MOROCCO
Sundowners in Tangier, Rock the Casbah, Give a Damn in Casablanca & Get lost in Marrakech
Photo by Sergey Pesterev on Unsplash
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Your holiday - Your way
COUNTRY GUIDE
The Sahara
Image by Greg Montani from Pixabay
BEST TIME TO GO - Spring - March / May and Autumn - September / October is best.
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Summer - June / August is very hot.
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Winter - November / February is very cold.
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The coast has good weather all year and the mountains will be obviously much cooler.
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Ramadan lasts for a month and can interrupt travel plans. It's date changes each year and the time to break the fast in the evening also changes.
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POPULATION - 35,731,000
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CAPITAL - Rabat
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ETHNICITY - Arabs and Berbers 99.1%
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LANGUAGE - Arabic and Berber
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NATIONAL DRINK - Mint Tea
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NATIONAL DISH - Couscous
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VISA - Click here for information
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FLIGHTS -
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Tangier - Ibn Batouta International Airport (TNG) - has direct flights to 31 cities in 10 countries mainly in Europe.
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Rabat - Sale Airport (RBA) - has direct flights to 17 destinations in 7 countries mainly in Europe.
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If you want to fly in and out of Tangier it's only a 1 hour 20 minute train trip from Rabat.
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If you're not coming from Europe it's probably easiest to connect in one of the major centres like Rome, Madrid or London.
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Once you pay for your airline tickets get some travel insurance to cover yourself
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STAY - Most hotels are available on Booking.com unless otherwise stated. It's best to get bookings with free cancellation and pay on site when you get there. Hotels chosen are usually 3*** or 4 or 5 if they are good value. They are chosen firstly for their location, value for money, positive testimonials regarding cleanliness and service and features like rooftop terraces and great views.
Since the end of Covid a lot of prices have gone through the roof. So if the selected hotel is out of your price range click on the location map and choose something cheaper nearby. Or you might prefer something else but try to stay in the same area.
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BUDGET - Morocco is a fairly inexpensive country to travel in depending on the level of luxury you prefer.
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GOVERNMENT - Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy
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RELIGION - Sunni Islam 63%, Non denominational Islam 30%
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BORN - 7th April 1956
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BIG MAC IN $US - $2.73
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LITERACY - 73.8%
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MINIMUM WAGE ANNUAL IN $US - $3180
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CURRENCY - Moroccan Dirham MAD 1 MAD = 10c
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LIFE EXPECTANCY - 76.5
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TOURISTS PER YEAR - 11.35 million
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#1 TOURIST SITE - Marrakesh Medina / Jardin Majorelle
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CHEERS - Bessahha
MEET MOROCCO 28N
HIGHLIGHTS - Medinas, souks & tagines
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​Tangier 3N
Chefchaouen 4N
Meknes 4N
Fes 3N
Dade Valley 1N
Marrakech 3N
Essaouira 3N
Casablanca 3N
Rabat 3N = 28N
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Buy a Tagine
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The Caves of Hercules
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Hangout with Tangerines
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Hammams - bath houses
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Cafe Jimi Hendrix
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Wind City of Africa
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The tallest building in Africa
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See all four Imperial Cities
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The giant cemetery at Rabat
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The Hollywood of Morocco
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Blue City, Red City, White City
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Cooking Lessons in most towns
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Treats from a 16th century Bakery
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Sahara Camel ride and Desert Camp
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The World's Oldest Living Medieval City
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Pilgrimage to the Holy City of Moulay Idriss
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The second largest Mosque in the World
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The only Jewish museum in the Arab World
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Morocco's and Africa's best (new) Golf Course
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Gran Cafe de Paris home to famous writers in Tangier
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UNESCO Masterpiece of World Heritage, Djemaa El Fna
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Buy Leather goods from the Oldest Tannery in the World
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Mint tea, Coffee Nous Nous pastries and people watching
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Rick's Cafe in Casablanca + the original inspiration in Tangier
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Stay in Riads in the Medinas - traditional houses in the old towns
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The mosque that was started in the 12th century and isn't finished yet
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TAngier - 3N
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​Welcome to Tangier the "Gateway to Africa". Stay in a famous historical hotel in the old Medina where Churchill once stayed. It comes with great views and an onsite hammam (bath-house). Many famous writers and artists were drawn to live here last century with the promise of wild times. At one time this city rivaled Monte Carlo and Nice. One of their favourite hangouts was the Gran Cafe de Paris along with Cafe Baba, Cafe Hafa and Cafe Tingis.
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You can either fly in or if you're in the neighbourhood already, you could catch the ferry from Gibraltar or Tarifa and Algeciras in Spain. There are also ferries from France and Italy. Tarifa is best because it goes straight to Tangier. Most of the others go to Tangier Med which is an hour away to the north-east by bus or taxi.
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In 1924 Tangier officially became an International Zone ruled by the English, French and Spanish. During WWII it became a hot bed of spies, businessmen, artists and all sorts of interesting characters. Even the Rolling Stones spent some time here. Visit some of the Tangerines (ex-pats) old haunts as well as exploring the interesting parts of the city. Lots of cafes - the Souk - the beach - a Hammam - museums - the Kasbah and sundowners should get your step count up to quota.
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Why not try a cooking class - satisfy your sweet tooth - check out the local patisseries, cafes, tea houses, restaurants and bars - visit the Tangier American Legation Museum. Morocco was the first country to recognise the newly formed nation - the United States of America.
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Stay in or near the famous Hotel Continental *** - established in 1870 it has a shared history with the city and a famous terrace said to be the most beautiful spot in Tangier, good breakfast included, restaurant, beachfront, located in the Old Medina with sea views, a 4 minute walk to the Petit Socco and an 8 minute walk to the Grand Socco.​​​​
Fes
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Chefchaouen - 4N
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Take the bus from Tangier to Chefchaouen aka Chaouen. Feeling Blue? You will be after a few days in "the Blue Pearl". In a good way though. You'll fall in love with this laid back and friendly little place. Stay in a riad by the Medina in this bright Blue City surrounded by the Rif Mountains. Get lost in the blue maze (it's worth paying for a guide to hear the stories).
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Relax at a café by the town's natural mountain spring. View the sunset from the Kasbah or the Spanish Mosque. Have enough time here to relax, hike in the mountains, visit waterfalls with crystal blue pools for swimming and visit the Hamman (bath-house).
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All towns have a central square which are great places for eating, drinking and watching the world go by. Make a visit to the local bakery where the oven was built in the 1500's. There's plenty of street-food to try and the atmosphere and scenery are hard to beat. Don't miss La Lampe Magique and get a table on their wonderful terrace
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Photo by Francesco Luca Labianca on Unsplash
Chefchaouen - The Blue City
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Walking is the easiest way to get around this compact city. Download the Maps.me app and relevant maps on your phone. If a local helps you with directions you will be paying for it. You will get a lot of offers for hashish and hashish tours. Even though it is widely used it is still illegal here.
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Stay at or near Dar Yakout - a riad with a rooftop terrace, mountain views and a restaurant.
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Meknes - 4N
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​Take a bus then change at Souk El Arbaa for a train to the former Imperial City of Meknes - a UNESCO World Heritage Listed Site. The bus leaves at 7 am and the whole trip is just over 4 hours.​​
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Smaller and less touristy than it's famous neighbour is a bonus as it's more relaxed and less hectic. This was once home to the Sultans which means a Royal Palace, the Mausoleum of Moulay, Prison de Kara and all sorts of impressive structures as well as some very interesting stories. There is a worthwhile day-trip to Morocco's most impressive Roman ruins (another UNESCO World Heritage Listed Site) and 5 minutes away - a pilgrimage to a holy city which has only allowed non-Muslims to enter since 1916. Known as Moulay Idriss it was named after Mohammed's great grandson.
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Another good day out is to visit the wineries and olive oil groves which use techniques developed over thousands of years to make a premium product. You may want to check out the healing waters of the nearby Aïn Salama.
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Enjoy the evening in El Hedim Square where you'll find plenty of food, street performers and entertainment. Then perhaps a pub crawl back and forth between Le Pub and Hotel Rif. Actually there are around 8 bars you can "crawl" around.
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Check out these cafes - restaurants - souks and street food.
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​Stay at or near the Riad Yacout - in the Medina, a 2 minute walk from El Hadim Square with a restaurant, fabulous breakfast included, rooftop terrace, pool and traditional Hammam.
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Or their nearby and cheaper sister place Riad Safir is very nice too with Moroccan breakfast included, rooftop terrace and plunge pool.
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Fes - 3N
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Take the train 53kms to Fes the country's UNESCO listed "cultural capital". Don't forget to organise your 3 day 2 night Sahara transfer to Marrakech when you arrive.
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Stay inside the Medina because the gates close at 7 PM and you may have trouble getting to a hotel outside. There's a lot to see in the world's oldest living medieval city including the architectural masterpiece Medersa Bou Inania and the iconic (and stinky) world's oldest tannery. There are some Natural Springs and Thermal Spas nearby with possible health benefits for day trips. There are lots of rooftop terraces and restaurants to enjoy sunsets and the views.​
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Fes is the culinary capital of Morocco so it's probably a good place to do a cooking class. There are some hotels and restaurants around where you can get a drink.
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Stay at or near Riad Farah - in the Medina near the Blue Gate with a rooftop terrace, restaurant, bar and exceptional breakfast included.​​​​​
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Sahara / Dades Valley - 2N
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Time to head off on your 3 day / 2 night Sahara tour to Marrakech. You could pick one of these.
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Some of the highlights will include "little Switzerland", the Apple Capital of Morocco, Camel trek and a night in a Desert Camp, the Todra Gorges, Ouarzazate the "Hollywood of Morocco" where a quite a few well known movies have been made and the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Ait Ben Haddou an ancient mud walled city that has also been the site of many Hollywood movies. You will be dropped off at your riad in Marrakech at the end of it.
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Photo by Juan ignacio Tapia on Unsplash
The Famous Night Time Marrakech Market
Marrakech - 3N
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Get your senses ready because they are about to be assaulted, by Marrakech. Stay in a Riad near the World famous Djemaa El Fna (main square) the Night Market to end all Night Markets. Get lost in the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Medina (turn your phone off or better yet leave it back in the hotel safe), see the spice souk, check out a palace or two and just soak it all in. For a change of pace have a look at the very popular Jardin Majorelle and for the first time in history Le Jardin Secret. Yves Saint Laurent used to enjoy his holidays here in Marrakech and get inspiration for his designs. A new museum about him opened up here in 2017 next to his homes and the fabulous garden he bought in 1980. Soon you will be in the city of his birth, Oran in Algeria.
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Marrakech is another great place to have a cooking lesson. You will be taken shopping in the souk and then head back to a riad and taught the art of Moroccan cuisine. Golfers can choose from at least a dozen excellent courses and Hot Air Balloon rides are quite reasonably priced compared to many places. Spend your evenings amongst the madness of Djemma El Fin with it's street food, snake charmers, henna artists, dancers, musicians, comedians, acrobats, magicians and all of the other dodgy characters. Head up to a rooftop bar to watch the sunset and escape the madness for a while. Later on try some of these places.
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While you are here try these foods - cafes - teahouses - restaurants and rooftop restaurants. Don't miss the upper rooftop level at the Nomad either.
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Stay in or near Riad Wink - close to the attractions with a rooftop terrace with city views, a garden, bar, restaurant, coffee shop & lounge, good breakfast included, car and bike rental.​​​​​
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essaouira - 3N
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Take the 3 hour bus ride to Essaouira. After the chaos of Marrakech it's time to relax in laid back UNESCO listed Essaouira, the Wind City of Africa. Because of this wind it is a great place for kite surfing and ignored by the masses. Unlike Marrakech the Medina here is hassle free and a great place to shop. Back in the days of the "Hippy Trail" this was an offshoot route off of the main trail and many hippies spent time here.
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Stroll down to the port and watch the fishermen mending their nets, blue boat builders at work and even a fish auction. There are food stalls here so it's a good place to have a feed of fresh seafood. Game of Thrones was filmed on the ramparts here where it played the role of of the medieval city of Astapor. Later on head to La Chalet De La Plage an excellent place for sundowners since 1893.
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Image by danydeseure from Pixabay
Essaouira Sunset
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Other interesting activities include a Hammam visit - a traditional steam, clean and pummeling. Good fun and you've never been cleaner. Cooking classes are always a good way of taking some of the culture home with you and sharing it with your friends. If the weather is nice head down the beach. Even if it's a bit windy it will be an interesting walk. Or there's a winery 20 km away where you can tour, taste and enjoy lunch. Essaouira is a good place to buy Argan Oil but you need to be careful you don't get ripped off. You may have heard about the goats in Argan trees but it's a bit of a scam and is probably best avoided. For the goat's sake.
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5 minutes away by taxi is Diabat. A hippy haven in the 1970's once visited by Jimi Hendrix and it has a cafe and hotel bearing his name. The Mogadon Golf Course boasts 36 holes designed by Gary Player. The Ranch de Diabat has horse riding and several places run off-road Buggy / Quad tours through the dunes and along the beach. They normally provide a free shuttle from Essaouira.
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For sunset find a rooftop cafe, bar, restaurant or even swimming pool and enjoy a few cocktails. Essaouira has a rich culture and plenty of good authentic restaurants with some offering theme nights and entertainment.
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If you want to stay in the Medina (Old Town) have a look at these places
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Riad l'Ayel d'Essaouira - rooftop terrace, restaurant, bar ​
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Riad Haizea Mogador - breakfast on the rooftop terrace, restaurant
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If you want to stay down by the beach have a look at these
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Atlas Essaouira & Spa ***** - swimming pool, spa and wellness centre, beachfront, restaurant, bar
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Residence Louzani - apartment with kitchen and balcony with sea views
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Essaouira Beach Hostel - great roof terrace for sunsets and watching the kite surfers, spa and wellness centre, restaurant, big choice of rooms
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Riad Zahra - swimming pool, 4 restaurants, bar, beachfront, very good breakfast included
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casablanca - 3N
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Take the bus along the coast to Casablanca which takes about 6 hours. Time to have a break from the old towns and maze like streets.
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Stay in or near the Unico Hotel & Spa Casablanca **** - great central location near restaurants and a sports bar, it has a spa & wellness centre, restaurant, terrace, coffee house, tour desk and activities.
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See the sights, such as the Hassan II Mosque (with the tallest minaret in the world) - a 5 minute walk away from the Royal Palace in the French Quarter is the Patisserie Bennis Habous that has been around since 1930 - stroll the Corniche - eat the food - have a drink at Rick's Cafe - and a few more at the Irish Pub Casablanca and other places. Spend a day down the beach and go surfing. Head up to Sky28 for a sunset city view. For a special round of golf the Gary Player designed Mazagan is only an hour away down the coast.
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Casablanca has a range of public transport with the tram and petit taxis being the best two options for tourists.​​​
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Rabat - 3N
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Take the hour long train ride on your last leg to the enchanting capital Rabat and Sale its' twin sister across the Bou Regreg River. The whole city is a UNESCO site! Stay in the Medina near main nightlife area and the corniche by the river.
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Plenty to see and do and eat and drink in Rabat like the 12th century Hassan Tower and Kasbah, cosmopolitan Sale Marina with its' many restaurats and shops, sundowners on the waterfront, Roman ruins where eels eat hard boiled eggs, a seafood lunch at the Sale fish-market. Just catch the tram or a boat below the Kasbah to get across the river. Have a few sundowners before dinner from the stunningly scenic deck of a dhow.
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Africa's tallest building should be finished by the time you get there. The huge cemetery here must hold some records too. Time Magazine featured Rabat as one of the world's greatest places in 2023. Once again the trams and petit taxis are the way to go.
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Stay at or near Dar Wassim el Ghali - in the Medina (Old Town) with a rooftop terrace and views over the river to Sale, close to the Corniche, Kasbah, Tram stop, Restaurant and Airport Shuttle
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Make your way to the airport or if you're flying out from Tangier it's only 1 hour 20 minutes by train.
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