In this post, we’re going to cover just the top attractions for North American leisure travelers to Morocco.
North Americans typically take a Morocco tour to experience cultural and heritage sites, rather than the country’s beach resorts.
The goal is to give travel advisors enough information to get started with potential Morocco clients, in case you have never sold Morocco or traveled there.
Of course, we’re here for you by phone or email at any stage during the planning and booking process to answer questions and lend our expertise.
800.644.1595 / information@yallatours.com / yallatours.com
WHERE IS MOROCCO?
Morocco is located on the northwest coast of Africa, with coastlines on the Atlantic ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
Very generally speaking, the coastal plain of morocco gives way to a mountainous interior, which drops down to the Sahara desert on the southern and eastern edges of the country.
HOW TO GET TO MOROCCO?
There are a number of international airports in Morocco but most tourists coming from North America will fly in and out of Casablanca. Many international carriers fly into Casablanca, located on the north-central Atlantic coast of Morocco. For those wishing to concentrate only on the south of the country, Marrakech has an international airport.
WHY VISIT MOROCCO?
Morocco is a diverse destination, with a lot to experience – Imperial Cities (Fez, Marrakech, Meknes, Rabat), Sahara Desert, mountains, beaches, distinctive architecture,
friendly people, great shopping, delicious food… We recommend at least a week, preferably 10-12 days for a Morocco tour.
CASABLANCA
A Ya’lla Tours Morocco tour usually begins in Casablanca, where the country’s main international airport is located. Coming from North America, visitors usually need an overnight in Casablanca on their arrival. Casablanca is more of a commercial city than a tourist destination, but the Hassan II Mosque there is an outstanding building and a must see site before heading out to the rest of the country.
An hour or two is plenty of time to experience the mosque.
RABAT & MEKNES
These imperial cities are home to a lot of history and some beautiful monuments. Presently, Rabat is the capital city of Morocco.
A Morocco tour with Ya’lla Tours often includes stops in Meknes and Rabat when driving between Casablanca and Fez. Meknes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
VOLUBILIS
About a 90 minute drive from Fez are the beautiful Roman remains of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This site sprawls across 100 acres. Depending on interest, visitors spend 2 or more hours here.
FEZ (FES)
Fez is another imperial city of Morocco, rich in history and atmosphere.
One day of touring is enough to see the main sites but many visitors stay 2-3 days to explore on their own for a more immersive experience.
Truly, a person could spend weeks in the Fez medina and still not see it all. The Fez medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
MARRAKECH
Marrakech (Marrakesh) is also an imperial city but with a very different look and feel than Fez. In our opinion, both cities are worth experiencing.
The popular sites are easily seen in a full day of touring. However, like Fez, the Marrakech medina is a great place to wander at leisure and some visitors spend days there.
The Marrakech medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Marrakech is in the south of the country, in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Travelers who want to visit only Marrakech and the south of Morocco can skip Casablanca and fly into Marrakech.
ATLAS MOUNTAINS
Visitors to Marrakech can make an easy daytrip into the Atlas Mountains for spectacular scenery and visits to mountain villages.
OUARZAZATE
Ouarzazate in the south of Morocco is famous for its ksar, Ait Ben Haddou, and for its film studios.
Films such as Gladiator, The Last Temptation of Christ, Kundun, and The Man Who Would be King were shot in the area, as well as scenes for Game of Thrones.
A few hours of touring in the Ouarzazate area is plenty.
SAHARA DESERT CAMP
Glamping amongst the dunes of the Sahara Desert tops the list of highlights for most of our travelers to Morocco.
Cozy private tents are furnished with warm, comfortable beds and private bathroom facilities. Multi-course meals are prepared and served in a separate dining tent.
Campers can ride camels into the dunes to watch the sunset or sunrise, or both! After dinner, campers may join local musicians for dancing and singing around the camp fire.
Visit our web site to browse our published Morocco programs (all privately escorted) or contact us to plan a custom Morocco tour.
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