The Highlights of Morocco Trip

Rise & Rove is a modern group travel company for women. Join us on an epic adventure through the exotic and colorful land of Morocco. We’ll be seeing all the top highlights while traversing the mountains, desert and coast!

Life is short and the world is wide

Welcome! We are Rise & Rove, a modern group travel company that offers group adventures catering to women. Join us on curated, guided trips with very special activities designed to see, taste, explore and deeply experience incredible global destinations.

You’ll join a rad group of women ready to make friends and dive into the destination but we’ll take care of all the logistics and details. Your job: Show up and have fun. Simple as that.

The Morocco Trip

9 Days/8 Nights | Dates TBA

(with option for 2 day extension)

We are honored to have partnered with the author of the highly-acclaimed travel guide, Moon Morocco, to design an incredible North African experience for our Rise & Rove gals. This adventure will take us through awe-inspiring medinas, up through the mountains, into the desert and out to the coast in just under two weeks. You’ll even get your very own overnight glamping experience in the Sahara, complete with a camel ride at sunset! This is a bucket list trip, ladies, and we have some truly special experiences lined up. On this tour you’ll be staying at beautiful riads filled with charm and have comfortable, private transit and stellar meals. Amina Lahbabi, a Moroccan feminist and UNESCO alumnus will be taking care of everything on the ground to ensure we have as much cultural depth and interaction as possible. Additionally, we’ll also be escorted by a certified country guide, so you’ll be in good hands at all times.

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Not to mention, you’ll have a group of 12 fun-loving ladies to experience it all with!

Itinerary

While unlikely, the itinerary is subject to change but we only adjust to improve the experience. Our priority is to provide the best travel experience ever!

Day 1: Rabat

Today, you will arrive in the country’s capital city of Rabat, a coastal city in Morocco. It’s a beautiful city and you’ll enjoy your first glimpse of Moroccan culture during a short walk through the narrow passageways of the Oudayas Kasbah, admiring the decorative doors and be immersed in the sights and sounds of daily Moroccan life.

Tonight you’ll bond with your trip mates over a welcome dinner where we will sample the local cuisine, get to know each other and talk about all the exciting things we have in store for the upcoming week!

Day 2: Meknes, Volubilis & Fez

We’ll be hitting the road today, with some exciting sites to see! First, we’ll head east for two hours to the ‘Imperial City’ of Meknes, built to challenge the grandeur of Versailles. Our next stop will be Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 3rd century BC. It is one of the most well-preserved former Roman cities in all of Africa! Next, we stop to absorb the beauty and special ambiance of the cobbled streets of Moulay Idriss, which is lesser-known to tourists and has absolutely killer views. We’ll end our journey in Fez, a city many travelers say is their favorite in all of Morocco! 

Day 3: Fez

We’ll have a full day to take in the incredible atmosphere that is the Fez medina with our local guide today, who will show us the most special parts of the “city of nine thousand twisted streets.” We’ll visit tanneries and craft souks, spice shops and stalls loaded with dates and olives, giving you a thorough immersion into Moroccan mercantile life. You’ll be introduced to local craftsmen whose artistic talents have been passed from generation to generation and you’ll begin to understand the fine web of traditions that make Moroccan culture so enduring and rich. After a day of getting to know the city, you’ll have the evening free to choose where you want to have dinner from local recommendations. So, save room – this city is known for its incredible gastronomy!

Day 4: Atlas Mountains to Erfoud

Today we’ll explore the Middle Atlas region as we road trip for the day. You’ll settle into your seat and watch the dramatic changes in landscape through the Middle Atlas Mountains and descending into the vast Sahara Desert. The terrain includes giant cedar forests, high arid mountains, and flattening foothills as you drop into the vast desert. Following a centuries-old caravan route, we’ll pass through the Berber capital of Midelt, an important center for local carpet making. If the weather holds, we will stop to walk around the cedar forests of Azrou to visit a local women’s association who create gastronomy and beauty products from handpicked local herbs. We’ll end the day in Erfoud, a small town in the Sahara, for a good night’s sleep before our desert adventure tomorrow.

Day 5: Sahara Desert

Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, ladies! Begin your immersion into the Sahara region in the Tifilalt Oasis in the Ziz Valley. Our local host will take us on a walking tour of his village where you’ll enjoy lunch at his family’s humble home. From there we’ll move onward to our desert glamping experience. As the day cools and the desert colors intensify, you’ll mount camels at the edge of the dunes. Accompanied by indigenous Touareg nomads in their famous blue-dyed turbans, we’ll ride into the vast expanse of huge, drifting sand dunes to our desert encampment for the night. After a cold drink and a delicious dinner, relax under a vast star-lit desert sky, eventually to retire to private deluxe tents with mattress beds, linens, pillows and Berber rugs with private toilet facilities in each tent.

Day 6: Valley of the Kasbahs to Skoura

Awaken before dawn to saddle your camel for a short ride through the dunes to watch the sun rise over the desert horizon. The true solitude and beauty of the Sahara reveals itself only in such moments. Back at the hotel on the edge of the dunes enjoy breakfast and a shower before heading out for a beautiful day exploring the farms, villages and traditional homes through the Valley of Kasbahs. In the town of Tinjedad we walk through a Ksar, a surreal roofed village of eighty families living in a complex maze of adobe streets and housing. You’ll have an opportunity to stretch your legs and get to know daily life on an optional walk in the picturesque palmerie of the Dades Valley where families tend to their crops. We’ll then get some rest in Skoura for the evening.

Day 7: Ait Ben Haddou & Marrakesh

Today we’ll continue the journey to Marrakesh with a stop in Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the best preserved kasbahs in the region. It’s also known as the “Moroccan Hollywood” because of the blockbusters that were filmed here like Gladiator, Game of Thrones and Lawrence of Arabia. It’s truly a feast for the eyes with breathtaking scenery. We’ll continue on to Marrakesh over the High Atlas Mountains on a windy route with spectacular views over Tizi-n-Tickka pass, the highest pass in Morocco. Descending on the other side, the landscape turns green with oaks, walnut groves and oleander bushes. Arriving in Marrakesh by afternoon, there’s time to explore the narrow streets, shops and markets before dusk. As the sun sets, the Djemaa el-Fna square comes alive with an array of jugglers, storytellers, snake charmers, musicians and soothsayers. We recommend popping into a rooftop restaurant for a drink and aerial view of the busy market below.

Day 8: Marrakesh

Today we’ll get a guided tour of the Red City with our private guide. We’ll dive into the souks, markets and food stalls. You’ll see the vibrant colors, rich aromas, music, merchants, street performers and anything else your mind conjures up when you think “exotic.” There is so much to experience in this vibrant city. We’ll walk among the narrow streets and shops of the old city, view the extensive Berber collection of clothing, jewelry, textiles, doors, baskets and carpets. The centuries will roll back as you are regaled with stories of the city’s glorious (and not so glorious) past. We’ll have options to visit the Marrakesh Museum, or walk through Jardin Majorelle, the extensive gardens of French painter Jacques Majorelle with a collection of plants from five continents. Tonight you’ll have dinner free to choose from the endless options of the amazing food scene in Marrakesh. Or, you can opt to join a guided street food tour.

Day 9: Fly Home -or- Essaouira

Today we say goodbye…or do we? If you’ve chosen the 9 Day/8 Night package, your tour ends today and you’ll depart from here in Marrakesh. Or, if you’ve chosen to add our optional Essaouira extension, we will continue on to the hip seaside town. On the way, you’ll likely see local goats nibbling on the argan nuts in the trees. We’ll stop in Val d’Argan for a flight of wine en route to the coast. You’ll reach Essaouira in the afternoon, just in time to do a bit of exploring! It has an eclectic foodie scene (maybe the best in Morocco) and a thriving local art scene. You’ll have the night free to spend as you wish!

Day 10: Optional Extension: Essaouira

Many travelers at this point in their journey just enjoy a day to themselves. Essaouira is the perfect place to do this. Whether you want to pop into the local art shops or just spend a day relaxing on the beach on the south side of town, you’ll have the day to do just that! This might be the day to book yourself into a local spa (Moroccan hammam) experience. We’ll give you lots of ideas and all the guidance you need to plan a day that is perfect for you. We’ll gather for dinner for one final meal to hang with our Rise & Rove crew.

Day 11: Optional Extension: Fly Home

We’ll head back to Marrakesh this morning so you can depart for home or continue on to your next adventure! It is where we truly say our final farewells! If your flight time options are such that you need to fly out the next day, we will be happy to assist you in booking a nice accommodation for the night. Please see our guidance around flight times to ensure you have plenty of time at the airport for your departure.

Trip Description

This trip is currently on hold awaiting new dates. If you'd like to sign up for 1st dibs once we set new dates, join the wait list! Simply let us know via the Contact Us page!
  • Fez – Middle Atlas – Sahara Desert – Marrakesh
  • Arrive Rabat
  • Depart Marrakesh
  • 12 travelers total 
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Inclusions

  • Boutique accommodations at hand-picked, stylish riads and hotels*
  • 8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 6 dinners 
  • With Essaouira add on: 13 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 7 dinners
  • Activities mentioned in the itinerary description
  • Driver transport to and from the airport
  • Air-conditioned vehicle for transport through the country
  • English-speaking, certified country guide and driver
  • Fez and Marrakesh entrance fees
  • Camel rides to the desert glamping experience

*Two people are assigned to a room; if you’d like your own room for an additional cost, please let us know on the booking form and we will accommodate if possible. If you travel together with a friend and want to specify your roommate, no problem!

Exclusions & Optional Extras

  • Alcoholic beverages are excluded from the pricing.
  • Flights to or from your origin are not included in the price. Booking and payment for flights are the responsibility of the traveler, though Rise & Rove will assist with guidance if requested.
  • Tips and gratuities are not included in the trip cost and are optional; you may use your discretion and we’ll provide suggestions where applicable.
  • Travel insurance is not included. We very strongly recommend getting travel insurance. After booking we will recommend a good travel insurance option or you may purchase your own policy.

Important Info

  • Morocco is a Muslim country and there are respectful guidelines to follow in terms of how to dress modestly. We will provide a packing list with suggestions prior to trip departure.
  • Morocco is a developing country and while extremely beautiful and culturally rich, it is also known to be a place that will test the comfort zones of Western travelers. Our local guides are there to help you and the program is designed to give you the guidance you need to navigate the cultural norms.
  • Because Morocco is quite large and long (think, California), in order to see a lot of places, it requires a decent amount of driving. So, prepare for some road trips, though you will have a comfortable vehicle and we will be making frequent stops that are interesting to break up any long driving days. 
  • Many of the cities are pedestrian cities that require walking on uneven pavement, uphill and downhill. The cities may have very narrow streets and stairs will be required during activities.
  • We will be staying at traditional riads for an authentic Moroccan experience, but most riads do not have elevators and travelers must be able to climb stairs and carry luggage without an elevator.
  • Arrival airport for flights is RBA – Rabat – Salé Airport
  • Departure airport for flights is RAK – Marrakesh Menara Airport
  • The two official languages in Morocco are Arabic and Berber, with French being referred to as the “unofficial third” language.
  • Currency in Morocco is Moroccan Dirham (our prices are in USD) – many areas of Morocco operate on a cash-only basis so plan to have some cash on hand for shopping and meals not included in the itinerary.
  • Please note: Early bird discounts may not be combined with other discount promotions.
  • We recommend you drink filtered and bottled water while in Morocco.
  • We advise you to visit your country’s authority on health and traveling to determine what vaccinations you should have prior to travel in Morocco. Examples include the CDC in the USA and Public Health Agency of Canada.
  • We strongly suggest purchasing travel insurance for any adventure.
  • Passport requirements:
    • You must have 6 months of validity of your passport at the time of entry.
    • You must have at least one blank page for your passport stamp.
  • Please ensure you check your government’s official website to ensure you understand all visa requirements for entry. Currently, citizens of the USA and Canada do not need to obtain a visa prior to arrival.

Questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us! We’re happy to chat via email or phone. (Many people like to talk first!) You can also check out our FAQs.