.avif)
Morocco is a sensory overload in the best possible way, with its vibrant colors and landscapes that shift from lush greenery to arid desert in the blink of an eye. From navigating the labyrinth-like alleyways of ancient medinas, to watching the sun dip behind Saharan dunes, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my time here!
Traveling with Under30Experiences made the logistics seamless, allowing us to just soak it all in. Keep reading for a recap of our 11 day adventure, as well as food and shopping tips.
Morocco Trip Recap:
Day 1: Arrive in Tangier and meet the group
Our trip started in Tangier, the gateway port city to Africa. Sitting right on the Strait of Gibraltar, you can actually see Spain from the coast! We spent the first evening getting settled after a long flight, meeting our group, and getting the first taste of local food (and the first of many tagines).
Pro tip: Flying in from the west coast of America, it was convenient and cheaper for me to book round trip flights to Marrakech. Getting to Tangier from Marrakech was an easy and comfortable train ride, with a bonus of watching the countryside go by! Research your best flight options and check local trains and flights for flexibility.
Day 2: Exploring Tangier
We started the day exploring the lush Perdicaris Park (also known as Rmilat Forest). After that, we headed to the northwesternmost point of Africa, Cap Spartel. The Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea here, and the views are breathtaking. The lighthouse here is one of the largest in Africa, with gorgeously restored interiors.
Day 3: Chefchaouen, the Blue City
I’m sure you have seen the drool-worthy social media content of this iconic blue city, and it is even more beautiful in person. Everything in this old town is painted in varying shades of blue. We spent the day wandering the maze of steep cobbled streets and shops, drinking mint tea on rooftop terraces, petting stray cats, and just marveling at the aesthetics. It can feel a bit touristy, but I really enjoyed the slow pace and artsy vibe of Chefchaouen.
In the evening, we walked up the hill to the Spanish mosque, and the sunset views overlooking the Rif mountains, with the blue city nestled within, are ones I keep revisiting in my camera roll.
Learn why travelers fall in love with the Blue City of Morocco and how it fits perfectly into our Morocco Extended itinerary.
Day 4: Roman Ruins and enroute to Fes
We left the blue walls behind for a walk through history to see Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of partially excavated Roman ruins. Walking through the preserved mosaics and arches out in the middle of the countryside was unexpected and interesting, as our tour guide regaled us with stories of myths and history.
After, we arrived in Fes and settled in our riad, a traditional Moroccan home converted into a guesthouse. That night, we enjoyed a lavish meal, sampled Pastilla (an iconic North African savory-sweet pie), and tried on local attire.
Day 5: Getting lost in Fes
Fes has the oldest and largest medina in North Africa, and is a literal maze of over 9,000 alleyways that even Google Maps would get lost in.
After walking past the Royal Palace of Fez, we visited the famous Chouara tannery, where you can learn all about leather manufacturing, and it is a great spot to buy leather articles straight from the source. Pro tip: They will hand you mint sprigs before you go up to the tannery. Keep it glued to your nose! The smell of leather processing is…potent, to say the least.
We also explored the intricate architecture of Madrasa Attarine and the Foundouk Nejjarine museum, marveling at the craftsmanship. From brass etching to ceramic tiling, the artistry in Fes is mind-blowing.
Day 6: Into the Sahara
This was definitely a highlight of the trip as we drove out to Merzouga, the edge of the Erg Chebbi sand dunes.
We hopped on camels for a trek into the desert, where we would be glamping for the night. I’ll be honest, riding a camel isn't exactly a spa experience (my legs were feeling it!), but watching the sunset from the top of a dune was totally worth it.
We spent the night in an amazing desert camp, listening to Berber songs around a campfire, and counting stars under the open sky, a core memory I will never forget.
Day 7: Desert sunrise and Todgha Gorge
After braving another camel ride with sunrise views over the dunes as a reward, we left the sand behind as we made our way to Todgha Gorge. It’s a massive canyon with limestone walls rising 300 meters straight up.
That night, a lovely local family welcomed us to a home-cooked meal and kept us entertained with stories about the area's traditions and customs.
Day 8: Ait Benhaddou: Hollywood in the desert
If you’ve seen Gladiator, The Mummy, or Lawrence of Arabia, you’ve seen Ait Benhaddou. It’s a historic ksar (fortified village) made of earthen clay. We climbed to the top for sweeping views of the surrounding plains, enjoying the rare opportunity to visit a place that feels so untouched by modernity.
This is a great spot to shop for authentic, handmade Berber rugs sold through local cooperatives, offering a plethora of unique designs reflecting tribal origins and supporting local women.
Day 9: The Chaos of Marrakech
After a long drive, we arrived at our final stop, Marrakech. The “red city” is a riot of senses in the best ways.
The real heartbeat of the city is Jemaa el-Fnaa square, which at night, transforms into a massive open air theater with shops, musicians, and smoke rising from hundreds of food grills. It is frantic, loud, colorful, and incredibly fun. This evening is a great time to shop the medina for a range of souvenirs, or book a spa treatment to unwind after days of travel.
Pro tip: Be prepared to embrace the chaotic charm of Marrakech; dress modestly, stay aware of mopeds and carts while navigating the busy streets, haggle respectfully in the markets, and keep belongings secure in crowded areas.
Day 10: Hot Air Ballooning over the Atlas, and more Marrakech!
Some of us woke up before dawn for an optional highlight activity: a sunrise hot-air balloon ride. Drifting over the villages and olive groves while the sun peeked over the Atlas mountains was the perfect peaceful counterpoint to the chaos of the square from the night before.
Afterward, we toured the Bahia Palace, a masterpiece of tiles and courtyards, and explored the Koutoubia Mosque. In our free time, we also explored the Jardin Majorelle, famous for its striking Majorelle Blue buildings and vibrant, exotic plants, which create a tranquil oasis restored by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent.
As our last night in Morocco, we recapped our adventures during the final group dinner.
Day 11: Ma’a as-salama (Goodbye!) Morocco!
We enjoyed a final breakfast, said our goodbyes, and headed to the airport. My bags were stuffed with trinkets and my heart was full of memories.
A taste of Morocco: Must try delicacies
- Tagine: The most famous dish, named after the cone shaped clay pot it’s cooked in. There are a variety of tagines to try, including chicken with lemons and olives, or lamb with prunes and almonds, or hearty vegetable tagine cooked in spices.
- Pastilla: A savory meat pie wrapped in flaky phyllo dough and dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon. It sounds strange, but the sweet+salty combo is seriously good.
- Harira: A classic Moroccan soup, made of rich and flavorful tomato soup packed with lentils, chickpeas, and spices.
- Zaalouk: A smoky dip made from cooked eggplant and tomatoes, seasoned with garlic and spices. It's perfectly scooped up with fresh khobz (local bread).
- Mint tea: Green tea, fresh mint leaves, and lots of sugar. It is poured from high above for a frothy top and is offered everywhere as a sign of hospitality.
- Ghriba: a type of Moroccan cookie, often featuring almond flour, coconut, or sesame seeds.
- Chebakia: A beautiful flower shaped cookie that is fried, soaked in honey, and sprinkled with sesame seeds.
Still deciding if this trip is right for you? Read a real Morocco’s Marvels trip review from travelers who’ve done it.
What to Bring Home:
The souks and medinas in Morocco are a treasure trove. Look out for:
- Argan oil: Known as “liquid gold, argan oil is produced only in Morocco. Great for hair and skin, and makes for perfect gifts!
- Leather goods: Fez is famous for leather, and you can find incredible bags, jackets, and slippers at great prices.
- Ceramics: Fez is also a center of Moroccan pottery, and a great spot to pick up beautifully painted tagine vessels, plates, or bowls.
- Rugs: A hand-knotted Berber rug is a forever piece to get your hands on, and some places even offer international shipping.
- Lanterns: In Marrakech, you’ll find beautiful brass or copper lanterns that cast gorgeous shadows when lit. They often fold down for easy packing.
- Scarves and Shawls: You can find thick wool or cotton scarves, and soft silk ones in a plethora of colors and patterns. Just remember to haggle a bit for the best pricing!
- Customized perfume: For a unique gift/souvenir, check out the Musée du Parfum in Marrakech, where you can create a custom blend of scents to your liking. This was my favorite find in the city!
Want a deeper look at what the journey is really like? Check out our complete Morocco trip report for day-by-day highlights and traveler insights.
Closing thoughts
Morocco is a country that demands your attention. It's loud, colorful, and will absolutely enchant you. And when you’re ready to experience it, U30X has you covered with two perfect trip options: Morocco and Morocco Extended.
