The Magic of Morocco: Foodie Edition | 8-Day Odyssey with Ryan

duration
8 days · 7 nights
travel date
Oct 18 - 25, 2025
activity level
Moderate
group size
14
transportation
Group airport & activity transfers
Your TourHero
tourhero
Ryan
bio

Howdy!


I'm Ry. I live full-time in my truck camper with my two pups. You can find us in the South Western desert, down on the beaches of Baja or romping around the West Coast.


Living the nomad life, I tend to spend a lot of time alone and I miss having a community of friends, especially a rad group of women. I am hoping to change that with these trips. Seeing the world with an amazing group of women sounds perfect!


The wildest thing I've done traveling is moving to Nepal to live out of an orphanage. It was truly the most beautiful eye opening experience.


I am obsessed with everything and anything outdoors. I love nature, hence why I moved into a truck. I am an avid hiker, mountain biker, backpacker, road-tripper, stand up paddler, skiier and the list goes on. I am hoping to finds friends who are interested in the same activities.


I truly hope we can become friends in real life!

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Morocco > The Magic of Morocco: Foodie Edition | 8-Day Odyssey with Ryan

There’s a certain kind of magic in Morocco, the kind that pulls you into the chaos of Marrakech’s medina, sweeps you across ancient caravan routes, and leaves you dancing under desert stars with nothing but the sound of drums and crackling firelight. One day, you’re winding through a 16th-century palace, the next, you’re off-roading through the Sahara and learning the secrets behind Morocco’s most legendary dishes. With a mix of bucket-list moments and spontaneous discoveries, this journey is built for travelers who crave rich history, bold flavors, and the thrill of the unknown. Welcome to your next great adventure – don’t miss out!

Itinerary timeline
Day 1 · October 18, 2025 · Marrakech
Arrive at Marrakech Airport (RAK) 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Meet driver and group transfer from airport to riad
Check-in at Riad & Spa Bahia Salam (or similar according to availability)
Free time
Welcome dinner
Day 2 · October 19, 2025 · Marrakech
Breakfast at riad
Marrakech medina tour: Jemaa el Fna, Bahia Palace
Free time
Dinner at a local restaurant
Day 3 · October 20, 2025 · Marrakech & Boumalne Dades
Breakfast at riad and checkout
Transfer to Boumalne Dades: Tichka Pass, Valley of 1000 Kasbahs (6 hours)
Check-in at Ksar Sultan Dades (or similar according to availability)
Free time
Dinner at riad
Day 4 · October 21, 2025 · Boumalne Dades & Sahara Desert
Breakfast at riad and checkout
4-hour drive to the Sahara (Includes medfouna lunch in a local home)
Arrive at the desert
Camel trek to luxury camp
Check-in at Madu Luxury Camp (or similar according to availability)
Dinner at camp with live music and bonfire
Day 5 · October 22, 2025 · Sahara Desert & Ouarzazate
Breakfast at camp and checkout
Desert SUV tour
Transfer to Ouarzazate via Todra Gorge
Check-in at Riad Caravane (or similar according to availability)
Free time
Dinner at riad
Day 6 · October 23, 2025 · Ouarzazate & Marrakech
Breakfast at riad and checkout
Visit Aït Benhaddou
Transfer back to Marrakech (3.5 hours)
Check-in at Riad & Spa Bahia Salam (or similar according to availability)
Free time
Medina street food tour
Day 7 · October 24, 2025 · Marrakech
Breakfast at riad
Cooking class with lunch
Free time
Farewell dinner in 16th century building with musicians and dancers
Day 8 · October 25, 2025 · Departure
Breakfast at riad and checkout
Group transfer to Marrakech Airport (RAK) 12:00pm mid day
Journey ends
Details
Day 1 · October 18, 2025
The adventure begins…

-Welcome to Marrakech, where the air is thick with the scent of spices, the hum of motorbikes, and the call to adventure. After landing at RAK, you’ll be whisked away to your riad, tucked away from the city’s buzz.

-Take the afternoon to soak it all in – wander the maze-like medina, sip mint tea on a rooftop, or just chill at the riad.

-As the sun dips below the terracotta skyline, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner to kick off this epic journey. Expect vibrant flavors, warm hospitality, and the first of many unforgettable nights in Morocco.

Day 2 · October 19, 2025
Lost in the magic of Marrakech

-Wake up to the sounds of the medina stirring to life and fuel up with a traditional Moroccan breakfast at the riad.

-Dive straight into the heart of Marrakech with a guided tour of the medina. Explore Jemaa el-Fna, the city’s legendary square where snake charmers, street performers, and food vendors create a scene straight out of a storybook, and the elegance of Bahia Palace, a 19th-century masterpiece of intricate tilework, serene courtyards, and hidden history.

-The afternoon is yours to explore. Wander the souks, hunt for handmade treasures, or find a rooftop café to soak it all in.

-As night falls, we’ll reconvene for dinner at a local restaurant, where bold spices and time-honored recipes take center stage. Dig in!

Day 3 · October 20, 2025
Into the Atlas – From Marrakech to the Land of 1,000 Kasbahs

-Rise and shine! It’s time to trade the chaos of Marrakech for the raw beauty of Morocco’s rugged landscapes. After breakfast at the riad, we’ll hit the road, weaving through the breathtaking Tichka Pass to the Valley of 1,000 Kasbahs.

-By evening, we’ll arrive in Boumalne Dades, where our stay promises warm hospitality and epic views of the Dades Gorge.

-Unwind, refresh, and get ready for a well-earned dinner – tomorrow, the real adventure begins.

Day 4 · October 21, 2025
Chasing the sunset into the Sahara

-Today, we leave paved roads behind and head straight for the wild heart of Morocco – the Sahara Desert. After breakfast, buckle up for a road trip through ever-changing landscapes, from rocky plateaus to golden dunes that seem to stretch into eternity.

-We’ll stop for something special – a home-cooked Medfouna lunch, often called “Berber pizza.” Sharing a meal in a local home is an experience in itself – this is real, unfiltered Moroccan hospitality.

-By late afternoon, we’ll arrive at the desert’s edge, where our next ride awaits: camels. Our destination? A luxury camp.

-Under a sky bursting with stars, we’ll gather for a traditional Berber dinner, live music, and a bonfire. Drums will echo into the night, the Milky Way will put on a show, and for a moment, time won’t seem to exist at all.

Day 5 · October 22, 2025
Out of the desert, into the vibrant city of Ouarzazate

-Wake up to the soft glow of sunrise over the dunes and savor one last morning in the Sahara. After breakfast at camp, we trade camels for 4x4 SUVs, kicking up sand as we speed through the desert like true explorers.

-Outside of the desert landscape, we’re headed to Ouarzazate via the Todra Gorge, Morocco’s answer to the Grand Canyon. Towering limestone cliffs, some rising over 500 feet, create a dramatic corridor perfect for exploring (and, let’s be real, getting some insane photos).

-From here, we’ll continue to Ouarzazate, Morocco’s “Hollywood of the Desert.” By evening, we’ll check in at the riad and enjoy a relaxing dinner, recharging for another day of exploration.

Day 6 · October 23, 2025
Sites and bites: From Ait Benhaddou to Marrakech’s food stalls

-After breakfast, we’ll hit the road for one of Morocco’s most iconic sights: Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO-listed ksar (fortified village) that looks straight out of a fantasy film.

-Then, it’s time to wind back through the High Atlas Mountains, returning to the vibrant pulse of Marrakech. After checking back into the riad, the afternoon is yours to shop the souks, chill at a hammam, or just people-watch from a rooftop café.

-As the sun sets, dive headfirst into the flavors of Marrakech with a private street food tour. From fluffy baghrir (Moroccan pancakes) and crispy sfenj (donuts) to spicy olives, stuffed briwat, and fragrant Moroccan cookies, every bite tells a story. It’s a feast for the senses, and the perfect way to experience the city like a local.

Day 7 · October 24, 2025
Spice, sizzle, and a grand farewell

-On our final full day in Morocco, we’ll trade the role of traveler for chef with an immersive Moroccan cooking class. Guided by a local expert, we’ll dive into the art of North African cuisine, learning the secrets behind rich tagines, fragrant spices, and perfectly fluffy couscous. This hands-on experience ends with the best reward: a homemade feast.

-The afternoon is yours to soak up your final full day in Marrakech.

-As night falls, we’ll wrap up this adventure in serious style. Our farewell dinner takes place in a 16th-century palace, where flickering lanterns, intricate tilework, and centuries-old ambiance set the scene. As musicians play hypnotic melodies and dancers bring the night to life, we’ll celebrate an unforgettable journey with one last indulgent meal.

Day 8 · October 25, 2025
The hardest part is saying goodbye

-One last Moroccan breakfast, one last mint tea, and one last soak in the magic of Marrakech before we say our goodbyes.

-After checking out of the riad, we’ll take a group transfer to Marrakech Airport (RAK), where this adventure officially comes to an end. We hope this trip was unforgettable – see you soon on our next trip!

Tour Price
From USD 2,085
per person
Flexible payment plans available
20 people are interested
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Your fellow explorers
Age range
18+
Travel interest
Food & good eats, local culture, desert adventures, sightseeing
Fellow Travelers
8 total travelers
Emily
jill
Mandy
Tiffany
Hollis
Crystal
Chelsea
Amelia
Your local guide
Wanderlust Voyages LLC is a tour operator that takes travelers on fully customizable trips throughout Morocco. They work with groups large and small and plan adventures from Tangier to the Sahara and everywhere in between. Wanderlust prides themselves in blending the expertise of a local with the understanding of what travelers are seeking. With their administrative offices in the United States and ground staff in Morocco, they are able to take care of their travelers from the initial planning phase to the final airport drop-off. They also own transportation services, a Sahara Desert camp, and have expert guides on staff, as well as vetted accommodation partners. When you travel to Morocco with Wanderlust Voyages, you know you’re traveling with the best!
Accommodation
Riad & Spa Bahia Salam (or similar according to availability)

Riad & Spa Bahia Salam in Marrakech offers a serene escape right in the heart of the bustling medina, blending traditional Moroccan design with modern comforts. This charming riad boasts elegantly decorated rooms, a rooftop terrace with city views, and a tranquil spa featuring traditional hammams and rejuvenating treatments. Guests can enjoy the riad’s beautiful plunge pool and savor Moroccan and international cuisine at the on-site restaurant. With its prime location near Jemaa el-Fnaa square, Bahia Salam offers both immersion in the local culture and a peaceful retreat to unwind. Room type / configuration: See package options at checkout.

Ksar Sultan Dades (or similar according to availability)

Ksar Sultan Dades offers nine beautiful rooms, each tastefully decorated and carefully furnished with your comfort in mind. Every room has a private bathroom with a shower and toilet, along with hot water, air conditioning, and heating. A haven of peace, with a warm and friendly atmosphere, Ksar Sultan Dades boasts three beautiful panoramic terraces, a swimming pool, a restaurant, and a spa. Room type / configuration: See package options at checkout.

Madu Luxury Camp (or similar according to availability)

Escape to the enchanting Madu Luxury Camp, nestled amidst the captivating desert dunes, an hour away by camel ride, and discover a place that defies description. It's a magical, cozy, and utterly exclusive oasis in the heart of the desert, where every moment is a unique and unparalleled experience. A warm welcome begins with traditional tea and homemade pastries, served with the best smiles from our dedicated staff. You'll find yourself in one of the 15 spectacular luxury haimas, each boasting a terrace, heating, and a private bathroom. The haimas are adorned in traditional style, infused with personal touches and an elegant flair, creating a truly dazzling atmosphere. The entire camp is a masterpiece of candlelit pathways and soft rugs underfoot, adding to the overall allure. Room type / configuration: See package options at checkout.

Riad Caravane (or similar according to availability)

Riad Caravane, nestled in the tranquil village of Aït Benhaddou, offers a perfect blend of traditional Moroccan charm and modern comfort. Just a short walk from the iconic UNESCO-listed kasbah, this boutique riad boasts stunning views of the desert landscape. Guests can unwind in beautifully designed rooms that feature Berber-inspired décor and modern amenities, ensuring a relaxing stay. The riad’s facilities include a refreshing plunge pool, sun-drenched terraces, and a cozy dining area serving homemade Moroccan cuisine. With its serene ambiance, warm hospitality, and proximity to cultural landmarks, Riad Caravane is an idyllic base for travelers seeking an authentic yet luxurious Moroccan escape. Room type / configuration: See package options at checkout.

Included
  • 4 nights at accommodation in Marrakech

  • 1 night at accommodation in Boumalne Dades

  • 1 night at luxury camp in Sahara Desert

  • 1 night at accommodation in Aït Benhaddou

  • All breakfasts & dinners

  • Lunch days 4, 7

  • All activities & tours listed in itinerary

  • Ground transportation via minibus with English-speaking assistant, WiFi & water

  • 1 group arrival airport transfer

  • 1 group departure airport transfer

  • Tips for hotels & included meals

  • Local taxes and fees

Not included
  • Flights

  • All meals not mentioned in inclusions

  • Beverages other than water and tea

  • Snacks and incidentals

  • Hotel services such as room service or laundry

  • Tips and gratuities for drivers and guides

  • Personal expenses not stipulated

  • Optional add-ons

  • Travel insurance

FAQ
Cancellation policy

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 balance payment
If you cancel your trip on or before Aug 14, 2025 at 11:59 PM local time (GMT +1), you will get a refund of the remaining balance. This may or may not include the deposit amount. See deposit refund section above.

If you cancel your trip from Aug 15, 2025 at 12:00 AM local time (GMT +1) onwards, no refunds will be issued.

You can change or cancel your trip in your TourHero account by clicking on Your Trips.

Trip disclaimer
To offer the best group rates, we need a minimum number of travelers. If that number isn't met—or if unexpected events occur (such as force majeure)—TourHero, the trip host, and the tour operator may need to cancel or reschedule.


If changes happen: You'll be notified by Aug 14, 2025 at 11:59 PM local time (GMT +1), and if the trip is canceled or rescheduled beyond your control, you'll get a full refund. We'll always update you at least 7 days in advance if this date changes.


Book smart: We recommend refundable flights and accommodations to protect your plans from any last-minute changes.