Morocco·4 - 12 March 2025

Southern Moroccan Adventure

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

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Overview

A trip to Morocco is like a step back in time. From Marrakech's bustling medina to the Sahara Desert, one of the world's seven wonders, from the mountains to the Essaquiram seaside, a journey through Morocco is an adventure from the past. A coastal North African country, Morocco welcomes a mix of Arabic, French, Spanish, and indigenous Berber influences. The result is a distinctive, timeless style that will stay with you long after you return home. Our trip begins in magnificent Marrakesh, where we will visit Yves Saint Laurent’s sumptuous Majorelle gardens, the majestic Bahia palace, and the intricate and extensive souk markets. We’ll experience a traditional hammam ritual and have a Moroccan cooking class in a Riad. From there, we will venture into the heart of the Sahara. Here, we'll stay in a luxury desert camp while we explore the Dades Gorges, Morocco’s Grand Canyon. Finally, we'll move on to the enchanting seaside town of Essaouira, where we’ll enjoy wine tasting at a vineyard and feast on local delicacies. We’ve set up a meet-and-greet with the locals, emphasizing the women of Morocco, giving us a deeper, more authentic perspective on the Moroccan lifestyle.

Highlights

Ride camels through the golden Saharan dunes

Ride camels through the golden Saharan dunes

Stargaze in the open desert after nightfall

Stargaze in the open desert 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

Relax in an elegant Hammam experience

Relax in an elegant Hammam experience

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

Enjoy wine tasting at one of Morocco’s most esteemed vineyards

Enjoy wine tasting at one of Morocco’s most esteemed vineyards

Visit a traditional Berber family

Visit a traditional Berber family

Itinerary

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

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RESTAURANTMARRAKECHMEDINA

Marrakech

Day 1: Tuesday, March 4th, 2025

Welcome to Morocco!  

We begin the trip in Marrakech. Your flight should arrive at Marrakech International Airport on March 4th (or earlier). After customs and baggage claim, your driver and guide will welcome you and take you to the hotel, Riad Boutique Elegancia . Rest and refresh for as long as you wish.  

We'll gather on the hotel's rooftop terrace in the late afternoon, for a welcome drink before heading out to the famed Djemaa el Fnaa Square. It comes alive at night! Storytellers and snake charmers hold the audience captive while vendors sell their dishes to the locals. 

Tonight, we'll dine at Rooftop Dardar overlooking the square. Enjoy the local cuisine with a view over the bustling square below. 

Included

Dinner

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Marrakech

Day 2: Wednesday, March 5th, 2025

We’ll wake to a relaxed breakfast on the riad’s terrace. Then, head out to explore Marrakech’s old city. We'll take a guided walking tour of the most notable monuments, followed by a guided exploration of the medina and the souks, where every imaginable good is on sale, from spices to shoes and handmade carpets. Our guide will help us negotiate a good deal at the souks! 

We'll enjoy lunch at Le Jardin a stylish restaurant in the heart of the medina. 

In the late afternoon, we'll take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Moroccan delights. Then, we'll feast in a gorgeous setting. 

Included

Breakfast, Lunch

Cooking class

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Marrakech

Day 3: Thursday, March 6th, 2025

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

Lunch is at the Amal Association, an organization dedicated to empowering disadvantaged women in Marrakech. The women prepare a delicious lunch here, and we can learn more about their critical work. 

In the afternoon, we have a hammam spa trip planned. You're about to get all scrubbed up and relaxed. The traditional hammam involves several steps and is one of the world’s oldest rituals. You'll start with a black soap cleanse followed by a cascading cold-water rinse. The wash and rinse prepares your skin for an invigorating scrub, leaving you soft and free of accumulated toxins and impurities. After another rinse, your body, face, and hair are covered in a mask of Moroccan volcanic clay. The last step in this centuries-old purification practice is a relaxing massage using pure oils, Morocco’s precious youth elixir! 

Dinner will be at our hotel this evening.

Included

All meals

Hammam

TiziriCamp

Merzouga

Day 4: Friday, March 7th, 2025

This morning, you’ll visit the magnificent Bahia Palace, which showcases the rich history of Moroccan architecture and design. 

Before heading to the airport, you will stop by a nearby herbalist who will explain the ancient beauty and health traditions using natural ingredients such as argan oil and prickly pear extract. 

After a short flight, you'll land in Errachidia, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. 

Settle into your luxury tents (complete with a bathroom and shower!) and enjoy the scenery. As the golden hour approaches, we’ll take a camel ride through the dunes to experience the traditional nomadic lifestyle and a glorious sunset. 

We’ll have a homemade dinner in the camp’s dining tent. Then, spend the rest of the evening sitting at the campfire, enjoying live music and stargazing!  

Included

Flight to Errachidia

All meals

Sandboard

Marrakech

Day 5: Saturday, March 8th, 2025

If you're in the mood to wake up early, set your alarm to catch the unforgettable sunrise over the Saharan dunes. Afterward, we will have a delicious breakfast at our camp.

By mid-morning, embark on an exhilarating 4WD tour through the dunes! Explore the enchanting oasis of Merzouga and the vibrant Khamlia Village, where you’ll be captivated by the soulful Gnawa music of the locals. Meet desert nomads, discover their fascinating lifestyle, and visit the serene Lake of Merzouga, teeming with diverse birdlife. Conclude the adventure at our kasbah, where a refreshing glass of tea and relaxation await you.

For lunch, we'll feast on Berber pizza while enjoying the sounds of local musicians.

In the late afternoon, you'll have the chance to sand-board down the dunes or soak in the magical desert ambiance during the golden hour.

Tonight, we'll dine at the camp and share stories about our time in the desert.

Included

All meals

4WD Tour

KasbahPool

Marrakech

Day 6: Sunday, March 9th, 2025

Today marks our departure from the desert as we set our sights on the mountains. Before our flight, we'll explore a vibrant local market and stroll through an exquisite, tiled garden.

Upon landing in Marrakesh, we'll drive to the majestic Atlas Mountains, where Kasbah Angour awaits. We'll enjoy a delightful lunch here, followed by some leisure time. You might find the shimmering pool irresistible, or perhaps a walk through the lush surroundings. There is also a gorgeous spa onsite. This will be the perfect afternoon to enjoy a hammam experience or a facial. 

We'll dine poolside at the hotel in the evening, soaking in the serene ambiance.

Included

All meals

Flight

Not Included

Spa treatment

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Essaouira

Day 7: Monday, March 10th, 2025

After breakfast, we'll make our way to Villa MoracWe will arrive at the gorgeous Villa Maroc with its beautifully curated design. Each room is unique and full of local treasures.

After lunch, the afternoon is yours! You'll have free time to explore the city, daydream on the beach, or revisit the market souvenirs. 

In the evening, we'll have a private dinner in the hotel where we'll share stories of our time.

Included

All meals

Not Included

Spa treatment

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Essaouira,

Day 8: Tuesday, March 11th, 2025

Today is a day of leisure! 

We'll have breakfast on the rooftop terrace and enjoy the view. Then, we'll wander into town for a guided tour of Essaouira, where we can dip our toes in the Atlantic Ocean. 

Then, we head to a stunning vineyard, where we'll taste their wide selection of wines, ranging from vin gris (a light rose) to a powerful orange wine. Delight in the traditional salads and kebabs with a French flair.

We'll eat dinner at a local restaurant and reflect on our adventures.

Included

All meals

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Essaouira

Day 9: Wednesday, March 12th, 2025

It’s time to say goodbye, with a bit of melancholy but with a few new friends and memories. 

We'll organize the transportation to Marrakech. Should you want to continue the adventure in Casablanca we are happy to help with arrangements. 

Included

Breakfast

Airport transfer

You'll Be Staying Here

Riad Elegancia

Riad Elegancia

Jewel of tradition and Moroccan hospitality, Riad Boutique Elegancia invites you on a timeless journey in complete privacy. The hotel bears witness to the most beautiful expressions of the ancestral know-how of Moroccan craftsmen. 

Taziri Desert Camp

Taziri Desert Camp

This luxury eco desert camp will WOW you! Each tent is individually and uniquely decorated. From the home-cooked meals to the twinkling stars, you will be sad to leave your desert oasis. 

Kasbah Angour

Kasbah Angour

Kasbah Angour is perched on a hilltop offering spectacular views of the Atlas Mountains. The locally made furniture showcases Berber motifs, adding to the authentic ambiance. 

Villa Morac

Villa Morac

Situated within walking distance of the beach in Essaouira, Villa Morac will be your home away from home. Be sure to watch the sunset from the rooftop patio.

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 five 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 the 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$7,525

Base Trip - Shared Room

Base Trip - Shared Room

Share a room with a friend or family member

FROM$6,635

Jewel of North Africa

The Kingdom of Morocco

Moroccan culture uniquely blends African, Arabic (or Moorish), and European influences. Here, the past and present live in fascinating harmony. Prepare 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

Plan on flying in and out of the Marrakesh Airport

The trip officially starts on the afternoon of Tuesday March 4th, but if you're traveling across an ocean to get to Morocco, consider arriving a day early so you have time to relax and adjust to the local time zone. If you do decide to arrive early, you can book an extra night directly through the website in the Add On section. This way, we'll make sure you don't need to change rooms when the trip starts.

Airport transfers are included on the day the trip starts and if you purchase the Arrive 1 Day Early Add-on. If you're arriving at a different time, transfers are not included but we can make arrangements to have you picked up at the airport and brought to the hotel for an additional cost.

We will have a zoom call about 8-10 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 you visit. Nights are still chilly, though with nighttime temperatures between 50F-55F. March tends to be the second rainiest month of the year. 

You do not need a special visa to enter Morocco. Don’t forget your passport. It’s the one item that’s tough to replace. Please ensure enough empty pages and that it is valid for a full six months from the date you return from the trip. 

Inquire about this trip

Southern Moroccan Adventure

Morocco· 4 - 12 March 2025· 8 nights

FROM$7,525/pp