Marrakech - where else to visit in the area?
 

Solo traveler planning to spend three nights in Marrakech, mostly planning to do private guided tours (will accept recommendations please!), photography, and wandering around. Where else in the area can I visit while on the trip? I was looking at Algiers and Tunis, which seem to be lesser versions of many Moroccan cities. I know Fez and to some degree Tangier are also popular, but are these places similar enough to Marrakech? Thanks!

Also I do not speak any languages besides English.

Hi bluegatorade,

We spend quite a bit of time in Marrakech, it's a super fun city with lots going on. If you're looking for a day trip, you could head out to the Atlas Mountains for a day or so, or even stay up there for a night too (e.g Kasbah du Toubkal). Plenty of hikes, or in the desert not far from Marrakech there are camps you can stay at.

I don't like Marrakech - it's too touristy.

I'd say that Marrakech is different from Fez and very different from Tunis (which I find to be nicer and less touristy).

In Morocco I enjoyed Rabat/Salé - much less touristy and more authentic.Casablanca is worth ½ day. Tangier is an interesting border town that's also worth a day or so.

How long would you spend at Fez or Tunis vs Rabat?

Tunis is worth 2-3 days: Carthage ruins which are nearby, are worth a good chunk of a day, half a day to see the Bardo museum and a day to enjoy, walk around and get lost in the city.
Rabat is worth an overnight stay. There are a few historical sights around, plus the main palace complex to check out.
Fez - it depends who you ask. A day or two should do it justice :)

Marrakech to Rabat is doable by train (check the timetables on ONCF's website), Rabat to Fez is also doable by train. Getting to Tuins requires flying.

Palal, did you have time to go to El Jem or Dougga while in Tunis?

We're going to Algeria and Tunisia and then thinking of stopping in Morocco at the end -- 3 days total and trying to do a day in each RAK and FEZ. Morocco seems much more touristy than Algeria and Tunisia and doesn't interest us as much. Don't want to spend too much time where but wondering if it's worth a brief visit.

The plan is Algiers --> Ghardaia --> Constantine --> Tunis...

We're spending early January in Marrakesh as a family. The Atlas Mt day or overnight trip, as mentioned above, appears to be a must-do. Our plan was to hire a driver when we are there. Any tips or suggestions? We are already booked in Marrakesh, so other activities and day trip suggestions from a Marrakesh home base would be welcome.