Premium Morocco Explorer with Essaouira

15 Days | Enchanting landscapes and charming locals in the jewel of North Africa

4.6 out of 5 based on 8 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
CAD $3,519
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Whether you’re stargazing in the Sahara, breaking bread with the locals or exploring fabled ruins, Morocco is filled to the brim with soul-stirring moments. Set off on a 15-day Premium journey through buzzing cities, tranquil oases, vast deserts and laidback beaches. Explore Meknes’s animated medina, the lively Djemaa el-Fna square in Marrakech and the relaxed seaside town of Essaouira. Eat pastilla in the home of a Fes family and spend an unforgettable evening in a Sahara desert camp under a blanket of stars. With so many different worlds under one North African sky, a local leader brings the best of the country to light.

Please note: This trip is currently being rerouted to avoid the Atlas Mountains. The effected areas will be replaced with equivalent experiences or destinations. For more information, visit intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts

Trip overview

Map of Premium Morocco Explorer With Essaouira including Morocco
Start
Casablanca, Morocco
Finish
Marrakech, Morocco
Theme
Explorer
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
Premium
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
XMPFC
This trip generates 45.62 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.
Premium accommodation

Our best 4-star accommodation and the highest level of service

Premium experiences

All must-see locations plus authentic experiences exclusive to Premium

Premium knowledge

Trips led by our most experienced and highest-rated local leaders


Why you'll love this trip
  • Dive into the Moroccan way of life as you travel with a local leader and guides, visit a typical home in Fes and meet the women of the Tawesna social enterprise in Ait Benhaddou.
  • Soak in sweeping views from the rooftop of your Feature Stay hotel in the heart of the Fes medina, offering incredible hospitality and beautiful, traditional touches in every corner.
  • Discover Morocco’s culinary wonders during Exclusive Experiences, including a traditional picnic at the ruins of Volubilis, medfouna demonstration in Khemliya, homemade pastilla dinner in Fes and Amazigh feast in the Sahara.
  • Marvel at Morocco’s iconic sights during visits to the ruins of Volubilis, the remarkable Sahara Desert, the timeless Ait Benhaddou, the tranquil oasis of Skoura and the bustling cities of Fes and Marrakech.
  • See a different side of Morocco in Essaouira when you explore mellow markets, relax on golden beaches and enjoy an Exclusive Experience – a freshly caught seafood lunch.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2023 to 31 December 2023.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2025

Map of Premium Morocco Explorer With Essaouira including Morocco

Inclusions

Meals

14 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (12 nights), Feature Stay (2 nights)

Premium Inclusions
  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
  • Luggage transfer
  • Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
  • 24/7 on-ground support
Activities
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Casablanca - Welcome Dinner
  • Casablanca - Hassan II Mosque
  • Volubilis - Picnic Lunch
  • Fes - Home-cooked Pastilla Dinner
  • Volubilis - Entrance and guided tour
  • Meknes - Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail
  • Fes - Funduq al-Najjarin
  • Fes - Medersa El Attarine
  • Fes - Medina walking tour
  • Khemliya - Medfouna cooking demonstration
  • Sahara Desert - Camel ride
  • Sahara Desert - Amazigh dinner with Gnaoua music
  • Khemliya - Village walking tour
  • Todra Gorge - Home-cooked Lunch
  • Todra Gorge - Hike
  • Skoura - Kasbah Amridil
  • Skoura - Palm grove walk
  • Ait Benhaddou - Lunch at Tawesna
  • Ait Benhaddou - Leader-led ksar walk
  • Marrakech - Medina walking tour
  • Marrakech - Palais Bahia
  • Marrakech - Fresh orange juice tasting
  • Essaouira - Seafood Market Lunch
  • Essaouira - Leader-led orientation walk
Add on activities
  • Casablanca - The Medina and Beyond Urban Adventure - MAD700
  • Casablanca - Villa des Arts Gallery & Museum (entrance fee) - Free
  • Casablanca - Jewish Museum (entrance fee) - MAD50
  • Marrakech - Asni & Ouirgane day trip with lunch - MAD1806
  • Marrakech - Imlil & Aroumd day trip - MAD1817
  • Marrakech - Heart of the Atlas Mountains cycling day trip with lunch - MAD2000
  • Marrakech - Hot Air Balloon Ride - MAD2050
  • Marrakech - Tajine Cookery Class Urban Adventure. - MAD640
  • Essaouira - Horse Riding - MAD250

Dates and availability

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Important notes

2023 ITINERARY CHANGES
There are itinerary changes for this trip effective until further notice to avoid earthquake-affected areas:
Day 8- Stay overnight in Ait Benhaddou
Day 9 - Ait Benhaddou
Day 10 - Drive from Ait Benhaddou to Marrakech approx: 3 ½ hours
Day 10- Alternative Marrakech medina walking tour

1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. There are a limited number of single supplements available per trip departure. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 
3. Travel is always an adventure and, as destinations reopen, there are a few challenges as everyone gets back up to speed and adjusts to the new normal. Our leaders are experts when it comes to dealing with anything unexpected along the journey, so pack your understanding and flexibility, sit back and relax while they take care of the rest.

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

4.6 out of 5 based on 8 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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Rosemary · Traveled October 2023
Our Moroccan trip with Intrepid far exceeded our expectations. This was not just a vacation but a cultural experience. Our incredible guide Mohamed S opened a door that led us into the lives of the people of Morocco. It was an immersive experience that we will not soon forget.
Review submitted 31 Oct 2023

Kathy · Traveled August 2023
We did this trip in August 23., just before the earthquake. The itinerary packs alot in, as expected, with rest days well placed. The homestays were great, we were genuinely welcomed into peoples homes, and gained great insight into their lives. Our tour leader, Wahid, and driver Mohammed were excellent. Only downside for me was the accomodation. On a ‘PREMIUM’ tour, I expected 4 star accomodation. Most of our accomodation was 3 star, and one was 2. Star.
Review submitted 12 Sep 2023

Andre · Traveled May 2023
The premium tour was an excellent way to see, taste the local food and experience Morocco in 15 days. Highly recommended.
Review submitted 20 Jun 2023

Brooke · Traveled March 2023
If you have ever considered Morocco as a travel destination you won’t regret it and you won’t regret travelling there with Intrepid. Our guides Youssef and Omar made our trip seamless and enjoyable. They immersed us into their culture and we felt like we saw the real Morocco not just the tourist side of it. Our small group became like a family travelling around Morocco, creating memories and sharing experiences. It was an unforgettable experience!
Review submitted 26 Mar 2023

Damian · Traveled December 2022
Tour leader is fantastic but beware intrepid frequently swap out hotels to lower grade and there is no recourse.
Review submitted 10 Jan 2023
Premium Morocco Explorer with Essaouira
From
CAD $3,519