Morocco w/Isabelle Labrecque

Ahlan wa sahlan and welcome to Morocco.

You made it, and we’re so excited to have you join us on the trip of a lifetime! You will be greeted at the airport and transported to your hotel in Marrakech.

Afterward, you'll have your welcome dinner with the group where you'll cheer for the week ahead.

Situated to the north of the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains and fringing the famed Sahara, the bustling UNESCO-listed city of Marrakesh is an enchanting travel destination. Marrakesh is also home to the largest traditional Berber market in Morocco and one of the busiest squares in the world, known as Djemaa el Fna. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this square in the evening as it transforms into an enormous, open-air restaurant, and browse through exquisite carpets, spices and a myriad of other items. Art, design and architecture enthusiasts flock to the city to see its incredible artisan achievements, so beautifully expressed at the glorious Bahia Palace, Dar Si Said and Saadian Tombs, as well as at several museums. The other-worldly Jardin Majorelle is also unmissable.

Overnight: Riad Dar Anika           

After breakfast at the hotel, Kick off the first full day of the trip with a guided tour of the streets of Marrakech!

You will start the tour of the Majorelle garden, Yves Saint Laurent & La Menara Gardens - a park of about 100 hectares, full of the most varied tree species, in the center of which stands a huge water reservoir - a hydraulic system designed to collect water from the thaw of the Atlas. Already in the days of the Almohad dynasty (12th century), the gardens were destined for the romantic meetings of the sultans of Marrakech.

After walking up an appetite, meet with the crew for a yummy cooking lesson all about traditional Moroccan cuisine! This hands-on class will get your taste buds watering before you get to enjoy the final product for lunch.

By the afternoon, you will have time to explore the Djamaa El Fna square and souks.

Boumalne Dades is located in southeast Morocco’s Tinghur Province, at 1500 metres above sea level in the High Atlas Mountains. It  is a spellbinding destination - a city of terracotta buildings set between rugged red cliffs, palm oases and fields of crimson wildflowers. The city’s scenic beauty is matched by its cultural intrigue -  it has a rich heritage that includes its traditional art, music and adobe architecture - some of which has remained virtually intact over several centuries. A hiking trail leads between the Dades Gorge and the Rose Valley and is a wonderful way to experience the area’s ancient palaces and forts, Berber villages and spectacular scenery.

Time to head east! Say goodbye to the bustling streets of Marrakech as you depart for the canyons of Dades Gorges. After you arrive, explore the ancient village and historical kasbahs that make up this small village.

Stop for mint tea along the way before heading back to the hotel for dinner.

Overnight: Hotel Xaluca Dades

Situated on the edge of the Sahara Desert, close to the Algerian border, the small Moroccan village of Merzouga serves as the gateway to the Erg Chebbi, an expanse of impressive dune fields. Merzouga is a Moroccan desert dream destination for visitors who come here to explore the sensational surrounding landscape. This remote village provides an excellent base for visitors to explore the Erg Chebbi, which stretches twenty-eight kilometres from north to south and seven kilometres across. The area offers a fantastic selection of activities including: taking a camel safari through the desert; watching a magical sunrise of sunset over the rolling dunes; immersing yourself in traditional Moroccan culture in the heart of the village on a village tour; or visiting the seasonal salt lake of Dayet Srji, home to an array of desert and migratory birds. Don’t miss the golden 150-metre-tall Grande Dune de Merzouga, known to be the tallest dune of the Erg Chebbi..

You're off to the Sahara! Grab an early breakfast before you begin the scenic drive to the desert. After you arrive in Merzouga, you'll hop onto camels for a sunset ride into the camp. Sip on Moroccan mint tea upon arrival, listen to traditional music, dance if you feel so inclined, and settle into camp at your own pace. This evening, enjoy a night of cultural exchange with a local Nomad Family.

You'll spend the night in glamping tents or outside under the shooting stars with your bellies full of food.

Overnight: Azawad Luxury Desert Camp

Here, you'll spend another night in glamping tents or outside under the shooting stars.

Overnight: Azawad Luxury Desert Camp

Set along the former caravan route between Marrakech and the Sahara, Ait Benhaddou is a popular tourist destination in the Ouarzazate province. This ancient Moroccan village is a traditional mud-brick city edging the High Atlas Mountains. It has featured in many Hollywood movies including Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth, Jewel of the Nile, Gladiator and thanks to the Hollywood touch ups through the years, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is well preserved. It is a ‘ksar’ which means fortified village and served as a convenient stopover for hundreds of caravans of camels following the renowned trans-Saharan trade route. Visitors can wander the ancient alleyways, view the traditional architecture, and visit the Granary perched at the top of the hill. Don’t miss the opportunity to view the Mausoleum of Ben-Haddoun at the foot of the hill on the opposite side of town and soak up the breathtaking views.

It's time to say au revoir to the desert and make your way back west towards the cities. You will head to the ancient village of Ait Ben Haddou where you will stop for a tour of this important complex! The film location for countless movies and shows including Gladiator & Game of Thrones, this historical site is important to both modern and ancient culture.

Overnight: Riad Ksar Ighnda

Resting in the foothills of the Anti-Atlas Mountains, on the southern coast of Morocco, the city of Agadir serves as the capital of the Agadir-Ida Ou Tanane Province and a gateway to the Sahara Desert. This modern city is famous for its sun-soaked sandy beach, featuring a seaside promenade fringed by an array of popular cafes, restaurants and bars. The beach stretches for 10 kilometres across the crescent-shaped bay and boasts fine-grain sand and clear, calm waters which are ideal for swimming. Agadir attracts large numbers of all-inclusive holidaymakers, who flock to the city to enjoy the contemporary Moroccan culture and the many outdoor activities on offer. These include, among others: scuba diving, surfing, tennis, jet skiing, golfing, and horse riding down the beach.

Breakfast at the hotel and get ready for a long drive to Agadir.

On arrival, you will have a free lunch at a local restaurant and a guided tour of the city.

The visit will begin at The Port: Walk through the bustling harbor where local fishermen sell their catch. two fishing ports, a large commercial port, and the recent marina. The kasbah north of Agadir is the citadel, situated on the hill overlooking the bay of Agadir, which was built in 1540. It is the ideal place to watch the sunset over the sea. From here you can enjoy breathtaking and spectacular harbor views. Visit the old quarters (Talborjt) and two large mosques in the city of Agadir (visit & Photos from the outside). The Cooperative Argan promotes equitable social progress and sustainable economic development of many women from surrounding towns who hold the secrets to extract argan oil coveted by its benefits. Elles, who master the art of making culinary and cosmetic oils will have a new source of sustainable income through this project.

By the end of the afternoon, transfer to your hotel, and overnight.

Overnight: Riad Villa Blanche

Day excursion to Legzira beach: Set out from Agadir on a full-day excursion to Legzira beach, and discover a vivid landscape shaped by wind and waves. Walkthrough Legzira’s soaring stone arches and watch the afternoon light turn them a deep, glowing red. Bask in the African sunshine, relax on Legzira’s fine sand and enjoy a long, cool swim in Morocco’s North Atlantic.

On your last full day here in Morocco, you'll make your way back to Marrakech. For one last treat here, enjoy the unique spa experience of a Hammam scrub! Sure to having you feel clean & fresh after a week of travel, the Hammam experience will be one for the books. Squeeze in some last minute shopping or exploration before meeting up with the group for the farewell dinner. Cheers to an incredible week spent with wonderful people!

Overnight: Riad Shama

Today marks the end of your magical Morocco vacation. You take home a big smile and a lifetime of memories that much is certain! You will be transferred back to the airport to board your flight.