Join me on the adventure of a lifetime… explore the mesmerizing landscapes and vibrant culture of Morocco!
Discover the enchanting city of Marrakech, tour the Fez medina, journey to the Saharan sand dunes and spend the night at a Kasbah-style desert hotel, explore the desert on a 4×4, share tea with Berber nomads, and learn from a renowned chef how to prepare Moroccan dishes.
Explore authentic local culture in a sustainable, experiential way during this 9-day trip in Morocco.
9 days in Morocco
May 9-17, 2024
Cost: $2,199 USD $2,149 USD
Availability: GET ON THE WAIT LIST!
How does sign-up and wait list work? I’m currently collecting names that are seriously interested in the order they were received. Giving me your name and personal details will not commit you until you get confirmation from me by email and pay your deposit. (In other words, do NOT book flights until your deposit is paid and I give you the go ahead.) Let’s go to Morocco!! 🇲🇦😄
Why travel with me?
Small groups and authentic experiences
You’re not hopping on a crowded tour bus here, or confined to a strict schedule. I’ve handpicked the itinerary and activities, and we’ll travel in a small group of 8-16, where we’ll get to know each other and share amazing moments as a group — but also, you’ll have plenty of solo or free time for reflection and to practice some of the solo travel muscles you’ve been building.
Coaching and connection before the trip
I am your resource! Travelers receive communication, milestone reminders, and other guidance from me in all aspects of their travel, and are invited to virtual group coaching meetings leading up to the trip, in order to build even stronger connections, a valuable support network, and to best prepare for the trip and destination.
Support and togetherness
I’ll be on the trip too, but not as the tour guide — I’ll help center your experience and provide all the support and motivation you might need (whether logistical or emotional!) Age is but an attitude; ideal travelers must possess open-mindedness, curiosity, and a desire to broaden your horizons. Don’t wait for someone to join you… join US. (Couples and friend groups welcome!!)
About the trip
Where we’ll go
From Casablanca to Marrakech, explore some of Morocco’s most fascinating sights: from golden dunes to bustling bazaars and the age-old remains of civilizations past.
Meet musicians, artisans, and nomads as you soak up the mystique of this captivating North African nation.
What’s included
- Professional guides
- 8 nights in upgraded hotels with shared accommodation
- 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
- Airport arrival transfer, and all transport between destinations and to/from included activities
What we’ll do
- Roam ancient markets
- Explore parts of the desert
- Peer out over the Atlas Mountains
- Take part in a Marrakech cooking class
The cost
The trip cost is $2,149 USD, and a $350 deposit will save your spot. If you’d like a room to yourself, there’s an additional cost.
I need 8 people to hold the trip, and the group is CAPPED at 16.
The first three to commit and pay a deposit get a free travel coaching session with me (valued at $50)!
International flights and travel insurance are at an additional cost. Allow $255-335 USD for meals not included.
9 days in Morocco – Summary
From timeless golden dunes to vibrant, bustling bazaars and the age-old remains of civilizations past, explore some of Morocco’s most fascinating sights. Discover the fresh cedar forests of the Atlas Mountains, meander the winding lanes of old Marrakech, and ride into the desert on a 4×4. Meet musicians, artisans, and nomads as you soak up the mystique of this captivating North African nation.
Itinerary (subject to change until final)
DAY 1 – May 9
CASABLANCA
Welcome to Casablanca! Upon arrival, head to the arrival hall and look for a driver holding a sign with your name, who’ll take you to your hotel so you can check in and start exploring.
You may wish to come a day early in order to explore Casablanca, and take some time to see its medina, beachfront, and classic examples of Art Deco architecture. Be sure to also visit the spectacular Hassan II Mosque.
Arrival Transfer: Included (on an individual basis).
Included Activities: Welcome meeting. The adventure begins tonight! Feel free to explore beforehand, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour.
Accommodation: Mogador Marina Casablanca (or similar). Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.
DAY 2 – May 10
CASABLANCA TO FEZ
Set out on a guided tour of two UNESCO World Heritage sites. Visit the remains of the medieval city of Meknès, which served as Morocco’s imperial capital in the 17th century. Then, venture to Volubilis and discover the soaring columns and remarkably well-preserved mosaic floors of this ancient Roman outpost. Continue to Fez and enjoy a home-cooked Moroccan lunch at a G Adventures–supported women’s cooperative before checking in to our hotel.
Included Activities: Private vehicle, Volubilis Guided Tour, Meknès City Tour, Mhaya Village Community Lunch
Accommodation: Royal Mirage Hotel Fes (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 3 – May 11
FEZ
Step back in time on a walking tour of the medina of Fez, a spellbinding World Heritage site dating back to the 9th century. Skirt past donkey carts as you take in the dazzling sights, from colourful mounds of spices to vividly painted ceramics, and observe Fez’s famous tanners treating and dying hides in the traditional manner. Pay a visit to the breathtaking Madrasa al-Attarine, a masterpiece of intricate Islamic architecture, and pass by the famed Al-Karaouine Mosque—home to the longest continually operating university in the world.
Included Activities: Fès Medina Guided Tour
Accommodation: Royal Mirage Hotel Fes (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 4 – May 12
FEZ TO MERZOUGA
Watch cedar forests give way to palm groves as we travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains to the fabled Sahara. Spend the night in a kasbah-style hotel at the edge of sweeping sand dunes.
Start early and watch the scenery of this diverse country change while travelling over the Middle Atlas mountains. Pass through cedar forests and the ski area of Ifrane into the desert regions. Drive by the vast palm groves of the Ziz Valley and right up to the majestic Saharan sand dunes. Keep your eyes open for a glimpse of Barbary apes en route.
Spend the night in a comfortable Kasbah-style desert hotel at the edge of the dunes.
Included Activities: Private vehicle
Accommodation: Hotel Kanz Erremal (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, dinner
DAY 5 – May 13
MERZOUGA/TINGHIR
This morning, explore the Sahara on a thrilling 4×4 excursion. Visit the village of Khamliya, where we’ll meet a group of Gnaoua musicians. Learn about the history of this famed genre of Moroccan music, and enjoy a hypnotic performance. Later, share mint tea with Amazigh (Berber) nomads in the Sahara, and gain insights into their way of life. Transfer to Tinghir this evening.
Included Activities: 4×4 Sahara Dunes & Culture Excursion, private vehicle
Accommodation: Hotel Tomboctou Tinghir (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, dinner
DAY 6 – May 14
TINGHIR/OUARZAZATE
Venture into the Dades Gorge, admiring its dramatic rock formations. Continue along the Road of 1,000 Kasbahs and pause at the maze-like Taourirt Kasbah. In Ouarzazate—home to one of Morocco’s largest film studios—choose to take a lesson in traditional Amazigh medicine with a local herbalist.
Start the morning with a visit to the Dades Gorge with its unusual natural rock formations and stunning scenery. Continue with a scenic drive along the “Route of a 1000 Kasbahs” with an included visit to Kasbah Taourit.
Continue to Ouarzazate, a former Foreign Legion stronghold. In Ouarzazate opt to visit an Amazigh herbalist and find out about the traditional medicines and cooking spices of the Amazigh people.
Included Activities: private vehicle, Dades Valley and Route of 1,000 Kasbahs scenic drive, Kasbah Taourit Visit, Amazigh (Berber) Herbalist Lesson
Accommodation: Berbere Palace (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 7 – May 15
OUARZAZATE/MARRAKECH
Discover the magical, twisting lanes of Aït Ben Haddou, an ancient fortified village and UNESCO World Heritage site, then continue along high mountain roads to Marrakech. Take some free time to wander this legendary city—a melting pot of Amazigh, West African, Mediterranenan, and Arab influences—and venture off the beaten path into hidden neighborhoods and artisan quarters.
Continue on to the village of Aït Benhaddou. During your visit to the Kasbah, lose yourself in the narrow, winding passageways and feel the magical atmosphere of this incredible structure.
Travel to Marrakech through the Tizi n’Tichka pass at 2200m in the High Atlas Mountains. Travel along winding mountain roads with breathtaking views from the highest peaks of Morocco.
Included Activities: private vehicle, Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah Tour
Accommodation: Opera Plaza Hotel Marrakech (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 8 – May 16
MARRAKECH
Visit a historic riad for a hands-on cooking class with a renowned Moroccan chef, learning how to roll semolina and measure out spices for an exquisite tagine. Enjoy your creations for lunch, and spend the afternoon exploring Marrakech at leisure. Choose to immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Djemaa el-Fna, the city’s main square, where storytellers and magicians captivate passersby; or tour the elegant Majorelle Gardens.
Later this afternoon enjoy free time to explore the fascinating city of Marrakech and dive into the labyrinthine souks. Travellers and locals alike find everything they desire here. Whether it’s spices, traditional jalabas and slippers, or famous Moroccan lanterns, the selection here is exhaustive. Don’t forget to bargain; that’s definitely part of the fun. Opt to indulge in the chaos of the famous Djemaa el Fna square to watch acrobats and fortune tellers plying their trade.
Included Activities: Moroccan Foodie Experience
Optional Activities: Djemaa el Fna Market Square Visit and Marrakech Medina Walk and Spice Shop (free), Jardins Majorelle (200MAD), Musée de Marrakech (50MAD), El Badi Palace (70MAD), Marrakech Hammam Visit (400MAD)
Accommodation: Opera Plaza Hotel Marrakech (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 9 – May 17
MARRAKECH
Depart at any time. If you’re not ready to leave, I can help extend your trip.
Meals included: Breakfast
Some additional information
Deposits and final payments
To book this trip, a $350 deposit is required. Payment is collected and by the tour operator I’m partnered with — so your money is always safe with them. If you need to cancel or delay your trip for any reason before final payment, you won’t lose your $350 deposit. You can apply it to a future G Adventures trip (with or without me), pass it on to a friend, or donate it. Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure. Canceling after final payment is subject to forfeiture.
Personal information
To book this trip, you must provide your contact information and other personal details including name as it appears on your passport, nationality, and date of birth, and pay the $350 deposit. More personal information is required closer to departure.
Travel insurance
G Adventures requires that you are covered for at least $200,000 in medical expenses including emergency repatriation on their trips. As a travel agent, I can quote travel insurance for you.
Fitness level
This tour has a physical fitness rating of 2 out of 5: light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels; nothing too challenging. Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.
Visa requirements
U.S. citizen tourists entering Morocco for fewer than 90 days do not require a visa. Visit the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco website for the most current visa information.Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your arrival.
Local dress
While visiting mosques and other religious monuments you should dress modestly, cover your shoulders and you shouldn’t wear short shorts or skirts. Outside of capital cities and the more touristic centres, local dress is often more conservative and as a matter of respect we ask that both men and women are aware of this and recommend loose-fitting clothes with your shoulders covered.
Reserve your spot!!
Shared Twin Room
(or Double, if part of a couple)
Price $2,199 USD
$2,149 USD
Deposit $350 USD
Final payments are due 60 days before departure.
Private Single Room
Price $2,848 USD
$2,798 USD
*limited supply available
Deposit $350 USD
Final payments are due 60 days before departure.
Questions? Contact me at julie@travelbta.com.
Join my Facebook group, open to anyone traveling or thinking about traveling with me on a mini-sabbatical trip — you’ll find announcements, tips, and can chit-chat with other group participants!
