Morocco Imperial cities trip Day one

Introduction:

It was only a couple of months ago that David reached out to me about a trip to Morocco. Thirty years ago, he had served in the Peace Corps in parts of the country. Ever since, he had dreamed of coming back—not just passing through, but truly experiencing Morocco in a way he didn’t get the chance to back then.

I loved the idea right away. It actually lined up perfectly, as I already had a Morocco group trip planned for September and would be heading there to prepare. There are still a few spots available for the September trip—click here to find all the details.

And if group travel isn’t your thing, you can always reach out for a custom trip. I’ve got you.

Day One: Arrival in Casablanca

We arrive in Casablanca, where our driver Fouad is there to greet us at the airport. After a long journey, it’s a relief to hear a familiar voice waiting for you on the other side of arrivals.

Today is all about landing—physically and mentally—after a 12+ hour commute. Fouad brings us straight to the hotel so we can settle in and take a moment to arrive.

First days always come with a mix of excitement and a bit of uncertainty. Who is picking me up? Will they speak English? What happens next? How does everything work here? These are all very real questions, especially when navigating a new country without sight. This is exactly why we make sure everything is organized and communicated ahead of time. For our group trips, we host a full introduction about a month before departure so everyone knows what to expect.

David booked a guided solo trip, so his guide is me. We had already connected several times online before arriving, which makes that first in-person meeting feel easy and familiar.

In the evening, we head out for our first Moroccan dinner. The air is warm, the city still buzzing, and the smell of spices drifts out from nearby kitchens. One thing you learn quickly—dinner here doesn’t really start before 8:30 pm. It’s a slower rhythm, and it invites you to ease into it.