Experience Overview
If you’re looking for a two-week adventure full of Morocco’s highlights, this trip is for you! From sacred sites and bustling medinas to the expanse of the Sahara, you’ll be hitting all the popular hotspots and stopping for air in some of the country’s best scenery. Wander in the lanes of the blue city Chefchaouen, explore the Roman ruins of Volubilis and find the cultural heart of Morocco in Fes. Drive through everchanging scenery (look out for Barbary apes and nomadic shepherds along the way), ride a camel towards a desert sunset, hike through lush palm groves in Todra Valley, discover popular filming locations in World Heritage-listed Ait Benhaddou, kick back and unwind in seaside Essaouria and top it all off with the street food bazaars and performers in Djemaa el-Fna Square in Marrakech.
Highlights
- Trek through the dramatic red dunes of the Sahara Desert on a camel’s back, experiencing an unforgettable sunset – then stay under a blanket of North African stars in a desert camp.
- Embrace the Atlantic breeze in the coastal town of Tangier and see the vivid blue hues of Chefchaouen over sunset, while you explore the houses and laneways of this surreal city.
- Stay in a traditional Amazigh homestay high in the Atlas Mountains and enjoy a homecooked meal of Moroccan favourites, learning about the culture and traditions of an Indigenous population who’ve stood the test of time.
- Kick back in the coastal town of Essaouira and discover the winding laneways at your own pace. Then, meet a local fisherman by the seaside and learn about his life and this traditional practice.
- Explore the old medina of Marrakech and the labyrinthine medina of bustling Fes with knowledgable local guides, discovering the myriad of sights, smells and sounds along zigzagging lanes. Then, discover the colourful chaos of Djemaa el-Fna Square.
Trip Details
Product Code: 3065
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private Bus,Public bus,Taxi,High Speed Train
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: XMSC
Starts: Casablanca, Morocco
Finishes: Marrakech, Morocco
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (14), Lunch (1), Dinner (3)Accommodation: Camp site (1 night),Gite homestay (1 night),Guesthouse (2 nights),Hotel (10 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 1513 (CAD 101 /day)
Itinerary
Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Morocco. Your adventure begins today with a welcome meeting at 6 pm in the famed city of Casablanca. If you’d like to explore the city and all it has to offer, it’s recommended that you arrive a day or two early. Modelled after Marseille in France, this city is famous for its art deco buildings and the modern Hassan II Mosque. If you have time, 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 or taking it easy at one of the many great cafes.
Optional Activities:
- Casablanca - The Medina and Beyond Urban Adventure (700 MAD)
- Casablanca - Jewish Museum (entrance fee) (50 MAD)
- Casablanca - Villa des Arts Gallery & Museum (entrance fee) - Free
- Casablanca - Hassan II Mosque (130 MAD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, take the TGV fast train to the coastal town of Tangier – a place of strategic importance to the Mediterranean as a gateway to Africa. Head out on a short orientation walk with your leader, then enjoy some free time exploring the town. Maybe duck into Café Hafa, which has hosted celebrities in the past like Sean Connery, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Why not enjoy the epic view overlooking the Gibraltar while you partake in the national brew of Morocco – a steaming cup of mint tea? In the afternoon, take a private transfer to the beautiful Chefchaouen. Set against a wide valley and nestled between two peaks in the stunning Rif Mountains, much of Chefchaouen was recreated by Andalusian refugees escaping the Reconquista – so you might just feel like you're in the hills of Spain. Follow your leader on an orientation walk and head to a great sunset viewpoint overlooking the town. In the evening, if you're feeling peckish, the local goat’s cheese is a popular treat.
Included Activities:
- Chefchaouen - Leader-led orientation walk
- Chefchaouen - Sunset viewpoint
- Tangier - Leader-led orientation walk
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is a free day in Chefchaouen. Maybe take a guided tour of the sights, sounds and smells of the medina, or sample the delicious local specialties (the orange juice is delicious!) at a cafe in the Plaza Uta el-Hammam. Alternatively, you might prefer to get out of town and enjoy a hike and picnic in the surrounding hills. The hiking tour outside of the city is a popular option, as you can leave the shades of blue for a journey across the Rif Mountains and join your guide to Akchour Falls – a gorgeous natural wonder, abundant with lush mountains, rivers and waterfalls. In the evening, how about tucking into a tagine at a local restaurant or visiting a hammam – a traditional Moroccan spa? The night is yours to enjoy.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, take a private transfer and travel through rolling hills and olive groves to the archaeological site of Volubilis. This was once a provincial Roman capital, and the remains make an undeniably impressive sight. Take a tour around the ruins with a local guide, which look spectacular in the sunlight. Don’t forget to take your camera today, as the town is filled with fantastic mosaics along the Decumanus Maximus, many of which remain fully intact. Drive onwards to Fes, where you'll spend the next two nights. Fes is the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco – vibrant, noisy and fascinating – it really is a feast for the senses. The evening is then free for you to spend how you’d like.
Included Activities:
- Volubilis - Entrance and guided tour
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Take a guided group walking tour of the Old City this morning, 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, recently restored and 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 traditionally. In the evening, why not join your group and try some Moroccan specialities like harira (chickpea soup) and chicken-stuffed pastillas with couscous?
Included Activities:
- Fes - Medina walking tour
- Fes - Medersa El Attarine
- Fes - Funduq al-Najjarin
- Fes - Tannery visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll travel towards the mighty Sahara. It is a long drive, but there will be many opportunities to stop and admire views of local kasbahs and palmeries (valleys lush with date palms, fields and orchards). You may also have the chance to pass by nomads along their journey – these free-spirited people are born to move with their animal flocks under the open sky and they never stay settled in one place for long. Continue through barren mountainsides and fertile valleys, pausing in frontier towns like Erfoud and Rissani before reaching the end of the road at the small Saharan settlement of Merzouga. With a backdrop of the orange-coloured Erg Chebbi sand dunes, the charming Saharan village of Merzouga feels wonderfully isolated, like the modern world has left it behind. Store your main baggage in your overnight camp on the edge of the desert and mount a camel to watch the breathtaking sunset from a unique perspective, among the rolling dunes of the expansive desert. Spend the night in a desert camp under the North African stars and enjoy a homecooked feast by the fire.
Included Activities:
- Sahara Desert - Sunset Camel Ride
Accommodation:
- Desert Camp (Multishare) (Number of Nights: 1)
Walk up the nearest dune for a spectacular sunrise over the Sahara, break your fast with traditional food, and begin the drive to Todra Gorge. On the way visit the oasis museum of El Khorbat, before continuing on to the beautiful Todra Valley, dotted with mud-brick villages perched on hillsides. The remarkable scenery – sprawling green valleys and rocks sculpted into stunning formations by the wind – will be your home for the next two nights. This area is best discovered on foot, so you’ll take a short walk through the surrounding farmland.
Included Activities:
- El Khorbat – Oasis Museum
- El Khorbat – Kasbah village visit
- Sahara - Sunrise
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, enjoy free time to explore the Todra Valley. A guided hike through the gorge and over a nearby mountain pass is highly recommended. There are a couple of circuits to choose from, but the most popular choice is a 10 km circuit that will take around 4 hours. Accompanied by a local guide, you’ll walk a trail that isn't too challenging if you have a moderate fitness level. Pass Amazigh villages, meeting locals along the way. The surrounding mountains and the famous Rose Valley in the distance make a sensational setting for a day of discovery on foot. For lunch, you can join some local ladies in their mudbrick kasbah – a fantastic opportunity to see how people live in this largely unchanged culture. If you’d rather relax, then you can simply lounge by the hotel pool and enjoy the views over the lush palmeries and soaring cliff faces.
Optional Activities:
- Todra Gorge - Half day hike (250 MAD)
- Todra Gorge - Lunch in a mudbrick kasbah (100 MAD)
- Todra Gorge - Henna Tattooing (50 MAD)
- Todra Gorge - Hamam (Public Baths) (100 MAD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, travel south to Ait Benhaddou. The scenic drive takes you past ancient kasbah ruins, former colonial military outposts, austere mountains and valleys of palm trees. Stop for lunch in Ouarzazate, where movies such as Lawrence of Arabia, The Sheltering Sky and Black Hawk Down were filmed. If there’s time, you might like to take a tour of the Atlas Movie Studios. Arrive at Ait Benhaddou – once an important stop for caravans carrying salt across the Sahara. Visit the grand kasbah with your trip leader – an impressive example of clay architecture that has been listed as a World Heritage site. In the late afternoon, enjoy Morocco's most famous cuisine with your group – couscous and tagine cooked by your host at the guesthouse where you’ll spend the night.
Included Activities:
- Ait Benhaddou - Leader-led ksar walk
Optional Activities:
- Ouarazate - Atlas Movie Studios (80 MAD)
- Ouarzazate - Kasbah Taourirt (20 MAD)
Accommodation:
- Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, journey over the spectacular Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2260 metres above sea level) to Toubkal National Park, home to the highest mountain in North Africa. Pass snow-capped mountains and valleys in full flower along the way. At the end of the road, you’ll reach the rural village of Imlil, where you can store your main luggage and load a daypack onto a pack mule. Immerse yourself in traditional mountain village life with a short trek up to the peaceful village of Aroumd. Far from the reach of the modern world and sitting on a rocky outcrop, this town is a gorgeous place for an I’m-so-far-from-home moment. With stunning views across the High Atlas Mountains, you’ll have a unique opportunity to experience traditional Amazigh culture and spend the night in a family-run mountain home (or gite) at the foot of Mount Toubkal. Surrounded by the smell of woodstoves and bread, meet the host family and enjoy some traditional Amazigh hospitality and mouth-watering home-cooked food.
Accommodation:
- Gite Homestay (Multishare) (Number of Nights: 1)
Wake up early this morning for a refreshing hike through Imlil’s outlying villages – to Sidi Chamharouch. Explore rural Amazigh villages, twisting mule tracks and breathtaking mountain landscapes. Stop for breaks among imposing cliff faces and eventually reach Sidi Chamharouch – a pilgrimage site with a waterfall, a stream and a few simple houses. Enjoy a slow-cooked tagine made by a local for lunch, while enjoying incredible views of the Atlas Mountains. Take the opportunity to rest for a while and swap stories with the locals, before hiking back to Aroumd. Later, head towards the Atlantic Coast to the old fishing town of Essaouira. Sandstone walkways contrast whitewashed houses, bright blue sky and the surrounding beaches and dunes. This artists' town was once home to sizeable British and Jewish populations, and its charm has seduced people like Orson Welles and Jimi Hendrix, who (according to local legend) spent much of his time here in the 1960s. Your tour leader will guide you through some options for the rest of the day – the seafood auctions are always a fun thing to see. Maybe you’d like to visit one of the small local cafes and do a spot of people-watching. Tonight, you’re free to indulge in a fresh seafood dinner or stroll by the beach in the evening light.
Included Activities:
- Atlas Mountains - Half-day hike
- Atlas Mountains – Local lunch with mountain view
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, join a local guide for a walking tour through the old medina, Jewish mellah, port and Skala (sea wall). Essaouira is one of the oldest port cities in the country, and fishing here is still quite traditional. You’ll have the chance to meet one of the expert fishermen in the port, who will tell the group all about their story and show you some of the tricks they use, what type of fish to catch and what seasons mean to them. After, enjoy some free time. These narrow streets, mostly free of cars, feel like the days of sea pirates are not too distant. Browse the little shops and art galleries that dot the town and discover the gorgeous scent of the burled Thuya wood – delicately formed and inlaid here, gaining a reputation as one of Essaouira’s specialities. The scent of the oils that are used to polish the coloured wood permeates the air, making walking through these streets incredibly pleasant. Why not order a freshly cooked plate of the day’s freshest catch for lunch? Later, maybe indulge in a hammam (Moroccan bathhouse and spa) or relax at your accommodation.
Included Activities:
- Essaouira - Guided walking tour
- Essaouira – Local fisherman visit
Optional Activities:
- Essaouira - Hamam (public baths) (200 MAD)
- Essaouira - Amazigh Massage (400 MAD)
- Essaouira - Horse Riding (300 MAD)
- Essaouira - Seafood Market Lunch (100 MAD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning after breakfast, take a shared local bus to Marrakech – the ancient, exotic city wrapped in European modernity. Embark on a walking tour with your trip leader through the bustling medina to meet local shop owners and craftsmen and learn the secrets of navigating through the zigzagging lanes. Stop to try different snacks and local favourites, like Moroccan doughnuts and mint tea, traditional bread, olives, nuts, dates and orange juice, and harira (chickpea soup). Be enticed by the alluring scents and brilliant colours of the spice markets, the sounds of the musicians, the rich folds of carpets, and the beautifully perfumed gardens. Tonight, maybe join the pulsing crowds for dinner at the famous Djemaa el-Fna Square – one of the largest public spaces in the world and unique to Marrakech. When night falls on this square, 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. For dinner tonight, you might like to try the local snail soup and finish your evening with a cup of tea in a rooftop restaurant overlooking the square.
Included Activities:
- Marrakech - Medina walking tour
- Marrakech - Tasting Trail
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
It’s time to explore Marrakech at your own pace, today. In the seemingly endless mosaic of souqs, each is devoted to a separate trade – pottery, woodwork, copper, leather, carpets or spices. Watch skilled artisans perfect their craft, practice your haggling skills or take a break from the hustle to share a tagine with your new friends. Maybe visit Koutoubia Mosque and its 12th-century minaret, which was the famous prototype for the Giralda tower in Seville. Wander through the tropical gardens of the French painter Jacques Majorelle (now owned by Yves Saint Laurent) or check out the Palais Bahia, a superb example of Muslim architecture. This evening, you’ll likely be drawn back to the Djemaa el-Fna and its surrounding medina for dinner at one of the many outdoor restaurants lining the square – a perfect spot for a farewell dinner.
Optional Activities:
- Marrakech - Marjorelle Gardens (165 MAD)
- Marrakech - Palais Bahia (70 MAD)
- Marrakech - Palais Badi (70 MAD)
- Marrakech - Saadian Tombs (70 MAD)
- Marrakech - Medersa Ben Youssef (40 MAD)
- Marrakech - Museum of Marrakech (40 MAD)
- Marrakech - Tajine Cookery Class Urban Adventure. (640 MAD)
- Marrakech - Luxury Spa Hammam & Massage (750 MAD)
- Marrakech - Heart of the Atlas Mountains cycling day trip with lunch (2000 MAD)
- Marrakech - Magical Marrakech City Cycling Tour (438 MAD)
- Marrakech - Quad Biking Barrage Lalla Takerkoust (1650 MAD)
- Marrakech - Palmery Cycling Tour (540 MAD)
- Marrakech - Hot Air Balloon Ride (2090 MAD)
- Marrakech - Cascades d'Ouzoud Day Tour (2207 MAD)
- Marrakech - Quad Biking the Rock Desert & Palmgrove (715 MAD)
- Marrakech - Medina, Palaces & Tombs Urban Adventure (650 MAD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
With no activities planned for today, you’re free to leave at any time. If you’d like to spend more time in Marrakech, just speak to your booking agent.
Similar Experiences
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Kelly M - Traveled, March 2024
Very enjoyable trip, informal and fun
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/05/2024
Derek - Traveled, March 2024
Best of Morocco was an awesome tour of Moroccan highlights. Opened my eyes to such an wonderfully diverse and beautiful country
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/05/2024
Jacqueline - Traveled, March 2024
Fantastic trip. Our guide Hicham was amazing. Great variety of included and optional activities. Our group of 10 people experienced many different places and met wonderful generous people who invited us into their homes for food or cups of green tea. Learnt a lot about the history, way of life and cultures of people in Morocco. Highly recommend this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/06/2024
Robert - Traveled, March 2024
Best of Morocco, give a wide variety of experiences and knowledge of Morocco. A comfortable pace. Accommodations give a real feel of Morocco. Read and pay attention to the essential info. provided. Our guide, Mohamed. was a gift who kept on giving. All of the people we met in Morocco were kind and welcoming. We learned so much about Morocco and the religion of Islam. Definitely a trip we are glad we made. Bought a lot of stuff for ourselves and relatives. Great experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/01/2024
Robert - Traveled, March 2024
I would suggest you give all of your guides on all trips a microphone set and ear buds for the group. Even with a small group, there is extraneous noise and some guides naturally speak softer. Group does not want to have to huddle together to hear.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/04/2024
Marlene Teresa (Tracy) - Traveled, March 2024
Morocco during Ramadan: Enjoy or Avoid? I admit, I had my doubts but one by one, they vanished over the coming days. Admittedly, not everything was open everyday, but in general, you will be spoiled for choice so the odd closed shop or two will not overly inconvenience your experience. Included meals were varied and delicious although I never really got used to the idea of eating lunch while others were fasting! Monuments, mosques and Medinas - all fabulous, but the real star of the show was Mohammed our guide who displayed real professionalism throughout our tour. Altogether, a fun experience to enjoy being with Moslems during their most holy time of the year. Highly recommended. Don't hesitate.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/06/2024
Grace - Traveled, March 2024
Absolutely fantastic tour, the itinerary is amazing and really showed unexpected sides to Morocco. Can very highly recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/02/2024
Susan - Traveled, March 2024
I returned from a Best of Morocco getaway last week and had a great time .. despite being Ramadan most places were open and it was less busy than would normally have been which was a plus . Eight of us travelled in a 16 seater mini bus which was very comfortable and Ismael was an excellent safe driver .. Omar was an excellent guide and nothing was too much trouble for him .., in all an excellent trip ., thanks intrepid
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/03/2024
George - Traveled, March 2024
It was definitely one of my greatest tours. The people are so nice Well planned trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/04/2024
Lindsey - Traveled, March 2024
Cycle Morocco is a beautiful way to see the county. Great friends and locations. This trip is not for beginner cyclists! You need a high level of cycling experience and fitness!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/16/2024
Simon - Traveled, March 2024
My first ever group holiday and it proved to be a fantastic experience. The trip was very well supported and stress-free despite many amazing adventures. It would be hard to find a better introduction to the landscape and culture of Morocco.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/16/2024
Ye - Traveled, February 2024
Best Value and experience in my years in with Intrepid, excellent tour leader Omar. I will recommend to my family and friends
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/10/2024
Franziska - Traveled, February 2024
A very packed, but amazing trip across a very diverse and fascinating country. Together with our lovely group and our amazing guide Omar lifelong memories were created here.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/10/2024
Kate - Traveled, February 2024
This was an absolutely amazing trip, jam packed itinerary, there was always activities planned and something to do. Included a lot of unique cultural experiences that I wouldn’t have done on my own. Perfect itinerary and showed many areas of Morocco.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/11/2024
Alfred - Traveled, February 2024
If Morocco is on your bucket list the Best of Morocco met and exceeded my expectations. The itinerary, transport, accomodation, additional local guides at sites supported our trip leader Omar all made the Morocco experience an amazing adventure. I loved the Best of Morocco experience.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/12/2024
Sarah - Traveled, February 2024
A fabulous trip with a great small group( 10 fabulous women. We extensively travelled on the original explorer Morocco trip. Great for culture scenery food and fun. I would certainly go and recommend Intrepid.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/21/2024
Diane - Traveled, January 2024
I knew nothing about Morocco before I took this trip and it was a fantastic experience. Great destinations, excursions, food, guides and a beautiful country in every way; culturally, historically, physically. There are so many highlights on this trip, it's hard to say if there was a best one, but riding the camels and staying over in the camp and waking up to sunrise in the Atlas mountains were two of my special memories. We had a wonderful leader and group. As an ex-Intrepid leader myself from the early days, it was my first sojourn as a passenger and I loved every minute of it and was impressed with the everything about it. I would highly recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/19/2024
Zoe - Traveled, March 2024
Incredible tour! Amazing diversity of cities, villages and landscapes, met so many wonderful people in each place, and shared many unique experiences that we would not have experienced travelling on our own. Definite highlights were meeting locals and learning about Moroccan history and culture, including Amazigh culture, and experiencing the Sahara, Todra Gorge and Atlas Mountains! Our tour leader Mo was fantastic - generous, kind, knowledgeable and incredibly passionate. Highly recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/13/2024
Klara - Traveled, January 2024
WOW WOW WOW! I have travelled alot through the years, but this was a trip of a lifetime. Intrepid is a responsible organisation that looks after their people, is invested in the locals and tries to make a difference in the environment. We had an amazing tripguide aswell, Mo, who really did everything he could to make the trip as memorable as possible.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/14/2024
Michael - Traveled, January 2024
Morocco is an amazing country with a rich history and a diverse landscape. It should be on every traveler's bucket list. Mo was an incredible guide and he truly showed us the best of Morocco!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/14/2024
Ray - Traveled, January 2024
An exceptional tour with a fantastic bunch of people. Our Guide Mohamed was exceptional too. A perfect tour and itinerary at a very reasonable price.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/15/2024
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