Morocco: Rabat, Fez, Sahara Tented Camp, High Atlas Mountains, Ouarzazate, Marrakesh, Casablanca
Small groups of no more than 16 travelers, guaranteed
Morocco enthralls even the most experienced adventurer. Tradition infuses its labyrinthine medinas, overflowing with centuries-old customs and the colorful bounty of the Earth. Join us in Morocco and explore several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the medinas of Fez and Marrakesh. You'll also meet Moroccan people, experience their traditions, spend 2 nights in a private tented camp under the starry skies of the mighty Sahara Desert, and more.
16 days starting from $4,795
including international airfare from New York or Newark
Single Supplement: FREE
Departure Dates: Feb-May; Aug-Dec
Activity Level: Moderately Easy
2025 & 2026 DEPARTURES AVAILABLE
See all departure dates at www.oattravel.com/mso2025pricing
IT'S INCLUDED
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14 nights accommodation (13 nights if you are taking our optional post-trip extension to Essaouira & Casablanca)
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International airfare, airport transfers, government taxes, fees, and airline fuel surcharges unless you choose to make your own air arrangements
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33 meals-14 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 10 dinners, including 1 Home-Hosted Dinner (31 meals- including 1 Home-Hosted Dinner-if you are taking our optional post-trip extension to Essaouira & Casablanca)
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All land transportation
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15 small group activities
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Services of a local O.A.T. Trip Experience Leader
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Gratuities for local guides, drivers, camp staff, and luggage porters
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5% Frequent Traveler Credit toward your next adventure
ITINERARY
DAY 1 • Depart U.S.
Depart today on an overnight flight to Casablanca.
DAY 2 • Casablanca, Morocco Rabat
An O.A.T. representative meets us at the airport in Casablanca and assists with the transfer to our hotel in Rabat. Later, we meet our fellow travelers who took the optional pre-trip extension to Northern Morocco: Chefchaouen, Tangier & the Berbers of the Rif.
Meals: D | Le Diwan Hotel or similar
DAY 3 • Rabat
We'll start with a brief introduction to the Arabic language before heading out on a guided tour of Rabat. We see the exterior of Rabat's Royal Palace and its impressive Bab ar-Rouah (Gate of the Winds), and visit the ruins and wild gardens of the Chellah, a 14th-century Merinid necropolis. We'll visit a historic coffee shop and end our discoveries at the Kasbah Oudeya, a citadel built in the twelfth century.
Meals: B,D | Le Diwan Hotel or similar
DAY 4 • Overland to Fez
Today we leave the coast and Rabat behind, and set off for Fez-locally referred to as Fes. We'll drive past sweeping fields, rolling countryside, and tree-covered slopes, some of which may be speckled with poppies, prickly pears, olive trees, or snow, depending on the time of year. We'll make a stop along the way in El Khemisset. Upon arrival in Fez, we'll set off on foot to the medina-a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then we'll check into our riad-a Moroccan home that has been refurbished into a hotel.
Meals: B,L | Hotel Riad Salam
DAY 5 • Fez Home-Hosted Dinner
Set out for a day of exploration in Fez. First, go to the traditional Jewish quarter, the mellah, to visit a 17th-century synagogue. Afterwards, stroll through the souks (marketplace) of the Old City-the medina. Later, enjoy an exclusive Home-Hosted Dinner with a local family.
Meals: B,L,D | Hotel Riad Salam or similar
DAY 6 • Fez • Optional Volubilis & Meknes tour
The day is free for you to make your own discoveries in Fez. Or, you may choose to join a full-day optional tour of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Volubilis and Meknes.
Meals: B,D | Hotel Riad Salam or similar
DAY 7 • Cross the Middle & High Atlas Mountains • Erfoud
Our journey into the Sahara begins today, as we drive approximately 300 miles across the Middle Atlas mountain range, winding through beautiful pine groves and giant cedar forests. Later, we descend into Erfoud, a small trading village that is the gateway to the vast Sahara Desert. Along the way, meet with a semi- nomadic family (when possible) and delve into their way of life.
Meals: B,L,D | Kasbah Hotel Chergui or similar
DAY 8 • Off-road Sahara adventure Meet local family • Overland to Sahara Desert camp
Board 4x4 vehicles and head through the desert to our private tented campsite. Along the way, you'll enjoy an O.A.T.-exclusive visit with members of a local desert community. Afterwards, you may join your Trip Experience Leader on an optional sunset dune hike. Take in a traditional Moroccan cooking demonstration this evening.
Meals: B,L,D | Private tented camp
ADVENTURE HIGHLIGHT
On Days 8 and 9, spend two nights in a private tented camp in the Sahara Desert, ride a camel in the sand dunes, and gather by the campfire under the African stars.
DAY 9 • Sahara Desert walk & camel ride • Farm visit • Khamlia
Choose to rise before dawn to watch the sunrise in the Saharan dunes followed by a guided walk. Later, explore the desert on the back of a camel (weather permitting). Then, journey by 4x4 vehicle to a local farm, followed by a visit to the remote village of Khamlia for a lively Gnawa musical performance. Later, enjoy a cup of tea with nomadic women, and learn about Islam from our Trip Experience Leader.
Meals: B,L,D | Private tented camp
DAY 10 • Ouarzazate • Berber museum
We leave the open desert behind and set off for the oasis town of Ouarzazate, making a stop in Tinejdad. There, we'll arrive at the Ksar of El Khorbat and take a walk inside one of the unique and ancient fortified ksars (walled cities). We'll then visit a Berber museum and learn about the history, architecture, and daily life of Berbers in this region. Then we'll continue with our overland transfer to Ouarzazate.
Meals: B,L,D | Hotel Dar Kamar or similar
DAY 11 • A Day in the Life of Asfalou village • Visit GCF Site: Imik Simik Women's Association • Ouarzazate
Experience A Day in the Life of Asfalou village where you'll sit for tea with the family of a local brick maker. After, we'll visit the Imik Simik Women's Association for Rural Development. Sponsored by Grand Circle Foundation, the Imik Simik Women's Association currently generates funding by selling bread, pastry, and couscous to local guesthouses in the village. We'll meet these women and learn how they are trying to change their lives and those of the young women in their community, for the better.
Meals: B,L,D | Hotel Dar Kamar or similar
ADVENTURE HIGHLIGHT
On Day 11, visit the Grand Circle Foundation - sponsored Imik Simik Women’s Association, which helps to further the education and skills of women in rural Morocco.
DAY 12 • Cross High Atlas Mountains • Marrakesh • Djemaa El Fna
Travel through the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakesh. Along the way, pause high above narrow green valleys to take in sweeping views. Once we arrive in Marrakesh, we'll check into our riad. Tonight, walk to Djemaa El Fna to sample food from the street stalls.
Meals: B,L | Riad Palais des Princesses or similar
DAY 13 • Marrakesh • Horse-drawn carriage ride
Explore Marrakesh on foot, stopping at the Koutoubia minaret, the Moorish spice market, the opulent Bahia Palace, and the famous medina. Later, you may choose to join your Trip Experience Leader to see a demonstration of Berber weaving. Afterwards, ride through Marrakesh in a traditional horse-drawn cal\u00e8che.
Meals: B,D | Riad Palais des Princesses or similar
DAY 14 • Marrakesh • Optional tours • Controversial Topic: Feminist youth activism
Discover Marrakesh from above on our optional Marrakesh Hot-Air Balloon Ride, or join our optional Marrakesh Museums tour. This evening, a local young woman will lead a conversation about a Controversial Topic: the personal choices of young Moroccan women while adhering to social norms.
Meals: B,D | Riad Palais des Princesses or similar
DAY 15 • Casablanca & Hassan II Mosque
Upon arrival in Casablanca, visit the Hassan II Mosque followed by a discovery walk through the city center. Then, enjoy lunch at the Women's Solidarity Association. Travelers taking our The Atlantic Coast: Artistic Essaouira & Casablanca post-trip extension will depart for Essaouira after breakfast.
Meals: B,L | Radisson Blu Hotel Casablanca or similar
DAY 16 • Return to U.S.
Head to the airport after breakfast for your flight to the U.S.
Meals: B
For departure dates & prices, visit www.oattravel.com/mso2025pricing
OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS
Choose to maximize your discoveries and value when you add a pre- or post-trip extension—or both—to your adventure.
Northern Morocco: Chefchaouen, Tangier & the Berbers of the Rif
PRE-TRIP: 5 nights from $1,695
Witness the striking mountainside scenery of Chefchaouen, experience Berber culture, and discover the eclectic spirit of coastal Tangier.
IT’S INCLUDED
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5 nights accommodation
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9 meals—5 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners (including 1 Home-Hosted Lunch)
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4 small group activities
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Services of a local O.A.T. Trip Experience Leader
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Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and luggage porters
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All transfers
Learn more at www.oattravel.com/mso-tangier-2025
The Atlantic Coast: Artistic Essaouira & Casablanca
POST-TRIP: 5 nights from $1,095
Cap off your Morocco adventure with visits to Essaouira, known as “the pearl of the kingdom”, and the country’s largest city, Casablanca, a centuries-old port.
IT’S INCLUDED
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5 nights accommodation
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9 meals—5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 1 dinner
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1 small group activity
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Services of a local O.A.T. Trip Experience Leader Gratuities for local guides, drivers, and luggage porters
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All transfers
Learn more at www.oattravel.com/mso-essaouira-2025
ARRIVE EARLY
We recommend that you relax after a long flight or explore more in depth before your trip. Prices shown include accommodations and private airport transfer.
• Arrive early in Casablanca before your northern Morocco pre-trip extension from $220 per room, per night
• Arrive early in Rabat before your main adventure from $220 per room, per night