5-Day Morocco Tour: Casablanca, Marrakech, Meknes, Fez and Rabat from Malaga

The 5-Day Morocco Tour from Malaga offers an immersive journey through five of Morocco’s most captivating cities: Casablanca, Marrakech, Meknes, Fez, and Rabat. Priced at $913.89 per person, this tour spans approximately five days and includes hotel accommodations, guided city tours, and round-trip ferry crossings, making it a practical way to experience Morocco’s cultural diversity. With a group size ranging from 7 to 48 travelers, the tour balances shared experiences with personalized guidance.

While the tour provides rich insights into Moroccan landmarks and history, some reviews highlight long travel hours—up to 8 hours on certain days—and variable hotel standards. It suits travelers comfortable with extensive bus rides and eager to see multiple cities in a short period. The presence of experienced guides and inclusive features like breakfasts and dinners add significant value, though attention to timing and meal preferences can enhance the experience.

Key Points

• Includes guided tours of Casablanca, Marrakech, Meknes, Fez, and Rabat with expert local guides
• Round-trip ferry crossings from Tarifa, crossing the Strait of Gibraltar to Africa
• Accommodation in superior or standard hotels with breakfast and dinner included
• Long travel days are common, with some days exceeding 8 hours on the bus
• Tour is best suited for travelers comfortable with lengthy coach rides and eager to visit multiple cities
• Some reviews mention variable hotel standards and crowded bus conditions, so pack accordingly

Starting the Journey from Malaga to Africa

This tour departs from Sol Torremolinos in Malaga at 6:30 am, beginning with a scenic drive along the Costa del Sol. After a short stop in Tarifa, travelers cross the Strait of Gibraltar by ferry, an experience that offers a brief but interesting crossing of 45 minutes. The ferry journey is straightforward, with passport control on the boat into Morocco, simplifying customs procedures.

Once in Morocco, the guide leads the group on a drive southward to Casablanca, the country’s bustling economic capital. The initial part of the trip involves a two-hour drive from Tangier, with a brief free time for rest or exploration upon arrival.

Exploring Casablanca’s Architectural Charm

In Casablanca, the tour features a panoramic city tour highlighting notable areas such as Anfa Boulevard and Nations Square. The exterior view of the Hassan II Grand Mosque is a highlight, offering a chance to admire its impressive scale from outside. The visit also includes stops at Koutobia Tower and Menara Gardens, providing a glimpse of the city’s diverse architecture and green spaces.

Despite limited time—about two hours—the tour captures Casablanca’s modern vibe, but some reviews suggest that the short stay makes it difficult to explore the city deeply. Still, the city provides a good introduction to Morocco’s blend of tradition and modernity.

Marrakech: The Medieval Marvel

Next, the journey continues to Marrakech, often regarded as Morocco’s most lively city. The tour includes a visit to Jemaa El Fna Square, where street performers, market stalls, and food vendors create an energetic atmosphere. The Saadines Tombs are also part of the itinerary, allowing travelers to marvel at intricate Islamic architecture.

A highlight is the optional visit to Chez Ali Fantasia, a horse show that offers entertainment and cultural insight. The long travel time—around 8 hours from Casablanca—means most time is spent on the bus, but guides try to make the journey informative.

Meknes: The Imperial Gateways

From Marrakech, the tour heads to Meknes, a city famous for its Bab Mansour Gate, considered Morocco’s most beautiful gate. The panoramic tour here exposes travelers to the city’s imperial history, with sights that include ancient walls and mosques.

Visitors get a chance to see medieval landmarks and absorb Meknes’ historical atmosphere, though some reviews note the short sightseeing windows. The city’s walled nature lends it a distinctly historic feel.

The Cultural Riches of Fez

The final Moroccan city visited is Fez, celebrated as the cultural capital of Morocco. The tour includes a walk through the UNESCO-listed Old Town, offering insights into traditional Moroccan craftsmanship and architecture. The medina is a world Heritage Site, with narrow alleys, bustling markets, and historic buildings.

Stops at the Jewish Quarter (Mellah) and the Gate of Bab Bou Jelous add depth to the visit. The Royal Palace with its seven gates is also a key highlight, although the palace interior is not included. The medina walk lasts about two hours, giving a taste of Moroccan daily life and trade.

Visiting Rabat’s Royal and Historic Sites

The journey from Fez to Rabat involves a short drive, where the group visits the Royal Palace (viewed from outside), the Mohamed V Mausoleum, and the Hassan Tower—all essential sites that showcase Morocco’s monarchy and Islamic architecture. These stops provide a glimpse into Morocco’s political and religious history within a few hours.

Rabat’s attractions are well-preserved, and the guide provides context to these landmarks, despite the limited time available.

Logistics, Timing, and Group Experience

The tour includes air-conditioned vehicle transportation, breakfasts on four days, and dinners on four evenings. The group size can vary, with a maximum of 40 travelers, which allows for manageable guided interactions.

A notable point is that hotel ratings vary, with some travelers finding the accommodations in three-star hotels less impressive than expected, particularly in Marrakech and Fez. The hotel in Casablanca receives mixed reviews, with some noting it’s less high-end than other stops.

The bus rides are lengthy, with some days exceeding 8 hours of travel, which requires patience and preparation. Long bus journeys are a common complaint, so travelers should bring snacks, water, and entertainment to stay comfortable.

Food Options and Dining Experience

Meals are included, with breakfasts and dinners provided, but some reviews express disappointment over the limited local Moroccan cuisine options. The first lunch in Morocco was described as disappointing, with some travelers wishing for more traditional dishes. Optional dinners in Marrakech and Fez are highlighted as better experiences, with excellent food and entertainment like belly dancing.

Travelers should note that meals are paid in cash, so keeping some Moroccan dirhams or local currency on hand is wise for additional purchases or optional activities.

Guide Staff and Tour Pacing

The guides are generally considered knowledgeable, but some reviews mention lack of enthusiasm or poor interaction. A few travelers report that guides often spend more time in Spanish, which can limit the experience for English speakers. Conversely, a highly praised guide named Soussi is credited with handling questions and needs very well.

The pacing varies, with some days experiencing long hours on the bus and limited free time. The first and last days involve extensive travel, with up to 13 hours in the coach, making this tour better suited for those who enjoy sightseeing from a bus rather than extensive walking.

Considerations for Travelers

While the tour offers a broad overview of Morocco’s key cities and landmarks, it’s important to be prepared for long travel days and variable hotel standards. Limited time in each city can mean rushed visits, especially to Casablanca and Fez, where some reviewers wish for more time to explore.

Participants should also be comfortable with walking through narrow, bustling medinas and dealing with shopping pressures from guides. Long bus rides mean bringing snacks, water, and entertainment is advisable.

Final Thoughts on the 5-Day Morocco Tour

This tour provides a cost-effective way to see Morocco’s most famous cities within a short period, thanks to expert guides and all-inclusive features. Its focus on major landmarks offers a practical overview, ideal for travelers new to Morocco or those with limited time.

However, long travel hours and variable accommodation quality are notable downsides. The tour best suits active travelers comfortable with extensive coach travel who want a structured overview of Morocco’s cities. If you’re seeking deep exploration or more free time, this might not be the best fit.

Overall, the tour captures Morocco’s diversity and energy, but managing expectations about pace, comfort, and sightseeing depth will help ensure a satisfying experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ferry crossing included in the tour price?
Yes, the round-trip ferry crossing from Tarifa to Morocco is included, with the ferry departing at 11:30 am. Customs procedures are handled on the ferry.

Are hotel accommodations of high standard?
Hotel standards vary across the stops. Some travelers find superior hotels in Casablanca and Marrakech to be worthwhile, while others note that some hotels in Fez are older and less comfortable.

How much time is spent in each city?
Most of the tour time is spent traveling between cities, with shorter visits—around 2 hours—at each key site. Long bus rides are a common feature, especially on Days 1, 3, and 5.

What should I bring for this tour?
Travelers should bring snacks and water for long days on the bus, especially since meals are limited on some days. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring medinas and historic sites.

Is the group size manageable?
Yes, the group size ranges from 7 to 48 travelers, with most reviews indicating a manageable number that allows for guided interaction and attention.

What activities are optional?
The horse show at Chez Ali in Marrakech is an optional activity. Some reviews commend it for its entertainment value, but it is not included in the base tour.

This 5-Day Morocco Tour from Malaga offers a comprehensive snapshot of Morocco’s highlights, balanced by some long travel hours and variable hotel quality. It suits those eager to see multiple cities in a limited time, especially if guided tours and included meals are priorities.