Bucket-list Morocco: From Chefchaouen to Marrakech

Welcome to Casablanca. Morocco’s largest city and one that’s home to both medieval mosques and towering skyscrapers; this is a place where past meets present on the shores of the Atlantic. You’ll be greeted by your private transfer at the airport and transported to your central hotel to check-in and officially meet your fellow solo travellers. Now the fun begins. Once you’re refreshed, meet your guide and group and raise a glass to your upcoming adventures. *This picture is from day seven of the adventure

In the morning, you’ll all head north along Morocco’s rugged coastline, before turning inland to the picturesque city of Chefchaouen. Built by Andalusian refugees fleeing the Reconquista, there are echoes of southern Spain in this hilltop citadel. Upon arrival, get your first taste of one of Morocco’s most photogenic locations, wandering through the city’s blue-walled streets and soaking up the atmosphere in its quirky shops and alfresco cafes. We’ve no doubt you’ll be making mental notes to return as soon as you arrive.

Today is yours to get accustomed to Chefchaoen’s relaxed city life. Explore the winding streets with their colourful archways or indulge yourself at a relaxing hammam. If some of you are feeling adventurous after breakfast, catch a local taxi towards the beautiful Akchour waterfalls and hike the scenic hills in the area (our recommendation). When the evening draws in, pick one of the many fabulous restaurants and enjoy alfresco dining at its best.

Today you’ll leave Chefchouen and head south until you reach the former Roman capital of Volubilis. With haunting ruins and faded mosaics built into the Moroccan landscape, admire the legacy of the Romans in one of their lesser-known outposts. Then continue on to Fes, where you’ll be met by the sights and sounds of a vibrant walled-city. Check into your hotel, where you can relax in the beautiful hammam spa and look forward to a group dinner, where you’ll each sample pastille, a traditional local dish.

Today you’ll learn about Fes’s historic past on a history-packed walking tour of the city. Once a thriving hub of philosophers, mathematicians and astronomers, Fes boasts a cultural heritage evident in its glittering mosques and medersas. Afterwards, explore the city’s souks and turn your hand to haggling in the markets, or watch the talented craftsmen at work. As a long day of exploring the city comes to an end, head back to your hotel and make use of the hammam spa one last time.

It’s time to leave city-life behind as you head south towards the Sahara desert. You’ll stop off for the night in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains at the charming town of Midelt. Here, learn about the lives of remote Berber communities and stroll through the town whilst admiring the picturesque backdrop. The rest of the evening is yours to spend as you wish in this unique setting.

Continue driving into the Sahara as the scenic Atlas Mountains flatten out into sand dunes over the five-hour drive. Once you reach the desert village of Merzouga, choose your camel and saddle up for a sunset ride under a blanket of stars. Once you’re out in the peaceful desert, pause to enjoy the vast scenes whilst sipping on a few cold drinks with your group. The best bit? A private chef will be ready and waiting to cook you up a feast whilst music plays, reverberating amongst the sand dunes.

After a desert breakfast, head north to Todra Gorge, an atmospheric mountain canyon 300-metres deep. On the way, you’ll take in the mud-hut villages, rarely seen by tourists, that perch proudly on the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. In preparation for tomorrow’s hike, your Pack Leader will take you on an orientation walk around this rugged terrain. You can then spend the evening relaxing by the pool or exploring this beautifully remote area.

Today’s the day – it’s time to take on an incredible 10km hike through Todra Gorge. The landscape here is one of striking beauty with its dusty red canyons and mountain streams. Along the way, tuck into lunch with a local Berber family, before continuing on through the rugged mountain range. After a day of hiking in this remote Moroccan landscape, take the opportunity to unwind by the pool, watching as the sun descends on an incredible day.

Today your adventure will take you along the famed ‘Road of 1000 Kasbahs’. If you’re a Hollywood aficionado, you may recognise your next stop. Aït Benhaddou is the famed mud-brick hilltop city featured in many famous movies and TV shows such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Stroll through the pretty streets and enjoy the panoramic backdrop, before travelling to your hotel for another memorable sunset over the hills.

Today’s drive will be your final minibus excursion. Outside your window, watch as the Moroccan countryside morphs into the energetic city of Marrakech. If you’re a foodie, get ready for a treat as you embark on a tour of the city’s most delicious street food and hidden restaurant hot-spots (deep fried pastries and barbecued sardines? Yes please). As the evening draws in, it’s your choice whether you head to the hammam for a spa evening, or hit the town with your group and sample Marrakech’s nightlife. We recommend heading to Djemaa el-Fna, the city’s main square, a place that comes alive with snakecharmers and storytellers as night falls.

Today is all about immersing yourself in Marrakech’s rich history and culture. Start in the old Medina, where you can turn your hand to the ancient art of haggling. Slowly make your way to Le Jardin Secret, an elegant 19th-century Islamic garden complex, before heading to the Photography Museum for a slice of modern Moroccan culture. In the afternoon, weave your way around the souks, chill by the pool, or head to one of the many bustling markets before ending your day with a drink or two with new friends.

After a final Moroccan breakfast, it’s over to you to make your own way to your next destination. If you’re heading straight to the airport, ask around to see if anyone is also heading that way and wants to share a taxi. If you’re planning on exploring Marrakech further, take a peek at our wellness retreat in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains.