Includes: Hotel, Tours, Transfers and More!
Land Program: Includes Full-day Guided Tours on Most Days
Private Tour: Ask About Pairing with Your Cruise
This Journey has been curated specifically for private touring, combining the highlights of the region with enriching cultural experiences. Whether you are traveling solo, as a couple, or with a small group of friends, a private tour offers an intimate travel experience.
Nestled between the Sahara Desert and the Atlantic Ocean, Morocco offers stunning desert landscapes, historic medinas, vibrant souks, and a unique blend of Arab, Berber, and French cultural influences. At every turn is a true feast for the senses, a burst of color and fragrances. Marvel at the intricate mix of architecture found throughout the cities, including French Colonial, Gothic, Moorish, Islamic and Art Deco. Visit the third-largest mosque in the world, towering above Casablanca’s Atlantic coastline, and admire the intricate and colorful mosaics for which the Moroccans are known. Discover the hidden sites of “the red city,” Marrakech, while walking through winding souks lined with Moroccan lanterns. At the edge of the Sahara Desert, visit a local village and experience life on the Atlas Mountains as you learn family recipes, create a ceramic masterpiece and bake yourself a loaf of traditional-style bread. This Journey to Morocco is sure to quench your wanderlust!
World Heritage, Toscana, Renaissance
Michelangelo, Italy, Florence, Tuscany, Civitavecchia, 99001
Day | Destination |
1 | Arrive Casablanca – Transfer to Hotel and Welcome Dinner |
2 | Casablanca – Tour of Casablanca and Rabat |
3 | Casablanca – Transfer from Casablanca to Marrakech |
4 | Marrakech – City and Cultural Tour |
5 | Marrakech – Tour to a Village in the Atlas Mountains |
6 | Marrakech – Transfer to Airport or Cruise Port |
Day 1 – Arrive Casablanca
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. After check-in, you’ll have time to get settled in, relax and have dinner on your own.
Day 2 – Casablanca
After breakfast, you will visit the Hassan II Mosque. This is arguably the most impressive architectural achievement in Morocco over the last few generations and reflects the beauty and the intracity of Moroccan traditional arts. After this rich introduction to Morocco, you will continue to Rabat, an elegant city that has been serving as the capital of Morocco and the official residence of the king since the early 20th century. The capital maintains traditional Moroccan character like all the historical cities of this country. After free time for lunch, enjoy an afternoon tour of the fortified town of Kasbah Oudaya and the 17th-century royal residence, including its impressive Andalusia style garden. Take in the sights of Mohamed V Mausoleum–a masterpiece of Moroccan arts and crafts. Standing nearby is the medieval Hassan Tower that was built in the late 12th century. See remnants of Sala Colonia at the Kasbah Chellah as well as many other Roman relics. Finally, arrive at the museum of Moroccan Contemporary Arts, revealing what modern Moroccan artists have created since 1914. After a short break, you will return to Casablanca to enjoy your evening at leisure. (B)
Day 3 – Casablanca to Marrakech
Enjoy breakfast before checking out of the hotel. Begin your journey to Marrakech across the agricultural plains south of Casablanca. Once in the “red city” of Morocco, begin your walking tour to the “hidden sides of Marrakech”. For a truly immersive experience, take time to explore artisan quarters and the colorful Souks. Afterward, discover the secret garden before strolling into the square which the city is so famed: Jemaa El Fna. This famous plaza is where hundreds of locals and tourists come to spend the end of the day watching jugglers, dancers, fortune tellers, storytellers and traditional musicians. (B)
Day 4 – Marrakech
This day we will enjoy a cooking class and Berber Museum at La Maison Arabe. It starts with a comprehensive introduction highlighting the importance of cooking in Moroccan society. Learn a variety of recipes created by Dadas (traditional female cooks) who have perfected their fare over centuries for special occasions such as marriages, holy days, and family festivals. Your instructor will enlighten you on the most traditional recipes such as pastilla, couscous, and the broad variety of tajines (stews usually made with lamb or chicken), while reviewing some of the basic pillars of Moroccan cuisine, such as a ‘spice and herbs’ technique of cooking. Next, you will visit a nearby spice market and communal bread oven, where neighborhood families bake their bread.
In the afternoon, you will meet your guide and “caleche” driver for a charming tour around the majestic ramparts of Marrakech. Ride through the crowded streets of the Medina to enchanting Majorelle Garden. The sedate pace of the horses and the clip-clop sounds of their hooves provides a relaxing way to experience the city. Take your time in the famous garden created by the orientalist painter Jacques Majorelle. The Garden houses a collection of plants from the four corners of the world which flourishes amidst elegant ornamental ponds and an Art Deco villa of which the special shade of bold cobalt blue is named after the artist, ‘Majorelle blue’. The garden is home to more than 15 bird species that are endemic to North Africa and boasts an amazing collection of cacti. Since 1980, the garden has been owned by the estate of the late Yves Saint Laurent. You will visit the beautifully designed Berber Museum displaying Yves Saint Laurent’s personal collection of Berber antiques. Here you can learn some fascinating facts about the Berber people of Morocco and admire his marvelous treasure of local antiques. After the visit, you will return to your hotel to relax. (B,L)
Day 5 – Marrakech and Atlas Mountains
Today we will venture out of the city and head towards the Atlas Mountains. Driving through the Ourika Valley and dramatic landscapes, we will arrive at an authentic mountain community to experience the daily life in the Atlas Mountains for ourselves. Try your hand at baking bread and preparing a local tagine dish in the kitchen of a village family and get to know them better over a pot of traditional mint tea–made by you! The conversation will start to flow, with a little help from your guide! While lunch is simmering, roll up your sleeves and use your hands to mold wet clay during a ceramics workshop. Later on, try your hand at weaving a colorful kilim with the local women behind their prized ancestral looms, and walk the farm terraces to see the work that goes into ancient irrigation and subsistence farming methods. You’ll meet the community’s youngest members at the charity pre-school center, where little Berbers learn Arabic in preparation for elementary school. (B, L)
Please note: an authentic, interactive experience is guaranteed, but specific activities are subject to change based on availability.
Day 6 – Marrakech
Check out of the hotel transfer to the airport for your flight home, or to the cruise port for your cruise. (B)
Note: Guests who wish to customize this itinerary may do so for an additional charge. Please see the Extensions section for optional extension options.
For meals not included in your land programs, all hotels chosen include a restaurant on property where you may relax and enjoy a meal. In addition, your guide is available to make suggestions on nearby dining, shopping or sightseeing.
Note: International airfare is not included in the land quote. If you would like a separate quote for international airfare, please indicate that in your request.
Pacing
5 out of 5 – Land program Includes Full-day Guided Tours on Most Days
The overall pace is active, as most days include a full-day tour. Guests should be prepared to walk a couple miles per day while on full-day tours. Breakfast is always included at the hotel. Some additional meals will be included, while other meals may be at your leisure. All hotels will have a restaurant on property where you may dine. If you wish to go out, your guide is available to make suggestions for nearby dining.
Physical Activity
This Journey should be considered active and includes a considerable amount of walking.
Enrichment Journeys will do everything in our power to ensure comfort through our third-party providers, including comfortable vehicles and accommodations where applicable. However, some areas cannot be accessed by vehicle, so our drivers will get you as close to sites as is legally allowed. Sensible, rubber-soled walking shoes are strongly recommended. Historical sites often do not have elevators, escalators, or ramps due to the age of the building/structure. Steps can be steep and uneven. Based on crowds and traffic, order of visits may be changed.
Wheelchair access at many sites is limited to extremely limited. A fold-up wheelchair may be able to be stored on a specially-requested van but requires prior arrangements. Guests must be able to transfer from their chair to the transportation. Guides/drivers are not allowed to lift or push wheelchairs, so guests requiring physical assistance must travel with a companion who can assist. Motorized wheelchairs and scooters cannot be accommodated on this program.
Cultural Focus
This Journey to Morocco will include intimate cultural experiences such as visiting a home, interacting with locals in a small village, watching neighbors bake bread together at the communal oven, culinary experiences, folkloric dancing and much more. You will encounter dishes and ingredients typical to the region that you may not have encountered before, and you will be introduced to local artistry of the region. Enrichment Journeys encourages an open mind when in unique situations and meeting people abroad. Sometimes the attractions, beaches, and cities themselves can be crowded.
Unique Factors
In Morocco it is expected (and sometimes required for entry to religious sites) that you dress conservatively (no shorts, covered shoulders, etc.). If you have special needs or physical limitations, you will need to check in with your personal vacation manager before booking the trip. The temperature can vary between day and night, so pack accordingly with items that can be layered. Some guests may wish to have a light sweater or windbreaker with them.
Transportation
While on tour:
Casablanca to Rabat: 2-hour coach transfer
Casablanca to Marrakech: 3-hour coach transfer
Please note that these times are approximate and only reflect the transportation time. Our trip may be longer due to stops for sightseeing along the way.
International Airfare:
Guests booked on Private Journeys have complimentary access to our Air Department services. If you would like our Air Department to book your international airfare, please indicate on the Private Journey Request Form. Please note that air schedules are typically published 10 months prior to travel date. For requests more than 10 months in advance, the air portion of your quote will be provided at a later date.
Ask about adding one of these optional tours to your Journey:
This Private Journey to Morocco is typically priced between $3,899–$4,299 per person, based on double occupancy at 4-star hotels, depending on the departure date. International airfare is not included in the land quote; however, all guests on Private Journeys receive complimentary access to our Air Department for assistance with their airfare.
For questions regarding this Private Journey to Morocco or any of our Enrichment Journeys, please speak to a Personal Vacation Manager at 888-546-8617.
When you are ready to request a custom quote, Start Your Request Online, or speak to a Personal Vacation Manager. Requests for Private Journeys require a non-refundable deposit of $200, which will be applied toward the total cost of your land program. Guests who wish to make alterations to the itinerary may do so for an additional charge of $300. Once your request for a Private Journey has been accepted, a team member will contact you to review the next steps and to collect your deposit.
Each Private Journey will have its own deposit and cancellation terms, which will be specified in the quote. Quotes for Private Journeys are valid for 14 days. Final payment is typically 150 days prior to departure. Private Journeys will typically be fully refundable, minus the $200 non-refundable deposit and any additional charges for alterations, up until final payment; after final payment, the entire land package is non-refundable. Certain factors (such as the inclusion of airfare, local festivals or holidays, luxury properties, etc.) may necessitate a deviation from our standard policy and/or require a separate non-refundable deposit to be obtained at the time of booking.
All prices on our website and e-Journey Travel Guide are subject to change without notice. While we make every effort to provide you the most accurate and up-to-date information, occasionally, a trip or pricing category may be misprinted or unavailable at the time of booking. In the event of an incorrect price due to typographical, photographic, or technical error, or error in pricing information received from our suppliers, we retain the right to correct the price and to refuse or cancel any bookings placed at the incorrect price. In addition, all offers, prices, and conditions of sale may be subject to change without notice including tours, included features, highlights, minimum or maximum stays, itinerary, times in port, and/or other conditions/restrictions.
Hotels options will be included in your quote. Please indicate your preference for a 4-star or 5-star hotel. Please note that in most major cities, 5-star properties are typically a few hundred dollars more per night.
Hotels are always subject to change. Unforeseen circumstances do occasionally require a change of hotel. Should it be necessary to change a hotel, one of equal quality or value will be substituted, and you will receive confirmed hotel information with your final itinerary.
Money Matters
How you handle your currency and financials while on the trip is up to you. Some people prefer to exchange all their money in advance, while others will rely solely on credit cards. Consider calling your bank ahead of time to make them aware of your international travel, especially when using cards or withdrawing money.
ATM Machines
These are often readily available, especially in major cities. Some will charge fees on top of what your hometown bank may charge for using ATMs abroad. Look for well-marked machines that have the Visa or MasterCard symbols.
Foreign Banks
Currency can be exchanged at most banks, if needed. Ask a local host or tour manager if there is a nearby bank that is open.
Credit Cards
During your trip, you’ll find that most major credit cards are accepted. Call your specific card issuer ahead of time to find out its limitations and benefits overseas.
Incidentals
Do be aware that some additional charges for mini-bars, laundry and room service will not be included in the tour package. Plan accordingly for these extra charges.
Packing Guidelines
Pack as simply as possible for easy transfers and customs screenings. Check with your domestic and international carriers regarding baggage guidelines, allowances, and check for additional fees. All bags will be screened before boarding flights and the cruise ship.
What to pack
Basics and layers are key to a comfortable Journey. Be sure to check the weather in the destinations you will visit, and pack accordingly. There are always unpredictable variables as well, so make sure you have one sturdy jacket and an outfit for a formal occasion too, just in case.
Here are a few key items to take on your trip:
Have back-ups for everything to avoid disappointment. Charge batteries in advance and bring extra film or digital memory cards. If bringing a high-end camera, consider investing in insurance to protect your asset.
Luggage Screening Process
To pass through screening, have liquids either in small containers and bagged, or in checked luggage. All valuables necessary for the trip should be on your person at all times, if possible. This includes medications and documentation. We recommend one main bag and a carry-on, per airline guidelines for weight and size.
Labeling
Have all your bags labeled with your name and address clearly marked. Add something to you luggage that is recognizable in the event your bags are misplaced. You may also consider marking your bags with “Enrichment Journeys” for efficiency.
Carry-on items
In many countries, including the US, large liquid containers are not allowed in carry-ons. On the way back into The States, food or agriculture items are prohibited. If you have questions about a certain item, visit www.tsa.gov for a list of items that cannot be packed.
Airport transfers
Airport transfers are included as part of your Enrichment Journey. Local representatives will advise you of the departure time from your hotel the night before departure. Generally speaking, arrangements have been made to have you at the airport approximately three hours in advance of departure, though this may vary depending on local circumstances. At the end of the cruise, an airport transfer will also be provided. Please advise your Personal Vacation Manager if you do not require transfer arrangements at the time of booking your Journey.
Cell phones
Some cell phones will work overseas, but incur additional charges for the use. Choose whether you would like to add an international plan by calling your carrier, or consider purchasing a pay-as-you-go phone overseas. However, in some destinations, many smartphones and tablets can pick up wireless Internet for free.
Protecting the Value of Your Travel Investment
Enrichment Journeys offers a comprehensive travel insurance package you can purchase alongside your trip. It eases the mind and lets you cancel your trip for a covered reason up until the departure date with a full refund of the Journey.
The insurance covers a wide variety of incidents, including travel delay, emergency medical services, and even baggage delay. You will also receive a pre-existing medical conditions waiver if travel insurance is purchased within 14 days of your initial deposit. For a full list of coverage provided, visit the FAQ section of the website.
Medical Issues and Handicaps
As with any extensive trip abroad, our excursions with Enrichment Journeys will require some physical capabilities, including transfers from cruise ships, walking on cobblestone streets and navigating through some busy cities with guides. Although we encourage all types of travelers to join us, we do ask you are aware of your own physical limitations. Unfortunately, we cannot provide individual care to those who may have walkers, wheelchairs or other aids. Enrichment Journeys also cannot accommodate pregnant women past their six month gestation period. Please speak with one of our Personal Vacation Managers to see if certain itineraries are suitable for you and your needs. We are happy to suggest other viable options for you that are more accessible.
Per the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, travelers have the right to be reasonably accommodated in terms of tours in public situations. However, the laws do not apply for trips and outside the United States. So you must let Enrichment Journeys know ahead of time of any physical limitations, including information added to our questionnaire that needs to be filled out by all passengers. Failure to inform Enrichment Journeys of these limitations could result in refusal to participate, whether it be at the airport through the airline, on board the ship or at the accommodations booked.
If you have any sort of prescription medication, this should be a number one priority in packing. Bring extra, just in case. A small medical kit is also advisable for quick access to remedy minor aches and pains.
Briefing sessions
A local host or tour manager will be happy to guide you through the trip and answer all of your questions. Upon arrival to your destination, an Enrichment Journeys representative will meet with the group and go over items such as the daily schedule, weather and local customs.
Hotels
All hotels booked by Enrichment Journeys are held to a high standard of comfort and quality, in accordance to international accommodation standards and rating systems. However, each accommodation varies so you may experience various types of properties throughout your excursions.
Travel Documentation
Have your passport and visas ready and available at all checkpoints. Scan and copy these documents to print out. It is recommended that you e-mail a copy to yourself and someone back home in the event these documents are misplaced. Also, it may be worth bringing an international ID or license.
Passport and Visa
To travel internationally, you must have a passport in good condition, and it must be valid for at least 6 months after the last day of your trip. Visa requirements change frequently and for various reasons. As a result, our Personal Vacation Managers are not always able to provide visa information, and you should not rely on the information provided below to be the most current and accurate. The best way to obtain up-to-date information regarding visa requirements is to visit the official US government website for Americans traveling abroad, Travel.State.Gov, (Canadian citizens should visit https://travel.gc.ca/, for all other countries please visit your government website or local embassy), which details specific information on the countries you would like to visit, including visa requirements.
You may also use a third-party visa service, such as Expedited Travel. These services require an additional service fee but make the process of applying for a visa much simpler.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are recommended to protect one’s health from preventable diseases abroad. It is always good to have routine vaccinations up to date when traveling for ailments such as chickenpox, measles, and the flu shot. Use your own discretion when deciding on what vaccinations to have based on your preferences and personal medical history. During your Enrichment Journeys tour, the utmost care will be taken with prepared food, atmosphere and other elements, so the likelihood of contracting diseases is scarce.
For a list of recommended vaccinations based on destination, visit https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel or feel free to contact the Center for Disease Control and Prevention directly at 1-800-232-4636.
Electric Current
You will need an adaptor for some parts of your trip. To see what the plugs will look like at your destination, visit https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/ and click on each country from the right menu.
You may also need to use a converter. Most countries outside of North and Central America use 220-240 V, whereas the U.S. and Canada use 110 V. However, most chargers these days have a box which will act as a converter so that it can be used in all countries around the world. If your charger box says “Input: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz” then you do NOT need to use a converter (but you may still need an adaptor so that the plugs fit in the socket).
Some hotels may have two and three pronged outlets to use for various appliances. We recommend having at least one or two adaptors with you, as we cannot guarantee that all hotels will be able to accommodate this.
Local Currency
Morocco uses the Moroccan Dirham (dh or د.م.), currency code MAD
Please visit https://www.oanda.com/currency/converter/ for the current exchange rate.
How you handle your currency and financials while on the trip is up to you. Some people prefer to exchange all their money in advance, while others will rely solely on credit cards. We suggest having at least some local currency with you during the trip, at least enough to take a taxi if needed. Consider calling your bank ahead of time to make them aware of your international travel, especially when using cards or withdrawing money.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is always appreciated but not always required. Expect several instances throughout the hospitality industry that allow for tipping. Have small bills ready for hotel staff, restaurant servers, drivers, guides, and baggage handlers. If you have a meal outside the itinerary or hire a resident driver, a few dollars in the local currency is customary.
Gratuities are included for included meals, at hotels, and at airports. The host, guide, or tour manager can be tipped roughly $10–$12 USD per person, per day. Drivers can be tipped $5 USD per person, per day.
For more information about when and how much to tip in each country, feel free to speak with your tour guide at the start of your Journey. A good reference for international tipping is https://www.cntraveler.com/stories/2008-11-11/etiquette-101-tipping-guide.
Time Differences
Please be aware that you may be crossing through several time zones throughout your Journey. To view a time zone map, visit https://m.worldtimezone.com/m-index12.php.
Climate
With the tour covering various regions, you will most likely come in contact with warm and/or cool weather, occasional rain, wind and/or damp environments. Check the weather online before departing for an up-to-date look at the conditions in major destinations.
Many countries outside of North America use Celsius. Here is a °C to °F quick reference guide:
-5° C = 23° F | 5° C = 41° F | 15° C = 59° F | 25° C = 77° F | 35° C = 95° F |
0° C = 32° F | 10° C = 50° F | 20° C = 68° F | 30° C = 86° F | 40° C = 104° F |
High/Low Temperatures in Fahrenheit:
JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
Casablanca | 66/49 | 67/51 | 71/54 | 73/57 | 77/62 | 82/67 | 87/71 | 81/66 | 87/72 | 80/64 | 72/57 | 68/53 |
Marrakesh | 66/43 | 69/46 | 74/50 | 77/54 | 83/58 | 91/63 | 99/69 | 99/70 | 90/66 | 82/60 | 73/51 | 67/45 |
Practice the Local Language
Knowing a few phrases in the local vernacular can be a wonderful way to connect with people and feel immersed in the culture. Here are some key words and phrases in Arabic:
Visit https://www.17-minute-world-languages.com/en/italian/ for more phrases with sound.
Facts and Figures
Check out these interesting facts about Morocco:
Recommended Reading List
Vacation should be easy, peaceful and, most of all, completely stress-free. Let us handle the details, so you can sit back, relax and curl up with a good book as you count down the days to your next Journey! We’ve compiled the following list of books and movies to introduce you to the destinations you are about to visit.
Books
Travel Guides
Films
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