Morocco Encompassed

18 Days | Sparkling coastlines, soaring mountains, ancient cities and the Sahara Desert

4.9 out of 5 based on 128 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
USD $1,520

On this 18-day Moroccan adventure, you’ll travel in the footsteps of pirates, sultans and nomadic people. Explore the blue streets of Chefchaouen, the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, the medieval city of Fes and the intricate clay architecture of the Ait Benhaddou Kasbah. Get to know the locals during your homestays in authentic Amazigh gites, ride a camel in the Sahara over sunset, hike through palm groves, gorges and valleys and kick back in the whitewashed Essaouira. This exhilarating journey is the ultimate way to discover the best of Morocco.

Trip overview

Map of Morocco Encompassed including Morocco
Start
Casablanca, Morocco
Finish
Marrakech, Morocco
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Morocco
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
XMSQC
This trip generates 38 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Connect with local life during your two homestays – one in Moulay Idriss, widely regarded as Morocco's holiest place, and one in a traditional gite with an Amazigh family where you’ll tuck into a homecooked feast.
  • Spend time in some of Morocco’s most iconic cities – relax in Essaouira’s sea breeze, wander the blue lanes of Chefchaouen and travel back in time in Fes’ bustling medina.
  • Hike in the shadows of the High Atlas Mountains, then explore the palm groves and valleys of the Anti Atlas Mountains, surrounded by local Amazigh village life.
  • Travel in a camel convoy and a 4WD to Erg Chigaga in the deep Sahara – the most incredible place to watch the sunset – and spend a night in an Amazigh camp under the North African stars, away from any sound or light pollution.
  • Veer off the beaten track to Tata and Tafraoute, deep in the Anti Atlas Mountain Range. Check out giant blue rocks, visit the traditional granary, meet the women at a local women’s coop producing Argan oil and duck in and out of souqs.

Is this trip right for you?
  • This trip involves plenty of walking and is best suited to travellers with a good level of mobility. Details on physical activities can be found in the itinerary.
  • Ramadan is an annual month-long festival, during which travel can be a rewarding cultural experience, however some regular services may not be available during the day, such as restaurants or cafes, and occasionally travel can be disrupted by events. Your leader will adjust the itinerary accordingly, but please consider this when selecting your travel dates. You’ll find dates and further information in the ‘Climate and seasonal information’ section of the Essential Trip Information. 
  • When travelling in Morocco, temperatures can get very hot in the summer while in the desert, so ensure you bring appropriate sun protection. At night and in the mountains, temperatures can drop to freezing, so ensure you also bring layers. Please refer to our Essential Trip Information for more details.
  • There are a couple of days with long driving hours, particularly getting to the Sahara and to Essaouira, but a, but you’ll make plenty of stops along the way for sightseeing, photo ops and to stretch your legs.

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Itinerary

Map of Morocco Encompassed including Morocco

Inclusions

Meals

17 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

4x4, Private Bus, Private vehicle, Public bus, Taxi, Train, High Speed Train

Accommodation

Desert camp (1 night), Gite (1 night), Homestay (1 night), Hotel (12 nights), Riad (2 nights)

Activities
  • Tangier - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Chefchaouen - Sunset viewpoint
  • Moulay Idriss - Leader-led village walk
  • Volubilis - Entrance and guided tour
  • Meknes - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Fes - Medina walking tour
  • Fes - Medresse el Attarine
  • Fes - Tannery visit
  • Fes - Funduq al-Najjarin
  • Marrakech - Medina walking tour
  • Marrakech - Spiced Sand Coffee
  • Aroumd - High Atlas Mountains guided hike
  • Ait Benhaddou - Leader-led ksar walk
  • Tamegroute - Ancient Library
  • Tamegroute - Underground kasbah guided tour
  • Sahara Desert - Sunset Camel Ride
  • Tata - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Tissint – Waterfall of Attiq
  • Tleta Tagmoute – Amazigh village and collective granary visit
  • Tafraoute – village walk and souk visit
  • Tafraoute - Pierres Bleues Boulders (Painted Rocks)
  • Tafraoute - Ameln Valley hike with tea and picnic
  • Taghazoute – Argan oil women's co-op visit
  • Essaouira - Guided walking tour
  • Essaouira – Local fisherman visit
Optional activities
  • Casablanca - Jewish Museum (entrance fee) - MAD50
  • Casablanca - Villa des Arts Gallery & Museum (entrance fee) - Free
  • Casablanca - Hassan II Mosque - MAD130
  • Casablanca - Religious Casablanca Urban Adventure - MAD1850
  • Casablanca - The Medina and Beyond Urban Adventure - MAD700
  • Tangier - Cafe Hafa - MAD60
  • Chefchaouen - Hammam (public baths) - MAD150
  • Chefchaouen - Picnic lunch for hike - MAD70
  • Chefchaouen - Walking Tour with Local Guide - MAD350
  • Chefchaouen - Medina visit with local guide - MAD300
  • Chefchaouen - Kasbah - MAD60
  • Marrakech - Marjorelle Gardens - MAD165
  • Marrakech - Palais Bahia - MAD70
  • Marrakech - A Taste Of Marrakech: Inside the Medina Urban Adventure - MAD605
  • Marrakech - Tajine Cookery Class Urban Adventure. - MAD640
  • Marrakech - Cascades d'Ouzoud Day Tour - MAD2207
  • Marrakech - Hot Air Balloon Ride - MAD2090
  • Marrakech - Luxury Spa Hammam & Massage - MAD750
  • Marrakech - Medina, Palaces & Tombs Urban Adventure - MAD650
  • Marrakech - Palais Badi - MAD70
  • Marrakech - Saadian Tombs - MAD70
  • Marrakech - Medersa Ben Youssef - MAD40
  • Marrakech - Museum of Marrakech - MAD40
  • Marrakech - Hamam (public baths) - MAD250
  • Marrakech - Photography Museum - MAD40
  • Ait Benhaddou - Cooking Demonstration & Dinner - MAD313
  • Ait Benhaddou - Henna Tattoo - MAD50
  • Essaouira - Hamam (public baths) - MAD200
  • Essaouira - Amazigh Massage - MAD400
  • Essaouira - Horse Riding - MAD300
  • Essaouira - Seafood Market Lunch - MAD100

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A Single Supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability, and excludes the following nights: Day 4 (Moulay Idriss), Day 9 (Aroumd) & Day 11 (Sahara Desert).
2. As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group may change on Day 8.
3. Optional transfer from Marrakech to Casablanca - If you are flying into Marrakech we can provide an optional transfer to the starting point city of Casablanca. This transfer is on request and prepaid. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 based on 128 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Andrew · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 19 Oct 2024

Helen · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 18 Oct 2024

JOHN · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 12 Oct 2024

Norman · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 08 Oct 2024

Christine · Traveled September 2024
Review submitted 28 Sep 2024
Morocco Encompassed
From
USD $1,520