Morocco Adventure: Culture & Colour

Now's the time to explore Morocco on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Insta-worthy mountainside towns, bustling markets, desert camel rides, and surf lessons await you on this 17-day tour through Morocco that will test the limits of your phone's data storage. Take a selfie (or simply take in the moment) in the picturesque blue city of Chefchaouen, enjoy free time to explore Marrakech's vibrant markets, hike along the Atlas Mountains (with an overnight stay at a cozy gîte), and unwind with your fellow travellers around a beach bonfire in Taghazout. Whether you come seeking content or contentment, you'll get your fill of both.

Day 1 Casablanca
Arrive at any time.

Get excited for your first night out with your fellow travellers. Take to the streets in the heart of Casablanca and hit up one of your CEO’s favourite local spots. Enjoy connecting with your fellow travellers while getting to know Casablanca. Your first night out is just that – the first of many and a perfect way to set the tone for the rest of your grand adventure.

Day 2 Casablanca/Chefchaouen
With a good night's sleep behind you, set out from Casablanca. With the bright blue waters of the Atlantic to your left and the sun drenched wonders of Morocco to your right, travel up the coast to Morocco's capital city, Rabat. Stretch your legs as you wander the ramparts and colourful alleys of the city's old quarter. Take in breathtaking views from Kasbah des Oudaias, then indulge in lunch. After you've eaten the hangry away, continue toward Chefchaouen. Here, beneath the soaring Rif mountains, feeling the blues takes on a different meaning. Take an orientation walk through the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen before settling in for the night.

Day 3 Chefchaouen
Hoping for free time to explore all Chefchaouen has to offer? Wish granted! Spend your day taking in the splendor of the city and it's surrounding geography. If the (Rif) Mountains are calling, you should definitely answer. Opt to pre-book the Rif Valley Mountains Hike. Or, opt to visit the Spanish Mosque for breathtaking sunset views of the city.

Day 4 Chefchaouen/Fès
Fès awaits! Upon arrival, put your free time to good use by checking out Moroccan artwork and historical artifacts at the Belghazi Museum or visit an Amazigh (or Berber) pharmacy (a far cry from the kind of pharmacy you may be used to at home). Wander the many mazes of Fès's colourful, ancient tanneries.

Day 5 Fès
With so much to see, another free day in Fès is always a good idea. Breathe in decadent spices (oxygen is for the weak anyway, right?) as you sample treats from the many food carts scattered throughout the medina. Explore the artisan quarters as you take in the city that is often referred to as the cultural heart of Morocco. In the evening, opt to partake in a traditional dinner in a converted riad complete with music and belly dancing.

Day 6 Fès/Marrakech
After getting back on the road and watching the scenery roll by, arrive in vibrant, bustling Marrakech. Spend the evening exploring the gardens, souks, and other wonders of Marrakech.

Day 7 Marrakech
Take advantage of more free time in Marrakech to wander the Djeema el Fna square in the heart of the medina. Try to keep up with the ever-changing market as it switches up its offerings throughout the day. In the evening, welcome new friends to the group and join your CEO and fellow travellers for a night out on the town. Cheers to the next several days of making memories!

Day 8 Marrakech/Todra Gorge
Depart Marrakech and gaze out the window as the city gives way to rocky hills and terracotta villages. Disembark upon arrival in Tinghir and get in touch with Morocco's Mediterranean flora during a walk through palm groves. Then, fly to Mars. Just kidding. Head into Todra Gorge (might as well be Mars, though, with how other-worldly your surroundings will feel here). Fall asleep beneath sheer cliff walls to the sound of a gurgling river and the wind catching in the palm trees.

Day 9 Todra Gorge/Merzouga
Journey into the vast, golden reaches of the desert. Mint tea and a warm welcome await you at your dune-side hotel. Saddle up and travel by camel to the perfect perch atop the dunes to view the sunset paint the sky hues of red, blue, and yellow. After, under a canopy of stars, enjoy dinner and an evening of entertainment by the campfire. Let your imagination run wild as you listen to traditional music on the drums alongside stories about the region. We dare you to top this campfire experience.

Day 10 Merzouga/Aït Ben Haddou
We know you've officially fallen in love with desert life, but it's time to kiss your camel goodbye. Rise early for the sunrise, then travel along the Route of 1000 Kasbahs to Ait Ben Haddou, one of the most iconic and beautiful kasbahs and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 11 Aït Ben Haddou/Aroumd (Aremd)
Ready to gain some elevation? Head into the magnificent High Atlas Mountains and cross the Tizi n'Tichka pass (at 2260 m) before heading into Toubkal National Park. Take to the winding roads like a pro and gaze out the windows as small villages wiz by. Upon arrival at the small village of Imlil, strap on your hiking shoes and embark on a 1 hour hike from Imlil to the quaint mountain village of Aroumd (Aremd). Bask in the jaw-dropping elements — the sweet mountain air and the proximity to the jagged mountain peaks. Cozy up in your mountain gîte after a homeade dinner of local produce in the salon.

Day 12 Aroumd (Aremd)/Marrakech
Begin the day by hiking back to Imlil and beginning your journey to the "Red City," Marrakech. Unlock the many secrets this ancient city has to offer in its mazelike alleys, ornate palaces, and lush gardens. When the heat of the day gets to you, relax at one of the many tea houses situated on the buzzing square (best people watching guaranteed). Opt to visit the stunning Musée de Marrakech, explore the ruins of El Badi Palace, or wander through Jardins Majorelle — a sprawling botanical garden developed over the span of forty years. End the day like a local with an optional group dinner in the famous food stalls of Djemaa el Fna.

Day 13 Marrakech
Take advantage of more free time in Marrakech to wander the souks and discover the best cup of mint tea the city has to offer. In the evening, welcome new friends to the group and join your CEO and fellow travellers for a night out on the town. Raise your glasses to many more days of making memories!

Day 14 Marrakech/Taghazout
This afternoon we make our way through the High Atlas Mountains and visit the market town of Taroudant. Concealed within striking red walls, Taroudant is often called “Little Marrakech.” Wander through the old town at leisure and browse its lively markets before continuing on to the fishing village of Taghazout.

Day 15 Taghazout
Wake to the soft tones of waves crashing along the shoreline, then suit up for a surf lesson. Hit the waves for a free afternoon of surfing or paddle-boarding. Prefer land surfing? Opt to go hiking or do yoga. After a day of embracing your wild side, what could be more fitting than gathering around a bonfire on the beach as the sun kisses the horizon goodnight?

Day 16 Taghazout/Essaouira
Take coastal living northward to colourful, sun-drenched Essaouira. After an orientation walk around the city, enjoy free time to get to know the ramparts and rocky beaches of Essaouira further. No rest for the weary? Not true here — opt to pre-book the Traditional Hammam Experience and enjoy a spa experience that is ritual for the many of the locals.

Day 17 Essaouira/Marrakech
Hit the road one final time and return to Marrakech. Even though your trip ends on arrival, make sure you take the time to take plenty of photos with newfound friends to commemorate the memories made. (Morocco scrapbook, anyone?)