Rather than simply listing cities, monuments, and must-see attractions in this traditional North African gem, I invite you to join me as I reminisce about my recent unforgettable 5-day vacation in the Kingdom of Light. I recommend that you grab a cold drink first to be able to keep up, as I packed in A LOT into this 5-day trip!

Day 1: Arriving in Casablanca

Our Moroccan adventure began in Casablanca, where we arrived at noon on June 1st. I had deliberately chosen to keep my eyes and mind open, free of preconceived ideas, so I could truly explore with fresh eyes. My first impression of Casablanca was that it was charming and sophisticated, a city where ancient Moroccan culture coexists perfectly with modernity.

After clearing immigration, we were warmly welcomed by the Moroccan Tourism Board, who escorted us to a luxury bus that would be our primary mode of transportation for the remainder of our trip

Tip: If you’re considering group travel to Morocco, skip the taxis and opt for a luxury bus and chauffeur. It adds a unique flair to the entire trip.

We arrived at our first hotel, a stunning 5-star establishment in the heart of Casablanca. Once settled, we were whisked to the hotel’s spa for our first Moroccan experience: a rejuvenating hammam session at the spa.

Tip: When you visit Morocco,  make sure a visit to a hammam is on your list.

Our first day ended with delicious cocktails on the hotel’s rooftop, where a DJ played Nigerian songs in the background— as everyone bopped and swayed to the beats. It was a nice feeling that made our evening even more special.

Day 2: Exploring Tangier

Day 2 began with a quiet but quick breakfast at 7 AM, as we had an early departure for Tangier. By 8:15 AM, we were at la Gare de Casa, the train station, ready for our 2-hour trip to Tangier. While a 7-hour road trip sounds appealing, it would have disrupted our itinerary, so we opted for the faster train option.

We arrived in Tangier just before noon, and the welcome in Tangier was quite different from Casablanca’s floral greeting. Here, we were served mint tea and traditional Moroccan sweets by staff dressed in traditional attire.

Our guided tour took us to several popular spots, including the Cape Spartel Lighthouse, the Petit Socco, the Kasbah, and the Medina. One thing that stood out was the uniformity in design. Our guide explained that Moroccan craftsmanship is deeply rooted in the culture and preserved through generations. The intricate designs in a newly-built 5-star hotel could be identical to those in a historical museum like Dar Niaba. While it might seem monotonous after a while, appreciating the hand-crafted details that have endured through the ages gives you a deep respect for this cultural heritage.

Our tour included a visit to the spice and herbal section of the market, where we could choose spices and herbs for customised medicine, skincare products, and perfumes. Watching the skilled men, mostly in their late 50s and 60s, quickly formulate products using techniques passed down through generations was a testament to the rich cultural preservation alive in this ancient kingdom.

Our day ended with a drive through the vibrant town to a charming restaurant, where we indulged in Moroccan delicacies and wine, ending our second day on a delightful note.

Day 3: Enchanted by Chefchaouen

With our tour of Tangier complete, we journeyed to Chefchaouen, known as The Blue Pearl. This enchanting city, with its thirteen gates and predominantly blue colour scheme, is a sight to behold!

Seeing the city in pictures is one thing; but standing on its cobbled streets, basking in the brilliance of the sun, and taking in the stunning scenery is a completely different affair. The blue and white hues make you feel like you’ve stepped into an alternate universe. The architecture, the people, and the vibrant atmosphere bring the city to life, making you feel instantly invigorated.

In Chefchaouen, we experienced our first Moroccan wedding, which was one of the most beautiful ceremonies I’ve ever attended. Everything from the clothing and jewellery to the oud songs sung by the women celebrating the bride was remarkable and decadent. It made me wish I were more than just a spectator!

It was also in Chefchaouen that I tasted my first tagine, a delectable beef-filled dish that I won’t forget soon …

Day 4: The Road to Marrakech

We bid farewell to the enchanting city of Chefchaouen in the morning and embarked on a journey to Marrakech via Tangier and Casablanca. This was my first opportunity to experience a Moroccan road trip, and I can assure you, it did not disappoint. The scenic drive showcased the diverse landscapes and vibrant culture of Morocco, making it an unforgettable experience. 

Tip: When you visit Morocco, be sure to include a road trip in your itinerary.

Day 5: Farewell Adventures in Morocco

Our vacation in the Kingdom of Light was coming to an end, and we decided to pack in as much fun as possible before our departure scheduled for later in the evening.

We started the day at 5:45 AM with a hot air balloon ride, hoping to catch the sunrise. If you’ve never tried hot air ballooning, it’s a must-do. Initially, you might cling on for dear life, but as you ascend, fear gives way to sheer exhilaration, and you’ll wonder why you were ever afraid.

After touching back down, we were off for some quad biking. At this point, we were fearless and eager for more adventure. I opted to ride with a guide, but if you’re more daring, you can ride solo. Don’t worry, you’ll be equipped with all the necessary safety gear, and help is always nearby in case of emergencies.

As if quad biking wasn’t thrilling enough, we thereafter hopped on camels for a more traditional experience. This slightly hair-raising adventure is one I recommend if you’ve never tried it; I thoroughly enjoyed every moment.

Having had our fill of adrenaline, we returned to our hotel to freshen up before heading back out for one last exploration: the Museum of Confluences, Dar El Bacha. The museum offered a feast for the senses with its stunning architecture, intricate wall, ceiling, and floor designs, exquisite woodwork, and a coffee shop featuring beans from around the world that brew for a minimum of two hours. (Yes, you read that right. Two hours.)

Alas! All good things must come to an end, and soon it was time to pack our things and head back home. As we were chauffeured to the airport, I felt waves of bittersweet emotions. While I was happy to be returning home, I didn’t want the magical Moroccan experience to end. This just means I’ll be back again soon, because as anyone who has been will tell you, 5 days is grossly inadequate to take in its beauty.

Tip: You simply must visit Morocco – The Kingdom Of Light!

The post Want to Visit Morocco? Here’s How I Did It in 5 Days! first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post Want to Visit Morocco? Here’s How I Did It in 5 Days! appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

Morocco is truly one African nation to explore if you haven’t done so already. Not only is it choke-full of interesting places to visit — Morocco is famous for preserving ancient traditions in every aspect of their lives from architecture to food, and even style — but there are so many things to do and see that we daresay a 2-week stay is barely enough to get acquainted with whatever city you choose to visit, talk less of the entire country.

Fresh from our Moroccan trip, here are some places that really intrigued us and we believe offer a good starting point to an exploration of the Kingdom of Light.

The Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca

Very cliché in terms of where to visit, but if it’s your first time in the country, it pays to start with a popular and important landmark as it serves as a great foundation of what to expect on your Moroccan adventure.

The storied mosque that took about seven years to build and thousands of hours of labour features mostly local materials and craftsmanship. Its strategic position by the Atlantic Ocean and just a little above it adds further appeal to its magnificent size and impressive craftsmanship.

Thousands of stories and articles on one of the largest mosques in the world with one of the world’s longest minarets abound, and it can almost feel like you’ve been there without having actually ever visited. But, unlike other popular tourist destinations, it is truly one place you must see for yourself to fully understand how beautiful and special it is.

Hammam

Whether you are in Marrakesh (Marrakech if you prefer) or Casablanca, the one activity you cannot afford to miss is the traditional Moroccan Hammam, which is why it gets a special place on this list.

The Hammam is basically a spa experience that starts in a dry hot room, then moves on to a hot, steamy room, which then gives way to a bathing room, and ends in the resting room, or, in some cases, goes on to yet another room, the massage parlour, where you receive a full body massage that melts away whatever stubborn stress might remain after this truly blissful experience.  You’d thoroughly enjoy the amenities and treatment from seasoned practitioners with decades of expertise using centuries-old local Moroccan practices, soaps and oils.

Tangier

For most visitors, Casablanca may not have much to offer beyond the Hassan II Mosque and other smaller tourist attractions, but not Tangier.  This ancient medina, which is the meeting point of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, is the perfect place for limitless exploration, and when you want, blissful relaxation.

Tangier is a  7-hour road trip from Casablanca, but, to get there faster, a 2-hour train ride from La Gare Casa would suffice.

Once there, you can choose to explore the Kasbah, a historic fortress and palace, housing the Dar Niaba museum, which showcases the city’s history and cultural artefacts. Or, if you would rather just sit back and take in the city, the Petit Socco, also known as Souk Dakhli, is the place to go. The Grand Socco, on the other hand, is a vibrant, bustling public square, surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, and shops, so should you get bored, you can easily hit the stores to buy everything from clothes and shoes and even prepare your unique body oil with whatever herbs, seeds and nuts of your choice.

The Cape Spartel Lighthouse is one landmark you do not want to miss while you’re in Tangier. Situated at the northwestern tip of Africa, where the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean converge, this historic lighthouse, built in 1864, stands majestically on a rocky promontory, its shining bright beam guiding ships and travellers alike.

The Lighthouse is not only a marvel of engineering but also a sacred site, mentioned in the Qur’an and the epic poem, Ulysses by Homer. In the former, it is called the ‘Ras al-Tubul,’ marking the western extremity of the known world while Ulysses describes it as the ‘Pillar of Hercules,’ symbolizing the gateway between Europe and Africa.

Chefchaouen

You’ve probably heard about the picturesque blue town of Morocco, but Chefchaouen is more than its blue-and-white aesthetic. Its rich history, intentional architecture that preserves decades-old tradition and culture, and, very traditional cuisine that includes the tagine, a slow-cooked stew, all come together to make for a truly authentic, luxury experience like no other.

Chefchaouen was founded in 1471 as a fortress to resist Portuguese invasions. The blue you see everywhere is intentional, as, in Moroccan culture, the colour is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring peace. This beautiful fortified medina, with its twelve gates and narrow streets, offers the best of Moroccan warmth and hospitality, and even if you do not get to visit other popular cities like Marrakech and Tangier, the one place you absolutely do not want to miss on your first visit is the very beautiful, very traditional, and very charming city of Chefchaouen.

Marrakech

Last on our list is Marrakech, and honestly, if the theme of your vacation is ‘busy days and countless media,’ Marrakech should probably be the starting point of your Morrocan adventure.

There’s so much to do and see that a week in Marrakech would probably be grossly inadequate. From the museums — like the Dar El Bacha, La Musée des Confluences — to the souks, to the public buildings open to tourists, to the different tourist activities like quad biking and camel riding, you’d never run out of things to do and places to see. Also, the architecture and craftwork, especially in the Medina, is simply stunning and breathtakingly beautiful.

Even if your goal is to have a very peaceful Moroccan vacation, it would not hurt to add Marrakech to your list of places to visit, even if it is just for a day or two. The experience would definitely be worth it.

The post First Time In Morocco? Here are Some Must-See Destinations and Activities to Consider first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post First Time In Morocco? Here are Some Must-See Destinations and Activities to Consider appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.