One of the best ways to truly experience a country is through a guided tour. Tour companies have itineraries that are tailored based on the amount of time you plan to spend in the country and what you would like to explore.  And if you are traveling alone, it is a great way to meet people from around the world while exploring together.  To explore as much as possible of Morocco, which is the size of California, going with a tour company is definitely the way to go.  G Adventures offer several tours in many places around the world, and they have several tours in Morocco.  Their Moroccan tour “Kasbahs and Desert” is an eight-day tour that starts in Casablanca and ends in Marrakech, covering a wide stretch of the country’s most captivating landscapes and cities. From Casablanca you pass through the capital, from there you have stops at Roman ruins, the markets of Fes, two days in the Saharra which include a sunset camel ride, exploring several towns and villages throughout the country, and finally ending in the fascinating city of Marrakech.

While the tour starts in Casablanca, it doesn’t include sightseeing there.  So if you want to explore Casablanca, you will need to arrive a day or two before the tour begins.  The two attractions in Casablanca are the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, and its scenic Atlantic beaches. The first stop on the tour is the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a fascinating archaeological site that reveals how advanced Roman civilization was in North Africa. Besides seeing sites on the tour, you learn so much about the history of the country.

The next stop on the tour is the city of Fes.  Fes is very interesting city because it served as a trading hub, and was home to Arabs, Moors, and Jews, each leaving an indelible mark on its architecture and traditions. The city is known for its many mosques and having one of the largest and oldest car-free medinas in the world.  A medina is a maze of narrow streets filled with vibrant shops selling everything from spices, food, clothes, jewelry, handmade textiles and fresh food.  Within the Medina, you’ll find homes, restaurants, and places of worship, all enclosed within the old part of the city. 

After Fes comes a highlight for nearly every traveler, the Sahara Desert. Seeing the Sahara Desert in person is awe-inspiring.  The endless golden dunes, sweeping valleys, and pure silence of the desert are unlike anything else on Earth. Traveling to the Sahara in July and August please be prepared for the heat.  It is very hot during those times of the year. This part of the tour consists of a sunset camel ride in the desert.

Since Morocco is mostly desert there are a lot of oases, which are lush green areas that serve as the heart of many small towns and villages. Residents are given plots of land to grow food so you’ll find many community gardens in the oasis.  Think of them as the town or village version of Central Park, a lively, social spaces where families gather, children play, and water streams flow through the desert landscape.

Fans of “The Game of Thrones” and “Gladiator” will instantly recognize Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as the backdrop for many ironic films and TV shows. Walking through its ancient walls feel like stepping into another time period.

The final stop on the tour is the fascinating city of Marrakech. Marrakech is magical. There are several historical sites including Saadian Tombs and El Palace. The Saadian Tombs show the beauty of the Moroccan architecture. In addition, the breathtaking Koutoubia Mosque, which glows beautifully at night. But the true magic of Marrakech comes alive after sunset in the main square called Jamaa el-Fnaa. As evening falls, the square transforms into a lively carnival filled with musicians, street performers, storytellers, and food vendors. Rooftop cafes in the square offer the perfect spot to watch the sunset and take in the excitement below. Beyond the the square, there are several souks to explore.

Now before you book this tour there are some things to consider. As mentioned in the beginning, Morocco is the size of California so you will be traveling long hours in a van to get to locations. And if you only like to stay in five star hotels, this tour wouldn’t be for you. The accommodations on this tour are comfortable three star hotels and a very nice guest house. All the hotels are clean, pleasant, and full of character, but not luxury level.  And if you go to Morocco during the summer months, it is very hot. But if you can get pass the long hours traveling in a van and three star hotels and the heat, you will have a great time exploring and discovering the beauty of Morocco.