We got to experience 3 mountain ranges (Rif, Middle and High Atlas) and sand dune desert. As well as ancient cities, like Fes dating back to the 8th century. We had a driver, Khalid, throughout, and though we had not planned on a guide for the duration, the travel company decided to supply one. In the end, we had 3 guides. We stayed in Riads/Dars everywhere, except Casablanca. These are small boutique hotels with courtyard (Dar) plus garden (Riad). We got upgraded to the top rated hotel in Casablanca.
We started with a quick exploration of Rabat: the main monument Mohamed V Mausoleum/Hassan Tower site; and then exploring the Medina (walled old town). Then off to Chefchaoeun in the northeast and the Rif mountains. We took a brief look at Tangier, with a sighting of Spain, on the way.
In Chefchaouen, we enjoyed the Blue City, and did a hike into the Rif mountains to the Pont de Dieu natural bridge. Then to Fes, via the old Roman ruins of Volubilis. We took in a modern olive press facility on the way. Olives and olive oil are big business. I've never seen so many olive trees!
The old markets in Fes are a labyrinth, and our guide gave us a great entry into them - he seemed to know everyone. We went into a couple of homes in the Fes suburbs, and Deb was taught how to make jellaba buttons (apparently the only tourist in their experience to succeed). We got to sit in on a group of retirees jamming to Moroccan music up in the Middle Atlas mountains.
Merzouga was the location for the sand dune desert camp. We took a 90' camel ride to the camp, where we were treated royally. Our tent had a king size bed with 4 duvets and hot water bottle. We took in sunset and sunrise on the dunes, and got to experience the dark skies before dawn with horizon-to-horizon stars.
On to Marrakech, with its Medina, monuments and a wonderful hike into the High Atlas mountains, from Imlil. Half way up to our 7400' destination, Deb availed herself of a passing donkey and hitched a ride the rest of the way up. The mountain scenery was gorgeous, and the previous day's morning rainfall (the only rain on our trip) had dusted the peaks with snow for us.
Finally, we visited Casablanca. It's much less of a tourist town, and seems to be the most French. In fact, our final dinner in Morocco was a superb French meal. One of the best I can remember.
It was appropriate to spend a good bit of time in Morocco - it is very diverse, with the different regions being different in geography, food, people. The country is beautiful and the food great. And we were always welcomed wherever we went. With people out of the blue on the streets wishing us welcome. Morocco is now a real place to us.
