Imagine yourself wandering through the narrow labyrinthine streets of an ancient covered marketplace, your senses filled with the fragrance of exotic spices, the clamor of food vendors, the sight of intricately woven rugs, and the feel of soft leather underneath your fingers.
Imagine yourself sitting on an enormous sand dune in the Sahara desert, your feet immersed in the soft orange sand, as the sun sinks and the wind blows gently across your face.
This is Morocco. You have said yes to an adventure that takes you from Casablanca to the ancient city of Fes to the vast Sahara to iconic Marrakech and so many places in between. Every part of this journey has been thoughtfully planned, and you are cared for every step of the way.
Read on for all of the details of this unforgettable insider adventure!
Our Guide
I am thrilled to partner with experienced trip planner and tour guide Addi Ouadderrou, who comes with the highest recommendation from friends who have traveled with him in the past.
Addi is a Moroccan native and expert on Moroccan culture with more than 25 years of experience leading cultural tours focused on history, life, arts, food, music, dance, gardens and more.
Addi is fluent in six languages, including his native language Tamazight. He takes pride in sharing his extensive knowledge of Morocco's rich culture.
Fes
DAY 2: SATURDAY, MAY 8
We begin the day with a guided tour of Fes, one of Morocco’s oldest, most historic and culturally significant cities. Our journey will take us around the ramparts and then through the vibrant medina (old city), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where each neighborhood is dedicated to a particular trade or craft. As we wander the narrow streets, we will discover traditional markets filled with local foods, handcrafted goods and exquisite artisan work, including embroidery, weaving and ceramics. We will have the opportunity to watch skilled artisans create beautiful pieces using techniques that have been passed down through generations. Included is a visit to the iconic ancient leather tanneries, where hides have been dyed using traditional methods for centuries.
Our lunch in the medina will allow us the opportunity to sample a variety of authentic local specialties, offering a true taste of Fes’ rich culinary heritage.
Just outside the city walls, we will visit a renowned pottery and mosaic workshop, where we will learn about the intricate process of crafting Morocco’s famous ceramics and colorful zellige tilework.
Fes - Midelt
DAY 3: SUNDAY, MAY 9
After breakfast we will visit the gorgeous Jnan Sbil gardens, once owned by royalty. We will then go to a family home in the medina to experience a special Sufi ceremony. Fes is a spiritual center for Sufism, a dimension of Islam, and these ancient rituals and ceremonies are imbued with a strong sense of spirituality, mysticism and transcendence. This is a unique experience we are honored to have together.
Afterward, we bid adieu to Fes and drive south, crossing through cedar forest and ending the day at our hotel in Midelt.
Middle Atlas Mountains - Tafilalt Oasis
DAY 4: MONDAY, MAY 10
After breakfast, we will journey south through the breathtaking Middle Atlas Mountains, enjoying ever-changing landscapes along the way. Our scenic drive will take us past majestic cedar forests and through the lush Ziz Valley before arriving at the magnificent Tafilalt Oasis, one of Morocco's largest palm groves.
Along the route, we will make several stops to stretch our legs, lunch, take in the spectacular scenery, and see the unique fossils that this region is known for.
Upon arrival, we will check in to our charming guesthouse nestled within the oasis for an overnight stay.
This evening, please prepare a small backpack or duffel bag with your overnight essentials for tomorrow's unforgettable desert adventure. Your main luggage will remain securely stored while you spend one magical night in the Sahara.
Rissani Market - Sahara Desert
DAY 5: TUESDAY, MAY 11
Today we will experience one of southern Morocco's most authentic cultural traditions by visiting the vibrant Rissani Market. This centuries-old marketplace offers a fascinating glimpse into daily life as local merchants, farmers, and artisans gather to trade goods, livestock, spices and handcrafted products.
Our cultural immersion continues with a special presentation by locals, who will share the rich traditions of their textile-making heritage. We will learn about the distinctive weaving, Amazigh (Berber) embroidery, and handwoven textiles created by women from various tribes, each piece reflecting the unique story, symbolism, and identity of its maker. We will also discover beautiful handcrafted items made from the oasis' palm trees, showcasing the creativity and resourcefulness of the region's women.
Later this afternoon, we will venture into the majestic Sahara Desert for a leisurely and unforgettable camel trek across the golden dunes. As the sun begins to set, we will arrive at our luxury desert camp in Erg Chebbi, where private tents feature ensuite bathrooms with a private shower and toilet.
In the evening we will enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner beneath a canopy of stars, followed by a lively hafla (celebration) featuring drumming, music, and dancing around the campfire—an unforgettable way to experience the magic of the Sahara.
Erg Chebbi
DAY 7: WEDNESDAY, MAY 12
After returning from our morning camel excursion, we will enjoy free time to relax and lounge by the pool.
Today’s lunch will be a traditional local specialty made only in this region. We will have the opportunity to join in the cooking, and we will sip on mint tea as the locals do.
In late afternoon we will visit a nearby village, enjoy some local music, then end our day back in the Tafilalt Oasis for dinner and overnight.
Todra Gorge - Valley of Roses - Ouarzazate
DAY 8: THURSDAY, MAY 13
This morning we head west, stopping at the Todra Gorge. Watch for women doing their laundry by the river. We will stop for lunch along our journey through a lush valley surrounded by adobe villages and filled with date palm trees.
We end our day in the Valley of Roses with dinner and a special music and dance performance by local women and men.
Overnight at Ouarzazate, a town known for film production.
Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou - High Atlas - Marrakech
DAY 8: FRIDAY, MAY 14
As we head further west today, we will cross the amazing High Atlas Mountains. The scenery in the mountains is striking and unique, and dozens of Amazigh villages accented with terrace gardens can be seen.
One of the highlights for today is a visit to the UNESCO world heritage site, Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, one of Morocco's best-preserved fortified villages. This remarkable earthen settlement offers a fascinating glimpse into Morocco's architectural and cultural heritage.
We will also visit a women's cooperative dedicated to the traditional production of Morocco's famous argan oil. Here, we will learn about the centuries-old extraction process while supporting local women and sustainable community initiatives.
In the evening we arrive in Marrakech and settle into our beautifully restored riad for dinner and a two-night stay
Marrakech
DAY 8: SATURDAY, MAY 15
Today, we will enjoy a full-day guided walking tour of Marrakech, immersing ourselves in the city's rich history, vibrant culture, and lively atmosphere. We will explore the magnificent Bahia Palace, a 19th-century masterpiece celebrated for its exquisite courtyards, intricate tilework and beautifully carved cedar ceilings, and the Koutoubia Mosque, the city's most recognizable landmark, whose elegant minaret has watched over Marrakech since the 12th century.
We will wander through the bustling souks (markets), where a maze of narrow alleyways is filled with sights and sounds of everyday Moroccan life. This is the perfect place to experience the energy and timeless traditions of Marrakech.
This evening, we will gather for a memorable farewell dinner, celebrating the friendships made and the unforgettable experiences shared throughout our journey in Morocco.
DAY 8: SUNDAY, MAY 16
This morning after breakfast we depart for a relaxed, three-hour drive north to Casablanca's Mohammed V Airport to fly home.
Please book flight to depart after 3 pm.
If your flight departs before that, we are happy to organize a private transfer for you from Marrakech ($200+). (You can also fly out of Marrakech airport if you prefer.)
As your Moroccan adventure comes to a close, we hope you leave with unforgettable memories, new friendships, and a deeper appreciation for Morocco's rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality.
Bon voyage!
(If you would like Jenny and Addi to plan more time for you in Morocco after the tour ends, please speak to Jenny about possibilities!)
Jenny Wood WellnessTrips
Since my first curated small group women's trip to England in 2017, I have always sought the path less taken for my travelers. This translates to traveling outside of high tourist seasons; staying in smaller, family-owned lodging as much as possible; and booking authentic experiences where we meet local people and learn about their lives and their places directly from them.
In the past few years, my journeys have begun to center on travel as pilgrimage, which means traveling with more consciousness and mindfulness than we otherwise might. I weave in opportunities for travelers to reflect on the experiences you are having, which I have found greatly enriches the journey and creates deeper connections among group members.
I look forward to taking this incredible journey with you!