Morocco 2025

Join me in April 2025 for a once in a lifetime adventure!

Visit Morocco in 2025!

Discover the magic of Morocco on an unforgettable journey through its vibrant cities, majestic landscapes, and rich cultural tapestry. Wander through the bustling souks of Marrakech, marvel at the architectural splendor of ancient palaces, and experience the serenity of the Sahara Desert under a blanket of stars. From the coastal beauty of Casablanca to the historic charm of Fes, Morocco offers a captivating blend of tradition and modernity. Embark on an adventure where every moment is a feast for the senses, and let the allure of Morocco enchant you. Your extraordinary Moroccan adventure awaits! The 14-day journey begins April 7, 2025.

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Dates & Itinerary

We suggest you come a day or two ahead just to give yourself time to get normal or have your bags catch up with you. Let me know your flight details and I’ll sort out a transfer for you. The tour officially starts on Day 1: April 7th, 2025. Click here to download the full itinerary.

Day 1: April 7 - Casablanca Arrival

On arrival, meet your driver and depart for Casablanca, a port city and commercial center of Morocco facing the Atlantic Ocean. It’s about 45 min to an hour to transfer to your hotel.

You’ll be free for the rest of the day until supper to explore, get a local sim card, wander through the Medina, etc.

Then we’ll meet in the lobby and head off to the infamous Rick’s Café for a welcome dinner and a chance to meet the rest of the group. Art Palace Hotel      DINNER

Day 2: April 8 - Tangier Mystique

This morning we’ll stop off at the Hassan II Mosque and its 690 feet high minaret—one of the few mosques open to non-Muslims.

Then to Rabat. Rabat is known for sites that illustrate its Islamic and French colonial heritage. It’s the administrative capital of Morocco and worth a visit on the way.

We’ll stop for lunch on the drive, continue up the coast through Kenitra with a visit to Asilah, a laid-back artist town dominated by pristine whitewashed houses reminiscent of Greece. We'll wander across the ancient rampart and through the eclectic medina. Great for photos!

If there’s time we’ll visit the Caves of Hercules Africa where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. On a clear day you might see across to Gibraltar.

Dinner is on our own account tonight but we recommend trying the local specialty—a traditional fish tajine for dinner and return to our guesthouse for the night. Kasbah Blanca BREAKFAST

Day 3: April 9 - Tangier Chefchaouen via Tetouan

After breakfast, we’ll head for the “blue city” of Chefchaouen, a sleepy village in the heart of the Rif Mountains which in our opinion is one of the most beautiful towns in the world. On the way we’ll pass through Fnideq and M’diq to Tetouan, located in a striking location at the foot of the Rif Mountains, just a few kilometers from the sea.

Then Tetouan, nicknamed ‘the white dove’ It’s frozen in time and has remained unchanged for centuries. The Spanish influence dates to the early 20th century and its long relationship with Andalusia has left it with a Hispano-Moorish architecture that is unique in Morocco.

We’ll stop off in the Tetouan Kasbah high up on a hill in the middle of the ancient medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We’ll stop for lunch along the way and continue to Chefchaouen.

In the afternoon, we might hike to the Spanish Mosque, which offers an unsurpassed view of Chefchaouen at sunset. (Don’t forget your flashlight!) Continue to your guesthouse in Chefchaouen for the night.Vancii Hotel            BREAKFAST

Day 4: April 10 - Chefchaouen – Fes

Today is all about the journey. Pack your bathing suit and a towel. We’re making a stop at Akchour Waterfalls in Talassemtane National Park, located in the heart of the Rif Mountains.

You can hike to the lower waterfall and Pont de Dieu If you feel adventurous, continue to the Grand Cascades or upper waterfall which plunges into an emerald pool below. Take a well-earned dip in the soothing waterfall. Heads up!  It’s c-c-c-cold!

We’ll set out for Fes through Ouezzane (known as the Sacred City), nestled on the northern slope of Mount Bouhelal, at the southwestern edge of the Rif Mountains. We’ll stop for lunch along the way and continue to our Riad in Fes. (3 nights)    Riad Fes Mahal   BREAKFAST

Day 5: April 11 - Fes Culture Tour

Fes is the first imperial city of Morocco and is one of the largest preserved medieval sites in the world. Today we get to explore the medina and the religious schools dating back to the 14th century and we’ll fit in lunch somewhere.

This is our day to learn about the traditional Moroccan ceramic/tile (jelliz), the city’s distinctive and colourful leather tanneries and some of the extraordinary lamp metal work. It’ll set you up for your free day tomorrow.  Return to our Riad for the night. BREAKFAST

Day 6: April 12 - Fes Free Day

We never want you to feel like you’re being led around by the nose so we’ve scheduled a free day.  It’s yours! Do what you like.

Maybe a Hammam? Maybe get lost in the souk? Maybe have our guide walk you back to something you saw and wanted to buy?

If you prefer to do something organized, here are some suggestions. Enjoy a free day to relax or participate in one of the options offered by your host:

  • Cooking class: Head out for a morning cooking class under the guidance of a traditional Dada (Moroccan chef). Learn to make a traditional Moroccan meal then feast on the fruits of your labor. Price: 600 dirhams per person (2 person minimum).

 

  • Drum making/ceramic/weaving workshop: Learn to make your own drum, ceramic item, or small carpet from a Fes artisan (choose 1 workshop). Price: 600 dirhams per person.

 

  • Gastronomy tour: Set out in the late afternoon for a food tour and tasting in the medina and learn about Morocco’s diverse cuisine, exotic spices, and flavours. Price: 600 dirhams per person (2 person minimum).

Return to your guesthouse for the night (Riad Fes Mahal) BREAKFAST

Day 7: April 13 - The Middle Atlas Mountains

Depart after breakfast for Midelt, situated in the high plains surrounding the Mlouya River, between the Middle and High Atlas Mountain ranges and stop for a cultural tea experience in a cave home in the small village of Bhalil through our local lifestyle program.

Next we’ll visit the Roman ruins of Voulibilis, an exceptionally well-preserved example of a large Roman colonial town, and filming location for Scorsese’s The Last Temptation of Christ.

We’ll continue through the Middle Atlas Mountains Stop for lunch and cross the cedar forests near Ifran (The Switzerland of Morocco) with century-old trees and delight in feeding the Barbary macaques of Gibraltar that thrive in the nearby groves of cedar trees. Then on to Midelt.

Note: Our guest house in Midelt is a gorgeous old colonial house.  Because it’s very small and this is a very special stay, we’ve decided to do something a little different.  We've booked the whole hotel!

It means that if you’re in a single, you might have a roommate for the night,  depending on the final group configuration. Then again, we might not have to do this (there is a 2 bedroom cottage in the garden!)

Dinner is on us in the dining room once we get settled. Villa Pomme D'or        BREAKFAST AND DINNER

Day 8: April 14 - The Sahara Desert

We’ll depart after breakfast for Merzouga via the villages of Erfoud, and the beautiful Ziz Valley in the Middle Atlas Mountains,  wedged between prehistoric cliffs dating back to the Jurassic period which are plentiful with dates, pomegranates, figs, and quince farmed there. Stop near Er Rachidia, one of Morocco’s most ancient towns, for a visit to a local family learn about couscous followed lunch and a musical treat! That’ll get us into Merzouga in late afternoon to meet our cameleers who will guide you to the desert camp in the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Wash up and meet us for a desert dinner followed by traditional Saharan music around the campfire before falling asleep on the softest bed in the nicest tent you’ve ever seen!

Camp Notes:  This is Glamping! Please pack a small overnight bag—our main bags will stay on the bus overnight. Your overnight bag will go in a 4x4 to the camp.  Take only your camera and some small money on the camel with you for souvenirs.  And please make sure your camera is sand protected!  Orient Desert Camp     BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND DINNER

Day 9: April 15 - The Sahara Desert – Ouarzazate

After sunrise over the dunes of and a desert breakfast, you may see runners participating in the Marathon des Sables  before departing early for Ouarzazate via the Todra Gorge.

We’ll make a stop in Erfoud, the capital of the southern Moroccan date region for a cultural geologic presentation on pre-Cambrian life through the fossils of Morocco.

Then we can take a walk through the valley of the sheer rock walls of Todra Gorge, stop for lunch in Tinghir with its magnificent palm oasis, and continue to the home of the Morocco Rose Festival, El Kelâa M'Gouna (commonly known as Rose Valley).

We'll cross Skoura, a fertile oasis lined with huge palm groves, and continue by the kasbah road and Lake Ouarzazate to your guesthouse for dinner and the night.   Riad Ouarzazate         BREAKFAST AND DINNER

Day 10: April 16 - Crossing the High Atlas Mountains

After breakfast we’ll leave for Marrakech through the High Atlas Mountain pass of Tizi-n-Tichka and the beautiful Ounila Valley, a part of the main caravan route from sub-Saharan Africa to Marrakech.

Stop at the stunning Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for a photo. Have lunch and continue to Telouet to visit one of the most extraordinary sights of the High Atlas Mountains, the famous Kasbah Telouet.

We’ll arrive at the Riad in Marrakech in late afternoon (3 nights). Riad Andalla Spa          BREAKFAST

Day 11: April 17 - Marrakech Behind the Doors Culture Tour

Marrakech, nicknamed the “Red City” is spectacular. Its tradition as a political, economic, and cultural metropolis has always dominated the history of Morocco.

You’ll love the photo possibilities of Jardins Marjorelle, built by the painter Jacques Marjorelle, the former home of Yves Saint Laurent and its spectacular Berber Museum. We’ll stop by Bahia Palace to learn about Moorish architecture.

Leaving the Berber Palace we'll set off to explore the local culture via a tour of the daily life of Moroccan people through a “behind the doors” culture tour in the medina: a visit to a communal bakery, a walk through a local food market, and a visit to a traditional hammam and fondouk, an historic trading place for merchants from across North Africa.

We’ll grab some lunch in the medina and then to the recently renovated Medersa Ben Youssef, the largest Medersa (koranic school) in Morocco dating back to the founding of Morocco 1,000 years ago.

At dusk, take in the sites at Djemma el Fna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which for centuries has been an incredible world of native theater: snakes, musicians, dancers, storytellers, and fortune-tellers. Stop for dinner and return to our guesthouse for the night. BREAKFAST

Day 12: April 18 - Marrakech Free Day

Enjoy a free day to relax, wander the medina, have a hammam experience or participate in one of the options we've found:

  • Hot air balloon/ATVs: An unforgettable, 1-hour hot air balloon ride and sunrise over the majestic High Atlas Mountains near the beautiful Kik Plateau and Lalla Takerkoust Lake (and dam of Marrakech), followed by a traditional breakfast. Then off to Agafay Desert, a wild, stony, and barren landscape nestled between the plains and Atlas Mountains and surrounded by a majestic and rocky landscape that resembles a moon crater. Meet your guide for a 2-hour ATV tour of Agafay Desert. Price: 4 100 dirhams per person in a shared balloon (2 person minimum).
  • Day trip to Ourika Valley: Escape the hustle and bustle of Marrakech to the lush Ourika Valley at the foot of the High Atlas Mountains. Tour Le Paradis du Safran with its natural barefoot path, to learn about saffron production. Have lunch at the Ourika Bio-Aromatic Garden, the first of its kind in Morocco, where you will discover plants, their virtues and uses, aromatherapy, and regional traditions. Enjoy a foot bath with bath salts flavored with bitter orange essential oil. Take a walk through the pristine Ourika Falls and hike its 7 beautiful waterfalls. Price: 1 400 dirhams per person (2 person minimum).

 

  • Day trip to Terres D’Anamar: Have a nature adventure at Terres D’Amanar, an eco-park located 4,000 feet above sea level at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, abutting the pristine forests of Toubkal National Park. Choose from zip lining, mountain biking, horseback riding or tree-top adventures. Have a Berber lunch and return to Marrakech. Price: 700 dirhams per person plus the cost of your activities of choice (2 person minimum).

Return to your guesthouse for the night (Riad Andalla) BREAKFAST

Day 13: April 19 - Marrakech – Essaouira Day Trip

Off for a day in Essaouira (old Mogador), the pearl of the Atlantic, via the el Haouz plain, Chichaoua, and Sidi Mokhtar.

Travel through the Argan forest on the way and visit an Argan oil cooperative to see a demonstration of how Argan oil is traditionally made. Arrive in Essaouira and stroll through the former Portuguese port, wander the spice-filled lanes of the medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, art galleries, and beautiful beach.

Then join me for a fabulous farewell fresh fish farewell lunch.  Of COURSE you can have something else if you like! Once we’re fed and watered we’ll make our way back to our Riad in Marrakech to pack. BREAKFAST AND LUNCH

Day 14: April 20 - Marrakech Departure

After breakfast, transfer to the Marrakech Airport for 1 of the 2 group transfers provided by your host for your return flight to wherever your next destination may be. BREAKFAST

Pricing

Your one-of-a-kind, 14-day tour of Morocco is available for ONLY $3999.00 (USD) pp based on double occupancy. SS is $325 USD

*A non-refundable deposit of $500USD is due on booking.

*There are a limited number of single rooms available and they’re often smaller than you’re used to.

*Please note the price does not include airfare.

What’s Included

  • Private transport by climate-controlled vehicle, driver, tolls, and gasoline
  • Airport transfers. Private transfers can be arranged for early or late arriving guests. One departure is arranged for group.
  • 3- and 4-star lodging in hotels, riads, guesthouses, or desert camps: The hotel in Midelt has special arrangements –see itinerary notes
  • Meals as noted
  • Entry fees to tour attractions
  • Cave Tea on Day 7
  • Couscous presentation on Day 8
  • Camel trek on Day 8
  • Private, experienced, English-speaking tour guide for the duration of the tour and local guides as needed
  • Gratuities for driver and guide
  • Gratuities for wait staff for included meals (Breakfast included)
  • Baggage portage and gratuities
  • Taxes
  • 24-hour contact number

What’s Not Included

  • Airfare, visa, and other air related fees
  • Beverages (alcoholic and nonalcoholic) except as included in meals
  • Options on Days 6 and 12
  • Spa/hammam services
  • Gratuities for hotel cleaners (10-30 dh per room per night recommended)
  • Gratuities for camel guides (50 dh recommended pp unless you buy souvenirs from them)
  • Travel, medical, and personal insurance

Questions? We've got answers!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How active do I need to be?

A. Comfortable being on your feet 5-8 hours a day through markets and rough ground.

Q. Is Morocco safe?

Yes. I wouldn’t take you there if it wasn’t!

Q. What languages do I need to know to travel in Morocco?

You can manage with English, you’ll do really well with taxi drivers if you speak a little French, and you’ll be an honoured guest in people’s homes with Arabic or Berber.

Q. How much will lunch cost me? Dinner?

A 40-50 dh. McDonalds will cost you 60.  Expect 250 for dinner for 2 people 3 course meal Moroccan style.

Q. Do I need to cover my head in a mosque?

No, but dress modestly. Covered shoulders, long pants. If it’s hot, this is a good day for a wrap around skirt for women.

Q. Is it going to rain?

Dunno…it’s not rainy season so…

Q. Should I bargain here in the souk?

Absolutely! My rule of thumb is ¼ the asked price to start—politely of course—settle for ½ unless you really want it and there doesn’t seem to be any leeway–and don’t start a negotiation if you’re not interested in completing it.

Q. Do we have really long drives?

Typically not. Usually about 3-4 hours with stuff happening along the way. I’ll let you know as we go.

Q. Do I need shots?

Nothing required. The usual stuff for travelling in a developing country is recommended. No Malaria.

Q. Do I need insurance?

Yes. Health care in Morocco is fine but not what you’re used to. Besides it’ll cost you a lot. Especially, if you need to be repatriated…

Q. Morocco is a Muslim country. Can I drink or smoke pot?

Alcohol is no problem but not as readily available as you’re used to. If you’re having a tajine at a guesthouse and you ask for a beer with it, likely the owner will have to send someone out to the shops to find one.  In the Casablanca hotel—the only ‘real’ hotel we have there is absolutely a bar. In Marrakesh, I fully intend to find a bar in the square to watch the sunset with a beer in hand and you’re absolutely welcome to join me!

Smoking pot is highly illegal.

Q. Do I need toilet paper?

Always! I’ll have a bag with some paper and sanitizer on the coach as well as some small coins for the tip. Almost all toilet attendants will have paper when you go in. Please bring some for when you’re on your own and there’s no attendant. Of COURSE you can buy paper locally. Note: Some feminine hygiene products you’re used to might be hard to find. Bring these!

Q. Speaking of toilets…

The 2 footpad “Asian” style are most common. McDonald’s will have the sit-down version. Possibly others. Our guide is a wiz at ferreting out sit-down toilets!

Q. What do I need for the desert camp?

Bring a day pack with what you need for overnight. It’ll go on a jeep and will be totally safe! Keep money and your camera with you on the camel.

Q. I’m a strict vegan. Can I manage in Morocco?

We’ll do the very best we can but a strict diet of any kind is hard to manage over there. Let’s chat and see what can be done.

Q. Can I bring a refillable water bottle?

Yes, please do! I’m going to arrange for us to have a large water jug on the coach to refill from.