Morocco's Magnificent Coast & Desert with Sofia Elhusseini
Your TourHero
Hi my name is Sofia and I’m a sophomore at NYU studying abroad. I wanted to take advantage of studying abroad to travel to Morocco. I’ve always dreamed of exploring its beautiful cities, heritage sites and everything else it has to offer. I made sure this trip had various activities that everyone could enjoy, so please join me for this unforgettable adventure!
Duration
7 days · 6 nights
Travel Date
Mar 12 – 18, 2022
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
6
Transportation
Car, camel
Tour Price
Your Fellow Explorers
Age range
18 – 26
Travel interest
Food, Sightseeing, Culture, Beaches, Socializing, Nature
Fellow Travelers
Sofia
Rebecca
Marcos
Sophia 
Antonia
RachelYour Local Guide
Under Moroccan Sun was founded by Hassan El Amrani, a native Berber from the Sahara Desert of Morocco. Making both the United States and Morocco his home, Hassan has a clear understanding of what travelers expect. His company’s specialty is Morocco, which allows them to focus on the relationship they build with their travelers after helping them dive into the sights, scents, and secrets of this exotic kingdom. Over the years, Under Moroccan Sun Tours has passionately served travelers from all over the world and has grown to include professional, licensed, multilingual guides and drivers who will help you navigate the exotic kingdom of Morocco at your own pace. Their extensive experience and the unique cultural perspective of Moroccan natives will ensure that your voyage through Morocco will be safe, stimulating, and unforgettable.
Morocco’s many charms await you on this glorious adventure from Casablanca to the desert and back! Take in the highlights of Casablanca and Marrakech, both bustling cities of culture and history — a feast for all the senses. Then, experience a completely different side of Morocco through an adventurous camel ride across the splendid Agafay desert before setting up camp beneath the stars for the night. The journey continues to the beautiful coastal regions of Agadir and Taghazout, where you’ll enjoy some of the best surf breaks Morocco has to offer. En route back to Casablanca, wander the UNESCO Heritage Site of Essaouira — a picture-perfect city — before enjoying a free evening back where we began. This tour is the perfect introduction to the magical charms of Morocco; enjoy its endless delights first-hand!
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
Hi my name is Sofia and I’m a sophomore at NYU studying abroad. I wanted to take advantage of studying abroad to travel to Morocco. I’ve always dreamed of exploring its beautiful cities, heritage sites and everything else it has to offer. I made sure this trip had various activities that everyone could enjoy, so please join me for this unforgettable adventure!
Duration
7 days · 6 nights
Travel Date
Mar 12 – 18, 2022
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
6
Transportation
Car, camel
Morocco’s many charms await you on this glorious adventure from Casablanca to the desert and back! Take in the highlights of Casablanca and Marrakech, both bustling cities of culture and history — a feast for all the senses. Then, experience a completely different side of Morocco through an adventurous camel ride across the splendid Agafay desert before setting up camp beneath the stars for the night. The journey continues to the beautiful coastal regions of Agadir and Taghazout, where you’ll enjoy some of the best surf breaks Morocco has to offer. En route back to Casablanca, wander the UNESCO Heritage Site of Essaouira — a picture-perfect city — before enjoying a free evening back where we began. This tour is the perfect introduction to the magical charms of Morocco; enjoy its endless delights first-hand!
Timeline
- Day 1 · Casablanca & Marrakech
- Arrive at Casablanca International Airport
- Visit Hassan II Mosque
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Journey to Marrakech
- Check-in at Riad Papillon Hotel (or similar according to availability)
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 2 · Marrakech
- Breakfast
- Marrakech guided city tour
- Lunch & dinner (not included in price)
- Free evening
- Day 3 · Marrakech & Agafay
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Visit to spice market
- Moroccan food cooking class
- Lunch
- Camel ride in Agafay desert
- Check-in at Yes We Camps Campsite (or similar according to availability)
- Dinner
- Day 4 · Agadir & Taghazout
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Journey to Agadir
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Journey to Taghazout
- Check-in at Hashpoint Surf Camp (or similar according to availability)
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 5 · Taghazout
- Breakfast
- Morning yoga session
- Surfing day
- Lunch & dinner (not included in price)
- Day 6 · Essaouira & Casablanca
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Journey to Essaouira
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Journey to Casablanca
- Check-in at Lhostel Casablanca (or similar according to availability)
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Free evening
- Day 7 · Departure
- Breakfast and check out of accommodation
- Transfer to airport
- Journey ends
Details
Day 1
Arrive in cosmopolitan Casablanca, see the Hassan II Mosque, and journey to Marrakech
Welcome to Morocco and get set for the adventure of a lifetime! Your base for the next 7 days is home to spectacular architecture, ever-changing landscapes, tranquil deserts and gorgeous coastline. Your expert local guide will meet you at the Casablanca International Airport, then whisk you away to see the impressive Hassan II Mosque, the third-largest Islamic building in the world and a real masterpiece of architecture that blends both Moroccan & Andalusian craftsmanship. The mosque is a superb introduction to the sights to come on this weeklong trip. After sightseeing, we will continue to Marrakech in the afternoon. Once you've checked into your accommodation, take the evening to catch your breath — spend your free time strolling through the focal point of Jemaa el-Fna Square and catch the market, shopkeepers, musicians, and acrobats in action. Maybe now it’ll sink in that you’re in a truly magical country — this is just the beginning!
Day 2
Guided walking tour of Marrakech’s most famous sights
After indulging in a hearty breakfast, prepare to see Marrakech through the eyes of your expert local guide. You’ll take in the exquisite botanical Majorelle Gardens, an oasis of calm within the busy city itself. From here you’ll visit the Koutoubia Minaret, the largest mosque in Morocco, before moving onto the Saadian Tombs. These tombs represent Moorish architecture at its finest, and include several 16th-century mausoleums, which were only discovered in 1917. Finish a first day’s fabulous tour with a stroll around the bustling souks market — be sure to make the most of your guide’s local knowledge. Recharge your batteries back at your hotel and get your appetite going before diving into Marrakech after dark to taste all the flavors Morocco has to offer.
Day 3
Learn to cook Moroccan cuisine before an amazing camel ride in the desert!
Get set for a diverse day — you’ll be learning all the secrets of Moroccan cuisine before venturing to the desert today! We begin the adventure with a private tour to the local spice souk — a veritable thrill for the senses with all the scents and colors on offer. You’ll be taken through the basics of Moroccan cuisine, participate in a Moroccan tea ceremony, and also visit a communal bread oven and spice shop. Then, it’s time to get hands-on! You’ll prepare a delicious Moroccan meal during your special cooking class, including a salad and main course, before viewing a dessert demonstration. Spend the next hour enjoying all the amazing food you’ve just prepared for lunch and give yourself a pat on the back! Once you’ve digested all that glorious fodder, we’ll head to the nearby Agafay desert for a camel ride. There’s no finer way to cross the sands, and once complete, it’s time to bed down at your desert campsite for a magical night under the stars.
Day 4
Head to the stunning coastal regions of Agadir and Taghazout
There’s nothing quite like waking up in the desert, but today we have no time to linger because the beautiful coastal regions of Agadir and Taghazout await! After breakfast, we travel southeast and stop for lunch in Agadir, famed for its gorgeous crescent beaches and hilltop kasbah. The outer walls are still intact and the city is a wonderful mix of old and new buildings. After regaining our energy, we’ll continue to Taghazout, a picturesque fishing village known for its whitewashed houses, charming coffee shops, and some of the best surf in the country! Full of peace and tranquility, Taghazout is a world away from Morocco’s bustling urban centers. Take some time for a stroll and to sample the local coffee, before checking in at your accommodation. There may be time to surf a wave or two before darkness falls, but no worries if you miss the opportunity today — plenty of surfing awaits tomorrow!
Day 5
Get set for a splendid day of yoga and surfing
Today is a day of delightful physical activity as you’ll be spending most of the day riding the waves! Before all that, you can enjoy a yoga session in the morning after your breakfast - ideal for calming your mind before the surf and for stretching those muscles in advance. Once suitably calmed, you can enjoy the ocean no matter how much experience you have. Engage with the expert instructors at Hashpoint, who can take you through detailed lessons, from choosing your wetsuit and board to understanding the science of how surfing works. Once suitably schooled, you’ll then have plenty of time in the afternoon to put your knowledge to good use! The region is perfect for surfing abilities of all levels and offers some of the best breaks you’ll find. Once night falls, bed down by the coast and expect another incredible day tomorrow.
Day 6
Journey to Essaouira and Casablanca for one last hurrah
Today is devoted to travel as we head back towards Casablanca. The whole day won’t be spent on the road however, as we’ll be taking in the delightful town of Essaouira en route and making a stop for lunch. The town is unlike the rest of the country, given its history as a Portuguese port, and there’s a definite international feel to the area as a whole. There’ll be time to take in the fabulous old town, the port and the ramparts which led to UNESCO awarding the region its World Heritage status in 2001. After lunch, we’ll continue the journey north back to Casablanca. Once you've checked into your accommodation, the evening is yours to do as you please! Be sure to take the opportunity to snap up a few souvenirs and head to the old town for an alfresco dinner — it’s a wonderful place to people-watch and you’ll be able to soak up the glorious vibes of the city after dark.
Day 7
Say farewell to Morocco and plan your next adventure!
All great adventures have to end some time, and now it’s time to say your goodbyes. After breakfast, take a final look at Casablanca and prepare to catch your flight back home. Take in your experiences from the past few days and always keep a piece of Morocco close to your heart. Until next time!
Accommodation
Riad Papillon Hotel Marrakech (or similar according to availability)
The Ried Papillon makes for a magical stay in Marrakech with its beautifully decorated traditional interior. Located in the old town, you’ll find all the city’s highlights just a short walk away. All ensuite rooms offer supreme comfort and air-conditioning, and there’s a rooftop terrace to relax in after your excursion around the city. Pop into the dipping pool to cool off from the heat of Marrakech and unwind like the locals do! Complimentary Wi-Fi can be found throughout the building. Room type: Shared occupancy.
Yes We Camps Campsite Agafay (or similar according to availability)
Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience with a camp in the Agafay desert. The site has 40 pitches, with a gorgeous terrace, garden and even an outdoor swimming pool! It’s the perfect setting to enjoy the magic of the desert, relaxing in the wilderness as a majestic orange sun sets in the west. If you have the time, why not indulge yourself with a massage, or simply kick back with a beer and enjoy the spectacular scenery that comes from being in the middle of nowhere. Room type: Multiple occupancy.
Hashpoint Surf Camp Taghazout (or similar according to availability)
Hashpoint Surf Camp is beautifully situated on the edge of the ocean, and has two terraces overlooking the sea, perfect for getting a handle on the surfing adventure that awaits you! You’ll also enjoy views across the bay and some marvelous Moroccan sunsets. Grab a beer and unwind, or why not enjoy a movie night? Hashpoint runs regular big-screen events right on their own terrace, and those wishing to explore the tranquil sights of Taghazout after dark will find the village just a short walk away. Wi-Fi is provided throughout the property. Room type: Shared occupancy.
Lhostel Casablanca (or similar according to availability)
Lhostel Casablanca is a tranquil oasis within the bustling city. Its mission is to make you feel at home while you’re traveling, with welcoming staff and various amenities. Relax in the beautiful outdoor space with manicured landscaping and chill on the terrace to enjoy the Moroccan sun. Wi-Fi can be found throughout the building. Room type: Multiple occupancy.
Included
- 2 nights in Riad Papillon Hotel Marrakech (or similar)
- 1 night camping in Yes We Camps Campsite Agafay (or similar)
- 2 nights in Hashpoint Surf Camp Taghazout (or similar)
- 1 night in Lhostel Casablanca (or similar)
- Shared or multiple occupancy in accommodation
- Airport transfers
- Transportation throughout the entire trip
- Private English-Speaking driver/guide
- Tolls, fuel and parking fees
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary
- All breakfasts
- Lunch (during cooking class)
- Dinner (at Yes We Camps in Agafay desert)
- 24/7 guest support
Not included
- Flights
- All food not mentioned in inclusions
- Personal expenses not stipulated
- Optional add-ons
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
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.
- Discover the culture of Morocco in Jemaa el-Fna Square, a vibrant marketplace of food, crafts, and tradition. - Unsplash: CALIN STAN
- Enjoy a trip through the botanical gardens of Majorelle, featuring plant life from all over the world. - Pixabay: didconnect
- Stroll through the souks and take home some souvenirs from this lively city. - Unsplash: Omar Ob
- Our next stop is Essaouira, a beautiful beach town filled with history and culture. - Unsplash: Anastasia Dimitriadi
- Explore the ancient streets and get lost in the markets filled with colors and treasures at every turn. - Pixabay: celtoi
- Be sure to buy a few goodies to share with your friends back home! - Unsplash: Mostapha Abidour
- Welcome to Lhostel Casablanca, a peaceful oasis that wants you to feel right at home. - Lhostel Casablanca website
- Drop your bags in the dorms and enjoy the lush property. - Lhostel Casablanca website
- This coastal oasis is home to surf lovers, organic cafes, and chill vibes. - Unsplash: Louis Hansel
- Welcome to Agadir, a beautiful coastal town with a laid-back atmosphere. - Unsplash: Louis Hansel
- Let the backdrop of Agadir's sandy beaches soothe your soul. - Unsplash: Louis Hansel
- In Casablanca, discover the magnificent Hassan II Mosque located right on the coastline. - Unsplash: Louis Hansel
- With an array of market trinkets to choose from, you'll have to make room in your suitcase to bring a little piece of Morocco home. - Unsplash: Jean Carlo Emer
- Welcome to Marrakech, a bustling ancient city with a rich history and vibrant atmosphere. - Unsplash: MAX LIBERTINE
- We'll also visit the 15th century Saadian Tombs that house members of the Saadian dynasty. - Unsplash: Jean Carlo Emer
- Next, we'll head to the Agafay Desert for a camel ride and dinner as the sun sets over the dunes. - Unsplash: Kostas Fotiadis
- Let the camels take over while you enjoy the sights and sounds of Agafay, Morocco. - Unsplash: Blake Kelly
- Casablanca is known as Morocco's cosmopolitan center with vibrant businesses and high-end hotels. - Unsplash: Danny Lau
- Enjoy the charming vibes of Taghazout Village and enjoy some of Morocco's finest surf - Louise Hansel
- Settle into the colorful village of Taghazout and prepare for the surf! - Louise Hansel
- Taghazout has some of Morocco's finest surf. No matter whether you're a beginner or a pro, you'll have some serious fun in the water today! - Louis Hansel
- Ride those waves to your heart's content! - Louis Hansel
- Start the day in a peaceful way with yoga and stretch those limbs before the surfing starts. - Luna Active Fitness
- Visit a magnificent spice market and grab some ingredients for your cooking class. - Clement Bergey
- Ride camels and spend the night in the Agafay desert — a once-in-a-lifetime experience! - Yeo Khee