Day 1 : Tangier Arrival
Welcome to Morocco! Upon arrival, you will settle in at your hotel and have the first evening free to immerse yourself in the whitewashed hillside medina homes of Tangier. If you’re feeling a bit jet-lagged, head up to the rooftop terrace at our hotel, ranked as the best rooftop terrace in Tangier by Lonely Planet. While there, have your first taste of the famous Berber whisky, also known as mint tea!
Included :
- Activities: Arrival transfer; Free time
- Meals: None
- Accommodation: Riad (Boutique Hotel)
NEXT DAY Day 2 : Chefchaouen
After breakfast, we’ll be on our way to the city of Chefchaouen, also known as The Blue City. As soon as you approach this city nestled among the Rif mountains, you’ll see why it got its nickname. Its medina has been lovingly cared for with striking blue colors and intricate door fronts. After checking into our hotel we will go on a stroll through the ancient medina and then stop at a local family’s house for lunch. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free to roam around the winding streets and snap photographs of the brilliant blue hues that characterize the town.
To see what Chefchaouen looks like, check out our video by clicking HERE!
Included :
- Transfer: Tangier – Chefchaouen (approx. 2 hours)
- Activities: Chefchaouen orientation walk; Free time
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch at local family’s house
- Accommodation: Hotel
NEXT DAY Day 3 : Chefchaouen
Today is yours to explore the captivating blue city of Chefchaouen. Around every corner is a photo opportunity and there is an abundance of things to do in and around the city. You can spend the day getting lost in the maze of blue homes and shops. For cheese lovers, we suggest going for a sample of the delicious local goat cheese at a cafe or you can take an easy hike up to the Spanish mosque to admire the panoramic view of the city and the surrounding area. If you’re looking for some R&R, why not hit up a hammam (spa) for a scrub and/or a massage? The choice is yours and the guide will be there to point you in the right direction!
Included :
- Activities: Free time; Optional activities (At your own expense)
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel
NEXT DAY Day 4 : Fes via Volubilis
This morning we’ll head to Fes and en route, we’ll stop at the Roman ruins of Volubilis which was once a provincial Roman capital and a distant outpost of the empire. The intact remains make for an undeniably impressive sight and these Roman ruins are some of the best-preserved according to the UNESCO World Heritage Center. Then, we will head for lunch and make the 1 hour drive to Fes where you will have the rest of the afternoon and evening free to wander through the chaotic medina with surprises around every corner.
Included :
- Transfers: Chefchaouen – Volubilis (approx. 3 hours); Volubilis – Fes (approx. 1 hour)
- Activities: Volubilis guided visit; Free time
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation: Riad (Boutique Hotel)
NEXT DAY Day 5 : Fes
This morning is a guided walking tour of the medina, which is alive with craftsmen, markets, tanneries, and mosques. Pass donkeys piled high with goods (this is one of the largest car-free urban zones in the world) and explore the specialty sections that divide the souk. We’ll stop by a well-known tannery where you can see how animal hides are treated to make the leather goods that Fes is known for. Be forewarned, the tannery has a very distinct odor but you’ll be provided with fresh mint to keep the smells at bay! Next, we will visit a ceramics cooperative where you can see potters at work using traditional methods. Lastly, we will stop at Medersa Bou Inania, one of the city’s most beautiful buildings, which has recently been restored and is now open to tourists! Afterward, you will have free time to do as you wish and as always your guide is there to help with anything you might need.
Included :
- Activities: Fes medina walking tour; Free time
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation: Riad (Boutique Hotel)
NEXT DAY Day 6 : Midelt
We will say goodbye to the hustle and bustle of Fes and leave for the scenic simplicity of Midelt. As we journey over the Middle Atlas Mountains and into Berber Country, we will pass some spectacular scenery as well as small villages that dot the landscape filled with nomads tending to their flocks along the side of the roads. We will stop at a local village where we will get a couscous demonstration before having lunch. Afterward, we will head for our accommodation.
Included :
- Transfer: Fes – Midelt (approx. 4 hours)
- Activities: Midelt transfer; Free time
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch with couscous demo, Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel
NEXT DAY Day 7 : Erg Chebbi (Sahara Desert)
Today we will make our way towards the Sahara Desert. Channel your inner nomad as we hop on camels from the frontier town of Merzouga and caravan into the desert. Once we’ve reached the magical sand dunes of Erg Chebbi, we will get settled into our luxury desert camp that is approximately 20 kilometers from the Algerian border. Explore the orange-colored dunes that will make you feel like you are truly in the middle of nowhere….because you are! At night, we will enjoy a large feast and sit around the campfire for a Berber drum and musical performance while the infinite number of stars above us set the scene for this magical evening.
Included :
- Transfer: Midelt – Erg Chebbi (approx. 4 hours)
- Activities: Camel trekking; Berber drum performance; Free time
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: Luxury desert camp
- Note: If you would prefer not to ride a camel you can drive with the luggage via 4×4 SUV to the camp. The camel ride is approximately 30 minutes.
NEXT DAY Day 8 : Boumalne Dades
After our magical, serene night in the desert, we will return back to civilization as we make our way to Boumalne Dades with a stop at the El Khorbat oasis museum where you’ll learn a bit about Berber history. We will continue on to the magnificent Todra Valley in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains which is dotted with mud-brick villages perched on hillsides. Tonight you will sleep in a unique hotel that is carved into the side of a mountain.
Included :
- Transfer: Erg Chebbi – Boumalne Dades (approx. 5 hours)
- Activities: El Khorbat oasis museum; Free time
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation: Riad (Boutique Hotel)
NEXT DAY Day 9 : Ait Ben Haddou
Today we will make our way to Ait Ben Haddou, the World Heritage Site and location of a ksar (fortified village) that once stood on the Trans-Saharan caravan route. It is also one of the best-preserved kasbah’s (citadel) in the Atlas region. On the way, we’ll stop for lunch at Ouarzazate where iconic films such as Lawrence of Arabia and Black Hawk Down were filmed. If time permits we can stop at the famous Atlas Film Studios. In the afternoon, we will settle into our hotel, which offers the most spectacular views of the ksar (fortified village). Afterward, you’ll have the option of taking a walk around the famous kasbah and later a cooking class/demo to learn the art of making the perfect tagine!
Included :
- Transfer: Boumalne Dades – Ait Ben Haddou (approx. 3 hours)
- Activities: Kasbah visit; Cooking demo; Optional activities (At your own expense); Free time
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Accommodation: Riad (Boutique Hotel)
NEXT DAY Day 10 : Marrakech
Today we will head to Marrakech, also known as The Red City. You’ll be enticed by the alluring scents and brilliant colors of the spice markets, the sounds of the musicians, delectable foods, and perfumed gardens. On arrival, we’ll get settled into our riad and go for a walking tour of Marrakech’s never-ending medina. The rest of the afternoon is yours to do as you please. In the evening, we recommend dinner at the famous Djemaa el Fna, one of the largest public spaces in the world and unique to Marrakech. When night falls on this square, it transforms into a hive of activity. Henna painters, performers, and storytellers share the square with a street food bazaar, packed with stalls loaded with Moroccan delicacies. While you’re there, why not enjoy a few Moroccan pastries with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice? We suggest finishing your day with a cup of tea on one of the rooftop restaurants overlooking the square.
Included :
- Transfer: Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech (approx. 4 hours)
- Activities: Marrakech medina walking tour; Free time
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Riad (Boutique Hotel)
NEXT DAY Day 11 : Marrakech
Today is free to explore the medina for some last-minute shopping, where every step brings a new smell, sight or gift to buy. In the seemingly endless mosaic of souks, each is devoted to a separate trade: pottery, woodwork, copper, leather, carpets, and spices. Watch skilled artisans perfect their craft, practice your haggling skills, or take a break from the hustle to sip on tea or share one last tagine. Or maybe you’ll want to visit the well-known Koutoubia Mosque and its 12th-century minaret, which was the famous prototype for the Giralda tower in Seville. Take a stroll through the tropical gardens of the French painter Jacques Majorelle (now owned by Yves Saint Laurent). You might like to check out Palais Bahia, a superb example of Muslim architecture, or the ruins of Palais Badi, reputedly one of the most beautiful palaces in the world in its time. The Saadian tombs are a recently uncovered gem of the Medina. This evening, if you’re drawn back to Djemaa el Fna and its surrounding medina, we suggest a meal at one of the many outdoor restaurants lining the square for a great way to end your adventure.
Included :
- Activities: Free time; Optional activities (At your own expense)
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Riad
NEXT DAY Day 12 : Marrakech Departure
Depending on your flight time, you will have free time on your own in Marrakech before heading back home.
Included :
- Activities: Free time; Departure (at your own expense)
- Meals: Breakfast
*Itinerary is subject to change.
NEXT DAY Morocco 12-day Trip
$2,900 – Trip cost (See below for inclusions and exclusions.)
I’m a single traveler. Will I be charged a single supplement?
If you would like a single room throughout the tour, you can purchase the “single supplement”. The single supplement fee for this trip is $550. If you would like your own room, you can purchase the additional supplement at check-out. We have made the single supplement fee as affordable as possible so that those traveling solo are encouraged to travel with us.
If you are comfortable sharing a room with another traveler of the same gender and would like to be paired with someone on the trip to avoid paying the single supplement, we can arrange this for you. If there is no other traveler with whom to pair you, you WILL have to pay the single supplement. Pairing with another person of the same gender comes on a first-come, first-served basis. At the time of booking, there will be a questionnaire pertaining to this. Please complete it accurately so that we can try our best to accommodate your preferences.
What is included :
- 11 nights accommodation (including luxury desert camp)
- Private, air-conditioned ground transportation
- Local guide throughout
- Activities as indicated on the itinerary
- All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
- Airport pick-up
What is not included :
- Optional excursions and activities
- Some lunches and dinners
- Gratuities
- Souvenirs
- International flight
- Insurance
- Airport drop-off
Each group consists of 4 – 12 travelers. We prefer small group travel because based on our experience, large groups are less easily able to integrate into a society and generally have less authentic contact with the locals.
A small group number also means that tour group members will receive more personal treatment by the tour guide who can more thoroughly attend to the needs of each person. Small tour groups are also more mobile and flexible as travel plans can be more easily altered en route.
Most of our travelers are in their late 30s to late 60s/early 70s and most are solo travelers. Generally, we get a good mix of diverse people and every trip is unique thanks to the group dynamic.
We like to think of our trips as get-togethers at amazing destinations. Past travelers have told us that the group dynamic and the friends they made were one of the highlights of the trip.
Check out the pictures from our last trips to get an idea of the group dynamic by clicking HERE.
While most daily activities are already included in the trip price, you will have some free time which the guide can recommend and/or help arrange any activity that might interest you. Most of the activities can be arranged with little to no notice. Optional activities are not included in the trip cost and will be paid at your own expense.
Below are some examples of optional activities in the local currency.
- Henna Tattoo – MAD 50
- Hammam (public baths) – MAD150
- Tajine cooking class – MAD650
- Hot Air Balloon – MAD2050
- Massage and Hammam in a luxury spa – MAD750
These activities can be arranged and paid for through the local guide once in Morocco.
The official currency of Morocco is the Dirham (MAD). The Dirham is a closed currency, meaning that you can’t buy or sell it outside of Morocco.
It should also be noted that Australian and Canadian Dollars aren’t accepted, so sticking with Euros, U.S. dollars or British pounds is the best plan.
Find out the live mid-market rate for your currency by using a currency converter online.
Normally the Dirham stays around: $1 USD = 10 Morocco Dirham
You’ll need to wait until you arrive in Morocco to exchange cash. As mentioned previously, because it’s a closed currency you’ll need to exchange cash upon arrival.
Often, currency exchange services offer poorer rates at airports and hotels. You can change currency easily in the major cities and tourist areas of Morocco. The airports have several exchange desks – so it’s worth shopping around. If you aren’t happy with the exchange rates offered, then simply change what you need immediately and look for a better deal in town. Upon arrival the guide can take you to a place to exchange money at a reasonable rate.
Many travelers choose to avoid the hassle of exchanging money by withdrawing cash from an ATM when they arrive at the airport. ATMs are easily found in the large cities and airports, although are less common in rural and remote areas. When traveling out of the city, be prepared by having enough cash, as ATMs aren’t always an option. Finally, When bringing cash to exchange upon arrival, make sure that you have clean, crisp notes.
Your guide will advise you when you will be visiting an area that is cash only with no ATM’s around and thus the group will make a stop at an ATM and exchange house before heading into those areas.
Credit and debit cards aren’t widely used outside of the cities in Morocco. However, in high-end establishments you shouldn’t have a problem paying with your card, though American Express isn’t commonly accepted. Anywhere else, it’s advisable to carry cash in case you come across a retailer that cannot take card payments.
If you do decide to use your card when you’re abroad, make sure your bank knows you’re planning a trip. If not, they may see a spike in unusual activity outside your home country and block all your cards until they have contacted you.
As mentioned above, the high-end shops that sell items such as rosewater, argan oil, berber rugs, pottery, leather goods, etc…will accept credit/debit cards and usually they can provide shipment to your home address at a reasonable rate.
While tipping isn’t mandatory in Morocco it is customary. Rounding up the bill and leaving spare change at restaurants and cafes is generally standard practice. Taxi drivers and porters will also accept tips, 10 dirham (approx. 1 USD) is usually sufficient in this case.
On the first day of your trip your guide may discuss the idea of running a group tipping kitty, which everybody contributes an equal amount to at the start of the tour. Your leader then uses this to tip drivers, local guides and hotel staff on your behalf. In Morocco this can be beneficial as it is hard to break large bills and get small change for tips.
If you wish to take a picture of a market vendor, artisan products, a snake charmer, etc… expect to be asked for a tip of around 10-50 dirhams (USD 1-5).
Tipping your bus driver and tour guide : At the end of the trip, if you are satisfied with the service that you received from your guide and bus driver, you are more than welcome to tip them, especially if you feel they did an exceptional job and helped you have a great trip. Below are recommended amounts based on past travelers’ feedback :
- Moroccan tour guide : $50 – $120 USD
- Moroccan driver : $20 – $40 USD
As most components of your tour have been prepaid, you will only need money for a few lunches and dinners and any optional activity you may want to participate in. If you are an avid shopper or enjoy a cocktail in the evening, these costs are incurred at your own expense.
Like most travel destinations, Morocco does not lack in its offerings of unique items. Past travelers have said it was their favorite country for shopping so pack light! You will be visiting a lot of really fantastic places that offer unique items. Do remember that most places that offer high-end products to buy will accept credit/debit cards.
Based on past travelers’ feedback, an estimated amount to bring for spending is between USD $400 – 700. WE HIGHLY ADVISE BRINGING MORE MONEY THAN YOU EXPECT TO SPEND IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.
Americans, Australians, Canadians and EU passport holders traveling to Morocco for less than 90 days DO NOT need a visa. You may be required to show proof of exit from Morocco in the form of a departure ticket.
As a general rule, passports should have at least six months of validity when traveling internationally. Most countries will not permit a traveler to enter their country unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel.
When using your phone overseas, be sure to check with your provider to get informed about data and call roaming prices. When you land in Morocco, you will usually get a message from your provider that will give you the price of data, calls and texts in that country. See the example below :
Welcome to Morocco! Your plan gives you unlimited data at up to 2G speeds and texts at no extra cost. Calls at 20 cents/min. Want our fastest data and unlimited calls? Get an International Pass for just $5/day.
You may consider contacting your service provider to learn about what kind of international plans they offer for calls, texts and data.
While mobile phone coverage is generally very good in Morocco’s cities and metropolitan areas, expect limited coverage in remote or mountainous areas.
All hotels we will be staying at will offer free wifi and most restaurants and other public places will offer it as well. In the Sahara desert wifi will be extremely limited if non-existent. In the more rural towns wifi can be slow and may not work in your hotel room and you may only have access to wifi in the hotel lobby area. Be prepared to ‘disconnect’ when traveling in the rural areas of Morocco.
Adapters will be necessary to adapt your plug into the outlet.
The plug facilities have 2-prong outlets with two round prongs in line, which look like this:
In Morocco the power plugs and sockets are of type C, E and F. Type C is also known as the standard “Euro” plug.
Temperatures in Morocco during all seasons will vary depending on the region, but are generally warm to hot during the day and cooler at night. Pack lightweight clothing and don’t forget your sunscreen! Also note that in the desert, temperatures drop very low at night, therefore a warm coat/jacket is a must all year-round. Please be aware that the weather across Morocco can be unpredictable, so it is best to be prepared for extremes.
Regardless if you travel in summer or winter time, always bring a warm coat/jacket as temperatures in the desert drop very low at night despite the warm and hot days. It is important to dress modestly in order to be respectful of the culture as well as to avoid unwanted attention. Shorts and tank tops are not recommended for both men and women.
Below are a few things that we suggest bringing to make your trip more comfortable :
- Sunglasses/hat
- Flashlight/headlamp
- Umbrella (for shade & rain)
- Lip balm (it gets dry in the desert!)
- Jacket/coat (for cold nights)
- Warm pajamas and socks
- Swimsuit
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Flip flops/sandals
- Sunscreen
- Shampoo/conditioner/soap
- Small backpack or across the shoulder bag for the day
- Any prescription medication and over the counter medicine
- hair dryer if needed : some hotels will have but not all
- Snacks for the road (cliff bars, nuts, etc…)
Winter Months : If going in the winter months which are between November and March we suggest bringing a scarf, warm jacket, sweater, warm pajamas and a hat/beanie as it does get quite cold during these months in the Atlas Mountains.
Almost all of the hotels on this trip offer laundry services at a fee, if needed. It is best to give laundry to the hotel staff in the morning and it is usually ready by that evening.
Most areas of Morocco that you will visit on this trip experience less crime compared to the bigger cities such as Marrakech and Fes. During your time in the larger cities, it is suggested to travel in groups of two or more even though it is very unlikely that you will face any violence. As with any travel destination, it is important to be aware of your surroundings with a secure over the shoulder day pack that closes tightly. This way your belongings won’t easily become the property of any purse snatchers or pickpockets. Situations such as those just mentioned are most common in larger cities at famous attractions where large numbers of Moroccans and tourists tend to congregate. The United States State Department offers general travel information about this country. See below for more information.
U.S. State Department Travel to Morocco
Restaurants throughout Morocco offer a wide variety of foods. When making your reservation, please notify us of your specific requests such as gluten free, vegetarian, vegan, etc. Alternative options will always be possible throughout the tour although options might be limited.
Please review the CDC Health Information for Travelers Website before traveling to Morocco to see any recommended vaccinations.
If you suffer from pre-existing medical conditions or are concerned about what vaccinations may be right for you, we strongly advise that you visit a medical professional or your personal physician before your trip.
Yes, we offer private tours to Morocco for groups of 4 or more people. The itinerary can be entirely tailored to your needs while you will enjoy a personalized experience with our guides and your friends and family.
Please contact us at info@globe-drifters.com for more information.
Visa
Americans, Australians, Canadians and EU passport holders traveling to Morocco for less than 90 days DO NOT need a visa. You may be required to show proof of exit from Morocco in the form of a departure ticket.
As a general rule, passports should have at least six months of validity when traveling internationally. Most countries will not permit a traveler to enter their country unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel.
Flights
Your arrival city is Tangier and your departure city is Marrakech.
Please do not book any flights until you receive a confirmation from us.
Temperatures in Morocco during all seasons will vary depending on the region, but are generally warm to hot during the day and cooler at night. Pack lightweight clothing to layer and don’t forget your sunscreen! Also note that in the desert, temperatures drop very low at night, therefore a warm coat is a must all year-round. Please be aware that the weather across Morocco can be unpredictable, so it is best to be prepared for extremes.
The accommodations in Morocco are handpicked locally-owned, or family-run hotels rather than big chains with hundreds of rooms and big crowds of tourists. We try our best to select accommodation with impeccable service, old world charm, and central location. Almost every hotel has a swimming pool but depending on the time of year you visit it might be chilly.
Many of the hotels do not serve alcohol on the premises (including your first hotel). If you would like to have a glass of wine with dinner at the hotel you will need to pick up some wine/alcohol at the duty-free store in the airport upon arrival or bring some in your luggage. Many of the ‘European style’ restaurants serve alcohol in the cities we go to. There will be one stop at a grocery store for snacks and alcohol before heading into the Sahara Desert and the Atlas Mountains.
Tangier
Housed in Tangier’s original bank, constructed in 1907, this refurbished riad now hosts guests from around the world with 16 rooms on the property. This riad was voted by Lonely Planet as having one of the best rooftop terraces in Tangier with views of the Bay of Tangier from the terrace.
This hotel’s highly recommended restaurant offers freshly squeezed juices, organic products, vegan and vegetarian meals. This property is only a 4 minutes walk to the beach and the city center.
Chefchaouen - Blue City
Set in a quaint whitewashed building with colorful tile work, this polished hotel is only a 10-minute walk into town. The hotel boasts indoor and outdoor lounges, an outdoor pool, and a hammam (spa) on the property. The view from the pool is outstanding and overlooks the whole town with all the blue buildings.
Fes
Traditional riad (boutique hotel) in Fez with 19 bedrooms tastefully decorated to provide a tranquil and luxurious retreat from the fascinating but hectic city. The riad has a rooftop terrace with the most spectacular views of the medina and surrounding hills. Excellent Moroccan & Mediterranean cuisine is prepared fresh daily by the hotel chef.
Midelt
This hotel is rustic as there are very few hotels in the region. This area is a major stop for many groups making their way to the Sahara desert as it is the halfway point coming from Fes.
There is a bar and restaurant at the hotel. The rooms have wifi although it can be weak at times.
Erg Chebbi
All tents have a private bathroom with a shower, toilet, and hot water. Wifi is available but may be limited. There are space heaters in the tents if needed.
Boumalne Dades
This unique hotel is located in the middle of the Dades Gorges and the building itself is part of the mountain! Every room has a panoramic view of the surrounding gorge.
Ait Ben Haddou
This hotel offers the most spectacular view of all the hotels on the trip! The picture above is the view from our hotel, making it the perfect spot to relax in the evening! Rooms are Berber style and have a rustic charm to them.
Marrakech
Housed in 3 traditional riads, this elegant hotel is a 5-minute walk from the Marrakech Museum and an 11-minute walk from the main market square. There is a restaurant with patio seating, as well as a courtyard with a fountain, lounge area, and a small pool. The highly recommended spa area offers a hammam and massages.
We recommend that you purchase trip/travel insurance for your trip. We work with Travelex, which offers travel protection plans to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans include coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more. Otherwise, you are welcome to shop around online for a provider and policy that best suits your needs.
For more information on the recommended plans or to enroll, click on the image below or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792. Globe Drifters’ reference location number is 09-0984.
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. 11.17 E7N
Vaccinations
Below is information from the CDC and its recommendations regarding vaccinations for travel to Morocco.
CDC Morocco
