Premium Morocco in Depth with Essaouira Tour by Intrepid Travel

18 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

12 peopleMaximum group size

15 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Casablanca, Morocco

Ends

Marrakech, Morocco

Highlights

Get to know the Moroccan way of life as you travel with a local leader and expert guides, visit a local home for dinner in Fes, enjoy tea with an Amazigh family in the Dades Valley and meet the women of the Tawesna social enterprise in Ait Benhaddou.

Discover Morocco’s iconic sights during visits to the ruins of Volubilis, the blue city of Chefchaouen, the remarkable Sahara Desert, the timeless Ait Benhaddou, the bustling cities of Fes and Marrakech the laidback seaside city of Essaouira.

In a remote oasis among the dunes of the Sahara Desert, embrace an escape from the modern world at your feature stay camp. Enjoy comfortable beds, en suite bathrooms and authentic décor, plus a traditional feast and live music under a sky full of stars.

Morocco is a paradise for food lovers – this trip is bursting with culinary experiences, including a traditional feast at a restaurant in Casablanca, picnic at the ruins of Volubilis, goat’s cheese tasting in Chefchaouen and medfouna demonstration in Khemliya.

See behind the scenes of Moroccan cuisine during a hands-on cooking class with a celebrated chef. Harvest fresh ingredients from the on-site organic garden, learn how to transform them into classic aromatic dishes then tuck into your creations.

By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Education for All. Donations help them support girls in the High Atlas Mountains through secondary school, bringing a generation of women out of the cycle of illiteracy, poverty and early marriage.

Itinerary

Dive deep into Morocco’s captivating culture and landscapes on the "Premium Morocco in Depth with Essaouira" tour. This 18-day journey unravels the blue streets of Chefchaouen, the bustling medinas of Meknes and Fes, and the vibrant squares of Marrakech. Sip tea with Amazigh families, savor home-cooked pastilla, and spend a night under Sahara stars before slowing down in the coastal embrace of Essaouira. Crafted for those who desire immersive, easy-paced exploration, this trip is especially rewarding for mature adventurers. The unique selling point? Meaningful local interactions and varied experiences that reveal Morocco’s warmth, hospitality, and unexpected diversity at every turn.

day 1 - Casablanca

Salaam Alaikum! Welcome to Morocco. When you arrive at Casablanca Airport, you'll be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure begins at 6 pm with a welcome meeting to meet your fellow travellers and group leader. If you arrive early, maybe visit the Villa des Arts – this gorgeous art deco gallery holds numerous exhibitions of contemporary Moroccan and international art. If you’re looking for a different type of cultural experience, then you can discover a unique and fascinating part of Moroccan history at the Museum of Judaism. This evening, celebrate the beginning of a new adventure with a welcome dinner with your group in a traditional restaurant. Nowhere is Morocco’s cultural heritage more evident than in its food, and tonight you’ll have the chance to try classic dishes like tagine, couscous and pastilla.

included:Complimentary Arrival Transfer, Casablanca - Welcome Dinner

accommodation:Hotel Gray or similar

meals:1 Dinner

day 2 - Meknes

This morning you’ll visit one of the most impressive sites in Casablanca – the massive Mosque of Hassan II. Second only in size to the great mosque at Mecca, the huge building sits partly on land and partly over sea and is one of the only religious sites open to non-Muslims. Later, leave Casablanca and drive north along the coast to Rabat – the elegant capital of Morocco and its first imperial city. Start your visit with a walk through the medina and souks, then explore the lovely walled quarter known as the Kasbah des Oudaias, where you’ll enjoy an included mint tea in a café overlooking the ocean and Bou Regreg River. After, continue the walk to visit the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the vast minaret of the Mosque of Hassan II. In the late afternoon, continue to Meknes, the former capital of Morocco.

included:Casablanca - Hassan II Mosque, Rabat - Kasbah des Oudaias, Rabat - Hassan Tower, Rabat - Mausoleum Mohammed V

accommodation:Riad Ritaj or similar

meals:1 Breakfast

day 3 - Chefchaouen

Join your leader and explore the charming streets of Meknes’s medina – the old walled section of the city. There’s something particularly special about exploring this lesser-known medina as the locals go about their daily lives. Walk to the shrine of Moulay Ismail, visit the granaries and stop by a local market selling vegetables, olives and sweets. Drive on to the ruins of Volubilis. Once a provincial Roman capital, a distant outpost of the empire, the remains make an undeniably impressive sight. A local guide will show you around, provide expert knowledge and help you imagine the bustling city that once was. Enjoy a picnic lunch of fresh bread, cheese and seasonal fruits and olives from the market, then continue to Chefchaouen. Nestled high in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is famous for its buildings washed in bright shades of blue – this is undeniably one of the world’s prettiest cities!

included:Meknes - Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, Volubilis - Picnic Lunch, Volubilis - Entrance and guided tour, Meknes - Medina walking tour

accommodation:Dar Echchaouen or similar

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

day 4 - Chefchaouen

This morning, you’ll discover Chefchaouen beneath the blue during a tour of the medina with a local guide. Tour its winding alleyways, cobbled plazas and unique doorways and find out what makes the city so alluring. Stop off for a tasting of goat’s cheese – you’ll see there’s no shortage of goats in Chefchaouen and this soft, creamy goat’s cheese is some of Morocco’s best. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore further at your own pace. You may like to snap some more pictures of the city’s blue-hued buildings, shop for handicrafts or simply sit at a cafe and enjoy the pleasure of time passing by. Speak to your leader about the option for a homecooked meal for dinner this evening.

included:Chefchaouen - Goat Cheese Tasting, Chefchaouen - Medina walking tour

accommodation:Dar Echchaouen or similar

meals:1 Breakfast

day 5 - Fes

Say goodbye to Chefchaouen and make the journey to Fes – the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. When you arrive, take some time to unwind in a local hammam (spa) – speak to your leader for some great recommendations. This evening you’ll have the unique opportunity to see a different side of Moroccan life as you are warmly welcomed into the home-turned-restaurant of a local family for a pastilla dinner in a private after-hours experience. One of the country’s most celebrated dishes, this sweet and savoury delight is made with layered pastry and meat, cooked with eggs, caramelised onions, lemon and sugared almonds. Learn how the iconic Moroccan pie is made as you chat with your friendly hosts about life in Fes, then end the night with a traditional sweet treat.

included:Fes - Home-cooked Pastilla Dinner

accommodation:Riad Houyam or similar

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

day 6 - Fes

This morning, head into the Old Town, known locally as Fes el Bali. Medieval Fes was one of the world's great centres of education and culture, both Islamic and Jewish. Its religious institutions and libraries are legendary, and its mosques are renowned. Your leader will share stories of the city’s history as you walk through the twisting streets and alleyways, passing donkeys piled high with goods. Filled with historic khans, medresses and dye pits, there are stalls loaded with fruits, herbs and soups and the squawk of chickens, smells of spice and sounds of hammering copper fill the air. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the medina for a traditional mint tea in a family-owned tea house. Spend the morning exploring the old city, visiting Al-Attarine Madrasa, the tanneries and the splendid Funduk Nejjarine – a beautifully restored 18th-century inn. The afternoon is then free to explore more of what this charming city has to offer.

included:Fes - Medina walking tour, Fes - Funduq al-Najjarin, Fes - Medersa El Attarine, Fes - Tea Break

accommodation:Riad Houyam or similar

meals:1 Breakfast

day 7 - Erfoud

Today, leave the intensity of the city behind for the desert oasis town of Erfoud. Prepare for a long driving day and have your camera ready as there will be plenty of stops to appreciate the ever-changing Moroccan landscape along the way. Wind past olive groves, shepherds tending to their flocks, forests of cedar, pine and oak, and valleys filled with date palms – all with views of the High Atlas Mountains in the distance. Arrive in Erfoud, your gateway to the Sahara Desert. Built by the French in the early 1900s, the town features tightly packed red sand buildings that blend seamlessly into the desert surroundings. While here, be sure to try some dates fresh from the local market – the dates in Erfoud are so delicious they celebrate them with a festival every year.

accommodation:Kasbah Hotel Xaluca Arfoud or similar

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

day 8 - Merzouga

Spend the morning exploring Khemliya – a village on the fringe of the orange-coloured Erg Chebbi sand dunes. This traditional Saharan village is known for its distinctive style of music and dance. For lunch today you’ll get to see how the local speciality dish of medfouna is made, and then sample some yourself. Then, it’s time to do as the locals do and ride a camel through the desert towards your Feature Stay accommodation – a spectacular camp hidden away in the sand dunes of the Sahara. Here in this magical escape from the modern world, you’ll experience the true essence of desert life. The remote location doesn’t mean skimping on amenities – permanent tents feature large beds, en suite bathrooms and delightful, authentic decor. Tonight, enjoy a traditional feast beneath the North African sky, jewelled with thousands of stars, followed by live Gnaoua music around an open fire.

included:Sahara Desert - Camel ride, Khemliya - Village walking tour, Khemliya - Medfouna cooking demonstration, Sahara Desert - Amazigh dinner with Gnaoua music

accommodation:Golden Camp (Feature Stay) or similar

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 9 - Dades

Start the day with a truly unforgettable desert sunrise, watching the landscape turn remarkable shades of orange. After breakfast 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. The limestone stacks make a perfect area for hiking, and so 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. Your accommodation offers a pool and terrace, so take some time to sit back and soak in the views.

included:Todra Gorge - Hike

accommodation:Hotel Xaluca or similar

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

day 10 - Dades

You have a full day 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 – there’s the option to tackle a 10 km circuit that will take about 4 hours, but your leader can tailor the route based on the preferences of the group. Take a short transfer to the start of the trek, then set out with a local guide. The trail undulates and can be challenging in sections but is accessible to everyone with a basic level of fitness. Stop in a village along the way and enjoy tea with a local Amazigh family. This experience offers a unique glimpse into the Amazigh way of life that few visitors to Morocco have the chance to see. Set against the sensational backdrop of the surrounding mountains and famous Rose Valley, take the opportunity to share stories and learn about family life in the Dades Valley.

included:Dades - Tea-making demonstration, Dades - Hike

accommodation:Hotel Xaluca or similar

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

day 11 - Ait Benhaddou

Depart the Dades Valley and set off on the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. Your first stop is Skoura Oasis – home to several privately owned kasbahs, including the Kasbah Ameridhl, with extravagant decorations and mud-brick fortifications. Continue to 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 Game of Thrones or its long list of film credits. Walk through the winding streets of the Old Town, making your way to the top of the hill for some scenic views. Visit Taman’Art Space, an art studio and cultural centre created by a local artist. Meet with the artist and founder and talk about his methods, inspiration and process, all while sipping a cup of tea on the terrasse, surrounded by gorgeous views. After, visit Tawesna – a local teahouse on the river – for a tasty lunch including freshly made Amazigh bread, soup, Moroccan sweets and mint tea. This community-run establishment provides women with a small income to support themselves and their children. The women use natural ingredients sourced from local cooperatives to prepare the tea and pastries, taking great pride in sharing their stories and giving visitors an authentic Amazigh experience.

included:Skoura - Kasbah and Oasis visit, Ait Benhaddou - Leader-led ksar walk, Ait Benhaddou - Lunch at Tawesna, Ait Benhaddou - Taman’Art Space Studio Visit

accommodation:Riad Tamdakht or similar

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

day 12 - Ouirgane

Leave Ait Benhaddou after breakfast and drive through the winding roads of the Atlas Mountains. You can take your time as the scenery is magnificent and keen photographers may call for a few photo stops. Your destination today is Ouirgane – sitting in the tranquil foothills of the High Atlas Mountains, this village provides visitors with an alternative and less-visited base for walking. With its gentle winter climate and moderate summer, it’s a great place to stroll around the nearby red-earth hills and pine forests, watch a wide variety of bird life or just sit back and relax at an altitude of 1000 m with a view of Mount Toubkal in the background. Speak to your leader about some hiking options this afternoon with a local guide.

accommodation:Chez Momo or similar

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

day 13 - Marrakech

Travel to the nearby town of Tahanaout, where you’ll take a hands-on cooking class with a celebrated local chef. You’ll explore his organic kitchen garden surrounded by beautiful olive groves and orchards set in a traditional Amazigh douar. Harvest ingredients fresh from the garden and let the chef teach you the art of seasoning with aromatic Moroccan herbs. Learn to cook tagines and salads, then savour your creations over lunch. After the feast, continue to Marrakech. When you arrive, check in to your beautifully decorated riad. This evening, why not head to the great square of Djemaa el-Fna – one of the largest public spaces in the world, When night falls, it transforms into a hive of activity. You may like to finish your day with a cup of tea at one of the roof-top restaurants overlooking the square.

included:Tahnaout - Cooking class

accommodation:2Ciels Boutique Hotel & Spa or similar

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

day 14 - Marrakech

After breakfast today, meet with a local guide who will bring the magic of Marrakech to life as you set off on a morning tour of the old medina, through the bustling souks that are the lifeblood of the city. Explore tranquil courtyards filled with the scent of orange blossom and the many salons and chambers that make up Bahia Palace. Stop by the Koutoubia Mosque – the inside is for Muslims only, but the famous minaret is a sight to behold. Walk back through the streets of the old medina to Djemaa el-Fna, stopping off to taste some of the marvellous freshly squeezed orange juice from a local stall – this is sure to be one of the most delicious glasses of orange juice you’ve ever tasted! The rest of the day is free to explore. Maybe visit Le Jardin Secret – a traditional medina garden with a magnificent courtyard – or head back into the medina and practice your haggling skills. For your final evening, maybe join your group for a farewell dinner. Your leader will be able to recommend some fantastic local restaurants.

included:Marrakech - Medina walking tour, Marrakech - Palais Bahia, Marrakech - Fresh orange juice tasting, Marrakech - Farewell Dinner

accommodation:2Ciels Boutique Hotel & Spa or similar

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

day 15 - Essaouira

After breakfast you’ll leave for Essaouira – a city where the medina brushes up against the Atlantic Ocean. Get to know this laidback city during an orientation walk with your leader who will help you navigate a maze of market stalls and narrow streets while sharing insights on local life in one of North Africa's most attractive places. Pass the harbour filled with colourful boats and explore the fish souk. Here, you’ll choose a catch of the day and take it to a local restaurant where you can hand over your market purchase for it to be grilled – a fresh catch for lunch! Your leader will also take you to the fresh vegetables markets where you can choose your salads and veggies to accompany your seafood lunch. Enjoy a delicious meal together with the rest of your group.

included:Essaouira - Seafood Market Lunch, Essaouira - Leader-led orientation walk

accommodation:Cote Ocean or similar

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

day 16 - Essaouira

The name Essaouira means ‘little picture’, which is appropriate for this picturesque place. This artists' town was once home to British and Jewish populations, and its charm has seen the likes of Orson Welles and Jimi Hendrix, who (according to local legend) spent much of his time here in the 1960s. Enjoy a free day to wander the city’s charming sandstone streets. Maybe explore the coast and sand dunes on horseback or discover the Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah Museum and its collection of artefacts, woodwork, carpets and stringed instruments. Or sit back and watch the kite surfers ride the crashing waves. You can also discover the taste of Morocco in a cooking class, or head outside of the city to the beautiful surroundings on a daytrip.

accommodation:Cote Ocean or similar

meals:1 Breakfast

day 17 - Marrakech

The morning is free for you to explore further. Maybe pick up some local handicrafts at the markets or enjoy a final coffee in the square to soak up the easy-going rhythm of this Moroccan town. In the afternoon, you’ll drive back to Marrakech. When you have settled into your hotel, you’ll likely be drawn back to the Djemaa el-Fna and its surrounding medina. Eating out at one of the many outdoor restaurants lining the square is a great way to finish your adventure.

accommodation:2 Ciels Luxury Boutique or similar

meals:1 Breakfast

day 18 - Marrakech

Your trip ends today after breakfast today you’re free to leave at any time. If you have arranged a private airport transfer, you’ll be advised of the pick-up time. If you’d like to extend your stay in Marrakech, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

meals:1 Breakfast

Get Trip Brochure & Exclusive Discount

Download a detailed PDF brochure and unlock an exclusive discount for this tour

What's Included

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (16 nights), Feature Stay (1 night)

Meals

17 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 9 Dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Guide

An expert tour leader

Included Activities

Complimentary Arrival TransferCasablanca - Welcome DinnerCasablanca - Hassan II MosqueRabat - Kasbah des OudaiasRabat - Hassan TowerRabat - Mausoleum Mohammed VMeknes - Mausoleum of Moulay IsmailVolubilis - Picnic LunchVolubilis - Entrance and guided tourMeknes - Medina walking tourChefchaouen - Goat Cheese TastingChefchaouen - Medina walking tourFes - Home-cooked Pastilla DinnerFes - Medina walking tourFes - Funduq al-NajjarinFes - Medersa El AttarineFes - Tea BreakSahara Desert - Camel rideKhemliya - Village walking tourKhemliya - Medfouna cooking demonstrationSahara Desert - Amazigh dinner with Gnaoua musicTodra Gorge - HikeDades - Tea-making demonstrationDades - HikeSkoura - Kasbah and Oasis visitAit Benhaddou - Leader-led ksar walkAit Benhaddou - Lunch at TawesnaAit Benhaddou - Taman’Art Space Studio VisitTahnaout - Cooking classMarrakech - Medina walking tourMarrakech - Palais BahiaMarrakech - Fresh orange juice tastingMarrakech - Farewell DinnerEssaouira - Seafood Market LunchEssaouira - Leader-led orientation walk

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

This tour has not received any customer reviews yet. However, you can expect a PremierThis travel specialist is consistently delivering tours which receive customer ratings above 4.6 on average. tour and service level as the travel specialist who runs it has received 161 reviews for other tours with an average 4.6rating.

Tour Availability

Select your preferred departure date and secure your spot

Loading availability...

Monthly Price Comparison

Good to Know

Cancellation

Payment

Travel Insurance

Visa

Other Practical Information

Do you need help from our trip consultants?

If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Our travel experts are ready to help.

Why Book with Bookmundi

Earn USD 165+ in travel credits.

Best price guaranteed.

No credit card or booking fees.

100% financial protection.Bookmundi is a member of the Danish Travel Fund which guarantees for any payment made via us. Our guarantee covers all travelers, irrespective of nationality.

Carbon neutral tours.Algorithms and machine learning enables Bookmundi to calculate the carbon footprint for each tour. We then subsequently offset carbon emissions for all tour bookings on Bookmundi via investments in carbon reduction projects to help combat climate change.

25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.

What are customers saying about Bookmundi

4.67/5

Excellent based on 806 customer reviews from

&quot;&quot;

Great booking process; easy form to fill in online and got help as soon as I needed it via email

8 hours ago

Europe

Asia

South America

Africa

North America

Oceania

Polar

Food, wine, events and nightlife

Adventure and sport

Wildlife, landscapes and nature

Boat tours, water sports and marine wildlife

Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history

Air tours, road trips and transfers

Beach, romance, getaways and relaxation

Special interests and hobbies

Hi there

Highlights