Essential Morocco

12 Days | Chaotic and colourful – get a taste of essential highlights on this ‘Moorish’ adventure through Morocco

4.8 out of 5 based on 206 reviews submitted.
18 to 29s
From
EUR €628
View dates and book
This trip is for the 18 to 29 year olds

From couscous to camels, mint tea to tanneries, get a taste of Morocco’s best bits on this adventure through mountains, gorges, desert and Amazigh villages. Kick-start in the French-infused port city of Casablanca, hang out with a local family on a homestay in Moulay Idriss, navigate the mother of all medinas in the cultural capital of Fes, wind your way up through Tizi n’Tichka and the High Atlas Mountains, before riding camels along the sand dunes during sunset and setting up camp under the Saharan stars. From the colourful and chaotic Marrakech markets to the blue washed city of Chefchaouen – this adventure through Morocco hits all the essentials.

Trip overview

Map of Essential Morocco including Morocco
Start
Casablanca, Morocco
Finish
Marrakech, Morocco
Theme
18 to 29s
Destinations
Morocco
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Basix
Ages
Min 18 - Max 29
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
XMYM
This trip generates 35.22 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.
Bucket list destinations

Tick off all the popular spots and enjoy unique local experiences

Great value

Affordable trips with the freedom to choose how you spend your time

Responsible travel

You book, we donate to help support local communities


Why you'll love this trip
  • Prepare for the best mint tea of your life on a visit to the Tawesna teahouse. This experience is more than just a cuppa, it’s about discovering a culture and contributing to the economic inclusion of women.
  • Enjoy a street food experience with multiple Moroccan favourites at a local restaurant with your group and trip leader – the best way to sample all the delicious goods in Djemaa el-Fna!
  • Watch the sunset from a camel’s back in the Sahara Desert and camp beneath a blanket of stars – now this is a bucket list experience!
  • It's easy to get lost in a labyrinth (think less David Bowie film, more medieval maze), especially when there are enticing distractions at every turn. Never fear, your local guide knows the city of Fes like a lifelong friend.
  • Traverse blue washed streets (with some new feline friends) in Chefchaouen – named after the two mountains that hug the city.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Education for All. Donations help them support girls in the High Atlas Mountains through secondary school, bringing a generation of women out of the cycle of illiteracy, poverty and early marriage.

Is this trip right for you?
  • The Todra Gorge visit takes you to a remote area of Morocco. It’s an amazing place to discover on foot, but you'll need a moderate level of fitness and suitable footwear.
  • Summer temperatures in Morocco can be uncomfortably hot, especially if you're not used to the heat. If you travel in the warmer months, get sun protection and drink plenty of water. At night the temperature can drop to freezing, so bring your warm clothes, too.
  • In 2024, Ramadan will take place from 10 March to 08 April. Travelling during this holy month can be a rewarding cultural experience, however, some regular services may not be available during the daytime, such as restaurants or coffee bars, and occasionally travel can be disrupted by events. Your leader will adjust the itinerary accordingly, but please consider your travel arrangements carefully before booking travel for this period.
  • Although you shouldn’t expect any aggressive selling techniques in Morocco, please be aware that you may be approached regularly by shop owners and street vendors.
  • We've sourced our accommodation carefully and picked the best possible hotels in line with the Intrepid style of travel. Service and accommodation in Morocco may be different from western standards.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2024.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2023 - 31 December 2023

Map of Essential Morocco including Morocco

Inclusions

Meals

11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners

Transport

Camel, Private Vehicle, Taxi, Train

Accommodation

Desert camp (1 night), Guesthouse (3 nights), Hotel (7 nights)

Activities
  • Moulay Idriss - Mint tea making demo
  • Volubilis - Entrance and guided tour
  • Fes - Medina walking tour
  • Fes - Medersa El Attarine
  • Fes - Tannery visit
  • Sahara Desert - Camel ride
  • Sahara Desert - Overnight Desert Camp
  • Ait Benhaddou - Tea at Tawesna association
  • Marrakech - Medina walking tour
  • Marrakech - Street food tasting in Old Medina
Add on activities
  • Casablanca - Religious Casablanca Urban Adventure - MAD1850
  • Casablanca - The Medina and Beyond Urban Adventure - MAD700
  • Casablanca - Hassan II Mosque - MAD130
  • Chefchaouen - Hike with Local Guide (excluding transportation) - MAD485
  • Chefchaouen - Picnic lunch for hike - MAD70
  • Chefchaouen - Kasbah - MAD20
  • Chefchaouen - Hammam (public baths) - MAD150
  • Chefchaouen - Henna Tattoo - MAD50
  • Chefchaouen - Goat Cheese Tasting - MAD100
  • Chefchaouen - Medina visit with local guide - MAD300
  • Chefchaouen - Walking Tour with Local Guide - MAD300
  • Todra Gorge - Hike - MAD300
  • Marrakech - AMAL Women's Training Center and Moroccan Restaurant - MAD110
  • Marrakech - Luxury Spa Hammam & Massage - MAD750
  • Marrakech - Quad Biking the Rock Desert & Palmgrove - MAD715
  • Marrakech - Magical Marrakech City Cycling Tour - MAD350
  • Marrakech - Le Jardin Secret - MAD40
  • Marrakech - Palmery Cycling Tour - MAD350
  • Marrakech - Heart of the Atlas Mountains cycling day trip with lunch - MAD2000
  • Marrakech - A Taste Of Marrakech: Inside the Medina Urban Adventure - MAD605
  • Marrakech - Quad Biking Barrage Lalla Takerkoust - MAD1650
  • Marrakech - Hot Air Balloon Ride - MAD2050
  • Marrakech - Tajine Cookery Class Urban Adventure. - MAD640
  • Marrakech - Asni & Ouirgane day trip with lunch - MAD1806
  • Marrakech - Cascades d'Ouzoud Day Tour - MAD2207
  • Marrakech - Oukaimeden Day Tour - MAD1882
  • Marrakech - Ourika Valley Day Tour - MAD1817
  • Marrakech - Imlil & Aroumd day trip - MAD1817

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. How to endear yourself to the locals: don’t pose for photos where the holiest of holy people pray. If you want to take a photo of people, always ask - they may say no, so respect that. Even if it’s hot, cover your shoulders, knees and hair. Don’t shake someone’s hand or eat with your left hand - this is the one you use to wipe your butt.
2. Morocco is the land of legendary hospitality, so mind your manners. You'll need a scarf to cover your shoulders and be prepared to take off your shoes if you enter someone's home (plan ahead and wear clean socks).
3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 7 (Desert Camp) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. Please also note that there is a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. If you would like to book a single supplement and enquire about availability, please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 based on 206 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Sophie · Traveled August 2023
Can’t recommend this trip enough! We covered so much of Morocco and got to experience a local way of life. Sahara camp was a highlight! Good comfortable accomodation given the price paid. Our guide Mohamed Achari made the trip extra special for us!
Review submitted 06 Sep 2023

Rachel · Traveled August 2023
Amazing trip! Sleeping under the stars in the Sahara is an experience I will remember for ever. Our guide organised so many local and authentic experiences for us. I’m so glad I went with intrepid for my Morocco trip.
Review submitted 31 Aug 2023

Emilia · Traveled August 2023
Review submitted 31 Aug 2023

Georgia · Traveled August 2023
Essential Morocco with Fouad was amazing! He was so knowledgeable and helpful, always making sure we were happy and comfortable, and organised optional activities for us to enjoy and took us to amazing homestays for group meals. The trip couldn’t have been better!! 10/10
Review submitted 31 Aug 2023

Gabrielle · Traveled August 2023
Had the most incredible time on this trip! Fell in love with Morocco and saw some spectacular scenery, and with an amazing group of people! Our guide Fouad was incredible as well, I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone!
Review submitted 31 Aug 2023
Essential Morocco
From
EUR €628