A Real-Life Review: The 2025 5-Day Tour from Casablanca to Fes via Chefchaouen
Thinking about a trip to Morocco is, you know, one thing, but actually figuring out an itinerary that makes sense can be a little tricky. There are just so many places that seem incredible. So, a five-day spin from Casablanca up to the famous blue streets of Chefchaouen and then ending in the old city of Fes, well, that’s pretty much a perfect little package for a first-timer. Honestly, I was a bit skeptical at first, wondering if it would all feel like a mad dash, but it turned out to be, sort of, surprisingly well-paced. This route gives you a really good taste of what Morocco is all about, from its modern coast to its ancient heart, and frankly, it left me wanting to come back for more. We saw so much, but at the end of the day, it didn’t feel like we were just ticking boxes; it felt like a real experience.
Day 1: From Casablanca’s Grandeur to Rabat’s Quiet Charm
Alright, so the tour kicks off in Casablanca, which, to be honest, feels very much like a big, working port city. Our first stop was, of course, the Hassan II Mosque, and it’s pretty much impossible not to be impressed by it. The building is absolutely massive and stands right on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, which is, like, a stunning backdrop. You can just feel the sea spray on a windy day. We spent a fair bit of time here, and honestly, even if you’re not religious, the level of craftsmanship is just incredible to see up close. The details on the doors, the tile work, and stuff like that are kind of mind-boggling.
After that, we hopped in the van and made our way to Rabat, which, by the way, is Morocco’s capital. It’s got a much more relaxed feel than Casablanca, almost a little bit sleepy in a nice way. The first thing we did there was check out the Kasbah of the Udayas, a seriously old fortress overlooking the sea. Getting lost in its narrow, blue-and-white painted streets was really one of the highlights of the day. It’s actually very photogenic and much less crowded than other famous spots. Later on, we saw the Hassan Tower, an unfinished minaret from the 12th century that is pretty cool to see. Apparently, it was supposed to be the biggest in the world at the time. At the end of the day, settling into our riad—a traditional Moroccan house with an inner courtyard—felt like the perfect, peaceful end to a very full first day.
Day 2: First Glimpse of the Breathtaking Blue City, Chefchaouen
Okay, so day two was the day I was really looking forward to, and it totally lived up to the hype. The drive from Rabat to Chefchaouen is, in itself, really beautiful, as the landscape sort of changes from flat coastal plains to these really dramatic Rif Mountains. It takes a few hours, obviously, but looking out the window at the little villages and olive groves makes the time go by pretty fast. Our driver was actually pointing out interesting things along the way, which was a nice touch.
Nothing really prepares you for the moment you arrive in Chefchaouen, though. You see pictures, of course, but seeing that wave of blue buildings tucked into the mountainside is, well, something else entirely. After checking into our hotel, we basically just dropped our bags and went straight into the medina. Every single alleyway is painted in a different shade of blue, from a soft baby blue to a deep, rich cobalt. It’s incredibly peaceful, and the whole place just has this sort of gentle, calm energy. We spent the afternoon just wandering around, with absolutely no plan, which, I mean, is really the best way to see it. Every corner you turn reveals another picture-perfect scene—a cat sleeping on a blue stoop, a brightly colored rug hanging on a blue wall, you know, that kind of thing.
Day 3: A Full Day Soaking in Chefchaouen’s Magic
Having a full day in Chefchaouen is, frankly, a brilliant idea because you can really take your time. In the morning, the light is just soft and perfect for photos, so we spent a few more hours getting happily lost in the medina. Unlike the bigger cities, the shopkeepers here are really laid-back. You can browse the little shops selling leather goods, woven blankets, and local spices without feeling pressured at all, which is sort of refreshing. We actually bought a couple of small, hand-painted ceramic bowls and stuff.
For lunch, we found a small rooftop cafe overlooking the main square, Plaza Uta el-Hammam, and had a tagine, which is basically a slow-cooked stew served in a conical clay pot. It was absolutely delicious. The square itself is a great spot for people-watching, with the grand kasbah on one side. In the late afternoon, we decided to do the short hike up the hill to the Spanish Mosque. It’s a fairly easy walk, maybe 20 minutes or so, and the view from the top is definitely worth it. You get a panoramic look at the entire blue city nestled in the valley as the sun begins to set. It’s pretty much the perfect way to say goodbye to this amazing place.
Day 4: Roman Ruins and the Road to Fes
Leaving Chefchaouen was a bit sad, to be honest, but the next part of the trip was just as interesting. On the way to Fes, we stopped at Volubilis, which, you know, I had never even heard of before. It’s this incredible, sprawling site of ancient Roman ruins, right in the middle of the Moroccan countryside. It was once a major city in the Roman Empire, and frankly, it’s surprisingly well-preserved. We hired a local guide at the entrance, which I really recommend, as he brought the whole place to life. He showed us the remains of grand houses with these stunning mosaic floors that are, like, still so colorful and detailed.
It’s actually amazing to stand there and imagine what life must have been like nearly two thousand years ago. The guide pointed out the old olive press, the main street, and the triumphal arch—it really gives you a completely different perspective on Morocco’s history, beyond just the Arab and Berber cultures.
From there, it was another short drive to Fes. Arriving in Fes is a bit of a sensory overload after the quiet calm of Chefchaouen. It’s a huge, ancient city, and you can sort of feel its age and importance immediately. Our riad was located inside the medina, or the old walled city, and just getting our luggage there through the narrow, car-free alleyways was an adventure in itself. That first evening, we just enjoyed a mint tea on our riad’s rooftop, listening to the call to prayer echo across the city. It was a pretty magical way to get introduced to Fes.
Day 5: Unraveling the Layers of Fes el-Bali
Our final day was dedicated entirely to exploring Fes el-Bali, the old medina, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and literally one of the largest living medieval cities in the world. A local guide is pretty much non-negotiable here; otherwise, you would get hopelessly lost within minutes. He led us through a confusing maze of over 9,000 alleyways, some so narrow you have to walk in single file. It’s an incredible place, buzzing with life—donkeys carrying goods, craftsmen hammering metal in tiny workshops, and the smell of spices and cooking food everywhere. It’s honestly an assault on the senses in the best possible way.
We visited the Bou Inania Madrasa, an old school that is a stunning example of Marinid architecture, with seriously intricate carvings and tilework. The real showstopper, however, was the Chouara Tannery. You stand on a balcony overlooking these huge, stone pits filled with colorful dyes, where workers treat leather using the same methods they have for centuries. Okay, so the smell is famously intense—they give you a sprig of mint to hold under your nose for a reason—but seeing it is an experience you definitely won’t forget. This final day really captured the intense, historic soul of Morocco, a world away from where we started just five days earlier. It was a really powerful way to cap off the whole trip.
Some Key Takeaways
At the end of the day, a few things really stand out from this tour. You definitely get a lot of variety packed into a short amount of time without feeling too rushed. I mean, the planning is all done for you, which is a huge stress reliever.
- The Pace is Good: Frankly, I was worried about it being too quick, but having two nights and a full day in Chefchaouen really helps break up the travel.
- You See a Lot: From a modern coastal city to an ancient Roman settlement to the two most famous medinas, it’s pretty much a great cross-section of northern Morocco.
- Private is Better: We had a private driver, which I would totally recommend. It gives you a lot of flexibility to stop when you want to, you know, for photos or just to stretch your legs.
- The Riads Are an Experience: Staying in traditional riads instead of generic hotels is a huge part of the charm. Waking up in a beautiful, quiet courtyard is honestly so much better.
- Be Prepared for Fes: Just know that Fes is intense. It’s amazing, but its narrow streets and crowds can be a little overwhelming at first. Just go with the flow and you’ll love it.
Read our full review: [5 Day Tour Casablanca to Fes Full Review and Details]
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