Anybody been? Which cities would you recommend? Time of year? Just getting started so any advice will help. Thanks.

Justin, You will find a fair amount of information on Morocco on the Middle East/Africa forum. (There may be some here from visitors who combined it with Spain, but there is more on that forum.) <BR> <BR>I would love to visit, so let me know how it goes.

Justin: <BR>I hitch-hiked around North Africa about 10 years ago and I had a great time. <BR> <BR>Morocco was the first place I visited and it was a bit of a shock to the system. <BR>I'm not sure if you doing this as part of a group or on a shoestring or what, so I don't know how I can help. However, I would say this. Don't go to Morocco and not see Marakesh(sp). <BR>If you are by yourself you will be constantly harassed by people wanting to be your guide-Get one! Even if he doesn't know a thing about the sites he will stop others from bothering you and at least allow you to find some things out for yourself.

<BR>Ah Morocco! One of my favorite countries in this world. Going there is like a trip back in time in many ways (as long as you avoid Tangiers...no reason to go there). My favorite towns/cities where Cheuchauen, Tetuan, Fez and Marakesh. As soon as you arrive in a bigger town or city a swarm of guides will descend on you. Hire one or get one from the offical city sanctioned guides as you will need a guide in the medina areas so as not to be hopelessly lost. They will also keep other "guides" away so at least you will have some peace. Do know these guides get a kickback from every place they take you to...all stores, restuarants, hotels etc. But it's a small price to pay really as they don't pressure you to buy (but many people do I know). As for time of year, Spring or Fall would be best as summer can be very hot. <BR>Morocco is a fascinating place...like a trip to the 17th century when you go into the large medina areas especially.

I agree that Fez and Marakesh are must-sees. The main square in Marakesh, the Jema el Fnah (?), in the evening, with its snake charmers, dancers, acrobats, sgtory tellers, food stands, is a great experience. We did day trips to Meknes, which has some monumental ruins and gates and it was interesting. We also rented a car and took a day trip into the Atlas mountains to visit the palace of the Glaui, a family which ruled in the area up to the time of the French. We also went to Casablanca, which I would not recommend. Tangiers is really only for those who don't have the time to see the real Morocco and should otherwise be avoided.

We spent two weeks, on our own, in Morocco last fall and loved it. I agree with the posters re Tangiers and Casa. Dirty port cities. <BR>Chefchaouen (a mountain village whose buildings are all painted white, with green or blue trim - like Greek Islands); Fez (the medina is unbelievable); Meknes, and the ruins of a Roman village called Volubilis (the best ruins I've ever visited, because you can walk around totally on your own; nothing is roped off, except a few mosaics); Marrakesh (all of it, but don't bother with the tourist restaurants with the musicians and belly dancers; very expensive and sort of boring). <BR>Hire a guide through the tourist office or your hotel; these are official, licensed guides whose main focus is to show you the city and tell you about the history. The touts at the train stations are focused on getting you to a rug or souvenir shop as fast as possible, disguising this with a few sites and some general patter. The official guides wear badges and, believe me, that wards off everyone else. <BR>Morocco is extremely inexpensive; the food is safe and very, very good. We drank bottled water for the whole trip, but my sister decided to throw caution to the wind on the last two days and drink tap water. No problems at all... <BR> <BR>We did arrange a tour through the Atlas Mountains, then on to the Sahara, where we rode camels into the desert and camped out at an oasis (which is pronounced WAH ziss, whoda guessed). <BR> <BR>We loved Morocco so much that that is where we will spend 12/31/99...