15 Day Morocco Adventure
5 Good Reasons To Do This Trip!
There’ll be no touristy camel rides on our watch! Instead, you’ll trek through the desert on a camel and sit down for tea with Berber nomads. Share stories, sip mint tea and get a glimpse into a life that’s worlds away from your own.
Ever entertained thoughts of spending a night in the desert? Your moment to camp in luxury under a blanket of stars and watch the sunrise paint the Moroccan dunes gold, is now. If ‘travel-dreams-came-true’ were a moment, this would be it.
They couldn’t stop raving about their group of travel companions, the food and our hyper-knowledgeable guide, who went above and beyond to make every stop come alive. “Fantastic. Nothing that could be faulted!” Patchie, Karla H.
Chefchaouen is a whimsical maze of blue-washed buildings and winding alleyways. Lose yourself in this motley town, snap photos that belong in an art gallery and enjoy a rooftop dinner with the best sunset view for miles around.
Morocco is a foodie’s dream. It will be you on a tasting trail through this flavour-laden country to learn a few tips and sample everything from spicy sardines, to tagine and honey-drenched pastries. After all, calories on holiday don’t count!
Trip Details
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Twin Share: we’ll match you with a roomie if you’re travelling solo – most of our Patchies take this option.
- $1,650 AUD deposit.
- 2-week cooling-off period applies
- Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
- Tip Kitty: 200 EUR
Private supplement available: If you’d prefer to have your own private room, this is your option. Add $2,157 AUD, max 4 spots.
Please refer to our payment terms in the FAQs.
Trip length
15 days, 14 nights
Meeting point
Gray Hotel, Casablanca
Ending point
Riad Cle d’Or, Marrakech
Group size
Maximum 12
Participation requirements
Please see our “Is this trip right for you?” section to see the participation requirements.
Included
- Arrival and departure airport transfers
- Meals: 14 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 10 dinners
- Private vehicle transportation, 4WD and camel ride
- 5 nights boutique and premium hotels, 8 nights riad, 1 night in desert camp
- A top-rated and English-speaking Tour Leader
- All listed activities and more!
Not included
- International Flights
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Additional hotel nights & late checkouts
- Drinks and other other personal expenses
- Tip kitty (See FAQs for more information)
Your accommodation
All of your accommodations have a focus on character, with many memorable stops along the way. We are looking at mostly 4 star accommodation, in Historic Riads or Kasbahs for the majority of the trip.
Click the tabs to find out more
What our Patchies say
Day 1: Casablanca
Welcome to Morocco! You’ll be warmly greeted by one of our team on your arrival at Casablanca airport and chauffeured away to the hotel. Your adventure begins this evening. First, a meetup. with your group, then a Moroccan dinner with one of the ladies of the Al Hidn Association – a non-profit Moroccan community organisation that supports women and children.
Accommodation: Gray Hotel (or similar)
Included: Dinner
Day 2: Chefchaouen
The Hassan II Mosque is one of the largest in the world. Today, you’ll take it in with a walking tour. From here, there’s a lot of ground to cover with a 6-hour drive north to Chefchaouen. Quite a drive, but totally worth it. ‘Chaouen’ as it is fondly known, is a striking yet small town that is truly magical. Enjoy a wander on arrival and then take the evening to relax or explore.
Accommodation: Riad Nila (or similar)
Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 3: Rif Mountains
After a slow start to the morning, you’ll tour Chefchaouen on foot. In all its radiant blueness, this hillside town is a wonder to explore – from within its labyrinth of laneways and as-a-whole from the edge of the town.
Dine with the group at a rooftop restaurant as you watch the sunset over the town.
Accommodation: Riad Nila (or similar)
Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 4: Volubilis
After breakfast, travel through rolling hills and olive groves to the archaeological site of World-Heritage listed Volubilis. Once a provincial Roman capital, this distant outpost of the empire is fascinating! Afterwards, on to Fes, the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco; vibrant, noisy, fascinating and stunning to the senses. You’ll spend three nights here soaking in the rich culture.
Accommodation: Palais Oumayyad (or similar)
Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 5: Fes Market Tour
Get ready for a ‘Tasting Trail’ through the historical medina of magical Fes. Sample your way through dried meats, milawi, harsha, briwats, spicy sardines, spicy potato cakes, soups and olives. Move on to the honey souk, where you’ll discover the importance of this liquid gold to Moroccan cooking. Take the afternoon to explore.
Accommodation: Palais Oumayyad (or similar)
Included: Breakfast & Tastings
Day 6: Fes Craft Workshop
A very crafty experience awaits you in Fes Medina today, in the workshop of sculpting professional Mohamed. He’ll guide you into sculpting a traditional Moroccan art piece. Enjoy some free time after all your creative efforts… perhaps a short hike uphill to watch the magical sunset over Fes?
Accommodation: Palais Oumayyad (or similar)
Included: Breakfast
Day 7: The Door to the Desert
Today is another road trip, with 6 hours of driving as you head towards Erfoud, aka the ‘Door to the Desert.’ You’ll stop at Ifrane – known as the ‘Switzerland of the Atlas Mountains’ – for coffee and a stretch to break up the journey. Enjoy your evening relaxing in the well-appointed Palais du Desert Hotel & Spa.
Accommodation: Palais du Desert Hotel & Spa (or similar)
Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 8: Merzouga desert
After breakfast, jump in a 4WD – you’re off to meet some villagers and experience their nomadic heritage. You’re not likely to have interacted with their music and dance rituals, as you’ll do today, and get to admire their beautiful traditional dress. For lunch, enjoy a local dish, madfouna – bread with stuffed veggies, meat and herbs (vegetarian option available). Then, a drive to your camp in the middle of the desert for a magical sunset camel ride. Finish the evening in the Sandy Luxury Desert Camp.
Accommodation: Sandy Luxury Desert Camp (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Ait Ben Haddou
Feeling adventurous? Set your alarm to watch the sunrise over the desert dunes. You’ll stop at the Skoura Oasis and then Ait Ben Haddou, one of Morocco’s most iconic sites. Its grand kasbah is mesmerising and the fortified village will whisk you to times past. You’ll also visit the Tawesna tea room, a cooperative run by local women.
Accommodation: Ksar Ighenda (or similar)
Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 10: Atlas Mountains
It’s the perfect time now to wind down the pace a little bit with a visit to the Atlas Mountains. You’ll drive to Imlil, a Berber village wedged into a spectacular valley. After a short walk through the village, you’ll check in to your accommodation – possibly our favourite of this trip. Spend the afternoon relaxing, and if you feel like it, explore the trails of the local area.
Accommodation: Atlas 4 Seasons (or similar)
Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 11: Atlas Mountains
A memorable day awaits!
Join our Berber mountain guide as we trek up into the Atlas Mountains surrounding Imlil to the shrine of Sidi Chamharouch. You’ll follow this with a traditional local lunch before retiring back to your hotel for a tranquil afternoon.
Accommodation: Atlas 4 Seasons (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12: Marrakech
From the Atlas Mountains to bustling Marrakech, the contrast could not be greater. Today, you roll into Marrakech after a winding drive through the countryside. Once you’re checked in, it’s straight to the hammam for a Moroccan spa experience! Such a luxurious way to soothe the body after hiking. The best part is you’ll be spending three nights here.
Accommodation: Riad Clé d’or (or similar)
Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 13: Marrakech
After 14 days in Morocco, you’ve eaten all the local food your stomach can handle. Now it’s time to learn how to make some of it, in an optional cooking class. In the afternoon, you’ll take a walk around the medina of Marrakech city. Explore tranquil courtyards filled with the scent of orange blossom and the Bahia Palace.
Accommodation: Riad Clé d’Or (or similar)
Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 14 & 15: Marrakech
It’s time for a bit of relaxed girly fun with the unique embroidery shop experience. You’ll join local Nour association for hands on workshop. The afternoon will be at your leisure as you get ready for a farewell meal at a restaurant, with a bit of a twist. On Day 15 we have no activities planned as you all go your separate ways.
Accommodation: Riad Clé d’Or (or similar)
Included: Breakfast & Dinner (Day 14), Breakfast (Day 15)
Trip Map
Is This Trip Right For You?
You’re open-minded and open-hearted. You try to embrace the little things. You understand that even in the best vehicles, the air-con sometimes breaks. Even in the best restaurants, the service sometimes is a little slow. This is just part of the adventure, and you choose to be gracious.
You also know that it’s worth spending a little more to have a great night’s sleep. You just love the idea of living a day fully, and then returning to unique, interesting accommodation! You also know that a “great trip” doesn’t have to mean sprinting from place to place. The best moments so often come when you hit the pause button, sit still, and just take it all in.
You’re young enough at heart to know that sometimes the best opportunities come when you’d least expect. You understand that doing things right doesn’t always mean following a strict routine.
You enjoy trying new food, visiting new places, and making new friends. You make a great travel buddy and you love to share experiences with others.
You are passionate about responsible travel! All of the operators that we have partnered with to bring you this itinerary practice responsibly — for example, the animals (camels and mules) whose help we will enjoy are well taken care of. The cuisine featured on this tour is quite meat-heavy — please understand that it will be very difficult to accommodate vegetarians.
We will be on our feet a good amount on the trip, both walking through cities and neighbourhoods as well as hiking in the Atlas Mountains. We’ll also be riding on camels and in 4WD vehicles during this women only trip! We may be in the car for long stretches (6 hours or so) as well. If you have any questions about this, please get in touch with us, and we’d be happy to answer any and all you may have.
If this fits you, then welcome aboard! We’ll see you in Morocco.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prior to the payment of your full balance, the final price may change if there is significant variation in the AUD:USD exchange rate. Our trip pricing is determined by what the exchange rates are at the time of publishing the trip.
A deposit of $1,650 is required to hold your spot. Payment can be made by credit card (fees apply) or bank deposit.
There is a cooling-off period of 2 weeks. (Applicable to all bookings made 110 days in advance.)
We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are not refundable, but they are transferable at any time, right up until the first day of the trip.
The final balance of the trip is required 120 days in advance of the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.
Please refer to the full terms and conditions for further information.
This is the most frequently asked question we get!
Nearly everyone is in their 50s and 60s, with some people above and below (but of course, everyone is welcome!)
Most Patchies come alone and are matched with a room-mate. Remember, you don’t need to pay for a single supplement if you come solo. We will place you with a similarly-aged roommate.
The typical Patchie has travelled a LOT, is a well-seasoned adventurer, and is not easily thrown by small things. However, many Patchies tell us that this is their first ever group tour. Many of our guests have avoided tours to this point as they’re not attracted to being herded around in large groups.
Oh, and one last thing:
Patchies are warm, generous, and kind. We knew it would be like this, but we weren’t expecting it to be *quite* like this. We’re so blessed as a business to have the customers we do; we consider ourselves to be some of the luckiest people in the world.
Fitness level
Level 2 or Moderate
You’ll need a moderate level of fitness for this trip. If you can walk 3 – 4 hours at an easy pace on undulating and uneven ground, you’ll be fine. There will be days where you’ll be spending a lot of time on your feet and times when you’ll need to get on and off different types of transport, including boats. You may need to occasionally sit on the floor and from time to time, you must be ok with using a squat toilet – we do our best to accommodate what you’re used to (all hotel rooms have sit down toilets) but when you’re on-the-road, sometimes it’s the only choice available.
Activities are optional, meaning that if you don’t feel like it, you can skip it, but it will be impossible to enjoy your trip if you’re not able to do a walking tour for a full afternoon. Unfortunately, this tour cannot accommodate people requiring walking aids.
Australians and New Zealanders don’t need a visa to travel to Morocco on a holiday, provided they have a passport of at least six months validity and an onward or return ticket.
Most of our trips have a tip kitty because many cultures have interesting and diverse rules when it comes to tips. We’ve found it to be the easiest way to combat over-tipping, under-tipping or having the tip fall into the wrong hands. Our goal is for guests to relax and know that the complexities of tipping are taken care of, on their behalf.
For your Morocco adventure, we ask your contribution be: 2,200 Moroccan Dirham (approx. $356 AUD) and given to your guide on Day 1.
The kitty will be managed by your guide and distributed along the way at restaurants for included meals, hotel staff, drivers, providers and the guide.
(Exchange Rate used – $1 AUD : 6.17 Moroccan Dirham)
Most of our Camino Women will either travel from Australia to Marrakesh via Doha/Dubai with Qatar Airways, or Emirates. The flights are generally between 19 and 24 hours, depending on which route you take and layover times.
Try to arrive before midday on the start day, although earlier would be recommended. If possible, come one day early to settle in. We can organise additional hotel nights for you at cost.
Morocco is often misjudged as being an inexpensive destination. With tourism booming, due in large part to the influx of cheap flights from Europe, prices for some items are becoming more equivalent to prices you would be used to at home. Eating in local restaurants, roadside stalls, and from markets can be inexpensive, but for nights out at tourist-friendly restaurants, you can expect to pay much more. With drinks, tipping, and of course shopping, it can all add up. Budgets are a personal choice, but please bear in mind that you should not expect Morocco to be a budget destination.
In Morocco, some services and products are not a fixed price, which means that your bartering skills will be tested, from hiring taxis to buying a souvenir in the medinas. This can be challenging for travellers who have not experienced this before. Ask your leaders for advice when you arrive! We find that the best approach is to smile and have fun, as this is an entrenched part of Moroccan culture.
The opportunity to do laundry during your trip is possible and best left for stays that are for more than one night. Your guide will be able to assist with recommendations during your trip.
In the unlikely event of a health or security related incident during a trip, we’ve engaged a local partner to assist. From our experience, there is not one framework that fits all, and every incident is unique and requires a different approach. With all trips, your guides are your day-to-day support. While behind the scenes, there is an active line of communication – between your guide, the on-ground support team, and Australian Ops.
