A friend and I are planning a 2-week trip to Morocco.We are interested in exploring food, art, music, crafts, history and local culture. We do not plan to visit the Sahara desert or explore areas of the country that require crossing the High Atlas or Rif Mountains. (prefer where the terrain is more coastal and rolling hills, avoiding steep, narrow winding mountainous travel)

We have a basic itinerary, as follows;

Arrive Casablanca >> Rabat >> Meknes >> Fes >> Marrakesh >> Essaouria >> Depart Casablanca.

In addition to this basic itinerary, are any additional smaller towns or places of interest you would recommend as a stop or detour en route? Do any of these cities warrant more than 2-3 days?. How would you allocate time in each?

Our preference is to go slower so we can enjoy and truly experience each location. Of particular interest: a cooking class, a Hammam spa experience, and staying in smaller riads.

Thank you for any suggestions.

I’m sure you will have a wonderful trip no matter what you choose – Morocco is amazing!

With a slow pace, you might consider

· 2 or 3 days for Rabat

· 2 days for Meknes (to include ½ day + at Volubulis)

· 3 to 4 days in Fez

· 4 days in Marrakesh

· 2 days in Essaouira

Of course, it all depends on what YOU want to see and experience!

FWIW, I found Essaouira and Marrakesh “easier” than Fez and Meknes and was glad my order was more-or-less the reverse of your plan. Fez and especially Meknes had far fewer Western tourists (though there were still plenty in Fez) and Fez is a warren of alleyways. For me, having a bit of experience with medinas and souks, etc., made those less Westernized cities seem more approachable. And I enjoyed encountering fewer tourists after so many in Essaouira and Marrakesh!

For a cooking class: Café Clock in either Fez or Marrakesh, depending on how the timing works for you. Mine was delightful and was in Fez. Reserve in advance.

A hammam: A world of choices! FWIW, I thought the Spa Laaroussa in Fez wonderful. (Reservation essential.) You might also look at the Azur Spa in Essaouira.

I was enchanted with my riad in Fez: The Riad El Yacout. Awesome! (I think it also has a hammam, but I had already booked for Spa Laaroussa and didn’t have time to indulge a second time while in that city.) Gorgeous! Super helpful and very nice staff, amazing food, a pool…. It's not among the smallest riads, but it didn't feel overly large and really, it was stellar.

For a small riad in Meknes, you might look at the Riad Lahboul. I found the main floor a bit dark, but the bedrooms were lovely (complete with gorgeous hand-embroidered linens!), the roof deck was very pleasant, the staff were helpful, and the food was delicious.

BTW, if you have a serious interest in crafts, take a look at the Culture Vultures artisans tour in Fez. Awesome!

For traditional music: The Museum of Mouassine Music in Marrakesh. Wonderful! Reserve a concert in advance.

If you haven’t already consulted it, the Moon Guide to Morocco is excellent. And you might find some useful information in my trip report: Memorable, magnificent Morocco!

Hope that helps!

Hi kja thank you so much for these suggestions! It hits all the right notes for us. A few more questions:

- Are there local towns/villages en route (or not much of a detour) that would be worth a stop?

- What's the best way to eat locally? Reservations in advance required? We like eating locally and casually, fish and local cuisine. (If there's a standout restaurant that we should book in advance, it would be nice to know)

- Thoughts about guides and drivers to help navigate from place to place?

- Do we need to purchase any tickets to museums or other important sites in advance?

Thanks again!

The only stops I made en route were part of my visit to the desert, so I have no recommendations for you.

Dinners: Your call! If you want wine with your meals, do some advance research, as wine is not uniformly available in the medinas. Some meals I enjoyed:

· In Essaouira, La Cle de Voute. Reservations essential! Also: Just walk to and browse the fish stalls near the fishing port.

· In Marrakech: El Tobsil. Reservations essential! And Al Fassia Gueliz. Reservations advised, but may not be essential.

· In Rabat: La Maison Arabe. Reservations advised, but may not be essential.

Getting around: I used a driver only for my time to, in, and from the desert; your proposed itinerary would not require any drivers. FWIW, I strongly prefer public transportation whenever possible – I find it a great way to observe and interact with local people who aren’t part of the tourism industry. The trains were easy, comfortable, and efficient; the buses were comfortable and as easy as buses anywhere.

Guides: With the exception of the outstanding Culture Vultures artisans tour mentioned above, I did not work with any guides … but I don’t generally like working with guides, instead researching extensively on my own in advance.

Advance tickets: In addition to those already mentioned, the Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech. I don’t remember others … but again, would urge you to consult the Moon Guide.

A correction: I stopped at El Jadida between Casablanca and Essaouira. I enjoyed a brief overnight there, which worked well with my plans; I'm not sure it makes sense for you to plan a stop there unless it holds particular appeal. I'm glad I saw a bit of it; I would not rank it as highly as the other places you plan to visit. YMMV.

HI kja , thanks again for the restaurant info -- nice to have your suggestions in those cities. Also appreciate note on El Jadida. I don't think we will be stopping there, but n ice to know about. Still on the fence re: drivers vs guides, but I look forward to reading your trip report!