Casablanca to Chefchaouen Tour: An Honest Review w/ Lunch

Dreaming of wandering the captivating blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen from Casablanca? The “Casablanca to Chefchaouen Excursion Inclusive Guidelunch” might be just a bit of what you’re looking for. I took the leap, and honestly, the experience had some definite highs and a few spots that I thought could use a little improvement. So, let’s take a closer look at what this tour actually offers, alright?

What to Anticipate on the Casablanca to Chefchaouen Trip

First off, get prepared for a pretty lengthy drive. The journey from Casablanca to Chefchaouen could be long, and really will eat up a significant portion of your day. You’re probably looking at around three to four hours in transit each way, potentially, so that means you’ll get a sizeable chunk of time just enjoying the Moroccan countryside out the window. The views, to be fair, are actually very lovely. You’ll pass through rolling hills and small towns, which is kinda nice, anyway. The buses are generally fairly comfy, yet consider bringing along something to keep you occupied during the longer stretches, alright?

The tour promises an “inclusive” experience, and what this boils down to is transport, a tour guide, and lunch. Sometimes, there are extra little stops along the way, which can really depend on your specific operator. I stopped at a roadside market, so it seemed, where I stretched my legs and got some native fruit. A bonus. Very thoughtful!

Chefchaouen’s Azure Appeal: First Impressions

You probably saw the photos, but they just don’t do the blue pearl of Chefchaouen the respect it demands. The entire city is painted in different colors of blue, right, creating an atmospheric, calm, and really kind of dreamlike surrounding that’s different than pretty much anything you’ll find anywhere else. Walking through the narrow, winding streets feels almost like stepping into a movie set. The light, so it is, bouncing off the different shades of blue is quite unique, perfect for some spectacular photos.

There’s just something captivating around every bend, from the old doors to the shops peddling native handicrafts. Take your time meandering and absorb everything!

The Guided Experience: Helpful, Still Perhaps A Little Rushed?

My guide turned out to be rather good; he was informed about the historical backdrop of Chefchaouen and showed all of us a handful of concealed gems we perhaps could have missed by walking alone. He offered some insights into local customs and the purpose behind the city’s unique blue color; typically, it’s believed that the azure hues keep mosquitos away and represent the sky and heaven. Very interesting to learn!

However, it’s fair to state that the visit may have felt a tad rushed. There’s so much to soak in, yet the tour schedule felt a little rigid. It would have been so, too, great to enjoy some more time just exploring the narrow alleys at my leisure and relaxing within one of the cafes without feeling pushed. A great tip: you might have some flexibility to wander on your own for an hour or so, so be certain to verify with your tour operator ahead of time.

The Lunch Element: What’s On The Menu?

Included inside the trip is usually a local meal, commonly served at one of the local restaurants. I came across that lunch involved some Moroccan salads to start with, followed by a choice of tagine or couscous for a central program. In many respects, the ingredients turned out to be good, and it’s always really wonderful to test out a regular dish. The meal gave a terrific overview of Moroccan cuisine for anyone new to it.

Based on your flavor buds, yet, don’t get your expectations too high, so it would be, if you thought you’d enjoy a gourmand adventure. The eating house caters largely to tourists, and for this reason the meal could have been considered secure instead of taking any risks. You, too, usually don’t get lots of options for people who have unique eating restrictions. Should you are a veggie, it’s worthwhile achieving out to your tour operator earlier to arrange things to that effect, okay?

Some Ideas for Taking Advantage of Your Visit

Wear relaxing Footwear: You’ll probably be doing fairly some taking walks, as I was saying. As such, choose secure footwear. Chefchaouen’s alleys might be slanted and cobbled.

Hold Small Exchange: Even though the price is inclusive, it usually’s good to have some small exchange for tipping your guide or maybe shopping from local distributors, alright?

Get Your Camera: you’ll get so many picture opportunities! Carry greater than enough battery potential and storage in your phone or camera. The place is Instagram paradise, you know?

Respectful Dress Code: Morocco could be a rather conservative place. It’s often beneficial to decorate respectfully, mainly whilst you are in populated regions like Chefchaouen. It’s almost that means covering your shoulders and knees could be appreciated.

Negotiate charges in shops: if you intend to shop in local shops, just a little haggling over prices could be commonplace. In that case, start low and don’t be afraid to negotiate for something you’re searching for.

Concluding Feelings: Is This Excursion Worth It?

So, too it’s almost time to wrap this up: Is the “Casablanca to Chefchaouen Excursion Inclusive Guidelunch” really worth it? Well, in my eyes, yeah, maybe. If you happen to are short on time and also want a no-fuss solution to peer Chefchaouen without doing all the planning, this can be an alright option. Very thoughtful!

However, go into this journey realizing it may be an extended day of commuting and you’re getting fairly a tourist-targeted model. In case you appreciate an even more calm tour, or if maybe you’re fascinated by Moroccan dishes, perhaps planning an independent journey could really better suit you, actually. Still, it’s a tremendous and smooth approach to snag a glance at the Blue Pearl!