Morocco, with its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and rich history, has become an increasingly popular travel destination. If you're considering a guided tour to experience the best of Morocco, Intrepid Travel offers a variety of itineraries designed to immerse you in the local culture and showcase the country's diverse beauty. This review delves into the details of Intrepid's Morocco tours, covering everything from the itinerary and inclusions to the accommodations, guides, and overall experience.
Why Choose a Guided Tour in Morocco?
While independent travel in Morocco is certainly possible, a guided tour offers several advantages, especially for solo travelers or those seeking a more immersive cultural experience. Some key benefits include:
- Safety and Security: Navigating the bustling medinas and unfamiliar customs can be challenging. A local guide provides a sense of security and helps avoid potential scams or harassment.
- Cultural Immersion: Intrepid tours focus on authentic experiences, connecting you with local families, businesses, and co-ops.
- Insider Knowledge: Local guides offer invaluable insights into the culture, history, and traditions of Morocco. They can also recommend the best places to eat, shop, and explore.
- Hassle-Free Travel: With transportation, accommodations, and activities pre-arranged, you can relax and enjoy the journey without worrying about logistics.
Intrepid Travel: A Reputable Tour Operator
Founded in 1989, Intrepid Travel is an Australian tour company known for its small group trips and commitment to responsible travel. With over 1,000 tours worldwide, Intrepid focuses on cultural immersion, adventure, and giving back to the communities they visit.
Intrepid specializes in small group trips, and the Morocco Uncovered tour has a maximum group size of 12. Intrepid always hires local trip leaders who live in (and in most cases have grown up in) the country you're visiting.
Top 5 reasons to visit Morocco with Intrepid Travel
Tour Styles and Inclusions
Intrepid offers different tour styles to cater to various preferences and budgets:
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- Basix: Budget-friendly tours with basic accommodations and fewer inclusions.
- Comfort: Tours that offer a balance of comfort and value, with comfortable accommodations and more included activities.
- Premium: More luxurious tours with higher-end accommodations, upgraded transportation, and a wider range of inclusions.
The "Comfort" category refers to the way you travel and the amount of things that are included.
Regardless of the tour style, Intrepid tours typically include:
- Accommodation
- Transportation
- Some meals
- Activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Services of a local tour guide
A Typical Morocco Itinerary: Highlights and Experiences
Intrepid offers a wide range of Morocco itineraries, each focusing on different regions and experiences. Here's a glimpse into some of the highlights you can expect on a typical Intrepid Morocco tour:
Casablanca
Your Morocco adventure begins with a welcome meeting in Casablanca. Walk through the Old Medina and check out the city walls, then head over to Quartier Habous, which is the newer medina area with its shaded squares and connected souks winding through narrow streets.
Meknes and Moulay Idriss
After breakfast, you can join a guided tour of Hassan II Mosque if you want, since it's one of the few mosques in Morocco that foreigners can enter. Later, catch a local train to Meknes and then head to Moulay Idriss, a whitewashed village that holds real importance as a pilgrimage site. You'll see a traditional mint tea demonstration, then spend the evening with a local family, something that's only been allowed for foreigners since 2005.
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Volubilis and Chefchaouen
Start the morning with a guided tour through Volubilis, where you'll explore the Roman ruins spread across rolling hills. After that, a private transfer takes you to Chefchaouen, famous for its blue-washed buildings and steep cobbled lanes climbing through the town. Another free day in Chefchaouen gives you plenty of options.
If you wake early, you'll catch the best light for photos as the city comes to life. You can do a guided tour through the medina to take in all the sights, sounds and smells, or grab fresh orange juice at a café in Plaza Uta el-Hammam. If you're up for something more active, hike into the Rif Mountains to see Akchour Falls and cross the rock formation called The God's Bridge before heading back through the forest.
Fes
Today you head to Fes, which is the spiritual and cultural center of Morocco. The city itself is vibrant and a bit overwhelming, but that's part of the appeal, with a huge medieval medina that's really well preserved.Your local guide leads you through the medina in Fes, navigating the labyrinth of streets where craftsmen work and markets sell ceramics and other goods. You'll visit Medersa Bou Inania, one of the city's most interesting buildings, which has been restored and is now open to the public. The day also includes a stop at the famous tannery where you can see the dye pits, and a ceramic factory where potters still work using traditional methods. This is a full day, so bring water and pack some snacks to keep your energy up.
Sahara Desert
After breakfast, prepare for a long travel day heading toward the Sahara Desert. You'll see the landscape shift as you drive, with scenic stops along the way to get out and stretch. Once you reach Merzouga, drop your bags at the overnight camp and then head out for a camel ride through the sand dunes at sunset before looping back to your private camp.Wake up early before dawn to climb a nearby sand dune and watch the sunrise transform the Sahara. Head back for breakfast, pack up your things, then travel west to Todra. You'll come across a bright green oasis that almost feels dreamlike, with palm trees and mud-brick villages filling the impressive valley.
Road of 1000 Kasbahs and Ait Benhaddou
Travel along the 'Road of 1000 Kasbahs' while enjoying views of the Dades Gorge. You'll pass through Skoura, where beautiful small houses rise up like a mirage beyond a dry riverbed. Stop for mint tea at Tawesna teahouse, where the profits support women's economic projects. Later you'll reach Ait Benhaddou, a medieval mud-brick town that's been used as a filming location for movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Explore the old streets and climb up to the fortress for a great view of the area. You can also enter some of the old houses for a small fee to see views over the river. You'll spend the night just outside the town walls.
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Marrakech
After breakfast, continue west toward Tizi 'n Tichka, which sits at 2260 m above sea level and is the highest pass on the route to Marrakech. The drive up offers nice countryside views as the road winds higher, then you descend into the plains around Marrakech, arriving in the late afternoon.Marrakech offers so much for your senses. This morning, a local expert takes you through the streets and souks, and you'll stop at a local restaurant for a tasting of both sweet and savory dishes, including grilled meats, fresh salads, mint tea and couscous. The rest of the day is yours, so you could go cycling, try quad-biking, spend time at a luxury hammam spa, or visit Le Jardin Secret, a historic riad with a beautiful courtyard. You might also grab lunch at AMAL Women's Training Center, a non-profit helping disadvantaged women.
Accommodations: Riads, Hotels, and Desert Camps
Intrepid tours typically feature a mix of accommodations, ranging from traditional riads (Moroccan guesthouses) to comfortable hotels and even "glamping" experiences in the desert. While the accommodations may not always be luxurious, they are generally clean, comfortable, and well-located. Keep in mind that a 4 or 5-star Moroccan rating may not be equivalent to a Western standard.
The Role of Local Guides
One of the highlights of an Intrepid tour is the expertise and passion of the local guides. These guides are typically Moroccans who have grown up in the country and possess a deep understanding of its culture, history, and customs. They provide invaluable insights, navigate the complexities of the local environment, and ensure a safe and enriching travel experience.
What to Pack for a Morocco Tour
Packing for a trip to Morocco requires careful consideration of the climate, culture, and activities you'll be undertaking. Here are some essential items to include in your suitcase:
- Conservative clothing
- A scarf or two
- Warm layers for winter
- Good walking shoes
- Shampoo/conditioner
- A travel towel
- A sunhat
- A reusable water bottle
- A first-aid kit
Budgeting for Your Trip
In addition to the cost of the tour, you'll need to budget for additional expenses such as:
- Meals not included in the tour price
- Optional activities and excursions
- Souvenirs and shopping
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Laundry services
Conservative clothing - Morocco is a majority Muslim country. Even though it's a fairly progressive one (you won't be expected to cover your hair as a women, for example), you should still plan to dress respectfully. For women, this means shoulders, knees, and cleavage covered at the very least. Some items I took to Morocco included a couple colorful maxi dresses and these lightweight palazzo pants.
Here’s an example of expenses for 2 weeks in Morocco:
| Expense | Cost (MAD) | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Group "trip kitty" | 400 | $42 |
| Guide/driver tips | 700 | $73 |
| Laundry | 270 | $28 |
| Souvenirs | ~3000 | ~$300 |
The Best Time to Visit Morocco
The best time to visit Morocco is during the shoulder seasons (March-May and September-November) when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are smaller. Avoid July and August, as these are the hottest and most oppressive months. The holidays in December/January can also be busy.
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