Morocco in Full Color
15 Days of Culture, Cuisine & Desert Magic
Highlights
Trip Details
| Dates | Price (per person shared room) |
|---|---|
|
|
|
$1,404 USD
Private room: +$469
|
|
|
|
$1,404 USD
Private room: +$469
|
Trip length
15 days, 14 nights
Price
- A 30-day cancellation window applies.
- Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
- Private supplement available.
Please refer to our payment terms in the FAQs.
Meeting point
Hotel Idou Anfa, Casablanca
Ending point
Riad Rimal, Marrakech
Group size
Maximum 14 people
Included
- Meals: 14 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 10 dinners
- Departure and Arrival airport shuttle, private vehicle air-conditioned transport throughout
- 8 nights boutique and premium accommodation, 6 nights Riad, 1 night Desert Camp
- A top-rated and English-speaking Trip Leader throughout
- All listed activities and more!
Not included
- International Flights and travel insurance (necessary)
- Visa: At the time of publishing, Americans and Canadians do not need a visa to visit Morocco
- Additional hotel nights & late checkouts
- Drinks and other personal expenses
- Tip kitty (See FAQs for more information)
Have a group?
Contact us and we can arrange a private departure.
Overview
Accommodation Preview
Riad Cherifa Hôtel, Chefchaouen
Sandy Tents Camp, Merzouga
Riad Al Rimal & Spa, Marrakech
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca
What better place to kick off your journey through Morocco than Casablanca, the largest city in the country and a cosmopolitan center overlooking the Atlantic Ocean? Sure, it’s easy to get swept up in the glitz and glamor of the city’s Hollywood past, but you’ve got a welcome dinner to get to. A member of our team will be waiting at the airport, ready to whisk you away. Freshen up at the hotel before heading downstairs to meet both your guide and the Harriet Adventures squad — a small group of just over a dozen ladies who all have the same adventurous heart. But it’s not just any welcome dinner. You’re invited to a local’s home where you’ll feast like a queen, swapping stories with giddy excitement because yes, this trip is finally happening!
Accommodation: Hotel Idou Anfa (or similar), Casablanca
Included: Dinner
Day 2: Chefchaouen
Few places in the world are as mystical as Chefchaouen, Morocco’s “Blue City”. It’s a long road trip to reach this enchanting hamlet, but it’s well worth the sweat of traveling across the country. Before you leave Casablanca in the dust, pay a visit to the Hassan II Mosque, one of the only Islamic religious sites in the country that allows foreign visitors. This is one of the largest mosques in the world, second only to Mecca.
The best way to experience something of this magnitude is to get a local’s perspective, and guess what? Your guide is waiting to take you on a walking tour of the grounds. Sure, the soaring minaret with its impressive turquoise tilework is awe-worthy, but wait until you see inside! Unfortunately, you can’t linger in these gleaming hallways – there’s some serious ground to cover. We pinky promise that the six-hour drive north to Chefchaouen is worth it. You’ll have to see it to believe it.
Accommodation: Riad Cherifa (or similar), Chefchaouen
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Chefchaouen
Today is entirely dedicated to the powder-blue hues of Chefchaouen! Spend the morning slowly falling in love with the “Blue Pearl” of Morocco, getting lost in the labyrinthine alleys with your camera in hand. While you won’t be able to resist snapping a picture every minute or two, take a few opportunities to soak up your surroundings. It’s thought that these buildings were first painted in the 1930s by the local Jewish community, symbolizing peace and a connection to God. Of course, it wouldn’t be a trip to Chef without a showstopping rooftop lunch with pinch-me views.
Accommodation: Riad Cherifa (or similar), Chefchaouen
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: The Roman Ruins of Volubilis
You might not expect to find a Roman archaeological site in Morocco, but Volubilis is top-tier and the first stop of the day. Known for its ancient mosaics, walking among thermal baths and ancient olive presses, it isn’t difficult to imagine what life was like for the ancients.
You’ve flitted between contemporary Casablanca and rural Chefchaouen. Needless to say, Fes may come as a shock! Head to the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco next, a noisy, chaotic, and yet captivating city that’s truly a sensory stunner. So much so that we’ve penciled in three nights in this beehive of leather tanneries, braying donkeys, and over 9,000 car-free alleys. Trust us – you’ll need every second to wrap your head around it!
After checking into your riad, the gang will gather for a true Moroccan specialty, pastilla. Reserved for celebrations and breaking fast during Ramadan, this salty, sweet combo is traditionally made with pigeon. Just like Fes, there’s truly nothing else like it!
Accommodation: Palais Omeyyad (or similar), Fes
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Riads
Riads are the bread and butter of Moroccan accommodation travelers. But what exactly is a riad? The word “riad” comes from the Arabic word for “garden”, a reference to the core of these traditional homes and palaces, which are clustered around a central courtyard of leafy plants, pools, and trickling fountains. On the outside, these tall buildings look humble, but prepare to be amazed once you step inside. The intricate pendant lights, carved wooden balconies, and exquisite tilework will have you feeling like you’re sleeping between the pages of Arabian Nights.
Day 5: The Tastes of Fes
Get ready to follow your nose (for better or worse) through the historic medina of Fes, the oldest and largest in the world. This medieval core is the beating heart of the city, running on pure human energy.
Play hopscotch with your taste buds, bouncing between briwats (Moroccan pastry), salty sardines, makouda (spicy potato cakes), steaming fava bean soup, olives stacked high like glistening jewels, and dried meats. Every corner specializes in something different, including the Honey Souk, where you’ll learn more about how important this liquid gold is in local cooking. Finish off your tasting at a 400-year-old bakery where collecting your bread isn’t just a daily chore, it’s a way of life.
Hobble off to your hotel to nap off the day’s foodie delights or, the more likely scenario, keep exploring the medina! Whatever you choose, the afternoon is yours to do exactly what you like.
Accommodation: Palais Omeyyad (or similar), Fes
Included: Breakfast, Food Trail
Day 6: Crafting & Freetime in Fes
No doubt you heard the call of hundreds of artisans yesterday in the medina, peddling their handcrafted (and not-so-handcrafted) wares. Instead of buying a dime-a-dozen souvenir, why not make your own with the help of a local artist? By joining you’re helping to empower a local women’s co-op who are eager to teach you one of their crafting specialties. Whether it be pottery, or maybe weaving – it’s the connections you make here during the experience that will make the best memories for you.
Enjoy the afternoon free… perhaps head to the tanneries for an assault on the nostrils that’s a little more harrowing.
Accommodation: Palais Omeyyad (or similar), Fes
Included: Breakfast
Day 7: Erfoud
The road trip continues today with a six-hour drive to Erfoud, aka the “Door to the Desert”. But before you go, make sure not to fuel up on breakfast — we just might have a tasty surprise in store!
A long drive is the perfect time to reflect on everything you’ve experienced so far. Pit stop in Ifrane, dubbed the “Switzerland of the Atlas Mountains”, for a quick mint tea. Known as Berber whisky, this alcohol-free concoction is sure to keep you bright-eyed and bushy-tailed on the journey, spotting beehive villages that look as if they’ve been carved straight into the rock.
The greenery of Ifrane is a stark contrast to Erfoud – a dusty, rust-colored town hovering on the edge of the Sahara. Your hotel tonight is a true oasis, so take the opportunity to wash off the dust in the palm-fringed pool. Tomorrow you’re headed deeper into the dunes.
Accommodation: Palais du Desert Hotel & Spa (or similar), Erfoud
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Merzouga
Fuel up with a breakfast spread of fresh m’semen bread and oodles of tiny plates piled with butter, jam, honey, amlou, and olive oil. You’ll need the energy because the Harriet Adventures squad is off to meet villagers by 4WD today. Learn more about their nomadic way of life in the village of Khemlia through music, dance and dress before tucking into a lunch that’s centered on madfouna, a local staple of bread stuffed with veggies, herbs and meat.
But your foray into the desert doesn’t stop there. Spend the afternoon driving deeper, to the spot where you’ll camp for the night. If visions of shivering in a cold tent surrounded by sand have your brow furrowing, don’t fret. This camp has real beds, private bathrooms, and hot water. Talk about comfy. End the day riding off into the sunset, but instead of a horse, you’ll take a more traditional mode of transport – a camel.
Accommodation: Sandy Tents Camp (or similar), Merzouga
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 9: Ait Benhaddou
It’s not every day that you wake up in the Moroccan Desert. Set your alarm to watch the sunrise over the dunes. We promise you won’t regret the early wake-up call! Then it’s back on the road for a day of uncovering Morocco’s fortified villages. Keep your eyes trained on the horizon because you’ll soon spot the hazy blur of the Skoura Oasis. Situated along the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs”, the palm oasis, filled with over 70,000 trees, centuries-old irrigation systems, and the immaculately preserved citadel of Kasbah Amridil, is waiting.
Your ultimate destination is the legendary fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou. Dozens of Hollywood blockbusters, including Gladiator, have been filmed in this ancient ksar, and your trek up the village’s winding streets is sure to whisk you back a few centuries. Celebrate with a cup of tea at the Tawesna tea room, a very special cooperative run by local women who have been divorced or widowed. It’s a unique perspective on the community and one that you’ll be chatting about for years to come!
Accommodation: Ksar Ighenda (or similar), Ait Ben Haddou
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Recharge at Ait Benhaddou
Feeling a little weary from the road? Recharge those batteries today with a lazy lie-in, sip cocktails by the pool (a bit of a rarity in Morocco), or head to the spa. Did we mention you’re actually staying in an ancient ksar? It’s one of the dreamiest sleeps of the trip and a perfect spot to really linger. Each suite is a work of art, and room service means couscous and tajine are at your fingertips, cooked by a team of local chefs and bakers. There’s even a traditional hammam that’s sure to rejuvenate you in ways you never imagined.
Accommodation: Ksar Ighenda (or similar), Ait Ben Haddou
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11: Atlas Mountains
Kiss the ksar goodbye as you climb higher into the Atlas Mountains. You’ll cross into Toubkal National Park, named for the highest peak in North Africa. Imlil is your ultimate destination, looking as if it could crumble away from the cliffs at any moment. The neon greens and purple hues of the nearby mountains are a sharp contrast to the desert reds of yesterday. Hop out and stretch your legs on a short hike up to your hotel along a narrow pedestrian lane. Don’t worry – there’s plenty on hand to make light work of your luggage. Check in for the night before a bit of free time. If you spot a snow-capped peak, yes, that’s Mount Toubkal herself.
Accommodation: Riad Atlas 4 Seasons (or similar), Imlil
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12: Atlas Mountains
Today is all about shaking hands with a side of Morocco you may not have known existed. Head into the Atlas Mountains with a local guide for a hike weaving through high-altitude villages, framed by craggy peaks, with plenty of teahouse breaks to break up the trek.
You’re probably ready for a feast after such a climb, and guess what? You’re invited to lunch with a local family in Aroumd. Have any questions about what life is like in the High Atlas? Now is your chance to ask. The rest of the afternoon is yours to take a snooze or enjoy a cup of mint tea while you soak up views of the Mizane Valley and its terraced fields.
Accommodation: Riad Atlas 4 Seasons (or similar), Imlil
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 13: Hammam time in Marrakech
From Atlas villages, where it feels like time stands still, to the frenzy of the medina, you’re headed to Marrakech today. After almost two weeks of exploring – and yesterday’s mountain trek – make a beeline for the hammam to get spruced up for your first foray into the “Red City”.
You’ll be treated to a Moroccan black soap exfoliation and Argan oil body milk moisturization treatment, a combo that’s sure to leave you feeling totally refreshed. The hammam is a place for women to come together, maybe share a bit of gossip, and practice self-care, so be sure to shed those inhibitions! If stomachs start rumbling, rest assured that your guide has picked the perfect spot for dinner à la Marrakech.
Accommodation: Riad Al Rimal (or similar), Marrakech
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 14: Marrakech
You’ve been tasting your way through Morocco, savoring those fresh tagines and steaming pyramids of couscous. If you find yourself trying to figure out how you’d recreate them at home, you can stop taking notes. Join a local chef for a cooking class, learning about unique ingredients and techniques before gathering together for a family-style lunch.
It wouldn’t be a trip to Marrakech without visiting the medina. Getting lost is part of the fun, but don’t worry, your guide is here to help you navigate. Grab any last-minute souvenirs, and remember that haggling is expected! There’s no better way to celebrate this trip through Morocco with your Hattie squad than a farewell dinner cooked by a female chef. Circle together one last time for a symphony of North African flavors. It’s like having dinner at your Moroccan grandmother’s house – if she lived in a palace.
Accommodation: Riad Al Rimal (or similar), Marrakech
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 15:
Snow-capped peaks, cities doused in blue, and ancient fortified villages. You’ve experienced a side of Morocco that few venture deep enough to see. It’s only been two weeks with the Hattie squad, but we wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve made lifelong pals. There’s nothing like an incredible adventure to bond you for life. Spend your final morning grabbing one last fresh juice in Marrakech’s Medina or getting lost in the souk before it’s time to take to the skies. Until next time — we’ll see you somewhere in the world!
Included: Breakfast
Trip Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Prior to the payment of your full balance, the final price may change if there is significant variation in the USD:EUR exchange rate. Our trip pricing is determined by what the exchange rates are at the time of publishing the trip.
The pricing on this trip is based on an exchange rate of 1 USD:0.88 EUR.
A deposit of 25% of the total trip price is required to secure your spot. Payment can be made by credit card (fees apply) or bank deposit.
There is a cancellation window of 30 days. (Applicable to all bookings made at least 120 days before trip departure.)
We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are not refundable, but they are transferable at any time, right up until the first day of the trip.
The final balance of the trip is required 120 days in advance of the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.
Please refer to the full terms and conditions for further information.
Level 2 or Moderate
You’ll need a moderate level of fitness for this trip. If you can walk 3 – 4 hours at an easy pace on undulating and uneven ground, you’ll be fine. There will be days where you’ll be spending a lot of time on your feet and times when you’ll need to get on and off different types of transport. You may need to occasionally sit on the floor and from time to time, you must be ok with using a squat toilet – we do our best to accommodate what you’re used to (all hotel rooms have sit-down toilets) but when you’re on-the-road, sometimes it’s the only choice available.
Day 7 includes a long drive of around 8 hours in the vehicle. Don’t worry, you’ll make plenty of stops along the way to stretch your legs, grab snacks, and admire views. Still, you should come prepared for a proper road-trip day.
On Day 10, after arriving in Imlil, there’s a short and easy hike to reach the hotel. Nothing too dramatic – just enough to make you feel like a mountain explorer before dinner.
Day 11 is the big active day of the trip, with a mountain trek to a nearby village. The scenery is absolutely worth it, but if your ideal trip pace is more “slow tea with a view” than “mountain adventure,” you can absolutely stay behind in Imlil and enjoy more time wandering the town, relaxing, and soaking up the mountain atmosphere.
Activities are optional, meaning that if you don’t feel like it, you can skip it, but it will be impossible to enjoy your trip if you’re not able to do a walking tour for a full afternoon. Unfortunately, this tour cannot accommodate people requiring walking aids.
Americans and Canadians do not need a visa to visit Morocco.
Most of our trips have a tip kitty because many cultures have interesting and diverse rules when it comes to tips. We’ve found it to be the easiest way to combat over-tipping, under-tipping or having the tip fall into the wrong hands. Our goal is for guests to relax and know that the complexities of tipping are taken care of, on their behalf.
We’ll be updating this section with the tipping amount and how it’s distributed, soon.
Most North American travelers fly to Morocco via a major European hub, such as Paris, Madrid, Lisbon, London or Frankfurt. Non-stop services are also available from selected cities, including New York, Washington D.C., Miami and Montreal.
The trip begins in Casablanca and ends in Marrakech. Both places have international airports and are connected domestically by train.
Will we be picked up at the airport?
Yes! One of our friendly team will be waiting for you in the public arrivals area of the airport. You’ll transfer directly to the hotel. The transfer is free and in a private and air-conditioned vehicle, which you will only share if there is anyone else on your flight joining the trip. NB: Transfers from central capital city train stations can also be arranged.
When should we arrive?
Try to arrive before midday on the start day, although earlier would be recommendable. If possible, come one day early to settle in. We can organise additional hotel nights for you at cost.
The opportunity to do laundry during your trip is possible and best left for stays that are for more than one night. Your guide will be able to assist with recommendations during your trip.
Morocco is often misjudged as being an inexpensive destination. With tourism booming, due in large part to the influx of cheap flights from Europe, prices for some items are becoming more equivalent to prices you would be used to at home. Eating in local restaurants, roadside stalls, and from markets can be inexpensive, but for nights out at tourist-friendly restaurants, you can expect to pay much more. With drinks, tipping, and of course shopping, it can all add up. Budgets are a personal choice, but please bear in mind that you should not expect Morocco to be a budget destination.
In Morocco, some services and products are not fixed price, which means that your bartering skills will be tested, from hiring taxis to buying a souvenir in the medinas. This can be challenging for travellers who have not experienced this before. Ask your leaders for advice when you arrive! We find that the best approach is to smile and have fun, as this is an entrenched part of Moroccan culture.
Morocco is welcoming and accustomed to visitors, but it is also a conservative country. Modest clothing is appreciated, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas. In the warmer months, light, breathable clothing that covers your shoulders and knees is a comfortable and respectful choice.
Morocco rewards travelers who embrace a little unpredictability. Markets are hectic, roads can be slow, and not everything runs with precision. Where possible, your hotels are in historic settings where vehicles often can’t access the narrow lanes, so you may occasionally have to walk a short distance to your accommodation. Arrive with curiosity, patience and a sense of humor, and you’ll discover why Morocco has caught the imaginations of travelers for centuries.
In the unlikely event of a health- or security-related incident during a trip, we’ve engaged a local partner to assist. From our experience, there is not one framework that fits all, and every incident is unique and requires a different approach.
With all trips, your guides are your day-to-day support. While behind the scenes, there is an active line of communication between your guide, the on-ground support team, and Ops.
The local currency of Morocco is the Moroccan dirham (MAD).
This is one of the most frequently asked questions we get!
Most of our guests are in their 40s to 60s, with some a little younger and some older—everyone is welcome. Many Hatties travel solo and are paired with a roommate, so there’s no need to pay a single supplement. We’ll match you with someone of a similar age.
The typical Hattie is a well-traveled, seasoned adventurer who takes things in stride. That said, many tell us this is their very first group trip. A lot of our guests have avoided traditional tours in the past, as they’re not drawn to large, impersonal group experiences.
And one last thing:
Hatties are warm, generous, and kind. We always hoped it would be this way, but the reality has exceeded our expectations. We feel incredibly lucky to have such wonderful guests.
