Essential Morocco

Intrepid Travel · 12 days
Essential Morocco
Essential Morocco
Essential Morocco
Essential Morocco
Essential Morocco
Essential Morocco
Essential Morocco
Essential Morocco
Essential Morocco
Essential Morocco
Essential Morocco
Essential Morocco
Essential Morocco
Essential Morocco
Essential Morocco
Essential Morocco
12 Days
From AUD $1015
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


 (20 reviews)

Essential Morocco

Essential Morocco

Intrepid Travel · 12 days
4.6
20 Reviews
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Duration

12 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

From couscous to camels, mint tea to tanneries, you’ll get a taste of Morocco’s best bits on this 12-day adventure through mountains, gorges, desert and Amazigh villages.

Highlights

  • 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 a culture and contributing to the economic inclusion of women.
  • Enjoy a street food experience with multiple Moroccan favourites at a local restaurant with your group and trip leader – the best way to sample all the delicious goods in Djemaa el-Fna!
  • Watch the sunset from a camel’s back in the Sahara Desert and camp beneath a blanket of stars – now this is a bucket list experience!
  • It's easy to get lost in a labyrinth (think less David Bowie film, more medieval maze), especially when there are enticing distractions at every turn. Never fear, your local guide knows the city of Fes like a lifelong friend.
  • Traverse blue washed streets (with some new feline friends) in Chefchaouen – named after the two mountains that hug the city.

Trip Details

Duration

12 days

Transportation

Camel,Private Vehicle,Taxi,Train

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Casablanca, Morocco

Finishes

Marrakech, Morocco

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

18 - 39 Year Olds Only

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Casablanca
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.

Optional Activities:

  • Casablanca - Religious Casablanca Urban Adventure (1850 MAD)
  • Casablanca - The Medina and Beyond Urban Adventure (700 MAD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Moulay Idriss
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 heading 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.

Included Activities:

  • Moulay Idriss - Mint tea making demo

Optional Activities:

  • Casablanca - Hassan II Mosque (130 MAD)

Accommodation:

  • Multi-Share Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Chefchaouen
Explore the rolling hills of Volubilis this morning on a guided tour of these epic Roman ruins. Then 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 watching the many cats that call this city their home.

Included Activities:

  • Volubilis - Entrance and guided tour

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Chefchaouen
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.

Optional Activities:

  • Chefchaouen - Hike with Local Guide (excluding transportation) (485 MAD)
  • Chefchaouen - Picnic lunch for hike (70 MAD)
  • Chefchaouen - Kasbah (60 MAD)
  • Chefchaouen - Hammam (public baths) (150 MAD)
  • Chefchaouen - Henna Tattoo (50 MAD)
  • Chefchaouen - Goat Cheese Tasting (100 MAD)
  • Chefchaouen - Medina visit with local guide (300 MAD)
  • Chefchaouen - Walking Tour with Local Guide (350 MAD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Fes
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).

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Fes
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.

Included Activities:

  • Fes - Medina walking tour
  • Fes - Medersa El Attarine
  • Fes - Tannery visit

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Sahara Camp
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.

Included Activities:

  • Sahara Desert - Camel ride
  • Sahara Desert - Overnight Desert Camp

Accommodation:

  • Desert camp (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Todra Gorge - Dades Valley
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.

Optional Activities:

  • Todra Gorge - Hike (350 MAD)

Accommodation:

  • Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Ait Benhaddou
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.

Included Activities:

  • Ait Benhaddou - Tea at Tawesna association

Accommodation:

  • Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
10
Day 10: High Atlas - Marrakech
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.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
11
Day 11: Marrakech
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.

Included Activities:

  • Marrakech - Medina walking tour
  • Marrakech - Street food tasting in Old Medina

Optional Activities:

  • Marrakech - AMAL Women's Training Center and Moroccan Restaurant (110 MAD)
  • Marrakech - Luxury Spa Hammam & Massage (750 MAD)
  • Marrakech - Quad Biking the Rock Desert & Palmgrove (715 MAD)
  • Marrakech - Magical Marrakech City Cycling Tour (438 MAD)
  • Marrakech - Le Jardin Secret (60 MAD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
12
Day 12: Marrakech
No activities are planned after breakfast this morning, 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 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 ‘Tajine Cookery Class’, visit urbanadventures.com.

Optional Activities:

  • Marrakech - Palmery Cycling Tour (540 MAD)
  • Marrakech - Heart of the Atlas Mountains cycling day trip with lunch (2000 MAD)
  • Marrakech - Quad Biking the Rock Desert & Palmgrove (715 MAD)
  • Marrakech - A Taste Of Marrakech: Inside the Medina Urban Adventure (605 MAD)
  • Marrakech - Quad Biking Barrage Lalla Takerkoust (1650 MAD)
  • Marrakech - Magical Marrakech City Cycling Tour (438 MAD)
  • Marrakech - Hot Air Balloon Ride (1999 MAD)
  • Marrakech - Luxury Spa Hammam & Massage (750 MAD)
  • Marrakech - Tajine Cookery Class Urban Adventure (640 MAD)
  • Marrakech - Cascades d'Ouzoud Day Tour (2207 MAD)
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $1,015
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 12 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

From couscous to camels, mint tea to tanneries, you’ll get a taste of Morocco’s best bits on this 12-day adventure through mountains, gorges, desert and Amazigh villages.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 15 Jan 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
4.5
Ella
Traveled, March 2024

04/05/2024

The trip was absolutely incredible. Ayoub was an amazing guide with so much knowledge of every area and he always went above and beyond for the group. The included activities were all amazing.

4.5
Amelia
Traveled, March 2023

04/05/2023

Oudad Ayoub was an excellent leader, he put each and every one of us before his own needs, he was overly generous and very interesting. I hope to stay in touch with him. The tour itself was superb, the included activities gave us so much insight into the beautiful traditions and culture in Morocco. I hope to do another tour with Intrepid in the future!

Tour Operator

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

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