Essential Morocco





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.
4.9
572 reviewsStart: Casablanca, Morocco
End: Marrakech, Morocco
- Duration
- 12 days
- Group size
- 1 to 16
- Ages
- Min 18 - Max 35
- 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: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Basix
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- 18 to 35s
- 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 is for 18 to 35 year olds
Tick off all the popular spots and enjoy unique local experiences
Affordable trips with the freedom to choose how you spend your time
Connect 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.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
Itinerary
Salaam Alaikum! Welcome to Morocco. Your adventure will begin with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you have time, why not check out bustling Casablanca, the largest city in Morocco, at your own pace. Modelled after Marseille in France, this port city has an eclectic architectural style, a fusion of Art Deco French buildings and Mauresque (Moorish) government institutions. A great way to spend the day is to wander around the Old Medina and city walls, then jump in a taxi and visit the Quartier Habous – the new medina full of shaded squares, narrow streets and arcades that lead from one souk to another. This is a great place to enjoy a Moroccan coffee and maybe start working on your bargaining skills.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Casablanca - Religious Casablanca Urban Adventure - MAD1850
- Casablanca - The Medina and Beyond Urban Adventure - MAD700
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Please be aware that some of our travellers in Casablanca are being approached by locals offering excursions before their trip commences. This has been particularly prevalent in and around the hotels used by Intrepid. These guides are in no way connected to Intrepid Travel and we cannot guarantee the safety or quality standards of their tours. We strongly advise customers against joining any tour offered by unauthorised guides.
After breakfast, opt to take a guided tour of the Hassan II Mosque. More than 6000 craftsmen joined forces to build this beauty in 1993, and it's one of the few mosques in Morocco that foreigners can enter. Later, head to the station and take a local train to Meknes before heading to the whitewashed village of Moulay Idriss – one of Morocco's most important pilgrimage sites. Here, you’ll witness a demonstration of the art of mint tea making – this sweet treat is a Moroccan speciality! Tonight, you'll get to hang out with a local family – an experience only allowed foreigners since 2005. Your guesthouse, an old traditional riad, has a family atmosphere and all the optional meals are homemade, so you can get an authentic taste of Morocco in your free time.
- Multi-Share Guesthouse (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Moulay Idriss - Mint tea making demo
- Casablanca - Hassan II Mosque - MAD130
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Explore the rolling hills of Volubilis this morning on a guided tour of these epic Roman ruins. Then take a private transfer to Chefchaouen – which translates to ‘look at the horns’, after the two mountain peaks that overlook the city. Known for the striking, blue-washed buildings (made to represent the Mediterranean Sea) and steep, cobbled lanes, Chefchaouen is a gorgeous place to spend the day wandering. This afternoon is free for you to explore, so why not head to the red-walled Kasbah, the 15th-century fortress and dungeon, or the ethnographic museum. Or, just spend the day on foot, traversing the winding roads and watching the many cats that call this city their home.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Volubilis - Entrance and guided tour
Today's travel time is approximately 5 hours.
Today is another free day in Chefchaouen. If you want the streets to yourself for the best photo ops, it’s recommended you get up early and explore the iconic sites as the city wakes up. Maybe take a guided tour of the sights, sounds and smells of the medina, or sample the delicious local specialties (the orange juice is delicious!) at a cafe in the Plaza Uta el-Hammam. Alternatively, you might prefer to get out of town and enjoy a hike and picnic in the surrounding hills. The hike is a popular option, as you can leave the shades of blue for a journey across the Rif Mountains and join your guide to Akchour Falls – a natural wonder, abundant with lush mountains, rivers and waterfalls. Cross the remarkable rock formation The God’s Bridge and then hike back along the forest, soaking in the nature that surrounds. In the evening, how about tucking into a tagine at a local restaurant or visiting a hammam – a traditional Moroccan spa. The night is yours to enjoy.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- 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
Today you’ll journey to the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco – Fes. Vibrant, noisy, fascinating and overwhelming, Fes is a visual and pungent feast for the senses, with a huge, well-preserved medieval city that’s the mother of all medinas. Later this afternoon, enjoy some free time and perhaps check out the exquisite carvings and tile work at the Medersa el Attarine near the spice and perfume market. Alternatively, Fes is a shopping heaven for those wanting to pick up a souvenir (or three).
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
Today's travel time is approximately 5 hours.
Getting lost in Fes is half the fun, but you'll have your local leader with you to help you get the lay of the land. Join your group through this vibrant labyrinth of a city, alive with the many craftsmen, markets, ceramics and beautiful mosques. Look out for the Medersa Bou Inania, one of the city's coolest buildings, recently restored and now open to visitors. You'll also visit the famous tannery and its dye pits and a ceramic factory where you can see potters working in the traditional way. Today will be a big day, so remember to keep hydrated and pack some snacks.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Fes - Medina walking tour
- Fes - Medersa El Attarine
- Fes - Tannery visit
This morning after breakfast, buckle in for a long travel day. As you make your way towards the rolling dunes of the Sahara Desert, watch the ever-changing scenery pass you by, get stuck into your book, play some of your favourite music, get to know your fellow travellers and enjoy some scenic stops along the way to stretch your legs. Arrive in Merzouga, drop your bags off at your overnight camp, and get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The mode of transport? Camel, of course! Brace yourself for one heck of a sunset, as you ride through the vast expanse of sand and loop back to your private camp for an overnight stay. In the camp, you'll have a thin mattress, blankets and sheets. Make sure you bring an extra sleeping sheet and a jumper if it's winter (you'd be surprised how cold it can get, even in the desert). Sleep under the stars and have one of those 'I’m so far from home' moments.
- Desert camp (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Sahara Desert - Camel ride
- Sahara Desert - Overnight Desert Camp
Today's travel time is approximately 10 hours.
The camel trek through the Sahara is a fantastic way to experience the desert, but it may be painful on your backside. If you'd prefer, it's possible to walk alongside the caravan on the sand for about an hour. Alternatively, it’s also possible to organise a 4WD drive. This can be organised directly with your tour leader and will cost approximately 100MAD per person.
You'll be getting up well before the crack of dawn this morning, so don’t forget to set your alarm. Climb to a nearby sand dune to catch the sunrise and experience the amazing interplay of light as the Sahara slowly comes alive. Head back for brekkie, collect the rest of your gear, and then travel west to Todra. You’ll come across a bright tablecloth of green that might seem so out of place you'll think you are dreaming. This valley is pretty impressive, with all the palm trees and mud-brick villages. Arrive at your hotel at the top of the valley, then perhaps take a hike into the gorge, where sheer cliffs rise more than 1000 feet above you.
- Guesthouse (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Todra Gorge - Hike - MAD350
Today's travel time is approximately 3 hours.
From Todra Gorge, travel along the ‘Road of 1000 Kasbahs’ and enjoy views of the Dades Gorge. You'll also travel past Skoura, home to the beautiful little houses rising like a mirage beyond a dry riverbed. Quench your thirst with a mouthful of mint tea (the best in the world) at Tawesna teahouse, whose profits are devoted to the projects of the women association in the village. This experience is more than just a cuppa – it’s about discovering a culture, sharing a true moment and contributing to women’s economic inclusion. Continue to the medieval mud-brick town of Ait Benhaddou, which is at its best in the late afternoon sun. If you wonder why Ait Benhaddou looks familiar, it’s probably because you’ve seen it before! Perhaps not live, but certainly on the silver screen – think Gladiator and Game of Thrones – loads of movies and shows were filmed in this kasbah! Explore the many old streets and climb the fortress for a superb view of the Old Town. You can also (for a small fee) enter one of the most interesting old houses and climb up to the turrets for a view over the river. You'll spend the night just outside the walls.
- Guesthouse (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Ait Benhaddou - Tea at Tawesna association
Today's travel time is approximately 7 hours.
After breakfast today, continue west, taking in those countryside views as you wind your way up towards Tizi ‘n Tichka. This is a whopping 2260 m above sea level – the highest pass on the road to Marrakech. Leaving the Atlas behind, you'll descend into the plains surrounding Marrakech and arrive in the late afternoon. With no planned activities, this is a good chance to get lost in the fun of Djemaa el-Fna Square, where there are many fire eaters, fortune tellers, actors, musicians and hawkers vying for your attention.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
Today's travel time is approximately 6 hours.
Marrakech is a feast for the senses, and this morning you’ll get to venture out in the maze of streets with a local expert. Set off on a tour of the old medina, through the bustling souks and sample some sweet and savoury specialities in a tasting experience at a local restaurant. Think barbequed meats, fresh salads, mint tea and couscous. The rest of the day is free, so why not head out on a cycling trip, go quad-biking or indulge in a Luxury Hammam and Spa – the options are endless! You might also like to visit Le Jardin Secret – a traditional medina garden revived for the 21st century. Once owned by a powerful local chief U-Bihi – who was poisoned by Mohammed IV – this historic riad has one of the most beautiful courtyards in Marrakech, combining exotic and traditional Islamic gardens that are fed by original khettara, an underground irrigation system. Maybe visit AMAL Women’s Training Center for lunch – Amal is a non-profit organisation that helps disadvantaged women gain work experience by providing comprehensive training in gastronomy. Every year, 30 to 40 women complete the training, which helps them find appropriate employment and improve their living conditions. In the evening, you’ll undoubtedly be drawn back to Djemaa el-Fna for a night out on the town.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Marrakech - Medina walking tour
- Marrakech - Street food tasting in Old Medina
- 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
No activities are planned after breakfast this morning, why not become a Moroccan MasterChef in an Urban Adventure’s cooking masterclass with a local guide? Journey through the souks of Marrakech and shop for the best ingredients before learning the insider tricks to whip up a deliciously authentic tagine in a classic riad setting while getting to know the family that lives there. To find out more about ‘Tajine Cookery Class’, visit urbanadventures.com.
- Breakfast
- Marrakech - Palmery Cycling Tour - MAD540
- Marrakech - Heart of the Atlas Mountains cycling day trip with lunch - MAD2000
- Marrakech - Quad Biking the Rock Desert & Palmgrove - MAD715
- Marrakech - A Taste Of Marrakech: Inside the Medina Urban Adventure - MAD605
- Marrakech - Quad Biking Barrage Lalla Takerkoust - MAD1650
- Marrakech - Magical Marrakech City Cycling Tour - MAD438
- Marrakech - Hot Air Balloon Ride - MAD1999
- Marrakech - Luxury Spa Hammam & Massage - MAD750
- Marrakech - Tajine Cookery Class Urban Adventure - MAD640
- Marrakech - Cascades d'Ouzoud Day Tour - MAD2207
Inclusions and activities
11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
Camel, Private Vehicle, Taxi, Train
Desert camp (1 night), Guesthouse (3 nights), Hotel (7 nights)
- 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
- 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 - MAD1999
- Marrakech - Tajine Cookery Class Urban Adventure - MAD640
- Marrakech - Cascades d'Ouzoud Day Tour - MAD2207
This trip generates 35 kg of CO2-e per person per day
Learn more about our climate commitment.
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Before you book you should know
- Travelling during Ramadan 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. Refer to the "Climate and seasonal information," section of your Essential Trip Information for more details and dates.
- 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.
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
We've sourced our accommodation very carefully and picked the best possible hotels or hostels in line with the Intrepid style of travel. Yes, we do cool, mostly central and often very original accommodation in Morocco, but remember, occasionally we are not in the right centre of action, which means you may need to hop on a public transport to get to the city centre (or grab a lovely old Merc taxi – plenty of them around). Please note that service and accommodation in Morocco is not quite the same standard you are used to. Your accommodation will not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. In fact, on Intrepid trips you may sometimes share your room with more than one person. But that certainly isn’t the rule.
OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
TWIN SHARE / MULTI SHARE BASIS
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite.
HEATING
Some of our guesthouses/hotels are unable to supply heating as this would be a major financial and environmental strain. It's also a case of energy supply and timing provisions, which is limited in some places. Please be prepared for cold showers, which are a pleasure for most of the year. Air-conditioning systems (if available) don't always function.
CHECK-IN TIME
Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
Moroccan House Hotel Casablanca
3, Rue Mohamed SMIHA, Cote Avenue des FAR Centre-ville
Casablanca
MOROCCO
Phone: +212 522543566
Description
Moroccan House Casablanca is centrally located right near Place Zellaga. The hotel consists of 46 rooms all with en-suite bathrooms, A/C, telephone & TV. With three restaurants serving Moroccan and International cuisine, there is also internet access available
Instructions
Intrepid can assist with pre-booking an arrival transfer from the airport - enquire with your agent. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your departure.
For your confirmed arrival transfer, you’ll be met outside the airport at the ‘Navette shuttle’ sign located in front of Terminal 2's exit at Casablanca Airport (CMN) by a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign. The driver will wait a maximum of one hour from the time the plane lands. In case of flight cancellations, changes, if you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find the driver, please contact the transfer operator directly: +44 20 4576 9838.
Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the airport to your hotel. The price should be agreed before entering the vehicle and should be approximately MAD250 during daylight hours and MAD300 at night.
Dates and prices
Important notes
1. 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).
2. 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.
3. 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.
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.
Reviews
Filter by rating