Premium Morocco in Depth with Essaouira
Trip Code: XMPHC
Why we love it
Get to know the Moroccan way of life as you travel with a local leader and expert guides, visit a local home for dinner in Fes, enjoy tea with an Amazigh family in the Dades Valley and meet the women of the Tawesna social enterprise in Ait Benhaddou., Discover Morocco’s iconic sights during visits to the ruins of Volubilis, the blue city of Chefchaouen, the remarkable Sahara Desert, the timeless Ait Benhaddou, the bustling cities of Fes and Marrakech the laidback seaside city of Essaouira., In a remote oasis among the dunes of the Sahara Desert, embrace an escape from the modern world at your feature stay camp. Enjoy comfortable beds, en suite bathrooms and authentic décor, plus a traditional feast and live music under a sky full of stars., Morocco is a paradise for food lovers – this trip is bursting with culinary experiences, including a traditional feast at a restaurant in Casablanca, picnic at the ruins of Volubilis, goat’s cheese tasting in Chefchaouen and medfouna demonstration in Khemliya., See behind the scenes of Moroccan cuisine during a hands-on cooking class with a celebrated chef. Harvest fresh ingredients from the on-site organic garden, learn how to transform them into classic aromatic dishes then tuck into your creations., By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Education for All. Donations help them support girls in the High Atlas Mountains through secondary school, bringing a generation of women out of the cycle of illiteracy, poverty and early marriage.
Is this trip right for me?
This trip includes a hike through the scenic Dades Valley on Day 10. The hike will be tailored to each group, but you will need a moderate level of fitness and appropriate footwear and clothing to enjoy it. Please let your leader know if you would like to opt out of this activity.
Ramadan is an annual month-long festival, during which travel can be a rewarding cultural experience, however some regular services may not be available during the day, such as restaurants or cafes, and occasionally travel can be disrupted by events. Your leader will adjust the itinerary accordingly, but please consider this when selecting your travel dates. You’ll find dates and further information in the ‘Climate and seasonal information’ section of the Essential Trip Information.
Important information
1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. There are a limited number of single supplements available per trip departure. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. If you are flying into Marrakech we can provide an optional transfer to the starting point city of Casablanca. This transfer is on request and prepaid. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
What to bring/pack
What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. We recommend you pack as lightly as possible, ensuring that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage and walk with it for short distances or up or down a flight of stairs. Help will be on hand in most locations, but there may be times you need to handle your own luggage, for example in airports and train stations.
A lockable suitcase with wheels is ideal for this trip. It is recommended that you keep your main luggage weight around 15kg and certainly no more than 20kg. A small or medium-sized backpack (45-50 litres) is another good option.
You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, camera, jacket, etc. when you’re exploring during the day.
Below is a link to our ultimate packing list, a guide to get you started:, https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list, DRONES IN MOROCCO
Please note that drones are not permitted to enter or be used in Morocco, neither for personal nor professional/commercial use.
Physical rating
A good level of fitness is recommended and will certainly help increase the enjoyment of the trip and help you to make the most of the variety of optional walks and hikes around towns and villages.
Joining your group
Gray Boutique Hotel Casablanca, Angle Rue Ain El Aouda et Rue Abou Al Kacem El Kotbari,RACINE , ANFA, Casablanca, 20000, MOROCCO, Phone: +212 522427800
Alternate Joining Point
Joining instructions
A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
For your confirmed arrival transfer, you’ll be met outside your arrival terminal (1 or 2) at Casablanca Airport (CMN) by a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign. The driver will wait a maximum of one hour from the time the plane lands. In case of flight cancellations, changes, if you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find the driver, please contact the transfer operator directly: +44 20 4576 9838.
Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the airport to your hotel. The price should be agreed before entering the vehicle and should be approximately MAD250 during daylight hours and MAD300 at night.
Finishing your trip
2Ciels Hotel, Rue Oued EL Makhazine Angle Rue Imam Chafai, Marrakech, 40000, MOROCCO, Phone: +212 524359550
Alternate Finish Point
For trips departing on the following dates
use this finish point.
03 Mar 2025 (XMPHC250303)
07 Mar 2025 (XMPHC250307)
07 Apr 2025 (XMPHC250407)
11 Apr 2025 (XMPHC250411)
15 Apr 2025 (XMPHC250415)
18 Apr 2025 (XMPHC250418)
19 Apr 2025 (XMPHC250419)
25 Apr 2025 (XMPHC250425)
28 Apr 2025 (XMPHC250428)
29 Apr 2025 (XMPHC250429)
06 May 2025 (XMPHC250506)
29 Jun 2025 (XMPHC250629)
06 Jul 2025 (XMPHC250706)
13 Jul 2025 (XMPHC250713)
27 Jul 2025 (XMPHC250727)
03 Aug 2025 (XMPHC250803)
06 Aug 2025 (XMPHC250806)
10 Aug 2025 (XMPHC250810)
13 Aug 2025 (XMPHC250813)
17 Aug 2025 (XMPHC250817)
20 Aug 2025 (XMPHC250820)
24 Aug 2025 (XMPHC250824)
27 Aug 2025 (XMPHC250827)
31 Aug 2025 (XMPHC250831)
02 Sep 2025 (XMPHC250902)
03 Sep 2025 (XMPHC250903)
04 Sep 2025 (XMPHC250904)
05 Sep 2025 (XMPHC250905)
06 Sep 2025 (XMPHC250906)
07 Sep 2025 (XMPHC250907)
09 Sep 2025 (XMPHC250909)
10 Sep 2025 (XMPHC250910)
11 Sep 2025 (XMPHC250911)
12 Sep 2025 (XMPHC250912)
13 Sep 2025 (XMPHC250913)
14 Sep 2025 (XMPHC250914)
16 Sep 2025 (XMPHC250916)
17 Sep 2025 (XMPHC250917)
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19 Sep 2025 (XMPHC250919)
20 Sep 2025 (XMPHC250920)
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24 Sep 2025 (XMPHC250924)
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26 Sep 2025 (XMPHC250926)
27 Sep 2025 (XMPHC250927)
28 Sep 2025 (XMPHC250928)
30 Sep 2025 (XMPHC250930)
01 Oct 2025 (XMPHC251001)
03 Oct 2025 (XMPHC251003)
04 Oct 2025 (XMPHC251004)
05 Oct 2025 (XMPHC251005)
06 Oct 2025 (XMPHC251006)
07 Oct 2025 (XMPHC251007)
08 Oct 2025 (XMPHC251008)
10 Oct 2025 (XMPHC251010)
11 Oct 2025 (XMPHC251011)
12 Oct 2025 (XMPHC251012)
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14 Oct 2025 (XMPHC251014)
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17 Oct 2025 (XMPHC251017)
18 Oct 2025 (XMPHC251018)
19 Oct 2025 (XMPHC251019)
20 Oct 2025 (XMPHC251020)
21 Oct 2025 (XMPHC251021)
22 Oct 2025 (XMPHC251022)
24 Oct 2025 (XMPHC251024)
25 Oct 2025 (XMPHC251025)
26 Oct 2025 (XMPHC251026)
27 Oct 2025 (XMPHC251027)
29 Oct 2025 (XMPHC251029)
31 Oct 2025 (XMPHC251031)
02 Nov 2025 (XMPHC251102)
03 Nov 2025 (XMPHC251103)
05 Nov 2025 (XMPHC251105)
09 Nov 2025 (XMPHC251109)
12 Nov 2025 (XMPHC251112)
16 Nov 2025 (XMPHC251116)
19 Nov 2025 (XMPHC251119)
23 Nov 2025 (XMPHC251123)
24 Nov 2025 (XMPHC251124)
26 Nov 2025 (XMPHC251126)
30 Nov 2025 (XMPHC251130)
03 Dec 2025 (XMPHC251203)
07 Dec 2025 (XMPHC251207)
10 Dec 2025 (XMPHC251210)
14 Dec 2025 (XMPHC251214)
17 Dec 2025 (XMPHC251217)
21 Dec 2025 (XMPHC251221)
24 Dec 2025 (XMPHC251224)
28 Dec 2025 (XMPHC251228)
29 Dec 2025 (XMPHC251229)
31 Dec 2025 (XMPHC251231)
03 Jan 2026 (XMPHC260103)
05 Jan 2026 (XMPHC260105)
10 Jan 2026 (XMPHC260110)
17 Jan 2026 (XMPHC260117)
Hotel Longue Vie
Avenue Hassan ll
Angle Rue Ezzoubair Ben el Aoumane
Marrakech
40000
MOROCCO
Phone: +212 524339494
Intrepid can assist with pre-booking a departure transfer to the airport - enquire with your agent. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to the start of your trip.
If you have a confirmed departure transfer your leader will advise your pick up time the day before your trip ends. If your driver has not arrived within 30 minutes of the scheduled pick up time, or your departing flight is cancelled or changed, please contact the transfer operator directly: +44 20 4576 9838.
Taxi fare from your hotel to the airport will cost approximately MAD100 - MAD200 to prebook. If hailing a taxi on the street, the price should be agreed before entering the vehicle. Please ask your leader or hotel staff for assistance in arranging a taxi.
Meals & dietary information
Breakfasts included: 13
Lunches included: 4
Dinners included: 8
While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure.
Moroccan food is, generally speaking, excellent though not particularly varied. Breakfasts usually consist of bread and jam with coffee or tea. Meals eaten out are reasonably priced - kebab and bread cost only about MAD 30. In main towns, it is possible to find very good French and Moroccan restaurants where a meal and French wine will cost anything from MAD 220 upwards. Generally, dinner is likely to cost between MAD 80-120 depending on what you drink - so an estimate for food would be about MAD 150-200 a day. Soft drinks are available at very reasonable prices, but generally speaking, alcohol is not widely available in Morocco due for cultural and religious reasons. Still, in some hotels and restaurants, you will be able to purchase beer, wine and spirits, but you will pay foreign prices or more for imported alcohol. Please be aware of local laws, believes and traditions, and be very sensitive and respectful while consuming alcohol. Your leader can help recommend restaurants each evening. Vegetarians can be catered for but there is a fairly limited choice of vegetarian couscous and tajine or omelets. This is particularly the case in rural parts of this itinerary. Please note that if you have any special dietary requirements you should inform us prior to the trip. Vegans and those on gluten-free diets may find this region very challenging and may need to supplement meals with their own supplies from supermarkets and markets. Wherever possible we will cater for dietary needs for any included meals, but there may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own.
Climate & seasonal information
WEATHER IN MOROCCO
As a desert country, Morocco can have extreme weather. Winter (November to March) can be very cold, particularly in the mountains and the desert, with overnight temperatures dropping to 5 degrees Celsius or below. Even in summer the desert gets cold at night. It is recommended to bring a sleeping bag, thermals, a scarf, gloves and a warm jacket for travel in winter. Please be prepared for cold showers.
Summer (May to September) can be very hot everywhere, which means that it can be quite uncomfortable for those not used to the heat. It’s important to use sun protection and drink plenty of water.
Some of our guesthouses/hotels are unable to supply heating or air conditioning as this would be a major financial and environmental strain. It is also a case of energy supply and timing provisions, which are limited in some places.
RAMADAN
The important month of Ramadan will be in progress 1 March to 30 March 2025 and the Eid ul-Fitr festival will be held directly at its conclusion for 3-4 days. Ramadan is a festival of sacrifice where the devout refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours. During Ramadan, business hours are shortened, including opening hours at some tourist attractions. Alcohol is not permitted during daylight hours and many restaurants will be closed. While you should expect some delays and inconveniences during this period, the month is a fantastic opportunity to travel in a Muslim country and witness this unique period, particularly the nightly celebrations when the sun sets and the fast is broken. Please note that although the Eid ul-Fitr festival can also be a fascinating time to travel it's a period of national holiday. Most government offices and businesses will be closed and some tourist site opening hours may be affected.
EID AL-ADHA
Eid Al-Adha (Sacrifice Feast) will take place in Morocco 16 – 17 June 2024 and 6 – 10 June 2025. This festival honours the sacrifice Abraham made of his own son. In commemoration of this, an animal is sacrificed and divided into three parts: one-third of the share is given to the poor and needy; another third is given to relatives, friends and neighbours; and the remaining third is retained by the family. Please expect delays or complete suspension of public services during that time which may be disruptive to the trip schedule. For some, it may also be disturbing to see animals being sacrificed, as this can take place in public.
HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAIN PASSES
On this trip, you will cross the High Atlas Mountains through the impressive Tizi n’Tichka pass that rises to the altitude of 2,260 metres above sea level (7,415 ft). It is a great mountain road with breathtaking views. During the winter months (November to March) this part of Morocco can be hit by heavy snowfalls and it is possible for Tizi n’Tichka to become impassable. This usually lasts only for a day until authorities have a chance to clear the road. In the event of a snowstorm, your itinerary may be required to change. This is dealt with on the ground and depending on the situation we may re-route your itinerary or reverse it.
In case of emergency
While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.
You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.
For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us
In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:
Intrepid's Local Operator: +212 661922693
Accommodations
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
We've sourced our accommodation very carefully and picked the best possible hotels in line with the Intrepid style of travel, but please note that service and accommodation in Morocco may be different from standards you are used to at home.
OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
RIADS
On each departure of this trip, we aim to spend at least one night in a traditional Moroccan riad. In the height of the season, however unlikely, there may be an occasion when contracting a full group in a riad will be impossible due to high demand and availability.
TWIN SHARE / MULTI SHARE BASIS
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multi-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite (even if you paid for single room supplement) and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.
HEATING
Some of our guesthouses/hotels are unable to supply heating as this would be a major financial and environmental strain. It's also a case of energy supply and timing provisions, which is limited in some places. Please be prepared for cold showers, which are a pleasure for most of the year. Air-conditioning systems (if available) don't always function.
CHECK-IN TIME
Throughout the trip, we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
Transportation
There are some long travel days and some rough travelling in areas away from the main tourist routes. High passes, windy roads, and rough surfaces make for some challenging travel experiences. On some long travel days, we depart early in the morning to ensure we optimise our time at our next destination. If you experience travel sickness we recommend you consider medication to help ease the discomfort. The best part about all of these long drives is the spectacular views and fun stops en route such as mountain passes, kasbahs, palmeries, sand dunes, goats up trees, etc.
We also use public transport on some of our trips around Morocco. Be it a train or a public bus, remember that the best part of it is the possibility to interact with local people traveling along with you.