Themacs

Hello,

My wife and I are planning a trip to Morocco for about 12 days in November. We are interested in seeing some of the highlights and want to go to Casablanca, Marrakesh and relax at a beach location, possibly El Jadida, but have some interest in Oualida or Essaouria.

We have rented homes/villas/apartments all over the world, so are very comfortable with that or a hotel.

We are now looking at the following:

1 - Arrive in Casablanca

2/3 - Casblanca

4 - Train to Marrakesh

4/5/6/7 - Marrakesh --- this too much time?

8 - Car/Driver to El Jadida

8/9/10/11 - El Jadida

12 - Train/Car Driver to Casablanca

12 - Depart Casablanca

We have traveled and lived in many places in the world, with over 9 years in Southern African countries and are excited about our trip to Morocco.

We are looking at specific things to do in each city, but at this point want to put together a draft itinerary. We don't like being in a hurry or trying to see everything, we would rather take our time, relax, see the special places and enjoy the atmosphere.

Any ideas or suggestions, would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

thursdaysd

I would/did substitute Rabat for Casablanca. Much better intro to Morocco, plus there is not much to see in Casa.

I thought Marrakesh was over-hyped and preferred Fez.

My TR is somewhat dated, but may be useful even so:

http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...can-medley.cfm

MmePerdu

I agree with the above regarding Casablanca vs Rabat. However, if you plan to spend your time mostly south of Casa, I'd just skip both, or just spend 1 night to see the Hassan II Mosque, if a new building is of interest (not to me but some here love it). Alternatively, move right on to El Jadida. I haven't been to EJ so cannot say if the beach is worthwhile.

Arriving in Casa there's a train from the airport to the main station, Casavoyageurs. You've probably read that onward trains, north & south, leave from there. Easy. If you need to stay overnight near the station before moving on, I stayed a couple of times at the old Ibis right there and at last report a new one was under construction. Check, they're good I think. Otherwise, there are others nearby.

I'm infinitely more fond of Marrakech than Fes, especially for a longer stay. I've been multiple times to both and it's simply a matter of personal preference. Some complain about touts in Marrakech but as you'll be there long enough to get around, it simply isn't a problem out of the main tourist parts of the medina and easily avoided. There's a great deal more to see, IMO, than in Fes, interesting though Fes is.

I recommend a visit to Essaouira and certainly longer than a day trip. The beach is windy so not so good for that, but very good for the ambiance of a walled fishing town, excellent accommodations for every budget and very good seafood.

No need for a car back to Casa, the trains are good.

Bedar

If you don't go to Fez on a 12 day trip, you are making a whooping BIG mistake !

Bedar

Also a whopping BIG mistake !

TrendGirl

FES WAS WONDERFUL!!!!!! ....wish I had more days in Fes.

I agree with "BEDAR" comments. Casa was the least favorite, yet that is where my flight arrived and departed.
Morocco was great.
enjoy!
TrendGirl2

MinnBeef

LOVED the Hassan 2 mosque and recommend it for your first full morning but after that, get the heck out of Casa. It's an ugly city and nothing else there to see,

Completely agree with Bedar. It would a crime to spend 12 days in Morocco and not go to Fes.

Themacs

Made some more changes:

1 - Arrive in Casablanca

2 - Casablanca

3 - Train to Fes

3/4/5 - Fes

6 - Train to Marrakesh possibly flight in order to reduce the transit time.

7/8/9/10 - Marrakesh --- this too much?

10 - Car/Driver to El Jadida

10/11/12 - El Jadida

13 - Drive to Casablanca and depart

For Casablanca, primarily we are there to see the Hasan II Mosque and probably Rick's (yes, we know it's touristy). We thought that our last stop in EJ would be a nice place to do some relaxing before departing and back to work.

Thanks!

MinnBeef

For my tastes, this is a MUCH better itinerary. I do think 5 nights in Marrakech a bit much unless you plan to a do a day trip out somewhere. If not, I'd consider adding a day to Fes, perhaps to visit the incredible ruins at Volubilis and spend a few hours in Meknes.

I can't comment on El Jadida as I did not visit there. I did have 2 nights in Essaouira which I much enjoyed.

Bedar

Just remember, it will be too cold to swim in El Jadida.

TimCullis

Sorry but the moment you said you were going to Rick's cafe I lost interest.