Essential Morocco

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

4.9 out of 5 based on 236 reviews submitted.
18 to 35s
From
CHF  528
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This trip is for the 18 to 35 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 35s
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 35
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
XMYM
This trip generates 35 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.

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

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 2 (Guesthouse) & 7 (Desert Camp) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to 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

4.9 out of 5 based on 236 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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Rohan · Traveled February 2024
A great trip to take to explore the arabic and french influence of an African nation.
Review submitted 21 Feb 2024

Jente · Traveled February 2024
This trip was so amazing. All the things we did were great. The tour guide was such a great guy with so much extra information. And for my group I think this was the best I could wish for. <3
Review submitted 23 Feb 2024

Anna · Traveled February 2024
This trip was brilliant- our group leader was fantastic, the group dynamic was so much fun, and the places we went were extraordinary. It is an experience you could never have on your own, and made it so much easier and safer to see Morocco. Absolutely recommend.
Review submitted 24 Feb 2024

Grace · Traveled February 2024
This trip to Morocco was absolutely outstanding. Mohammed could not have been a better guide—he was thorough in his knowledge, enthusiastic towards his surroundings, and cared deeply about each individual on the trip. I was very lucky to have a wonderful group of 14 to explore Morocco with. My only complaint is that the trip came to an end way too quickly! I know I will be back to Morocco again and my next trip, wherever it may be, will definitely be through Intrepid.
Review submitted 25 Feb 2024

Julia · Traveled February 2024
Very enjoyable trip that’s definitely worth going on. Given the price of the tour I felt it was definitely worth my money. Our tour leader, Mohamed, was amazing. The trip is very fast paced and there is quite a bit of driving so keep this in mind when booking!
Review submitted 26 Feb 2024
Essential Morocco
From
CHF  528