Morocco visit
 

Hi there,
We will be crossing over from Spain into Morocco (by Ferry to Tangier) in December. We will then have 6 or 7 days before departing by Air from Casablanca. How best should we spend the time in Morocco?
Any assistance will be greatly appreciated.

For just 6 or 7 days I suggest you spend a night in Tangier, which I love (don't believe the naysayers). Have your accommodation arrange a grand taxi (car & driver) to Chefchaouen for a couple of nights. Grand taxi again to Fes with a stop along the way to see the Roman ruins at Volubilis, then train to Casablanca the night before your departure. At that pace I think you'll enjoy Morocco. Don't be tempted to bite off too much and find yourself in a rush.

I suggest to spend first night in chefchaouen , day2 and days3 Fez,day4 merzouga desert,day5 dades gorges ,day6 marrakech,day7 transfer to aiport casablanca.
if you need more information about this tour,contact Morocco Safari Tours .

Moroccosafaritours' suggested itinerary above is a good way to find yourself wishing you'd never come. Precisely what I meant in my last sentence in yesterday's post.

Thanks for the replies. No mention at all of Marrakech?
Also, I am always keen (in my travels) on taking the train.
Is that a good idea in Morocco?

The train IS a good idea but can be time consuming with as few days as you have. I haven't included Marrakech for the same reason. But if you're interested in taking the train and going farther south then train from Tangier to Marrakech with a change in Casablanca would be fine. From Marrakech you could do a side trip to the coast, Essaouira is my favorite, by coach or grand taxi, then train back to Casablanca from Marrakech. It would look something like:

Day 1. Ferry from Spain & overnight in Tangier.
Day 2. Train to Marrakech via Casablanca.
Day 3 & 4. Marrakech
Day 5. To Essaouira, overnight.
Day 6. to Marrakech, overnight.
Day 7. Train to Casablanca, overnight for departure on Day 8.

Sorry, been off the grid for a while (sick).
Is it a good idea to visit both Fez & Marrakech ? (& just 1 night in Casa)
Also, how do i book (& pay by cr card) the overnight train from Tangier to Marrakech ?

If you do nothing else except Fes & Marrakech, yes, I think you could do it. I'm a fan of the smaller places in general so I'd be inclined to skip Fes in favor of Essaouira combined with Marrakech. Or Chefchaouen & Fes as I mentioned above.

I've always bought my train tickets after arrival and have never had a problem. The Seat61 website says you can have a local travel agent buy them for you in advance here:
http://www.seat61.com/Morocco.htm#Tr...20in%20Morocco

I would spend two nights in Tangier, three nights in Fez, and two nights in Rabat. As I've said in another posting, I have never been to Rabat, but Fodorites writing on this forum speak highly of it. Furthermore, it is a natural stop between Fez and Casablanca. All three cities are connected by train. ZZ

I have been to Rabat and it's a nice city. And I agree that it's a logical stop. However, it doesn't have the advantage of being a smaller place to vary the attractions, nor does it have the pizazz of Marrakech or Fes. Fewer visitors to be sure but it sounds to me like the OP is trying to maximize the experience in the short time they have so not sure that Rabat would do. KInd of a second tier city, good for a return trip or for a place to hang out for a while in peace.

While Mme Perdu may be correct in her opinion about Rabat, what I like about my suggested itinerary is its compactness. Were there time, Essaouira would be a great destination (twenty-four hours is enough unless one wants to lie on the beach), but it is out of the way. Marrakesh is drastically overrated in my view and I would go almost any place than there. ZZ

The beauty of Marrakech is that there are so many areas to retreat to out of the very touristy center. I stay in the medina but have migrated from areas near the Pl. Djemaa el Fna to places in out-of-the-way neighborhoods. I spend my time, not in the tourist souks but in neighborhood markets and walking around areas little frequented by most visitors. The medina is huge so no need to stay on the beaten path. And always a few days in Essaouira although next trip I may go instead to Taroudant.

In any case, as first-time visitors, I think they understandably want to check out Marrakech and are unlikely to be deterred. Nor should they be. Everyone should go there at least once I think & except in the most famous spots it can be a very lively and still unspoiled Moroccan place.

Gosh, this does not get any easier.
I am not fussed if i don't get to more than one or two places. i want to be able to experience one or two places thoroughly. I agree with Mme Perdu that i can do other places during subsequent visits. My method of exploring any destination is also very slow paced - experiencing touristy & non-touristy aspects.
I like the idea of an overnight train, so we'll probably take that from Tangier to Marrakech (arrive 20th morning). Then what ? How many days there ? Can one do justice visiting Essaouira for just one day ? Need to be in Casablanca 25th (one night) - flying out 26th.

Morocco is a beautiful place to visit. You have enough days to explore the whole Morocco. Travel to the best attractions, travel from snow-covered Atlas Mountain. Go to the medieval old town, spice market of Marrakech. Observe the difference between new and old architecture and artwork. Alternatively, you can for camping on the sandy dunes of the Sahara.

Regarding Essaouira, if you mean a day trip from Marrakech, I'd say no. It would make for a much more comfortable trip to stay overnight at least 1 night, 2 would be better with the remaining 4 nights (or 5) in Marrakech.

Your accommodation in Marrakech can arrange a "grand taxi" (car & driver) for you or you can take a very comfortable bus which I did last time and liked it very much. Again, your hotel or riad can arrange a taxi to the bus station. http://wikitravel.org/en/Essaouira

Here's a video that I made last month near Marrakesh. I'll have more edited soon.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ljO4...SNQkjZARMNzQEg

Warning:

No criticism of Caroline's videography intended, I'd advise those prone to motion sickness to not watch the above.

Thanks. We all know you'd never criticize.