PRICE PER PERSON
7 Nights / 8 Days
(option to add an extra 3 nights when booking)
- Twinshare – $3175 AUD
- Single Room – $3745AUD
Retreats and Tours for Women
Retreats and Tours for Women
As the sun set on another magical day in this red country, you watch the merchants in their Djellaba close up shop for the day and you wander past small coffee houses and colourful lantern displays back to your welcoming Riad.
Entering this hidden exotic space, you make your way to your room which can only be described as romantic, complete with lush soft furnishings and a Moroccan tiled bathroom.
Resting onto the day bed in your room, you can’t help smiling about the delightful day you just had walking through the gardens, shopping for perfumes and handmade gifts, visiting a museum, eating in charming restaurants, and exploring with your amazing new friends!
Ah…the delights of Morocco! During our trip we will be staying in a selection of modern hotels and charming Riads, as well as a rustic fortified city and camping in the Sahara Desert!
7 Nights / 8 Days
(option to add an extra 3 nights when booking)
A $500 Deposit is required to secure your spot on this tour. The remainder is due 75 days prior to departure.
*flights not included
28 September 2024 | Casablanca
Our first day has been set aside just to arrive and rest after the long flight. Airport Transfers from Sydney flights usually arrive at around 12.45pm.
If you arrive early, you can go to Old City or New City Markets (Djellaba shopping for the Sahara)
Dinner – Ricks Cafe *Self-pay
Drive Time from airport to accommodation – 1 hour
OVERNIGHT – Casablanca – Kenzi Towers or similar
29 September 2024 | Mhamid
This morning we fly to Zagora have lunch then visit Kasbah Museum outside Mhamid.
The museum houses a collection of artistic, ethnographic and archaeological objects, many of which originate from north Morocco. Particular highlights are the mosaic of Venus from Volubilis and statuary, plus the giant replica maps.
We will arrive in the afternoon in time to relax before setting out on our sunset camel ride. Then watch the stars come out before dining in the salon and then being joined by our local drivers “The Berbers” for some drumming around the camp fire.
Enjoy a peaceful nights sleep in total silence, ahh bliss.
**Please note there are no showers during this part of the journey. Each tent has an ensuite attached with a comfortable eco toilet, (bucket with seat and sand, it does not smell). You also have fresh water to watch with and brush your teeth and drink, its really very comfortable for camping and if only for one nights most people find it fine.
Accommodation – Camp Adounia or similar
Meals – Breakfast and Dinner
30 September 2024 | Ait Ben Haddou
7am – Morning sand dune meditation
8am – Breakfast
After breakfast we will drive from the desert to Ait Ben Haddou (approx. 6 hours) This drive is like driving through the wild west, mud brick houses, donkeys, spinifex and saloons (not really but I did see a bottle shop once).
We will take an afternoon tour with our local guide “Ali Berber” to visit this picturesque fortified village, which has been used as a film location in numerous famous films such as ‘Gladiator’, ‘Alexander’ and ‘The Mummy’.
Afterwards wander lane-ways near our accommodation, shop for carpets and jewellery, have glass of wine on the terrace or read your book by the pool.
Overnight – Dar Mouna or similar
Meals – Breakfast and Dinner
1 October 2024 | Marrakech
7am – Early morning yoga (optional)
Wake up in magical Ait Ben Haddou – Partake in an early morning stretch/yoga class on the terrace as the sun rises overlooking the valley. This impressive and well-preserved kasbahs and UNESCO world heritage site, the ksar of Ait Ben Haddou.
Today we have a big drive back to Marrakech, 5 hours with stops along the way for loo breaks, Nos Nos (excellent very small coffees with milk so we have less loo breaks) and lunch. This vista is that of the Atlas Mountains and like a moonscape.
Free afternoon for trying out a Hammam at our Villa, very private??
Overnight – Villa Dinari or similar
Meals – Breakfast
2 October 2024 | Marrakech
After a relaxing breakfast of croissants, freshly squeezed orange juice coffee, fruit salad, homemade yoghurt, tea and coffee we visit the Marjorelle Gardens and Yves St Laurent Museum. Along the way we can see the modern part of Marrakech Guilez, outside the medina walls and soak in the vibe for a modern and cosmopolitan Marrakech.
Take lunch at the Atrium cafe at the Yves St Laurent Museum.
Shop at the Ensemble Artisan Marrakech – A government sponsored arts and crafts market for some easy haggle free shopping.
Free afternoon for pool party at Villa Dinari! Mojitos anyone??
3 October 2024 | Marrakech
Secret Souk Day tour, Photography Museum and Ben Youssef and Badi Palace.
Today we move into the medina of Marrakech and leave our little Oasis for the hustle and bustle of the old city. We will drop our bags to our Riad and head out on foot to explore.
10am Explore the Medina – A day of sites, walk through the medina, stop at the herbologist for all your lotions and potions, head to my favourite photographic museum, see the ancient Islamic school of Ben Youssef, before we make our way to the ruin of Badi Palace, a site that will waken your imagination to the opulence of yesteryear.
We will explore the world famous medina of Marrakech and the Katoubia Mosque, which has the largest minaret in the Muslim world, before hitting Jemaa El Fna, the most famous square in Morocco with its snake charmers, food stalls and general mayhem. Free time to wander.
Overnight – Dar Baraka and Karam Marrakech or similar
4 October 2024 | Marrakech
Today we will play and have fun by experiencing 2 separate and unique workshops. Babouche and Perfume Workshop. Half the group will do perfume in the morning and will do Babouche making them we will swap for the afternoon.
Babouche Making Workshop – take part in an authentic leather workshop. Learn all about the world of leather and how it is prepared to be worked on to make Moroccan leather products.
Perfume Workshop – Smell your way through this seductive workshop, an opportunity to create your own fragrance, as you get to know the sweet scents of the old city of Marrakech.
Dinner – Dar Yacout
Overnight – Dar Barak and karam Marrakech or similar
Meals – Breakfast
5 October 2024 | Departure Day
Today you may be heading home get ready to head to the Casablanca airport for your next flight. *It takes 3 hours to drive from Marrakech to Casablanca and leave 3 hours for check in. This is 6 hours. Please keep this in mind when booking your return flight and make it for an afternoon or evening flight.
If continuing on extension tour, please see program below for itinerary on 5th October 2024.
If you want to make the most of your adventure you can join our beach extension trip in Essaouira, Morocco
If you choose to extend your trip, add an extra $685 for a Single and $385 for a Twinshare all-in for the 10Nights/11 Days Morocco Trip.
Please see the itinerary for the Essaouira Beach extension tour below.
5 October 2024 | Marrakech to Essaouira
In the morning we will head to our beach extension tour to Essaouira. On the way there is usually a stop at a women’s collective famous for their Argan Oil.
The city of Essaouira is located on the west coast of Morocco, 168 km from Marrakech. This small city has gained importance for being an alternative escape to Marrakech and for being the setting for some episodes of the famous TV series Game of Thrones. Previously called Mogador, now the majority of visitors come here to wander through the spice-scented lanes and palm-lined avenues of the fortified medina, browse the many art galleries and boutiques, relax in some of the country’s best hotels and watch fishing nets being mended and traditional boats being constructed in the hugely atmospheric port.
Overnight Dar Nor & Chems Blue or similar Essaouira
6 October 2024 | Essaouira
Morning walk past ruins to flamingos. Use these days to relax, pottering around the souks, strolling along the seafront and eating great seafood in the port.
Shopping tour – Essaouira is one of the best shopping destinations in Morocco for those looking to sample traditional goods at reasonable prices in a laid back atmosphere.
Visit Sisterhood for lunch – Sisterhood is a Concept Store with a vintage cafe and shop on the ground floor.
Overnight Dar Nor & Chems Blue or similar Essaouira
Meals – Breakfast and Dinner
7 October 2024 | Essaouira to Casablanca
Today after a leisurely morning we head to Casablanca for our last night, returning to where we started, full circle (5 – 6 hours drive).
This time while in Casablanca we stay on the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy a last relaxing day, perhaps take a peek at Africas largest shopping mall just up the road, or just wander the Esplanade.
Dinner – Le Cabestan *Self Pay
Overnight Hotel Club Val Danfa Casablanca
Meals – Breakfast and Dinner
8 October 2024 | Casablanca Departure Day
Departure day. Transfer to airport. Check out 12pm.
“Travel exposes us to different cultures and ancient traditions and through these authentic encounters, we learn to embrace and celebrate both our similarities and our differences. Travel teaches us about humanity and gives us an appreciation, understanding and respect for different points of view and ways of life. “
The Trip Notes on this link are always the most up to date version. When booking a tour in advance things can change.
Please find the most up to date Trip Notes for your tour HERE
Up until 75 days before the start of the tour a $500 non-refundable, non-transferable deposit will be retained. For between 75 days and 45 days, 50% of the final payment, this is in addition to the non refundable, non-transferable deposit will be forfeited. For less than 45 days or for no shows the entire amount will be retained as we would have already had to pay for accommodation, transport, flights and activities, and this money will not be returned to us. Once the tour has commenced no monies will be returned to you. This is why travel insurance is compulsory.
Entry Requirements – Passports must be valid for six months beyond the length of stay. You will also have to show your air ticket as proof of onward travel.
Visa Requirements – Australian citizens will receive a 90-day Visa on Arrival upon entering the country and do not need to apply for the Visa beforehand.
Arriving in Morocco:
HOTEL where you are staying – Kenzi Tower Hotel
Twin Center
Boulevard Zerktouni
20100 Casablanca
Tel: +212 (0) 522 97 80 00
Email: info-tower@kenzi-hotels.com
We do not recommend arriving early to Casablanca as we have provided one nights accommodation complimentary just for arrivals on the 28th of September 2024. If you choose to arrive earlier that the 28th of September 2024 please note that no guides will be available to assist you and check in at hotels is 2pm. Extra nights’ accommodation are charged at $300AUD per room and airport transfers before the 28th are charged at $50 per person. Please note we cannot arrange additional accommodation for after this tour.
Departures – Casablanca anytime 29th of October 2022.
We do not recommend arriving early to Casablanca as we have provided one nights accommodation complimentary just for arrivals. If you choose to arrive earlier, please note that no guides will be available to assist you and check in at hotels is 2pm. Extra nights accommodation are charged at $300AUD per room and airport transfers before the 28th are charged at $50 per person. Please note we cannot arrange additional accommodation for after this tour
The Dirham is officially designated as a closed currency meaning it can only be traded within Morocco,however, Dirhams are being sold and bought in travel agencies and at major airports in several countries. The import and export of the currency is tolerated up to a limit of 1000DH. You can also use Euros in most hotels and shops, it is widely accepted. It is recommended to bring some Euros with you, perhaps €200 to get you started and other currencies we can change close to the hotel in day one in Casablanca. If you require cash straight away arriving in Morocco please use the ATM at the airport not the money changer as they can be dishonest. If they do have Moroccan Dirhams at your airport before you leave it is not recommended to get more than 1000 Dirhams as being a closed currency they do not like you to bring money in and out of the country. Usually up to 1000 is accepted but we cannot guarantee this.
The average daily temperature in the months of September/October linger around 21 degrees Celsius. This average includes a potential low of 15 degrees Celsius, which often occurs during the night, and a high of 30 degrees Celsius. Despite entering the autumn season, Marrakesh sees around nine hours of sunshine on any given day. This gives you plenty of time to spend your day outdoors exploring the souks and various sites of interest. *Please note the Sahara can be hot and unpredictable with temperatures.
Please complete and return your important guest information form to us 60 days before departure. Click HERE
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate complex dietary issues on our tours. If it is something you can manage yourself that is fine. But we cannot be responsible for peoples health and wellbeing in regards to food in foreign countries as sometimes things get lost in translation. WE hope you understand. WE don’t ever want our guests to become unwell whilst travelling with us.
Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport.
There are no direct long-distance flights to Casablanca from Australia or the USA, you will have to stop on the way. Morocco is easy to access from the UK and Europe. Check www.skyscanner.com for your options.
You need to arrive on the 28th of September 2024. We have included a complimentary nights accommodation for you on the first night just to settle in. *Please note that Casablanca in primarily an industrial port city and we do not recommend arriving early as there is not much to see here and things that are noteworthy we see the following day.
We are having dinner at Ricks cafe in the PM.
Please arrange your departure for the either the 5th or 8th of October 2024 for after 13.30pm as this will give you time to get to the airport and also allows for a contingency for our drive from either Marrakech or Essaouira.
We have both single and twinshare rooms available. The single room has the supplement included. If you choose twinshare and are not travelling with a friend we will do our best to find you a roommate however in the event noone else is seeking a twinshare roommate then the single room rate will apply. We hope you understand.
*Please note that snorers, smokers or people who wear CPAP machines when sleeping must disclose this when booking as this could impact other peoples sleep and they need to be aware of this.
**We cannot guarantee compatibility of roommates, for example you may be of different ages or nationalities, however mostly when we do match people up they get on well and its only for a short period of time. Some people have even made lifelong friendships.
*** Twin share room s in Morocco often the beds are narrow and close together. This is because a lot of furniture is built into the room. For example on a concrete base. Or, the rooms are narrow so beds cannot separated by much distance, maybe just a small side table between.
Our groups are usually between 10 and 18 participants. These are ideal numbers as they are small enough to be manageable and intimate but large enough for diversity and fun!
I’m sure most people are aware that Moroccans use Tagines to cook, (as they don’t have electic or gas ovens). They cook each meal from scratch so note it can take time. The other common food in Morocco is couscous. For a country that was previously colonised by the French its a shame there isn’t more French influence in the cooking. You can see the French flavours however at breakfast when we carb load croissants, brioche, cake, crepes and anything else made from gluten. Fruits salad, yogurt and fresh juice also available.
*Please note this is not a trip for the coeliacs and in fact on these tours we are unable to accommodate complex dietary requirements or allergies. We have tried to in the past however local people do not understand the requirements and we don’t want to be responsible for people being unwell and we just can’t guarantee that the kitchens will get it right. I have to say meat eaters find it easier and have more variety than vegetarians in Morocco as they are predominantly a meat eating country. On most menus you can also find pasta and soups, unfortunately fresh salads are rare as these vegetables cannot be grown locally.
*Only drink bottled water
The people of Morocco are kind, warm, and well known around the world for their hospitality. A Moroccan, after having just met you, will invite you to his home for a feast of all they have to give, even if they are of meager means. They value building personal relationships, and want to help others for the sake of it, not always for their own personal gain. Family is important to Moroccans and you will often find extended family gathering for meals, tea, and visits. Moroccans will often ask you about the health and well-being of your own family, even if they have never met them. They have a genuine interest in concern for other people. Personal honor and respect is most important to Moroccans so crossing these lines can quickly turn a valuable relationship sour almost immediately.
You will find many men and woman wearing the traditional djellaba, a long hooded robe worn over their clothes. Women add the hijab, or head covering in a sign of submission to God. For special occasions, a caftan replaces the djellaba. The main difference between the two is that a caftan is made of more expensive fabrics and does not include the traditional hood. It is also adorned with lace, embroidery beading of bright colors. You will find just as many men and women among the younger generation wearing Western style clothing such as T-shirts and jeans and modern suits.
Most countries do not require a visa to enter Morocco, (This includes Australia, New Zealand, Britain, United States, Canada, Other EU countries). You do however require a passport valid for more than 6 months and a return or exiting plane ticket.
Yes, but in the very best way. Morocco is extremely old, beautiful and romantic. The people are predominately Arabs and very friendly. There are however lots of hawkers or touts which can become tiresome. Always remain polite and respectful and your trip should be a pleasant one. Like most Muslim countries you will see a lot more men than women, as women are predominantly at home. Morocco is a modern, cosmopolitan country in many ways and people really want to encourage tourists and do their best to accommodate us. *Please wear appropriate clothing for a Muslim country ie cover shoulders and knees.
Well, that depends on your shopping habits! You will need to allocate around $15 – $30 per meal lunches and dinners and then add on extra for personal spending. Alcohol is always more expensive in countries where people don’t drink and is taxed highly. I tell people around $500AUD a week. You can bring USD to exchange or use the ATM’s and your credit card. Our hotel for the first day has both ATM and money changer.
Yes, I think that is a great idea.
You don’t know me and I want you to! Please view previous testimonial here to get an idea of what our past guest have to say about us and also if you just flick me an email to tammie@vibrantwomen.com.au I will arrange a time to call you or just give me a call – (+61) 0459247122 this works for Whatsapp too.
Great! You can just complete the registration form on the link above. The deposit is $500AUD, this is because we need to book flights, accommodation and pay deposits for transport, guides etc, well in advance. The remainder is to be paid 75 days prior to the start of the tour. Our payment system is automated and once you book you will have a manage booking log in where you can make additional payments at any time.
Please note that organising tours so far in advance and in the current climate means that sometimes the program has to change due to changes in flight schedules or for other reasons, please allow for this when managing expectations and understand we are doing our best to navigate a new travel environment.