Morocco: Imperial Cities, Sahara & the Atlantic Coast

Arrival in Casablanca

Arrive at any time into Casablanca. This route departs the city first thing on Day 2, so anyone wanting to see the city's sights should plan to arrive a day or two early. Key landmarks include the spectacular Hassan II Mosque—accessible only by guided tour—and the city's distinct Art Deco architecture.

North to Tangier and the Blue City

The day begins with an overland drive north to Tangier, the port city guarding the Strait of Gibraltar. A few hours here are enough for a guided walk through its core sites: the kasbah, the medina, and the bustling squares of Grand Socco and Petit Socco. From there, the road continues inland to Chefchaouen, the 'Blue City,' arriving in the evening.

The Blue City of Chefchaouen

A full free day in Chefchaouen. The main activity is simply wandering the medina, a maze of buildings washed in countless shades of blue, set against the backdrop of the Rif Mountains. For the best views, a short hike up to the Spanish Mosque on a nearby hill provides a panoramic lookout over the city, especially at sunset.

DIY Reality Check: While the optional Rif Mountains hike sounds like a simple day trip, official advisories add a layer of operational complexity. The Government of Canada, for instance, explicitly warns travelers not to hike alone in remote mountain regions. For the independent traveler, this means sourcing and vetting a trustworthy local guide is not just a convenience, but a security measure. Beyond that, trails are often poorly marked, and coordinating transport to the starting points can involve confusing negotiations and long waits for shared taxis. An optional, pre-booked hike with a vetted local guide and arranged transport sidesteps these logistical hurdles and safety concerns entirely.