Embark on a journey of discovery through the enchanting country of MOROCCO, where nature, ancient history, architecture, vibrant culture, and traditions converge in a mesmerizing blend! 🇲🇦🌟🏝

Experience the ULTIMATE COMFORT during your stay in Morocco at premium-class hotels along the way and a night at the luxury desert camp in the middle of nowhere...

Imagine GLAMPING in the heart of the desert with exceptional service fit for Kings! 👑

Relax in a spacious lavish dome furnished with comfortable beds, soft linens, traditional decor, and delicious Moroccan cuisine.  Stargaze around a cozy bonfire while sipping on mint tea for an unforgettable experience!

This trip is a GREAT OPPORTUNITY to discover the beauty of Morocco, where you can explore vibrant cities, beautiful nature, and learn about the rich historical heritage, indulge in delicious food, and experience the warm hospitality of local people!

With so much to explore, here are just a few highlights of the tour that will allow you to experience the magic of Morocco: 

HIGHLIGHTS:

🐪 Start in Marrakech, the Red City, and explore its vibrant markets and bustling streets

🐪 Take a day hike in the Atlas Mountains. followed by home-made lunch at the Berber family

🐪 Escape to the Sahara desert: experience sunset and sunrise on a camelback

🐪 Spend a night under the stars with the exceptional comfort of a Luxury desert camp 

🐪 Enjoy the delicious Moroccan cuisine 

🐪 Experience Moroccan hospitality: meet locals, learn about their traditions, lifestyle, arts and crafts 

🐪  Go local: experience moroccan cooking class, pottery workshop and a Hammam visit!

🐪 Visit Quarzazate, the backdrop for the famous movies: Kingdom of Heaven, Gladiator, Babel, and The Game of Thrones

🐪 Get yourself lost in the all shades of blue in Chefchauen, the Blue city and the gem of Morocco

🐪 Take a hike in the Rif mountains to the hidden cascade waterfalls

🐪 Travel to Tangier and the Straight of Gibraltar, the crossroads of Africa and Europe

🐪 Take a bullet train ride to Casablanca, finishing your adventure on the beaches of the Atlantic coast

In conclusion, with the guidance of a knowledgeable local guide, this tour will take you on an adventure of a lifetime! 🌟

If the trip is canceled by Participant due to any personal reason, the following penalties will be applied: 

Cancellation outside of 60 calendar days before departure - registration deposit is fully REFUNDABLE

Cancellation 60 to 31 days before departure - registration deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferrable to another participant 

Cancellation 30 to 0 calendar days before departure – up to 100% of the trip cost is non-refundable

 WEATHER

October is one of the best months to visit Morocco, as temperatures are cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. This is a great month for hiking in the mountains and visiting the Atlantic coast. Expect an average of 68 F in the daytime and close to 50 F most nights. 

The average temperature in Marrakesh and desert areas in October for a typical day ranges from a high of 84°F (29°C) to a low of 59°F (15°C). Some would describe it as pleasantly warm with a gentle breeze.

WHAT TO PACK

DRESS CODE. General suggestions:

Morocco is very tolerant and welcoming to visitors; you’re not expected to act or look exactly like a local. You can wear whatever is familiar and comfortable to you. However, it’s always a good idea for both men and women to avoid revealing clothing or shorts, especially in rural areas. For women, it's recommended to wear loose-fitting clothing that covers the shoulders, arms, and knees; consider bringing a scarf or shawl. 

Windbreaker jacket or lightweight puffy vest for evenings and mornings

Fleece sweater or hoodie

Hiking pants or trainers

Comfortable outfit for tours and city walks that keeps you cool during the day

Sunglasses

Sunhat

Shoes: you may need both sandals, comfortable closed-toe shoes & trekking shoes for hiking days

Change of loose T-shirts 

Long sleeve loose shirt or tunica

Warm comfy pajamas for overnight in the desert

A scarf or shawl (for women)

A day-pack (for tours and hikes)

Reusable water bottle (1-1.5L)

Sunscreen (SPF 50+)

Lip balm with UV protection

Eye drops (air in the desert can be too dry)

Your personal first aid kit (personal medications, Imodium or similar, motion sickness (Dramamine), band-aid, etc.

If you bring a photo camera: a charger and extra memory cards

MONEY & CURRENCY

The Moroccan Dirham (1 USD = 10 MAD)

You can exchange money in a bank (8:30-15:45 Mon-Fri), “bureau de change” (open till late), or at the front desk of your hotel.

There is no commission and you will be issued a receipt which you must keep to exchange any Moroccan currency left at the end of your visit back into foreign currency.

Cash can be withdrawn from ATMs in larger towns. If you plan to go to the countryside make sure you have enough cash for your trip. 

We recommend exchanging cash in Marrakesh; the equivalent of $500 USD will be enough for the trip. 

You may take a maximum of 1000 dh out of Morocco but anything exceeding that must be reconverted at the airport prior to departure.

CREDIT CARDS

All major credit cards are widely accepted in the main cities and towns: VISA, MASTERCARD... although their use often incurs a commission of 5%.

Most restaurants accept credit cards, In the Souks (marketplace) it's imperative to pay with cash, mostly in the Moroccan currency (Dirham), but occasionally Euros are accepted.

TIPPING

Tipping is welcomed but remains up to you according to how well you have been served. 

We also usually tip local guides and drivers (suggested $5/day for guide, $3/day driver per traveler). In restaurants and bars, the tip is around 10%. 

ELECTRICITY

The electrical output in Morocco is 220V, European style sockets (2 holes in the power outlet)

CELLPHONE RECEPTION & Wi-Fi

Using free Wi-Fi hotspots in your hotel, our vehicles, or in other establishments such as cafes, bars, and restaurants, is a great way to keep connected. Make sure your phone settings are on Wi-Fi instead of your home network, otherwise, you may still be charged. 

The local SIM card is also available for purchase, make sure your phone is unlocked.

WiFi is available everywhere on our itinerary

Cellphone connection is limited or can be partially not available in rural areas

SAFETY

The crime rates are low in Morocco but pick-pocketing and minor theft is very common. 

Look after your belongings at all times and don’t show valuables. 

Avoid poorly lit areas, don't travel alone at night

Be on the lookout for scammers: very friendly-looking street helpers who promise to charge you “nothing” for their “generosity” in guiding you or showing you directions. 

WATER

Tap water is safe for brushing teeth. Use bottled water for drinking. 

Stay hydrated.

We recommend that you have your meals in reliable restaurants and avoid street food, please

PUBLIC RESTROOMS

Be ready for squat toilets outside of hotels, and bring paper tissues with you as locals use water instead of toilet paper for self-hygiene 

RIDING A CAB

“Petit taxis” are small cabs that take a maximum of 3 passengers and are ideal for short journeys within the city. They use meters but often prefer to set a price for the journey which you should agree to before getting in the car. An average fare for a one-way journey is between 50 dhs in the daytime to 100 after 8:00 pm. 

TAKING PICTURES OF LOCALS

It is prohibited to take pictures of the police, soldiers, and military installations. If you are 

taking photos of people, please ask them first. Some people, such as performers and snake charmers, will ask you for a tip. if you take their picture. About 20 dhs is the usual tip in these cases. 

SHOPPING 

The rule of thumb - is always to bargain, it’s a part of Moroccan culture.

Bargaining while shopping is a way of life in Morocco and can be an enjoyable experience

If you are using your credit card, and shipping your purchase, make sure you are doing this in a reliable shop and insist on having an invoice as well as the accurate address and contact of the establishment. 

In the Souks (marketplace) it's imperative to pay with cash, mostly in the Moroccan currency (Dirham), but occasionally Euros are accepted.

Arrive in Marrakech in the afternoon. 

Your adventure begins in Marrakesh, where you can immerse yourself in the city's vibrant energy. From the bustling streets and markets to the historical palaces and gardens, Marrakesh is a feast for all senses!

Airport pickup and private transfer to hotel for check-in.  

In the evening we will meet with our tour guide in the hotel's lobby for a brief introduction, and then we will have dinner in a traditional Moroccan restaurant in town (not included).

Stay in Hotel Hivernage 4*, 10 min walk from Medina, the historic center.

9:30 AM: After breakfast, we meet our local English-speaking guide and spend a half day exploring all the most impressive historical highlights of Marrakech of course, we won't miss the food markets, bakeries, and narrow alleyways of the colorful artisan's quarters and craftsmen workshops to get a taste of everyday life in Marrakech.

We will take a break at around 1 p.m. for lunch (not included).

As the day winds down, we'll head to the famous Jemaa El Fna square to see the amazing performances by jugglers, dancers, fortune tellers, storytellers, and traditional musicians. 

You can choose to dine on the square, sampling everything from simple kebabs to exotic dishes, or you can opt for a nice meal in one of the nearby restaurants before heading back to our hotel.

Stay in Hotel Hivernage 4*, Marrakesh

Included meals: Breakfast

Note: The initial itinerary of this day was changed due to the earthquake situation in the High Atlas region.

Leave the hotel around 8:30 AM. 

We will begin a day of hiking in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains

Driving time 1h 30 min to the mountain village.

Upon arrival, we will meet our mountain guide and walk through the area offering great views of the Atlas Mountains foothills and the lush green valley. 

Proceed on a rocky terrain to the Berber village where we will have lunch with locals. and learn about their lifestyle. 

Hiking duration ~2 hrs.

Drive back to Marrakech, arrive around 4:30 PM, free time. 

Overnight in a hotel Hivernage 4*

Meals included: Breakfast in hotel, Lunch & tea with local family

Suggested:

- Hiking shoes, windbreaker jacket, sunhat

- Small amount of cash for tipping the family (optional)

8:30 AM. After breakfast, check out from the hotel.  Let the desert adventure start and it's going to be a long way (5hrs total with stops)

We will follow the old tribal mountain pass that was used as the old caravan route. Along the way, we will make a stop to visit the fortified village of Ait Benhaddou along the fabulous Ounila Valley, one of the famous World Heritage sites of Morocco. Proceed to Skoura Oasis town.

On arrival check in at SPA-hotel. Free time to relax and enjoy the hotel's amenities. 

Dinner and overnight in Ksar Elkababba Hotel, Skoura 

Included meals: Breakfast and dinner

8:00 AM:  After breakfast, leave Skoura behind and head East through the beautiful Valley du Dades driving up the deep gorges with many stops for the scenery This valley is known as both the “Valley of Roses” and the “Valley of a Thousand

Kasbahs”. Continue the journey across the semi-Saharan plains to reach

your final destination, the Great Saharan Dunes of Erg Chebbi, where you will enjoy a memorable experience in a private desert Bivouac.

Arriving in the desert outskirts after 5hrs drive (with stop), we will switch to Jeeps to get to our campsite (1h30min drive).

This evening, get on the back of a camel and venture into the desert for a chance to see one of the most beautiful sunsets of your lifetime!

Traverse the golden sands of the Sahara and as the day comes to an end, watch how the rays playfully change the colors of the endless dunes around you. 

Back at the desert camp, a hot Moroccan dinner will be served and mint tea near the bonfire. Tonight’s experience will be one to remember!

Included meals: Breakfast and dinner.

5AM. Early wake to catch the sunrise in the desert. Camel ride with a stop in the middle of nowhere to make a Moroccan tea ceremony surrounded by only endless silent dunes...

Return to the desert camp to have breakfast and some rest, unless you would like to experience sand-boarding (free) or quad-rides (~$70 USD/pp). 

Check out around 10-11 AM.

Say goodbye to the desert, and drive to Quarzazate along a marvelous canyon and explore the 984-foot-deep Todra Gorge, “The Valley of the Roses” before arriving in our next amazing hotel Ksar Ighnda. 

Take a walk along the spectacular gorges and stop for lunch

In the afternoon we begin our journey along the “Route of a Thousand Kasbahs” This is a region of earth-made fortresses with elaborately decorated façades making this architectural technique and style quite unique to this part of the South of Morocco 

Driving time: 5 hrs 

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we will visit the Kasbah of Taourirt which was once the home of the "Lords of the Atlas"  and then we will leave Ouarzazate to drive across a spectacular barren plateau with some film sets and studios where a certain number of famous movies have been filmed such as Kingdom of Heaven, Gladiator, Babel and of course, The Game of Thrones!

You will make a stop at the UNESCO-protected village of Ait Ben Haddou. This is one of the most beautiful examples of Berber architecture that UNESCO is trying to preserve. The natural beauty of the whole area and the architecture of this village have attracted many film producers.

We continue the way across the High Atlas mountains at the Tizi N’Tichka pass (7000ft) before driving down to the plains of Marrakech.

Check-in at the Hivernage Hotel 4* & overnight around 5 PM.

Driving time: 4-5hrs

Included meals: Breakfast

8:00 AM. Leave Marrakesh in the morning towards Rabat, the capital of Morocco and the residence of the King of Morocco. 

Through the centuries, Rabat served as one of the many ports in North Africa for Barbary pirates, the history of their presence is fascinating! Besides its interesting history, Rabat is also an excellent city for shopping with a number of curios, craft shops, and marketplaces throughout the city

Rabat is the Capital of the French Protectorate of Morocco from 1912 to 1956 and the Moroccan capital since independence, it has a European elegance yet maintains an Islamic character all its own as its origins go back to the 12th century. One of the four imperial cities in the history of Morocco, beginning with the fortified Kasbah Oudaya and the 17th century Royal Palace with its beautiful Andalusian style Gardens Mohamed V Mausoleum, a masterpiece of Moroccan art and crafts next to which stands the medieval Hassan Tower.

Explore Rabat on a 2hrs guided walk.

Overnight in Hotel Farah Rabat

Included meals: Breakfast

8:00 AM. After breakfast and check-out from the hotel, we start driving north to Chefchauen, the most picturesque town in Morocco surrounded by the lush Rif Mountains.

On a guided walking tour in town, we will get lost in the maze of shady alleys, colorful tile roofs, and vibrant street markets,. traditional oil mills and craftsman workshops. Guided walking tour in town.

Chefchaouen was founded in the 15th century by the Moorish refugees from Spain in the heart of the Rif Mountains making it inaccessible to the reach of foreigners, it had been visited only by three Westerners until the Spanish defeated the tribal chief and occupied the area in 1920. The buildings were all painted in white and blue and

the Medina is one of the most attractive in the whole country!

Walk to the viewpoint to watch the sunset over the blue city.

Dinner in town

Overnight in hotel Lina Ryad & SPA.

Driving time: 4hrs

Included meals: Breakfast

Day free at your leisure to explore more beautiful Chefchauen on your foot and at your own pace. You can just get lost in the maze of endless streets, visit a traditional oil mill – the region is host to more than 1,500 of them – or a craftsman's workshop. Over and above exceptional weaving, Chefchaouen is renowned for its basket-making and its pottery as well. 

For the more active, set out to explore Cascades d’Akchour, a remarkably beautiful hiking trail just outside the city.  The trail is up to 8.5 miles, relatively moderate.

You can spot mountain monkeys on the way :)

Experience the Moroccan Hammam baths in the evening (optional).

Overnight in Hotel Lina Ryad

Included meals: Breakfast

Early breakfast and check out.

8:00 AM: Leave Chefchauen towards Tangier and the renowned Strait of Gibraltar, which provide a perfect opportunity for capturing some amazing photographs!

Stop at the White city of Tetouan on the way. 

In Tangier, stroll through the citadel district situated next to the port, before continuing on to the old Medina and then to the historic site of the city that has hosted several famous artists, including Matisse and Camille Saint Saens among others. 

After lunch in town, take a bullet train back to Casablanca (duration: 2hrs 10min)

On arrival, we will have a walk in town if time allows and then will have a farewell dinner together.

Airport drop-off for those who leave tonight, others will proceed to hotel Kenzi Tower 4* for overnight.

Included meals: Breakfast

Notes:  Private airport transfers and meals (breakfast) are NOT included on Nov 5th. You can pay at the hotel directly for these services.