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Discover Morocco on this three week long, all-encompassing adventure.

Discover Morocco, the land of contrasts - soaring mountains, lush valleys, the vast, unforgettable Sahara Desert and often missed pristine waters hiding in secret valleys and sprawling untouched beaches of southern Morocco. Travel in the footsteps of pirates, sultans and desert nomads, exploring the colonial architecture of Casablanca, the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, the medieval city of Fes and the intricate clay architecture of the Ait Benhaddou Kasbah. Move further to the south to explore a new side to Morocco that has inspired writers, painters and travellers. Enjoy the warm local hospitality and embark on this exotic, three week long adventure that will allow you to fully discover Morocco, the jewel of North Africa.

Start
Casablanca, Morocco
Finish
Marrakech, Morocco
Destination
Morocco
Style
Original
Code
XMSMC
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

  • Widely regarded as Morocco's holiest place, overnight visits to Moulay Idriss were prohibited to non-Muslims until 2005. Experience a homestay with a charming local family; if you’re lucky, you might even get an invite to a cooking demonstration by the ladies of the house

  • Enjoy plenty of time to practise your photography among the vivid blue houses of Chefchaouen

  • Scale the High Atlas Mountains and trek through scenic Berber villages, spending a night in a traditional Berber homestay. Discover the culture and tradition of an indigenous population who have stood the test of time

  • Negotiate your way through the winding alleys of Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a superb example of Moroccan architecture rich in history and mystery

  • Moroccan cuisine is interpreted throughout the world in different ways. While in Ait Benhaddou, master the way traditional way of preparing Moroccan couscous and tagines

  • Travel through the Sahara desert in a camel convoy, sleep under the North African stars and enjoy an evening beside the campfire listening to Bedouin tales

  • Put your feet up and relax in the laid-back coastal town of Essaouira. This is a good chance to recharge before heading for the colourful chaos of Marrakech

  • Discover Marrakech - Djemaa El-Fna isn't just a marketplace, it's a way of life. Marrakesh's largest outdoor food market is brimming with activity and is a great place to sample Moroccan delicacies while rubbing shoulders with the locals

  • Relive a glorious medieval past in Fes city. While many tourists get lost in the labyrinthine streets of the medina, you'll have a local guide to show you the way

  • Literally translated, Morocco's grand capital of Rabat means ‘fortified palace’. The botanical gardens are a lovely place to relax and sip a mint tea

  • Need a break from your wanders around the narrow streets of Meknes? Replenish your energy with the ideal hump-day treat: a camel burger cooked right in front of you at a restaurant in the medina

  • Explore pristine, secluded beaches of southern Morocco, find the spot where Ocean meet the mountains

  • Discover a more laid back way of life in Taghazout, a sleepy coastal village where you can learn to surf and unwind with a yoga class.

  • Visit Belgian artist Jean Veran's striking art project – a collection of pink, blue and green painted boulders just outside Tafroute.

Is this trip right for you?

  • As this is a combination of three trips, your group leader and the composition of your group may change in Marrakech.

  • In 2020, the important month of Ramadan will be in progress from 23 April through until 22 May. This is the holiest month of the year for Muslims around the world. Many festivals are marked as Islamic Holidays, which may cause some disturbance to your travels around this time. 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.

  • A camel trek through the Sahara Desert is a highlight of the trip for many. If you're uncomfortable with this, it's possible to walk alongside the camels for about an hour to the camp. You would need to walk back the same distance the next morning, but don’t worry - it’s a gentle, relaxing walk. The opposite can be said for the hike up to Aroumd, as you'll be trekking up steep, rocky steps for around an hour. If you do decide to do this walk then you'll need comfortable walking shoes, but you can also hire a mule to ride up all the way. Please also note that your main luggage will be left behind, as only hand luggage can be carried up to the village for you.

  • 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 the Intrepid style of travel, but please note that service and accommodation in Morocco may be different to western standards. On the seventh day of the trip, a three-hour journey by public bus to Tangier is windy in places so it's not for the feint hearted. Although the backdrop of the stunning Rif Mountains makes this a truly scenic journey.

  • There's an overnight train on Day 7 of the trip. The train has four-berth couchette compartments with upper and lower bunks on each side, so you may be sharing a confined space with people outside of your travel group. Overnight trains are a great way to meet the locals and other travellers, as well as ensuring you get maximum time in various destinations.

  • The train from Rabat to Meknes on Day 2 can get pretty busy at peak periods, so we’d recommend packing lightly in a rucksack to make sure you can get on and off the train easily.

  • There are some steep steps up to the guesthouse in Moulay Idriss on Day 2, which can be quite difficult to negotiate if you've packed heavily. If you need assistance to carry your luggage from the taxi to the accommodation, mules can be provided.

  • The second part of the trip is set in 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 easy going activities included such beginner surfing classes and some easy walking around the valleys. Please be prepared.

Map of Discover Morocco including Morocco
Morocco Berber Atlas Mountains leader pax
Local tanneries, Fes
Fishing boats, Essaouira
Colourful Morrocan, Casablanca
marrakech busy market pink sunset
The amazing sand dunes and landscape of Morocco
Morocco Sahara desert meal time
morocco chefchaouen blue alley woman walking
Waterfall in Paradise Valley, Agadir, Morocco
local fisherman on Legzira beach, Morocco
view of Taghazout at sunset, Morocco
Surfers in the sea in Taghazout, morocco

Itinerary
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Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Morocco. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today. As there's no free time included in Casablanca on this trip, we highly recommend you book an additional night or two of accommodation before the trips starts so you can explore. Modelled after Marseille in France, the city is famous for its art deco buildings and the modern-day masterpiece, the Hassan II Mosque. A pleasant way to spend the day exploring Casablanca is to wander the old medina and the city walls, then jump in a taxi to visit the Quartiers des Habous, the new medina. Finish the day with a walk along the Corniche, watching the locals play football on the beach.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Jewish Museum - MAD50
  • Villa des Arts - art gallery & museum - Free
  • Casablanca - Guided Tour of Hassan II Mosque - MAD130
  • Religious Casablanca Urban Adventures Tour - MAD1206
  • The Medina and Beyond Urban Adventures Tour - MAD948
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 can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Please be aware that some of our travellers to Casablanca are being approached by locals offering excursions before their Intrepid 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. For choice of thoroughly designed and safety asses

Today take an early morning 1-hour train to the historical town of Rabat. Rabat's history is long and colourful, having been host to Roman settlements, pirates and more recently the Moroccan parliament. It contains numerous fine Arab monuments, some dating to the Almohad and Merenid dynasties and others that are far older. The earliest known settlement is Sala, occupying an area now known as the Chellah. Store your luggage and spend a few hours strolling through the city's old quarter, then walk up to Kasbah des Oudaias and enjoy views over the Atlantic Ocean. Continue on to Meknes by train (approximately 3 hours), before taking a 45-minute taxi through scenic countryside to the sacred pilgrimage village of Moulay Idriss. At sunset see great views over the plains of Volubilis below. This evening, you will be treated with a stay at La Clombe Blanche – a family-run guesthouse operating exclusively for you. You’ll be able to share a meal and have an authentic interaction with the locals – it will feel like a home away from home. Also, be sure to catch the sunset from the rooftop!
Accommodation
  • Homestay (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Rabat orientation walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Your homestay accommodation for the night is in a guesthouse with a local family. Bathroom facilities may be shared, and you may be sharing a room with two or three others.

Today, take a guided tour of the archaeological site of Volubilis. World Heritage-listed Volubilis was one of the Roman empire's most remote bases. The remains make an undeniably impressive sight as they come into view on the edge of a long, high plateau. When it was damaged by an earthquake in the 18th century, much of the marble was taken for construction in Meknes. Enjoy a tour of the ancient hilltop ruins with a local guide. Please remember to pack drinking water, hat, sunglasses and sun cream for this tour as it may get hot and you will be exposed to the sun. And, of course, don’t forget to take your camera as the town is filled with fantastic mosaics along the Decumanus Maximus, many of which remain intact. Afterwards, return to the nearby imperial city of Meknes, where you'll have a few hours to explore. Sultan Moulay Ismail set out to build his own version of Versailles in the form of Meknes, constructing walls, gates and palaces with a labour force of over 25,000 slaves. The adventurous may want to try a camel burger for lunch at a local restaurant in the medina – don’t knock it ‘til you try it! In the afternoon, take a 1-hour train to Fes, where you'll spend the next two nights. Fes is the most complete medieval city in the Arab world, and the most ancient of Morocco's imperial cities.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Entrance and guided tour Volubilis
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Take a guided group walking tour of the old city, known locally as Fes el Bali. Step back into the Middle Ages in the labyrinth of the Medina, which is alive with craftsmen, markets, tanneries and mosques. Pass donkeys piled high with goods (this is one of the largest car-free urban zones in the world) and explore the specialty sections that divide the souk. Look out for the Medersa Bou Inania: one of the city's most beautiful buildings, which has recently been restored and is now open to tourists. Visit Medresse el Attarine and the splendid Funduk Nejjarine: a beautifully restored 18th century inn. You'll also see the famous tannery, known for the iconic view overlooking its dye pits, and a ceramics factory where you can see potters working in the traditional way. After the tour, the afternoon is free to get lost in the city's maze of streets and alleys, take a photo outside the Royal Palace or visit the nearby hills for incredible views. You may also head to the Palais Jamai for a drink. Watching the sunset over the Medina while a dozen prayer calls vie for attention is an experience you'll likely remember for a long time. In the evening, enjoy a delicious group dinner of Moroccan specialities like harira (chickpea soup) and chicken-stuffed pastilla with couscous.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Fes - Guided walking tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Please note that today’s experience will include shopping in carefully selected places. As 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, Intrepid has established a centralised system of receiving and distributing payments from these recommended suppliers. For more information, please refer to ‘Important Notes’ section or talk to your tour leader on the ground.

Take a local 4-hour bus to the isolated town of Chefchaouen today. Chefchaouen, or the Blue City, is known as one of the prettiest places in Morocco. Set against a wide valley and nestled between two peaks in the stunning Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen may take you by surprise. Its medina has been lovingly cared for with striking blue and whitewashed houses, red-tiled roofs and artistic doorways. Much of Chefchaouen was recreated by Andalusian refugees escaping the Reconquistia, so you might feel like you're in the hills of Spain while exploring its streets. Ease into the relaxed pace of life in this rural retreat. Take a stroll through the ancient medina and shop for handicrafts, go hiking in the Rif mountains, or simply sit at a cafe and enjoy the pleasure of time passing by. If you're feeling peckish, the goat’s cheese on offer is a popular treat enjoyed by many visitors.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today is a free day to explore Chefchaouen. Perhaps take a guided tour of the sights, sounds, and smells of the medina, or sample the delicious local specialties at a cafe in the Plaza Uta el-Hammam. Admire the architecture of the 15th-century Grand Mosque (closed to non-Muslims) and browse the shops in the square selling woven goods and small sweets. Also, within the plaza is the walled fortress of the Kasbah. Wander through the tranquil gardens inside, check out the ethnographic museum and soak in wonderful views from the rooftop. Alternatively, you might prefer to get out of town and enjoy a hike and picnic in the surrounding hills. In the evening, how about tucking into a tagine at a local restaurant or visit a hammam a traditional Moroccan spa? The night is yours.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Chefchaouen - walking tour with local guide - MAD300
  • Picnic lunch for hike - MAD70
  • Chefchaouen - Kasbah - MAD20
  • Medina visit with local guide - MAD300
  • Chefchaouen - Hammam (public baths) - MAD150
  • Chefchaouen - Henna tattooing - MAD50
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Take a 3-hour private minibus journey to the coastal town of Tangier – a place of strategic importance to the Mediterranean as gateway to Africa. Once a hotspot for artists, secret agents and millionaires, Tangier has been going through something of a renaissance of late thanks to the arrival of a new monarch in Morocco in 1999. Mohammed VI of Morocco and his forward-thinking ideas about commerce and tourism has suddenly woke up the community to the potential of this city. Today, the city's medina and kasbah are well worth exploring, as are the cafes and patisseries around the Place de la France in the Ville Nouvelle. Perhaps visit the American Legation Museum, the former palace of Dar el-Makhzen or the Caves of Hercules. The recently reconstructed beach promenade is lined with great restaurants. You could also enjoy a fresh seafood dinner by the port, watching the sun set over the Atlantic. Later tonight, you’ll board an overnight sleeper train bound for Marrakech.
Accommodation
  • Overnight sleeper train (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • American Legation Museum - MAD20
  • Museum Dar El Mekhzen - MAD20
  • The Caves of Hercules - MAD25
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Arrive early into Marrakech on your train, and then the day is free for you to explore. Marrakech is a feast for the senses. Explore the Medina and the city's seemingly endless mosaic of souqs, each is devoted to a separate trade: pottery, woodwork, copper, leather, carpets and spices. Perhaps visit the well-known Koutoubia Mosque and its 12th-century minaret, which was the famous prototype for the Giralda tower in Seville. Or, you could take a wander through the tropical gardens of the French painter Jacques Majorelle (now owned by Yves Saint Laurent). You might like to check out the Palais Bahia, a superb example of Muslim architecture, or the ruins of the Palais Badi, reputedly one of the most beautiful palaces in the world in its time. The Saadian tombs are a recently uncovered gem of the Medina. All of the above can be a challenge to locate, but that's all part of the experience of exploring the medinas of Morocco. In the evening, join the thronging crowds for an optional dinner in the Djemaa el Fna: the city's main square. When night falls it transforms into a hive of activity. Henna-painters, performers and storytellers share the square with a street food bazaar, packed with stalls loaded with Moroccan delicacies.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Marrakech - Marjorelle Gardens - MAD70
  • Palais Bahia visit - MAD70
  • Palais Badi - MAD70
  • Saadian Tombs - MAD70
  • Medersa Ben Youssef - MAD40
  • Museum of Marrakech - MAD40
  • Hamam (public baths) - MAD250
  • Photography Museum - MAD40
  • Urban Adventures - A Taste Of Marrakech - MAD605
  • Urban Adventures - Tajine cooking class - MAD640
  • Cascades d'Ouzoud day tour - MAD2207
  • Hot Air Ballooning - MAD2050
  • Hammam & Massage in a luxury spa - MAD750
  • Ourika Valley day tour - MAD1817
  • Oukaimeden day tour - MAD1882
  • Asni & Ouirgane with lunch - MAD1806
  • Quad biking Barrage Lalla Takerkoust - MAD1650
  • Quad Biking the Rock Desert & Palmgrove - MAD715
  • Urban Adventures - Medina, Palace and Tombs half day tour - MAD630
  • Heart of the Atlas Mountains cycling day tour - MAD2000
  • Palmery cycling tour - MAD350
  • Magical Marrakech City Cycling Tour - MAD350
  • Imlil & Aroumd day tour - MAD1817
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Today is a free day for you to discover Marrakech further. Perhaps explore the Medina for some shopping, where every step brings a new smell, a new sight or a new gift to buy. In the seemingly endless mosaic of souqs, each is devoted to a separate trade: pottery, woodwork, copper, leather, carpets and spices. Watch skilled artisans perfect their craft, practise your haggling skills or take a break from the hustle to sip on tea or share a tajine, filled with the
pure scent of Morocco. You can also venture out of Marrakech for a day trip; if you feel energetic, why not try one of the famous day walking trips. Oukaimeden or Ourika Valley are great places not far from Marrakech. If you would like to relax after the first part of your adventure, ask your leader to help you out with booking a session in one of the famous Moroccan Hammams.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group may change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and you're welcome to attend, as this is a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers.

Today, take a short drive up the towering High Atlas Mountains to the village of Imlil (approximately 2 hours), photographing snow-dappled mountains and valleys in full flower along the way. On arrival, store your main luggage and load daypacks onto pack mules before walking into traditional mountain village life with a one-hour trek up to the peaceful village of Aroumd. If you feel like the walk is too strenuous then there's the option of riding the mule. Perched on a rocky outcrop, the remote village of Aroumd offers stunning views across the High Atlas Mountains and a unique opportunity to experience traditional Berber culture. Spend the night in a family-run mountain home (gite) in Aroumd. Surrounded by the smell of woodstoves and bread, meet the host family and enjoy Berber hospitality and food. Facilities at the homestay are shared (both the bathroom and sleeping arrangements) but cosy, comfortable and definitely a unique Intrepid experience. Use the rest of the day to explore the village and the surrounding farmlands. If the group are up for it and weather permits, there will be a chance to hike of around eight kilometres to the pilgrimage shrine of Sidi Chamharouch (approximately 4 hours return). Regardless of fitness levels, the gentle pace of Aroumd makes it a special place to explore beyond the reach of the modern world.
Accommodation
  • Gite (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Guided trek in the High Atlas Mountains
Optional Activities
  • Mule ride - Imlil to Aroumd - MAD80
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
The walk from Imlil to Aroumd and further to the Sidi Chamharouch shrine requires appropriate footwear. You may choose to bring sturdy boots if you prefer so, but pair of good walking shoes with rigid and grippy sole will be sufficient. You will walk over well-trodden paths that may however be muddy and unstable in places and are rocky.

This morning journey along mountain roads and over Morocco's highest pass, Tizi n'Tichka (2,260 metres), to Ait Benhaddou on the edges of the Sahara (approximately 6 hours). Perched on a hilltop and almost unchanged since the 11th century, Ait Benhaddou is one of Morocco's most iconic site. It was once an important stop for caravans passing through as they carried salt across the Sahara, returning with gold, ivory and slaves. Today its grand kasbah has been listed as a World Heritage site, with its fortified village being a fine example of clay architecture. If you think you recognise the place, you probably do, as the town has a long list of film and TV credits, including Lawrence of Arabia, Game of Thrones and Gladiator. Enjoy a walk through the winding streets of old town, making your way to the top of the hill, from where you can enjoy the views across the surrounding plains. In the evening, why not join a simple cooking demonstration of Morocco's most famous cuisine: couscous and tagine. The locals will explain the secrets and subtleties of these traditional meals, as the ladies of the kitchen prepare a feast.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Cooking demonstration and dinner, Ait Benhaddou - MAD100
  • Henna tattooing - MAD50
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

This morning you'll journey south towards the Sahara, stopping in the regularly used film location of Ouarzazate along the way (approximately 5 hours in total). Continue to travel through the lush Draa Valley to Zagora, a small oasis town on the Sahara fringe that is perfect for an overnight stop. Take a stroll through the palm groves, explore the ksars and wander around the surrounding countryside.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Atlas Movie Studios - MAD50
  • Kasbah Taourirt - MAD20
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Continue along the rugged and desolate Jbel Tadrart ranges and through seas of sand and past the occasional desert oasis of date palms to the township of Tamegroute. Visit an intriguing library filled with ancient scripts of science, literature, the Koran and stories of the prophet Mohammed (subject to unregulated opening times). Join a local guide to uncover the underground Kasbah and its unique ceramic pottery industry. Leave Tamegroute behind and carry on driving to the end of the road at the frontier town of M'Hamid (approximately 1 hour). From here, take a short camel ride through the dunes, where you’ll jump into 4WD vehicles. The rough track runs parallel to the Algerian border, across the stony Hamada desert, whose only populace is small scatterings of nomadic people and their camels. The group will reach the massive Erg Chigaga dunes in the late afternoon. An erg is a vast sea of shifting wind-swept sand that's formed into picturesque, undulating crests and valleys. The Erg Chigaga is one of the world's iconic landscapes, with towering dunes up to 150 metres in height.
Accommodation
  • Camp site (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Ancient library
  • Camel ride
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
The camp is a simple affair, with bedding and basic toilet facilities provided. The blankets provided are usually sufficient for most travellers between April and October, but you may like to bring your own sleeping bag for extra warmth, especially during the months between November and March. Electricity is not available in the camp therefore it’s important to come prepared with phones, cameras and everything else you may need fully charged.

Today rejoin the minivan and venture towards the market town of Oulad Brhhil, sometimes called ‘Little Marrakesh’. The journey should take around eight hours in total, including several stops. This drive goes through desert scenery and along a route that's a reserve for the indigenous argan trees. Argan oil is highly prized for its culinary, cosmetic and medicinal uses and is only produced in Morocco, and is certainly a trademark of Morocco around the world. If you're lucky, the group might come across the famous image of goats climbing these trees in search of nuts. Please note that this is a long travel day, and you won't arrive at tonight's accommodation until late afternoon/early evening. The riad (house) tonight is 45 kilometres outside of Taroudant and offers the chance to relax by the pool or take a steamed bath.
Accommodation
  • Riad (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

In the morning, take to the souqs and haggle with local traders for silver jewellery or colourful Moroccan ceramics and mosaics. Afterwards, leave the valleys of the High Atlas Mountains behind and head west to the coastal town of Essaouira (approximately 5 hours). The name Essaouira means image, which is appropriate since it's such a picturesque town. Its charm is undeniable; within the stone ramparts you'll find whitewashed houses with bright blue shutters, art galleries and wood workshops. This laidback artists' town is a former Portuguese trading colony and was once home to sizeable British and Jewish populations. The town faces a group of rocky islands, called the Mogador, and is surrounded by an expanse of sandy beaches and dunes. It's still a busy fishing port and its pretty harbour is filled with tiny colourful boats which go out early every morning for the day's catch. Visitors who have been seduced by its charms include Orson Welles and Jimi Hendrix, who (according to local legend) spent much of his time here in the 1960s. More recently, filmmaker Ridley Scott chose the ramparts as an important location for his film, Kingdom of Heaven. As you’ll arrive in the early evening, there won’t be much time to look around today. In the evening perhaps have some dinner with the group, as the local seafood is as fresh as it gets.
Accommodation
  • Riad (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today, join a local guide for a walking tour through the old medina, Jewish mellah, port and skala (sea wall). Afterwards, use your free time to get under the skin of the town. The narrow streets of Essaouira are ideal for casual exploration. Their size discourages cars, and on walk through the town it feels as though little has changed since the days of sea pirates. The fishing port is a serious commercial operation and there’s much fun to be had observing the daily catch and its subsequent auction. A freshly-cooked plate of the day's catch is highly recommended. Browse the plentiful shops and intriguing art galleries that make this little town a particularly pleasant place to unwind for a few days. It has a growing reputation for its unique art and is becoming even more famous for its burled Thuya wood, delicately formed and inlaid in tiny shops that are built into the thick walls of the Portuguese ramparts. The scent from the oils used to polish the richly coloured wood permeates the air and makes walking down the streets incredibly pleasant. If you’d prefer to relax, don't miss the opportunity to indulge in a hammam or local-style bath.
Accommodation
  • Riad (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Guided walking tour Essaouira
Optional Activities
  • Hamam (public baths) - MAD200
  • Berber massage - MAD350
  • Horse riding - Essaouira - MAD250
  • Seafood Market Lunch - Essaouira - MAD80
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Use the morning to see the last of Essaouira, as you’ll catch a bus back to Marrakech in the afternoon (approximately 3 hours). The monuments of Marrakech are numerous and range from the well-known Koutoubia Mosque and its superb minaret to the lesser-known tropical gardens of the French painter Jacques Majorelle (now owned by Yves Saint Laurent). There's the Palais Bahia, a superb example of Muslim architecture, and the ruins of the Palais Badi, reputedly one of the most beautiful palaces in the world in its time. The Saadian tombs are a recently uncovered gem of the Medina. All of the above can be a challenge to locate, but that's all part of the experience of exploring the phenomenal medinas of Morocco. Explore the Medina for some last-minute shopping, where every step brings a new smell, a new sight or a new gift to buy. This evening you will likely be drawn back to the Djemaa El-Fna, and its surrounding medina. When night falls on this square it transforms in to a hive of activity. Henna-painters, performers and storytellers share the square with a street food bazaar, packed with stalls loaded with Moroccan delicacies. Perhaps dine with the group here – a great way to finish your adventure.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Urban Adventures - A Taste Of Marrakech - MAD605
  • Urban Adventures - Tajine cooking class - MAD640
  • Cascades d'Ouzoud day tour - MAD2207
  • Hot Air Ballooning - MAD2050
  • Hammam & Massage in a luxury spa - MAD750
  • Ourika Valley day tour - MAD1817
  • Oukaimeden day tour - MAD1882
  • Asni & Ouirgane with lunch - MAD1806
  • Heart of the Atlas Mountains cycling day tour - MAD2000
  • Urban Adventures - Medina, Palace and Tombs half day tour - MAD630
  • Quad Biking the Rock Desert & Palmgrove - MAD715
  • Quad biking Barrage Lalla Takerkoust - MAD1650
  • Palmery cycling tour - MAD350
  • Magical Marrakech City Cycling Tour - MAD350
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today is another free day in Marrakech before you head to discover the south coast of Morocco. Options to spend a day are countless. Marrakech has numerous places to visit, but if you have already done your sightseeing, perhaps venture out of the city on one of many day tours available. If you’re filing active, there are few options to either cycle, quad bike or trek. Alternatively, why not enjoy a luxurious Hammam and Massage in one of many traditional places in Marrakech.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Your group leader and the composition of the group may change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and you're welcome to attend, as this is a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers.

Hit the road early today and head for Sidi Ifni (journey time approx 5.5 hours). Stop along the way around well-known resort, Agadir, for included lunch. After a devastating earthquake in 1960, Agadir had to be rebuilt from the ground up. It’s now known as Morocco’s best seaside city, boasting a lively beachfront promenade that highlights the exuberance of the country’s street culture in a spacious, bright atmosphere. Continue to your destination today. Once known as a Spanish port city before being returned to Moroccan rule in 1969, Sidi Ifni still hosts many old Spanish fortifications, slowly crumbling into ruin amongst the rest of the European architecture and the native Moroccan houses. It’s known as one of Morocco’s best-kept secrets for people looking for a peaceful, un-commercialised gateway into the local way of life. There’s little to no beachside hostels, discos or even tourists coursing through the streets, and the city holds many of its own quirks with its blue and white painted buildings and trace love for Spanish music and football. Spend your afternoon exploring the city or relaxing after long, but interesting journey.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Your second day in Sidi Ifni will start with guided tour of the city, where you’ll get to learn about the Spanish history of the old town and the port, slightly haunting if not beautiful in its dilapidation. Afterwards take a more natural approach with a trip to Legzira beach. This pristine stretch of sand has previously been characterised by the unique red arches that dip over the beach and into the sea, although unfortunately only one more of these glorious structures remains. Bring a book or beachside games to enjoy your morning in this atmospheric location. For lunch, perhaps try local speciality; grilled fish or fish tajine. After dipping your toes in the water and heading back to Sidi Ifni, you'll have an evening to spend as you wish.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Guided tour of Sidi Ifni
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Embark in your private transport to Tafraoute, a secluded shred of paradise far from the hustle and bustle of metropolitan life (travel time approx. 3.5 hours). While the journey is long, it is stunning in parts – keep your eyes peeled for herds of goats climbing argan trees. Ancient traditions still run strong here in the Berber heartland. People have a genuine friendliness and honesty unlike anywhere else on earth and the cooking, which cleverly mixes spices, prunes and meats, is indescribably delicious. Get an insight into the unique charms of Tafraoute with a guided orientation tour and walk through the city. You’ll also get to witness the beauty of the surrounding landscape on a walk through a desert oasis to witness Belgian artist Jean Veran’s painted rocks project, standing out as vibrant monuments in a sea of tanned desert soil. Visit a traditional Berber house for a cup of Berber Whisky (mint tea) before heading to your accommodation for dinner this evening.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Tafrouat museum - La Maison Berbère
  • Guided tour of Tafroute
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Prepare to visit some of the world’s most beautiful bodies of water as you board your private transport – make sure you have your swimmers ready! You’ll first get to visit the aptly named Paradise Valley - a dreamland full of gorgeous pools of water hidden in bright stone canyons. Afterwards, you’ll travel onwards to a surf resort near to the small fishing village of Tag Taghazout, Moroccohazout. Over recent years, the town has gained a reputation as a prime surfing location for locals and tourists alike – the waters stay warm throughout the year and the surf is excellent for starters and adept wave riders alike. After your long journey from Marrakech today (230km) engage in a relaxing yoga session.
Accommodation
  • Surf camp (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Yoga class
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Depending on the time of your arrival, the yoga class may take a place on day 2 or day 3.

If you were thinking about surfing yesterday but didn’t have the know-how to ride a board, worry not – you’ve got a 2 hours surfing class to build your skills up. It’s okay if you’re a beginner, the intensity of the course will be adjusted to the abilities of the group so everyone gets a chance to enjoy themselves. The surf academy provides wetsuits and all the equipment you will need you’re your lesson. You will only need your swimmers. Come the afternoon, you’ll have some time to polish your surf skills, lounge by the pool or explore the small fishing village of Taghazout.
Accommodation
  • Surf camp (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Surfing class
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Today morning you are free to spend as you wish. Later on you will travel to Marrakech where remaining of your day is also free. Perhaps you discovered parts of it already at the beginning of this adventure, but if not, it’s a must to see the well-known Djemaa el Fna, the most vibrant square in North Africa. In the evening why not head out to a final farewell dinner with your group at one of the trendy restaurants in the Gueliz district of Marrakech.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Your Moroccan adventure comes to an end this morning - however, don't let that stop you from exploring the streets, visiting a souk, or talking to your tour guide about taking a one day Urban Adventure in Marrakech.
Optional Activities
  • Quad Biking the Rock Desert & Palmgrove - MAD715
  • Oukaimeden day tour - MAD1882
  • Palmery cycling tour - MAD350
  • Asni & Ouirgane with lunch - MAD1806
  • Urban Adventures - A Taste Of Marrakech - MAD605
  • Marrakech - Marjorelle Gardens - MAD70
  • Quad biking Barrage Lalla Takerkoust - MAD1650
  • Urban Adventures - Tajine cooking class - MAD640
  • Magical Marrakech City Cycling Tour - MAD350
  • Cascades d'Ouzoud day tour - MAD2207
  • Medersa Ben Youssef - MAD40
  • Ourika Valley day tour - MAD1817
  • Saadian Tombs - MAD70
  • Hot Air Ballooning - MAD2050
  • Palais Badi - MAD70
  • Palais Bahia visit - MAD70
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

23 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 6 dinners

Transport

4x4, Overnight sleeper train, Private vehicle, Public bus, Taxi, Train, Camel

Accommodation

Desert Camp (1 night), Gite (1 night), Guesthouse (1 night), Hotel (15 nights), Overnight Sleeper Train (1 night), Riad (3 nights), surf camp (2 nights)

Included activities

  • Rabat orientation walk
  • Entrance and guided tour Volubilis
  • Fes - Guided walking tour
  • Guided trek in the High Atlas Mountains
  • Ancient library
  • Camel ride
  • Guided walking tour Essaouira
  • Guided tour of Sidi Ifni
  • Tafrouat museum - La Maison Berbère
  • Guided tour of Tafroute
  • Yoga class
  • Surfing class

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Important notes

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 Moulay Idriss
- Day 7 Overnight train
- Day 10 Aroumd
- Day 13 Sahara desert
- Days 19-20 Taghazout
- Day 21 Tafroute
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, and funds 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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