Magic in Morocco 2025
- 28 September - 5 October 2025
- 7 Nights / 8 days
- Weather 15 - 30 C
- Fitness - Med 5 km per day
- Price Range - $$
Casablanca | Sahara | Ait Ben Haddou | Marrakech
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!
Trip Highlights
- Explore Casablanca old town
- M'hamid sunset camel ride
- A night in a Moroccan Sahara camp
- Ait Ben Haddou local tour
- Explore souks of Marrakech
- Visit Jemaa El Fnaa
- Shop at the Ensemble Artisan Marrakech
- Visit Jardin Majorelle
- Visit Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech Museum
- Perfume workshop
- Dine in some amazing restaurants
- Shop till you drop (if you want to) or relax at the riad with a massage
Discover the Magic of Morocco!
7 Nights / 8 Days
- Twinshare – $3495 AUD
- Single Room – $3945AUD
A $500 Deposit is required to secure your spot on this tour. The remainder is due 75 days prior to departure.
*Please note twinshare rooms can be small for two people. In some case the beds may be Hollywood style configuration.
*flights not included
Enjoy guided travel with our Escorted Tours, fully led by a certified, English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the journey, sharing their extensive knowledge and passion for the destination.
For groups of eight or more, a Vibrant Women Travel Host will join the tour to provide additional support and ensure a seamless travel experience.
Inclusions
- 7 nights accommodation
- Airport transfers – arrival to Casablanca and departure from Casablanca
- All Breakfasts included
- Flight from Casablanca to Sahara
- Private vehicle throughout with travel guide
- Guided walking tours throughout with a licenced professional guide
- Perfume making classes
What is not included
- Airfares to and from Casablanca
- Travel Insurance (which is compulsory)
- Some Lunches and Dinners (prices for these can vary from very cheap to western prices depending on where you are eating)
- Personal purchases (The shopping is fabulous in Marrakesh, leave space in your bags girls!)
- Drinks and alcohol purchases (we can bring beer and wine to the desert also!)
- Tipping, we suggest $25 per person per day = $250AUD and we collect this at the beginning of the trip to be distributed amongst out drivers, hotel staff and guides
Itinerary
28 September 2025 | Arrive to 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 – Val dAnfa or similar
29 September 2025 | Travel to 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 2025 | Drive to 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 2025 | 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 checking out the souks of Marrakech Medina or enjoying a Hammam??
Dinner – Dar Yacout
Overnight – Dar Barak or similar
Meals – Breakfast
2 October 2025 | Marrakech City Tour
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.
Dinner – Cafe Arab
Overnight – Dar Baraka and Karam Marrakech or similar
3 October 2025 | Explore 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.
Overnight – Dar Barak or similar
4 October 2025 | Workshop in 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.
Overnight – Dar Barak or similar
Meals – Breakfast
5 October 2025 | 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. We have an airport transfer departing Marrakech at 8am. Please keep this in mind when booking your international flights.
Fitness Requirements:
This sightseeing tour has several walking tours and many stairs, you require a moderate level of fitness to attend. We can walk around 5km a day so you really need to be prepared. Please note you must wear practical and comfortable walking shoes or sandals for your own safety, road and paths are very uneven.
Join our Timeless Turkiye Tour
If you want to make the most of your adventure you can join our trip to Turkiye before this tour.
Meet Your Tour Organiser - Seleena
Hailing from London, UK and having been an avid travelled and lived in France, Spain and Italy, Seleena has now made Morocco her home. She thrives on adventure and meeting new people! She can speak seven languages including French, Italian, Spanish and Arabic and loves to share her experiences with others!
What our guests say about our trip
A $500 non-refundable non-transferable payment is required for this tour. Up until 75 days before the start of the tour a $500 non-refundable deposit will be retained. For between 75 days and 45 days, 50% will be forfeited in addition to the non refundable deposit. 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.
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate complex dietary issues on our tours. If it is something you an 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.
Our rates do not include any kind of travel insurance and each guest must make sure to arrange their own necessary insurance prior to arrival in India. We will do everything possible to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. However, all travel involves some degree of risk we strongly recommend that you take out appropriate travel insurance for your adventure.
Your insurance protection should include cover for cancellation, medical, in particular Coronavirus and repatriation expenses, personal injury and accident, death and loss of personal baggage and money and personal liability. Insurance cover offered by credit card companies or reciprocal medical cover agreements are often not comprehensive please check this before travelling. Or contact our preferred Travel Insurance provider CoverMore.
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 8 and 12 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.
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.