One week in Morocco (group of 4)
 

Hi all!

I am planning a trip to Morocco in June with three of my friends, and am trying to put together a week-long itinerary so we can book flights while they're still cheap. Do you guys have any suggestions on a good route to do and some fun/interesting places we could see:

* With only a week in the country, what are the best cities to see in Morocco? Currently we're planning on seeing Casablanca, Marrakesh, and Fes. Should any of these be replaced?
* Where are the best beaches to go to?
* What are some cool less-touristy activities that are off the beaten path?
* Any worthwhile "nature activities" (any cool hikes, bike rides, etc.)?

Since we have just started the planning, any suggestions you could offer would be really helpful. Also, would you suggest renting a car or using public transport for our trip?

Thanks!
Kevin

I would eliminate Casablanca and spend time in the desert - definitely the most amazing thing we have done. I think you can take public transport between major cities but not all the way to the desert.

Here is a link to my trip report:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...s-tangines.cfm

We were a family of 4, which may not be quite your style, so here is an excellent trip report written by two fun women - which may be more your travel style: http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...cco-lisbon.cfm

I, too, would drop Casa, which has only one or two interesting sights and no good budget accommodation. I'd add Essaouira instead, which might also satisfy your beach request - Morocco is not typically a beach destination. (Agadir is the main beach resort area, but might be too far south for a short trip.) I might also drop Fes in favor of the desert or mountains (Imlil, perhaps), but a week is really not very long.

My trip report is here: http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...can-medley.cfm

Hi Jgg and Thursdaysd:

Thank you for replying. I might visit Morocco next summer and am curious as to which tour guides you used in Morocco?

Thank you so much!

We used Blue Men of Morocco (www.bluemenofmorocco.com) All the details are in my trip report - link listed above.

I didn't use a tour guide. I traveled independently and with a tour group - see my TR linked above.

I am originally from Vancouver Canada and have been living in Marrakesh for about a year now. Must visit Marrakesh! June gets a but hot though... In Marrakesh Medina and Jemna El Fna is a must especially if you like shopping for artisan. Hammam, hotels (you can enjoy a restaurant or a pool in pretty much any hotel for about 100 Durhams a person) The parks are beautiful, if you golf there are amazing golf courses here. The Atlantic coast is great too for water sports, beaches and sight seeing.

You may Skip Casablanca, and instead catch a train to either Fes or Marrakech, www.oncf.ma for schedules.
Be based in Marrakech and have day trips to the Western high Atlas Mt and the coast, Essaouira is pretty laidback.
Enjoy your trip