Across the Desert & to the Sea: Morocco Cultural Journey
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Duration
9 days · 8 nights
Travel Date
Mar 7 – 15, 2023
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
50 – 68
Transportation
Private motorcoach
Tour Price
Your Fellow Explorers
Age range
20 – 50
Travel interest
Culture, history, nature, cities, beaches
Your Local Guide
Wanderlust Travel understands that the key to creating an amazing trip is thorough research. But they also know that many travelers don’t have the time to become experts on every corner of the world. To bridge that gap, they use their incredible knowledge to help adventurers develop itineraries that suit their goals and dreams. They’ve created trips all around the world, and they’re more than happy to handle all of the logistical issues so that you can have the vacation you’ve been fantasizing about.
Morocco is a country defined by extreme environments, historic cities, and ancient mystery. No matter where you are, you’ll feel the powerful energy that pulses through the air, a kind of thread linking the past and the present. Simply being here can be a transformative experience, but on this incredible itinerary, you’ll take it a step further and truly connect with the beautiful culture of Morocco.
Over the course of 9 days, you’ll traverse the city, the desert, and the coastline in search of Morocco’s secrets. Tour through Marrakech and visit UNESCO World Heritage sites, ride an ATV across the Agafay Desert, spend long hours on the beach at Taghazout, and learn about the traditions that anchor Morocco’s modern culture. Enjoy!
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
If you cancel your trip after placing a deposit but before your card on file is charged for the full payment, you can request a full refund of your deposit up to 30 days before the tour departure.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
If you cancel your trip after making the full payment, you may change or cancel your trip up to 30 days before the tour departure for a refund.
Your TourHero
This is the spot for your picture and bio. Tell your travel story and get your group excited for this trip!
Duration
9 days · 8 nights
Travel Date
Mar 7 – 15, 2023
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
50 – 68
Transportation
Private motorcoach
Morocco is a country defined by extreme environments, historic cities, and ancient mystery. No matter where you are, you’ll feel the powerful energy that pulses through the air, a kind of thread linking the past and the present. Simply being here can be a transformative experience, but on this incredible itinerary, you’ll take it a step further and truly connect with the beautiful culture of Morocco.
Over the course of 9 days, you’ll traverse the city, the desert, and the coastline in search of Morocco’s secrets. Tour through Marrakech and visit UNESCO World Heritage sites, ride an ATV across the Agafay Desert, spend long hours on the beach at Taghazout, and learn about the traditions that anchor Morocco’s modern culture. Enjoy!
Timeline
- Day 1 · Marrakech
- Arrive in Marrakech
- Transfer to accommodation
- Check-in at Es Saadi Hotel (or similar according to availability)
- Welcome dinner
- Day 2 · Marrakech
- Breakfast
- Guided tour of Marrakech with multiple stops and workshops
- Lunch
- Free time
- Dinner
- Day 3 · Marrakech
- Breakfast
- Transfer to the Atlas Mountains
- Adventure day with zip-lining and a ropes course
- Lunch
- Transfer back to accommodation
- Free time
- Dinner
- Day 4 · Marrakech
- Breakfast
- Hands-on cooking class
- Lunch
- Traditional hammam and massage
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 5 · Marrakech & Agafay Desert
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Transfer to Agafay Desert
- Check-in at The White Camel (or similar according to availability)
- Camel trek through the desert
- Lunch
- ATV excursion
- Dinner with live music and dancing
- Day 6 · Agafay Desert & Taghazout
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Transfer to Taghazout
- Check-in at Radisson Blu Resort, Taghazout Bay (or similar according to availability)
- Lunch
- Free time
- Dinner
- Day 7 · Taghazout
- Breakfast
- Free day in Taghazout
- Lunch and dinner
- Day 8 · Taghazout & Marrakech
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Transfer to Marrakech
- Check-in at Es Saadi Hotel (or similar according to availability)
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Free time
- Dinner with live entertainment
- Day 9 · Departure
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Transfer to airport
- Journey ends
Details
Day 1
Begin your Moroccan journey in Marrakech, the Red City
There’s no better place to begin this journey than in Marrakech. It may not be the largest city in Morocco, but it holds an immense amount of history and culture. Simply walking through the city streets is like stepping into another world, and you’re bound to have a blast exploring and discovering all that Marrakech has to offer! After you arrive at your hotel, you’ll have a relaxed evening where you can settle in and adjust to the city’s atmosphere before an exciting welcome dinner. Once you’ve had your share of Moroccan delicacies, it’s off to bed to prepare for tomorrow’s adventures!
Day 2
Head out on a guided tour of the most important locations in Marrakech
It’s time to fully dive into the culture and history of Marrakech! The city has been around for nearly 1000 years, so there’s an immense amount to learn. Your guide will do an excellent job of connecting traditions to the modern day by stopping at locations like the Koutoubia Mosque and the spice markets. As the tour begins to wind down, you’ll stop at some local souks to meet with craftsmen in a workshop setting, with skills like baking and shoemaking being taught to you. You’ll finish off the tour with some lunch before enjoying a long and restful free afternoon and evening at your leisure.
Day 3
Amp up the adrenaline in the Atlas Mountains
Although many people tend to just think of the desert when they think about Morocco, that’s far from the only environment in this diverse and wonderful country. Not too far from Marrakech are the Atlas Mountains, a range that climbs above 4000 meters in certain locations. Although you won’t be turning into a full-fledged alpinist today, we’ll be headed to the hills for a bit of an adventure. We’ll start with a zip-line across the valley so you can get some air under your feet, and then it’s off to a ropes course where you can climb, swing, and walk on an aerial obstacle course while being safely tied in. The time in the mountains will come to a close after lunch, and you’ll be driven back to the city for another free evening that you can spend however you’d like.
Day 4
Take a cooking class and learn how to create some authentic Moroccan dishes
It’s another sunny, shining day in Marrakech. The main activity for today is a tasty one: a cooking class! After breakfast, you’ll be taught how to cook a number of recipes including a traditional tagine, one of the most important meals in Moroccan culinary culture. You’ll also create a salad and some tea, as no dish in this country is complete without some delicious, local tea! That’s not the end of the day, though: after snacking on your creations, you’ll have a traditional hammam and massage experience that will help you release tension throughout your body.
Day 5
Transfer to the Agafay Desert for a completely new kind of adventure
Marrakech is a beautiful, historic city, and there would be no problem spending an entire trip there. However, we want to get out and explore! With that in mind, we’ll be departing from Marrakech today and heading to the nearby Agafay Desert. The first order of business is to check into your accommodation. Once that’s done, you’ll head out on an authentic camel trek, a mode of transportation that has been important in this region for centuries. If that didn’t exactly satisfy your need for speed, though, no worries. After lunch, hop on an ATV for a high-paced excursion that will surely get your blood pumping! Finally, we’ll end the day with dinner backed by live music and dancing.
Day 6
Say goodbye to the desert and hello to the ocean in Taghazout
Good morning! A desert wind is blowing, and a stark beauty is revealed as Agafay is lit up in the morning sunrise. Today, we’ll be saying goodbye to the desert and trading out this scene for a completely different one in Taghazout, a surfing and fishing town on the coast. After breakfast and a quick transfer, you’ll check into your hotel near the beach and have the rest of the day in Taghazout to explore. Watch the powerful swell from the shore, do some shopping in town, or just chill at the hotel and read a book. It’s completely up to you!
Day 7
Sink into a luxurious and completely free day in Taghazout
Today is a completely free day in the beautiful town of Taghazout, and you can spend it however you’d like. You’re in the best spot for surfing in the entire country, so a surf lesson could be perfect. The nearby Paradise Valley is also a world-class hiking destination if you’re in an outdoorsy mood. Whatever you do, just make sure to enjoy the relaxing, laid-back atmosphere that Taghazout has to offer.
Day 8
Head back to Marrakech ahead of your departure
Your trip is slowly coming to a close, but we’re not done just yet. Today begins with breakfast in Taghazout before a transfer to Marrakech, allowing the journey to come full circle. There’s not too much on the schedule today in the Red City, so feel free to spend your afternoon revisiting your favorite spots or exploring some new areas that you weren’t able to see during your first stay in Marrakech. We’ll wrap up the day with dinner featuring live entertainment, the perfect way to celebrate a successful trip exploring the natural beauty and colorful culture of Morocco.
Day 9
Catch a ride to the airport for a safe flight home
We’re sad to say it, but today is the final day of the trip. After breakfast in Marrakech, it’s off to the airport to fly home. Say goodbye to the majesty, mystery, and magic of Morocco! Thanks for traveling with us, and we can’t wait until the next adventure!
Accommodation
Es Saadi Hotel (or similar according to availability)
Located near the medina and the city ramparts in Marrakech is the Es Saadi Hotel. This posh accommodation is an invitation to relaxation and wellness with its elevated spa, spacious swimming pool, and lush greenery to make you feel like you’re truly in a desert oasis. From its lounges and restaurants to its various suites, this property pays homage to the land and cultures with Persian inspiration and Andalusian and Egyptian architecture. In your suite, you’ll find wood carvings, hand-painted decor, nickel silver basins, the marble of the hammams, and mirrors of copper and carved silver. Enjoy your private balcony, luxe en suite, and cozy bedding to help you rest and relax during your time in Marrakech. With 8 restaurants and bars on site, you’ll have everything you need for a stellar stay in this ancient city. Room type: Multiple occupancy.
The White Camel (or similar according to availability)
Located in the heart of the Agafay Desert, the White Camel is a lodge where you can truly admire nature’s wild side while still enjoying modern comforts. Rooms at the lodge provide the feeling of a five-star hotel while their luxe tents take camping to a level you’ve never seen before. Absorb the views of the rocky surroundings while taking advantage of the White Camel’s free breakfast, pool, restaurant, and other amenities. Room type: Multiple occupancy.
Radisson Blu Resort, Taghazout Bay (or similar according to availability)
Radisson Blu Resort is the perfect hotel for anyone looking to enjoy the beaches of Taghazout. The resort is found directly on the coast, allowing guests to simply walk out onto the shore whenever they want to swim or stretch out on the sand. Rooms are modern and offer excellent views, and each one boasts a rain shower, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and more. The excellent on-site restaurants and bars are a great place to wind down after a long day spent exploring Taghazout’s culture and sampling the beaches. Room type: Multiple occupancy.
Included
- 5 nights in Es Saadi Hotel (or similar)
- 1 night at The White Camel (or similar)
- 2 nights in Radisson Blu Resort, Taghazout Bay (or similar)
- Shared occupancy in accommodation
- All activities described in the itinerary
- Transportation between activities and accommodation
- Meals as described in the itinerary
- Airport transfers
- Professional city guide in Marrakech
- Entrance to all included sites and monuments
- Local taxes and fees
Not included
- Flights
- All food not mentioned in inclusions
- Optional add-ons
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
Available add-on
Private room upgrade
Upgrade from shared accommodation throughout the trip to a room at each hotel that is all your own. This add-on is a great option for those who want a bit of extra privacy.
Price: USD 600
68 spots left
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
If you cancel your trip after placing a deposit but before your card on file is charged for the full payment, you can request a full refund of your deposit up to 30 days before the tour departure.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
If you cancel your trip after making the full payment, you may change or cancel your trip up to 30 days before the tour departure for a refund.
- Welcome to the Es Saadi Resort in Marrakech. - Facebook: Es Saadi Marrakech Resort
- Fuel up at the lodge's Singita Restaurant. - The White Camel Lodge
- Get settled in your room and prepare for a relaxing time in Marrakech. - Es Saadi
- Stay in a luxurious tent in the desert at the White Camel. - The White Camel
- Kick back in comfort near the ocean at Radisson Blu Resort, Taghazout Bay. - Radisson Hotels
- Add-on: Private room upgrade - The White Camel
- Welcome to Marrakech, the soul of Morocco! - Wikimedia Commons
- After you arrive, head to a welcome dinner to get a taste for the local cuisine while also meeting your fellow travelers. - Wikimedia Commons
- The sunsets in Marrakech are beautiful. Admire your first before heading to bed! - Wikimedia Commons
- The first stop on the tour is Koutoubia Mosque, the tallest building in the city. - Wikimedia Commons
- You'll then head to a spice market, one of the many cultural mainstays that has made Morocco famous around the world. - Wikimedia Commons
- Jemaa el Fna, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is up next. - Wikimedia Commons
- Finish up the tour by visiting some souks for workshops based on Moroccan traditions. - Wikimedia Commons
- We'll be heading to the beautiful Atlas Mountains for a few adventures today! - Unsplash: Patrick Ogilvie
- Kick things off by getting your heart racing while ziplining above the valley floor. - Wikimedia Commons
- You'll also be able to try out a ropes course where you can select different obstacles based on your comfort level. - Wikimedia Commons
- Don't worry: you'll be safely clipped in the entire time. - Pixabay: markusspiske
- Connect with the culinary tradition of Morocco with a cooking class! - Wikimedia Commons
- The main course will be tagine, a delicious Moroccan staple. - Wikimedia Commons
- After the class, you'll go to a traditional hammam and massage experience. - Unsplash: Adetayo Adefala
- Say goodbye to the city. After checking out of the hotel, we'll be heading to the nearby Agafay Desert for some fun. - Wikimedia Commons
- Once you arrive, you'll head out onto the dunes on a camel trek. - Wikimedia Commons
- Sitting atop a camel and riding through the desert is a totally unique experience that you won't ever forget! - Wikimedia Commons
- Cap off the day by getting on an ATV and taking it for a spin along the dunes. - Wikimedia Commons
- Taghazout is a wonderful city on the Moroccan coast. - Wikimedia Commons
- Known for its friendly culture and great surfing, you'll love staying in Taghazout. - Wikimedia Commons
- There's not much on the schedule for today, so spend some time relaxing and taking in the great views. - Wikimedia Commons
- It's a perfect day in Taghazout, and there's nothing on the schedule. Do whatever you'd like today! - Pixabay: Peggy_Marco
- With all the free time today, it could be an excellent time to simply sit on the beach and enjoy a moment of pure tranquility. - Unsplash: Chelsea Gates
- Today also is a great opportunity for a surfing lesson! - Unsplash: Sacha Verheij
- After a wonderful sunrise in Taghazout, get ready to head back to Marrakech. - Wikimedia Commons
- Your trip will come to a close where it began: Marrakech, the Red City. - Wikimedia Commons
- You'll have lots of free time to explore the city today. - Pexels: Daria Klimova
- For dinner, you'll be going to a local restaurant with live entertainment. - Wikimedia Commons