Moroccan Explorer: Souks, Sand Dunes & Sunshine with Amanda Bloomquist

Your TourHero

Your TourHero
TOURHERO
Amanda Bloomquist
BIO
Hello friends and future friends! My name is Amanda and I am a Backpacking Guide and Content Creator based out of Washington State. I have a huge love for travel and a huge love for bringing people together. My Morocco trip was a huge success and I can't wait to share the next adventure with you. I can’t wait to create memories with y’all. It’s gonna be a trip you won’t want to miss. XX Amanda

Duration

9 days · 8 nights

Travel Date

Oct 7 - 15, 2022

Activity Level

Moderate

Group Size

10 – 20

Transportation

Minibus, camel

Tour Price

USD 1,380
/ person

Your Fellow Explorers

Age range

21 – 35

Travel interest

Nature, culture, exploration

Fellow Travelers

12
 total travelers
Stephanieonjelie BrookeAmandaMollyRaven CheyanneJusticeAlexeyCleo DustinRicardo

Your Local Guide

Guide – Morocco Top Trips

Morocco Top Trips is a private tour and holiday travel agency based in Morocco. Specializing in arranging vacations for individuals and groups at affordable prices while delivering a wide variety of high-quality activities across the country, they pride themselves on their ability to adapt and customize trips to help travelers get the most out of every adventure. Whether it be camel rides out in the desert, beach relaxation, city sightseeing, cultural tours, or heritage journeys, let Morocco Top Trips design the perfect Moroccan getaway just for you.

Morocco>Moroccan Explorer: Souks, Sand Dunes & Sunshine with Amanda Bloomquist

If exploring is your game, Morocco is calling your name with this nine-day trek from Casablanca to Ouarzazate. You’ll start this epic adventure in Casablanca with free time for the beach and sightseeing. From here, you’ll head to Marrakech, where you’ll have time to eat your way through the markets, shop at the souks, and explore the hidden mysteries at every turn in the medina. Next, head to Dadès where adventure awaits in the form of ancient kasbahs, valley hikes, and an overnight experience in the Sahara Desert. From camel trekking to drum circles, immerse yourself in Berber culture before traveling to Ouarzazate, an area known for its rich history and movie studios that helped create some of the most famous films in the world. This trip offers the best of the city and the ancient countryside with private guides and a whole lot of great food. Book now and start planning the trip of a lifetime today!

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

Your TourHero
TOURHERO
Amanda Bloomquist
BIO
Hello friends and future friends! My name is Amanda and I am a Backpacking Guide and Content Creator based out of Washington State. I have a huge love for travel and a huge love for bringing people together. My Morocco trip was a huge success and I can't wait to share the next adventure with you. I can’t wait to create memories with y’all. It’s gonna be a trip you won’t want to miss. XX Amanda

Duration

9 days · 8 nights

Travel Date

Oct 7 - 15, 2022

Activity Level

Moderate

Group Size

10 – 20

Transportation

Minibus, camel

Morocco>Moroccan Explorer: Souks, Sand Dunes & Sunshine with Amanda Bloomquist

If exploring is your game, Morocco is calling your name with this nine-day trek from Casablanca to Ouarzazate. You’ll start this epic adventure in Casablanca with free time for the beach and sightseeing. From here, you’ll head to Marrakech, where you’ll have time to eat your way through the markets, shop at the souks, and explore the hidden mysteries at every turn in the medina. Next, head to Dadès where adventure awaits in the form of ancient kasbahs, valley hikes, and an overnight experience in the Sahara Desert. From camel trekking to drum circles, immerse yourself in Berber culture before traveling to Ouarzazate, an area known for its rich history and movie studios that helped create some of the most famous films in the world. This trip offers the best of the city and the ancient countryside with private guides and a whole lot of great food. Book now and start planning the trip of a lifetime today!

Timeline

  • Day 1 · Casablanca
  • Arrive at Casablanca Airport
  • Transfer from airport to accommodation
  • ~ 40 mins van
  • Check-in at Hotel Kenzi Basma (or similar according to availability)
  • Free time
  • Dinner (not included in price)
  • Day 2 · Casablanca & Marrakech
  • Breakfast and check out of accommodation
  • Free time
  • Travel to Marrakech
  • ~ 2 hrs 30 mins van
  • Check-in at Adam Park (or similar according to availability)
  • Free time
  • Lunch and dinner (not included in price)
  • Day 3 · Marrakech & Dadès
  • Breakfast and check out of accommodation
  • Travel to Dadès
  • ~ 5 hrs van
  • Visit Ait Benhaddou
  • Lunch (not included in price)
  • Check-in at Kasbah Agoulzi (or similar according to availability)
  • Dinner
  • Day 4 · Dadès
  • Breakfast
  • Hike in the Dadès Valley
  • Picnic lunch
  • Return to hotel
  • Dinner
  • Day 5 · Dadès & Merzouga Desert
  • Breakfast and check out of accommodation
  • Transfer to desert (lunch not included)
  • Camel ride into the desert
  • Check-in at Luxury Desert Camp (or similar according to availability)
  • Dinner
  • Drum session
  • Day 6 · Merzouga Desert & Ouarzazate
  • Sunrise breakfast and check out of campsite
  • Travel to Ouarzazate
  • ~ 4 hrs van
  • Lunch (not included in price)
  • Check-in at Tin Joseph Ouarzazate (or similar according to availability)
  • Free time
  • Dinner at hotel
  • Day 7 · Ouarzazate & Marrakech
  • Breakfast and check out of accommodation
  • Visit movie studios in Ouarzazate
  • Lunch (not included in price)
  • Travel to Marrakech
  • ~ 4 hrs van
  • Check-in at Riad Al Jazira Marrakech (or similar according to availability)
  • Guided food tour
  • Dinner (not included in price)
  • Day 8 · Marrakech
  • Breakfast
  • Travel to adventure park
  • ~ 1 hr van
  • Half-day excursion in Terres d'Amanar
  • Travel back to riad
  • ~ 1 hr van
  • Free time
  • Lunch (not included in price)
  • Cooking class (dinner included)
  • Day 9 · Departure
  • Breakfast and check out of accommodation
  • Transfer from accommodation to airport
  • Journey ends

Details

Day 1

Welcome to Casablanca – your gateway to Moroccan gastronomy, culture, and adventure!

Salam and welcome to Casablanca, the first stop on your Moroccan adventure! This coastal city is the cosmopolitan hub of the country with French roots and Moorish architecture. Once you arrive, your driver will take you to the hotel, so you can check in and get acclimated. You’ll have the rest of the night to get settled and explore the city. Fill up on stellar food and shift into vacation mode. Enjoy!

Day 2

Explore the beauty of Casablanca and spend some time on the beach

Awake to your first full day in Morocco with a smile, as you have a free day to rest, relax, and explore. Check out the Hassan II Mosque, eat your way through downtown, stop by the famous Rick’s Cafe, or simply spend your time on the beach soaking in that Moroccan sun. No matter what you choose – live it up!

Travel to Marrakech and enjoy a night in this vibrant city

After lunch, we’ll travel to the bustling city of Marrakech, home to energetic markets, chic palaces, gorgeous mosques, and lush gardens. From the souks to the desert, this place has it all! Your transfer will take you to your accommodation in the city. Get settled in and start exploring the magic and mystery of the area. Marrakech is filled with splendid sights, sounds, and tastes. Be sure to check out the medina and the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square to do some shopping at the souks. Enjoy your first night in Marrakech!

Day 3

Explore the ancient kasbah of Ait Benhaddou and venture to the Dadès Valley

Rise and shine! Our Moroccan adventure begins today, as we leave Marrakech and head into the countryside. After breakfast, we’ll cross the Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n Tichka pass to reach the famous Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Here, you’ll learn about its mysterious history that dates back to the 11th century and explore this ancient place that was part of a caravan route from Marrakech to the Sahara. By nightfall, we’ll arrive at the Dadès Valley and check into our accommodation for dinner.

Day 4

Spend the day hiking in the Dadès Valley, the Dadès Gorge, and the Tissdrine gorges

Put your exploring shoes on for a full day of hiking! After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, our guide will get us prepped and ready to go for a day of adventure. We’ll explore various areas of the Dadès Valley, such as the Dadès Gorge and the Tissdrine gorges. We’ll hike the famous Monkey Fingers trail, an area known for its incredible rock formations that gave the area its name. We’ll break for photos and a picnic lunch before heading back to the hotel. Enjoy the free time to rest and indulge in a sumptuous Moroccan dinner.

Day 5

Take a camel ride into the desert and sleep under the stars at a traditional Berber camp

Good morning, explorers! Awake to an incredible day of activities in the heart of Morocco’s dessert. After breakfast, we’ll head to the Merzouga Desert where we’ll trade our van for a camel and ride into the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. We’ll arrive at a traditional tented Berber camp for dinner and a drum session around a fire pit with some of the locals. After stargazing and storytelling, we’ll head to bed in our tents and rest up for another day of adventure.

Day 6

Trek out of the desert, stop by a famous souk, and spend the night in Africa's Hollywood

After a stellar night in the desert, we’ll wake up as the sun rises over the dunes, enjoy breakfast at the camp, then take our camels back out of the desert sands. From here, we’ll head to our next accommodation in Ouarzazate, stopping by the Rissani Souk. This market is known for good quality dates and Moroccan spices, and we’ll hear the history of it all along the way. We drive through Nkon and Tazarine, before stopping in Ouarzazate, an area famous for its movie studios. Once we check into the next hotel, we’ll have the rest of the night to rest, relax, and explore.

Day 7

Tour the movie studios in Ouarzazate - Africa's Hollywood - before making the journey back to Marrakech for a food tour

Wake up to a different vista in Ouarzazate, often called the ‘door of the desert’ due to its close proximity to the Sahara. Many of the country’s film studios are based here, and movie-goers may recognize scenes from The Mummy, Gladiator, and The Hills Have Eyes... not to mention Game of Thrones! We’ll have time to explore and some time for lunch before resuming our journey back to Marrakech. In the city, get settled at the hotel before a delicious food tour that will fill your heart and stomach! With a guide, you’ll walk through the medina sampling local favorites, learn about the country’s spices, and of course, enjoy some Moroccan tea along the way. Get your cameras (and your stomachs) ready for a night tour through Marrakech that is sure to impress!

Day 8

Play at the Terres d'Amanar adventure park and participate in a cooking class on your last day in Morocco

We have one last day in Morocco, and we plan on making it the best it can be! After breakfast, we’ll head to Terres d'Amanar – an adventure park with all sorts of exciting activities. You’ll have time to zip-line high over the valley and enjoy an array of other adventure activities before returning to the city. The rest of the day is yours to cross off any bucket list items, fill your suitcase with souvenirs, and enjoy the food until the sun goes down. In the evening, we’ll partake in an authentic Moroccan cooking class, learning the basics and a few of the most popular dishes in the country. Indulge in the food and the fun as you count down your remaining time on this epic getaway.

Day 9

Say goodbye to the magic of Morocco

What an adventure it’s been! We shopped in the souks, we trekked into the desert, we learned about Morocco’s history, and we immersed ourselves in the culture. We truly did it all! Now, it’s time to pack up and head back to reality. Enjoy one final breakfast at the riad, then take your transfer to the airport to catch your flight. We hope you had a memorable experience and will travel with us again soon!

Accommodation

  • Hotel Kenzi Basma (or similar according to availability)

    Enjoy a warm and relaxing stay at Hotel Kenzi Basma during your time in Casablanca. The property is situated in one of the liveliest districts of the city, surrounded by museums, restaurants, cafes and shops. The hotel features comfortable rooms with Wi-Fi, modern en suites, and 24/7 staff support. Enjoy traditional Moroccan fare at the hotel’s restaurant and a contemporary setting to help you shift into the culture and chill vibes. Room type: Shared occupancy.

  • Adam Park (or similar according to availability)

    Adam Park, located in Marrakech, is a low-rise hotel with an ornate arch, set in the upscale district of Agdal, just a 15-minute walk from the Agdal Gardens and 3 kilometers from both the Saadian Tombs and the El Badi Palace. The property features multiple dining options, an outdoor pool, a spa, a fitness center, and a sleek bar. Modern guest rooms offer contemporary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, patios or balconies, safes, and minibars. Room type: Shared occupancy.

  • Kasbah Agoulzi (or similar according to availability)

    Kasbah Agoulzi is located in one of the most scenic valleys of southern Morocco: the Valley of Roses. It is nestled at the foothills of the High Atlas, offering magnificent contrasts between the arid desert landscapes and lush gardens scattered with rosebushes. Built the traditional way, Kasbah Agoulzi features unique architecture and Berber touches. The property features a furnished terrace overlooking the mountains and the Mgoun River, a Moroccan-style dining room, and a total of 8 large and comfortable rooms. Room type: Shared occupancy.

  • Luxury Desert Camp (or similar according to availability)

    On this trip, you’ll have an experience like no other by sleeping in Berber tents on cots in the Sahara Desert. You’ll arrive by camel, enjoy a wonderful meal, and end the night star gazing during a ceremonial drum circle. Meals and restrooms are offered on site. Room type: Tent, double occupancy.

  • Tin Joseph Ouarzazate (or similar according to availability)

    Tin Joseph Ouarzazate is a cozy guesthouse built with the philosophy of providing authentic experiences for visitors to Ouarzazate. Decorated and furnished with a collection of Berber-African decorative amenities, the Tin Joseph upholds the traditions of the nomadic life of the people living in the desert areas, depicting this in the overall vibe of the guesthouse. Rooms are cozy and comfortable, each offering a private bathroom, safe, minibar, satellite TV, and sitting area. Room type: Shared occupancy.

  • Riad Al Jazira Marrakech (or similar according to availability)

    The upscale Riad Al Jazira Marrakech is located just a short 11-minute walk from the walled medina, and 2 kilometers from both the Majorelle Garden and the Jemaa el-Fnaa market square. The property features an ornately furnished dining area, an outdoor pool, a rooftop terrace, a garden courtyard, and a spa with a steam bath. Standard guest rooms are fitted with fans, while upgraded rooms come with air-conditioning. Room type: Shared occupancy.

Included

  • 1 night at Hotel Kenzi Basma (or similar)
  • 1 night at Adam Park (or similar)
  • 2 nights at Kasbah Agoulzi (or similar)
  • 1 night at Luxury Desert Camp (or similar)
  • 1 night at Tin Joseph Ouarzazate (or similar)
  • 2 nights at Riad Al Jazira Marrakech (or similar)
  • Shared occupancy in accommodations
  • Airport and activity transfers (minibus includes Wi-Fi & water)
  • English-speaking guide throughout trip
  • All breakfasts
  • Lunch day 4
  • Dinner days 3 - 6
  • All activities listed in itinerary

Not included

  • Flights
  • Optional add-ons
  • All food not mentioned in inclusions
  • Beverages, snacks and incidentals
  • Travel insurance
  • Gratuities

Available add-on

Chefchaouen (Blue City)

Day 1: Leaving Marrakech in the morning toward Chefchaouen. We will have a stop in Rabat to visit Hassan Tower. The group can explore the blue city in the evening. Overnight in Riad Dar Hicham.

Day 2: We will have a day trip to Akchour waterfalls. It's one of the most visited waterfalls in the area. We will have trekking with a guide there and picnic lunch before we return to Chefchaouen. Free time in the afternoon to visit Out-Hammam square in the blue city. Overnight in Riad Dar Hicham.

Day 3: Return to Marrakech from Chefchaouen.

Price: USD 240

14 spots left

Add-on: Chefchaoeun (Blue City)

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.

USD 0
Per person