The Ins & Outs of Royal Air Maroc
If you're flying into Casablanca from the US or Canada, chances are you'll be booking your trip on Royal Air Maroc (RAM for short). The airline is the flagship carrier for the Kingdom of Morocco and operates as part of One World Alliance.
RAM Airbus 787 Dreamliner
From North America, RAM only flies direct to Casablanca (CMN) on an Airbus 787 Dreamliner. The airline operates a daily flight from New York's JFK Airport to CMN throughout most of the year, and twice a day during the high season. From Dulles (IAD) and Miami International (MIA), Royal Air Maroc offers flights three times a week, and ups this to four times a week in the high season. In case you didn't know: the high season in Morocco is typically around the holiday season, spring break and summer.
Classes of Service
Royal Air Maroc offers two classes of service, Business and Economy.
Economy class tickets allows each passenger 2 checked pieces of luggage. Other services include dinner (halal & other mention options available), wine, a small breakfast snack, a pillow & blanket, and a "sleep" amenities kit (earplugs, eye mask and socks). USB ports and an in-flight entertainment screen are also available in each seat. In economy class, the seats are arranged in a standard international 3-4-3 seat configuration. Fees for seat selection are dependent on the type of fare purchased; sometimes seat selection is free and other times there is an additional charge incurred!
Business class seats allows 3 checked bags per customer and the amenities included above with the addition of an apertif, a hot breakfast, lie-flat beds and premium toiletries in an amenities kit. In general, the business class section is arranged in a 1-2-1 seat configuration (usually flights from JFK), or a 2-2-2 configuration (flights from IAD/MIA).
At the Airport
Please note that Royal Air Maroc does not participate in the TSA Pre-check Program and do not allow for mobile or print-at-home boarding passes. Online check-in can also be a toss-up, and works infrequently. So if you're booked on a RAM flight, you should aim to arrive at the airport early to allow for ample time to check in at the desk, receive your boarding pass, and then go through security.
Common Issues
For any customer support or service issues, we highly recommend utilizing the customer assistance phone number versus the website. In some instances, we've seen that entering ticket information in the website results in an error saying the ticket/reservation does not exist when it absolutely does! Call the customer assistance number should you need to verify your flight and/or make any changes, such as adding a special meal or selecting a seat.
We hope this information helps you navigate your Royal Air Maroc flight to Morocco! Safe travels!
When In Marrakech…
Marrakech, the cosmopolitan center of Morocco, offers a dizzying array of sights and sounds. Sleek, modern restaurants and nightclubs are situated alongside a large number of historical sites.
With so many options, choosing the "extras" during your visit to Marrakech can be daunting. You might be tempted to try and squeeze every sightseeing spot into a few days. While we understand the desire to see as much as possible during your trip, our itineraries intentionally include only one or two of these sites to ensure you get the full Marrakech experience without getting overwhelmed.
Many of these sites feature similar architecture and traditional tilework, allowing you to get a good understanding of Moroccan history without committing all of your time to guided tours through crowds. We're highlighting a few of the biggest sites here to help you narrow down what to add to your must-sees!
BAHIA PALACE
The Bahia Palace, built in the mid-19th century, is one of Morocco's most-visited historical sites. Construction began in the 1850s, and its many gardens and rooms were added on piecemeal over many years. It's a great way to experience several different types of rooms and styles in one fell swoop.
Visitors flock to the palace to get a glimpse of the stunning Grand Courtyard and its labyrinth-like layout.
Note: The palace does get pretty crowded throughout the day, and your photos likely won't look like the one shown here!
MARRAKECH MUSEUM
If getting a look at modern Moroccan art is high on your list of priorities, we recommend a stop at the Marrakech Museum. The museum was originally built as a palace in the late 19th century for dignitaries and the ruling class, was utilized as a girls' school in the 1960s, and then was ultimately converted into a museum in 1997.
The tilework may not be as intricate and expansive as other sites, but the museum boasts a lovely collection of traditional and contemporary Moroccan art. It is also one of the least crowded sites, giving you ample time to take in the artwork and a brief respite from the hustle & bustle of Marrakech.
BEN YOUSSEF MADRASA
The Ben Youssef Madrasa is another one of Marrakech's popular sites. The college was originally commissioned in the 16th century, and was named after the Ben Youssef Mosque. Quick history lesson: Ben Youssef - or Yusuf bin Tashfin - is consIdered to be a cofounder of what is now Marrakech back in 1061!
The madrasa has been featured on just about every travel blog about Morocco, and for good reason! After being fully restored in 2022, the courtyard's tile work is notably "Instagram-worthy". A word to the wise: this site gets incredibly crowded and it can be difficult to walk around the courtyard and the student rooms. This makes it challenging to get a clear photo, if that's an important factor for you!
DAR BACHA
Lovers of coffee, unite! Constructed in 1910, Dar el Bacha originally served as a governor's home, and is one of the first buildings in Morocco to feature extensive decoration on the exterior. As of 2017, the site functions as part museum, part coffee shop.
The gallery showcases an eclectic mix of Jewish, Arabic, and Berber artifacts while serving up Arabica coffee in a salon-like setting. Cultural and historical icons like Colette, Josephine Baker, Charlie Chaplin and Winston Churchill have been counted among the Bacha's visitors! Note: unlike some of the other sites, the palace has not been fully restored and parts are not open to the public. You'll get to take in Moroccan architecture and tile work, but you won't be able to experience the entire palace!
THE SECRET GARDEN
Last on our list: The Secret Garden! It may not have all the architectural features of the other sites, but the well-tended gardens in this converted 16th-century palace are an option for those who want a break from the hubbub. The Secret Garden features two gardens - an exotic garden with plants from all over the world, and an Islamic garden that follows a specific set of geometric patterns.
An extra fee buys you entrance into the tower, where you can get a great view over the medina itself. There's also a cafe on the premises. It can get a little crowded during peak seasons, however, the gardens are still something of a hidden gem in Marrakech.
THE BOTTOM LINE: We want you to maximize your time in Morocco while also getting a chance to step back and take everything in, which is why we strongly recommend prioritizing what features you MUST experience on your trip before choosing sites to include. If you're still looking for more information, send us a custom tour request and we'll help you craft that dream trip itinerary!
Crafting the Perfect Itinerary
The itinerary options for your trip to Morocco are seemingly endless, and it's tempting to try and cover as much ground as possible! It's also important to note that some of the locations in Morocco are spread out and require a significant amount of travel in between destinations.
While we understand that you want to see everything during your trip, we have some recommendations for planning out an ideal route based on how much time you have available without feeling rushed. Of course, these recommendations are not an exhaustive list, and we're more than happy to help you plan your dream trip!
If you're limited to 1 - 4 days, our top pick is to visit Marrakech and its surrounding locations. Marrakech is the cosmopolitan center of Morocco, with history, outdoor activities, restaurants, spas and more that will appeal to just about every traveler. The Atlas Mountains and Agafay Desert are a short drive (~1 hour) away, making those areas perfect for a day trip if you have a little bit of time after touring Marrakech!
[Photo: Jemaa El-Fnaa, Marrakech]
With 5 - 7 days of time, we recommend one of the following three itineraries. First, there's Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains, and a visit to either Essaouira or Taghazout, coastal cities along the Atlantic. Second, there's the choice of Fes/Meknes, Chefchaouen (the famous blue city), and Tangier. Finally, there's the option of visiting the Imperial Cities of Rabat, Meknes, Fes, and Marrakech.
[Photo: Essaouira Coast]
You might be wondering, hey, there's some overlap between those three routes, can't I just combine them all? Please note that the transit time from Tangier to Marrakech alone is a 6+ hour drive, which would take up almost an entire day of your trip and give you even less time to take in the sights and relax.
For a 8 - 10 day trip, our top recommendation is to visit the Imperial Cities along with a full day or two in the Sahara Desert. If riding camels and camping in the Sahara is a must-do for you, we strongly recommend that you plan for at least 8 days. The drive out to the Sahara takes up the better part of an entire travel day at around 8 hours - and don't forget it takes another day to get back!
[Photo: Sahara Desert]
You can add Chefchaouen, Taghazout or Essaouira to the aforementioned itinerary if you have around 11 - 13 days to explore Morocco. Again, travel between these locations can take up a lot of time and energy, and you'll want some recovery time after long drives.
You can add Chefchaouen, Taghazout or Essaouira to the aforementioned itinerary (Imperial Cities + the Sahara) if you have around 11 - 13 days to explore Morocco. Again, travel between these locations can take up a lot of time and energy, and you'll want some recovery time after long drives.
[Photo: Chefchaouen]
If this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip and you want to see everything that Morocco has to offer, we highly recommend 14 - 16 days to allow ample time for travel in between the cities, the desert and anywhere else that you have your heart set on. This amount of time will give you the ability to truly experience Morocco without rushing or feeling exhausted during your vacation.
We can't wait to help you craft your ideal itinerary in the Kingdom. Fill out a custom tour request here to get started!
What to Expect On Your Moroccan Adventure
The Tanneries in Fes
Your tickets are booked, your bags are packed, your itinerary is set... everything for your adventure to Morocco is a go!
But what exactly to expect?
Generally, the accommodations in large cities (i.e. Marrakech, Casablanca or Tangier) are on par with mid- to high-end properties in the West. Modern luxuries abound throughout much of the cities in Morocco. Our hotel partners offer many of the luxury amenities that travelers have come to expect from 4- and 5-star properties around the world, including but not limited to branded toiletries, premium linens and room service. If you opt to stay in a riad in Marrakech or Fes, you'll experience more traditional decor and architecture. Keep in mind that in the riads, there are generally only windows to an indoor courtyard!
La Maison Arabe in Marrakech
However, it's important to note that outside of these major cosmopolitan centers, additional amenities may not be as readily available. While properties in Morocco work diligently to accommodate guests' needs, many areas are still being developed for international visitors.
Not to worry, you'll still have access to most standard amenities, including Wi-Fi, electricity and running water... even in the Sahara Desert! Meaning, yes, you'll be able to take a hot shower after that sandy camel ride. Because despite your best efforts, the sand will get everywhere. Your options for dining out might be limited but the experience of watching the sun set in the desert will more than make up for it.
Camels in the Sahara
And no matter where you end up staying during your adventure, you will be welcomed by the warm Moroccan hospitality throughout the country!
Malaga Food Tour
Hello from Spain! We’re excited to announce that we’ve added a few destinations in southern Spain to our tours. A quick ferry ride from Tangier, Morocco, these are a great
(and delicious) extension to your grand Moroccan adventure! Cheers!