Magical Morocco Women-only Tour Fall 2022

* Sorry! This tour is sold out. If you’re interested in being on the waitlist for this tour or our other October/November Morocco trip, please contact us and we’ll let you know if space becomes available.

NOTE: At this time, Morocco requires all visitors to be fully vaccinated prior to entry OR present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of boarding your flight.

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Note: Cancellation fees apply. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before registering.

Morocco Women-only Tour Itinerary

The adventure starts in Casablanca on October 23, 2022. If you’d like to arrive early, we can arrange additional hotel nights prior to the tour.

The tour ends in Essaouira. You can return home or to your next destination via Casablanca or Marrakech (see Day 13 for more info).

Day 1 – Casablanca
Sunday, October 23, 2022
Meals: Dinner

Upon arrival at Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport, you’ll be met by a driver and head to the hotel. You’ll have a chance to relax on this day prior to our welcome dinner at Rick’s Café!

You might know Rick’s from the iconic movie, Casablanca. Though this is not the original restaurant from the movie, it is filled with details reminiscent of the film–including the architecture and décor. The food is great, too!

Overnight at Barcelo Anfa or similar in Casablanca.

Day 2 – Casablanca – Chefchaouen
Monday, October 24, 2022
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today will be our first full day of touring. After breakfast, we’ll visit the most spectacular mosque that non-Muslims are allowed to enter, the Hassan II Mosque on Casablanca’s waterfront.

We’ll spend time visiting both the exterior and interior of the mosque on a guided tour, with plenty of time for photos.

Afterward, we’ll make the drive to Rabat, less than two hours away. There, we’ll visit a local female artisan who creates beautiful leather goods including purses, bags and other accessories. We’ll have lunch at a wonderful restaurant in Rabat and then drive onward to Chefchaouen (the Blue City), about a five-hour drive away.

We’ll arrive at our hotel in time for dinner at Lina Ryad.

Overnight at Lina Ryad and Spa or similar in Chefchaouen.

HIGHLIGHT! Hassan II Mosque is the largest mosque in Africa with the world’s tallest minaret at 689 feet. It’s hands down one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and, likely, one of the least known. It definitely rivals the Taj Mahal.

Day 3 – Chefchaouen
Tuesday, October 25, 2022
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

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 (mostly) pedestrian streets to photograph the sea of blue walls, windows, doorways and steps.

Lunch will be on your own to give you time to wander the streets and to have time to photograph this charming village. This will also be a great chance to browse the shops tucked away down all the alleys.

In the late afternoon, we’ll walk the slight uphill climb to the Spanish Mosque and enjoy the sunset there.

Afterward, we’ll have dinner at a fantastic local restaurant.

Overnight at Lina Ryad and Spa or similar in Chefchaouen.

HIGHLIGHT! Chefchaouen may be one of the most beautiful cities you’ll ever visit. Make sure you have a camera (or your phone 😁) because it’s difficult to not capture a great image in this Blue City, where everywhere you look, you feel like you might be swimming in the Mediterranean.

Day 4 – Chefchaouen – Fes
Wednesday, October 26, 2022
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After a wonderful breakfast at our ryad, we’ll start the drive to Fes. Along the way, we’ll stop at Nzala Women’s Cooperative for a bread-making workshop. It’s here in the tiny town of N’zalat Bni Amar (pop. 2,000) that these women have also started an embroidery cooperative to help bring income to their families and to the village. We’ll have an amazing homemade lunch with them and learn all about their projects.

We’ll then drive to Fes and check in at our hotel. (Total drive time is about five hours from Chefchaouen to Fes.)

You may want to rest in the late afternoon / evening and have a relaxing dinner (not included) at one of the hotel’s restaurants or bars. You might also take advantage of the hotel’s spa for a massage or hammam visit or soak in the hot tub.

Overnight at Hotel Sahrai or similar in Fes.

HIGHLIGHT! Bread is a staple at every Moroccan meal. And while you may tire of it at some point, you can be sure that when you get home, you’ll be wishing you knew how to make it for yourself! Today we’ll get to do just that. And the ladies who’ll be teaching us? They’ll charm you with their hospitality!

Day 5 – Fes
Thursday, October 27, 2022
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

We’ll start this morning with breakfast and then a 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!). We’ll also visit a pottery workshop where you’ll see artisans making pottery of all sizes and styles. (Bring your credit card because you won’t be able to resist the work these folks do!)

Afterward, we’ll take a tasting tour of the medina. This will be during lunch and will be all you need (and then some!) for a lunchtime meal.

After the tasting tour, we’ll continue through the medina for a tour of the tanneries, souqs and artisan quarters, building in some time to shop.

Tonight dinner is on your own. You may not be hungry after the tasting tour but if you are, you can always grab a bite (or more) to eat at one of the hotel’s restaurants or bars. And if you didn’t get a chance the previous night, consider a massage, hammam visit or soak in the hot tub.

Overnight at Hotel Sahrai or similar in Fes.

HIGHLIGHT! The Fes medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a massive area of alleyways filled with shops, cafes, restaurants and residences. It’s mind-boggling that anyone could find their way around, so we’ll be guided to help us through the maze.

Day 6 – Fes – Sahara
Friday, October 28, 2022
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today will be a long drive to get to the Sahara (approximately 10 hours), so we’ll want to start early.

Along the way, we’ll stop for lunch and other breaks to stretch our legs, take some photos, grab a drink and snacks, and use the restroom 🙂

We’ll arrive at the edge of the Sahara in the late afternoon and then take a (optional) camel ride to our Luxury Camp. Our overnight bag, along with anyone interested, will be taken by vehicle. The camel ride will take about an hour and we’ll have the chance to stop for photos along the way!

We’ll settle into our tents and enjoy a campfire before dinner. After an amazing dinner in the dining tent, we’ll then have a chance to sit by the campfire again, star gaze and listen to the drumming and singing by the employees who are all quite talented!

Overnight at Luxury Camp or similar in the Sahara.

HIGHLIGHT! You’ll feel both isolated and luxuriously relaxed at the camp. You’ll be able to (mostly) only see sand dunes and stars, and you’ll be so comfortable, you’ll forget you’re in a “tent.”

Day 7 – Sahara – Ouarzazate
Saturday, October 29, 2022
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we’ll have a leisurely breakfast before taking the short drive (no camels this time!) back to the main road and town where we’ll meet up with our vehicle for the drive to Ouarzazate.

Along the way, we’ll stop at Todra Gorge, where we’ll be able to walk along the road and through the gorge and also have lunch.

This will be another longish day of driving (7.5 hours) so we’ll continue on to our hotel to relax this afternoon and evening. This town is really just a stopping-off point for us so that we can break up the long drive from the Sahara to Marrakech.

Dinner and overnight at Ksar Ighnda or similar in Ouarzazate.

Day 8 – Ouarzazate – Marrakech
Sunday, October 30, 2022
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we’ll visit another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kasbah Ait Benhaddou. This area consists of a group of earthen dwellings once used as a stopping point for caravans between the Sahara and Marrakech. If you like, you can make the easy walk to the top–via windy alleys and shops–to a viewpoint looking over the entire valley. From here, you can look down and perhaps recognize some of the scenery from the movie, Gladiator, as part of it was filmed here!

We’ll continue on our drive and stop for lunch along the way before arriving in Marrakech in the late afternoon.

At night, we’ll tour the Djemaa el-fna, Marrakech’s main square, and then have dinner on our own at one of the city’s many restaurants.

Overnight at La Maison Arabe or similar in Marrakech.

HIGHLIGHT! Marrakech is a vibrant, bustling city that is busy by day, but downright busting with energy by night. We’ll visit the main square in the evening where nightlife explodes with vendors, street performers and hawkers of all things.

Day 9 – Marrakech
Monday, October 31, 2022
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we’ll take a guided tour of Marrakech’s highlights including the Koutoubia, Bahia Palace and Saadian Tombs–all centrally located. We’ll stop for lunch in the medina and then continue with a guided tour through the medina and souqs.

For dinner, we’ll be taking part in a lively tagine cooking class at our hotel’s restaurant, which is renowned for its food.

Overnight at La Maison Arabe or similar in Marrakech.

HIGHLIGHT! Marrakech has much to offer in terms of history, culture and food. We’ll get a dose of all of these today during our tour of this city made quite famous by Crosby, Stills & Nash.

Day 10 – Marrakech
Tuesday, November 1, 2022
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we’ll drive to the Atlas Mountains (about 1.5 hours away) to see the countryside, take in some fresh air and see how communities outside of the cities live.

Once we arrive in the village of Imlil, we’ll take a (optional) guided hike to a Berber village. The hike will be just over an hour. While it won’t be too difficult, consider wearing hiking or walking shoes with some tread and ankle support.

We’ll have a traditional lunch in a Berber home.

After this delicious meal, we’ll visit the Eve Branson Foundation and the women’s cooperatives that are supported by this fantastic non-profit.

We’ll then return to Marrakech where dinner is on your own to give you some flexibility and discover food and restaurants of your choosing. You might also schedule a massage or just take a break from all the delicious food!

Overnight at La Maison Arabe or similar in Marrakech.

HIGHLIGHT! There will be many highlights today, but overall it will be a day of interactions with the locals and getting to know them outside of the city!

Day 11 – Marrakech – Essaouira
Wednesday, November 2, 2022
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today after breakfast, we’ll visit Jardin Majorelle, a 2.5 acre garden once owned by Yves St. Laurent. This oasis in the city is filled with exotic plants, trees, flowers, streams and pools all behind an earthen wall and hidden from street view. We’ll also visit the Berbere Museum here as well as the Yves St. Laurent Museum.

Lunch will be at Amal Association, a non-profit that empowers women through culinary skills.

We’ll then make the drive west toward Essaouira, the last stop on this magical trip.

Dinner is on your own tonight. You may eat at the hotel’s restaurant, walk into town or just enjoy a light bite in the bar.

Overnight at Villa de l’O or similar in Essaouira.

HIGHLIGHT! Today’s highlights will be the beautiful (and peaceful) gardens as well as the delicious meal at Amal.

Day 12 – Essaouira
Thursday, November 3, 2022
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today is, sadly, our last day of touring in Morocco. We’ll make it easy on you and include just a morning of touring the medina, harbor and sqala (the city’s fort from the 18th century).

You’ll then have lunch on your own and an afternoon free to eat, shop, relax, walk or pack.

This evening we’ll have an unforgettable farewell dinner at a wonderful local restaurant.

Overnight at Villa de l’O or similar in Essaouira.

Day 13 – Essaouira – departure
Friday, November 4, 2022
Meals: Breakfast

Today is departure day! We won’t have a formal farewell meal, but you will likely have time to say your goodbyes over breakfast. It is recommended that you schedule your flight for later in the day or early the following day so that you don’t have to leave too early on this morning.

There are a number of options for leaving Morocco. We can book a car/shuttle to Marrakech for you (preferred option and included if you depart for airport after 10 a.m.), we can book a car/shuttle to Casablanca for you, or you can fly from Essaouira to Casablanca (note that flights are limited).

In our experience, most people will return to Marrakech, overnighting there for their early morning flights out on November 5. But this will all depend on flight availability post-Covid.

Read more about departing Morocco in the FAQs.

** Itinerary subject to change without notice.

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* Sorry! This tour is sold out. If you’re interested in being on the waitlist for this tour or our other October/November Morocco trip, please contact us and we’ll let you know if space becomes available.

Costs

Land costs: $5,600 (8 people), $5,500 (9 – 10 people), $5,400 (11 – 12 people), $5,300 (13 – 15 people)
Single supplement: $1,150
Flights and / or airport transfers at end of tour: $35 – $300 (see Morocco FAQs for options and pricing)

Interested in sharing the cost with another fabulous traveler? We do our best to pair up our tour participants so you can avoid the single supplement. However, priority is given to the first deposits received. If you’re interested in sharing, please send in your deposit as soon as possible in order to take advantage of this benefit. (Why a single supplement? See this FAQ page for an explanation.)

Booking and Payment Details

Price includes: Accommodation, 28 meals, land transportation, local guides, tips for guide and driver, and entry into all activities listed in itinerary.

Price does not include: Flights to and from Morocco, in-country flights (if required), visa, travel insurance (highly recommended), Covid-19 testing (if required) and purchases of personal nature such as souvenirs and beverages.

This trip is limited to 15 women and requires an $800 deposit to secure your spot.

Minimum bookings required: 8 people (minimum reached)

Final payment is due no later than August 24, 2022.

We love checks as it helps keep our costs down by avoiding credit card fees. If you’re able to pay the deposit or full amount by check, Venmo or wire transfer, we’ll not only love you more but we’ll send you a free gift from the She’s Bold Shop. ** If you live outside of the U.S., you’ll receive your gift during the tour.

Here’s our mailing address:

WanderTours
PO Box 16102
Seattle, WA 98116

Cancellation fees apply. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before registering.

The fine print

Morocco Fall 2022 Registration Form (sent to tour participants once deposit is received)

Morocco Fall Tour 2022  (PDF)

We have now partnered with Travel Insured International so that you have ability to purchase “cancel for any reason” insurance. We HIGHLY recommend travel insurance (no matter who your provider is) to protect your travel investment from any future issues.

For questions, please contact Beth at:
beth (at) wandertours (dot) com
206-317-1860

Trip Leader: Beth Whitman
Beth is beyond excited to be escorting groups to Morocco. While this destination was not initially on her radar, she had so many requests for it, that she had to check it out for herself.

Immediately smitten with the people, the beautiful and diverse landscape, the architecture and the bread (ha ha!), there was no question about whether this would be an excellent addition to the WanderTours offerings. You’ll soon see for yourself what all the fuss is about!

Beth is the author of the Wanderlust and Lipstick guides including The Essential Guide for Women Traveling Solo and For Women Traveling to India. She is the publisher and founder of Wanderlust and Lipstick and WanderTours and hosts the She’s Bold podcast, which can be found through your favorite podcast provider.