SHORTLIST

Morocco Real Food Adventure

Clear your plate for flavour-filled Morocco, where Amazigh, Arabic and European influences mix to create an adventurous culinary medley. On this 12-day journey, follow the smell of food through mesmerising markets and master recipes taught by those who know them best. Grab street food from a souq and share traditional meals in local homes. Take a handful of bustling medinas, mix with a sprinkling of spices and season with fresh local produce, all drizzled with warm Moroccan hospitality for an adventure that will linger long on the tongue and in the memory.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement exclude Day 2 (Guesthouse), Day 7 (Desert Camp) and Days 8,9 (Gite) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. While we endeavour to cater for specific dietary requirements, some meals and food activities are set in advance and may be difficult to adjust. Please advise us of any dietary requirements at the time of booking so that we can ensure you’ll enjoy this trip.
3. The 31 March 2023 departure will be travelling during Ramadan. Where we are unable to provide an experience, due to Ramadan closures, your leader will ensure an alternative activity is provided, highlighting the food traditions of this festival.
4. Optional transfer from Marrakech to Casablanca
If you are flying into Marrakech we can provide an optional transfer to the starting point city of Casablanca. This transfer is on request and prepaid. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Tour details
Tour Provider Intrepid Travel
Price From
$1,904
Number of Days
12
Start Location
Casablanca, Morocco
End Location
Marrakech, Morocco
Age Range
Avg. 30+
Group Size
1 to 12
Tour Style
Standard
Tour Themes
Food
Physical Rating
Easy to Moderate
Itinerary Open all
Day 1: Casablanca
Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Morocco. Your adventure begins today with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you'll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. As there's little free time included in Casablanca on this trip, consider coming a day early to fully explore the city. Modelled after Marseille in France, the city is famous for its art deco buildings and you can wander the old medina and the city walls, then jump in a taxi to visit the Quartiers des Habous – the new medina. Maybe walk along the corniche, watching the locals play football on the beach or take it easy with a glass of sweet mint tea in one of the many great cafes. Tonight, join your group for a welcome dinner full of delicious traditional specialties.
Day 2: Meknes to Moulay Idriss
Say goodbye to Casablanca and take an early train to Meknes. In the 17th century, Sultan Moulay Ismail turned Meknes from a provincial town to an Imperial city. When you arrive, get to know Meknes on an orientation walk with your leader. For lunch, visit a local restaurant in the medina to try a Moroccan delicacy – a deliciously rich camel burger! Next, drive on to Moulay Idriss and settle in at a local guesthouse, where the art of hand-rolled couscous is lovingly demonstrated, followed by an authentic Moroccan meal.
Day 3: Chefchaoeun
This morning, drive to Chefchaouen, or the ‘blue city’ – arguably one of the prettiest places in Morocco, set against a wide valley between two peaks in the Rif Mountains. Its medina has been lovingly cared for with striking blue and whitewashed houses, red-tiled roofs and artistic doorways. Much of Chefchaouen was recreated by Andalusian refugees escaping the Reconquista, so you might feel like you're in the hills of Spain while exploring its streets. Tonight, you’ll get a real insight into Moroccan food with a homecooked dinner prepared with seasonal ingredients. As part of your meal, enjoy a taste of the town’s famous goat’s cheese. Herds of goats wander the sparse hillsides that surround Chefchaouen, and their cheese is popular accompaniment to any meal.
Day 4: Fes
Enjoy your morning in Chefchaouen, taking in the sights, sounds and smells of the medina. In the afternoon, you’ll travel to Fes – the most complete medieval city in the Arab world. Fes is the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco – a visual and pungent feast for the senses. You’ll have free time for the rest of the day to explore. This evening is a great time to seek out Moroccan specialities like harira (chickpea soup).
Day 5: Fes
Take a guided group walking tour of the Old City, known locally as Fes el Bali. Step back into the Middle Ages as you explore the labyrinth of the medina, which is alive with craftsmen, markets, tanneries and mosques. Pass donkeys piled high with goods (this is one of the largest car-free urban zones in the world) and explore the specialty sections that divide the souk. Look out for the Medersa Bou Inania – one of the city's most beautiful buildings, which has recently been restored and is now open to tourists. Then, visit a ceramics factory where you can see traditional handmade pottery being made. Your local leader will guide you on a 'tasting trail' along the way today before enjoying an evening cooking demonstration, where you’ll learn how to create one of the city's signature dishes – pastilla (a salty and sweet pastry parcel).
Day 6: Midelt
Start the day right with a tasty street food breakfast of msemmen (flatbread) with olive oil and boiled egg or omelette paired with coffee or mint tea. Then, leave the intensity of the city behind for the simplicity of the Middle Atlas Mountains. On the way, stop at a local supermarket and get a broader view of the contemporary food habits of modern Moroccans. Here, your leader will pick up some local snacks for the group. Drive south, through varied scenery – fertile valleys, cedar and pine forests and barren, rocky landscapes. The area is populated with wandering nomadic shepherds attending their flocks. Pass through cedar forests, home to North Africa's only monkey, Barbary apes, to Midelt. Sitting in a valley, Midelt is a market town originally built as a mining base and surrounded by farmland and orchards. Stretch your legs as you explore the nearby village of Bremmen and take a closer look at local farming life. Tonight, a special meal will be prepared using the aromatic herbs native to the region.
Day 7: Merzouga
Enjoy a scenic drive towards the Sahara this morning, stopping along the way to admire the panoramic views of the kasbahs and palm groves (valleys lush with date palms, fields and orchards). You may also have a chance to pause in some of the frontier towns such as Erfoud and Rissani before reaching the small Saharan settlement of Merzouga. Enjoy a demonstration of medfouna (also called Amazigh pizza, this is a traditional stuffed bread prepared with meat, herbs and spices by the nomadic peoples of the High Atlas). Traditionally prepared by women to feed local farm workers, this hearty delicacy is a great introduction to the cuisine of the desert region. Later today, leave your gear at a simple auberge and then ride camels to the edge of the Sahara, enjoying a spectacular sunset along the way. Dinner this evening at your desert camp will be a traditional spread of Moroccan soup, tagine and seasonal fruit.
Day 8: M'Goun Valley
After breakfast, prepare for a scenic drive filled with changing landscapes on the way to the M'Goun Valley. The journey will take you past ancient kasbah ruins, former military outposts, austere mountains and valleys of palm trees and irrigated fields. Dinner tonight is an Amazigh tagine prepared in a traditional clay pot cooked over an open fire.
Day 9: M'Goun Valley
Early this morning, maybe explore the nearby village souk of Kelaat M'gouna or see some Moroccan bread-making techniques in action with a demonstration. Then, you’ll head out on foot to explore the beauty of this largely untouched Moroccan backcountry. Accompanied by a local guide, you’ll pass through Amazigh villages, meeting local people along the way. Pass through agricultural land and learn about the produce grown in the region, then try it for yourself with a plant-based dinner this evening. Tomats, beans, walnuts, almonds, figs, apples and grapes are all grown in the M'Goun Valley, which you might enjoy in a tagine, couscous, Moroccan soup and seasonal fruit platters.
Day 10: Marrakech
Today, you’ll head to your final destination – Marrakech. On the way, stop by a women's cooperative, where they produce locally grown argan oil. A product that’s endemic to Morocco and used for both culinary and cosmetic purposes, you’ll see the trees that produce the argan oil and learn the process of how the workers extract it. Learn about how it’s used and all the benefits before continuing to Marrakech. When you arrive, a local guide will take you on an orientation walk and tasting trail through the medina. Visit a locally owned coffee shop for an insight into how this cultural practice uses hot sand to brew a unique, spiced coffee. This evening, maybe join the crowds for dinner at the famous Djemaa el-Fna – one of the largest public spaces in the world and unique to Marrakech. When night falls on this square, it transforms into a hive of activity, with henna painters, performers and storytellers sharing the square with a street food bazaar (where you can try snail soup)!
Day 11: Marrakech
Start your day by learning to prepare splendid Moroccan salads, a staple of the table, at the amazing Amal Association (our Intrepid Foundation partner) cooking centre – a non-profit empowering women through culinary skills and education, then feast on your creations for lunch. The afternoon is free to explore the sights of the city – you might like to drop by the Koutoubia Mosque or the dazzling Bahia Palace. In the evening, perhaps ascend the stairs of one of the surrounding restaurants for a birds-eye view of the action or head back into the medina for some shopping, where every step brings a new smell, a new sight or a new gift. This evening, you may like to join your group for a farewell dinner.
Day 12: Marrakech
Your food adventure across Morocco comes to an end this morning. If you’re extending your stay, maybe stroll through the tropical gardens of the French painter Jacques Majorelle or return to the medina. The Saadian tombs are another recently uncovered gem of the medina. Be sure to take a break from the bustle to sip on tea or eat a tagine, filled with the quintessential flavours of Morocco.
Inclusions
  • Meals: 11 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 8 dinners.
  • Transport: Private Vehicle, Train, Taxi.
  • Accommodation: Hotel (7 nights), Guesthouse (1 night), Gite (2 nights), Desert Camp (1 night).
  • Casablanca - Welcome Dinner.
  • Meknes - Medina walking tour.
  • Moulay Idriss - Couscous Demonstration and Dinner.
  • Chefchaouen - Home-cooked Dinner.
  • Chefchaouen - Goat Cheese Tasting.
  • Fes - Medina Tasting Trail including Pastilla Demonstration.
  • Fes - Guided walking tour.
  • Midelt - Supermarket stop.
  • Fes - Street food breakfast.
  • Merzouga - Medfouna cooking demonstration.
  • M'goun Valley - Guided Half Day Hike.
  • Tichka - Argan Oil Cooperative Visit.
  • Marrakech - Tasting Trail.
  • Marrakech - Spiced Sand Coffee.
  • Marrakech - Amal Association (The Intrepid Foundation partner) cooking class.
Departure dates
All pp pricing is based on twin share occupancy. Single supplements will apply
Start End Availability Price NZD
20 Dec 2024 31 Dec 2024 8 $1,904
27 Dec 2024 07 Jan 2025 6 $2,462
10 Jan 2025 21 Jan 2025 6 $2,072
14 Feb 2025 25 Feb 2025 2 $2,012
04 Apr 2025 15 Apr 2025 9 $2,092
18 Apr 2025 29 Apr 2025 9 $2,092
22 Apr 2025 03 May 2025 5 $2,132
25 Apr 2025 06 May 2025 9 $2,092
02 May 2025 13 May 2025 10 $2,092
09 May 2025 20 May 2025 6 $2,092
16 May 2025 27 May 2025 6 $2,132
30 May 2025 10 Jun 2025 11 $2,092
06 Jun 2025 17 Jun 2025 6 $2,032
13 Jun 2025 24 Jun 2025 12 $2,012
20 Jun 2025 01 Jul 2025 12 $2,012
04 Jul 2025 15 Jul 2025 8 $2,012
18 Jul 2025 29 Jul 2025 12 $2,092
08 Aug 2025 19 Aug 2025 12 $2,092
22 Aug 2025 02 Sep 2025 10 $2,092
02 Sep 2025 13 Sep 2025 8 $2,172
05 Sep 2025 16 Sep 2025 12 $2,172
09 Sep 2025 20 Sep 2025 11 $2,172
12 Sep 2025 23 Sep 2025 10 $2,172
19 Sep 2025 30 Sep 2025 10 $2,172
23 Sep 2025 04 Oct 2025 12 $2,172
26 Sep 2025 07 Oct 2025 10 $2,172
30 Sep 2025 11 Oct 2025 10 $2,172
03 Oct 2025 14 Oct 2025 12 $2,172
07 Oct 2025 18 Oct 2025 11 $2,172
10 Oct 2025 21 Oct 2025 12 $2,172
17 Oct 2025 28 Oct 2025 12 $2,172
21 Oct 2025 01 Nov 2025 10 $2,172
24 Oct 2025 04 Nov 2025 8 $2,172
28 Oct 2025 08 Nov 2025 12 $2,092
31 Oct 2025 11 Nov 2025 12 $2,092
07 Nov 2025 18 Nov 2025 11 $2,012
14 Nov 2025 25 Nov 2025 12 $2,012
21 Nov 2025 02 Dec 2025 11 $2,012
28 Nov 2025 09 Dec 2025 12 $2,012
05 Dec 2025 16 Dec 2025 12 $2,012
19 Dec 2025 30 Dec 2025 12 $2,515
26 Dec 2025 06 Jan 2026 12 $2,515
09 Jan 2026 20 Jan 2026 12 $2,640
03 Feb 2026 14 Feb 2026 12 $2,640
27 Mar 2026 07 Apr 2026 12 $2,515
03 Apr 2026 14 Apr 2026 12 $2,745
10 Apr 2026 21 Apr 2026 12 $2,745
17 Apr 2026 28 Apr 2026 12 $2,745
21 Apr 2026 02 May 2026 12 $2,745
24 Apr 2026 05 May 2026 12 $2,745
01 May 2026 12 May 2026 12 $2,745
08 May 2026 19 May 2026 12 $2,745
15 May 2026 26 May 2026 12 $2,745
29 May 2026 09 Jun 2026 12 $2,745
05 Jun 2026 16 Jun 2026 12 $2,640
19 Jun 2026 30 Jun 2026 12 $2,640
17 Jul 2026 28 Jul 2026 12 $2,745
07 Aug 2026 18 Aug 2026 12 $2,745
21 Aug 2026 01 Sep 2026 12 $2,745
01 Sep 2026 12 Sep 2026 12 $2,850
04 Sep 2026 15 Sep 2026 12 $2,850
08 Sep 2026 19 Sep 2026 12 $2,850
11 Sep 2026 22 Sep 2026 12 $2,850
18 Sep 2026 29 Sep 2026 12 $2,850
22 Sep 2026 03 Oct 2026 12 $2,850
25 Sep 2026 06 Oct 2026 12 $2,850
29 Sep 2026 10 Oct 2026 12 $2,850
02 Oct 2026 13 Oct 2026 12 $2,850
06 Oct 2026 17 Oct 2026 12 $2,850
09 Oct 2026 20 Oct 2026 12 $2,850
16 Oct 2026 27 Oct 2026 12 $2,850
23 Oct 2026 03 Nov 2026 12 $2,850
30 Oct 2026 10 Nov 2026 12 $2,745
06 Nov 2026 17 Nov 2026 12 $2,640
13 Nov 2026 24 Nov 2026 12 $2,640
20 Nov 2026 01 Dec 2026 12 $2,640
27 Nov 2026 08 Dec 2026 12 $2,640
04 Dec 2026 15 Dec 2026 12 $2,640
18 Dec 2026 29 Dec 2026 12 $2,640
29 Dec 2026 09 Jan 2027 12 $2,515