Morocco

The Red City is a full-sensory experience. Wander the souks for handwoven rugs and fragrant spices, then sip fresh tangerine or pomegranate juice while watching the performers in Jemaa el-Fnaa square. It’s chaotic, colorful, and endlessly fascinating. Your guide will keep you from getting lost is the tangle of ancient streets and chaos of vendors and somehow take you back to the splendor and serenity of your lovely riad where a cup of fragrant mint tea always awaits and the scent of rose and orange blossom fills the air.

Just beyond Marrakech, the majestic High Atlas Mountains offer fantastic views, crisp air and quiet trails. Hike through valleys dotted with charming Berber villages that are little changed over a thousand years, chat with the locals, and, in spring, see the almond trees in bloom. In winter, you can even ski.

Fez is a step back in time. Surrounded by the most intact ancient Roman wall in all of Europe, its ancient medieval medina is alive with craftsmen, tanneries, and ancient alleyways where leather, brass, silver and camel bone furnishings and ceramics are still made by hand. Head to the Chouara Tannery for a bird’s-eye view of leatherwork that hasn’t changed in centuries.

The wind-swept art center of Essaouira sits elegantly on the shore of the Atlantic. Browse the galleries, wander the old port, or grab a surfboard and ride the Atlantic swells. The beauty of the city is inescapable and it’s easy to imagine why so many famous artists (from Cat Stevens, Picasso, and Jimi Hendrix ) have fallen in love with it. Its bright blue walls rise like turquoise ships from the white sands of the beaches and the fishermen’s innumerable boats deliver their goods to the shore daily, providing fantastic fresh fish and great photo ops along the coast.

Spend the night in a luxurious desert Bedoin tent tucked among the dunes. Wake before sunrise for a camel ride across the sands as the first light hits the horizon, quiet, golden, unforgettable.

As you descend from the High Atlas driving south towards the Sahara, you may notice that the landscapes here look familiar. That may be because they’ve played a starring role in so many famed films from Gladiator to Game of Thrones as well as many Hollywood Westerns. Visit Ait Ben Haddou, a red-earth fortress town that’s as photogenic as they come and bargaining for the best Moroccan carpets is an art.

Casablanca is a city that surprises you—in the best way. It’s not just Morocco’s economic heart, but a place where modern energy meets timeless charm. You’ll find stunning Art Deco architecture, vibrant markets, and the breathtaking Hassan II Mosque right on the ocean, with its towering minaret and intricate craftsmanship. There’s a cosmopolitan vibe here, with seaside cafés, stylish neighborhoods, and a rich cultural mix that makes it feel both distinctly Moroccan and globally connected. If you want to experience Morocco beyond the medinas and desert, Casablanca offers a refreshing, urban contrast that’s absolutely worth exploring.

Volubilis is one of those rare places where history feels truly alive. Nestled in the Moroccan countryside, this ancient Roman city offers a stunning glimpse into the past with its remarkably preserved mosaics, grand arches, and sweeping views of the surrounding hills. Walking through its ruins, you can almost imagine the rhythm of daily life from centuries ago. It’s peaceful, uncrowded, and beautifully atmospheric, perfect for anyone who loves history, architecture, or simply being in a place that tells a powerful story. If you're exploring Morocco, Volubilis is absolutely worth the detour.