Rabat (📍MAP) to Casablanca (📍MAP)

Rabat: Morocco's cultural and political capital, with a relaxed coastal atmosphere and a fascinating mix of historic monuments and modern life.

Casablanca: Morocco's bustling economic heart, where modern architecture blended with elegant Art Deco buildings and a distinctly urban atmosphere.

I arrived in Rabat in the afternoon and made my way straight to the train station for the journey to Casablanca. After checking into my hotel, I took some time to rest and get ready for the days ahead. It was a fairly gentle start to the trip, but I was already excited about what was coming next.

Hassan II Mosque (📍MAP)

I started early that day to visit the mosque before the crowd. This mosque is one of Morocco's most impressive architectural landmarks, dramatically positioned beside the Atlantic Ocean and renowned for its enormous minaret and intricate Moroccan craftsmanship.

I spent the morning exploring the Hassan II Mosque and taking in its incredible scale. The combination of the Atlantic setting, polished marble, geometric tilework and intricate details made it one of those places that was even more impressive in person. I also spent some time photographing the exterior and the coastal views.

Train to Marrakesh (📍MAP)

Marrakesh: The famous Red City, known for its colourful streets, historic palaces, lively souks and distinctive architecture.

After exploring Casablanca, I boarded the train south towards Marrakesh. I enjoyed watching the scenery change gradually outside the window as the city gave way to more open landscapes. The journey itself became a nice transition between the coastal cities and the very different world that awaited me in Marrakesh.

Arrival in Marrakesh

I arrived in Marrakesh in the late afternoon and checked into my hotel before evening fell. After the journey, I was happy to have some time to settle in and get my first taste of the Red City.

Medina of Marrakech (📍MAP) & Medersa Ben Youssef (📍MAP)

Medina of Marrakech: The historic heart of the city, filled with winding lanes, colourful shops, busy markets and the constant rhythm of everyday life.

Medersa Ben Youssef: A beautifully preserved former Islamic college, famous for its detailed zellij tilework, carved cedar wood and ornate stucco.

I started the day early and headed into the medina before the streets became too busy. Wandering through the narrow lanes was an experience in itself, with something interesting around almost every corner. I then visited the Medersa Ben Youssef, where the intricate craftsmanship immediately stood out. The details in the tiles, carved wood and plasterwork were incredible.

The Souks: I wandered through the sprawling traditional markets, passing stalls filled with spices, colourful textiles, handmade goods and intricate metalwork. (📍MAP)

Bahia Palace: I continued to the beautiful 19th-century Bahia Palace, where ornate rooms, courtyards and traditional Moroccan details gave me another glimpse into the city's architectural heritage. (📍MAP)

Koutoubia Mosque (📍MAP) & Menara Gardens (📍MAP)

Koutoubia Mosque: Marrakesh's most recognisable landmark, with its distinctive minaret rising above the surrounding city.

Menara Gardens: A peaceful historic garden centred around a large reflection pool, with the Atlas Mountains providing a dramatic backdrop on clear days.

After lunch, I visited the Koutoubia Mosque before taking a taxi out to the quieter Menara Gardens. It was a welcome change of pace after the energy of the medina.

Jemaa el Fnaa (📍MAP)

Jemaa el Fnaa: Marrakesh's famous main square, which transformed as the sun went down, filling with musicians, storytellers, food stalls and crowds.

I returned to Jemaa el Fnaa around sunset and watched the square change from a busy daytime market into an entirely different world. As evening arrived, the lights came on, food stalls began filling the square and the atmosphere became noticeably more energetic.

Jardin Majorelle (📍MAP)

Jardin Majorelle: A striking botanical garden created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent, famous for its vivid cobalt-blue architecture and exotic plants.

I started the morning at Jardin Majorelle. The intense blue of the buildings stood out against the greenery and bright colours throughout the gardens, making it one of my favourite places in Marrakesh to photograph.

Dar El Bacha Museum (📍MAP) & Le Jardin Secret (📍MAP)

Dar El Bacha Museum: I explored this former palace, taking in its ornate Moroccan woodwork, zellij tiles and historic details.

Le Jardin Secret: I then escaped the noise of the medina at this beautifully restored riad garden. The peaceful courtyards and greenery provided a welcome contrast to the busy streets outside.

A Slow Afternoon in Marrakesh

After spending most of the day exploring, I slowed things down and simply walked around the city for a while. I enjoyed having some unplanned time to take in the atmosphere, wander through the streets and stop whenever something caught my attention. Later, I returned to the riad to relax and recharge before the next major part of the journey.

Ait Benhaddou (📍MAP) & Ouarzazate (📍MAP)

Ait Benhaddou: A spectacular fortified village built from earthen clay, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous for its appearances in numerous films and television productions.

Ouarzazate: A desert gateway surrounded by dramatic landscapes and historic kasbahs.

I set off from Marrakesh and travelled across the Atlas Mountains before reaching Ait Ben Haddou. Walking through the old fortified village felt like stepping into another era. I then continued towards Ouarzazate, taking in the increasingly arid landscape along the way.

Valley of the Roses (📍MAP) & Dades Gorges (📍MAP)

Valley of the Roses: A fertile valley famous for its rose cultivation and fragrant fields.

Dades Gorges: A dramatic landscape of towering rock formations carved by the Dades River.

As the afternoon progressed, I travelled through the Valley of the Roses before reaching the Dades Gorges. The scenery became increasingly dramatic, with huge rock formations rising around the road. I spent the night in the area, surrounded by the mountains and valleys.

Todra Gorges (📍MAP)

Todra Gorges: A spectacular canyon surrounded by towering limestone walls that rise dramatically above the valley floor.

I explored Todra Gorges in the morning, walking between the enormous canyon walls before continuing deeper into the desert region towards Merzouga.

Merzouga (📍MAP) & Erg Chebbi Dunes (📍MAP)

Merzouga: A small desert town that served as my gateway to the Sahara.

Erg Chebbi Dunes: A vast sea of golden sand dunes that stretched across the desert and created one of the most memorable landscapes of the trip.

I reached Merzouga before sunset and swapped the vehicle for a camel ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes. Riding through the sand as the light became warmer was one of the highlights of the entire journey. After reaching the desert camp, I had dinner and spent the evening beneath an incredibly clear sky.

Focus: Sand ripples, camel silhouettes, warm desert light and astrophotography after dark.

Journey to Fes (📍MAP)

Fes: Morocco's historic cultural and spiritual centre, with centuries of tradition preserved within its ancient streets and buildings.

I left the desert region early and spent much of the day travelling north towards Fes. After several days of dramatic landscapes, I enjoyed watching the scenery gradually change again. By the time I arrived in Fes that evening, I was ready for a quiet night and some rest before exploring the medina the following day.

Fes el Bali (📍MAP)

Fes el Bali: The ancient walled heart of Fes, made up of thousands of narrow, winding alleys where cars gave way to pedestrians, donkeys and the constant movement of daily life.

Al Qarawiyyin: I visited the historic Al Qarawiyyin complex, founded in the 9th century and renowned as one of the world's oldest continuously operating centres of higher learning. (📍MAP)

Chouara Tannery: I also visited the famous Chouara Tannery, where traditional leather-dyeing techniques were still being used. From the surrounding terraces, I could see the colourful dye vats arranged across the courtyard. (📍MAP)

Chefchaouen (📍MAP)

Chefchaouen: A beautiful mountain town in the Rif Mountains, famous for its blue-washed buildings, winding streets and peaceful atmosphere.

I took a day trip from Fes to Chefchaouen and spent the day wandering through its famously blue streets. Almost every alley seemed to offer another interesting composition, from brightly painted doors to small courtyards and colourful details. After exploring the town, I travelled back to Fes in the evening.

Fes to Rabat (📍MAP)

On my final morning, I took the early train from Fes back towards Rabat. I had a little time to explore the capital before continuing to the airport for my flight home. It was a long journey packed into ten days, but looking back, the contrast between Morocco's cities, mountains, valleys and desert had made the trip feel like several different adventures in one.