My Morocco Vacation: Camel Rides to Glamping, a Bucket List Bonanza for Wanderlust Jetsetters

Forget the Maldives, ditch Dubai, Morocco is the new must-visit destination beaming with luxury escapes bucket list ideas for wanderlust jetsetters. Morocco is a luxury traveler’s dream, a country that explodes with color, culture, and soul-stirring adventure. Imagine this: taking a camel ride through golden sand dunes, glamping beneath starlit skies, getting lost in a labyrinthine blue city, sipping delicious mint tea, and nourishing your face and hair with fresh Moroccan argan oil. I took a two-week Morocco vacation, a sensory feast to a land where ancient traditions dance with modern flair, and every turn ignites the wanderlust flame. Ready to pack your bags? Let’s delve into my two-week Morocco vacation itinerary, a curated journey for bucket list bonanza seekers.

Fun Fact: Morocco is known as the land of colors. Marrakech is mostly red because the city was built from clay. Fes is covered in yellow, Chefchaouen is entirely blue, and Casablanca is mostly white to symbolize purity.

Marrakech (Marrakesh): Where History Whispers and Luxury Beckons

We started our Morocco vacation in the lively heart of the country, Marrakech. During the daytime we lost ourselves in the beauty of the colorful mosaics and silks in the bustling Medina (old part of the town). We bargained for handcrafted treasures in souks (markets) stocked with jewelry, fresh Moroccan argan oil, and handmade tea sets, while snake charmers hypnotized hissing cobras with their magical pungi.

Outside the Medina, we explored the intricately designed palaces and gardens, including the iconic Jardin Majorelle owned by the late Yves Saint Laurent.

In the evenings we experienced the sultry side of Marrakech complete with a booming nightlife and trendy restaurant scene. For those want who Instagrammable memories, a sunset rooftop dinner at DarDar is a must, and if you want a show while you eat, prepare to be amazed by fire dancers and belly dancers at Azar Restaurant.

Fun Fact: Marrakech is home to some of the best Moroccan argan oil. From pesky pimples to stubborn flakes, argan oil takes on skin woes like a warrior queen. Its vitamin E, fatty acids, and anti-inflammatory powers soothe scars, calm eczema, and tame psoriasis. Additionally, Moroccan argan oil is also good for taming hair frizz. Needless to say, I used it daily to tame the flyaways on my hair.

Merzouga: Glamping Under a Million Stars

The next stop on our Moroccan bucket list bonanza took us east to the desert city of Merzouga, for glamping under a million stars in the Sahara. Our “Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour” glamping experience was customized by tour operator Morocco Fabulous Travel who sent a private car to pick us up at our Marrakech hotel and drove us the 9-hour trek to the desert. The journey was split over two days with stops at breathtaking landmarks, filming locations for Hollywood blockbusters Gladiator, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and Game of Thrones, local shops and boutiques, and an overnight stay along the way.

The next day we could barely contain our excitement as we arrived in Merzouga and caught the first glimpse of our camels! After hopping on board, we were off on a camel ride through the golden sands of the breathtaking Sahara Desert. Imagine the wind whipping through your hair as you navigate the rolling dunes, the sunset painting the sky in fiery oranges and pinks. Your destination? A desert oasis with a luxurious glamping campsite, where plush tents adorned with Berber carpets await. We spent the night sipping mint tea singing and dancing by campfire with the Berbers as twinkling stars danced overhead. After our day of travel, unforgettable camel ride, and night under the stars, we were exhausted. We retreated to our cozy beds in our personal luxury tent and were off to dreamland.

We arose early the next morning to watch an awe-inspiring desert sunrise. My friend kick-started her day by sand surfing, while I relaxed and marveled at the vast openness of the Sahara. Breakfast and tea followed before it was time to leave. Lastly, you can opt for an ATV ride back, or do like we did, and take one more amazing camel ride before our Morocco Fabulous Travel Tour operator drove us to our next destination, Fes.

Fun Facts: The Sahara is the world’s second-largest desert, encompassing parts of 11 countries! Also, Merzouga is home to the highest dunes in Morocco, with some reaching up to 500 feet in height. Its vastness and stark beauty will leave you breathless.

Fes (Fez): Ancient Medina Labyrinth of Enchantment

From Merzouga, our driver took us to the ancient Moroccan city, Fes, where medieval history hangs heavy in the air. Here we roamed the Fes el-Bali, the largest car-free urban area in the world, making our way through a maze of over 1,000 narrow alleys lined with centuries-old shops and crumbling mosques. We viewed vibrant art walks, sampled intoxicating spices, and haggled for treasures in the Chouara Tannery, where leathers are dyed in a rainbow of rich colors.

Meanwhile when it came to accommodations, staying in a riad is an absolute must. Compared to a boutique hotel, a riad is a traditional Moroccan villa built around a secret, central garden. These hidden gems, often decorated with mosaic tiles, lush courtyards, indoor pools, and soothing fountains, whisper tales of ancient architecture and peaceful refuge, while offering a taste of Moroccan hospitality. And before you ask, yes they’re air-conditioned and come with TVs.

Aside from exploring and shopping, if there is one thing you must do in Fes it’s taking an immersive hands-on cooking class with Fezvacationtours, led by experienced Moroccan chef Yassine. He invited us into his home to teach us to prepare traditional Moroccan dishes, from scratch using locally sourced ingredients fresh from the market. For me, this was a true way to experience life in Morocco. We made a feast of couscous, lentils, harira soup, and more, before ending the night with mint tea and Moroccan pastries.

Fun Fact: Fes is also a center of traditional Islamic learning, with its famous Al-Qarawiyin University founded in 859 AD, being one of the oldest continuously operating universities in the world.

Chefchaouen: The Blue Diamond

Add a splash of color to your bucket list with a visit to one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen, Chefchaouen. We were picked up at our riad by 3t Travel-MTS tour company, where we joined a small group of travelers and our private tour guide. A great day trip from Fes, Chefchaouen, or the Blue Diamond as it is known, is a magical city where every doorway, window, and step shimmers in a kaleidoscope of blue hues. We wandered through the medina, a living postcard where friendly locals greeted us with warm smiles and fed us mouthwatering Moroccan salads and fresh mint tea.

Overall, be prepared to find the cutest crafts, the freshest Moroccan argan oil, and plenty of spots for photo ops while roaming the blue streets of Chefchaouen.

Fun Fact: Legend has it Chefchaouen’s blue paint, originally used by Jewish refugees, symbolizes protection and serenity. Today, it’s become a vibrant symbol of the city’s unique identity.

Casablanca: Art Deco Elegance on the Atlantic Coast

Our bucket list bonanza continued with a train ride to the cosmopolitan coastal city of Casablanca. Where Chefchaouen is all blue, the largest city in Morocco is predominantly white, as Casablanca literally translates to the ‘white house.’ Casa is known for its breezy beachfront promenade, fresh seafood, and the art deco glamour at the Hassan II Mosque. Set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, the mosque is the fifth largest in the world and features beautiful grounds and a museum. Please note that to enter Hassan II Mosque, your shoulders and legs must be covered. You will also need to remove your shoes once inside.

Casablanca is not only the largest city in Morocco but also serves as the country’s financial center. The buildings and streets are much bigger here, and the lifestyle is faster-paced than cities like Fes. It’s known to have an effervescent art scene in galleries and studios, trendy bars, and shopping.

Fun Fact: Casablanca was featured in the iconic 1942 film of the same name, forever captivating audiences with its romantic charm and wartime intrigue. As a matter of fact, many of the hotels and restaurants pay homage to the film with paintings and other movie memorabilia. There’s also a real-life Rick’s Café inspired by the setting of the classic movie.

All Good Things Must Come to an End

From Casa we took the train back to Marrakech for our last two days, before we said goodbye to Morocco and returned home.

Your Morocco Vacation Awaits

This is just a glimpse into my trip itinerary and the endless possibilities of a Morocco vacation. Whether you’re seeking cultural immersion, breathtaking scenery, or luxury escapes bucket list ideas for wanderlust jetsetters, this North African gem has something for everyone. So, pack your sense of adventure, ditch the guidebook, and get ready to lose yourself in the magic of Morocco. This bucket list bonanza will leave you spellbound, inspired, and yearning for a Morocco vacation.

Additional Tips:

• What language do they speak in Morocco? : Although most of the older generation speaks only French and Moroccan Arabic, many of the younger generation, especially in bigger cities like Casablanca and Marrakech speak English. Native Berber dialects are also used, especially in desert cities like Merzouga. Pick up a few basic phrases like “Shukran” (thank you) and “Salam” (hello) to charm the locals!
• Getting around: If you’re comfortable exploring on your own, there is no need to hire a private guide to escort you everywhere. We used Google Maps to navigate our way around town and asked the front desk at the riads or hotels to call us a cab when needed.
• Are there clothing restrictions/dress code: Morocco is one of the more liberal Arab countries and there are no restrictions on what you can and cannot wear EXCEPT when entering the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. Your shoulders and legs must be covered to enter. You will also need to remove your shoes once inside. As a woman, I would steer clear from booty shorts, mini skirts, and low-cut revealing tops, out of respect. And for the camel ride, you’ll want to be in loose-fitting comfortable clothes that give you room to move your legs.
• What’s the best time of year for glamping? Glamping takes place in the desert and therefore the best times to glamp are October and March/April. We did it in August, and it was an experience I will never forget, but it was HOT. If you do go in the summer months, I suggest bringing a handheld fan with you to help keep you cool.
• Can you drink alcohol in Morocco?: Yes, but there are parameters. While Morocco is a Muslim country, alcohol consumption is permitted in licensed hotels, bars, and designated tourist areas.
• Shopping: Instead of packing an extra piece of luggage for items like Moroccan argan oil, tea sets, and leather goods from the tanneries, as these items are delicate, I suggest shipping them back to ensure the items arrive in the same condition they were purchased.

Looking for more luxury escapes bucket list ideas for wanderlust jetsetters? Check out my article where I swapped a camel ride for dogsledding on my Alaska cruise with Celebrity Cruises.