Essential Morocco

12 days4.9412 reviews
18 to 35s
From
USD $600
This trip is for 18 to 35 year olds

Get a taste of the essential highlights on this ‘Moorish’ adventure through Morocco

From couscous to camels, mint tea to tanneries, you’ll get a taste of Morocco’s best bits on this 12-day 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.

Map of Essential Morocco including Morocco
Trip code: XMYM
Start
Casablanca, Morocco
End
Marrakech, Morocco
Destinations
Morocco
Meals
11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
Transport
Camel, Private Vehicle, Taxi, Train
Accommodation
Desert camp (1 night), Guesthouse (3 nights), Hotel (7 nights)
Days
12
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Ages
Min 18- Max 35
Theme
Every trip caters to specific interests and activities, such as wildlife or family.
18 to 35s
Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time

Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time

Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities

Premium: 4+ star accommodation, exclusive premium inclusions, our most experienced leaders
Basix
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
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.
Bucket list destinationsTick off all the popular spots and enjoy unique local experiences
Great valueAffordable trips with the freedom to choose how you spend your time
Meaningful experiencesConnect to the places you go and the communities at the heart of every Intrepid experience

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.

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

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

Itinerary

Map of Essential Morocco including Morocco

Inclusions and activities

Meals

11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners

Transport

Camel, Private Vehicle, Taxi, Train

Accommodation

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

Included 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

Optional 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 - MAD60
  • 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 - MAD350
  • Todra Gorge - Hike - MAD350
  • 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 - MAD438
  • Marrakech - Le Jardin Secret - MAD60
  • Marrakech - Palmery Cycling Tour - MAD540
  • 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 - MAD2090
  • Marrakech - Tajine Cookery Class Urban Adventure. - MAD640
  • Marrakech - Cascades d'Ouzoud Day Tour - MAD2207

Is this trip right for you?

  • In 2025, Ramadan will take place from 1 March to 30 March. 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • This trip is a great way to see a lot in a short period of time and it can be part of a longer itinerary if you have more time to explore. You might like to check out Epic Morocco.

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. 
4. Optional transfer from Marrakech to Casablanca
If you are flying into Marrakech we can provide an optional transfer to the starting point city of Casablanca. This transfer is on request and prepaid. 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 412 reviews submitted.
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Kelly · Traveled November 2024
Review submitted 27 Nov 2024

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Essential Morocco
From
USD $600