Premium Morocco Highlights with Essaouira

12 days
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Small Group Tour
Take in the rich history and diverse culture of Morocco on a 12-day journey through this North African gem. Marvel at the Mosque of Hassan II in French-infused Casablanca, discover the charming streets of the Medina in magical Meknes, uncover ancient history at the Roman ruins of Volubilis, wander through the labyrinth of twisting alleyways in Fes el Bali, re...
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Overview

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

Highlights

    • Marvel at the Mosque of Hassan II in Casablanca, dive into the heart of Fes’s medina, witness the evening transformation of Djemaa el-Fna in Marrakech and unwind in the laidback seaside city of Essaouira.
    • Get to the heart of the real Morocco as you travel with an experienced local leader, swap stories with the locals in Fes and visit a family in the Atlas Mountains.
    • Taste the best of Morocco’s cuisine as you enjoy a meal at one of Casablanca’s best restaurants, eat pastillas with a local family (Exclusive Experience), make mint tea in the Atlas Mountains and take part in a tasting tour in Marrakech.
    • Uncover the most impressive Roman ruins in Morocco during an Exclusive Experience at the World Heritage site of Volubilis, where you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch made with locally sourced ingredients.
    • Experience incredible beauty, world-class hospitality and panoramic views during your Feature Stay at Widiane Resort, a tranquil oasis surrounded by the Atlas Mountains.

What's this trip about?

    Take in the rich history and diverse culture of Morocco on a 12-day journey through this North African gem. Marvel at the Mosque of Hassan II in French-infused Casablanca, discover the charming streets of the Medina in magical Meknes, uncover ancient history at the Roman ruins of Volubilis, wander through the labyrinth of twisting alleyways in Fes el Bali, relax in the lakeside settlement of Bine el Ouidane and as the sun goes down, watch Djemaa el-Fna come to life with markets and magicians in Marrakech. End your adventure by relaxing in the coastal, European-inspired Essaouira where you can kick back, feast on fresh seafood and take it all in.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 12 people
Age range15 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityCasablanca
End CityMarrakech

Travel Themes

  • High Adventure

Destinations

Attractions

  • Casablanca
  • Essaouira
  • Fes
  • Koutoubia Mosque
  • Marrakech

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 12

Trip includes

    • Complimentary Arrival Transfer
    • Dinner at a Restaurant Casablanca
    • Hassan II Mosque Visit
    • Volubilis - Roman Picnic
    • Volubilis Visit
    • Fes - Home-cooked Pastilla Dinner
    • Fes - Funduk Nejjarine
    • Fes - Medersa El Attarine
    • Bine el Ouidane – Boat Trip
    • Bine el Ouidane – local lunch with a farmer
    • Agafay - Star Gazing
    • Marrakech - Orange Juice at Jemaa El Fna
    • Marrakech – Food Tasting Trail
    • Marrakech - Palais Bahia
    • Essaouira - Seafood Market Lunch
    • Essaouira - Leader-led orientation walk

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Casablanca

Salaam Alaikum! Welcome to Morocco. When you arrive at Casablanca Airport, you’ll be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive with time to spare, maybe visit the Villa des Arts. Th...

Day 2 Fes

This morning, you’ll visit one of the most impressive sites in Casablanca – the mighty 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-M...

Day 3 Fes

Today, you’ll discover Fes’s huge, well-preserved medieval Old City and medina on a morning walking tour with your leader. Wander through the twisting streets and alleyways and explore the speciality sections that divide the souq as your leader talks you through the l...

Day 4 Bine el Ouidane

Travel from Fes to Bine el Ouidane, with plenty of breaks along the way to appreciate the ever-changing Moroccan landscape. Bine el Ouidane is a small settlement perfectly placed on the bank of the lake, surrounded by sheer rocks. Your Feature Stay accommodation for t...

Day 5 Bine el Ouidane

Today you’ll head out onto the water, hopping in a small boat to see more of the turquoise lake and surrounding rocky gorges. Float over the water and take in the views. Then, head to the house of a local farming family in the village that sits on the lake. Have a cup...

Day 6 Agafay

Today you’ll make your way to Agafay – a red-rock desert in the South of Marrakech. Along the way, stop at Ouzoud Falls –a collective name for several waterfalls in Azilal, which all empty into the El-Abid River’s gorge. Take in the immensity of the cascades, then con...

Day 7 Marrakech

Wake up early this morning to catch the sunrise over the desert. After breakfast, you’ll then travel to Marrakech. When you arrive, head out on an orientation walk with your leader to the great square of Djemaa el-Fna – one of the largest public spaces in the world an...

Day 8 Marrakech

After breakfast today, meet your local guide and 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 ...

Day 9 Marrakech to 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 i...

Day 10 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 muc...

Day 11 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 in...

Day 12 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.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,868
Price per day$239
Last Updated: 12/21/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
07 Jan 2025
18 Jan 2025
$3,870
Sold Out
28 Jan 2025
08 Feb 2025
$3,730
Sold Out
04 Feb 2025
15 Feb 2025
$2,868
8 spots left
08 Feb 2025
19 Feb 2025
$3,765
Sold Out
22 Feb 2025
05 Mar 2025
$3,690
3 spots left
01 Mar 2025
12 Mar 2025
$3,585
8 spots left
12 Mar 2025
23 Mar 2025
$3,620
5 spots left
15 Mar 2025
26 Mar 2025
$3,585
8 spots left
22 Mar 2025
02 Apr 2025
$3,585
10 spots left
26 Mar 2025
06 Apr 2025
$3,585
8 spots left

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

Comfortable hotel (8 nights),Feature Stay (2 nights)

Transportation & Flights

Private vehicle,

Transportation & flights

Private vehicle
Guides
All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Premium leaders are Intrepid’s most experienced, with in-depth knowledge and extensive local networks to make it a trip of a lifetime. Your leader 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. When not already included in your trip, your leader will be able to recommend a local guide service who can share more detailed or specialised information at specific sites should you be interested in delving deeper.
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: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services
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

  • 2Ciels Hotel
  • Rue Oued EL Makhazine Angle Rue Imam Chafai
  • Marrakech
  • 40000
  • MOROCCO
  • Phone: +212 524359550

Alternate Finish point

  • For trips departing on the following dates, use this finish point.
  • 04 Feb 2025 (XMPSC250204), 12 Mar 2025 (XMPSC250312), 26 Mar 2025 (XMPSC250326), 17 Apr 2025 (XMPSC250417), 21 Apr 2025 (XMPSC2504212), 24 Apr 2025 (XMPSC250424), 27 Apr 2025 (XMPSC2504272), 01 May 2025 (XMPSC250501), 04 May 2025 (XMPSC2505042), 26 Jun 2025 (XMPSC250626), 05 Jul 2025 (XMPSC250705), 19 Jul 2025 (XMPSC250719), 24 Jul 2025 (XMPSC250724), 02 Aug 2025 (XMPSC250802), 16 Aug 2025 (XMPSC250816), 30 Aug 2025 (XMPSC250830), 01 Sep 2025 (XMPSC2509012), 03 Sep 2025 (XMPSC2509032), 04 Sep 2025 (XMPSC2509042), 06 Sep 2025 (XMPSC2509062), 08 Sep 2025 (XMPSC2509082), 11 Sep 2025 (XMPSC250911), 13 Sep 2025 (XMPSC2509132), 15 Sep 2025 (XMPSC2509152), 17 Sep 2025 (XMPSC2509172), 19 Sep 2025 (XMPSC2509192), 20 Sep 2025 (XMPSC2509202), 22 Sep 2025 (XMPSC2509222), 23 Sep 2025 (XMPSC2509232), 27 Sep 2025 (XMPSC250927), 28 Sep 2025 (XMPSC2509282), 01 Oct 2025 (XMPSC2510012), 02 Oct 2025 (XMPSC2510022), 03 Oct 2025 (XMPSC2510032), 04 Oct 2025 (XMPSC2510042), 07 Oct 2025 (XMPSC2510072), 09 Oct 2025 (XMPSC251009), 10 Oct 2025 (XMPSC2510102), 11 Oct 2025 (XMPSC2510112), 12 Oct 2025 (XMPSC2510122), 15 Oct 2025 (XMPSC2510152), 18 Oct 2025 (XMPSC2510182), 21 Oct 2025 (XMPSC2510212), 24 Oct 2025 (XMPSC2510242), 25 Oct 2025 (XMPSC2510252), 27 Oct 2025 (XMPSC2510272), 29 Oct 2025 (XMPSC2510292), 01 Nov 2025 (XMPSC251101), 06 Nov 2025 (XMPSC251106), 11 Nov 2025 (XMPSC251111), 15 Nov 2025 (XMPSC251115), 18 Nov 2025 (XMPSC251118), 20 Nov 2025 (XMPSC251120), 25 Nov 2025 (XMPSC251125), 29 Nov 2025 (XMPSC251129), 08 Dec 2025 (XMPSC251208), 16 Dec 2025 (XMPSC251216), 23 Dec 2025 (XMPSC251223), 27 Dec 2025 (XMPSC251227), 30 Dec 2025 (XMPSC251230), 03 Jan 2026 (XMPSC2601033), 17 Jan 2026 (XMPSC2601173)
  • Hotel Longue Vie
  • Avenue Hassan ll, Angle Rue Ezzoubair Ben el Aoumane
  • Marrakech
  • 40000
  • MOROCCO
  • Phone: +212 524339494
Trip ID
intrepid-XMPSC

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