Morocco is one of those destinations that really gets under your skin in the best possible way.
It’s colourful, lively, incredibly rich in culture and full of surprises.
I was lucky to experience it with On The Go Tours through the ‘Imperial Morocco & Blue City’ tour, before spending four nights at Club Med Marrakech La Palmeraie – and the combination worked perfectly.
We flew into Casablanca (make sure you allow plenty of time for Immigration) and kicked things off with lunch at Rick’s Café, which felt like stepping straight into a movie set. The atmosphere, the music, the décor all set the tone for what’s to come.
From there, we travelled through a mix of imperial cities, countryside and historic sites, all made even better by our guide Jamal. He was the kind of guide who makes a trip memorable; knowledgeable, funny and genuinely proud to share his culture.
One of the most special moments was being invited into his home to meet his family, which gave us a real insight into everyday Moroccan life.
In Fes, we wandered through the legendary medina, a sprawling labyrinth of more than 9,000 streets and alleyways, each brimming with history, colour and life. We also visited the Chouara Tannery, a truly fascinating highlight of the trip.
The vibrant colours are incredible and with the expert knowledge of our local guide Jamal, we were able to fully immerse ourselves in the experience.
Jamal’s knowledge made the visit seamless and he even helped those keen to shop find some excellent bargains along the way.
One of the unexpected highlights was spending time in Talassemtane National Park, where we swapped busy cities for fresh air, hiking trails and even a few encounters with the local monkeys.
We also stopped at Volubilis, where the Roman ruins are incredibly well preserved and set in a beautiful rural landscape. It’s a UNESCO site and well worth the visit.
For me, though, the standout was Chefchaouen. The Blue City really is as beautiful as the photos suggest.
Getting up early and wandering the quiet, blue-washed streets before the shops open and the crowds arrive is something I’d highly recommend. It’s peaceful, slightly surreal and probably one of the most photogenic places I’ve ever visited. If you want a perfect Riad in the heart of the blue city you have to stay at Casa Hassan.
Accommodation throughout the tour exceeded expectations, offering comfort and charm at every stop. On The Go Tours uses a mix of boutique hotels and traditional riads, each with their own character that are far from cookie-cutter, adding to the overall experience.
Food is, of course, a big part of any trip to Morocco and the tagines did not disappoint. My favourite was the lemon chicken and olive – simple, flavourful and something I’d happily eat again and again.
For those who do not like tagine, you are also guaranteed to find chicken skewers or cous cous on every menu.
After a busy week of exploring, arriving in Marrakech felt like hitting pause in the best way possible. Checking into Club Med Marrakech La Palmeraie was the perfect addition to the tour.
We stayed in the resorts Family Oasis in a two-bedroom suite, which was ideal – plenty of space, a large wraparound balcony and a layout that works particularly well for families or groups travelling together. It’s comfortable without feeling over the top and very easy to settle in to.
What really stands out at Club Med is how easy everything is. The all-inclusive concept is done very well, with a huge variety of food across different cuisines and plenty of options for dietary requirements.
You can keep things local with Moroccan dishes or stick to international favourites. The open bar features a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options to suit every taste.
During the day there’s no shortage of things to do. All-inclusive activities range from yoga to flying trapeze, golf, tennis, archery, fitness classes and more.
There are also a wide range of on-demand excursions led by the resort, such as camel rides, sunrise hot air ballooning or quad biking, which are worth considering.
Evenings bring a completely different energy, with themed nights such as white night or black & gold. Some guests go all out, others don’t – it’s entirely up to you, which is part of the appeal.
One of the biggest strengths of Club Med Marrakech La Palmeraie is how versatile it is. It works just as well for couples as it does for families or multi-generational groups, with a good balance between activity and relaxation.
Pairing On The Go Tours with Club Med Marrakech La Palmeraie was an excellent way to experience Morocco, starting with an immersive, fast-paced journey through the country’s highlights, then finish with a few days to unwind in comfort.
Morocco is a destination that stays with you long after you leave and this itinerary really lets you experience both sides of it.
Club Med Travel Agents Portal.
https://www.onthegotours.com/au
