Wander Across Morocco (Oct 2024)
This Morocco tour covers it all - traditions and history, the Sahara Desert, ancient markets, gorgeous nature and activities that only our local connections can make happen!
Interact with local Berber, Gnaoua and Bedouin communities everywhere you go
Explore colorful ancient markets full of traditions and unique crafts
Enjoy a unique excursion to the dramatic Valley of the Roses
Spend a night in the Sahara desert, in a yurt set among the dunes
Cross the majestic Middle and High Atlas mountains, visiting villages along the way
Wander the lanes of incredible cities such as Fes and Marrakech, with their lively medinas
Experience the laid-back coastal city of Essaouira, with its unique hippy vibe
From the mesmerizing towns and cities of Marrakech and Fes to the towering and majestic Middle and High Atlas Mountains, from the magical Sahara Desert to the natural wonder that is the Dades Valley…and a lengthy list of off-the-beaten path experiences along the way!
You’ll sleep out among the sand dunes (in beautiful desert tents!), dine under the stars, visit authentic villages and learn about the traditional life of Berbers, Gnaoua and Bedouins. You’ll wander through brilliantly colorful markets, hang out in the laid-back coastal town of Essaouira, go on a beautiful nature walk, spend time with genuine craftspeople, visit the local homes of our friends and take a 4WD adventure across seldom-explored and otherworldly natural landscapes.
And you’ll also have time to simply enjoy the delicious food, friendly smiles and relaxed pace of life found throughout this country.
Every day in Morocco offers something new, unique and rewarding…and it all leads to one of the most memorable trips of your life!
Reserve now!
Choose an option:
- 1Day 1CasablancaCasablancaArrival dayIncluded: DinnerArriving in the bustling city of Casablanca, this Morocco trip officially gets off to a start. A private driver will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to our hotel in the city center. The remainder of the day will be yours to recover from jet lag and meet your fellow travelers. We'll then have a tour orientation in the evening followed by our welcome dinner.
- 2Day 2Casablanca » Rabat » FesCasablanca » Rabat » FesHighlights: Rabat, arrival in FesIncluded: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerWe'll get started with a 1.5 hour drive to Rabat, the beautiful capital city of Morocco. We'll explore the quiet lanes of this stunning non-touristy imperial city on a guided walking tour before having a great lunch in the heart of the old town. After lunch, we'll continue to Fes, only 2.5 hours away. Upon arrival we’ll check into our beautiful accommodation right in the ancient medina. We'll then enjoy a short rest before finishing the day off with sunset from the rooftop overlooking the city and a great dinner prepared by our welcoming hosts.
- 3Day 3FesFesHighlights: Old medina of Fes, walking tour of ancient marketsIncluded: Breakfast, DinnerHeading straight into the heart of the ancient medina (the old walled city - a UNESCO site), we'll enter the main gate for a half-day walking tour that will include the colorful souks, leather tanneries, traditional weavers and all kinds of neighborhoods. We'll also visit an impressive traditional school and wander through markets selling everything from spices to artwork to housewares to soaps to shoes and more. You'll then have some free time to wander this magnificent city - the largest medina in the world - on your own before dinner.
- 4Day 4 Fes » Middle Atlas » Ifrane » MerzougaFes » Middle Atlas » Ifrane » MerzougaHighlights: Scenic drive across the Atlas MountainsIncluded: Breakfast, DinnerToday involves a scenic journey to Merzouga, straight across the magnificent Middle Atlas Mountains and ending up at the edge of the great Sahara Desert. The trip will take approximately 9 hours but will involve several stops along the way, including the Swiss-like town of Ifrane, the gorgeous Ziz Valley and a forest that's home to the unique Barbary Apes. We'll arrive at our fantastic riad in the small town of Merzouga in time to catch the sunset over the desert. Our dinner tonight will be specially prepared by the riad's wonderful chefs.
- 5Day 5Sahara DesertSahara DesertHighlights: Sahara DesertIncluded: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAfter breakfast, we'll begin our day by visiting a local Gnoua village. Here is where we’ll learn about the daily life of this group of people that generally lives in remote Morocco and is known for their beautiful style of music. After lunch at the only local eatery in the village (a very cool experience!), we'll head to the center of Merzouga town to prepare for our trip into the desert. You'll be able to choose from a 1.5 hour camel trek or a 30 minute jeep safari across the mesmerizing Erg Chebbi sand dunes to reach our idyllic Sahara Desert Camp. Upon arrival, we'll settle into our well-appointed 4* desert tents, watch the sunset over the dunes and spend our evening in this gorgeous environment, with traditional music around the campfire, good food and stargazing.
- 6Day 6Merzouga » Dades ValleyMerzouga » Dades ValleyHighlights: Erfoud fossil workshop, Dades ValleyIncluded: Breakfast, DinnerToday we'll begin our trip out of the desert, via jeep, and head back to Merzouga. We'll then take a few minutes to get organized before driving towards the Dades Gorge. En route we'll visit a few small villages as well as an excellent fossil workshop (fossils from when the desert was an ocean!) in the town of Erfoud. Once we cross the Jebl Sahro Mountains we’ll soon reach our next beautiful spot located in the truly amazing Dades Valley. From here, we'll soon arrive at our riad, where we'll be welcomed at this tranquil property by the local owners who have turned this riad into something so very special.
- 7Day 7Dades ValleyDades ValleyHighlights: Local Berber villages, dramatic landscapes, Bou ThararIncluded: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAfter a filling breakfast, we’ll embark on a spectacular full day 4WD offroad excursion through the plains, high deserts, valleys and mountains of the Dades region. From nomadic Berbers to the remote town of Bou Tharar, you're about to witness some of the most dramatic landscapes you’ll see anywhere. We'll walk through the villages, stare in awe at our magical surroundings and get up close with peaceful nature. This day trip is a truly unforgettable experience that only our local contacts can arrange! After our day out and about, we'll return to our accommodation in the late afternoon in time for another excellent dinner.
- 8Day 8Dades ValleyDades ValleyHighlights: Hiking at Monkey Fingers Gorge, local home and village visitIncluded: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerThe day’s activities all take place in the center of the Dades Valley, starting with an optional hike through the otherworldly Monkey Finger Gorge and a visit to a local village that sits at the foot of these impressive natural formations. From here, we'll visit the home of a friend whose family will cook us up a traditional lunch as they share information about their lives and even do some henna tattoos on your hands and feet if you wish. You'll also have a chance to wander through the village, interact with more local Berbers and catch glimpses of the ancient kasbahs (fortified homes shared by several families) all around. People are super friendly in this remote region so you'll be able to see their homes, enjoy tea, ask questions and take photos as well.
- 9Day 9Dades Valley » MarrakechDades Valley » MarrakechHighlights: High Atlas Mountains, MarrakechIncluded: BreakfastStarting after breakfast, we'll make the 8 hour drive to Marrakech, often considered the most lovable city in Morocco. We'll drive over the grand High Atlas Mountains, stop in the film studio town of Ouarzazate, in the village of Tisseldei and at viewpoints looking straight out over the mountains. Eventually we'll arrive at our centrally-located Marrakech hotel in the early evening. After checking in to our rooms, we'll have time to go for a short orientation wander in the city before having dinner nearby.
- 10Day 10MarrakechMarrakechHighlights: Walking tour of the incredible medina and marketsIncluded: Breakfast, DinnerThere is no other medina (walled city) quite like it. Marrakech is full of bustling markets, incredible architecture, centuries old crafts, intense colors and aromas, constant celebrations and a vibrancy that is truly contagious. Our guided walking tour of the city will take us to several impressive spots including the Bahia Palace, Jemaa el-Fnaa (main square), tin workers lane, wood workers section, the Jewish Quarter and endless hidden areas of this fascinating market town. You'll also have some free time to roam the markets and shop if you wish as this is the ultimate shopping destination. In the evening, we’ll head back to the main square, Jemaa el-Fnaa, for dinner at one of the popular local restaurants that pop up each night after sunset.
- 11Day 11Marrakech » EssaouiraMarrakech » EssaouiraHighlights: Arrival in Essaouira, tour of this laid-back destinationIncluded: Breakfast, LunchOff we go to the coast! After a 3 hour drive, we'll arrive in the quaint town of Essaouira, where you'll immediately feel its laid-back energy. We'll check into our hotel and then head out for a local lunch, followed by a walking tour of this unique destination. With its old Portuguese fortress, traditional and famous woodworkers, abundance of artists, friendly markets and plenty of live music, it's hard not to feel uplifted by the overall vibe.
- 12Day 12Essaouira » MarrakechEssaouira » MarrakechHighlights: Essaouira free time, Argan oil cooperative, return to MarrakechIncluded: Breakfast, DinnerThe morning will be at your leisure so that you can enjoy the relaxed old town on your own, do some shopping, stroll along the wide beach or have a drink in the main square while listening to the local musicians. We'll all meet up after lunch and begin the drive back to Marrakech. En route, we'll stop at a local argan oil cooperative located in the main argan oil producing region of the country. Upon arrival back in Marrakech, we'll check into our hotel, have a short rest and then head out for a wonderful farewell dinner at one of the best restaurants in the city.
- 13Day 13MarrakechMarrakechDeparture DayIncluded: BreakfastAs the tour comes to an end, you'll be picked up at the hotel for your airport transfer based on your departing flight time. (If your return flight is out of Casablanca, we will provide transportation for the 2.5 hour trip at an extra cost.)
Tour Essentials
Physical Level: Medium
While the tour itself is not very strenuous, please note that it can involve the following: somewhat long days, walking tours in the cities, being outside in potentially warm temperatures, a couple of long journeys, early morning wake-ups and other similar scenarios.
Accommodation
From traditional riads to boutique family-run guesthouses to a nomadic camp in the Sahara Desert and more, you can always expect comfortable 4* accommodations. Prices are based on twin-share rooms. There are 6 single rooms available at an extra charge. For twin share, solo travelers of the same sex will be placed together in a room with two beds. (*Please note: If you book a shared room and we cannot find another traveler to share that room, there will be an extra surcharge for having a single room.)
Transport
During the trip, we'll travel in comfort with our deluxe vans. All of our vans offer comfortable seats and plenty of space. By not using buses, we will have access to areas that larger vehicles simply can't go.
Meals
Breakfast every day, 5 lunches and 10 dinners are included. With included meals, some will be served family style and other times you will be able to order anything you wish from the menu. All dietary restrictions can be accommodated.
Sustainability
As with all of our trips, we aim to offer as sustainable an experience as we can. Trash is recycled where possible and we avoid mass tourism activities that cause harm to the environment and/or do not benefit local communities.
Small Groups
This tour requires a minimum of 8 participants and has a maximum of 12 participants in order to ensure the best small group tour experience. With such a small group, you'll be able to enjoy unique, rewarding activities that would not be accessible with more people. That's the kind of trip we love to offer!
What's included
Included
- Wandering Earl Tours leader throughout
- Small group (maximum 12 participants)
- Accommodation (12 nights – 4* riads, hotels, desert camp)
- Transportation within Morocco (deluxe vans)
- Local guides in each destination
- All mentioned activities and entrance fees
- Breakfast every day, 5 lunches and 10 dinners
- Water throughout the trip
- Gratuities at hotels/included meals
- All airport transfers (Casablanca arrival / Marrakech departure)
Not Included
- Flights to/from Morocco
- Passport/visa fees
- Meals and activities not mentioned
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Other gratuities
What's a Wandering Earl Tour Leader?
A Wandering Earl Tour Leader is more than a guide. They’re a travel fanatic, and this is more than just a job for them. It’s a passion. They’ll be with your group every step of the way, excited to lead you around the next bend and to take care of all the logistics so that you can relax and travel with ease.
They’ll be your ambassador as they introduce you to hyper-local guides who know their part of the world better than anyone else. They’ll work hard every single day to ensure that you have the type of travel experience that brings you the most rewards. With endless connections and the freedom to improvise, our leaders know exactly how to make a trip extraordinary.
And, most importantly, they’ll always be there for you any time you need them.
