Meditation Adventures in Magical Meknes with Olga Galabova
Your TourHero
My name is Olga and I am a certified yoga teacher based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, experienced in Hatha, Vinyasa flow, and Ashtanga yoga. I love helping over-scheduled small-business owners and busy people to be and stay energized, inspired, and happy with easy, simple, time-saving yoga solutions - yoga classes, affordable off-the-beaten-track yoga travels, and other active yet relaxing yoga events.
For more information about Olga, click here.
Duration
8 days · 7 nights
Travel Date
May 20 - 27, 2023
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
8 - 12
Transportation
Private Mercedes Sprinter
Tour Price
Your Fellow Explorers
Age range
20 - 60
Travel interest
Yoga, hiking, exploration, adventure
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.
Calling all hikers, yogis, and explorers to this exciting expedition to Morocco! Join Olga for a week of wellness walks, yoga, and meditation sessions in the grand Imperial City of Meknes and beyond. Using this UNESCO world heritage site as a base, discover the tranquility of the impressive Atlas Mountains, the mysterious Medinas of Fez, and the very best of Moroccan hospitality as you dine on delicious fare and learn local customs. You’ll have plenty of leisure time between your yoga sessions and excursions to indulge in luxury, with Meknes’ Hammams, spas, and tea rooms at your disposal. The perfect getaway for travelers seeking an exciting and unforgettable backdrop for their meditations, and a cultural reawakening like no other. Pack your bags, grab your hiking boots, and get ready to escape to Morocco...
Cancellation policy
TourHero, the retreat host, and the tour operator reserve the right to cancel or reschedule this trip up until March 21, 2023. If the departure is canceled out of your control, you will be alerted by March 21, 2023 and will receive a full refund.
In this case, TourHero is not responsible for your preparation expenses, such as airline tickets, extra accommodations, loss of work, or any other cost associated with preparing for your trip. We recommend booking travel insurance, along with refundable flights/accommodations in case of cancellation.
Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.
Refunds for fully-paid trip
You may change or cancel your trip by March 21, 2023 for a refund, excluding the deposit amount. However, if you decide to cancel your trip after March 21, 2023, we will be unable to offer any refunds for the amount paid.
Trip cancellation due to COVID-19
A full credit will be issued if the tour is canceled when there is full border closure due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. This credit can go towards booking a future TourHero tour. We suggest buying your own travel insurance for coverage of cancellations within 30 days of the tour commencing for reasons other than a full tour cancellation.
Your TourHero
My name is Olga and I am a certified yoga teacher based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, experienced in Hatha, Vinyasa flow, and Ashtanga yoga. I love helping over-scheduled small-business owners and busy people to be and stay energized, inspired, and happy with easy, simple, time-saving yoga solutions - yoga classes, affordable off-the-beaten-track yoga travels, and other active yet relaxing yoga events.
For more information about Olga, click here.
Duration
8 days · 7 nights
Travel Date
May 20 - 27, 2023
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
8 - 12
Transportation
Private Mercedes Sprinter
Calling all hikers, yogis, and explorers to this exciting expedition to Morocco! Join Olga for a week of wellness walks, yoga, and meditation sessions in the grand Imperial City of Meknes and beyond. Using this UNESCO world heritage site as a base, discover the tranquility of the impressive Atlas Mountains, the mysterious Medinas of Fez, and the very best of Moroccan hospitality as you dine on delicious fare and learn local customs. You’ll have plenty of leisure time between your yoga sessions and excursions to indulge in luxury, with Meknes’ Hammams, spas, and tea rooms at your disposal. The perfect getaway for travelers seeking an exciting and unforgettable backdrop for their meditations, and a cultural reawakening like no other. Pack your bags, grab your hiking boots, and get ready to escape to Morocco...
Timeline
- Day 1 · Fez and Meknes
- Arrive at Fes Sais International Airport (FEZ)
- Group pickup and transfer to Meknes
- Check-in to Riad d’Or (or similar according to availability)
- Free time
- Evening mediation session
- Dinner at riad
- Day 2 · Meknes
- Morning yoga session
- Breakfast
- Full-day Meknes tour
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Welcome dinner with local family
- Return to riad
- Evening meditation session
- Day 3 · Meknes and Atlas Mountains
- Morning yoga session
- Breakfast
- Full-day Atlas Mountains excursion and hike
- Picnic lunch
- Return to riad
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Evening yoga session
- Day 4 · Meknes
- Morning yoga session
- Breakfast
- Free day in Meknes
- Wool demonstration (optional activity)
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Return to riad
- Evening yoga session
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 5 · Meknes and Fez
- Morning yoga session
- Breakfast
- Full-day Fes tour
- Lunch in the medina
- Return to riad
- Evening yoga session
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 6 · Meknes and Atlas Mountains
- Morning yoga session
- Breakfast
- Full-day Atlas Mountains and Ifrane hike
- Picnic lunch
- Return to riad
- Evening yoga session
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 7 · Meknes
- Morning yoga session
- Breakfast
- Free day in Meknes
- Volubilis Ruins tour (optional activity)
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Les Ceilliers de Meknes wine pairing and farewell dinner
- Return to riad
- Evening yoga session
- Day 8 · Departure
- Morning yoga session
- Breakfast and check-out of riad
- Pickup and group transfer to the airport
- Journey ends
Details
Day 1
Your Moroccan meditations start here! Check into Meknes, and a world of mystery, intrigue, and excitement!
Greetings, travelers, and welcome to Morocco! A land of luxury, ancient history, and unbound adventure, you’ll begin your expedition in Meknes. After landing at Fez Airport, we’ll pick you up and transport you to your first traditional house—or ‘riad’—in the Imperial City. Situated in Northern Morocco, Meknes is known for its fascinating history, its unique architecture, and its colorful markets. You’ll spend your wellness week in a renovated traditional Moroccan palace from the 18th Century—a perfect space for yoga, meditation, and some downtime. Join your fellow travelers at your first meditation session and celebrate the start of your trip with a meal in the riad — the first of many delicious Moroccan meals to fuel you during your trip. After a busy day of travel, take in a stunning Moroccan sunset and get ready for more wellness and exploration tomorrow!
Day 2
Meander around Meknes with a local guide and immerse yourself in ancient history
Rise and shine! Your day of exploration will start with some morning yoga, preparing you for the tour ahead. Then it's onto breakfast—you'll feel like a sultan of old as you tuck into a fine banquet of traditional Moroccan fare. From there, you'll be guided on a full-day tour of Meknes, from the Mausoleum of Molay Ismail shrine to the souks, a labyrinth of covered markets, Hammam bathhouses and spas, and mystery. Down each of the crisscrossing lanes, you'll find something of intrigue—from exotic spices to traditional tea rooms. In the evening, you’ll be welcomed into a local home to learn some traditional Moroccan customs and sample some homemade fare—make sure to sample as much authentic grub as you can! Just like last night, you'll have the chance to reflect on your day with a yoga and meditation session, a sunset, and a great night’s sleep.
Day 3
Ascend the mighty Atlas Mountains at Azrou on your first wellness walk
Stretch into another day of discovery with morning yoga and breakfast, perfect for limbering you up for today's hike. You'll be transferred to Azrou, an outpost town in the Atlas Mountains where you’ll meet your local guide. Have your hiking boots at the ready as you traverse through thick forests, trail nomadic sheep herds, and perch yourself down for a scenic picnic. Returning to Meknes in the evening, you’ll have plenty of time to soothe your muscles in a healing spa, seek out some tasty snacks, and explore at your leisure before nighttime yoga and bed. Well-earned after a day of adventure and exploration!
Day 4
Explore Meknes in your own way on a free day
With no scheduled activities between your morning and evening yoga sessions, you’re free today to explore Meknes in your own time. Discover the secrets of the Medina’s maze-like alleyways, take advantage of a healing Hammam, or just spend the day relaxing in the riad’s rooftop pool. Alternatively, book an optional excursion to the Meknes countryside to learn about Moroccan sheep, the varied uses for their wool, and their importance within Morocco’s agriculture and textile industries. As the sun begins to set on a day of leisure, wind down with some relaxing yoga and head out into the city to secure yourself a sensational snack.
Day 5
Find fascinating history and fine pottery in Fez
Today’s quest will take you to Morocco’s cultural capital, Fez—or Fes. With help from a local guide, tour this architectural delight and investigate some of the country’s oldest and most intricate buildings. The Royal Palace with its seven golden doors is a highlight, as is the ancient Medina marketplace and living museum. You’ll get the best views of the city from on top of the Borj Sud, a preserved imperial fortress, and you’ll have time to explore the Al-Quaraouiyine University—the oldest in the world. Be careful to avoid donkeys carrying heavy loads as you explore the Medina—you wouldn’t want to bump into any of the city’s fine pottery, one of Fez’s key exports. After some lunch in a secret spot nestled in the busy Medina, you’ll have the chance to shop for some unique handcrafted souvenirs and support the local pottery, textile weaving, and woodwork industries—bring home a special gift or treat yourself to something you won’t find anywhere else. Concluding the trip, head back to Meknes for some meditation and a night of leisure.
Day 6
Journey back out to the Atlas Mountains for another healthy hike
Your day will begin with some yoga and breakfast, setting you up for the hike ahead. Today’s destination: Ifrane, a Swiss-inspired village complete with Alpine architecture, a thick treeline, and looming Atlas views. With your guide, stretch those legs and stroll around the Swiss village and its mountain trails, stopping for another delicious picnic and some unforgettable photo ops. You’ll feel like you’ve visited Switzerland as well as Morocco on this trip! Departing from Ifrane, you’ll have another free evening for yoga, nighttime discoveries in Meknes, and a fine banquet—the city is at your disposal!
Day 7
Make the most of Meknes on your final full day in Morocco
It’s your final full day in Morocco and you have the whole city to explore at your leisure. Today’s the day to pick up a unique souvenir you’ve been holding off on buying, try some traditional Moroccan tea, or plan an excursion with your friends. An optional trip to the Volubilis Ruins is available, too—head out to this Roman archaeological site and immerse yourself in ancient history dating all the way back to 3 BCE. You’ll celebrate the end of your trip at Les Celliers de Meknes, the city’s premier winery situated below the historical streets. There, sample some of the region’s finest wines and dine in style at Chateau Roslane, a gastronomic experience you don’t want to miss. Raise a toast to a magical week of wellness, exploration, and adventure. Salut!
Day 8
It’s time to bid farewell to Morocco… for now
Your Moroccan expedition has finally come to an end. Say goodbye to your week with a morning yoga session, letting you reflect on the week and preparing you for your travels ahead. Set yourself up with breakfast, get checked out, and we’ll get you to the airport in time for your next adventure. Hopefully, this week has been everything you've been searching for and you feel relaxed, cultured, and full of great food and wine! Say goodbye to your fellow adventurers for now, but perhaps you'll see them again soon for more Moroccan mindfulness and unbeatable sunsets...
Accommodation
Riad d’Or (or similar according to availability)
Situated in the heart of the Medina of Meknes, an authentic city of the Arab world classified by Unesco, the Riad D'Or — built in 1791 and recently restored — is one of the most beautiful guest houses or 'riads' in Meknes. Its elegantly-furnished, traditional Moroccan rooms are surrounded by patios, terraces, and authentic flourishes. Featuring a large outdoor swimming pool and a rooftop terrace perfect for yoga, with 360-degree views of the city, you'll also find a coffee house, restaurant, and barbecue facilities on-site. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout. Room type: Double occupancy. Room configuration: Twin beds.
Included
- 7 nights in Riad d’Or (or similar)
- Double occupancy in accommodations
- 3 group arrival airport transfers
- 3 group departure airport transfers
- Group transfers between activities
- All breakfasts
- Lunch on days 3, 5, 6
- Dinner on days 1, 2, 7
- All activities described in itinerary
- English-speaking local female guide
- Atlas Mountain hiking guides
- Local taxes & fees
Not included
- Flights
- Airport transfers outside of the 3 scheduled transfers from/to FEZ
- Any food not mentioned in inclusions
- Beverages other than water and tea
- Optional add-ons
- Personal expenses not stipulated
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
Available add-on
Private room upgrade
Upgrade from a shared room at your riad to one that is completely private.
Price: USD 210
12 spots left
Cancellation policy
TourHero, the retreat host, and the tour operator reserve the right to cancel or reschedule this trip up until March 21, 2023. If the departure is canceled out of your control, you will be alerted by March 21, 2023 and will receive a full refund.
In this case, TourHero is not responsible for your preparation expenses, such as airline tickets, extra accommodations, loss of work, or any other cost associated with preparing for your trip. We recommend booking travel insurance, along with refundable flights/accommodations in case of cancellation.
Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.
Refunds for fully-paid trip
You may change or cancel your trip by March 21, 2023 for a refund, excluding the deposit amount. However, if you decide to cancel your trip after March 21, 2023, we will be unable to offer any refunds for the amount paid.
Trip cancellation due to COVID-19
A full credit will be issued if the tour is canceled when there is full border closure due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. This credit can go towards booking a future TourHero tour. We suggest buying your own travel insurance for coverage of cancellations within 30 days of the tour commencing for reasons other than a full tour cancellation.
- Our next stop is the city of Fez, known for its ancient buildings and vibrant tanneries. - Pexels: Ilyas Chabli
- Look out for the local people in the mountains, using donkeys for transport. - Wim Van T Einde
- Walk through the old medina and learn about its 1,200-year-old history from your guide. - Unsplash: Mohammed lak
- We'll travel to the Atlas Mountains and hike with a local guide. - Unsplash: Wim van 't Einde
- Riad d'Or - Tripadvisor: Riad d'Or
- Welcome to the architectural heaven of Meknes! Your wellness week in this Imperial City is now underway! - Unsplash: Fabio Santaniello Bruun
- The sun is rising over the city of Meknes. It's time to wake up and enjoy a full day of relaxation in a beautiful place. - Wikimedia Commons
- Finish off each day with a yoga session that will help you calm down and get ready for bed. - Pixabay: lograstudio
- Riad d'Or - Tripadvisor: Riad d'Or
- Riad d'Or - Tripadvisor: Riad d'Or
- Today's excursion will take us to Ifrane, a Swiss-style village on the outskirts of the Atlas Mountains. From there, we'll stretch our legs on another wellness walk. - Unsplash: Amin Ozennou
- Embark on an optional excursion to the Volubilis ruins, an important archaeological site dating back to the Roman Empire. - Pixabay: Adam Benaabidate
- We'll be heading to the beautiful Atlas Mountains for a few adventures today! - Unsplash: Patrick Ogilvie
- Enjoy a day touring Meknes at your leisure, or plan a trip outside of the Imperial City. - Unsplash: Mouad Bouallayel
- With nothing scheduled today, you're free to explore Meknes at your own pace. What will you discover? - Pixabay: stratageme2015
- An exciting optional activity is to learn all about Morocco's famous woolen exports... - Unsplash: Randy Yip
- Tuck into a tasty tagine with a Moroccan family tonight and enjoy some traditional hospitality. - Unsplash: Annie Spratt
- Olga Galabova TourHero - Olga Galabova
- Riad d'Or - Tripadvisor: Riad d'Or
- Riad d'Or - Tripadvisor: Riad d'Or
- Add-on: Private room upgrade - Tripadvisor