Morocco's Journey from Marrakech to Fès: Four Distinct Perspectives of the Country
Exploring the Royal Cities of Morocco: A Journey Through History, Culture, and Flavour
Marrakech, a city known for its bustling atmosphere, offers an intoxicating blend of spices, lamb meat, horse dung, and the hard work that permeates its narrow streets. Here, tourists, mopeds, and donkeys navigate through the city, while Abdul guides tourist groups through the medieval labyrinth. Rooftop bars serve mint tea and orange juice, providing a moment of tranquility amidst the chaos.
For a more literary experience of Morocco, Driss Chraïbi's book "Civilization, Mother!" is highly recommended. The Kasbah of Oudaias in Rabat, the capital city where the king resides, offers a contrasting atmosphere. As the sun sets, life slows down, and the white facades and blue doors of the Kasbah take on an ethereal quality. The royal palace and the marble-built mausoleum of Mohammed V are notable landmarks in Rabat.
A short journey east takes us to Meknes, referred to as the "city of gates and walls". The main gate, Bab Mansour, is a significant landmark, and the city is known for its Roman influence, with olive trees, cypresses, wine, and pomegranates. The mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, with four baroque grandfather clocks, is another notable monument.
In Meknes, Hamid and his wife Nizha live in the old town and serve sweet gazelle horns and traditional Moroccan tea in their apartment. Hamid prepares the tea with a specific method, ensuring it has a white turban when pouring. In Fes, the oldest of the royal cities, vendors offer fresh mint branches to mask the strong smell near the tannery district. With an estimated over nine thousand alleys and dead ends, navigating Fes can be a challenge, but the coppersmiths repairing dishes on the Place Seffarine make it all worthwhile.
For those seeking adventure, GTA Touristik offers a round trip to all four royal cities in Morocco, including flight, for 1,499 euros per person. The journey is available from January to May and in September and October 2026. For those flying from Vienna, austrian.com offers direct flights to Marrakech.
Traveling to Morocco also comes with a responsibility to minimise our carbon footprint. CO2 compensation for the Marrakesh flight can be purchased from atmosfair.de for 33 euros. The Jemaa el Fna square in Marrakech is a hub for fortune tellers, storytellers, magicians, and snake charmers, providing a unique cultural experience.
As we journey through these cities, we are reminded of the rich history and culture that Morocco has to offer. From the bustling streets of Marrakech to the tranquil Kasbah of Oudaias in Rabat, the Roman influences of Meknes, and the ancient alleys of Fes, each city offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
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