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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
