Group trips to Morocco
Our organized trips to Morocco
Morocco overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, making it a hotspot for surfing enthusiasts. We'll venture all the way to Essaouira! However, the true charm of Morocco is found in its rich Arab culture and historical heritage, felt in every corner of the country. From the vibrant medinas of the north, such as Fes and Tangiers, to the ancient Kasbahs of the central regions, the atmosphere is steeped in tradition. An unmissable experience awaits at the Sahara Desert, where you can spend the night in a tent camp and enjoy a peaceful dromedary ride across the dunes.
5 days • 4 nights
8 days • 7 nights
Must see in Morocco: our picks
Marrakech
One of the former capitals of the country, it is a vibrant city. The medina is the ancient area, where you can stroll through the labyrinthine streets letting yourself be guided by the scents of spices and leather, by the colors of the lamps and fabrics and by the shouts of the merchants trying to attract your attention to their shop. The fulcrum of the medium is the Djemaa el Fna square, an open space surrounded by red buildings with terraced bars and shops which from early morning until late evening comes alive with stalls and itinerant vendors of all sorts: from snake charmers to carts of centrifuges fresh fruit. We advise you to take at least two days to go around it all, do some shopping and try typical dishes, you could also stay inside the walls in one of the many fairy-tale riads that have been transformed into hotels. The highlights of the city to visit are definitely: the El Bahia Palace, one of the Alawite-style royal residences and the Koutoubia Mosque with its imposing minaret. The city then expanded with a new and more western-style neighborhood where you can visit the famous Jardine Majorelle, the Islamic-style botanical garden created by Yves Saint Laurent.
Casablanca
One of the newest cities in Morocco, built on a Berber city destroyed by an earthquake. Casablanca is today one of the major economic centers of the country, thanks to its port, given its position along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, and to its recent development in an almost western style. Its name is indicative of its appearance: here the majority of buildings are painted white. In Casablanca you cannot miss: the monumental Hassan II Mosque with its minaret, the tallest in the world, which you can also visit internally, one of the few mosques in Morocco that non-Muslim faithful can visit; obviously its medina, even if it represents the remains of what survived the earthquake of the seventh century; La Corniche, the most fashionable area of Casablanca, a seafront with clubs, hotels and cafés for relaxing and having fun; the Mohammed V Square, its beating heart and the Royal Palace, which can only be visited externally but which is certainly worth a look.
Essaouira
A small pearl bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, Essaouira will steal your heart. Its medina is lively and overwhelming, even here you won't be able to hold back the desire to buy some handicrafts, spices, fabrics, even fresh fish at the market to then be cooked in one of the "grill only" restaurants hidden in the alleys. We advise you to organize a guided tour to discover its history, the tradition of the port in constant ferment and how it has come to be one of the cities where life is best in all of Morocco. Just outside the walls of the medina we find the beach and the promenade along which hotels, kiosks and the new area of the city have sprung up. However, there is an area of unspoilt beach where local schools organize surfing lessons, horse riding, quad biking or camel rides. The natural spectacle here is guaranteed: amber sand dunes that protect a very wide shoreline on which the powerful ocean waves break. One of the most poetic and inspirational places you will be able to find in Morocco!
Sahara desert
Did you know that Morocco hosts only a very small part of the Sahara Desert? To start glimpsing the high golden sand dunes you will need to head to Merzouga in the southeast of the country. Here you will find an expanse of barren land and in the distance you will begin to see these towering hills on the horizon. Its vastness, the geometry of the shapes and the harmonious relationship that the Berbers have established with the desert leave you speechless. We recommend that you stay overnight in one of the nearby desert tented camps. In this way you will be able to admire both the sunset and the sunrise in the dunes, with the sun coloring them with shades never seen before. You will be able to get in touch with the Berbers, the nomadic people who with their dromedaries know the desert like the back of their hand and over the centuries have migrated from one country to another right through the desert, and be their guest while enjoying local food and perhaps playing bongos and singing along. Often they also offer the possibility of organizing a walk on dromedaries among the dunes or quad biking, certainly both experiences allow you to discover this desert with different eyes.
Chefchaouen
The blue city! Chefchaouen earned this name for the characteristic color of its houses, all painted in various shades of blue. How come? Theories differ: Blue is said to be a heat-repelling color, so it's a way to keep homes cooler during the hot summer months; it is said that it is a way to repel insects, because the natural pigment of indigo contains substances that annoy mosquitoes and so on; but it is also said that they were painted like this by Jews who fled the Spanish Inquisition. The fact is that the effect upon arrival is of a fairy-tale town, built in a gorge in the north of the town along a small stream. Like any Moroccan city, its hub is the medina, a maze of narrow streets lined with the shops of local merchants selling everything from groceries to clothes, leather goods to spices.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
If you are a UK citizen, to find out the entry requirements for Morocco, you can check this informational page from our partner Sherpa. If you need a visa, you can apply for it through Sherpa. If you are not a UK citizen, you can still use Sherpa by changing the nationality in the 'Passport' section.
Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Morocco – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!
- UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
- US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.
Morocco is in the Western European Time Zone (WET), which is UTC+0. However, Morocco observes Daylight Saving Time, usually from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October, shifting the time to Western European Summer Time (WEST), which is UTC+1.
During this period:
- If it is 12 pm in the UK, it will be 1 pm in Morocco.
- If it is 12 pm in New York, USA, it will be 5 pm in Morocco.
Be sure to check the current time difference when planning your trip, as it can change with daylight saving adjustments.
Morocco uses the Moroccan Dirham (MAD) as its currency. The exchange rate can vary, but as a rough guide:
- 1 GBP is approximately 14 MAD
- 1 USD is around 10 MAD
- 1 EUR is about 11 MAD
You can exchange currency at banks, exchange offices, and some hotels. Make sure to check for the latest rates before you travel.
In Morocco, cash and cards are widely accepted. You can use credit and debit cards in most hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, but it's a good idea to have some cash for smaller shops, markets, and taxis. ATMs are available in cities and towns, so you can easily withdraw cash. It's often useful to carry Moroccan dirhams for everyday expenses, as not all places accept cards. Remember that smaller establishments might prefer cash, so having some on hand is always helpful.
Tipping is appreciated in Morocco and often expected for good service. In restaurants, it's common to leave around 10% of the bill as a tip. For smaller services, like taxis or porters, rounding up the fare or a small tip is appropriate. While tipping in Moroccan Dirhams is preferred, small amounts in Euros or Dollars are usually accepted too. If you're unsure, you can always ask locals for guidance on tipping practices.
In Morocco, you'll find that Wi-Fi is generally available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants, especially in urban areas. However, for more reliable internet access while traveling around, it's a good idea to buy a local SIM card. Major providers like Maroc Telecom, Orange Morocco, and Inwi offer affordable prepaid plans with data. You can purchase a SIM card at the airport, in mobile shops, or even in some convenience stores. If you prefer, you can also opt for an e-SIM data plan, which is easy to set up and doesn't require a physical SIM card. This way, you’ll stay connected even in areas where Wi-Fi might be scarce.
In Morocco, the official languages are Arabic and Amazigh (Berber). You'll also find that many people speak French, especially in urban areas, as it's widely used in business and government. Here are some useful Arabic expressions you might hear or use:
- Hello: Salam
- Thank you: Shukran
- Yes: Na'am
- No: La
If you're heading to Morocco, having a few of these phrases at hand can be quite helpful in your travels.
In Morocco, the plugs are of types C and E. The standard voltage is 220 volts with a frequency of 50 Hz. If your devices use a different plug type, we suggest bringing a universal adapter to ensure compatibility. This way, you'll be able to charge your gadgets without any hassle.
In Morocco, the main religion is Islam. Most Moroccans are Sunni Muslims. When visiting, especially during Ramadan, you might notice changes in business hours and daily routines, as it's a significant religious observance. Women travelers should consider dressing modestly, especially in rural areas or when visiting religious sites. Key religious holidays include:
- Ramadan
- Eid al-Fitr
- Eid al-Adha
Packing for Morocco can be exciting, as it offers a mix of cultures, landscapes, and experiences. Here's a helpful guide on what to put in your backpack:
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Clothing:
- Lightweight long-sleeve shirts
- Loose pants or long skirts
- A light sweater or jacket for cooler evenings
- A scarf or shawl for sun protection and modesty
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Shoes:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sandals for the beach or casual days
- Hiking boots if you plan to explore the Atlas Mountains
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Accessories and Technology:
- Sunglasses and a hat for sun protection
- A universal travel adapter
- Portable charger and camera
- Reusable water bottle
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Toiletries and Medication:
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Basic first-aid kit with band-aids and antiseptic
- Pain relievers like ibuprofen or paracetamol
- Any personal prescription medications
Remember that Morocco is a Muslim-majority country, so dressing modestly is appreciated.
Morocco's weather varies a lot depending on the region and time of year.
- Coastal Areas: Mild winters and warm summers. Best time to visit is spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) when temperatures are pleasant.
- Inland and Southern Areas: Hot and dry summers, especially in the desert regions, with cooler winters. The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn.
- Atlas Mountains: Cold and snowy in winter, offering a cooler escape in the summer. Ideal for trekking in late spring or early autumn.
Overall, spring and autumn are the best times to explore Morocco, offering milder temperatures and less extreme weather conditions.