Explorer's Journal: Traveling Through Morocco with Destination Expert Cassius

Join Destination Expert Cassius on an unforgettable journey through Morocco, where ancient medinas, dramatic mountain landscapes, vast Sahara dunes, and vibrant cities come together in one extraordinary adventure. From wandering the historic streets of Fez and watching the sun illuminate the Sahara to crossing the Atlas Mountains and exploring the colorful markets of Marrakesh, this journey showcases the rich history, diverse landscapes, and warm hospitality that make Morocco such a captivating destination.

Hi everyone, Destination Expert Cassius here! I recently had the opportunity to explore Morocco, and I'm excited to share some of the highlights from my journey. From standing in awe inside the Hassan II Mosque and getting lost in the winding medinas of Fez to riding camels through the Sahara and relaxing in a traditional Moroccan hammam, every day brought something completely different. Along the way, I experienced incredible local cuisine, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable cultural moments. Come along as I take you through each chapter of my Moroccan adventure!

Welcome to Casablanca

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Visiting The Hassan II Mosque located in Casablanca, Morocco (Photo: Cassius Lawrence-Jones).

After arriving, I found out my luggage was delayed—a traveler's nightmare. Luckily, our guide was very supportive and experienced in dealing with situations like these, keeping me informed every step of the way. We were able to plan a trip to the airport once my luggage arrived without disrupting the tour.

After settling in, I visited the magnificent Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, one of the greatest architectural marvels of the modern era. It was built by 12,000 people, including 8,000 skilled craftsmen, and incorporates artistic traditions from every region of Morocco and across different eras.

I felt completely overwhelmed by its size and beauty. Never before had I felt so small inside a building.

Afterward, I enjoyed a relaxing evening at my hotel, sampled the incredible flavors of Moroccan cuisine, and ended the day with a short walk through the streets of Casablanca.

The Road to Fez 

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Visiting the beautiful city of Rabat on my way to Fez (Photo: Cassius Lawrence-Jones).

The drive from Casablanca to Rabat is incredibly smooth along a beautiful new highway. Arriving in the capital and home of the royal family instantly gives you that feeling—clean streets and a distinctive sense of elegance. Seeing the unfinished mosque with the Hassan Tower and the beautiful royal tombs inspired a sense of pride and importance.

Later, we visited the Oudaya Kasbah, which offers a stunning viewpoint where the river meets the ocean. There, we enjoyed traditional mint tea with an incredible view.

After that, the 2.5-hour journey toward Fez began. Before reaching the city, we made a stop at Volubilis, an ancient abandoned Roman city and one of the best-preserved Roman archaeological sites I have ever seen. We also learned how this remarkable place later played a role in the founding of Fez.

After another hour and a half, we arrived in Fez for some well-deserved rest. That evening, I enjoyed the most delicious beef tajine.

Craftsmanship & Culture in Fez

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Exploring the culture, history, and beauty of Fez (Photo: Cassius Lawrence-Jones).

This day was fully dedicated to Fez and learning about both its early and modern history. What began as a rest stop for merchants eventually became the foundation of Moroccan craftsmanship and art.

We explored several medinas, the oldest dating back to the 9th century. The bustling markets are organized by trade, with separate sections for food, carpentry, clothing, pottery, and the infamous Fez tannery, where leather is still dyed and treated using traditional methods that have been passed down for centuries.

While exploring the medina, I visited an incredible local restaurant serving delicious traditional Moroccan cuisine that never disappoints.

Along the way, we also stopped at several rooftops with breathtaking views. At one of those moments, the call to prayer echoed across the city, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

The feeling and energy this city left with me are difficult to put into words.

Into the Sahara

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Traveling to the Sahara and staying at a desert camp! (Photo: Cassius Lawrence-Jones)

We departed early from Fez, and the destination? The Sahara. I was incredibly excited. The magnificent sand dunes are truly a sight to behold.

It was a long day on the road, but traveling comfortably in our vans made the journey pass quickly. There was so much to see as the picturesque Upper Atlas Mountains gradually gave way to vast desert landscapes. With great lunch stops and coffee breaks along the way, the drive was very enjoyable, and I had plenty of time to practice putting on a turban!

Arriving at the desert camp was a sight like no other. Watching the massive sand dunes emerge in the distance was almost surreal.

Once at the camp, I went on a camel ride into the dunes. There was also the option to hike before or after the ride. That day, the sky was unusually cloudy, something that doesn't happen often. Instead of a classic desert sunset, I experienced a completely different atmosphere, and despite not seeing the sun set, I was absolutely amazed.

In the evening, the other camp guests joined us for dinner. The best part was that we all gathered around one large table, exchanging travel stories and getting to know one another, making the experience even more special.

From the Sahara to Skoura

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Hiking through the sand dunes and enjoying Morocco’s mint tea (Photo: Cassius Lawrence-Jones).

I couldn't resist getting up early for another hike through the sand dunes. It had rained lightly during the night, but the sand absorbed all the water, and, surprisingly, my shoes stayed dry. Although I didn't get to see the sunrise because of the clouds, I realized I was experiencing a much more unique moment in the desert than most people do, and I felt truly grateful.

It was time to continue toward Skoura, with more stunning scenery along the way. We stopped for a delicious lunch in Tinghir before taking a short walk through Todgha Gorge. Walking through the gorge left me completely speechless. The towering cliffs were astonishing, and I had never seen anything like them.

After leaving Tinghir, we continued to Skoura, where we visited a fascinating oasis filled with its famous date palms. The oasis can be explored on foot, by 4x4, or even by quad bike.

By then, I had grown accustomed to Morocco's delicious mint tea, which I enjoyed as soon as I arrived at the hotel.

Journey to Marrakesh

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Experiencing a traditional Moroccan hammam to relax and unwind (Photo: Cassius Lawrence-Jones).

Today we set off for Marrakesh, passing stunning desert landscapes and mountain scenery along the way.

We drove through Tarmigt, home to the legendary Atlas Studios, where many iconic films have been produced. With more time, there are countless activities to enjoy in this area.

The final stage of our journey took us through the Atlas Mountains, with the highest point reaching around 8,000 feet. Along the way, we were caught in a snowstorm, which made the drive even more memorable. Had we arrived an hour or two later, the road might have been closed. Thanks to our professional guide and driver, who monitored the weather closely, we made it through safely before conditions worsened.

As we crossed the mountains, we could still see sections of the old road. The new route, completed in 2017, makes the journey much safer, and seeing the original road gave me a real appreciation for how challenging this trip once was.

Arriving in Marrakesh in the afternoon gave me the perfect opportunity to finally experience a traditional Moroccan hammam. After all the traveling, it was the ideal way to relax and unwind. The hot steam room, full-body exfoliation, and massage were exactly what I needed.

It would be a shame to visit Morocco without trying one for yourself.

The Magic of Marrakesh

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Visiting the Koutoubia Mosque and exploring more of Marrakesh (Photo: Cassius Lawrence-Jones).

In the morning, we began at the Koutoubia Mosque, which was originally built, later demolished, and then rebuilt a short distance away by a succeeding dynasty.

Next, we visited the Majorelle Garden. Thanks to our guide, we were able to skip the long lines, as it gets extremely busy. The beautiful gardens provide a peaceful escape from the noise and energy of Marrakesh.

Right next to the gardens is the world-famous Yves Saint Laurent Museum, showcasing some of the legendary designer's finest work. For fashion enthusiasts, this could easily be a multi-hour visit.

After exploring the gardens and museum, we continued to the ancient markets of Marrakesh, which still operate much as they have for centuries. The history and tradition found throughout the city are incredible, but the highlight for me was the lively main square in the old medina.

Before I knew it, it was time to pack my bags and catch my flight home.

As I looked back on the journey, I couldn't help but reflect on everything Morocco had to offer. From its centuries of history and breathtaking landscapes to the warmth of its people, every day brought something new to discover. And, as I've mentioned more than once, the food was unforgettable. The fresh, simple, and locally sourced ingredients that define Moroccan cuisine made every meal a highlight of the trip.

Morocco is a destination that stays with you long after you've left, and it's a place I would recommend to anyone looking for a journey rich in culture, history, and unforgettable experiences.