Tour Description

Morocco is a vibrant labyrinth of ever-changing scenery, rich culture and fascinating history. From the bustling medinas to the seaside villages and expansive Sahara, this is a place of beauty. Across 16 epic days you'll be thrust into the hustle and bustle of Marrakech and Fes, be swept away by the vastness of the desert (on a camel’s back no less) and welcomed into the homes and hearts of Amazigh locals. Go surfing in Taghazout, wander through blue-washed walls in Chefchaouen, learn about sacred sites in Moulay Idriss and rub shoulders with locals in Ait Benhaddou. On this trip, you'll get a taste for adventure, nature, culture and culinary wonder and return home with more than just a full camera roll.

Priced From:

$ 1480.00pp ^*

Valid From: 01JAN2025

Valid To: 31DEC2025

Start Location: Casablanca

End Location: Marrakech

Countries: Morocco,

Tour Advisors

Tiffany McCrea-Lennon

Managing Director

Chris McKinnel

Travel Specialist

Gaylyn Murdoch

Administration Manager

Russell Mein

Travel Specialist

Holly Skene

Travel Co-ordinator

Kim Thomas

Broker

Highlights

Enjoy sunset from the unique vantage point of a camel’s back – and ride far out into the Sahara Desert to camp beneath a blanket of North African stars.

Set off on a tour of the senses in the Marrakech medina, through the bustling souks of the city, stopping at the famed Djemaa el-Fna Square to sample some sweet and savoury specialities with a local expert.

Stay in the old fishing towns of Essaouira and Taghazout, where the medinas brush up against the Atlantic Ocean and take the chance to catch waves, bliss out and practice your yoga skills.

Explore the unique, blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen, where you get loads of free time to hike, meet locals, take photos and recharge amongst the mountains – there's lots of cats to pat along the way, too!

Prepare for the best mint tea of your life on a visit to the Tawesna teahouse. This experience is more than just a cuppa, it’s about discovering authentic culture and contributing to the economic inclusion of women.

Itinerary

Salaam Alaikum! Welcome to Morocco. Your adventure will begin with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you have time, why not check out bustling Casablanca, the largest city in Morocco, at your own pace. Modelled after Marseille in France, this port city has an eclectic architectural style, a fusion of Art Deco French buildings and Mauresque (Moorish) government institutions. A great way to spend the day is to wander around the Old Medina and city walls, then jump in a taxi and visit the Quartier Habous – the new medina full of shaded squares, narrow streets and arcades that lead from one souk to another. This is a great place to enjoy a Moroccan coffee and maybe start working on your bargaining skills.

After breakfast, opt to take a guided tour of the Hassan II Mosque. More than 6000 craftsmen joined forces to build this beauty in 1993, and it's one of the few mosques in Morocco that foreigners can enter. Later, head to the station and take a local train to Meknes before jumping in a taxi and take a drive through the rolling hills to Volubilis. Head out on a guided tour of these epic Roman ruins, then head to the whitewashed village of Moulay Idriss – one of Morocco's most important pilgrimage sites. Here, you’ll witness a demonstration of the art of mint tea making – this sweet treat is a Moroccan speciality! Tonight, you'll get to hang out with a local family – an experience only allowed foreigners since 2005. Your guesthouse, an old traditional riad, has a family atmosphere and all the optional meals are homemade, so you can get an authentic taste of Morocco in your free time.

After breakfast, take a private transfer to Chefchaouen – which translates to ‘look at the horns’, after the two mountain peaks that overlook the city. Known for the striking, blue-washed buildings (made to represent the Mediterranean Sea) and steep, cobbled lanes, Chefchaouen is a gorgeous place to spend the day wandering. This afternoon is free for you to explore, so why not head to the red-walled Kasbah, the 15th-century fortress and dungeon, or the ethnographic museum. Or, just spend the day on foot, traversing the winding roads and stopping to pat the many cats that call this city their home.

Today is another free day in Chefchaouen. If you want the streets to yourself for the best photo ops, it’s recommended you get up early and explore the iconic sites as the city wakes up. 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 town and enjoy a hike and picnic in the surrounding hills. The hike is a popular option, as you can leave the shades of blue for a journey across the Rif Mountains and join your guide to Akchour Falls – a natural wonder, abundant with lush mountains, rivers and waterfalls. Cross the remarkable rock formation The God’s Bridge and then hike back along the forest, soaking in the nature that surrounds. In the evening, how about tucking into a tagine at a local restaurant or visiting a hammam – a traditional Moroccan spa. The night is yours to enjoy.

Today you’ll journey to the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco – Fes. Vibrant, noisy, fascinating and overwhelming, Fes is a visual and pungent feast for the senses, with a huge, well-preserved medieval city that’s the mother of all medinas. Later this afternoon, enjoy some free time and perhaps check out the exquisite carvings and tile work at the Medersa el Attarine near the spice and perfume market. Alternatively, Fes is a shopping heaven for those wanting to pick up a souvenir (or three).

Getting lost in Fes is half the fun, but you'll have your local leader with you to help you get the lay of the land. Join your group through this vibrant labyrinth of a city, alive with the many craftsmen, markets, ceramics and beautiful mosques. Look out for the Medersa Bou Inania, one of the city's coolest buildings, recently restored and now open to visitors. You'll also visit the famous tannery and its dye pits and a ceramic factory where you can see potters working in the traditional way. Today will be a big day, so remember to keep hydrated and pack some snacks.

This morning after breakfast, buckle in for a long travel day. As you make your way towards the rolling dunes of the Sahara Desert, watch the ever-changing scenery pass you by, get stuck into your book, play some of your favourite music, get to know your fellow travellers and enjoy some scenic stops along the way to stretch your legs. Arrive in Merzouga, drop your bags off at your overnight camp, and get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The mode of transport? Camel, of course! Brace yourself for one heck of a sunset, as you ride through the vast expanse of sand and loop back to your private camp for an overnight stay. In the camp, you'll have a thin mattress, blankets and sheets. Make sure you bring an extra sleeping sheet and a jumper if it's winter (you'd be surprised how cold it can get, even in the desert). Sleep under the stars and have one of those 'I’m so far from home' moments.

You'll be getting up well before the crack of dawn this morning, so don’t forget to set your alarm. Climb to a nearby sand dune to catch the sunrise and experience the amazing interplay of light as the Sahara slowly comes alive. Head back for brekkie, collect the rest of your gear, and then travel west to Todra. You’ll come across a bright tablecloth of green that might seem so out of place you'll think you are dreaming. This valley is pretty impressive, with all the palm trees and mud-brick villages. Arrive at your hotel at the top of the valley, then perhaps take a hike into the gorge, where sheer cliffs rise more than 1000 feet above you.

From Todra Gorge, travel along the ‘Road of 1000 Kasbahs’ and enjoy views of the Dades Gorge. You'll also travel past Skoura, home to the beautiful little houses rising like a mirage beyond a dry riverbed. Quench your thirst with a mouthful of mint tea (the best in the world) at Tawesna teahouse, whose profits are devoted to the projects of the women association in the village. This experience is more than just a cuppa – it’s about discovering a culture, sharing a true moment and contributing to women’s economic inclusion. Continue to the medieval mud-brick town of Ait Benhaddou, which is at its best in the late afternoon sun. If you wonder why Ait Benhaddou looks familiar, it’s probably because you’ve seen it before! Perhaps not live, but certainly on the silver screen – think Gladiator and Game of Thrones – loads of movies and shows were filmed in this kasbah! Explore the many old streets and climb the fortress for a superb view of the Old Town. You can also (for a small fee) enter one of the most interesting old houses and climb up to the turrets for a view over the river. You'll spend the night just outside the walls.

After breakfast today, continue west, taking in those countryside views as you wind your way up towards Tizi ‘n Tichka. This is a whopping 2260 m above sea level – the highest pass on the road to Marrakech. Leaving the Atlas behind, you'll descend into the plains surrounding Marrakech and arrive in the late afternoon. With no planned activities, this is a good chance to get lost in the fun of Djemaa el-Fna Square, where there are many fire eaters, fortune tellers, actors, musicians and hawkers vying for your attention.

Marrakech is a feast for the senses, and this morning you’ll get to venture out in the maze of streets with a local expert. Set off on a tour of the old medina, through the bustling souks and sample some sweet and savoury specialities in a tasting experience at a local restaurant. Think barbequed meats, fresh salads, mint tea and couscous. The rest of the day is free, so why not head out on a cycling trip, go quad-biking or indulge in a Luxury Hammam and Spa – the options are endless! You might also like to visit Le Jardin Secret – a traditional medina garden revived for the 21st century. Once owned by a powerful local chief U-Bihi – who was poisoned by Mohammed IV – this historic riad has one of the most beautiful courtyards in Marrakech, combining exotic and traditional Islamic gardens that are fed by original khettara, an underground irrigation system. Maybe visit AMAL Women’s Training Center for lunch – Amal is a non-profit organisation that helps disadvantaged women gain work experience by providing comprehensive training in gastronomy. Every year, 30 to 40 women complete the training, which helps them find appropriate employment and improve their living conditions. In the evening, you’ll undoubtedly be drawn back to Djemaa el-Fna for a night out on the town.

Today is free to wander, rest or take part in a fun optional activity. Say goodbye to some of your trip mates, as others will be joining you for the next leg of the adventure. You will have another meeting at 4 pm today to meet them. As evening falls, you might want to grab dinner or explore the bustling nightlife of the city with your new travel buddies. Marrakech has some great rooftop bars – so find one with a view and order your favourite cocktail.

After breakfast this morning, travel to Taghazout. This cool, laidback fishing village has quickly gained a solid reputation as one of the country’s best surfing spots. The waters stay warm all year round, and the surf is top-notch for both rookies and adept wave riders (so there’s no excuse not to catch some rolling waves). After getting your fill of the beautiful local beaches, maybe ask your leader for the best spots for a seafood dinner, before spending the night at a local surf camp.

Kick off your adventures in the sleepy town of Taghazout with an early morning yoga session, to help you relieve any tension before diving into the water once again. Oddly enough, the skills required for surfing and yoga tend to complement each other, through concentration, flexibility and balance. Good news, if you were planning on hitting the waves again today! Don’t know how to ride a board or didn’t get the chance yesterday? No stress – today includes a half-day surfing course to teach you the basics, and if you already know the ropes, there’s always time to refine your skills in unfamiliar territory.

Get up early today if you want to catch the sunrise, then travel to the old fishing town of Essaouira. Along the way, stop by a female-led cooperative specialising in Argan production. Learn about how these women extract the Argan from the trees, watch the beans being roasted and pressed, then taste the Argan oil and paste, all made right here! Arrive at your destination – a place where the medina brushes up against the Atlantic Ocean. The name of the town translates to ‘little picture’ – so get your camera ready! It’s safe to say you’ll be taking lots of snaps during your time in this picturesque place. Join a local guide for a walking tour through the old medina, Jewish mullah, port and by the skala (sea wall). Then head out to taste some street food, you'll get to try harira (soup), mesman (flatbread), Moroccan sweets and sample olive oil and honey. Tonight’s accommodation is a real treat and certainly one of the more stylish stays of your Moroccan adventure – so enjoy!

Chat with locals on a shared bus ride back to Marrakech. With no activities planned after arriving, you’re free to leave at any time. Depart from the bus station or walk back to the hotel with your leader and depart from there. If you wish to extend your adventure, there are a range of optional activities to get to know the city better. Why not become a Moroccan MasterChef in an Urban Adventure’s cooking masterclass with a local guide? Journey through the souks of Marrakech and shop for the best ingredients before learning the insider tricks on how to whip up a deliciously authentic tagine in a classic riad setting while getting to know the family that lives there. To find out more about the Tajine Cookery Class, visit urbanadventures.com. If you need to organise additional accommodation tonight, just speak to your booking agent.

Dates & prices

Dates

Prices

Availability

Departure Date :

24NOV2024

Return Date :

09DEC2024

1635NZD

not available

Departure Date :

15DEC2024

Return Date :

30DEC2024

1480NZD

available

Departure Date :

05JAN2025

Return Date :

20JAN2025

1720NZD

available

Departure Date :

26JAN2025

Return Date :

10FEB2025

1610NZD

available

Departure Date :

09FEB2025

Return Date :

24FEB2025

1610NZD

available

Departure Date :

16FEB2025

Return Date :

03MAR2025

1610NZD

available

Departure Date :

23FEB2025

Return Date :

10MAR2025

1610NZD

available

Departure Date :

09MAR2025

Return Date :

24MAR2025

1610NZD

available

Departure Date :

16MAR2025

Return Date :

31MAR2025

1610NZD

available

Departure Date :

23MAR2025

Return Date :

07APR2025

1675NZD

available

Trip Notes

Last modified (date)

02 Sep 2024

Trip title

Epic Morocco

Trip code

XMYCC

Validity

Validity: 01 Jan 2025 to 31 Dec 2025

Introduction

Style

Basix

Themes

18 to 35s

Transport

Camel,Private vehicle,Public bus,Taxi,Train

Physical Rating

Physical preparation

Although the trip is graded easy, the walk on Day 7 is approximately 10 km. There are other walks, like Midelt and dune climbing, and in addition a lot of walking around the cities and towns. The walking is not extreme by any means, but we recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes.

Joining point

Moroccan House Hotel Casablanca

3, Rue Mohamed SMIHA, Cote Avenue des FAR Centre-ville

Casablanca

MOROCCO

Phone: +212 522543566

Joining point description

Moroccan House Casablanca is centrally located right near Place Zellaga. The hotel consists of 46 rooms all with en-suite bathrooms, A/C, telephone & TV. With three restaurants serving Moroccan and International cuisine, there is also internet access available

Joining point instructions

Intrepid can assist with pre-booking an arrival transfer from the airport - enquire with your agent. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your departure. For your confirmed arrival transfer, you’ll be met outside the airport at the ‘Navette shuttle’ sign located in front of Terminal 2's exit at Casablanca Airport (CMN) by a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign. The driver will wait a maximum of one hour from the time the plane lands. In case of flight cancellations, changes, if you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find the driver, please contact the transfer operator directly: +44 20 4576 9838. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the airport to your hotel. The price should be agreed before entering the vehicle and should be approximately MAD250 during daylight hours and MAD300 at night.

Finish point

Hotel Amalou

156 Avenue Abdelkrim Khattabi Gueliz, Gueliz, 40 000 Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech

MOROCCO

Phone: +212 524422356

Finish point description

Hotel Amalou is centrally located in the Gueliz district. The property is 4 km from Bahia Palace and 1 km from Conference Palace. There are 59 rooms all with en suite bathrooms, air conditioning and TV. Wi-Fi is available in public areas. Outdoor swimming pool is available to hotel guests.

Finish point instructions

Intrepid can assist with pre-booking a departure transfer to the airport - enquire with your agent. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to the start of your trip. If you have a confirmed departure transfer your leader will advise your pick up time the day before your trip ends. If your driver has not arrived within 30 minutes of the scheduled pick up time, or your departing flight is cancelled or changed, please contact the transfer operator directly: +44 20 4576 9838. Taxi fare from your hotel to the airport will cost approximately MAD100 - MAD200 to prebook. If hailing a taxi on the street, the price should be agreed before entering the vehicle. Please ask your leader or hotel staff for assistance in arranging a taxi.

Important information

1. How to endear yourself to the locals: don’t pose for photos where the holiest of holy people pray. If you want to take a photo of people, always ask - they may say no, so respect that. Even if it’s hot, cover your shoulders, knees and hair. Don’t shake someone’s hand or eat with your left hand - this is the one you use to wipe your butt. 2. Morocco is the land of legendary hospitality, so mind your manners. You'll need a scarf to cover your shoulders and be prepared to take off your shoes if you enter someone's home (plan ahead and wear clean socks). 3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 2 (Guesthouse), Day 7 (Desert Camp), and Days 13 & 14 (Surf Camp) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 4. Optional transfer from Marrakech to Casablanca If you are flying into Marrakech we can provide an optional transfer to the starting point city of Casablanca. This transfer is on request and prepaid. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Group leader

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.

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

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.

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!

Visas

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

Why we love it

Enjoy sunset from the unique vantage point of a camel’s back – and ride far out into the Sahara Desert to camp beneath a blanket of North African stars.

Stay in the old fishing towns of Essaouira and Taghazout, where the medinas brush up against the Atlantic Ocean and take the chance to catch waves, bliss out and practice your yoga skills.

Is this trip right for you

On this trip, you'll need a moderate level of fitness. Ensure you bring suitable footwear, swimwear and clothing for trekking and surfing activities. In a full-day tour around the Medina of Fes (Day 6), you'll be on your feet for a good five to six hours. Keep in mind that this is one of the highlights of Morocco and will worth the exertion. The weather in Morocco can be extreme. Summer temperatures can be uncomfortably hot, especially if you're not used to the heat. If you do travel in the warmer months, bring the necessary sun protection and drink plenty of water. At night the temperature can really drop, so bring your warm clothes. Camping can be especially cold at the start and end of the season. Even in the warmer months the temperature can be low in the mountains. In 2025, Ramadan will take place from 1 March to 30 March. Travelling during this holy month can be a rewarding cultural experience, however, some regular services may not be available during the daytime, such as restaurants or coffee bars, and occasionally travel can be disrupted by events. Your leader will adjust the itinerary accordingly, but please consider your travel arrangements carefully before booking travel for this period. As Morocco has a tipping culture, travellers are expected to tip small amounts for most services, so please be prepared. Your leader will suggest methods and amounts to tip during the trip, but it is left to the group to decide the details. Although you shouldn’t expect any aggressive selling techniques in Morocco, please be aware that you may be approached regularly by shop owners and street vendors. We've sourced our accommodation carefully and picked the best possible hotels in line with the Intrepid style of travel, but please note that service and accommodation in Morocco may be different from western standards.

Health

GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements.

Food and dietary requirements

While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure. Moroccan food is, generally speaking, excellent though not particularly varied. Breakfasts usually consist of bread and jam with coffee or tea. Meals eaten out are reasonably priced - kebab and bread cost only about MAD 30. In main towns, it is possible to find very good French and Moroccan restaurants where a meal and French wine will cost anything from MAD 220 upwards. Generally, dinner is likely to cost between MAD 80-120 depending on what you drink - so an estimate for food would be about MAD 150-200 a day. Soft drinks are available at very reasonable prices, but generally speaking, alcohol is not widely available in Morocco due for cultural and religious reasons. Still, in some hotels and restaurants, you will be able to purchase beer, wine and spirits, but you will pay foreign prices or more for imported alcohol. Please be aware of local laws, believes and traditions, and be very sensitive and respectful while consuming alcohol. Your leader can help recommend restaurants each evening. Vegetarians can be catered for but there is a fairly limited choice of vegetarian couscous and tajine or omelets. This is particularly the case in rural parts of this itinerary. Please note that if you have any special dietary requirements you should inform us prior to the trip. Vegans and those on gluten-free diets may find this region very challenging and may need to supplement meals with their own supplies from supermarkets and markets. Wherever possible we will cater for dietary needs for any included meals, but there may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own.

Money matters

MOROCCO: The currency of Morocco is the dirham (MAD). ATMs are widely available in all major towns and cities. Credit cards are useful for large purchases such as carpets or ceramics from large stores, but generally they are not widely accepted. Please ensure you only use banks, licensed money exchangers, or hotels. We also suggest you keep your receipts. Do not change money with street touts as this is illegal. Changing money is easy and you will find banks and exchange bureaus in large cities, but they often only accept USD, EUR and GBP. In the desert and Atlas Mountains opportunities to withdraw or exchange money are limited. SPENDING MONEY When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling. TIPPING Tipping can be an appropriate way to recognise great service when travelling. While it may not be customary in your home country, it is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many of our destinations and is greatly appreciated by the people who take care of you during your travels. It is always best to avoid tipping with coins, very small denomination notes, or dirty and ripped notes, as this can be regarded as an insult rather than the goodwill gesture it is intended to be. OPTIONAL TIPPING KITTY On Day 1 of your trip, your group leader or local representative may discuss with you the idea of operating a group tipping kitty, whereby everybody contributes an equal amount and your group leader or local representative distributes tips for drivers, local guides, hotel staff and other services included on your trip. This excludes restaurant tips for meals not included in your itinerary. The group leader or local representative will keep a running record of all monies spent which can be checked at any time, and any funds remaining at the end of the tour will be returned to group members. We have found that this is easiest way to avoid the hassles of needing small change and knowing when and what is an appropriate amount to tip. Participation in this kitty is at your own discretion, and you are welcome to manage your own tipping separately if you prefer. Please note the tipping kitty excludes tips for your group leader or local representative. Optional tipping kitty for this trip: MAD1000 per person. YOUR GROUP LEADER OR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE You may consider tipping your group leader or local representative for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline, 4-7 USD or EUR per person per day (in a currency relevant to your destination), can be used. Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your group leader or local representative on your trip. CONTINGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs. How much money? It is impossible to determine how much money you will need. We survey a number of our customers and the amounts vary enormously. Please take this information in the spirit in which it is given. We recommend you try to take more rather than less; you can always take it home. Your tour includes several meals as indicated in the itinerary. You will therefore need additional funds to cover all additional expenses not included in your tour cost. We suggest you allow between EUR230-280 for your extra food and drink requirements. Credit cards are accepted in most good shops and restaurants, however smaller outlets will generally only take local currency. Shopping is a personal thing that varies enormously. On average, people spend between EUR25-50 on knick-knacks, ceramics and other souvenirs. If you have any plan to purchase a carpet, prices can be anything from EUR100-500, or more. Finally, you should carry sufficient funds for shopping and any additional sightseeing/optional activities you may wish to undertake. You will find a suggested list (with approximate costs) in your trip notes. COMMISSIONS Intrepid understands that the receipt of commissions in exchange for recommending particular shops or services is ingrained in the culture of the tourism industry. For this reason, we have established a centralised fund for contributions from recommended suppliers so these can be collected and distributed back into the business. Actively managing the receipt of commissions helps us maintain the level of quality you expect on one of our trips. Travel is always an adventure so Intrepid cannot explicitly guarantee the quality of a product but we aim to provide the best value trips in the market. Please let us know via the feedback form completed after your trip if we are successfully meeting - or exceeding - this objective.

What to take

What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage and walk with it for short distances or up or down a flight of stairs. Our travellers usually find the smaller their luggage is, the more they enjoy the trip not having to worry about carrying heavy bags! Aim to keep your main luggage under 15kg. Many travellers carry their luggage in a compact smaller suitcase or backpack with wheels. We recommend your bag has carry straps or handles so it is easy to lift and carry for the times you are unable to wheel it (ie. on rough surfaces or up steps). If you are taking overnight trains, or primarily using public transport then the smaller your luggage the easier it will be to store under or above bunks. Large suitcases may not be able to be taken on board. A lockable bag or small padlock for your bag will be useful especially when travelling on public transportation as well. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, camera, swimming suit, waterproof pouch/bag for phone, hiking shoes and jacket etc. when you’re exploring during the day. Below we have listed the essentials for this trip:

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list

WATER BOTTLE Please bring your own water bottle to refill along the way. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please use the water dispensers which are provided on some of our vehicles and at some of our accommodation. Your group leader or local representative will advise whether tap water is safe to drink in your destination, and if it is, you can simply refill it with tap water. When unable to avoid bottled water, it is better to buy the largest available and distribute it into your smaller bottle for the day. If you are walking or trekking as part of your trip you will need to carry at least 2L of water with you.

SLEEPING BAGS Please review the weather at the time of year you plan to visit Morocco, particularly the overnight temperatures. If you feel the cold, from November to March you may find the heating and blankets to be insufficient at night. You may like to bring a sleeping bag or thermals to sleep in. Sleeping bags cannot be hired while on the trip and are not easy to buy outside of large cities.

DRONES IN MOROCCO Please note that drones are not permitted to enter or be used in Morocco, neither for personal nor professional/commercial use.

TOWEL We recommend bringing a travel towel for the Surf Camp in Taghazout as beach towels are not provided.

Climate and seasonal

WEATHER IN MOROCCO As a desert country, Morocco can have extreme weather. Winter (November to March) can be very cold, particularly in the mountains and the desert, with overnight temperatures dropping to 5 degrees Celsius or below. Even in summer the desert gets cold at night. It is recommended to bring a sleeping bag, thermals, a scarf, gloves and a warm jacket for travel in winter. Please be prepared for cold showers. Summer (May to September) can be very hot everywhere, which means that it can be quite uncomfortable for those not used to the heat. It’s important to use sun protection and drink plenty of water. Some of our guesthouses/hotels are unable to supply heating or air conditioning as this would be a major financial and environmental strain. It is also a case of energy supply and timing provisions, which are limited in some places. EID AL-ADHA Eid Al-Adha (Sacrifice Feast) will take place in Morocco 16 – 17 June 2024 and 6 – 10 June 2025. This festival honours the sacrifice Abraham made of his own son. In commemoration of this, an animal is sacrificed and divided into three parts: one-third of the share is given to the poor and needy; another third is given to relatives, friends and neighbours; and the remaining third is retained by the family. Please expect delays or complete suspension of public services during that time which may be disruptive to the trip schedule. For some, it may also be disturbing to see animals being sacrificed, as this can take place in public. RAMADAN The important month of Ramadan will be in progress 1 March to 30 March 2025 and the Eid ul-Fitr festival will be held directly at its conclusion for 3-4 days. Ramadan is a festival of sacrifice where the devout refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours. During Ramadan, business hours are shortened, including opening hours at some tourist attractions. Alcohol is not permitted during daylight hours and many restaurants will be closed. While you should expect some delays and inconveniences during this period, the month is a fantastic opportunity to travel in a Muslim country and witness this unique period, particularly the nightly celebrations when the sun sets and the fast is broken. Please note that although the Eid ul-Fitr festival can also be a fascinating time to travel it's a period of national holiday. Most government offices and businesses will be closed and some tourist site opening hours may be affected.

A couple of rules

Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities. To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip. Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip. If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.

Feedback

Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

Emergency contact

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time. For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below: Intrepid's Local Operator: +212 661 922 693

Responsible travel

Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip group leaders or local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel

The Intrepid Foundation

Our non-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, gives travellers more opportunities to make a positive impact in the places they visit. We have over 50 Intrepid Foundation partners across the globe addressing four key focus areas: protecting the environment, taking a stand for wildlife, addressing inequality and empowering communities. Intrepid matches all post-trip donations dollar for dollar and takes care of the admin fees – this doubles your impact and ensures every cent goes to our partners on the ground. Visit our website for more info: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/

Accommodation notes

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available. We've sourced our accommodation very carefully and picked the best possible hotels or hostels in line with the Intrepid style of travel. Yes, we do cool, mostly central and often very original accommodation in Morocco, but remember, occasionally we are not in the right centre of action, which means you may need to hop on a public transport to get to the city centre (or grab a lovely old Merc taxi – plenty of them around). Please note that service and accommodation in Morocco is not quite the same standard you are used to. Your accommodation will not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. In fact, on Intrepid trips you may sometimes share your room with more than one person. But that certainly isn’t the rule. OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances. TWIN SHARE / MULTI SHARE BASIS Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite. HEATING Some of our guesthouses/hotels are unable to supply heating as this would be a major financial and environmental strain. It's also a case of energy supply and timing provisions, which is limited in some places. Please be prepared for cold showers, which are a pleasure for most of the year. Air-conditioning systems (if available) don't always function. CHECK-IN TIME Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination. PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.

Transport notes

There are some long travel days and some rough travelling in areas away from the main tourist routes. High passes, windy roads, and rough surfaces make for some challenging travel experiences. On some long travel days, we depart early in the morning to ensure we optimise our time at our next destination. If you experience travel sickness we recommend you consider medication to help ease the discomfort. The best part about all of these long drives is the spectacular views and fun stops en route such as mountain passes, kasbahs, palmeries, sand dunes, goats up trees, etc. We also use public transport on some of our trips around Morocco. Be it a train or a public bus, remember that the best part of it is the possibility to interact with local people traveling along with you.

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

Your fellow travellers

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure. SOLO TRAVELLERS On our trips, rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender, as per the gender marker on each of their passports. We also offer an optional single supplement on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. This only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will always be on a single-room basis. On a small selection of trips some accommodation will be open-gender and multishare, such as a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam. Please review the Accommodation section of the Essential Trip Information for details about your trip. LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. If your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

Itinerary disclaimer

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nights),Desert Camp (1 night),Guesthouse (3 nights),Surf Camp (2 nights)

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