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An action-packed week to discover majestic Morocco

Morocco might make you think of big markets and bigger deserts, but there’s so much more to this exciting country in north-western Africa. Take an eight-day adventure to some of Morocco’s most colourful places, passing some awesome beaches along the way. Taghazout is a magnet for Moroccan chillers thanks to some A-grade Atlantic surf and other seaside towns like Essaouira are made for kicking back and soaking up some cultural vibes. Country living out by the Atlas Mountains can’t be beat either – the people are nice, the views are pretty and you’re not gonna find food this good in a restaurant. Take the time to check out some of Morocco’s best secrets, from the mountains to the beaches.

This trip is for 18 to 29-year-olds

Some of our under-30 travellers prefer to get around with people their own age. If that’s you, you’re in the right place!

Over 29? We’ve got over 900 other great adventures to choose from for solo travellers, friends, families, food lovers, hiking enthusiasts, and more.

Start
Marrakech, Morocco
Finish
Marrakech, Morocco
Destination
Morocco
Style
Basix
Theme
18 to 29s
Code
XMYB
Physical rating
Ages
Min 18, Max 29
Group size
Min 1, Max 16

Travel solo, together

You're never alone when travelling solo with Intrepid

Why you'll love this trip

  • Delight in some traditional accommodation experiences on this Moroccan adventure, including a family-run gite (mountain home) in the Atlas Mountains and a historic riad (traditional nobleman’s house) in colourful Essaouira.

  • Run to Paradise Valley – a series of waterfalls cascading through ridges and canyons. The blue pools and waterfalls are some of the most beautiful out there, and you’ll have time to explore and take a dip.

  • It’s not a stretch to say that relaxing yoga lessons on the coast of South Morocco are a highlight of this adventure. Begin with a class, before using the same balancing manoeuvres on a surfboard in Taghazout.

  • Get to know Essaouira as a ‘little picture’ for a reason – the city of the wind draws all sorts of artsy types thanks to its culture (and maybe it’s delicious grilled seafood too).

  • Experience Djemaa el-Fna in all of its glory with an included street food experience with your group. Eat where the locals eat, and see authentic Morocco in Marrakech

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip is set at a relaxing pace and you will have plenty of time to read your book, walk along pretty beaches and enjoy time as you please.

  • There are some easygoing activities included such beginner surfing classes and some easy walking around the valleys. Please be prepared.

  • In 2020, Ramadan will take place from 23 April to 22 May. It may cause some disturbance to your travel schedule. Some regular services may not be available or open during the daytime, such as restaurants or coffee bars. Please consider your travel arrangements carefully.

  • As Morocco has a tipping culture, travellers are expected to tip small amounts for most services, so please be prepared. Your leader will suggest methods and amounts to tip during the trip, but it is left to the group to decide the details.

  • Although you shouldn’t expect any aggressive selling techniques in Morocco, please be aware that you may be approached by shop owners and street vendors offering their goods to you on regular occasions.

  • The weather in Morocco can be extreme. Summer temperatures can be uncomfortably hot, especially for those who aren't accustomed to the heat, so please consider what time of year you travel carefully. If you do travel in the warmer months then pack layers to cover you from the sun, bring the necessary sun protection and drink plenty of water. The desert can also get cold at night, so remember to bring base layers and warm clothing.

  • We have sourced our accommodation very carefully and picked the best possible hotels in line with Intrepid style of travel, but please note that service and accommodation in Morocco may be different to western standards.

Map of One Week in Morocco including Morocco
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Intrepid Travel_Morocco_Markets
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Morocco_Marrakech_market_spices

Itinerary
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Salaam Alaikum! Welcome to Morocco. This adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at around 6 pm. After meeting your fellow travellers and the group leader, why not get to know each other while exploring the city’s main square – Djemaa el-Fna – or get lost exploring the city’s spice souqs or bazaars. For dinner, load up on some delicious street food. The eggplant fritters are super addictive and the barbeque smells around the city will be sure to make you hungry.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
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. If you want more time to hang out in Marrakech, it might be a good idea to arrive a day early – we’ll be able to sort out additional accommodation (depending on availability).

Wake up in the morning and catch a private bus towards Imlil, high in the Atlas Mountains. Calling dibs on a window seat would be a smart move – the 2-hour drive has got some great scenery to keep you occupied on the way. Arrive at Imlil, a little village that sits at the foot of North Africa’s highest peak, and then lace-up for a scenic 1-hour trek to the mountain village of Aroumd. Tonight’s stay is in a family-run gite (mountain home) in the village. The Berbers are famous for their hospitality, so make the most of this opportunity to sit down, break bread with the family and learn about their culture. Facilities at the homestay are shared (both the bathroom and sleeping arrangements) but they’re cosy, comfortable and offer an experience that is so much more memorable than a hotel.
Accommodation
  • Mountain Gite (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Scenic walk to Imlil
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Today you’ll hit up some of Morocco’s best swimming spots so make sure you have your swimsuit ready. First stop is the appropriately named Paradise Valley, full of gorgeous waterholes and canyons. You’ll have time to explore the rocky landscapes dotted with palms, and take a dip in one of the pools cascading through the canyons and ridges. Afterwards, roll on to Taghazout. This scruffy little roadside village might not look like it at first, but it’s quickly gained a solid reputation as an awesome surfing location. The waters stay warm all year round and the surf is top notch for both rookies and adept wave riders.
Accommodation
  • Surf camp (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Paradise Valley visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Kick off your adventures in the sleepy town of Taghazout with an early morning yoga session, helping you relieve any tension before diving into the water later in the day. Oddly enough, the skills required for both surfing and yoga complement each other through the principles of concentration, flexibility and balance. Good news if you were planning on hitting the waves! Don’t know how to ride a board? No stress. Today includes a half-day surfing course to teach you the basics, and if you already know the ropes, there’s always time to refine your skills in unfamiliar territory.
Accommodation
  • Surf camp (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Surfing class
  • 1 hour yoga class
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

You’ve got a free morning in Taghazout, so why not get up early and watch the sunrise, then take an optional yoga class or rent out a surfboard and hit the waves? Later, travel to the old fishing town of Essaouira, a place where the medina brushes up against the Atlantic Ocean. Its name translates to ‘little picture’, and you’ll be definitely taking many around the place. This artists’ town has attracted visitors like Orson Welles and Jimi Hendrix who (according to local legend) spent a lot of time here in the 1960s. Join your local leader for a walking tour through the old medina, Jewish mellah, port and by the skala (sea wall). Spend the night in a restored riad: a traditional nobleman's house unique to Morocco. The riad is beautifully designed and decorated in traditional Moroccan style; cosy yet historical. It’s definitely one of the more stylish stays of your Moroccan adventure.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Guided walking tour Essaouira
Optional Activities
  • Yoga class - MAD105
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Yesterday’s walking tour should have you well up to scratch with the ins and outs of Essaouira, so go crazy! Get exploring. Have a traditional Moroccan breakfast, and maybe wander to the harbour and its adjacent fish markets (you’ll have to get up early if you want to see the daily catch being auctioned off). There’s also an opportunity to head back to the markets for a fresh seafood lunch. You might like to check out the Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah Museum for a look at its collection of artefacts, woodwork, carpets and stringed instruments. If you feel like something more active, why not go on an optional horse ride along the sandy beaches of Atlantic Ocean?
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Horse riding - Essaouira - MAD250
  • Seafood Market Lunch - Essaouira - MAD80
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Chat with locals on a shared bus ride back to Marrakech (approximately 3 hours). Once the bus arrives back in the city, enjoy some time to explore, and later on, tuck in for an awesome included dinner experience at the famous Djemaa el-Fna. This square is known as one of the largest public spaces in the world – it’s truly an unmissable part of the city. As soon as the sun sets, the square comes to life with henna-painters, performers and storytellers sharing the space with street food stands. The smells of the stalls will lure you in and the tastes will keep you coming back for more. There’s all sorts of excellent pastries, fresh juices, teas and even bowls of snail soup to go round if you’re feeling a little adventurous! As the evening closes in, enjoy the company of your new friends over some of these delicious snacks as you overlook the bustling hub.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Marrakech - Oukaimeden Day Tour - MAD1882
  • Marrakech - Magical Marrakech City Cycling Tour - MAD350
  • Palmery cycling tour - MAD350
  • Marrakech - Ourika Valley Day Tour - MAD1817
  • Marrakech - Luxury Spa Hammam & Massage - MAD750
  • Marrakech - Asni & Ouirgane Day Trip with Lunch - MAD1806
  • Marrakech - A Taste Of Marrakech Urban Adventure - MAD605
  • Marrakech - Cascades d'Ouzoud Day Tour - MAD2207
  • Marrakech - Hot Air Ballooning - MAD2050
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave your accommodation at any time. Check-out time is usually around midday. This doesn’t mean your Moroccan adventure has to come to an end! There are a range of in-depth Urban Adventure tours that may take your fancy, and continue your exploration of this engaging country. See urbanadventures.com/destination/Marrakech-tours for more information. If you wish to spend more time in Marrakech, we’ll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, Public bus, Taxi

Accommodation

Budget Hotel (4 nights), mountain gite (1 night), surf camp (2 nights)

Included activities

  • Scenic walk to Imlil
  • Paradise Valley visit
  • Surfing class
  • 1 hour yoga class
  • Guided walking tour Essaouira

Dates & availability

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Travel lightly with Intrepid. We’ve offset the main sources of carbon emissions from this trip on your behalf, including transport, accommodation & waste. Read more

Important notes

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.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A Single Supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking. The price of the single supplement does not include the following nights, where a single room does not form part of the package. In this case you will be matched up with another traveller of the same gender. If a single room becomes available at check-in for these nights, there may be the option for you to upgrade to a single room and pay the surcharge locally for that night:
- Day 2 Aroumd
- Days 3-4 Taghazout
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 contact your booking agent.

COMMISSION
The receipt of commissions or kickbacks in exchange for recommending particular shops, services or activities is ingrained in the culture of the Moroccan tourism industry. In an effort to best control and monitor shopping and activities with an aim for the best experience possible, Intrepid has established a system of carefully selected shopping experiences and activities based on positive feedbacks from our previous travellers. On occasion these will be as part of included walking tours or outside of included activities in free time. Please note that if you feel that you do not wish to join in on these shopping experiences we assure you there is no obligation and if you indicate your desire to not partake your group leader will help to facilitate a suitable alternative during this time.
Intrepid have set up a centralised system of receiving payments from these recommended suppliers, of which are then distributed towards local Responsible Travel projects (such as 'say no to plastic' cotton bags for our travellers and drinking water refilling stations), traveller information packs, and leader bonuses. Further details of these arrangements can be provided by your group leader on request.
While Intrepid endeavors to ensure that these suppliers and services maintain reasonable levels of quality, please note recommended suppliers are chosen based on past travellers feedback and experiences and Intrepid cannot explicitly guarantee the quality of the product. A priority in establishing this fund is that the experience of you our traveller is not compromised in any way. Please let us know via the feedback after your trip if we are successfully meeting this objective.

Essential trip information

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