Thanks for all the exceptional opportunities to meet the Moroccan people. A new world view opened up for me and gives me the inspiration to reach across the seas. Morocco is a beautiful, warm and welcoming country and I'm grateful to be here. -- Linda, TX

Morocco Adventure Travel for Women

The Moroccan King describes his country as a tree having its roots in Africa and its branches in Europe. To the well traveled, Morocco feels like a Near Eastern country with labyrinths of souks selling fine handicrafts and spices, and people wearing the long hooded jellaba. It’s a land of contrasts in so many ways – from the snow dusted High Atlas to the hot sands of the hauntingly beautiful Sahara; from the call of the Imam to young women wearing western clothes. Morocco is a cultural crossroads with a strong and ancient tradition of caring for travelers – seldom have we felt so safe in the world, nor drunk as much mint tea! We’ll hike in the Atlas and enjoy cultural connections in the Berber village hosting us. Nothing will prepare you for the impact that the Sahara has on your soul and sleeping under the stars at a Bedouin camp is unforgettable. Best of all, we’ll connect with the women of Morocco by learning to cook a traditional meal in a home and experiencing hammams (spas). Travel is seldom as enchanting or as spiritually uplifting as this trip to Morocco.

Magic Morocco: Activities at a Glance

Morocco Itinerary

Day 1

Upon arrival at Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport, you’ll be met by the driver and head to the hotel. You’ll have a chance to relax on this day or do some sightseeing depending on your flight time! Overnight Casablanca

Day 2

After breakfast, we’ll have a morning visit of Hassan II Mosque, sitting in a picturesque location on the sea. Inaugurated in 1993, its 656-foot (200 m) minaret is the tallest structure in Morocco — and the tallest minaret in the world. We’ll then venture north to the imperial city and present day capital of Rabat, a bustling metropolis with a rich history. Explore the medieval fortification of the Chellah Necropolis in the heart of Rabat and wander the Roman and Islamic ruins. Step back in time to Rabat’s original city center and enter through the grand door of the Kasbah des Oudaias. Mostly a residential area today, quietly wander the peaceful white and blue-washed streets. Discover the Hassan Tower, a minaret of the incomplete mosque and Mausoleum of Mohamed V. This project was abandoned in the 12th-century, and all that remains today are 200 columns and the red sandstone tower, which stands at 145 feet (44 m). There, we’ll visit a local female artisan who creates beautiful leather goods including purses, bags and other accessories. We’ll then have lunch at a wonderful restaurant in Rabat and then drive onward to Chefchouen (the Blue City) about a five- hour drive away. Overnight Chefchouen.

On each trip I've shared with you I've watched as the women you gather together become a community and learn to love, share and become more tolerant and accepting of the differences in the world. -- Lou, Vancouver

Day 3

Today after breakfast, we’ll take a guided tour of this beautiful city perched on the side of a hill. We’ll meander through the alleys and pedestrian streets to photograph the sea of blue walls, windows, doorways and steps. This relaxing city was kept locked away from the rest of the world for centuries and is painted entirely in shades of blue. It sits between the twin peaks of Tisouka and Megou mountains. It seems like it is ‘stuck’ between two large horns thus the name of Chefchaouen which translates as ‘watch the horns’.  We’ll visit the Plaza Outa el Hammam, the main square named for the number of Hammams which used to circle it. Here we find many restaurants and cafes for people watching, and several shops. Here we’ll also see the Grand Mosque and Kasbah. A visit to the Kasbah (old fortification) may include a garden, a museum, and some of the old prison cells. We’ll enjoy lunch, have time to wander the streets and for photographing this inspiring village.  In the late afternoon, we’ll walk up to the Spanish Mosque and enjoy the sunset there. Enjoy dinner and overnight in Chefchouen.

Day 4

Rise early with an hour of quiet as you wander the streets in the morning, getting those coveted photographs. We’ll have breakfast. As we drive towards Fes, we will take a short detour to explore the Roman ruins at Volubilis (a UNESCO world heritage site) which contains Morocco’s best preserved Roman ruins. This town was once one of the most remote parts of the Roman Empire, with the Romans ruling about 200 years and leaving in 285 AD. Our next stop is the prosperous city of Meknes, and is a nice preparation for our time in Fes where the medina is smaller, less busy, and shopkeepers are not quite as ambitious. Onwards to Fes, we’ll enjoy our evening in a beautiful riad and have a delicious dinner.  (Note: total drive time this day is approx 4.5 hours) Overnight Fes.

So many unforgettable moments - dinner with Moroccan women in their beautiful home in Marrakech to dinner with women in a Berber mountain hut. Morocco will be an experience I will treasure always because you take us to the heart of the country - the women. -- Jan, MN

Day 5

We’ll start this morning with breakfast and then an early morning tour of Fes including the Royal Palace, the Jewish Quarter and the Qarawiyyin – the oldest existing, continually operating, higher educational institution in the world. And, it was started by a woman (YES!). After the guided tour, we’ll continue through the medina for a tour of the tanneries, souks and artisan quarters, with a bit of time to shop. We’ll also visit a pottery workshop where you’ll see artisans making pottery of all sizes and styles. Back to our hotel and dinner. Overnight Fes.

Day 6

Today we’ll see the Sahara for the first time -­ an enchanting and unforgettable experience. Today will be a long drive (approximately 10 hours) to get to Merzouga (Erg Chebbi desert) so we’ll get an early start. Along the way, we’ll stop for lunch and other breaks to stretch our legs, take some photos, grab a drink and snacks, etc. We’ll arrive at the edge of the Sahara in the late afternoon. Riding camels across the sweeping sands as the sun sets is one of the most magical memories in travel. It’s about 60 to 90 minutes ride and we’ll have the chance to stop for photos along the way; as we head to our Luxury Camp for overnight. Our luggage will be taken by vehicle.  We’ll settle into our tents and enjoy a campfire before dinner. After dinner in the dining tent, we’ll go outside to sit by the campfire, star gaze and listen to the drumming and singing by the local Berbers who are all quite talented! Overnight Sahara Desert, Tiziri Luxury Camp

This trip has left an indelible mark on me and will leave me searching for more adventures in the years ahead. These last 10 days were full of color and life which will enrich my spirit even as I sit in the dark rooms of my work. -- Sejal, MA

Day 7

After breakfast, we head back to reality, and cap off our morning with a visit to Khamleya, a traditional Saharan village whose people originate from Mali. Enjoy local music, drumming and dancing before taking an easy walk around the village and its farmed plots in the sand. As you leave the Merzouga region, we’ll stop in Rissani, another market town with an impressive gate at the town’s entrance. Walk around the traditional stalls, and stop by the “donkey parking lot.” Continue through the desert to the town of Tinerhir and take in a great view of the nearby towns that cling to the side of the green river oasis, filled with verdant palm trees. The surrounding desert landscape reveals impressive buttes, mesas, and plateaus. We’ll also stop by the Todra Gorge, which stands 984 feet (300 m) high, and features stunning red-stained limestones. Here we’ll enjoy a hike through the gorge, and relax in the cool water of the shallow river. We continue our journey along the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs, a fortified complex where chiefs and landowners once lived. You’ll see various farms, many of which still use traditional methods, and will likely encounter Nomads herding sheep, goats, and camels. We’ll then lunch as we pass through the Dades Valley, where cultivated plots of farmland are bordered by rose bushes, which are used to make rose water and rose oil. We’ll stop by the Women’s Rose Cooperative to see the process of converting the petals into the water and oil, and sample some of the products. We can also purchase various crafts and products made from the roses. Overnight Dades.

Day 8

After breakfast, our local guide will take us for a walk through the green oasis and Berber villages at the foothills of the Atlas. We’ll have plenty of time to encounter the local Berber inhabitants and get a deep insight of their traditions and way of life. Our guide knows the area very well and he will take us to the hidden secrets of this amazing valley. Visit  Aït Oudinar Women’s Weaving Cooperative created to help bring income to the local families and to the village. We’ll learn about their projects, customs and culture. We’ll have an amazing homemade lunch with our guide’s family then drive back to our hotel.  We’ll have time before dinner to relax by the pool or take advantage of the hotel’s spa for a massage or hammam visit. Overnight Dades.

Day 9

After breakfast, we’re off to Quarzazate. This growing town is a common stopping point along the desert route and was made popular by the growing movie industry.  Aït Benhaddou is the most famous Kasbah in Morocco and a UNESCO world heritage site. It has been featured in many movies, portraying landscapes all over the desert, Africa, and the near east. Some popular film credits include Lawrence of Arabia, The Last Temptation of Christ,  Gladiator, and Game of Thrones. As we head up and over the High Atlas, look out for the highest peak, Mount Toubkal, which stands at 13,671 feet (4,167 m). Near the top of the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass, you can enjoy great panoramic views over the mountain range, as well as the road ahead that snakes down the mountainside. We’ll stop at Taddert to visit an olive oil cooperative to learn how olives are processed for a variety of uses. Taste a few products, then head back on the road. After all the tranquillity of the mountains and the desert, we are soon back to vibrant Marrakech. (Note: total drive time is 5 – 6 hrs) Overnight Marrakech.

Day 10

Marrakech, Morocco’s second-largest metropolis is also known as the “Red City” (due to the natural red ochre pigment in its walls). Prepare to be met with vibrant sights, sounds, and smells as we explore today. We’ll enjoy a half day tour of local history, culture and the medina’s hidden gems. Our guide will take us through Jemaa el Fna Square: with the souks to the north, the Koutoubia Mosque & Gardens to the west and the Kasbah area with the Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, and El Badi Palace to the south.  We’ll have a free afternoon to shop, chill, and enjoy the vibe of Marrakech. Meet back up at our riad and have a delicious dinner together. Overnight Marrakech.

Day 11

Today we learn how to cook a a chicken tagine with olives and pickled lemons in a delightful setting. It takes about 90 minutes before our tagines are taken from the fire and served with fresh flat bread. We’ll hear the stories of Amal’s recent successes, told by the local women. Amal Center is a non-profit women’s organization founded by Nora Fitzgerald, an American born in Morocco, to help the women who come from disadvantaged backgrounds and without the opportunity to attend school and become independent. Thanks to the available training at Amal, the women learn and polish their skills. They learn reading, writing, communication, cooking, and other personal development skills that lead to employment. We’ll head back to our hotel with free time before our Farewell Dinner. Overnight Marrakech.

Day 12

After breakfast enjoy the hotel amenities before our transfer to the international airport for return flights – or choose to extend on your own in Magical Morocco!

What’s Included

• 12 days/ 11 nights Fully Guided Tour with English speaking guide and a Canyon Calling Trip Leader
• All land transport as outlined in this itinerary
• Hotel accommodations in average 4*, double occupancy
• All meals from breakfast on Day 2 through breakfast on Day 12
• All activities and excursions in this itinerary
• All entrance fees and permits
• Activity guide gratuities

What’s Not Included

• Round-trip transportation to/from Morocco
• Beverages, alcohol, and items of a personal nature
• Optional gratuity to the local guide at end of the trip