Discover Morocco: From the Blue City to the Sahara

Salaam Alaikum – welcome to magical Morocco! The moment you land in Casablanca, a representative will be there to greet you and whisk you off to your hotel. Later this afternoon, you’ll meet your fellow travelers and your friendly tour leader to kick off the adventure. Tonight, we dive right in with a vibrant welcome dinner at a traditional Moroccan restaurant—think aromatic tagines, fluffy couscous, and sweet, savory pastilla. It’s the perfect first taste of the rich culture and flavors that await us over the days ahead!

Special Information
Airport transfers are included on an individual basis. Flight information must be provided no later than 45 days from the start of the trip.

Today, we’ll travel to Chefchaouen, or the ‘blue city’, arguably one of the prettiest places in Morocco. Set against a wide valley between two peaks in the stunning Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen has been lovingly cared for with striking blue and whitewashed houses, red-tiled roofs and artistic doorways. Take a guided orientation walk with a local guide through the ancient medina and shop for handicrafts. Stop off for a tasting of goat’s cheese (you’ll see there’s no shortage of goats in Chefchaouen). This soft, creamy goat’s cheese is some of Morocco’s best.
In the early evening, we’ll head to a great sunset viewpoint overlooking the town.

Included Activities

• Lunch during our road trip from Casablanca
• Guided walking tour
• Goat cheese tasting
• Sunset guided mini-hike to the viewpoint

Special Information
Our travel time today will be approximately 6 hours with stop for breaks and lunch along the way.

Today, we’ll visit the Kasbah Chefchaouen, the only one in the blue city, before having free time to relax and enjoy this beautiful area of Morocco. The Kasbah, an Andalusian–Maghrebian style fortress that was erected against the Spanish and Portuguese attacks and used as a refuge for Jewish and Muslim immigrants. While away in the tranquil Spanish styled garden inside, walk up the stairs to the museum and art gallery that portray the history of the town. Climb further to the tower and enjoy the stunning view over the whole medina and the surrounding green hills.

After the day stroll, you may want to have a relaxing hammam experience in the blue alleys of
Chefchaouen. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure strolling through the beautiful alleys of the Blue City.

Included Activities

• Chefchaouen – Kasbah Chefchaouen visit

Optional Activities

• Chefchaouen – Traditional Hammam 430MAD (approx.)

Today, we’ll drive to the ancient ruins of Volubilis. Once a provincial Roman capital, a distant outpost of the empire, the remains are an undeniably impressive sight. A local guide will show us around, providing expert knowledge to help us imagine the bustling city that once was. Enjoy a picnic lunch of fresh bread, cheese and seasonal fruits and olives from the market, then we’ll continue our journey to Fes.

Fes is the best example of the medieval Arab world, and you’ll soon to find out more about its past. After checking into our hotel in the late afternoon, we’ll have one of the city’s signature dishes for
dinner – the salty and sweet pastilla.

Included Activities

• Volubilis – Entrance and guided tour
• Volubilis – Picnic Lunch
• Fes – Home cooked pastilla dinner

Special information
Our total travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Start the day right with a tasty street food breakfast of msemmen (flatbread) with olive oil and boiled egg or omelette paired with coffee or mint tea. Then, discover the city of Fes, the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. Join an expert local guide and head into the Old City, known locally as Fes el Bali. We’ll walk along the twisting streets and alleyways, passing donkeys piled high with goods, and explore the specialty sections that divide the souk. Filled with historic khans, madrassas and dye pits and stalls loaded with fruits, herbs and soups, it’s not hard to imagine yourself back in the Middle Ages. Spend the day exploring the Old City, visiting Medersa el Attarine, the tanneries and the Fondouk Nejjarine – a beautifully restored 18th-century inn.

Included Activities

• Street food breakfast
• Medina Guided Tour
• Funduq al-Najjarin
• Medersa El Attarine

Special information
Today’s experience will include shopping in carefully selected places. As the receipt of commissions or kickbacks in exchange for recommending particular shops, services or activities is ingrained in the culture of the Moroccan tourism industry, Intrepid has established a centralized system of receiving and distributing payments from these recommended suppliers. For more information, please speak to your leader.

If you’re not interested in shopping, please speak to your leader about your options. The medina is complicated to navigate so leaving and rejoining the group can be difficult.

Buckle up! Today is a travel day to head south towards our adventure in the Saharan Desert, traveling from Fes to Erfoud. We’ll drive south through fertile valleys, cedar and pine forests, and striking rocky landscapes. Along the way, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, savoring authentic regional cuisine.

We’ll continue our journey to Erfoud, where you’ll have the option to enjoy dinner at the hotel. This evening is yours to relax and recharge in preparation for our upcoming adventure in the Sahara tomorrow morning!

Included Activities

• Lunch on the Road

Special Information
Our travel time today will be approximately 8 hours and we’ll stop for breaks and lunch along the way.

Get ready for our adventure in the Saharan Desert! We’ll spend the morning exploring Khemliya, a village on the edge of the orange-hued Erg Chebbi sand dunes, known for its traditional Saharan music and dance. For lunch, we’ll learn how the local specialty dish, medfouna (also known as Berber pizza), is prepared. Then, we’ll enjoy a freshly made serving of it for ourselves.

In the afternoon, we’ll travel by 4WD through the desert to our Feature Stay accommodation, a stunning camp tucked deep within the dunes of the Sahara. After check-in, set out for a peaceful sunset camel ride, taking in the golden light and vast, shifting sand from a timeless perspective.

Though remote, this desert camp doesn’t compromise on comfort. Spacious tents are equipped with large beds, en suite bathrooms, and authentic, thoughtfully curated decor.

This evening, enjoy a traditional dinner, followed by live Gnaoua music around the campfire under the starlit North African sky.

Included Activities

• Khemliya – Village walking tour
• Khemliya – Medfouna cooking demonstration with lunch
• Sahara Desert – 4WD to access the camp.
• Sahara Desert – Sunset Camel ride
• Sahara Desert – Amazigh dinner with Gnaoua music

Special Information
You will want to pack an overnight bag with everything needed for a one night stay in the desert camp. We will leave our larger luggage in the van overnight.

We’ll start the day with an unforgettable desert sunrise, watching the dunes glow in brilliant shades of gold and orange. After breakfast, we’ll make our way to the magnificent Todra Gorge, where 250-meter-high limestone cliffs create one of Morocco’s most spectacular natural wonders. We’ll take a gentle walk through the gorge to soak in its beauty before enjoying a traditional lunch at a local kasbah—think tender chicken skewers, fresh salads, and regional specialties.

In the afternoon, we’ll follow the scenic Road of a Thousand Kasbahs to a breathtaking 11th-century hilltop village, famous for its grand clay kasbah and timeless architecture. You might even recognize it from Game of Thrones or other films. The evening will be ours to relax and take in the atmosphere.

Included Activities

• Todra Gorge – Leader-led Walk
• Todra Gorge – Lunch in a local kasbah

Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.

First, we’ll wander the winding streets of the Old Town for scenic views before a leader-led tour of the ksar.. Then, a visit to Taman’Art Space, where we’ll meet the local artist over tea on the terrace. Then it’s on to Tawesna, a riverside teahouse serving Amazigh bread, soup, sweets, and mint tea. This community-run establishment supports local women by providing them with a sustainable income. The women prepare food and tea using natural ingredients sourced from nearby cooperatives, offering visitors a warm and authentic Amazigh experience.

Continuing to Marrakech, we’ll join a local guide for an evening orientation walk and tasting trail through the medina, ending with dinner in livelyJemaa el-Fnaa as the square comes alive with music, performers, and a vibrant night market buzz.

Included Activities

• Ait Benhaddou – Leader-led ksar walk
• Ait Benhaddou – Lunch at Tawesna
• Ait Benhaddou – Taman’Art Space Studio Visit
• Marrakech – Tasting tour with dinner in Jemaa el-Fnaa square

Special Information

We’ll start the day cooking authentic Moroccan tagines at the Amal Association, an Intrepid Foundation Partner. This non-profit empowers women through culinary training and education. After our hands-on cooking session, we’ll enjoy the delicious meal we’ve created for lunch.

In the afternoon, we’ll explore the Old Medina with a local guide, wander spice-scented souks, and try sand-brewed coffee at a traditional café. We’ll visit the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, stroll the tranquil Jardins Secrets, and finish in lively Djemaa el-Fna with fresh orange juice before enjoying free time to shop, explore gardens, or visit historic palaces.

Included Activities

• Tagine Cooking class at Amal association or similar
• Medina walking tour
• Secret Garden visit
• Sand coffee shop visit
• Fresh Orange Juice

Spend a free day exploring Marrakech at your own pace… browse vibrant souks, step inside hidden riads, or visit landmarks like the Koutoubia Mosque, El Badi Palace, and Ben Youssef Madrasa. We have a list of recommended activities that our local leader can help arrange.

In the evening, we’ll celebrate our journey with a farewell dinner at Safran by Koya, enjoying modern Moroccan cuisine, live jazz and a special Moroccan Folkloric Show.

Included Activities

• Dinner at Safran By Koya – Seated 3-course dinner featuring refined Moroccan cuisine + Moroccan Folkloric show.

Optional Activities (prices listed are estimates and subject to change)

• Palais Bahia – entrance fee 100 MAD per person.
• Majorelle Garden – Berber Museum – YSL Museum tickets need to be purchased at Majorelle Garden website (Combined ticket – these sell out fast!)
• Hal day Quad biking in Agafay – Driver at 736 MAD per person – Passenger at 402 MAD per person
• Half day Buggy in Agafay – 1740 MAD per person
• Balloon Ride Classique flight – 1807 MAD per person.
• Hammam massage package at Mythic Spa

All good things must come to an end! You’re free to leave at any time after checking out. We’ve arranged individual airport transfers based on your flight time, so you’ll be advised of the pick-up time.

Your journey will continue if you’ve booked the Essaouira Add-On Trip.

We’ll depart Marrakech in the morning and journey westward through arid plains and groves of argan trees toward the breezy Atlantic coast. We’ll arrive in Essaouira, a UNESCO-listed medina known for its whitewashed buildings, blue shutters, and bohemian charm. After settling into our charming riad, enjoy some free time to relax or begin exploring at your own pace.

In the early evening, prepare for a magical sunset experience. Saddle up for a scenic horseback ride along the beach, where golden sands meet the crashing Atlantic waves. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, this is a peaceful and unforgettable way to connect with the landscape as the sun dips below the horizon.

Later, enjoy more free time exploring the medina’s vibrant art galleries or unwind with a glass of mint tea at a rooftop café.

Included Activities

• Sunset horse ride – 2 hours

Today, we’ll begin with a guided walking tour of Essaouira’s charming medina. Wander through its narrow alleys, bustling souks, and historic ramparts as our guide shares insights into the city’s rich cultural heritage and coastal history. Discover local artisans at work, traditional wood workshops, and the vibrant port where fishing boats bring in daily catch. After the tour, enjoy a leisurely seafood lunch at a local restaurant, sampling the freshest flavors of the Atlantic coast.

The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace, browse the medina’s eclectic art galleries, relax by the beach, or sip mint tea at a rooftop café with ocean views.

Included Activities

• Medina guided tour
• Seafood Lunch

Wake up to the refreshing coastal breeze in the laid-back town of Essaouira. This morning, gear up for an exhilarating quad biking adventure through the sandy trails and dunes of nearby Diabat. Ride past eucalyptus forests, ancient ruins, and along the windswept beach for a thrilling start to the day, with stunning views of the Atlantic coastline. After our ride, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace.

As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, regroup for a memorable sunset dinner at IL Mare, a scenic restaurant perched above the ocean, offering panoramic views and fresh seafood.

Included Activities

• Quad Biking 2 hours
• Sunset dinner at Il Mare or similar

In the morning, enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the Riad. Our group departure transfer to Marrakech airport will be arranged based on group flight info.

Please note for flight purposes that the trip ends in Essaouira and we have approximately a 3 hour drive back to Marrakech(RAK airport). A late-morning or afternoon flight is recommended .