Morocco·March 4 - 11 2024

Southern Moroccan Adventure

A land of Medinas, culture, architecture, off the beaten track escapades, beaches, deserts and mountains

BOOK NOW INQUIRE
OverviewImage.iStock974745594

Overview

A trip to Morocco can feel like a step back in time. From the bustling medina of Marrakech to one of the seven wonders of the world, the Sahara Desert. As a coastal North African country, Morocco welcomes a mix of Arabic, French, Spanish, and indigenous Berber influences. The result is a unique and timeless style, one that will stay with you long after your return home. Our trip begins in Casablanca, journeys to the Sahara where we'll stay in a luxury desert camp, explores the Dades Gorges (known as Morocco’s Grand Canyon) and then finally on to magnificent Marrakesh. There's an optional 2-night trip extension to the seaside town of Essaouira if you desire the perfect ending to your adventure. March is an ideal time to visit Morocco, with temperatures ranging from 58 °F (14 °C) to 72 °F (22 °C). We’ve set up meet-and-greet experiences with locals putting an emphasis on the women of Morocco, enabling us to have a deeper, more authentic perspective on the Moroccan lifestyle. Of course, we’ll spend time the markets where the shopping is incredible. We’ll experience a traditional hammam ritual and have a Moroccan cooking class in a Riad. Mosques and Palaces will fill our days, ubiquitous mint tea will relax us, and on our last night we’ll be throwing a party like you’ve never seen or experienced. We’ll be dressed in stunning traditional dress and then the music, dancing and feasting will ensue. This is the Morocco of your dreams.

Highlights

Visit the majestic Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca

Visit the majestic Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca

Ride camels through the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert

Ride camels through the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert

Stargaze in the open desert sky after nightfall

Stargaze in the open desert sky after nightfall

Learn how to cook an authentic Moroccan tagine in a hands-on cooking class

Learn how to cook an authentic Moroccan tagine in a hands-on cooking class

Tour the souks of Marrakech with a guide who can help you bargain

Tour the souks of Marrakech with a guide who can help you bargain

Opt for a traditional Hammam scrub and spa treatment

Opt for a traditional Hammam scrub and spa treatment

Explore the mystical Djemaa el Fna Square at night

Explore the mystical Djemaa el Fna Square at night

Stroll through the photo-worthy Majorelle Gardens created by Yves St. Laurent

Stroll through the photo-worthy Majorelle Gardens created by Yves St. Laurent

Itinerary

Here's a day-by-day itinerary of the trip

Previous

Next

p1010972

Day 1: Monday, March 4th, 2024

Arrival & Welcome to Morocco!

We begin the trip in Casablanca, your arrival flight should arrive to Casablanca International Airport on March 3 (or earlier). After customs and baggage claim, you’ll be welcomed by our driver and guide, who will take you to our hotelLe Casablanca. Rest and refresh for as long as you wish here. In the afternoon, we’ll get to visit Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Africa and a stunning example of Moroccan architecture! (Approx. 30 mins driving time).

We’ll all meet in the evening for drinks at the hotel before  dinner at Rick’s Cafe.

Included

Dinner

rigelWUYprauUJikunsplash

Day 2: Tuesday, March 5th, 2024

Today, we’ll have the morning at leisure to relax before meeting for lunch at La Sqala, a lovely Moroccan restaurant with open seating in an outdoor garden.

Then we'll visit Casablanca’s Habous district in the afternoon, which is one of the most popular shopping areas in the city. Our guide will walk us through the district giving us some background and guides are always there to help us negotiate for any Moroccan goodies that catch our eye! Its a wonderful country for shopping! 

After a day spent in Casablanca, we’ll have the rest of the afternoon at our leisure before meeting back at the hotel for dinner. Its a chance to get some rest as tonight will be a late one. 

After dinner we’ll make our way to Casablanca Airport to catch a late evening flight to Errachidia, the closest airport to the Sahara Desert. The only flight leaves at 11pm but luckily its under 1 hour. We’ll be picked up upon arrival at the airport driving south to Erfoud, where we’ll spend the night at Palais Masondoia  (Approx. 1.5 hours driving time).

Your pillow will be a welcome sight tonight. 

CamelwWomaniStock900272482

Day 3: Wednesday, March 6th, 2024

After breakfast at our hotel, we’ll make our way out to the Sahara Desert! We’ll stop for lunch and then we'll head through the dunes arriving at our desert camp (Approx. 1 hour driving time).

Upon arrival, we’ll get settled into our luxury tents (complete with a bathroom and shower!) and take time to enjoy the surrounding scenery. Close to golden hour, we’ll take a camel ride through the dunes to experience the traditional nomadic lifestyle and a glorious sunset.

Tonight we’ll enjoy a homemade dinner in the camp’s dining tent and will have the rest of the evening to sit by the campfire, enjoy some live music and stargaze! 

Our home in the desert is at the Luxury Desert Camp.

iStock507725651

Day 4: Thursday, March 7th, 2024

Whomever is in the mood to wake up early, we'll set our alarms to catch the sunrise over the Saharan dunes, something you'll never forget. Otherwise, we’ll meet for a delicious breakfast at the desert camp and have the option to sand-board down the dunes. Sadly its time to bid farewell to the desert and head to Dades, a town located halfway between the Sahara and Marrakech.

We’ll stop for lunch en route and take the opportunity to snap photos and enjoy a stretch your legs walk through the Dades Gorges, known as Morocco’s Grand Canyon. 

Upon arrival at our rustic mountain lodge with charming rooms for the evening, we’ll relax with a gourmet dinner. The chef here is known for his Moroccan-European fusion cuisine that changes daily based on local ingredients (Approx. 5.5 hours driving time total).

Overnight stay at Chez Pierre.

iStock617386148

Day 5: Friday, March 8th, 2024

After breakfast, we’ll depart for the Ochre City of Marrakech! We’ll make a stop at Ait Ben Haddou, a popular filming location where Game of Thrones, Lawrence of Arabia and other shows have been shot. We’ll take a brief visit of the Kasbah and have lunch nearby and then continue the drive to Marrakech (Approx. 7 hours driving time in total).

After arriving and checking in to our riad, we'll enjoy some free time to settle in and explore the local area. In the evening, we have the option to visit the famed Djemaa el Fna Square, which comes alive at night. Storytellers hold audience’s captive, juice vendors call out the flavors they have available, and live musicians perform in the middle of the square.


Dinner will be at our beautiful property, the Riad Elegancia, with time to relax after a long day of travel.

iStock491209851

Day 6: Saturday, March 9th, 2024

We’ll wake up to breakfast on the riad’s terrace and then head out to explore Marrakech’s old city. Our guide will take us on a walking tour of the most notable monuments, followed by a lunch break in the medina. 

In the afternoon, we'll continue our exploration of the medina and the souks, where every imaginable good is sold, from spices to shoes to handmade carpets. Once again, our guide will help us negotiate at the souks!

After a long day of exploring we will head back to the hotel for some much needed rest and relaxation. 

Dinner will be on your own tonight at your leisure.


iStock994810330

Day 7: Sunday, March 10th, 2024

This morning, after breakfast, we have a hammam spa trip planned to get you scrubbed and relaxed. The traditional hammam ritual involves several steps and is one of the world’s most ancient traditions. First you'll start with a black-soap cleanse, followed by a cascading cold-water rinse. This prepares your skin for an invigorating scrub, which leaves you soft and free of accumulated toxins and impurities. After another rinse, a mask of Moroccan volcanic clay is applied to the body, face and hair.  The last step of this centuries-old practice of purification is the relaxing massage using pure oils, Morocco’s precious youth elixir!

Once you're feeling relaxed and refreshed, we’ll head to the Majorelle Gardens for a self-guided visit through the colorful paths! The gardens are filled with exotic plants and trees from all over the world. Next door sits the YSL Museum, home to original work of the internationally renowned designer, Yves Saint-Laurent. Once you’ve made your way through the gardens, take some time to check out the museum and learn more about YSL.

Lunch today is at the Amal Associationan organization dedicated to empowering disadvantaged women in Marrakech. They do a delicious lunch here and we have the opportunity learn more about the critical work they do.

This evening we will conclude the trip with a private tagine cooking class and a farewell party at a privatized venue. While our wonderful meal is cooking, we’ll celebrate together with entertainment and traditional henna artists. It’s the perfect way to end our unforgettable adventure in Morocco.

But wait....for those taking the extension there's more!

martinadamszbPDL84kvRgunsplash

Day 8: Monday, March 11th, 2024

For those of you not joining the trip extension to Essaouira, we must bid a melancholy but heartfelt farewell to our new friends and the sights and sounds of the past week’s adventures.

Ideally, your return flight is from Marrakech airport (a 15-20 min drive from the hotel), but if you booked a round-trip flight to/from Casablanca, we’ll arrange for you to be driven to the Casablanca Int’l airport. Casablanca is 2.5-3-hour drive from Marrakech, so make sure your departing flight is in the late afternoon or evening to ensure plenty of time to get to the airport, and for customs and security. If you prefer, you can also book a connecting flight from Marrakech to Casablanca. 

For those of you joining the trip extension to Essaouira ... onward!

Included

Breakfast

301169641_498681938924525_7646420399580523355_n

Day 1: Extension, March 11th, 2024

While others depart, those continuing will have the morning at leisure in Marrakech. Then we’ll pack up and head to Essaouira, the charming coastal town which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site that lies just a few hours west of Marrakech. (approx 3-hour drive)

We’ll stop en route to see the tree goats and visit an argan oil co-op to learn how this famous health and beauty product is made. Most argan oil is made by women and is critical to the local economy and their families. We’ll enjoy lunch at a local vineyard on the outskirts of town.

Upon arrival we’ll check-in at the Riad Villa Maroc allowing some free time to relax before meeting up for dinner at the hotel.

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

iStock174804987

Day 2: Extension, March 12th, 2024

After a breakfast of Moroccan pancakes or Viennese pastries, we’ll be treated to a half-day guided visit of Essaouira where we’ll visit the city’s old ramparts, the Medina, artisan cooperatives, and heritage sites. With its brilliant blue and white architecture, windswept beach, and easy-going charm, Essaouira is a lovely change from the hectic pace of Marrakech. 

We’ll learn about the city’s history and the influence left over the centuries by the Carthaginians, Romans, and Portuguese. Behind the 18th century sea walls are thuya wood workshops, artists’ enclaves and silent alleyways where cats sun themselves and veiled women emerge from studded doorways. The harbor is a photographer’s dream, with fishing nets laid out on the quayside, boats unloading their catches and the smell of freshly grilled sardines and lobsters in the air.

A lunch of fresh seafood at La Coupole located right on the beach will be included. 

After lunch, the rest of the afternoon will be at your leisure to enjoy the nearby beach, do some last minute shopping or simply soak up the sun! We’ll meet back up later in the evening for our final dinner together at Dar Baba for some Mediterranean fusion cuisine. 

Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

iStock1124472547

Day 3: Extension, March 13th, 2024

Sadly, we must bid farewell to your new friends and the wonderful Moroccan people who have supported our journey. We'll drive back to Marrakech airport (~3 hours) or Casablanca airport (~4.5-5 hours). Please make sure your departing flight is in the late afternoon or evening to ensure plenty of time to get to the airport.

Included

Breakfast

You'll Be Staying Here

Le Casablanca

Le Casablanca

Located in one of the residential and green areas of the city of Casablanca, 5 minutes from the business center, the corniche and the royal golf course, Casablanca Hotel is the essence of this destination. With an uncluttered architecture reminiscent of the beautiful Art Deco period, and an exceptional garden planted in the city center, it asserts its imprint of an Urbain Resort with its cozy elegance.

Palais Masandoia

Palais Masandoia

The Palais Masandoïa hotel is the promise of a magical and timeless stopover at the gates of the Sahara desert. Sheltered from view at the exit of Erfoud, the hotel offers everything that makes a trip through southern Morocco a privileged interlude during which everything becomes possible.

Luxury Camp Chebbi

Luxury Camp Chebbi

Luxury Camp Chebbi brings you the perfect combination of a nomadic lifestyle with all the accoutrements of a super-luxury stay.

In the middle of the desert of Merzouga, in Erg Chebbi, is the Luxury Camp Chebbi. A unique space where you will enjoy the tranquility and Berber hospitality.

Chez Pierre

Chez Pierre

The Auberge Chez Pierre is located just below the Dades Gorge, six hours from Marrakech on the road to the dunes of Merzouga. You can be sure of a warm welcome and a peaceful stay in this idyllic setting in the High Atlas.

Riad Elegancia

Riad Elegancia

Jewel of tradition and Moroccan hospitality, Riad Boutique Elegancia invites you to a timeless journey in complete privacy that bears witness to the most beautiful expressions of the ancestral know-how of Moroccan craftsmen. A private residence reduced to 11 keys which offers a highly personalized service in complete privacy.

Hosts

Katrin Hodapp

Katrin Hodapp

A 25-year resident in her adopted Paris. Katrin has turned from a career as an international literary agent to sharing her passion for travel and art. She speaks 5 languages fluently and when not guiding visitors in France, Holland and Morocco, is an active translator in the film industry. She's always keen to find the perfect view, the ideal bistro and hidden gem to make the trips she leads seamless and memorable.

Price

Base Trip - Private Room

Base Trip - Private Room

Everyone gets their own fabulous room!

FROM$7,735.00/pp

Base Trip - Shared Room

Base Trip - Shared Room

Share a room with a friend or family member

FROM$6,735.00/pp

3-Day Trip Extension to Essaouira

3-Day Trip Extension to Essaouira

Explore the spectacular coastal city of Essaouira

FROM$1,995.00/pp

Add Ons

Arrive 1 day early in Casablanca

Arrive 1 day early in Casablanca

Includes airport transfer & 1 night at Le Casablanca Hotel w/ breakfast.

PRICE$490.00/pp

ADD THIS
Arrive 2 days early in Casablanca

Arrive 2 days early in Casablanca

Includes airport transfer & 2 nights at Le Casablanca Hotel w/ breakfast.

PRICE$895.00/pp

ADD THIS

Jewel of North Africa

The Kingdom of Morocco

Moroccan culture is a unique blend of African, Arabic (or Moorish) and European influence where the past and present live together in fascinating harmony. Get ready for endless diversity and constant surprises!

The Kingdom of Morocco

What's Included

What's Included

A registered country guide, driver and host to look after your every need

Airport transfers

A GG2P welcome gift

All hotels

All meals specified in the itinerary

All trips, entrance fees and transportation in country

Souk Cuisine cooking class

Meals and visits with artists, women at the cooperative as well as a Moroccan family

Hammam experience

Domestic flights

Additional wine, beer or spirits beyond what is offered at meals.

Souvenirs & shopping

Your international airfare

Travel and Medical Insurance (required)

Additional spa services

Reviews

This is the trip of a lifetime. It provides the traveler with a glimpse into the wonders of Morocco, while enjoying beautiful accommodations and amazing food. The connections I made with the other ladies on this trip have continued beyond our departures. I would travel with any one of them again. Our leader was highly competent and dealt with all issues as they arose. It was a highly enjoyable trip. - Jennifer F.

2023 Trip Participant

Don't miss this Morocco trip! You will learn about the Berber & Bedouin culture, see magnificent sights, eat fantastic food and ride a camel! One of the best experiences of my life. - Jolene W.

2023 Trip Participant

I really liked the combination of events that we did- Casablanca, the desert, Atlas Mountains and Marrakech. I liked the high end nature of the trip and most importantly, I liked meeting new people who like to travel!!! I am so grateful to have gone on this trip. I had such a great time and made great connections with many of the other women! I can’t wait to go in another trip! - Catherine F.

2023 Trip Participant

FAQs

The airport you will want to fly into is the Casablanca Airport (CMN) -The Mohammed V Airport.

The trip officially starts on the afternoon of March 4th, but if you are traveling across an ocean to get to Morocco, you may want to consider arriving a day early so you have time to relax and get acclimated to the local time zone. If you do decide to arrive early, you can book directly through the website under the Add On's button. . We will take care of making sure that you are kept in the same room as you will be in when the trip starts. 

Airport transfers are included on the day the trip starts. If you are arriving early they will not be included in the cost of the trip but we can make arrangements to have you picked up at the airport and brought to the hotel.

We will have a zoom call about 6 weeks before the trip starts to discuss all that information and give you a packing list. Here is a great website that we love that will help you with packing and travel trips. 

March is a great time to visit Morocco. It is the beginning of Spring. The temperature in Morocco in March grows warmer during the day, with average daytime temperatures of 68F-75F, depending on the area of the country that you visit. Nights are still chilly, though with nighttime temperatures between 50F-55F. March tends to be the second rainiest month of the year. 

To travel to Morocco you do not need a special visa to enter the country. Don’t forget your Passport. It’s the one item that’s tough to replace. Please be sure you have enough empty pages without stamps in your passport and that it is good for a full 6 months after the date you return from your trip. 

Inquire about this trip

Southern Moroccan Adventure

Morocco· March 4 - 11 2024· 7 nights

FROM$7735/pp