Highlights of Morocco
Experience Overview
Experience the very best of Morocco, from mazey medinas and lively souks to the broad-shouldered Atlas Mountains and stretching sands of the Sahara. Over two immersive weeks, we ride a camel over desert dunes, sip mint tea with friendly Amazigh hosts, navigate the ancient ksar of Ait Benhaddou and enjoy a remote village walk through the High Atlas range. There’s also time to visit the Todra Gorge and tour all four great Imperial Cities of Morocco: Rabat, Meknes, Fez and Marrakech.
Profile
— Accommodation: 13 Classic nights (6 hotel, 4 riad, 2 lodge and 1 auberge), 1 Simple night (Sahara camp) — Travel by private minibus and camel — Group normally 5 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 13 Classic nights (6 hotel, 4 riad, 2 lodge and 1 auberge), 1 Simple night (Sahara camp) — Travel by private minibus and camel — Group normally 5 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Trip For You
This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
Journeys: To see the highlights of Morocco, there are some long journeys. We are not confined to our vehicle though, as there are plenty of photo stops and opportunities to stretch our legs. The approximate drive times are noted in the daily itinerary.
Weather: Temperatures are hot in summer (May to September) but we try to make the most of the coolest parts of the day for our sightseeing, so expect some early starts. During winter (November to March), the daytime is usually mild, but it can get cold at night, particularly in the desert and mountains, so pack some winter clothes.
Group Description
There is a local tour leader and a driver plus local guides at various sites.
Eating Drinking
There are 14 breakfasts and four dinners included.
Moroccan food is, generally speaking, excellent. Breakfasts usually consist of bread and jam with coffee or tea. Where meals are not included, budget for the following approximate prices.
Lunches: 60-100 dirhams (US$6-US$10)Dinners:
In cities: 80-250 dirhams (US$8-US$25)In small towns and villages: 60-120 dirhams (US$6-US$12)
Drinks in restaurants
Soft drinks: 10-20 dirhams (US$1-1.90)Beer: 40-80 dirhams (US$4-US$8)Wine: 180 dirhams (US$18) and more
Vegetarians can be catered for but there is a fairly limited choice of vegetarian couscous, tajine or omelettes. This is particularly the case during the more rural sections of the trip. If you have special dietary requirements, inform us prior to the trip. If you have a specific medical/dietary need (eg coeliac or vegan), you may find it helpful to bring some food with you from home.
Transportation
For most of this trip, we use a private bus, the size of which depends on the group size. The roads in Morocco are reasonably good and driving conditions in towns and on the plains are good. On mountain roads, the pace is slower. Buses usually have air-conditioning and heating but please note this is not up to European standards.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Recommended arrival time: Hotel check-in is from 2pm
Airport: Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately a 20-minute drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Marrakech Airport (RAK) from the end hotel. If you’re not taking the Exodus transfer, allow three hours for check in, bag drop, immigration and security.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Marrakech airport
The amount of time it takes to get through Marrakech Airport can vary considerably. Therefore, we suggest you mitigate for delays and allow two hours to get through immigration, security and baggage reclaim on arrival. Take a pen with you to complete the arrivals form and have the details of your accommodation to hand for this purpose. Operators are not allowed to wait inside the terminal building for clients, so please find your Exodus representative outside the main doors.
Upon departure from Marrakech, we suggest allowing three hours to navigate the airport: check in, bag drop, immigration and security can take even longer on exit. The airport doesn’t accept mobile boarding passes, so we suggest having a printed boarding pass to avoid subjecting yourself to further delays.
Weather Information
From April to June, and in September, Marrakech and the north are pleasantly hot, with temperatures averaging 26C (79F) in the day and falling to 16C (61F) at night. It is unusual for there to be much humidity, so it is quite pleasant except at midday when the sun is very strong. Desert temperatures are like those in Marrakech, with the nights usually a little cooler and the days a little hotter. Mountain temperatures are cooler than in Marrakech.
In winter, the daytime temperatures in Marrakech are around 18C-22C (64F-72F) with night temperatures falling to 4C-7C (39F-45F). The days should be sunny and a particularly attractive feature of winter is the clear views of the snow-covered Atlas. The temperatures in the south are generally a couple of degrees higher than those north of the mountains. There is a small chance of rain and it has even been known to snow very infrequently in January and sometimes February on the higher desert plateau (in which case it is cold at night and early in the morning on the southern side of the Atlas).
Spending Money
Allow approximately 30-70 dirhams (US$3-US$6.50) per day to cover small souvenirs, soft drinks etc. See the Food & Drink section for more details on expenditure.
Tipping
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work. However, tipping is part of the local culture and generally expected. While tipping is at your discretion, our groups typically ask for advice on how much to give. Below are some recommendations:
Tipping kitty: We have found it useful for the group to have a kitty – about 350 dirhams (US$34) per person – to ease the confusion and embarrassment around tipping local staff (cooks, guides, hotel staff etc). If you do not wish to join the group kitty, do not feel pressured.
Tour leader and driver: Many also wish to tip the tour leader and driver at the end of the trip; we suggest 30 dirhams (US$2.90) a day per person for the leader and 20 dirhams (US$1.90) a day per person for the driver. This is completely at your own discretion and to be used as a guideline only.
Highlights
— Immerse yourself in the very best of Morocco, guided by our expert tour leader — Discover all four Imperial Cities: Rabat, Meknes, Fez and Marrakech — Journey through the Sahara by camel and stay in a traditional desert camp — Explore the grand ksar of Ait Benhaddou – a World Heritage site — Visit Tighza, a remote Amazigh village that has welcomed our groups for years — Relax in laid-back Essaouira, an old Portuguese fishing port on the Atlantic
Trip Details
Product Code: 4238
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: tandards.
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: AMH
Starts: Marrakech, Atlas Mountains
Finishes: Marrakech, Atlas Mountains
Duration: 15 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Unknown
Includes
— All breakfasts and four dinners — Tour leader throughout — Free arrival and departure transfers for everyoneAccommodation
Hotels, riad, lodge, auberge and Sahara campWe use a variety of accommodation throughout this tour, spending time in hotels, an auberge (inn), Sahara camp, lodge and riad. The accommodations typically used are on the day-to-day itinerary. However, below are some of the places we stay. Rabat: Hotel Bouregreg (night 2) Right next to Rabat medina, this 69-room hotel is well placed for our adventures. Popular nearby stops include Rabat Beach (Plage de Rabat), Hassan Tower and the Kasbah of the Udayas. The hotel also has two restaurants, one serving traditional Moroccan cuisine, the other serving international fare, plus a piano bar. Sahara: Camp Caravane (night 6) Our night in the Sahara is one you’re unlikely to forget. We stay in a desert camp, where we enjoy a homemade meal. Spend the rest of the evening stargazing and chatting around the campfire. Essaouira: Mechouar Plaza (nights 11-12) In Essaouira medina, the 20-room Mechouar Plaza has an ideal address. It’s decorated with exposed brick throughout and has a bar and restaurant serving Moroccan and international cuisine. For some departures, we stay at the Riad Dar El Qdima or similar. Worth knowing You can request a single room on this trip subject to availability. The single supplement applies to hotel nights only and therefore does not cover any nights in the mountains, desert or Sahara camp.Morocco is not set up for colder temperatures and so there may not be heaters available at the hotels. Of course, you can ask for more blankets.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,990 ($133 /day)
Itinerary
Buzzy Marrakech is a whirlwind of tradition and culture, an invigorating introduction to Morocco. However, today is a relaxing one, a chance for our group to congregate at the hotel and settle in. We may have a welcome briefing this evening or tomorrow, depending on when everyone arrives. Accommodation: Ayoub Hotel/Hotel Le Caspien (or similar)
We drive to Casablanca this morning, a modern and commercial seaport. Here, we visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest in the world, which has a soaring 655ft (200m) minaret and a sliding ceiling to enable the sea breeze to cool the building. We have a guided tour of the mosque and the stunning ablutions hall with a local specialist. Please note: knees and upper arms must be covered. After, we drive two hours to Rabat, the political capital of Morocco, but second to Casablanca in importance. Here, we have free time to explore. Although mostly modern, Rabat has an excellent old town, where you can see distinctive buildings with Moorish and Andalusian designs. Also visit the Jewish Quarter (Mellah) before continuing to the busy souk to sample locally made treats, such as harsha (a semolina bread) with the special almond paste, amlou. Accommodation: Rabat Hotel Bouregreg (or similar)
Strike out from Rabat on a 2hr 30min drive over the northern plain towards Meknes. The scenery changes as the land becomes more cultivated, this being one of the most fertile areas of Morocco. In Meknes, we meet our local guide for an exploratory walk in the old town. Built in the Spanish-Moorish style, the medina has crumbling ramparts with nine immense gates. We plunge into a busy local market, where vendors vie for attention and craftsmen sharpen their tools, before walking to El Hedim square, a scaled-down version of Djemaa El Fna in Marrakech. Then, we stand before the monumental Bab El Mansour gate, which was built in 1732. In the afternoon, we take a 45-minute drive to the largest and best-kept Roman ruins in Morocco: Volubilis, once a large Roman town and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Under the Romans, it was an affluent city. This can be seen in the beautiful second-century forum, the basilica and the capitol. We wander through the streets, discovering remains of townhouses with mosaic floors and see baths, oil presses, aqueducts and shops, all of which reveal the daily lives of the inhabitants. After exploring this site with a local guide, we continue our drive (approximately two hours) to the ancient city of Fez, where we spend two nights. Accommodation: Hotel La Paix (or similar)
The fascinating city of Fez is the intellectual and religious centre of Morocco. Founded more than 1,000 years ago, it has many mosques and medersas (theological colleges), including the ninth-century al-Karaouine University, whose architecture is very similar to that seen in Moorish Spain. Fez medina is one of the largest in the world, an immense warren of souks, home to thousands of craftsfolk with their tiny shops opening onto the narrow alleyways. Noisy and pungent, the medina is an absorbing experience. Our city guide walks us through different sections of the souk, including those selling leather, brass and copper. No visit to Fez is complete without a visit to the tanneries. Outside the medina, we visit the Jewish District (mellah), the exterior of the Royal Palace and drive up to a panoramic viewpoint over the city. Accommodation: Hotel La Paix (or similar)
Today, we travel to the edge of the Sahara, the largest hot desert in the world. It’s a 10-hour journey but with frequent stops and beautiful scenery along the way. We travel over the stunning Middle Atlas, down through the picturesque Ziz Valley and to the spectacular site of the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. We stay in a small and welcoming auberge (inn) by the dunes. Tonight is a good time to pack your overnight bag for the Sahara. Accommodation: Auberge La Caravane (or similar) Drive time: 8hr 30min
A free morning means we have time to explore the largest erg (sand sea) in Morocco, or to relax in the shade of a palm tree by the dunes. The sand sea is famed for its pink tones that take on a spectacular rose colour at sunset. In the late afternoon, we take part in a classic Saharan experience – a 45-minute camel trek through the dunes, where we watch the sunset (it is also possible to walk). We then return to the edge of the desert to spend the night in a camp. This evening, we enjoy a home-cooked meal and sit under the stars. Accommodation: Camp Caravane (or similar)
After sunrise, we leave our desert camp and head towards the little city of Skoura, which is nestled on a beautiful palm grove near Ouarzazate. Following the Road of 1,000 Kasbahs, we have vistas of ancient kasbahs nestled in lush palm groves. After around four hours of driving, we stop to explore Todra Gorge. We take a short walk along a narrow road through the gorge and have time to take photos. Of course, there is also the usual pop-up souvenir stalls to tempt you. Accommodation: Skoura Lodge (or similar) Drive time: 6hr 30min
There is the opportunity to take a one-hour drive to Toundout Valley and enjoy a three-hour guided hike through an Amazigh village, where you learn a little of their culture. Alternatively, relax in and around the lodge, walking through the lush palm groves. Considered the palm grove capital of Morocco, Skoura offers peace and relaxation through its various walks discovering multiple palm groves and kasbahs. Accommodation: Skoura Lodge (or similar)
Leaving Skoura, we rejoin the main road and drive west along the Road of 1,000 Kasbahs via the desert city of Ouarzazate and to the well-preserved ksar (fortified village) of Ait Benhaddou. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most spectacular in the Atlas range, and the location of several Hollywood films including Gladiator (2000). Here we tour atmospheric alleys and see the earthen walls of the dwellings. Continuing into the mountains, we branch east through a wide flat mountain valley, finally arriving at Anmiter, where we leave our bus and take a 90-minute walk on an uphill gradient to the Amazigh village of Tighza, where we spend the next two nights. Tighza is a rural village set in the Atlas mountains. From the terrace of our Riad you can look down into the valley and enjoy the sunset over the surrounding mountains. It is a peaceful retreat and provides the opportunity to meet local villagers and share their way of life. Our luggage is transported to the village for us. For those who do not want to walk, mules are available (100 dirhams, payable locally). We’re greeted with a mint tea on arrival at the village. Accommodation: Riad Bouchahoud (or similar) Drive time: 1hr 30min
We start our day with an optional walk through the villages of the Tighza Valley, heading into the hills on mule tracks with the High Atlas peaks as our backdrop. The length of our trek depends on the group’s ability, but it is likely to be approximately four hours. The afternoon is free to relax with a book, enjoy the mountain views, take a stroll through the beautiful landscape or challenge the village children to a game of football. Tighza is one of just four villages in this remote valley and has been supported by Exodus for more than 10 years through various responsible tourism projects. We visit the village hammam, built with money raised by Exodus clients. This is an authentic experience and terrific fun. It is very much a traditional hammam and you are likely to get the opportunity to mix with the villagers, which further adds to the experience. A standard treatment is included, but you need to purchase a scrubber and soap for 20 dirhams (US$1.90) plus a customary tip of 20 dirhams. Refreshed, we return to the accommodation for our final dinner in the mountains. Accommodation: Riad Bouchahoud (or similar) Drive time: 1hr 30min
Leaving the riad, we take a four km walk back to our bus on an unpaved road for a short drive to the palace of Telouet. This once-grand building stands abandoned and crumbling and we have deemed it unsafe to enter; however, we can walk around the outside and take photographs. We continue our scenic drive over the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech, via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, which at 7,415ft (2,260m) above sea level is the highest road in Morocco. The scenery is spectacular and there are some wonderful views of the mountains. We also stop at a women’s cooperative argan oil farm, where you can see the trees, get a demonstration of the production process, and purchase products if you’d like. Our journey finally brings us to the flat arid plains of Marrakech, and then onwards to the pretty seaside town of Essaouira. Accommodation: Riad Da El Qdima or Mechouar Plaza (or similar) Drive time: 7hr 30min
Enjoy a free day in Essaouira, an old Portuguese fishing port overlooking the Atlantic. The settlement dates to the 15th century but the present town was constructed around 1760 by Sidi Mohammed ben Abdullah, who needed a base from which to suppress a revolt from Agadir. Today, the town is extremely relaxed and its whitewashed houses with painted shutters, artisan workshops, boatyards and fishermen provide a marked contrast to the desert, kasbahs and cities we have so far visited. Our hotel is situated in the heart of the old walled city, where we have plenty of time for shopping in the souks or strolling along the beach. With many pleasant cafes and some outstanding seafood restaurants, there is plenty of choice for our evening meal. Accommodation: Riad Da El Qdima or Mechouar Plaza (or similar)
After breakfast, we drive back to Marrakech. In the afternoon, we enjoy a guided tour to find our bearings and soak up the atmosphere of this amazing city. Our guide takes us to the opulent Bahia Palace, a one-time royal residence, and ends the adventure in the Djemaa el Fna square, where the town becomes a maze of bustling bazaars, palaces and mosques. It is worth seeing this renowned landmark in the evening, as Marrakech revolves around this open-air central square, with food stalls, juice sellers, snake charmers and acrobats. It is a place of night-time entertainment for both local people and tourists. Accommodation: Ayoub Hotel/Hotel Le Caspien (or similar) Drive time: 3hr 30min
Today is free in Marrakech and there is no shortage of things to do. You might wish to visit the largest mosque in the city, Koutoubia, or venture through the souks and old streets of the medina. After bartering for souvenirs, we have time for a short visit to the Koranic School and Museum of Marrakech. After, you could take a 30-minute calèche ride (a bright green horse-drawn carriage) to the Jardin Majorelle. These gardens are decorated throughout in indigo blue and were once owned by Yves Saint Laurent. For lunch, we recommend the Amal Women’s Training Centre and Moroccan Restaurant, which Exodus supports in their cause to empower women from disadvantaged backgrounds. They are a non-profit organisation dedicated to training students to become self-sufficient and improving their quality of life through acquiring new skills in a professional restaurant setting. For a superb traditional Moroccan meal and the opportunity to support this worthy cause, do pay them a visit. This evening, it’s common for the group to enjoy a final meal together on Djemaa el Fna. Accommodation: Ayoub Hotel/Hotel Le Caspien (or similar)
Enjoy your final breakfast this morning and take the chance to reflect on your unforgettable Morocco adventure. You’ve navigated lively medinas, ridden a camel in the Sahara and experienced a traditional hammam in the Atlas Mountains. Now, however, is the time to start your journey home and start planning your next adventure.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
Zahrah Price - Traveled, March 2024
A Trip of a Lifetime More spectacular than I imagined Most Inspirational Moment Getting to stay in the village of Tighza Thoughts on Group Leader Khaled was extremely knowledgeable, patient and kind. He was an excellent leader Advice for Potential Travellers If you are travelling mid season, pack layers. It was colder than we expected. Suggestions This trip was more spectacular than I imagined. I can't wait to go back to Morocco!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/22/2024
Sandy Merrick - Traveled, March 2024
Highlights of Morocco We just returned from a 15 day trip across Morocco. It was a fabulous trip with a great group of fellow travellers. Our guide Khaled was a fantastic, enthusiastic ambassador for his country. We quickly became a great group of friends who thoroughly enjoyed all the sights and sounds of Morocco. Most Inspirational Moment The camel trek into The Sahara was awe inspiring. We had a sand dune view of the setting sun. Thoughts on Group Leader Khaled was our guide. He was friendly and enthusiastic about sharing his country. He kept us informed daily of upcoming meeting points etc. and was highly organized. He listened to our desire for quick lunches and took us to amazing, affordable restaurants for dinner. He was fantastic for showing us the every day men/women of his country. He was also up for a laugh and joking around. He had to deal daily with 2 of our fellow travellers who were ill informed and ill prepared for this trip. He was very patient with their very challenging behavior. Advice for Potential Travellers There’s a lot of down time on the bus for long hours of travelling between cities. There’s also a lot of walking on uneven ground. Wear comfortable shoes. The 5 km uphill trek to our hotel in the High Atlas MTS was a surprise. Mules were available for our gear and anyone needing some assistance up the hill. It was quite arduous. We were there in early March and wore our winter coats most of the time. Our hotels were clean and ok. It was cold at night but all the hotels supplied lots of blankets. We all had a hot shower every morning. Other reviews spoke of inadequate hot water but we never experienced that. Suggestions Be prepared for a country of vast contrasts. Big bustling urban cities, remote villages, seashores resort area, mountains and the Sahara Desert. I was so impressed by Morocco. It has something for everyone and is very clean and safe to travel within. If you’re considering a vacation here…you’re going to love Morocco.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/29/2024
Ann Holmes - Traveled, June 2023
A fabulous adventure What an amazing adventure this turned out to be. This 14 day trip covered 1300 miles through different landscapes, stopping off along the way and learning about this diverse country. Fez Medina was like stepping back in time with the narrow streets in the souk lined with stalls and donkeys transporting their wares around them. The tanneries were another glimpse into a bygone age. The Roman town of Volubilis was a revelation and the guide was superb. The Sahara experience is one I’ll never forget. Moving on we stayed at Kasbah Oliver in the High Atlas Mountains and had a glimpse into how remote some villages are. We had a really pleasant hike from Kasbah Oliver along a path used by locals starting in the cool of the morning and an unforgettable experience in the local small hammam. Our holiday happened to coincide with a large music festival in Essaouira which added to our experience, although sadly we were unable to stay in the Medina. Most Inspirational Moment If I had to pick one inspirational moment it would have to be sitting on the top of a sand dune in silence watching the sun rise over the Sahara. Truly unforgettable. Thoughts on Group Leader Our group leader was Youssef and Mohammad our driver. Everything Youssef organised was with the group in mind and extremely punctual. On long trips lunch time food was preordered to save time in restaurants. The suggested places to eat at night were always very good. A few occasions we were told it was possible to purchase alcohol and that the venue we were staying would happily refrigerate beers/soft drinks or wine for us. Youssef would always help find an ATM or money exchange if requested. Overall he was a very thoughtful helpful member of the group. Advice for Potential Travellers There are some pieces of advise I wish I had had: 1. Some of my fellow travellers changed money at the airport and were talked into putting some money onto a card to draw out at ATM’s ….what they didn’t realise until too late was the £30 charge for doing so. As ATM’s are plentiful and also money exchanges there is no need to change money at the airport if you have a prepaid transfer booked. If you are staying at the Hotel Gossassine there is an ATM 200yds from the hotel and a money exchange a further 50yds on. (There is also a Carrefour supermarket located in the basement :100yds from the hotel in a shopping Mall) 2. I wasn’t sure what clothing to take, especially as Morocco is a Muslim country: I erred on the conservative side taking mostly long sleeved tops and longer knee length shorts. You actually only need to cover up when visiting The Hassan 11 Mosque. When in the seaside town of Essaouira there is a beach with people wearing swimming costumes…it had a much more relaxed feel. If I went again I would take more of a mixture of sleeveless/sleeved tops and trousers/shorts for June travel. 3. We stopped at potteries/argon oil/herbalists etc which were very interesting but were on the expensive side, however it was hard to tell if we would see the items for sale elsewhere…. I can tell you with experience that you will. There are good shopping opportunities in the seaside place of Essaouira and back in Marrakech on the final days. I just wish I had known that! Suggestions Final words: if you like adventure and are not too precious about the standard of hotels (although they were always clean) then this is the holiday for you. Excellent value. My group consisted of people from Australia, Slovakia, Iceland, Barbados, USA and British, which only added to the experience. What a fabulous adventure.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/24/2023
Allan Crawley - Traveled, February 2023
The High Atlas-stunning scenery A fast moving adventure, stunning snow capped mountains, un paralleled views and scenery. A camel trek, the Sahara at sunset and sunrise with an overnight in the desert. Tours and histories of the major cities . Be prepared for low overnight temps and hotels with out heating and only Luke warm shower temperatures, and a small bus. Overall an excellent trip. A lovely country with friendly and hospitable people.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/19/2023
Gail Madeley - Traveled, January 2023
Highlights of Morocco A great way to see a lot of Morocco and the variety of the ever-changing landscapes. Great group, great guide. Although we didn’t get the hot weather one would normally expect, we didn’t get rained on, but we did have snow! Most Inspirational Moment Visiting the roman ruins at Volubilis and watching the sunset and sunrise in the Sahara Desert. The hammam was an experience you should not miss. The architecture in the palaces is breathtaking. The scenery even more so. The trek in the High Atlas was fun. Thoughts on Group Leader Essaid was one of the best guides I have experienced. He was great fun, full of knowledge, loved his country and became part of the group. Advice for Potential Travellers If going in the winter months take more warm clothes than suggested. Had we known how cold it was going to be in the mornings, evenings and night we would have taken more than a fleece, hat and gloves. Not all the hotels have hairdryers or sink plugs. If your trip is fully booked, be prepared for a cramped minibus. Suggestions This is a great trip and really good value for money. Eating out is really cheap and you won't come back hungry. The food was delicious.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/26/2023
April Steger - Traveled, December 2022
Excellent itinerary packed with history The itinerary for this was well designed and provided a comprehensive experience of Morocco, its various regions and people. I learned a lot. Our guide was great and we also had local guides when visiting different regions which provided for more in depth history lessons. The people of Morocco were kind and welcoming. I would highly recommend this trip. Most Inspirational Moment Loved visiting the Berber villages and staying in remote areas and learning more about the Berbers and Nomads. Thoughts on Group Leader I can tell that our leader loves his job. He was always prepared, provided us with all the information we needed to be safe and enjoy ourselves and multi tasked often to ensure our needs were met. He was kind, warm and very knowledgeable. Advice for Potential Travellers Set your expectations correctly. You may not always get to take long showers (extended drought) or have diverse options for food. But you won’t go hungry.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/30/2022
Anne Graham - Traveled, August 2022
Excellent Adventure Like most Exodus trips this is fast paced and is an adventure rather than a holiday. We covered a lot of miles but it was worth it for the diversity of experiences and the chance to see so much of the wonderful country of Morocco. Most Inspirational Moment Being in the village in the high atlas was amazing. Walking in, staying in the beautiful Kasbah Oliver, waking to the sound of the call to prayer echoing down the valley, trekking up the valley with the sound of running water and local people with their mules passing us and going about their daily lives, and of course the hammam experience were all unforgettable. Thoughts on Group Leader Alli was fabulous. Nothing was too much trouble for him and he was always available and checking that everyone was fine. He told us so much about Moroccan history and culture and he was such fun too. A wonderful ambassador for his country. Advice for Potential Travellers Be prepared for short turn arounds and early starts (though not every day). Particularly after the overnight in the desert camp.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/23/2022
Anne-Marie Hellewell - Traveled, April 2022
Mighty Morocco This is an excellent trip for anyone wishing to experience a wide variety of aspects of Morocco. The tour content is well thought out with a good balance between city, rural, desert and coastal destinations. Each new place provided a fresh adventure with helpful, interesting guides for the main sites. We were particularly fortunate to be part of a small group- just nine of us. This meant we had room to spread out in the bus which made the journeys more comfortable. Overall, this trip is very good value for money. Most Inspirational Moment It really is hard to pick just one! If pressed, I would have to say the time spent in the desert dunes, riding a camel and then climbing to the highest point for sunset was magical. The sunrise in the dunes was also beautiful with the added bonus of a spectacular planetary alignment just before dawn. We were also lucky enough to be out in the desert for a total lunar eclipse which was very special. Thoughts on Group Leader Essaid was an excellent guide. He was always attentive and well organised, a kind and gentle host, rightly proud of his country and culture. He was curious to try some yoga and at Kasbah Oliver I introduced him to some sun salutations o the roof terrace at dawn. That was a lovely moment. Advice for Potential Travellers Embrace everything! This is described as a leisurely holiday but you will be kept busy. Consider the heat and your tolerance to it. It was in to the mid 30s for most of our time in mid May which we found fairly comfortable as it is dry and not humid but I would find it hard later in the summer. Don’t expect to pay by card in many of the restaurants, you will need a fair amount of cash. I wish that I had taken earplugs as the cities were noisy - Moroccans like their motorbikes and spend half the night revving them up! Rural locations and Essaouira are much quieter. If you like using a walking pole it can be handy in he High Atlas, but this is not essential. Definitely try the public hammam as it supports a good cause and it is hilarious! In Marrakesh, the Jardin Majorelle is worth visiting but book for as early as possible as it gets very busy. I would recommend visiting the Jardin Secret as well which is quieter and really beautiful too. Suggestions As we flew from Manchester, we had extra time in Marrakesh either side of the trip. Thanks to fairly last minute EasyJet cancellations, we actually arrived two days in advance which meant that we got to know Marrakesh quite well. As a result, I feel we got more out of Marrakesh .
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/20/2022
Angela Beckwith - Traveled, August 2021
Wonderful Trip We were one of the lucky first groups able to travel post-Covid lockdown, and what a way to re-start travel! The trip was excellent with a fantastic mixture of cities, culture, landscape and activities. Morocco is a very diverse country, with so much to see and experience. I found the people friendly and welcoming, and thoroughly enjoyed every moment. Our guide, Fouad, was outstanding, as was our driver Mo-Mo, and both took such good care of our group from start to finish. There were too many great experiences to mention them all, but the walking tours through Rabat, Fez and Meknes were all awesome – all of the local guides were so enthusiastic to share their country and knowledge with us and we were very lucky to get to experience it with them. Most Inspirational Moment Sleeping under the stars in the Sahara was a dream come true. We were lucky to have perfect clear skies and the Milky Way was incredibly bright and clear. Waking up early to take an optional morning camel trek out to the dunes to watch the sunrise (having already camel trekked for the sunset the previous day) and seeing the sand change colours as the light changed. Thoughts on Group Leader Fouad was absolutely outstanding. He went out of his way to make sure everyone got the most out of their trip and was constantly organising added little extras (tea and cake at a local home in the Atlas Mountains; local live music demonstration on the edge of the desert; organising for specific shops to open early so a few more last-minute souvenirs could be purchased). He was super organised and never once lost his smile and humour. He took great care of everyone, especially when a few of our group member suffered from dodgy stomachs, and made sure everyone had access to pharmacies and extra stops whenever necessary. He was truly like family by the end of the trip. Likewise, our diver Mo-Mo was such a lovely gentleman, always ready with a smile and a helping hand. He took incredible care of us in the bus and made us all feel very safe whilst on the roads. Advice for Potential Travellers Embrace the culture and the experiences and go with the right attitude to try everything (ride the camel, climb that sand dune, try the tagine, explore the souks). Do not go expecting 5* western accommodation, facilities or food - it is not that kind of holiday. Be prepared that, although the trip is rated "leisurely", it is not a relaxing, slow-paced trip. The holiday is pretty full on for the whole two weeks to ensure that you get the absolute most out of it and it is completely worth it. Suggestions Make sure you leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs - beautiful leather goods from the tanneries in Fez; art and silver jewellery in Essaouira; pottery in Meknes.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/20/2021
Susan McClellan - Traveled, February 2020
Wonderful Trip If you’re looking for an interesting and informative trip, where every day is different, then this one’s for you. The choice of accommodation was very good and definitely enhanced the group’s overall experience. Living out of a suitcase isn’t everyone’s idea of fun but is necessary in order to visit the wide variety of sites across a large area. I’d recommend this trip to anyone wanting a moderately priced holiday in a culturally diverse country which is relatively close to the UK. Thank you, Exodus. Most Inspirational Moment Nothing stood out as being particularly inspirational but everything was enjoyable. The camel trips were fun. Thoughts on Group Leader Both group leader Hamid and driver Reduan were excellent at their respective jobs, and very good company. Advice for Potential Travellers Just look forward to the enjoyment of having everything organised for you.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/23/2020
Kevin Orrey - Traveled, September 2019
What an awesome trip! My first Exodus trip and what a cracker; diverse, interesting, informative and full of new and exciting experiences and activities and Adil the tour guide was outstanding. The itinerary is full of interesting stops, numerous extras were added in and adding in multiple extras like hiking in the early morning out to the dunes to enjoy the sunrise, climbing mini mountains and outcrops at Riad Oliver this was a packed trip and just the way I wanted my first experience from Exodus to go. I’m surprised at the cost to what actually was included and the amount of time away, flights and activities. The company was excellent and I quickly bonded and gelled and look forward to my next trip. Well done Exodus! Most Inspirational Moment Sunrise in the Sahara atop a dune with Louise Thoughts on Group Leader Adil is fun, helpful and informative and goes that extra mile, you can't go wrong with him. He even arranged a birthday cake as my birthday occured whilst in Fez Advice for Potential Travellers Don't pack too many clothes, plenty of chances to launder and quickly dry. Take the opportunity to do extra yourself, get up early to go around Rabat in the early morning before the sun rises and go along the front to the Kasbah. Get up early and do as many sunrises as you can in the Sahara and Skoura. Get a roof terrace to watch the sun go down in Marrakech. Go for the hammam, its different! Be open to new experiences.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/15/2019
Rick Hardy - Traveled, September 2019
Absolutely Fabulous! If you want to learn about the culture and history of a country as well as seeing some spectacular scenery then this is for you. There is a lot of travelling involved and a few early morning departures (8:00am) but enough time for rest to compensate. Maybe a little more space in the mini-bus would have been nicer as the back 4 seats were a little cramped but there were plenty of breaks during the journeys to from Marrakech to Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, Fes, Merzouga, Skoura, Tigzha, Ouarzazate, Essaouira and back to Marrakech. If you fancy something different here are two examples; 1) A camel ride onto the Sahara to watch the sunset, eat and sleep in a Bedouin Camp with some traditional music, up before dawn early for another camel ride to watch the sunrise then back to the hotel for breakfast, and 2) Two nights in a mountain retreat and a 4 hour morning walk in the High Atlas mountains. Food was good and sometimes exceptional. All accommodation was acceptable and in some cases fantastic. Our tour guide, Ahmed, and driver, Mustafa, were absolutely marvellous. My 15 travelling companions also contributed to the enjoyment of the holiday. This was my first holiday of this type and I will certainly try another – most likely with Exodus. They obviously have years of experience organising holidays like this. Most Inspirational Moment I suppose the very most inspirational moment was the mountain retreat and a 4 hour morning walk in the High Atlas mountains. Thoughts on Group Leader Ahmed was exceptionally excellent. As was our driver Mustafa. Advice for Potential Travellers Read the trip notes a few times so there are no surprises - although surprises can be good. So, just be prepared - although no preparation can be carried out for your first camel ride! LOL
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/14/2019
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