisine of the restaurant: Le Maure’sk Chic and Cozy, the former lounge of the Riad has been completely redesigned with soft and modern lighting. Visit website French - Fes Dar Roumana This excellent restaurant within a riad of the same name marries refined French technique and robust local flavours for cuisine it describes as “beyond couscous and tagine,” the two staples here that even the most dedicated can tire of. Book well in advance. Visit website Fes MapDay of trip plan*Accommodation*NightlifeDay 7Day 8Reset Your trip was designed by Nacho López We hope you have an amazing trip! Please do let us know about your experience, and how we might do better in the futureGet in touch Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Days 4-6 Day 7 Day 8
