Destination Morocco Podcast

Discover the charm of Moroccan riads, from serene inner courtyards to authentic local hospitality. Learn about unique design features, modern amenities and in-house experiences like hammams and cooking classes. Find practical booking tips, comparisons with hotels and Airbnb, and how riads support local economies and suit families or groups.

In a first for Destination Morocco, we take you along on an authentic, immersive walking tour of the beautiful coastal city of Essaouira.Walk with us as we explore the Medina, the ramparts, fishing harbour and market, artisan craftworks, and learn how the pluralistic, welcoming spirit of Essaouira made it a haven for multiple religions and languages, all living side by side. The audio is live, authentic and captured on-site. You'll hear street music, waves crashing, seagulls hunting for scraps, footsteps down quiet alleys and traders selling their wares. It's a genuine example of the type of local tour you can expect when you go with Destination Morocco.Podcast producer Ted Cragg and his family has the chance to visit Morocco themselves in February of this year. Ted chatted with Azdean about it on our March 15 episode, particularly from the angle of travelling in Morocco with young kids. Essaouira was the final stop on their tour, and being a quieter, more laid-back place, it presented a perfect opportunity to do this live recording. The tour was led by a local guide, in this case Ait Bahadou Zaid, a veteran of Essaouira tours who typically escorts groups of 40-50 people at a time. However, being a Destination Morocco tour, Ted and family had Zaid for a private tour, and you’ll hear the full range of interactive questions and personalized commentary. As Ted explains, as a listener himself, it was the pinch-me moment he had dreamed of since learning about Essaouira in Episode 7. Of all the fabulous sights in Morocco, it was this small oceanside city with its sweeping sandy beach, moderate climate and relaxed feel that was the place he was most excited to see.To capture its charm and spirit was the goal of this episode, and it will undoubtedly inspire you to go and discover it yourself.Resources Mentioned in this episode:Essaouira, MorrocoEpisode Blog post with more photos of the tour.Episode 7: "Discover Essaouira, Morocco's Coastal Gem"Episode 25: "Family Travel in Morocco" Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience!Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean.November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per PersonBook Your Spot Today! Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Casablanca and Rabat, separated by scarcely an hour's drive along the beautiful Atlantic coast, are Morocco's twin cities of misconception.Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco, the wealthiest, the economic driver: the largest port in Morocco, immortalized by Hollywood and home to the country's principal international airport.Rabat is the country's capital, an imperial city, full of grand boulevards, parks and beaches. In a country full of royal palaces, this is the one where the King actually lives most of the time.And yet, they are the two major cities often passed over by travellers, or at best given an hour or two before heading out towards Chefchaouen, Fès or Marrakech. Azdean and Sam chat today about that reality, as it does often feature on Destination Morocco tours. It comes down to how much time you have, and what your priorities are. Casablanca has a historic Jewish Quarter, great public squares for people-watching, art galleries, restaurants and the best night life in the country.Rabat has beautiful museums, reflecting its stature as national capital and a stately city. It offers a more calm, quiet ambience than Morocco's other big cities, and that alone is a nice change of pace.Our episode today is an overview of things to see and do in these two cities, whether you have a short amount of time or can add an extra day or two to your itinerary. You won't regret it.Sights Mentioned in this episode:CASABLANCA:Hassan II MosqueSacred Heart CathedralRoyal Palace of CasablancaMohammed V SquareVilla des Arts museum and cultural centreRick's CaféJewish QuarterRABAT:MedinaRoyal Palace of RabatMohammed V Mausoleum/Hassan TowerKasbah of the Udayas/Andalusian GardensAmazing viewpointBab Rouah Gate and Art Gallery Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience!Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean.November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per PersonBook Your Spot Today! Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Marrakech is often the top destination in mind for travellers planning a trip to Morocco, and in today's episode Azdean is joined by Destination Morocco's Operations Manager, Sam, live from Marrakech, to chat about all kinds of activities and recommendations that make a visit there more complete.The central square, Jemaa el-Fnaa, the Bahia Palace, the medina and the Majorelle Gardens are all wonderful starting points. What are some options though after you've spent some quality time in those places, and are ready to see more?Marrakech is a great home base for everything from day hikes in the Atlas Mountains, to exciting desert activities in Agafay, hot air balloon rides from the nearby plains or a day trip to Essaouira. Or you can stay in town and check out the many fascinating museums, which shine a light on Berber culture. Food tours and cooking classes are another great option to keep you busy. Find some new skills to take home with you and make your own tagines!It's a fun conversation with our man on the ground in Marrakech, bringing this vibrant city closer to home for our listeners.Here are some of the activities we cover today:Taking a Moroccan cooking class or cooking tourGoing on a food tour, and/or a street food tour specificallyEnjoying an early morning hot air balloon rideVisiting Berber villages in the Atlas MountainsHiking in the mountainsDiscovering four of the premier museums in MarrkechVisiting the Sahara Desert and kasbahsMaking a side trip to EssaouiraGetting out to the Agafay DesertResources Mentioned in this episode:Episode: Balloon Rides over Marrakech and MountainsImlil (the popular Atlas hiking starting base)Aroumd (another Atlas hiking base) Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) Berber Museum at Majorelle GardensTiskiwin Museum, MarrakechPhotography MuseumDar El Bacha MuseumTaghazout, fishing and surfing spot near Agadir Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience!Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean.November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per PersonBook Your Spot Today! Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Families are frequent guests on Destination Morocco tours, and we have been keen to shine a light on that experience here on the podcast, and the particular advantages and challenges therein.And what better opportunity to do so than the one we had in February of this year! If you remember back to our episode of January 1st, 2023, Azdean and Ted, the producer of Destination Morocco podcast, mentioned that there was a possiblity of Ted and his family actually going to Morocco in the near future. The key was to factor in the needs and interests of the kids. At 5 and 7 years old, Ted and his wife Emilie's kids are certainly in the younger range of guests. Everything from safety, health and cleanliness, crowds and motorbikes, long-distance driving, meals, activities, restrooms, walking tours and more had to be seen through their eyes. This is what makes family travel different from your standard tour for adults.Here today to tell the story and provide an overview of the experience is Ted himself, joining Azdean to chat about their wonderful tour. They discuss logistics, timing, accommodation, planning and the mentality you need to approach family travel to Morocco. It's a stunning and unique country, but it can be intense too: How did the kids handle the crowds, the noise, the traffic, the food? Would the family have been able to go by themselves, even as experienced travellers? And how was the tour able to adapt and be spontaneous as energy levels, hunger and bathroom needs evolved?If you are considering heading to Morocco with your young kids, or have already booked your tickets, tune in to this episode for a great overview of information and inspiration!Resources Mentioned in this episode:Episode: Live and Immersive Walking Tour of EssaouiraEpisode: Exploring the South of Morocco, with DrissEpisode: Exciting Plans for the Podcast in 2023, with TedTed Cragg Podcasting Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience!Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean.November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per PersonBook Your Spot Today! Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

One of the highlights of a visit to Morocco is getting a henna art design, something as authentically Moroccan as tagines and desert camping. More than just a decorative activity, henna has deep cultural roots in Morocco, particularly for women.Our guest today is an expert henna artist, offering design experiences to travellers from around the world out of her home studio in Marrakech. Many listeners and guests on the podcast have had this experience themselves.But few of us have known her remarkable true life story, until now. Born in a mountain village in the High Atlas mountains, Siham was put into an arranged marriage in the mid-2000's, and became pregnant at the age of 19. Despite being worldly and well-educated, she was facing a bleak future in a society of pre-determined roles and customs.In today's episode, Siham shares how she took control of her and her daughter's lives, making bold choices and becoming self sufficient. Key to this achievement was her ability as an artist, which opened doors and opportunities in tourism and beyond.Azdean and Siham talk about the power and strength of women in Morocco, the many barriers that still exist, yet the inspiring examples of Siham and others like her.We learn about the history of henna, and the many occasions where it is used. Siham explains how henna parties are a part of a bride's wedding preparation: more than just an art session, it's a major event!And being so popular an activity, scams to hook tourists in will inevitably abound, at the Jamma el Fna square in Marrakech in particular. There are numerous reasons to avoid these and other scams, and Siham shares some horror stories of "tattoos" gone wrong and exorbitant fees charged.If and when you're in Marrakech, go for the real deal: an all-natural, custom-designed henna experience from an authentic artist. Siham is a wonderful artist, host, cook, guide and more, and will welcome you into her home with open arms.You're about to learn:What exactly is henna, the plant.How henna differs around the world, and the Moroccan interpretation of it.How henna paste is made, and when it should be made.Why authentic, hand-mixed henna paste is not just better quality but will last much longer than what you find in the square, where it is chemical and cheap.Can you buy the hand-mixed paste and do it yourself?What tool Siham uses to create her designs. Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience!Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean.November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per PersonBook Your Spot Today! Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Today's episode marks the beginning of our shift towards the south of Morocco here on Destination Morocco podcast. If you are looking for a Moroccan experience a little more rugged and raw, a little less touristy, and very authentic, you will find the southern half of Morocco fascinating.Starting from Marrakech as a base, a typical tour will cover deserts, high mountains, deep gorges, genuine Berber villages dating back centuries, and plenty of local culture, with a touch of Hollywood along the way.Come with us in search of spices, fresh dates, saffron, henna, fossils and mint tea.Taking us on our tour today is one of Destination Morocco's guides, Driss Maaza, who traces some of the historical connections amongst trading peoples and royalty, over many hundreds of years. We'll be travelling along the same historic caravan route from Timbuktu to Marrakech that still exists today.Azdean and Driss uncover all kinds of activities, stunning views, places to go hiking, unique museums, and an area that traditionally does not get quite as much attention as the north.You'll hear why Driss is the perfect person to describe this area and inspire you to visit.Sights and highlights mentioned in this episode (with Google Maps links):MarrakechTelouet/Onila ValleyOuarzazateAït BenhaddouSkouraKasbah Amridil (Museum featured in Lawrence of Arabia and on the 50 Dirham bank note)Dadès Valley/GorgeTinejdadKsar Elkhorbat (Ancient village and Berber museum)RissaniNkobZiz ValleyAgdzSolar Power station near Ouarzazate (Incredible satellite view)Imlil village (Hiking base)Toubkal mtn., highest in North Africa Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience!Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean.November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per PersonBook Your Spot Today! Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Chantal Rosenthal, her husband and three young adult children travelled to Morocco over the Christmas holidays of 2022, with Destination Morocco. As Jewish tourists, they were in search of Jewish heritage and influence, in a place that had long been a desired destination for them.In today's episode, Chantal and Azdean talk about trip planning for 5 people, each with their own priorities for sightseeing.Chantal talks about visiting Jewish heritage sights in Fès, such as the Quarter and the synagogues. How the Jews have balconies, while the Muslims have inner courtyards. She gives vivid descriptions of wandering the medina and souks, and how Fès, although oriented towards tourism, feels real and authentic.We learn about shopping in Fès, taking guidance from Ilyas to find good, quality places, with trusted local artisans. Chantal describes looking for Moroccan couscous bowls, fired in burning olive pits, and visiting the tanneries: the dye pits, the hides hanging from everywhere, and yes the smell that may still be embedded weeks later.Then there's hearing the call to prayer in Fès, and how the energy changes in the city each time. Staying in Fès for 3 days, they were fortunate to hear it frequently, each time with its own distinct character.The family takes in a night at a desert camp, where one realizes how insignificant you feel under a carpet of brilliant desert stars. They discover djellabas, the full-length robe with sleeves that is perfect for the changing conditions.Meanwhile, in Marrakech, they walk along the streets and narrow lanes, squeezing against the wall to avoid the motorbikes. And to add a touch of seriousness, what happens during a medical emergency in Morocco? Chantal's daughter had an urgent need to find a dentist. The thought of finding one safe and reliable was daunting.It was a trip that for the family may mark the end of an era, and Destination Morocco was happy to make it as memorable as possible. You're about to learn:How Fès is the best place to get leathers in Morocco.Getting meals outside the riad versus staying in to eat there.You get so much food at the restaurants, and you can't possibly eat it all, but what happens to the rest afterwards?What to wear in winter.The differences between riads, each with their own personal style.Resources Mentioned in this episode:Episode: Cierra & Dan McPherson Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience!Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean.November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per PersonBook Your Spot Today! Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

This episode is a replay of one of our most popular conversations, with podcast listener, professional photographer and seasoned traveller Maxx Walske, who fulfilled a dream by visiting Morocco in 2022.Maxx is in fact returning to Morocco in 2023, and we look forward to catching up with her again. She is a planner who loves to research and learn about her upcoming destinations. Typically she travels independently, but this time, having listened to the podcast, she went for the peace of mind and comfort of a private, guided tour, organized by Destination Morocco.In our episode today, Maxx chats with Azdean about her trip, about culture shock, the reality of being in Morocco as a tourist, the accommodation, the food, the shopping and more. Maxx had all the typical questions and concerns going into the trip, but discovered a country blessed with stunning scenery and modern amenities: an open society of warm, friendly people.And, "A photographer's dream!"Punctuated by fun anecdotes and stories, it's a pleasant conversation that reminds you it's not all about Instagramable scenes and selfies, you have to enjoy the moment and be present.Morocco is unique and magical, "You have to see it to believe it!" (Maxx).You're about to learn:How busy it was, in general, and if there were people everywhere.How the square changes from day to nighttime. "It's a beast!" (Azdean).How June is a very good time to go, weather-wise.How planning helps you prepare, but throw away your expectations once you get started on your trip.How to prepare for shopping in Morocco, and how having local guides you can trust makes the entire experience worthwhile. You'll come home with quality items that you feel good about.Azdean talks about planning an itinerary, based on a person's interests and schedule, and how it becomes a very personal experience.About the wonderful hospitality, people going out of their way to help, even inviting you into their home.Resources Mentioned in this episode:Maxx's travel photosVolubilis, Meknes (Roman ruins) Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience!Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean.November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per PersonBook Your Spot Today! Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

We welcome in the new year with lots of exciting upcoming plans and topics to share, and tremendous appreciation for our listeners since the start of the Destination Morocco podcast journey.Azdean was recently at a conference in Chicago, complete with a display about the podcast, QR codes so people could find it, merchandise and images. The big Moroccan flag was an instant attraction, and lots of folks came by, brimming with enthusiasm after the World Cup and now keen to learn more about the country. It was another demonstration of the growing interest in Morocco.One of the challenges with the show from the start has been getting quality audio and reliable connections with podcast guests in Morocco. Azdean has figured out a solution: the company will be opening a dedicated podcast studio in Marrakech in the coming weeks, where guests can simply come in, sit down for an interview with proper tools and technology, and have a strong fibre optic connection.This will enable us to ramp up creative opportunities with episodes direct from Morocco, making it feel that much closer for guests and listeners alike.Upcoming topics will include in-depth profiles of Casablanca, Volubilis, Rabat, Tangier and more: places that have been touched on in previous episodes, but that will now have their own dedicated focus.Meanwhile, Azdean's wife Khadija is a noted cook, with her own Moroccan catering company in Houston. We're looking forward to new episodes with her, explaining the story behind distinct Moroccan dishes and the recipes to go with them.These will be complemented by more and more videos, so stay tuned to the Destination Morocco YouTube channel, Instagram and TikTok, as we put images and movement to the stories and fascinating information.Thank you to all of our listeners in our first year of 2022! We are excited for what’s to come, uncovering more Moroccan secrets and discoveries.  Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience!Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean.November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per PersonBook Your Spot Today! Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.