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

Thinking about crossing the Strait of Gibraltar for a quick taste of Morocco? This 5-day tour offers a whirlwind journey through some of Morocco’s most iconic cities, all from Malaga. We’ve looked into the reviews, itinerary, and what you can really expect, so you can decide if this adventure fits your travel style.

On the plus side, you’ll get to see a good chunk of Morocco’s highlights—Casablanca’s architecture, Marrakech’s lively souks, Fez’s ancient medina, and more. The guides seem to be a real strength, often praised for their knowledge and local insight. Plus, the included hotel stays and guided tours make it easier to navigate this complex country without much planning.

However, there are some notable challenges. The long bus rides and packed schedule mean a lot of time on the road, and some travelers find they miss out on soaking in the sights at a relaxed pace. The tour’s pacing is brisk, and not everyone will be comfortable with the extensive travel hours. If your idea of a trip involves lots of wandering and free time, this might not be the best fit.

This tour seems best suited for travelers who want a rundown of Morocco’s major cities in a short time and don’t mind long travel days. If you’re okay with back-to-back sightseeing and are looking for a guided experience with reliable organization, it could be a worthwhile option.

Key Points

• Intensive itinerary covering five Moroccan cities in 5 days. Expect a fast-paced trip.
• Long travel hours—some reviews mention up to 10 hours on the bus per day.
• Guides are a highlight, often praised for their knowledge and handling of groups.
• Accommodation varies, with some travelers preferring the superior hotels, though standards can differ.
• Food options on included meals are mostly Western-style, with some mentioning a lack of Moroccan cuisine.
• Limited free time means you’ll see a lot but might not get to explore each city deeply.
• Large group size—up to 48 travelers—can impact personal experience.
• Value for money can be good, but some feel it’s a lot of travel for what you get.
• Pacing issues—some travelers note that the schedule is rushed, especially in Casablanca and Fez.
• Mixed reviews on logistics—some praise the organization, others mention hotel quality and time management.

The Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: From Malaga to Casablanca

The adventure begins early with a drive along Costa del Sol, passing through scenic spots before heading to Tarifa. The short ferry crossing to Tangier is a quick but interesting experience, and from there, the group heads south to Casablanca. Expect a day full of transit, with just a brief stop for a city overview; many reviews mention that the actual sightseeing time here is limited.

What you’ll see: Outside of Hassan II Mosque, Anfa Boulevard, Menara Gardens, and a quick stroll in the Medina. The city itself is Morocco’s commercial hub, bustling and modern, but don’t expect to spend much time exploring—the schedule is tight.

Day 2: Casablanca to Marrakech

A morning tour includes highlights like the exterior of Hassan II Mosque, and a walk around Jma El Fna Square, famous for its lively atmosphere. In the afternoon, the group moves towards Marrakech, with a stop at the Koutoubia Tower and Menara Gardens.

User insights: Reviewers mention that the tour of Casablanca feels rushed—about two hours is all you get, with limited time inside the mosque. Some felt the city visit was superficial, just a quick overview.

Day 3: Marrakech, Meknes, and Fez

Marrakech’s famous Djemaa El Fna Square and Saadian Tombs are on the agenda. Then, it’s a drive to Meknes to see Bab Mansour Gate—often praised as Morocco’s most beautiful gate—and then onward to Fez.

Highlights & challenges: Many travelers love Marrakech’s energy, but the drive between cities can be long, with some noting over 8 hours on the road. One reviewer describes the drive as “1650 kms in four days,” which means very long days. The visit to Fez includes a walk through its UNESCO-listed Medina, but some noted that the guided shopping stops felt a bit forced.

Day 4: Fez and the Royal Palace

The tour includes a visit to the Royal Palace (exterior only, as interior tickets are not included) and a walk through Fez’s old town. The Jewish Mellah district offers a glimpse into Morocco’s diverse history.

Feedback: The local guide in Fez is described as very knowledgeable, but some criticise the shopping stops, feeling they are overly commercial. Still, the Medina is a highlight, with its labyrinthine streets and historic buildings.

Day 5: Return via Gibraltar

The last day involves heading back across the Strait, with a stop at The Rock of Gibraltar before returning to Spain. The ferry journey is short, but the access can involve steps, and some reviews mention queues at passport control.

Worth noting: The return journey is quite long, with some travelers noting they spent hours on the bus before reaching Malaga.

What Travelers Say

Strengths: The guides are often praised for their local knowledge and handling large groups. Many reviewers appreciate the opportunity to see Morocco’s top sights in a short period, especially those who mention the optional evening shows and Moroccan dinners as enjoyable highlights.

Challenges: Long hours on the bus are a common complaint—some say up to 10 hours a day, which can be tiring. Hotel standards vary, with some feeling the accommodations could be better, especially considering the price. Several reviews mention that much of the sightseeing feels rushed, with limited free time to explore or relax.

Logistics & Food: Meals are generally described as decent, but mostly Western-style rather than Moroccan. The lack of options for local cuisine or vegetarian fare is noted. Also, some travelers felt the food at hotels and restaurants was not as good as it could be.

Value: The price point ($913.89 per person) is reasonable for what’s included—guided tours, hotels, ferry crossings—but some feel it’s a lot of travel for the limited time to really soak in each city.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is best for those who want a quick, guided overview of Morocco’s major cities without the hassle of planning logistics. It’s suitable for travelers comfortable with long bus rides and tight schedules. If your goal is to see the highlights and don’t mind the pace, you’ll find this a good introduction.

However, if you prefer a more relaxed experience, or want to explore each city at your own pace, this might not be the right fit. Families or travelers with mobility issues should consider the extensive walking and long travel hours. Also, if local Moroccan cuisine or cultural activities are a priority, you might find the included meals and stops somewhat limited.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Morocco?
Yes, it offers a good overview and guides you through the key cities, especially if you’re short on time and want a structured experience.

How long are the bus rides?
Some reviews mention up to 10 hours of travel per day, especially between major stops, so be prepared for long hours on the road.

Are meals included?
Yes, breakfast and dinner are included on most days, but the reviews suggest the food is mainly Western-style, with limited Moroccan options.

What’s the quality of the hotels?
Hotel standards vary. Some travelers enjoyed the superior hotels, but others found some accommodations older or less comfortable than expected. Hotel in Casablanca, in particular, received mixed reviews.

Can I expect free time in the cities?
Not much. The schedule is quite packed, and many reviews mention limited free time, especially in Casablanca and Fez.

Is there time to visit mosques or religious sites?
You will see the exterior of Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca and the Royal Palace in Fez (exterior only). No interior visits are scheduled.

Are shopping stops common?
Yes, several reviews mention guided shopping in souks, which some travelers found overbearing or overly commercialized.

What’s the group size?
Tour groups can range up to 48 travelers, which might feel crowded to some.

Is the tour family-friendly?
It’s not specifically aimed at families, and the long bus rides and extensive walking might be challenging for children or those with mobility issues.

Can I cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 6 days in advance for a full refund. Closer to the date, the refund amount decreases.

Final Thoughts

This 5-day Morocco tour offers a solid way to see some of the country’s most famous cities with the help of expert guides and organized logistics. Expect a busy schedule and extensive travel, but also enjoy the convenience of guided sightseeing and included hotel stays. If you’re someone who thrives on structured trips and doesn’t mind long days on a bus, this could be a good option for you.

However, if you’re after a more relaxed pace, deeper immersion, or authentic Moroccan cuisine, you might want to consider other options or extend your stay in individual cities. For those curious about Morocco’s highlights and willing to navigate the busy schedule, this tour provides a decent overview.

Remember, traveling in Morocco can be a whirlwind, but with the right expectations, this tour can serve as a valuable introduction—just pack snacks, patience, and an open mind.