Morocco tours

Why travel to Morocco

Travel to Morocco and within a relatively short time, you can exchange everyday life at home for an entirely different world.

A world where culture and history infuse the day-to-day rhythms of the traditional medinas in Marrakech, Fes, and Rabat, and where UNESCO world heritage sites, a blend of ancient and modern cities, and diverse landscapes make a tour to Morocco feel like embarking on several adventures all in one.

Our Africa expert, Winnie, says:

“Tizi n’Tichka in the Atlas Mountains is grey streaked with red, while the Rif mountains are a vibrant green, surrounded by olive groves. Tangier gleams white. Chefchaouen is awash with blue. Marrakech is wonderfully chaotic. Fes is a true cultural gem.

Morocco is a feast for the senses – you taste it, smell it, and hear it everywhere you go. The landscape is completely distinct from our other African destinations, and the contrasts are what make exploring Morocco so fascinating.”

Our tours of Morocco

On our tours, we strive to show you Morocco as we see it.

Join us as we take you not only to popular Morocco, showcasing timeless highlights like Marrakech, but also off the beaten path to lesser-known corners, where small towns, oases, and local neighbourhoods offer you a more authentic perspective on the country.

All of our tours are package holidays, with the price including flights, carefully selected accommodations (hotels and riads), transport, scheduled excursions, free time to explore on your own, and the option to personalise your itinerary with optional tours.

Below, you can read about some of Morocco’s top highlights. See which highlights are included in each individual tour.

Marrakech

Marrakech is one of Morocco’s historic imperial cities. Founded over a thousand years ago by the Muslim Berber dynasty, the Almoravids, the city is bursting with fascinating attractions.  

Undoubtedly, one of Marrakech’s main attractions is its UNESCO-protected historic quarter, the medina, with its winding, labyrinthine streets. Here, you can shop to your heart’s content for exquisite lanterns, ceramics, and spices. As evening falls, the main square at the heart of the medina, Jemaa el-Fna, comes alive, drawing you in with its vibrant chaos, traditional music, street performers and the irresistible aromas of grilled specialities.

While the medina often represents chaos in many ways, Madrasa Ben Youssef offers a sense of harmony. This historic monument is an architectural gem, featuring a symmetrical design adorned with intricate mosaics that have become almost a visual synonym for Morocco itself.

On a tour to Marrakech, you simply cannot miss the botanical garden Jardin Majorelle, which ranks among Morocco’s most visited attractions. Created by the French artist Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s, the garden is home to around 300 plant species from five different continents. At the heart of the garden stands the iconic blue art deco studio, now housing a museum where you can discover more about Morocco’s indigenous people, the Berbers.

Fes

In northern Morocco, you’ll find the city of Fes, the oldest of the country’s historic imperial cities.

The city is regarded by many as Morocco’s cultural and spiritual heart, with a history that reaches back to the Middle Ages and the very first Islamic dynasties. Nowhere is this more evident than in the vast medina—a stunning example of a medieval city—which has earned Fes’ medina a place on the UNESCO world heritage list.

It is said that there are more than 9,000 streets in the medina, which is divided into areas according to traditional crafts and trades. The winding streets and bustling shops are tucked inside the ancient walls, where market squares, small plazas, madrasas, and mosques weave together a fascinating maze you could spend a lifetime exploring. To put it simply, we believe the medina in Marrakech tends to cater more to visitors, while the medina in Fes is just as much a space for locals, who continue to live out their daily routines here.

If you venture beyond the medina, be sure not to miss the royal palace. Here, you’ll find the striking golden gates, undoubtedly among the most photographed sites in Fes.

Rabat

Since 1912, the coastal city of Rabat has served as Morocco’s capital, and it stands as another of the country’s historical imperial cities. Morocco’s capital boasts a truly unique blend of ancient heritage and cosmopolitan flair—an atmosphere found in few other places in the world. This distinctiveness has secured Rabat a place on the UNESCO world heritage list.

In Rabat, you can experience the Hassan Tower, which today stands as a symbol of the capital. Originally intended to be part of what would have been the largest mosque in the Muslim world, construction stopped when the caliph, Yaqub al-Mansur, passed away before its completion. Today, the 44-metre-high tower – the minaret – still remains, lending its name to the surrounding area.

Chefchaouen 

Chefchaouen, also known as the Blue City, is among the most picturesque towns in Morocco. Beautifully nestled in the Rif Mountains of northern Morocco, the city is a maze of narrow, charming lanes, welcoming squares, and breathtaking viewpoints – not forgetting the many cats that freely roam the streets.

The atmosphere in Chefchaouen is wonderfully relaxed, and you could easily spend hours wandering at your own pace through the stunning blue-washed streets. Let the sun guide your day: for example, begin with a coffee on a rooftop terrace as the sun rises over the Rif Mountains. As sunset draws near, make your way to higher ground again to watch the last golden rays fall across the indigo streets and the city’s rooftops. Many people head to the Spanish Mosque, situated on the hill just outside the medina.

Casablanca

On Morocco’s western coast, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, lies the vibrant metropolis of Casablanca, affectionately known as Casa by the locals.

While Casablanca may not boast the same deep-rooted history as some of Morocco’s other cities, the historical attractions it does offer are truly fascinating.

One of the city’s main attractions is the Hassan II Mosque—one of the few mosques in Morocco that welcomes non-Muslim visitors inside on guided tours. The mosque’s sheer size is impressive, but what we find most captivating is its intricate architecture and stunning location right beside the sea.

The city is currently undergoing a transformation as it prepares to co-host the FIFA World Cup in 2030. In the years ahead, you’ll notice an expansion of public transport and further enhancements to infrastructure in and around Casablanca.

More highlights of Morocco

A tour of Morocco promises endless adventures.

Other experiences include:

• The Sahara Desert, the largest hot desert in the world, where the Erg Chebbi dunes rise like rolling mountains of sand in deep orange hues. Here, you’ll spend the night in a desert camp, far removed from city lights, where the star-studded sky, tranquil silence, and cool night breeze make this a truly unforgettable experience.

• The city of Tangier, the gateway between Europe and Africa, is a bustling port at Morocco’s northernmost tip, where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic. Immerse yourself in the city’s unique blend of Moroccan, European, and Arab culture as you explore the atmospheric medina and lively harbourfront.

• The remarkably well-preserved Roman ruins of Volubilis, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. Here, you’ll be swept up in the spirit of history, taking in views over lush olive groves and fertile fields from beside the iconic triumphal arch.

• The Atlas Mountains, which you’ll cross via stunning mountain passes such as the Tizi n’Tichka, where scenery shifts from emerald valleys to rugged, arid rock formations. Along the way, you’ll pass small Berber villages, river valleys, and historic trade routes, making even the journey itself feel like an adventure.

… and many, many more. Discover which highlights are included in each of our tours.

Why choose TourCompass for your tour to Morocco?

At TourCompass, we are Africa specialists. As a tour operator, we have years of experience creating carefully planned tours to Africa. When you book a tour with us, you’ll enjoy the freedom of travelling independently, paired with the peace of mind that comes from booking through a reliable tour operator.

Our tours to Morocco are package holidays that include flights, accommodation, and all transport between destinations, whether it’s by train, car, or minibus. Carefully selected excursions are included in the itinerary, and you also have the flexibility to customise your experience with optional tours. Along the way, you’ll be guided by knowledgeable local guides who know the winding streets and alleyways of each city like the back of their hand. We, together with our local partners, are always on hand to assist you throughout your journey via our 24/7 emergency hotline.

This way, you can set off on your Moroccan adventure with complete confidence – safe in the knowledge that you’re never alone.

Frequently asked questions about Morocco

Although Morocco is relatively close to us, it is a very different country from what you may be accustomed to. That’s why we’ve taken the time to answer some of the questions that might arise when planning a tour.

Is it safe to travel to Morocco?

Yes. It is generally safe to travel to Morocco. We follow the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s travel advice and would never send our guests to destinations that are not considered safe for tourists.

As with any destination, we recommend exercising general caution, taking good care of your valuables, and following local advice and guidelines throughout your tour.

What to expect from a tour to Morocco with TourCompass

Once you’ve booked your tour with TourCompass, you can relax knowing that we take care of almost all the practicalities. We arrange flights, hotels and riads, memorable experiences, and transport between each destination—leaving you free to focus on enjoying your tour.

Upon your arrival in Morocco, you’ll be greeted at the airport by a guide, who will take you to your first accommodation. Throughout your tour, you’ll have a local contact as well as the option to get in touch with our team back home should you need any assistance. 

Will I be travelling in a group or independently?

Our tours to Morocco are individual package holidays. This means it’s not a group tour, but you may meet some of the same travellers along the way if they have booked the same departure date as you.

All transport between destinations is arranged in advance, and on selected journeys and excursions, you may share the experience with other guests or travellers. In this way, you enjoy the freedom of independent travel, along with the camaraderie and added confidence of having all the practicalities taken care of for you.

There are no dedicated tour leaders travelling with you on your holiday. Instead, you’ll meet our experienced local guides along the way, and both our local partners and our team at TourCompass are always ready to assist you should you need any help.

When is the best time to visit Morocco?

The best time to visit Morocco is during the spring months (March to May) and autumn months (September to November), when the weather is pleasant across most of the country.

However, Morocco is a year-round destination, and the ideal time to travel really depends on your personal interests and what you want to experience. Get in touch with our travel specialists and together we’ll find the perfect time for your tour.

Do I need a visa for Morocco?

No, as a UK citizen, you most likely do not need a visa to visit Morocco.

Keep up to date via our practical information page or on the official Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office website.

Do you tip in Morocco?

Yes, tipping is an established part of Moroccan culture, and is commonly expected in many situations.

The amount you give is entirely up to you, but we have put together a guide to tipping, which you can find below. The recommended amounts are given in the local currency, MAD. You can check the current exchange rate here.

• Guide/driver: 50–100 MAD per person per day
• Porter: 10–20 MAD per suitcase
• Housekeeping: 10–20 MAD per night
• Local guides: 50–100 MAD, depending on the length of the tour
• Restaurants: 5–10% of the total bill

Culture, religion, and dress in Morocco

One of the most common questions and uncertainties around travelling to Morocco concerns the local culture and customs, which can be quite different from what you may be used to at home – especially when it comes to religion, alcohol, and clothing.

Can you travel during Ramadan?

Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country, and Ramadan is the holy month of fasting when many Muslims abstain from food and drink between sunrise and sunset. It’s still perfectly possible to travel during Ramadan, but do bear in mind that the streets will generally be quieter, and some shops, cafés, and restaurants may adjust their opening hours or close during daylight. In the evenings, there’s a particularly vibrant atmosphere as families and friends gather to break the fast and the cities come back to life.

Is it permitted to drink alcohol in Morocco?

In Europe, it’s quite common to enjoy a glass of wine or similar with your meal. While many small hotels and riads in Morocco do not serve alcohol, it is – outside of Ramadan – generally acceptable for you to bring your own wine or beer to have with your food. You can purchase alcohol in well-stocked supermarkets or speciality shops, and on our tours, your guide will often ensure you can stop at a suitable place to buy what you need, should you wish to do so.

During Ramadan, the sale of alcohol is restricted or temporarily halted in many places.

What clothing should you wear?

In cities and at religious sites, we recommend covering your shoulders and knees and avoiding clothing that is overly tight to respect local customs and culture.

Some months in Morocco can be extremely hot, so loose-fitting clothing made from lightweight materials is often the most comfortable choice. It’s also a good idea to bring several layers, as certain regions – such as the desert – can experience significant temperature differences between day and night.

How can you show respect for the local culture?

As a guest in another country, a little cultural consideration can help you truly immerse yourself in the essence of Morocco.

Moroccans are generally warm and hospitable. As a guest, you can show your respect by greeting people politely, dressing modestly, and always asking permission before taking close-up photos of individuals. It’s also wise to be discreet with alcohol, avoid public displays of affection, and maintain a friendly, courteous tone when speaking with vendors and locals.

With just a touch of finesse and cultural awareness, you’ll gain a genuine insight into Morocco as a travel destination – making your tour even more memorable.

Book your tour of Morocco with TourCompass

A tour to Morocco is a journey into vibrant medinas, historic royal cities, fragrant markets, mountain passes, and golden sand dunes – all just a few hours’ flight from the UK. Ready to take the first step towards an adventure brimming with culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes?

If you still have any questions, our travel specialists are ready to assist you before, during, and after your tour. Get in touch with us today and together we’ll find the tour of Morocco that best matches your wishes and dreams.

Exploring Morocco with TourCompass is a safe and reassuring experience – we’re with you all the way.

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller