Morocco Highlights: From Coast to Medina
Take a surf lesson in Essaouira, sip wine in the Argan Valley & camp in the Agafay Desert underneath the stars
Package includes
- Max 14 travellers per group
- Exclusively for people in their 30s & 40s
- All activities mentioned on the itinerary
About this trip
Morocco is vast, and with limited time to explore, it’s best to just focus on the highlights. But which ones?
Allow us to introduce our compact, yet perfect, eight-day Morocco adventure, made up of iconic locations and immersive experiences, always with that special Flash Pack twist.
In little over a week you’ll get to witness the chaos of Marrakech’s labyrinthine medina and explore the fascinating suburbs by sidecar. You’ll sleep overnight in a desert camp, bonding with your group beneath the stars. You’ll sip mint tea in a Berber tent and learn to make the perfect tagine. You’ll trek through the Atlas Mountains, zoom through the desert in a 4×4 and learn to surf Essaouira’s best breaks.
There’ll be plenty of opportunities for relaxing too. Think sipping ice-cold wine at a vineyard in the lush Argan Valley and feeling renewed after an authentic Moroccan hammam. There’ll even be time to salute the sun as it sinks below the Atlantic horizon during a private beachside yoga session.
These are the highlights of Morocco. Who needs two weeks, anyway?
- Arrive in Marrakech, your senses coming alive as you weave through the chaotic streets in your exclusive Flash Pack transfer
- Settle into your central hotel, a chic haven of air-conditioned calm
- Meet your group for a celebratory drink and have your first taste of authentic Moroccan food as you venture out for a welcome meal at a traditional local restaurant
- Explore the city on an exhilarating sidecar adventure. Ride on the back of the vintage motorbike or in the sidecar as you wind through the spice-scented streets
- Visit the photogenic Yves Saint Laurent Museum and one of the city’s exotic gardens
- Navigate the bustling alleys to secret foodie spots, all washed down by a spicy herbal infusion known as khoudenjal
- Travel towards the Atlas Mountains. Your first stop at a Berber Village will see you welcomed into a local home for a rustic tagine cooking class
- Sit together on Berber carpet to enjoy your delicious dish, accompanied by traditional Tafarnout bread baked in a clay oven
- Make your way to an idyllic hotel hidden in the Atlas foothills to spend the rest of the day relaxing
- Hike through fields of wildflowers, fruit orchards and lush valleys filled with crops on your way to the stone and mudbrick village of Tikhfist in the Atlas Mountains
- Travel by 4×4 into the desert, leaving the Atlas behind in a trail of dust as you negotiate the rocky terrain
- Dine beneath the stars, with live music and a campfire, in your cosy Berber camp set amongst the rocky dunes
- Head to the seaside town of Essaouira, stopping off for some organic wine-tasting in the fertile Argan Valley
- After three tastings and lunch, continue to the coast and check in at your boho riad
- Explore the laid back town at your own pace: watch fishing boats being mended in the atmospheric port or find a bar with a rooftop terrace
- Today you’ll be donning a wetsuit and joining a surf pro for a private lesson on the golden sand and in the gentle waves
- Downward dog during sunset yoga flow and meditation, breathing and stretching to a soundtrack of lapping waves
- Head for tonight’s delicious dinner at a local fish restaurant
- Enjoy the ultimate Moroccan experience: a hammam. This centuries-old cleansing ritual involves steaming, rinsing and scrubbing of the skin
- Slip into a fluffy robe and relax a little longer with fresh mint tea and cake on the terrace
- Dine out at one of the city’s most atmospheric venues: a low-lit Moroccan eatery with live music, belly dancing and entertainment until late
- All good things must come to an end and it’s time to say your goodbyes
- Your Pack Leader can help you arrange a transfer back to the airport, before your start planning your next adventure
- It’s been one glorious week of pure Moroccan escapism. You’ve had an invigorating taste of North Africa’s addictive energy now; returning home feeling energized and, perhaps, ready for more?
Our favourite hotels
Here's a taste of the hotels we sometimes use on this adventure. The hotels you'll stay in for your departure will be shared with you one month before you go.
Kenzi Rose Garden, Marrakech
An oasis of calm in Marrakech’s trendy Hivernage district, this chic hotel is set within three hectares of lush, private gardens. Everything you need is onsite, including high-end restaurants and two palm-shaded pools, but the Unesco-listed medina and legendary Jemaa el Fna square are just a 20-minute walk away.
Dar L'Oussia, Essaouira
Built on the ramparts of Essaouira’s medina, this large boutique riad is right in the heart of the action: a stone’s throw from the souks with panoramic views of the ocean. Set over five floors, there’s a gorgeous roof terrace – ideal for sundowners – Moorish-style rooms and a traditional courtyard restaurant.
Yes We Camp, Agafay Desert
Staying in this rustic desert camp, you’ll feel transported to an expedition from the golden age of explorers. Characterful Berber tents dot the lunar landscape, the waft of fresh bread drifts from the campfire and the clear starry skies are filled with simplicity and silence. It’s a magical experience.
Important notes
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Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code
Fly in and out of Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK).
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What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?
Before 4 pm ideally. The welcome meeting and dinner will be from 6 pm starting at the hotel, which is located approximately 15 minutes away from the airport.
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What time should my flight depart on the last day?
There are no activities planned for the last day, so leave any time you wish. The airport is approximately 15 minutes away from the hotel, and your Pack Leader can help you book your transfers the night before if needed.
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Are airport transfers included?
If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.
Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.
We don’t include departure transfers, however. The airport is approximately 15 minutes away from the hotel, with the cost in a taxi being around 20 EUR for three people, the equivalent of approximately £17/$21.
If you and some other Flash Pack friends are all getting the same flight, we recommend splitting the taxi journey.
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Are tips included?
Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:
- Pack Leader: 5 USD per day
- Drivers: 3 USD per day
- Local tips: your Pack Leader will be able to advise on how much to tip local guides, restaurants, etc. Some Pack Leaders will collect a tipping kitty (approximately 25 USD) at the welcome meeting to take care of local tips.
However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.
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Do I need a visa?
Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.
You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:
- UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
- Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
- Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.
Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.
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What vaccinations and medication will I need?
While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalised medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.
1. Consult with a healthcare professional
We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.
2. Up-to-date medical advice
- UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
- US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialised health information.
- Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.
3. Government travel advice
- UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
- Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
4. Medication tips
If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.
We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.
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What fitness levels do I need for this trip?
Overall, this trip is relatively relaxed and suitable for most levels of fitness. The surfing and yoga sessions are suitable for beginners.
On Day 4, the hike is around 12 kilometres and requires a moderate level of fitness. You will set off early to beat the heat but it can get warm towards the end of the walk. Remember to carry plenty of water.
We recommend having a read-through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.
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Why do I need to print my travel documents?
There’s a chance that Marrakech Airport will not accept mobile versions of boarding passes (and other important documents). With this in mind, please ensure you have printed all boarding passes and other required documents to present alongside any mobile information you have stored on your phone.
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What will the food be like?
Throughout the trip, you’ll be dining on authentic Moroccan cuisine. This will include tagines, cous cous and other traditional meals, with simple vegetarian options available.
Due to the fact that you will be eating authentic local meals, some people may find the food lacks variety. Please note that meals are often served in traditional tagine dishes even if they are not actually tagines.
Your Pack Leader will be happy to offer suggestions for local restaurants on the days when meals are not included.
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Will the itinerary change?
Please be aware that the itinerary, activities, and hotels are subject to change. These changes are rare but can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting which we will always try and communicate to you.
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What are the drive times like?
This trip has much shorter drives than our Best of Morocco itinerary which is more for those who love road trips. You will stay at four different locations in Morocco on this trip. The drive times between locations are between 1.5 to 3.5 hours. The total drive time is 13 hours.
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What will the accommodation be like?
On this trip, you’ll be staying in three- to four-star riads (boutique Moroccan B&Bs) that are clean and comfortable but not the same standard as a large chain hotel.
Riads are typically traditional Moorish houses with beautiful tile work and an interior courtyard with fountain; some of them have hammams and pools. One of the most noticeable differences between hotels and riads is their more intimate size. What you lose in facilities, you’ll gain in authentic atmosphere and hospitality.
The desert camp is a rustic rather than luxurious experience. Tents contain partitions and curtains on the shower and toilet levels, however please be aware that there are no doors.
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What about Ramadan? Will it affect my trip?
Some aspects of your itinerary could change during Ramadan and the national celebration of Eid Al Fitr (the Festival of Fast-breaking) as many shops and restaurants will be closed. It will also be quite difficult to obtain alcohol during Ramadan – your Pack Leader will be able to advise.
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What should I expect from the hammam experience?
Hammams are a traditional part of Moroccan culture, which many local people visit every week to relax, detoxify and catch up on the local news. Men and women have separate areas and within these areas you’ll undress in a shared room, store your clothes in a locker and be given a robe to wear (it’s usual to go topless, keeping on your bikini bottoms or underwear, but if you feel more comfortable keeping your swimsuit on, just let the attendant know).
First, you’ll relax on marble seats in a hot steam room, designed to open up your pores. Then you’ll be taken to a private room where your masseuse will apply black beldi soap (made from olive leaves and argan oil) all over your body, which they will then scrub off using a kess (exfoliating mitt) and you’ll be given an invigorating full body massage.
The process takes around 30-45 minutes and you’ll come out feeling refreshed, renewed and with the softest, cleanest skin you can imagine. Back in your robe, you’ll be taken to a shared room to relax and served a refreshing mint tea. Be sure to drink lots of water, too. It’s a good idea to bring flip flops, shampoo and conditioner and leave your valuables at home.
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