Panoramic view of Marrakesh and old medina – Morocco, Marrakesh
Travel to Morocco is a sensory experience that combines this fascinating country’s natural, historical, and cultural highlights.
From the dunes of the Sahara to the High Atlas peaks, Morocco is a traveler’s dream. This slice of North Africa is comparable to richly colored and patterned rugs you’ll want to get for yourself.
Grandest Welcome to Morocco!
Experience a luxe VIP experience as you arrive in Morocco with Virtuoso’s ten-day private tour of Fes, Atlas Mountains, and Marrakesh. Although to really “see” Morocco it is recommended to stay 12-14 days to do it well. Adding Essaouira to the itinerary would be the icing on the cake.
I have been told most people will miss Essaouira, but it is one of the most culturally rich cities in Morocco. Located on the coast Essaouira is an important port town from Roman times. Now the stunning walled city with its whitewashed homes is gaining a reputation as a cultural center with art galleries and music festivals. The cities medina features centuries-old crafts including wood carving and cabinet making. The argan oil trade is well established here by women cooperatives. You will instantly recognize them by their long flowing white robes. As one of the major fishing harbors in Morocco, it is worth a visit alone for the exquisite seafood!
The beautiful and culturally rich port town of Essaouira, Morocco
See you in Fez!
Arrive in style in Fez. Fez is famous for being home to the world’s oldest University, the University of al-Qarawiyyin. It is home to an ancient walled city in comparison to the walled city of Jerusalem.
Move on to the city’s Jewish quarter called the Mellah, home to a historic Jewish cemetery and synagogue.
Mellah at Fez
The Atlas Mountains
Located in the High Atlas Mountains, Imlil is considered the gateway to Toubkal. As you ascend the Atlas Mountains, you will pass through tranquil forests of cedar and juniper trees, picturesque meadows populated by herds of grazing goats, and enjoy panoramic views of Imlil from above.
Nestled in the Atlas Mountains is Imlil
Discovering Marrakesh
Depart to the legendary Jemaa el Fna square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Refresh with a glass of Moroccan mint tea on a café terrace with the sun setting over the bustling square. Get a taste of Morocco’s infamous magical side with the snake charmers, incredible acrobats, authentic storytellers, magicians, joker monkeys, and peddlers of traditional medicine before enjoying a street food tour. Pass through the dozens of smoky food stalls to get a close look at some of the country’s most exotic dishes on this insider market food tour.
Discover history by visiting the Koutoubia Mosque, one of the city’s most notable highlights, along with El Badhi Palace and the Saadian Tombs. Then continue to the elaborate 20th-century palace, Dar El Bacha.
Shop Marrakesh
A guide is absolutely essential for this one. Explore Marrakesh’s medina, where everything from saffron to silk is on offer and rigorously trained artisans sell rugs, brassware, silverwork, leatherwork, and other treasures.
Bright pottery at the medina in Marrakesh – Getty Images
Explore Behind the Scenes with YSL
Take an exclusive tour of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé’s private home, Villa Oasis. And then go to the blue-of-my-dreams Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech is a must-do and an inspiration for garden aspirations.
Jardin Majorelle – Alamy
Road of the Thousand Kasbahs
Take a trip along the legendary “Road of the thousand Kasbahs,” an ancient caravan route that connected the Sahara desert with the urban areas closer to the coast. Explore the nearby Almond Valley, where you will walk through a centuries-old Kasbah that is still home to local villagers. Then, walk through an abandoned kasbah that dates from the 11th century. Continue your walk through tranquil groves of pomegranate, olive, and almond trees, learning about the traditional irrigation systems still employed by local villagers.
Traverse the Dunes
Trek into the desert! Choose your transportation, a camel or a vintage Land Rover? Envision sunset over the dunes, a feast under the stars, and a night in a be-pillowed tent with those tiny mirrors sewn into it.
A camel ride in the desert – Sabena Jane Blackbird
Tagine-Cooking Class
Whip up a tagine of fragrant couscous and savory spices at a future dinner party. Take a cooking class to pull off this traditional Moroccan dish authentically.
Hot air ballooning in the desert outside of Marrakesh
Go Hot-Air Ballooning
Happily get up before sunrise for a midair breakfast floating over a dreamy Moroccan landscape.
Take Tile-Making Lessons
Spend an afternoon learning the Moroccan art of zellij – the gorgeous geometric tilework that decorates buildings and courtyards all over the country.
One of the top travel experiences I curate is not just about the regular sightseeing you can see online. I guarantee an exploration that will help my clients immerse in the tapestry of history. It makes them feel that each destination is a part of their own story.
Need a perfectly designed itinerary to Morocco? Click here to schedule, and we’ll chat soon!
Produced by Virtuoso Travel and Inspired Travel Designs