Guide

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Premium leaders are Intrepid’s most experienced, with in-depth knowledge and extensive local networks to make it a trip of a lifetime. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. When not already included in your trip, your leader will be able to recommend a local guide service who can share more detailed or specialised information at specific sites should you be interested in delving deeper.

Others

Complimentary Arrival Transfer Casablanca - Welcome Dinner Casablanca - Hassan II Mosque Rabat - Kasbah des Oudaias Rabat - Hassan Tower Rabat - Mausoleum Mohammed V Meknes - Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail Volubilis - Picnic Lunch Volubilis - Entrance and guided tour Meknes - Medina walking tour Chefchaouen - Goat Cheese Tasting Chefchaouen - Medina walking tour Fes - Home-cooked Pastilla Dinner Fes - Medina walking tour Fes - Funduq al-Najjarin Fes - Medersa El Attarine Fes - Tea Break Sahara Desert - Camel ride Khemliya - Village walking tour Khemliya - Medfouna cooking demonstration Sahara Desert - Amazigh dinner with Gnaoua music Todra Gorge - Hike Dades - Tea-making demonstration Dades - Hike Skoura - Kasbah and Oasis visit Ait Benhaddou - Leader-led ksar walk Ait Benhaddou - Lunch at Tawesna Ait Benhaddou - Taman’Art Space Studio Visit Tahnaout - Cooking class Marrakech - Medina walking tour Marrakech - Palais Bahia Marrakech - Fresh orange juice tasting

Meals

14 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 8 dinners

Accommodation

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 in line with the Intrepid style of travel, but please note that service and accommodation in Morocco may be different from standards you are used to at home. 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. RIADS: On each departure of this trip, we aim to spend at least one night in a traditional Moroccan riad. In the height of the season, however unlikely, there may be an occasion when contracting a full group in a riad will be impossible due to high demand and availability. TWIN SHARE / MULTI SHARE BASIS: Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multi-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite (even if you paid for single room supplement) and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own. 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. Comfortable hotel (13 nights), Feature Stay (1 night)

Transport

There are some long travel days and some rough travelling in areas away from the main tourist routes. High passes, windy roads, and rough surfaces make for some challenging travel experiences. On some long travel days, we depart early in the morning to ensure we optimise our time at our next destination. If you experience travel sickness we recommend you consider medication to help ease the discomfort. The best part about all of these long drives is the spectacular views and fun stops en route such as mountain passes, kasbahs, palmeries, sand dunes, goats up trees, etc. We also use public transport on some of our trips around Morocco. Be it a train or a public bus, remember that the best part of it is the possibility to interact with local people traveling along with you. Private Vehicle

Not included:

Insurance

Insurance is not included.

Optional

Casablanca - Villa des Arts Gallery & Museum (entrance fee) - Free Casablanca - Jewish Museum (entrance fee) - MAD50 Casablanca - The Medina and Beyond Urban Adventure - MAD700 Marrakech - Heart of the Atlas Mountains cycling day trip with lunch - MAD2000 Marrakech - Hot Air Balloon Ride - MAD2090 Marrakech - Tajine Cookery Class Urban Adventure. - MAD640

Others

Other activities and services are not included.

Flights

Flights are not included.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Casablanca
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Casablanca

Salaam Alaikum! Welcome to Morocco. When you arrive at Casablanca Airport, you’ll be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure begins at 6 pm with a welcome meeting to meet your fellow travellers and group leader. If you arrive early, maybe visit the Villa des Arts – this gorgeous art deco gallery holds numerous exhibitions of contemporary Moroccan and international art. If you’re looking for a different type of cultural experience, then you can discover a unique and fascinating part of Moroccan history at the Museum of Judaism. This evening, celebrate the beginning of a new adventure with a welcome dinner with your group in a traditional restaurant. Nowhere is Morocco’s cultural heritage more evident than in its food, and tonight you’ll have the chance to try classic dishes like tagine, couscous and pastilla.
Day 2 Day 2: Meknes
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Meknes

This morning you’ll visit one of the most impressive sites in Casablanca – the massive Mosque of Hassan II. Second only in size to the great mosque at Mecca, the huge building sits partly on land and partly over sea and is one of the only religious sites open to non-Muslims. Later, leave Casablanca and drive north along the coast to Rabat – the elegant capital of Morocco and its first imperial city. Start your visit with a walk through the medina and souks, then explore the lovely walled quarter known as the Kasbah des Oudaias, where you’ll enjoy an included mint tea in a café overlooking the ocean and Bou Regreg River. After, continue the walk to visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the vast minaret of the Mosque of Hassan II. In the late afternoon, continue to Meknes, the former capital of Morocco.
Day 3 Day 3: Chefchaouen
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Chefchaouen

Join your leader and explore the charming streets of Meknes’s medina – the old walled section of the city. There’s something particularly special about exploring this lesser-known medina as the locals go about their daily lives. Walk to the shrine of Moulay Ismail, visit the granaries and stop by a local market selling vegetables, olives and sweets. Drive on to the ruins of Volubilis. Once a provincial Roman capital, a distant outpost of the empire, the remains make an undeniably impressive sight. A local guide will show you around, provide expert knowledge and help you imagine the bustling city that once was. Enjoy a picnic lunch of fresh bread, cheese and seasonal fruits and olives from the market, then continue to Chefchaouen. Nestled high in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is famous for its buildings washed in bright shades of blue – this is undeniably one of the world’s prettiest cities!
Day 4 Day 4: Chefchaouen
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Chefchaouen

This morning, you’ll discover Chefchaouen beneath the blue during a tour of the medina with a local guide. Tour its winding alleyways, cobbled plazas and unique doorways and find out what makes the city so alluring. Stop off for a tasting of goat’s cheese – you’ll see there’s no shortage of goats in Chefchaouen and this soft, creamy goat’s cheese is some of Morocco’s best. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore further at your own pace. You may like to snap some more pictures of the city’s blue-hued buildings, shop for handicrafts or simply sit at a cafe and enjoy the pleasure of time passing by. Speak to your leader about the option for a homecooked meal for dinner this evening.
Day 5 Day 5: Fes
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Fes

Say goodbye to Chefchaouen and make the journey to Fes – the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. When you arrive, take some time to unwind in a local hammam (spa) – speak to your leader for some great recommendations. This evening you’ll have the unique opportunity to see a different side of Moroccan life as you are warmly welcomed into the home-turned-restaurant of a local family for a pastilla dinner in a private after-hours experience. One of the country’s most celebrated dishes, this sweet and savoury delight is made with layered pastry and meat, cooked with eggs, caramelised onions, lemon and sugared almonds. Learn how the iconic Moroccan pie is made as you chat with your friendly hosts about life in Fes, then end the night with a traditional sweet treat.
Day 6 Day 6: Fes
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Fes

Today, head into the Old Town, known locally as Fes el Bali. Medieval Fes was one of the world’s great centres of education and culture, both Islamic and Jewish. Its religious institutions and libraries are legendary, and its mosques are renowned. Your leader will share stories of the city’s history as you walk through the twisting streets and alleyways, passing donkeys piled high with goods. Filled with historic khans, medresses and dye pits, there are stalls loaded with fruits, herbs and soups and the squawk of chickens, smells of spice and sounds of hammering copper fill the air. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the medina for a traditional mint tea in a family-owned tea house. Spend the day exploring the old city, visiting Al-Attarine Madrasa, the tanneries and the splendid Funduk Nejjarine – a beautifully restored 18th-century inn.
Day 7 Day 7: Erfoud
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Erfoud

Today, leave the intensity of the city behind for the desert oasis town of Erfoud. Prepare for a long driving day and have your camera ready as there will be plenty of stops to appreciate the ever-changing Moroccan landscape along the way. Wind past olive groves, shepherds tending to their flocks, forests of cedar, pine and oak, and valleys filled with date palms – all with views of the High Atlas Mountains in the distance. Arrive in Erfoud, your gateway to the Sahara Desert. Built by the French in the early 1900s, the town features tightly packed red sand buildings that blend seamlessly into the desert surroundings. While here, be sure to try some dates fresh from the local market – the dates in Erfoud are so delicious they celebrate them with a festival every year.
Day 8 Day 8: Merzouga
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Merzouga

Spend the morning exploring Khemliya – a village on the fringe of the orange-coloured Erg Chebbi sand dunes. This traditional Saharan village is known for its distinctive style of music and dance. For lunch today you’ll get to see how the local speciality dish of medfouna is made, and then sample some yourself. Then, it’s time to do as the locals do and ride a camel through the desert towards your Feature Stay accommodation – a spectacular camp hidden away in the sand dunes of the Sahara. Here in this magical escape from the modern world, you’ll experience the true essence of desert life. The remote location doesn’t mean skimping on amenities – permanent tents feature large beds, en suite bathrooms and delightful, authentic decor. Tonight, enjoy a traditional feast beneath the North African sky, jewelled with thousands of stars, followed by live Gnaoua music around an open fire.
Day 9 Day 9: Dades
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Dades

Start the day with a truly unforgettable experience – a camel ride across the desert during sunrise, watching the landscape turn remarkable shades of orange. After breakfast drive to Todra Gorge – a massive trench that rises over 250 m to form one of the most dramatic and spectacular natural sights in Morocco. The limestone stacks make a perfect area for hiking, and so to make the most of the stunning surroundings, you’ll take a short and gentle walk through the gorge. Then, continue to the beautiful Dades Valley – your base for the next two nights. This area offers up scenery like no other – sprawling green valleys give way to rock formations carved out by the wind. Your accommodation offers a pool and terrace, so take some time to sit back and soak in the views.
Day 10 Day 10: Dades
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Dades

You have a full day to explore the beauty of this largely untouched Moroccan backcountry today, and the best way is on foot. There are a couple of circuits in the area – there’s the option to tackle a 10 km circuit that will take about 4 hours, but your leader can tailor the route based on the preferences of the group. Take a short transfer to the start of the trek, then set out with a local guide. The trail undulates and can be challenging in sections but is accessible to everyone with a basic level of fitness. Stop in a village along the way and enjoy tea with a local Amazigh family. This experience offers a unique glimpse into the Amazigh way of life that few visitors to Morocco have the chance to see. Set against the sensational backdrop of the surrounding mountains and famous Rose Valley, take the opportunity to share stories and learn about family life in the Dades Valley.
Day 11 Day 11: Ait Benhaddou
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Ait Benhaddou

Depart the Dades Valley and set off on the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. Your first stop is Skoura Oasis – home to several privately owned kasbahs, including the Kasbah Ameridhl, with extravagant decorations and mud-brick fortifications. Continue to Ait Benhaddou – a hilltop site almost unchanged since the 11th century. Its grand kasbah is one of the most beautiful in Morocco and the fortified village is a fine example of clay architecture. You may recognise the site from Game of Thrones or its long list of film credits. Walk through the winding streets of the Old Town, making your way to the top of the hill for some scenic views. Visit Taman’Art Space, an art studio and cultural centre created by a local artist. Meet with the artist and founder and talk about his methods, inspiration and process, all while sipping a cup of tea on the terrasse, surrounded by gorgeous views. After, visit Tawesna – a local teahouse on the river – for a tasty lunch including freshly made Amazigh bread, soup, Moroccan sweets and mint tea. This community-run establishment provides women with a small income to support themselves and their children. The women use natural ingredients sourced from local cooperatives to prepare the tea and pastries, taking great pride in sharing their stories and giving visitors an authentic Amazigh experience.
Day 12 Day 12: Ouirgane
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Ouirgane

Leave Ait Benhaddou after breakfast and drive through the winding roads of the Atlas Mountains. You can take your time as the scenery is magnificent and keen photographers may call for a few photo stops. Your destination today is Ouirgane – sitting in the tranquil foothills of the High Atlas Mountains, this village provides visitors with an alternative and less-visited base for walking. With its gentle winter climate and moderate summer, it’s a great place to stroll around the nearby red-earth hills and pine forests, watch a wide variety of bird life or just sit back and relax at an altitude of 1000 m with a view of Mount Toubkal in the background. Speak to your leader about some hiking options this afternoon with a local guide.
Day 13 Day 13: Marrakech
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Marrakech

Travel to the nearby town of Tahanaout, where you’ll take a hands-on cooking class with a celebrated local chef. You’ll explore his organic kitchen garden surrounded by beautiful olive groves and orchards set in a traditional Amazigh douar. Harvest ingredients fresh from the garden and let the chef teach you the art of seasoning with aromatic Moroccan herbs. Learn to cook tagines and salads, then savour your creations over lunch. After the feast, continue to Marrakech. When you arrive, check in to your beautifully decorated riad. This evening, why not head to the great square of Djemaa el-Fna – one of the largest public spaces in the world, When night falls, it transforms into a hive of activity. You may like to finish your day with a cup of tea at one of the roof-top restaurants overlooking the square.
Day 14 Day 14: Marrakech
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Marrakech

After breakfast today, meet with a local guide who will bring the magic of Marrakech to life as you set off on a morning tour of the old medina, through the bustling souks that are the lifeblood of the city. Explore tranquil courtyards filled with the scent of orange blossom and the many salons and chambers that make up Bahia Palace. Stop by the Koutoubia Mosque – the inside is for Muslims only, but the famous minaret is a sight to behold. Walk back through the streets of the old medina to Djemaa el-Fna, stopping off to taste some of the marvellous freshly squeezed orange juice from a local stall – this is sure to be one of the most delicious glasses of orange juice you’ve ever tasted! The rest of the day is free to explore. Maybe visit Le Jardin Secret – a traditional medina garden with a magnificent courtyard – or head back into the medina and practice your haggling skills. For your final evening, maybe join your group for a farewell dinner. Your leader will be able to recommend some fantastic local restaurants.
Day 15 Day 15: Marrakech
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Marrakech

Your trip ends today after breakfast, so you’re free to leave at any time after check out. If you’ve arranged a private airport transfer, you’ll be advised of the pick-up time. If you’d like to extend your stay in Marrakech, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

+12

15 days tour

Premium Morocco In Depth

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Premium Morocco In Depth

Day 1: Casablanca

Day 2: Meknes

Day 3: Chefchaouen

Day 4: Chefchaouen

Day 5: Fes

Day 6: Fes

Day 7: Erfoud

Day 8: Merzouga

Day 9: Dades

Day 10: Dades

Day 11: Ait Benhaddou

Day 12: Ouirgane

Day 13: Marrakech

Day 14: Marrakech

Day 15: Marrakech

Experience Style

Accomodation level

Experience Type

Physical Rating

Age range

Who talk about us:

Best cities to travel to

America

Europe

Asia

Africa

Oceania