Epic Morocco

Trip Type: 18 to 35s
Morocco | 16 Days | 1 - 16 People
Starts From:

NZD 1,406.00 /Person

* Sale Price Available

Morocco is a vibrant labyrinth of ever-changing scenery, rich culture and fascinating history. From the bustling medinas to the seaside villages an...

Epic Morocco

Morocco is a vibrant labyrinth of ever-changing scenery, rich culture and fascinating history. From the bustling medinas to the seaside villages and expansive Sahara, this is a place of beauty. Across 16 epic days you'll be thrust into the hustle and bustle of Marrakech and Fes, be swept away by the vastness of the desert (on a camel’s back no less) and welcomed into the homes and hearts of Amazigh locals. Go surfing in Taghazout, wander through blue-washed walls in Chefchaouen, learn about sacred sites in Moulay Idriss and rub shoulders with locals in Ait Benhaddou. On this trip, you'll get a taste for adventure, nature, culture and culinary wonder and return home with more than just a full camera roll.

Salaam Alaikum! Welcome to Morocco. Your adventure will begin with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you have time, why not check out bustling Casablanca, the largest city in Morocco, at your own pace. Modelled after Marseille in France, this port city has an eclectic architectural style, a fusion of Art Deco French buildings and Mauresque (Moorish) government institutions. A great way to spend the day is to wander around the Old Medina and city walls, then jump in a taxi and visit the Quartier Habous – the new medina full of shaded squares, narrow streets and arcades that lead from one souk to another. This is a great place to enjoy a Moroccan coffee and maybe start working on your bargaining skills.

After breakfast, opt to take a guided tour of the Hassan II Mosque. More than 6000 craftsmen joined forces to build this beauty in 1993, and it's one of the few mosques in Morocco that foreigners can enter. Later, head to the station and take a local train to Meknes before jumping in a taxi and take a drive through the rolling hills to Volubilis. Head out on a guided tour of these epic Roman ruins, then head to the whitewashed village of Moulay Idriss – one of Morocco's most important pilgrimage sites. Here, you’ll witness a demonstration of the art of mint tea making – this sweet treat is a Moroccan speciality! Tonight, you'll get to hang out with a local family – an experience only allowed foreigners since 2005. Your guesthouse, an old traditional riad, has a family atmosphere and all the optional meals are homemade, so you can get an authentic taste of Morocco in your free time.

After breakfast, take a private transfer to Chefchaouen – which translates to ‘look at the horns’, after the two mountain peaks that overlook the city. Known for the striking, blue-washed buildings (made to represent the Mediterranean Sea) and steep, cobbled lanes, Chefchaouen is a gorgeous place to spend the day wandering. This afternoon is free for you to explore, so why not head to the red-walled Kasbah, the 15th-century fortress and dungeon, or the ethnographic museum. Or, just spend the day on foot, traversing the winding roads and stopping to pat the many cats that call this city their home.

Today is another free day in Chefchaouen. If you want the streets to yourself for the best photo ops, it’s recommended you get up early and explore the iconic sites as the city wakes up. 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 hike 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 natural wonder, abundant with lush mountains, rivers and waterfalls. Cross the remarkable rock formation The God’s Bridge and then hike back along the forest, soaking in the nature that surrounds. 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.

Today you’ll journey to the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco – Fes. Vibrant, noisy, fascinating and overwhelming, Fes is a visual and pungent feast for the senses, with a huge, well-preserved medieval city that’s the mother of all medinas. Later this afternoon, enjoy some free time and perhaps check out the exquisite carvings and tile work at the Medersa el Attarine near the spice and perfume market. Alternatively, Fes is a shopping heaven for those wanting to pick up a souvenir (or three).

Getting lost in Fes is half the fun, but you'll have your local leader with you to help you get the lay of the land. Join your group through this vibrant labyrinth of a city, alive with the many craftsmen, markets, ceramics and beautiful mosques. Look out for the Medersa Bou Inania, one of the city's coolest buildings, recently restored and now open to visitors. You'll also visit the famous tannery and its dye pits and a ceramic factory where you can see potters working in the traditional way. Today will be a big day, so remember to keep hydrated and pack some snacks.

This morning after breakfast, buckle in for a long travel day. As you make your way towards the rolling dunes of the Sahara Desert, watch the ever-changing scenery pass you by, get stuck into your book, play some of your favourite music, get to know your fellow travellers and enjoy some scenic stops along the way to stretch your legs. Arrive in Merzouga, drop your bags off at your overnight camp, and get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The mode of transport? Camel, of course! Brace yourself for one heck of a sunset, as you ride through the vast expanse of sand and loop back to your private camp for an overnight stay. In the camp, you'll have a thin mattress, blankets and sheets. Make sure you bring an extra sleeping sheet and a jumper if it's winter (you'd be surprised how cold it can get, even in the desert). Sleep under the stars and have one of those 'I’m so far from home' moments.

You'll be getting up well before the crack of dawn this morning, so don’t forget to set your alarm. Climb to a nearby sand dune to catch the sunrise and experience the amazing interplay of light as the Sahara slowly comes alive. Head back for brekkie, collect the rest of your gear, and then travel west to Todra. You’ll come across a bright tablecloth of green that might seem so out of place you'll think you are dreaming. This valley is pretty impressive, with all the palm trees and mud-brick villages. Arrive at your hotel at the top of the valley, then perhaps take a hike into the gorge, where sheer cliffs rise more than 1000 feet above you.

From Todra Gorge, travel along the ‘Road of 1000 Kasbahs’ and enjoy views of the Dades Gorge. You'll also travel past Skoura, home to the beautiful little houses rising like a mirage beyond a dry riverbed. Quench your thirst with a mouthful of mint tea (the best in the world) at Tawesna teahouse, whose profits are devoted to the projects of the women association in the village. This experience is more than just a cuppa – it’s about discovering a culture, sharing a true moment and contributing to women’s economic inclusion. Continue to the medieval mud-brick town of Ait Benhaddou, which is at its best in the late afternoon sun. If you wonder why Ait Benhaddou looks familiar, it’s probably because you’ve seen it before! Perhaps not live, but certainly on the silver screen – think Gladiator and Game of Thrones – loads of movies and shows were filmed in this kasbah! Explore the many old streets and climb the fortress for a superb view of the Old Town. You can also (for a small fee) enter one of the most interesting old houses and climb up to the turrets for a view over the river. You'll spend the night just outside the walls.

After breakfast today, continue west, taking in those countryside views as you wind your way up towards Tizi ‘n Tichka. This is a whopping 2260 m above sea level – the highest pass on the road to Marrakech. Leaving the Atlas behind, you'll descend into the plains surrounding Marrakech and arrive in the late afternoon. With no planned activities, this is a good chance to get lost in the fun of Djemaa el-Fna Square, where there are many fire eaters, fortune tellers, actors, musicians and hawkers vying for your attention.

Marrakech is a feast for the senses, and this morning you’ll get to venture out in the maze of streets with a local expert. Set off on a tour of the old medina, through the bustling souks and sample some sweet and savoury specialities in a tasting experience at a local restaurant. Think barbequed meats, fresh salads, mint tea and couscous. The rest of the day is free, so why not head out on a cycling trip, go quad-biking or indulge in a Luxury Hammam and Spa – the options are endless! You might also like to visit Le Jardin Secret – a traditional medina garden revived for the 21st century. Once owned by a powerful local chief U-Bihi – who was poisoned by Mohammed IV – this historic riad has one of the most beautiful courtyards in Marrakech, combining exotic and traditional Islamic gardens that are fed by original khettara, an underground irrigation system. Maybe visit AMAL Women’s Training Center for lunch – Amal is a non-profit organisation that helps disadvantaged women gain work experience by providing comprehensive training in gastronomy. Every year, 30 to 40 women complete the training, which helps them find appropriate employment and improve their living conditions. In the evening, you’ll undoubtedly be drawn back to Djemaa el-Fna for a night out on the town.

Today is free to wander, rest or take part in a fun optional activity. Say goodbye to some of your trip mates, as others will be joining you for the next leg of the adventure. You will have another meeting at 4 pm today to meet them.  As evening falls, you might want to grab dinner or explore the bustling nightlife of the city with your new travel buddies. Marrakech has some great rooftop bars – so find one with a view and order your favourite cocktail.

After breakfast this morning, travel to Taghazout. This cool, laidback fishing village has quickly gained a solid reputation as one of the country’s best surfing spots. The waters stay warm all year round, and the surf is top-notch for both rookies and adept wave riders (so there’s no excuse not to catch some rolling waves). After getting your fill of the beautiful local beaches, maybe ask your leader for the best spots for a seafood dinner, before spending the night at a local surf camp.

Kick off your adventures in the sleepy town of Taghazout with an early morning yoga session, to help you relieve any tension before diving into the water once again. Oddly enough, the skills required for surfing and yoga tend to complement each other, through concentration, flexibility and balance. Good news, if you were planning on hitting the waves again today! Don’t know how to ride a board or didn’t get the chance yesterday? No stress – today includes a half-day surfing course to teach you the basics, and if you already know the ropes, there’s always time to refine your skills in unfamiliar territory.

Get up early today if you want to catch the sunrise, then travel to the old fishing town of Essaouira. Along the way, stop by a female-led cooperative specialising in Argan production. Learn about how these women extract the Argan from the trees, watch the beans being roasted and pressed, then taste the Argan oil and paste, all made right here! Arrive at your destination – a place where the medina brushes up against the Atlantic Ocean. The name of the town translates to ‘little picture’ – so get your camera ready! It’s safe to say you’ll be taking lots of snaps during your time in this picturesque place. Join a local guide for a walking tour through the old medina, Jewish mullah, port and by the skala (sea wall). Then head out to taste some street food, you'll get to try harira (soup), mesman (flatbread), Moroccan sweets and sample olive oil and honey. Tonight’s accommodation is a real treat and certainly one of the more stylish stays of your Moroccan adventure – so enjoy!

Chat with locals on a shared bus ride back to Marrakech. With no activities planned after arriving, you’re free to leave at any time. Depart from the bus station or walk back to the hotel with your leader and depart from there. If you wish to extend your adventure, there are a range of optional activities to get to know the city better. Why not become a Moroccan MasterChef in an Urban Adventure’s cooking masterclass with a local guide? Journey through the souks of Marrakech and shop for the best ingredients before learning the insider tricks on how to whip up a deliciously authentic tagine in a classic riad setting while getting to know the family that lives there. To find out more about the Tajine Cookery Class, visit urbanadventures.com. If you need to organise additional accommodation tonight, just speak to your booking agent.

Meals
15 Breakfast(s), 1 Lunch(s), 3 Dinner(s)

Transport
Camel , Private vehicle , Public bus , Taxi , Train

Accommodation
Hotel (9 nights), Desert Camp (1 night), Guesthouse (3 nights), Surf Camp (2 nights)

Included Activities
  • Moulay Idriss - Mint tea making demo
  • Volubilis - Entrance and guided tour
  • Fes - Medina walking tour
  • Fes - Medersa El Attarine
  • Fes - Tannery visit
  • Sahara Desert - Camel ride
  • Sahara Desert - Overnight Desert Camp
  • Ait Benhaddou - Tea at Tawesna association
  • Marrakech - Medina walking tour
  • Marrakech - Street food tasting in Old Medina
  • Taghazout – Surfing Class
  • Taghazout – One Hour Yoga Class
  • Essaouira – Walking Tour with a Local Guide
  • Essaouira - Argan Oil Cooperative Visit
  • Essaouira – Street Food Tasting
  • Enjoy sunset from the unique vantage point of a camel’s back – and ride far out into the Sahara Desert to camp beneath a blanket of North African stars.
  • Set off on a tour of the senses in the Marrakech medina, through the bustling souks of the city, stopping at the famed Djemaa el-Fna Square to sample some sweet and savoury specialities with a local expert.
  • Stay in the old fishing towns of Essaouira and Taghazout, where the medinas brush up against the Atlantic Ocean and take the chance to catch waves, bliss out and practice your yoga skills.
  • Explore the unique, blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen, where you get loads of free time to hike, meet locals, take photos and recharge amongst the mountains – there's lots of cats to pat along the way, too!
  • Prepare for the best mint tea of your life on a visit to the Tawesna teahouse. This experience is more than just a cuppa, it’s about discovering authentic culture and contributing to the economic inclusion of women.
  • On this trip, you'll need a moderate level of fitness. Ensure you bring suitable footwear, swimwear and clothing for trekking and surfing activities. In a full-day tour around the Medina of Fes (Day 6), you'll be on your feet for a good five to six hours. Keep in mind that this is one of the highlights of Morocco and will worth the exertion. The weather in Morocco can be extreme. Summer temperatures can be uncomfortably hot, especially if you're not used to the heat. If you do travel in the warmer months, bring the necessary sun protection and drink plenty of water. At night the temperature can really drop, so bring your warm clothes. Camping can be especially cold at the start and end of the season. Even in the warmer months the temperature can be low in the mountains. In 2025, Ramadan will take place from 1 March to 30 March. Travelling during this holy month can be a rewarding cultural experience, however, some regular services may not be available during the daytime, such as restaurants or coffee bars, and occasionally travel can be disrupted by events. Your leader will adjust the itinerary accordingly, but please consider your travel arrangements carefully before booking travel for this period. As Morocco has a tipping culture, travellers are expected to tip small amounts for most services, so please be prepared. Your leader will suggest methods and amounts to tip during the trip, but it is left to the group to decide the details. Although you shouldn’t expect any aggressive selling techniques in Morocco, please be aware that you may be approached regularly by shop owners and street vendors. We've sourced our accommodation 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 western standards.

Departing

Finishing

Availability

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Price: NZD 1,690.00

Price: NZD 1,690.00

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Price: NZD 1,825.00

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Price: NZD 1,825.00

Price: NZD 1,825.00

Price: NZD 1,760.00

Price: NZD 1,690.00

Price: NZD 1,690.00

Price: NZD 1,690.00

Price: NZD 1,610.00

Price: NZD 1,690.00

Price: NZD 1,610.00

Price: NZD 1,690.00

Price: NZD 1,760.00

Price: NZD 1,760.00

Price: NZD 1,610.00

Price: NZD 1,825.00

Price: NZD 1,825.00

Price: NZD 1,825.00

Price: NZD 1,825.00

Price: NZD 1,825.00

Price: NZD 1,825.00

Price: NZD 1,760.00

Price: NZD 1,760.00

Price: NZD 1,760.00

Price: NZD 1,760.00

Price: NZD 1,760.00

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NZD 1,610.00 NZD 1,530.00

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NZD 1,610.00 NZD 1,530.00

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NZD 1,610.00 NZD 1,530.00

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NZD 1,675.00 NZD 1,591.00

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NZD 1,740.00 NZD 1,653.00

Price:
NZD 1,740.00 NZD 1,653.00

Price:
NZD 1,675.00 NZD 1,591.00

Price:
NZD 1,675.00 NZD 1,591.00

Price:
NZD 1,610.00 NZD 1,530.00

Price:
NZD 1,610.00 NZD 1,530.00

Price:
NZD 1,610.00 NZD 1,530.00

Price:
NZD 1,610.00 NZD 1,530.00

Price:
NZD 1,675.00 NZD 1,591.00

Price:
NZD 1,675.00 NZD 1,591.00

Price:
NZD 1,740.00 NZD 1,653.00

Price:
NZD 1,740.00 NZD 1,653.00

Price:
NZD 1,740.00 NZD 1,653.00

Price:
NZD 1,740.00 NZD 1,653.00

Price:
NZD 1,675.00 NZD 1,591.00

Price:
NZD 1,675.00 NZD 1,591.00

Price:
NZD 1,675.00 NZD 1,591.00

Price:
NZD 1,675.00 NZD 1,591.00

Price:
NZD 1,675.00 NZD 1,591.00

Price:
NZD 1,480.00 NZD 1,406.00

Price:
NZD 1,675.00 NZD 1,591.00

Price:
NZD 1,740.00 NZD 1,653.00

Price: NZD 1,720.00

Price:
NZD 1,740.00 NZD 1,653.00

Price:
NZD 1,610.00 NZD 1,530.00

Price:
NZD 1,740.00 NZD 1,653.00

Price:
NZD 1,740.00 NZD 1,653.00

Price:
NZD 1,610.00 NZD 1,530.00

Price:
NZD 1,740.00 NZD 1,653.00

Price:
NZD 1,610.00 NZD 1,530.00
Provided by
Intrepid Travel
Reference Code:
XMYCC
Trip Location
Trip Starts:
Casablanca, Morocco
Trip Finishes:
Marrakech, Morocco
Countries Visited:
Morocco
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Destination Details
Morocco | 16 Days | 1 - 16 People

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