Morocco Encompassed

18 days
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Small Group Tour
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 ...
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$2,533
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • 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.

What's this trip about?

    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.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range15 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityCasablanca
End CityMarrakech

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • High Adventure
  • Local Immersion & Homestays

Destinations

Attractions

  • Ait Benhaddou
  • Atlas Mountains
  • Casablanca
  • Chefchaouen
  • Essaouira
  • Fes
  • Marrakech
  • Medina
  • Rabat
  • Sahara Desert

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Trip includes

    • 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

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Casablanca

Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Morocco and the bustling city of Casablanca. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive with time to spare, maybe you’d like to visit the art deco Villa des Arts – this gorgeous gallery dates back to the 1930...

Day 2 Tangier/Chefchaouen

This morning, take the TGV fast train to the coastal town of Tangier – a place of strategic importance to the Mediterranean as a gateway to Africa. Head out on a short orientation walk with your leader, then enjoy some free time exploring the town. Maybe duck into Caf...

Day 3 Chefchaouen

Today is a free day in Chefchaouen. Maybe take a guided tour of the sights, sounds and smells of the medina, or sample the delicious local specialties (the orange juice is delicious!) at a cafe in the Plaza Uta el-Hammam. Alternatively, you might prefer to get out of ...

Day 4 Moulay Idriss

This morning, enjoy a spot of breakfast and then take a scenic drive through the countryside to the sacred village of Moulay Idriss. Explore the medina of this ancient town and gain an insight into traditional Moroccan life. See where the faithful gather to pay homage...

Day 5 Volubilis/Meknes/Fes

Today, take a guided tour of the World Heritage-listed site of Volubilis – once one of the Roman empire's most remote bases. The remains make an undeniably impressive sight as they come into view on the edge of the long, high plateau. Explore the ancient hilltop ruins...

Day 6 Fes

This morning, enjoy breakfast and then take a guided walking tour of the Old City, known locally as Fes el Bali. Step back into the Middle Ages in the labyrinth of the medina, which is alive with craftsmen, markets, tanneries and mosques. Pass donkeys piled high with ...

Day 7 Marrakech

Say goodbye to Fes and hop on a train to Marrakech. Ride along with the locals through the scenic landscape and arrive late afternoon. Join your knowledgeable local guide for a walking tour in the medina and meet a local character on the way who’s passionate about cof...

Day 8 Marrakech

Today is a free day for you to discover Marrakech further. There are no activities planned until a meeting at 6 pm to welcome any new people joining your adventure. If you would like to relax, ask your leader to help you out with booking a session at a hammam.

Day 9 Aroumd

This morning, take a short drive into the High Atlas Mountains to the village of Imlil. When you arrive, store your main luggage and load your overnight bags onto pack mules. Make the 1-hour trek to the peaceful village of Aroumd. Perched on a rocky outcrop, the remot...

Day 10 Ait Benhaddou

This morning, journey along mountain roads and over Morocco's highest pass, Tizi n'Tichka (2260 m above sea level), to Ait Benhaddou on the edges of the Sahara. Perched on a hilltop and almost unchanged since the 11th century, Ait Benhaddou is one of Morocco's most ic...

Day 11 Sahara Desert

Today, you’ll have a full day of driving as you journey south towards the Sahara Desert. After breakfast, drive through the Draa Valley to Zagora, where you’ll see the original route of the caravans. Then, travel along the rugged and desolate Jbel Tadrart ranges throu...

Day 12 Tissint/Tata

If you’re an early bird, you might want to head to the nearest dune this morning and watch the sunrise – this spectacle in the Sahara Desert is well worth the alarm! After breakfast, you’ll hop back into the 4WDs and drive out of the desert, switching to your private ...

Day 13 Tleta Tagmoute/Tafraoute

This morning, drive to Tleta Tagmoute – a small village where you’ll get to see the oasis granaries, date palm plantations and fruit trees. The lifestyle and irrigation system here is quite unique to the region and you’ll get a deeper understanding of what life was li...

Day 14 Tafraoute

Go for a hike in the Ameln Valley this morning, passing through small Amazigh villages where you’ll stop to try the local Amlou (almond, Argan and honey spread) with tea. The hike will take you through palm trees, almond trees and fields of alfalfa crops used by local...

Day 15 Essaouira

Today will be a bit of a long travel day as you head towards the Atlantic. Passing desert scenery, your route is actually a reserve for the Indigenous argan trees. You’ll stop at a local woman’s cooperative along the way, which specialises in Argan oil production. Thi...

Day 16 Essaouira

Today after breakfast, join a local guide for a walking tour through the old medina, Jewish mellah, port and skala (sea wall). Essaouira is one of the oldest port cities in the country, and fishing here is still quite traditional. You’ll have the chance to meet one of...

Day 17 Marrakech

Enjoy a free morning in Essaouira, then catch a bus back to Marrakech in the afternoon. Enjoy free time when you arrive, to explore or partake in optional activities. Walk around the famed Djemaa el-Fna – from fire dancers to performers and street food carts, this is ...

Day 18 Marrakech

Your adventure ends after breakfast. Additional accommodation can be pre-booked if you wish to spend more time exploring Marrakech (subject to availability). Just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,876
Price per day$104
Last Updated: 6/4/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
24 Dec 2024
09 Jan 2025
$1,995
26 Dec 2024
12 Jan 2025
$1,925
28 Dec 2024
14 Jan 2025
$2,115
09 Jan 2025
26 Jan 2025
$2,145
23 Jan 2025
09 Feb 2025
$2,145
01 Feb 2025
18 Feb 2025
$2,125
08 Feb 2025
25 Feb 2025
$2,145
13 Feb 2025
02 Mar 2025
$1,876
15 Feb 2025
04 Mar 2025
$2,105
18 Feb 2025
07 Mar 2025
$2,085

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel

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The Intrepid Travel Experience

If you’re looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place. For the past 25 years, we’ve been taking small groups of travelers on unforgettable trips around the world. What makes them unforgettable? Take a look for yourself and discover the Intrepid experience.

Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.

Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.

Why Intrepid?

  •   Small groups - average of 10 people per trip
  •   Sustainability - pioneers for the industry
  •   Local leaders - authentic perspectives
  •   Local transport - get close and personal
  •   Local accommodation - experience real living
  •   Intrepid travelers - like-minded companions 

History

Intrepid Travel has come a long way since its beginnings in 1989. From two university friends, a typewriter and a kitchen desk, it is now a proud member of The Intrepid Group, taking over 100,000 travelers every year.

Intrepid Travel is part of The Intrepid Group of companies, alongside leading small group adventure companies Peregrine, Urban Adventures and PEAK DMC.

Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.

 

Values

On every trip we operate and in every interaction we have with a client, supplier or local, we live our core values everyday:

  • Integrity – Doing the right thing
  • Responsible – Think global, act local
  • Growth – Stakeholders in our own success
  • Innovation – Thriving on new ideas and embracing change
  • Fun – It’s engrained into who we are and what we do
  • Passion – We are inspired by the work we do and the trips we offer

 

Why we love this operator
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
What they’re known for
Small group tours for all types of travelers at a range of different price points and trips to off-the-beaten-path destinations.

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Logistics

Accommodation

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

Transportation & Flights

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

Transportation & flights

4x4,Private Bus,Private vehicle,Public bus,Taxi,Train,High Speed Train
Guides
All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below:
Visa requirements
PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements
Health & Safety
Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips. https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines SCAMS: When walking through touristy areas of cities you may be approached by 'helpful' locals who want to show you where to go or take you to a local spice shop. They will either ask to be your local guide for the day or expect money when you arrive at your destination. Please note these people are not registered guides and will try and get as much money from you as they can. A friendly 'no thank you (or 'la shukran') should suffice. WOMEN'S SAFETY: Women should exercise caution when travelling in Morocco. While the risk of an incident occurring on your trip is very low, below are some things you can do for your safety and peace of mind when travelling: - As with all travel, it’s important to use common sense and be vigilant. - Respect local dress codes and customs, perhaps dressing more conservatively than you do at home. - Avoid isolated areas when alone at any time of day. - Lock your door when you are inside your room. Keep the door locked when you are leaving your room, even for a short time. - If hotel staff need access to your room for any reason, request that they do this while you are out, or wait at the reception while they attend to any cleaning or repairs. For the protection of both our travellers and staff, our leaders worldwide are not permitted to be alone in a room with a group member. - Always take a hotel card with you when going out so you know the address and contact numbers. - Should you encounter any inappropriate behaviour, inform your leader straight away. - For further information and advice, visit: https://smartraveller.gov.au/guide/pages/female-travellers.aspx https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/2010-to-2015-government-policy-british-nationals-overseas/2010-to-2015-government-policy-british-nationals-overseas#appendix-2-advice-for-women-travellers PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY: While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing. FIRE PRECAUTIONS: Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms. TRAFFIC AND DRIVING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD: Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware!
Age Requirements
15 years and up
Additional Information

Finish point

  • Hotel Le Caspien
  • 12 Rue Loubnane
  • Gueliz
  • Marrakech
  • 40000
  • MOROCCO
  • Phone: +212 524422282

Alternate Finish point

  • For trips departing on the following dates, use this finish point.
  • 09 Jan 2025 (XMSQC250109), 23 Jan 2025 (XMSQC250123), 01 Feb 2025 (XMSQC250201), 08 Feb 2025 (XMSQC250208), 13 Feb 2025 (XMSQC250213), 15 Feb 2025 (XMSQC250215), 18 Feb 2025 (XMSQC250218), 01 Mar 2025 (XMSQC250301), 15 Mar 2025 (XMSQC250315), 01 Apr 2025 (XMSQC250401), 15 Apr 2025 (XMSQC250415), 17 Apr 2025 (XMSQC250417), 22 Apr 2025 (XMSQC250422), 24 Apr 2025 (XMSQC250424), 29 Apr 2025 (XMSQC250429), 01 May 2025 (XMSQC250501), 06 May 2025 (XMSQC250506), 13 May 2025 (XMSQC250513), 15 May 2025 (XMSQC250515), 18 May 2025 (XMSQC250518), 20 May 2025 (XMSQC250520), 22 May 2025 (XMSQC250522), 03 Jun 2025 (XMSQC250603), 10 Jun 2025 (XMSQC250610), 12 Jun 2025 (XMSQC250612), 17 Jun 2025 (XMSQC250617), 19 Jun 2025 (XMSQC250619), 22 Jun 2025 (XMSQC250622), 28 Jun 2025 (XMSQC250628), 01 Jul 2025 (XMSQC250701), 05 Jul 2025 (XMSQC250705), 19 Jul 2025 (XMSQC250719), 26 Jul 2025 (XMSQC250726), 29 Jul 2025 (XMSQC250729), 05 Aug 2025 (XMSQC250805), 09 Aug 2025 (XMSQC250809), 19 Aug 2025 (XMSQC250819), 02 Sep 2025 (XMSQC250902), 09 Sep 2025 (XMSQC250909), 17 Sep 2025 (XMSQC250917), 01 Oct 2025 (XMSQC251001), 23 Oct 2025 (XMSQC251023), 06 Nov 2025 (XMSQC251106), 27 Nov 2025 (XMSQC251127), 20 Dec 2025 (XMSQC251220)
  • Moroccan House Hotel Marrakech
  • 3 Rue Loubnane, Gueliz
  • Marrakech
  • 40000
  • MOROCCO
  • Phone: +212 524420305
Trip ID
intrepid-XMSQC

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