Morocco Highlights
Morocco Highlights
$1184
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Morocco with the "Morocco Highlights" tour. Experience the magic of the Sahara Desert with a camel ride at sunset and a night under the stars in a desert camp. Discover the charm of Chefchaouen's blue and whitewashed houses and the ancient kasbah of Ait Benhaddou. Marvel at the Roman ruins of Volubilis and explore the vibrant medina of Fes. Traverse the stunning landscapes of Todra Gorge and Dades Valley, enjoying a hike and a home-cooked Amazigh lunch. Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Marrakech's Djemaa el-Fnaa, where drummers, dancers, and street vendors create a lively scene. This adventure offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, breathtaking landscapes, and unique experiences, all while supporting local communities through the Intrepid Foundation. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech
Location: Marrakech
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel
Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Marrakech in Morocco. This vibrant city has a myriad of things to see, do, taste, smell and enjoy. As this trip only spends limited time in Marrakech, we recommend arriving a day or two early to truly experience the city. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. After, you might like to head out and explore the city’s lively Djemaa el-Fna – one of the largest public spaces in the world, unique to Marrakech. ...more ...less
Day 2: Casablanca
Location: Casablanca
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel
Bid farewell to Marrakech this morning, and hop on a train for Casablanca. Arrive in the early afternoon, then join your leader for a short orientation walk to get acquainted with the bustling city. The rest of the day is free to spend how you wish. Maybe you’d like to visit the art deco Villa des Arts – this gorgeous gallery dates back to the 1930s and holds numerous exhibitions of contemporary Moroccan and international art. If you're looking for a different cultural experience, you can discover a unique and fascinating part of Moroccan history at the Museum of Judaism. Your tour leader will be on hand giving you advice to make the best of your time in Casablanca.
Day 3: Chefchaouen
Location: Chefchaouen
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel
Today you’ll travel by private vehicle to Chefchaouen, or the ‘blue city’, which is arguably one of the prettiest places in Morocco. Set against a wide valley and nestled between two peaks in the stunning Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen has been lovingly cared for with striking blue and whitewashed houses, red-tiled roofs, and artistic doorways. Arrive mid-afternoon and take an orientation walk with your leader 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:
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Day 4: Volubilis/Fes
Location: Fes
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel
Today, take a guided tour of the World Heritage-listed site of Volubilis – once one of the Roman empire's most remote bases. The remains make an undeniably impressive sight as they come into view on the edge of the long, high plateau. Explore the ancient hilltop ruins while your local guide gives you a deeper insight into the history of the place. Continue to Fes in the afternoon, where you'll spend the next two nights. Fes is the most complete medieval city in the Arab world, and the most ancient of Morocco's imperial cities. Known as the spiritual and cultural heart of the country, this is a great spot to find a local restaurant for an optional dinner with your group.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Fes
Location: Fes
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel
This morning, enjoy breakfast and then take a guided walking tour of the Old City, 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, which has recently been restored and is now open to tourists. Visit Medresse el Attarine and the splendid Funduq al-Najjarin – 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 in the traditional way. The afternoon is free for you to explore. You might like to feast on a dinner of Moroccan specialties tonight, like harira (chickpea soup) and chicken-stuffed pies with couscous.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Sahara Desert
Location: Merzouga
Accommodation: Desert Camp (Multishare)
Accommodation Name: Desert Camp (Multishare)
Meals Included: Dinner
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:
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Day 7: Dades Valley
Location: Dades Valley
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel
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 – a massive trench that rises over 250 m to form one of the most dramatic and spectacular natural sights in Morocco. To make the most of the stunning surroundings, you’ll take a short and gentle walk through the gorge. Then, continue to the beautiful Dades Valley – your base for the next two nights. This area offers up scenery like no other – sprawling green valleys give way to rock formations carved out by the wind.Included Activities:-Todra Gorge - Leader-led walk
Day 8: Dades Valley
Location: Dades Valley
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Lunch
Enjoy your time today to explore the beauty of this largely untouched Moroccan backcountry today, and the best way is on foot. There are a couple of circuits in the area, but your leader can tailor the route based on the preferences of the group. The trail undulates and can be challenging in sections but is accessible to everyone with a basic level of fitness. After walking along rivers, past farms, through a few deserted kasbahs and palm groves while learning about the rural life along the way, a homemade lunch with a local Amazigh family awaits. Take the opportunity to share stories and learn about family life in the Dades Valley over a meal full of exciting flavours. The rest of the day is then free for you to continue exploring or to sit back and soak in the views.Included Activities:-Dades - Home-cooked Amazigh lunch-Dades Valley - Hike & local farm & palmery visit
Day 9: Marrakech
Location: Marrakech
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: hotel
Depart the Dades Valley and set off on the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. Arrive at Ait Benhaddou – a hilltop site almost unchanged since the 11th century. Its grand kasbah is one of the most beautiful in Morocco and the fortified village is a fine example of clay architecture. You may recognise the site from its long list of film and TV credits! Walk through the winding streets of the Old Town, making your way to the top of the hill for some scenic views. Then continue to Marrakech, your final destination of the journey, in the late afternoon. After settling into your accommodation, head out with your leader to the main square, Djemaa el-Fna, for a sunset drink (non-alcoholic).Included Activities:-Ait Benhaddou - Leader-led ksar walk-Marrakech - Sunset rooftop drink (one drink)
Day 10: Marrakech
Location: Marrakech
There are no activities planned after breakfast so you are free to leave your accommodation at any time. It’s worth adding a night or two in Marrakech so you can do some extra activities like cooking classes and cycling tours, exploring nearby towns or visiting a hammam. If you wish to spend more time here, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
What's Included
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Accommodation
Camp site (1 night), Hotel (8 nights) -
Meals
9 breakfasts, 1 lunches, 1 dinners -
Chefchaouen - Sunset viewpoint
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Volubilis - Entrance and guided tour
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Fes - Medersa El Attarine
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Fes - Medina walking tour
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Fes - Funduq al-Najjarin
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Fes - Tannery visit
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Sahara Desert - Sunset Camel Ride
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Todra Gorge - Leader-led walk
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Dades - Home-cooked Amazigh lunch
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Dades Valley - Hike & local farm & palmery visit
What's Not Included
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and tips are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions are not included in the tour price.
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International Flights
International flights to and from Morocco are not included.
Transport
- There are some long travel days and some rough travelling in areas away from the main tourist routes. High passes, windy roads, and rough surfaces make for some challenging travel experiences. On some long travel days, we depart early in the morning to ensure we optimise our time at our next destination. If you experience travel sickness we recommend you consider medication to help ease the discomfort. The best part about all of these long drives is the spectacular views and fun stops en route such as mountain passes, kasbahs, palmeries, sand dunes, goats up trees, etc.
- We also use public transport on some of our trips around Morocco. Be it a train or a public bus, remember that the best part of it is the possibility to interact with local people traveling along with you.
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
- We've sourced our accommodation very 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 standards you are used to at home.
- OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
- TWIN SHARE / MULTI SHARE BASIS
- Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multi-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite (even if you paid for single room supplement) and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.
- HEATING
- Some of our guesthouses/hotels are unable to supply heating as this would be a major financial and environmental strain. It's also a case of energy supply and timing provisions, which is limited in some places. Please be prepared for cold showers, which are a pleasure for most of the year. Air-conditioning systems (if available) don't always function.
- CHECK-IN TIME
- Throughout the trip, we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
- PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
- If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
Important Information
- 1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement exclude Day 6 (Desert Camp) and is subject to availability. There is a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. Please speak to your booking agent to enquire availability.
Mode of Transport
The tour involves long travel days with rough roads and high passes, offering spectacular views and fun stops. Public transport, including trains and buses, is used for some trips, providing opportunities to interact with locals.
Accommodation
Accommodation on this tour is primarily on a twin/multi-share basis, with occasional alternative arrangements due to availability. Expect a mix of hotels and guesthouses, with shared facilities at times. Heating and air-conditioning may be limited, and pre/post-trip accommodation may require room changes.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is used during the Morocco Highlights tour?
The tour involves some long travel days with rough travelling in areas away from the main tourist routes, including high passes and windy roads. Public transport such as trains and buses is also used, providing opportunities to interact with local people.
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What should I expect regarding accommodation on the Morocco Highlights tour?
Accommodation is on a twin/multi-share basis, and solo travellers are paired with another traveller of the same gender. There may be times when facilities are shared, and occasionally, alternative accommodation arrangements may be made due to availability issues. Some guesthouses may not provide heating, and air-conditioning systems may not always function. ...more ...less
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Are there any cultural experiences included in the Morocco Highlights tour?
Yes, the tour includes cultural experiences such as a guided tour of the Volubilis ruins, a walking tour of the Fes medina, and a visit to a ceramics factory. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy a home-cooked lunch with Amazigh hosts in the Dades Valley.
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What activities are included in the Sahara Desert part of the tour?
In the Sahara Desert, you will experience a sunset camel ride among the sand dunes and spend the night in a desert camp under the stars, enjoying a home-cooked feast by the fire.
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Is there any hiking involved in the Morocco Highlights tour?
Yes, there is a hike in the Dades Valley, which involves walking along rivers, past farms, and through deserted kasbahs. The trail can be challenging in sections but is accessible to those with a basic level of fitness.
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What is the policy on single room supplements for the Morocco Highlights tour?
A single supplement is available for those who prefer not to share a room, excluding the night spent in the desert camp. The availability of single supplements is limited and subject to availability.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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Morocco Highlights
10 Days Starting and ending in Marrakech, Morocco
Visiting: Marrakech, Casablanca, Chefchaouen, Fes, Merzouga, Dades Valley
Tour operator:
Tour code:
XMSS
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
15-99