Immersive Morocco
Learn the art of basket weaving, explore stunning riads, and soak up the sounds of the kasbah
Dazzle Your Senses
With its unique fusion of African, Arab, and European influences, expect to be immediately welcomed by a glorious array of vibrant colors and dazzling scents in the form of freshly brewed mint tea, orange blossom, and dashes of cumin.
About your trip
On this immersive experience, we'll indulge in slow travel by taking our time to deeply explore the rich and unique culture of this multifaceted country. We'll be spending five days in Marrakech, Morocco's cultural epicenter. This seemingly minute detail holds great significance and is an important part of what makes our trips unique.
What’s included
All activities mentioned on the itinerary
Boutique hotel accommodations in twin rooms
Transportation to and from the airport
8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners
El Camino’s exclusive Eat, Play, Shop Guide
Experienced local host with you throughout the trip
Not included
Airfare in and out of the country
Incidental expenses
Alcohol except where noted
Tips
Travelers must provide evidence that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their journey. If you’d like to upgrade to a single room, you can add this during the booking process. If you need assistance please contact our Customer Success team.
Itinerary
Flight
☞Please remember to book separately
Day 1
☞Arrival in Marrakech (RAK) | welcome dinner
Day 2
☞Explore the medina | rooftop lunch
Day 3
☞Gallery visit | luxury desert camp dining
Day 4
☞Immersive tour of Essaouira | upbeat, design-forward dining
Day 5
☞Marrakech studio visit | nine-acre garden tour and tasting
Day 6
☞Journey to Atlas Mountains | arrive at our boutique Berber lodge
Day 7
☞Outdoor cooking class | music & dining in Berber lodge
Day 8
☞Journey through Ounila Valley with secret stop | farewell dinner
Day 9
☞Depart from Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK)
Your Itinerary
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Merhaba! Welcome to Morocco!
Touch down in beautiful Marrakech where our driver will sweep you away to a stunning riad, our accommodations for the first 5 days. From the city’s intoxicating energy to its international roots as a cultural melting pot, Marrakech is truly an enchanting place unlike any other. Take some time to settle into your room before meeting your travel group at sunset for rooftop drinks followed by a welcome dinner under a canopy of banana trees, bamboo, and palms.
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Magnetic Medina
You will quickly see that every meal in Morocco consists of bread and mint tea, and breakfast is no exception! Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading out for a fascinating journey through the souks of Marrakech’s historical medina. In true ECT style, you’ll be going behind the scenes to meet master artisans and witness centuries-old techniques. Once you’ve observed and shopped the wonderful crafts, you can recharge with a rooftop lunch that overlooks the hustle and bustle of the medina down below. The rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy. Tap your Eat, Play, Shop guide for our favorite hidden gems, such as a unique concept store near the Majorelle Gardens that sells gorgeous pieces from local artisans and designers.
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Studio Tour and Desert Dining
After breakfast, you’ll depart to the gallery of a world-renowned Moroccan artist, filmmaker, and designer whose work is inspired by the cults and rituals of North African Indigenous communities, urban modern life, and pop art. Known as the Andy Warhol of Marrakech, his work recontextualizes fine art photography, traditional fabrics from the souks, and popular culture, fusing Western perceptions of Arabic society. But our artistic escapade doesn't stop here. Prepare for an immersive pottery class, where you'll mold clay and gain insights into the cultural significance of ceramics in Moroccan society. You’ll have free time in the afternoon to explore the city and grab some lunch before we reconvene in the evening for a magnificent desert camp experience. We upgraded this experience for our 2023 trips to include a visit to a brand-new camp with stunning new yurts that invite you to relax and unwind. Partake in an optional camel ride, then enjoy a three-course, candle-lit dinner in a secluded luxury desert camp, concluding with campfire music and dancing.
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Journey to Essaouira
Today, you’ll be visiting Essaouira, a laid-back, artsy port city on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. With its eclectic allure, psychedelic vibe, and marvelous color palette, it’s forever known as a great source of inspiration for rock legends such as Jimi Hendrix, Robert Plant, Jim Morrison, and Paul McCartney. Enjoy lunch on arrival at an eco-friendly, self-sustained restaurant that serves experimental dishes. Spend the day exploring the cobbled streets, learning about the city's vast architectural designs, and meeting an array of fishermen, artisans, and locals along the way. Later, you’ll join the group for an upbeat dinner in a bohemian culinary spot, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet the Moroccan entrepreneur behind the stunning multi-concept space.
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Lavish Garden Lunch
Enjoy a traditional Moroccan breakfast before heading out to the studio of an acclaimed artist. First, we’ll pop in at the studio of a Belgian-born artist and designer. Taking cues from Morocco's vibrant colors and rich cultural traditions, her studio is as inspiring as a creative space can get, packed with funky and quirky graphic ceramics, textiles, and artwork handmade in Morocco. For lunch, you’ll enjoy a delicious meal at another design-forward location, a favorite spot among ECT Clubhouse members! Set on a nine-acre garden just outside Marrakech, this fairytale oasis is overflowing with lush gardens, palm trees, tropical plants, and artisanal details. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy before our day of traveling tomorrow.
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Journey to Ouarzazate
After enjoying your last breakfast at the riad, embark on a scenic 4-hour journey to the Berber village of Tisseldeï at the foot of theAtlas Mountains. Midway, we’ll stop for lunch at a traditional café nestled in the Atlas Mountains, offering a chance to take in the stunning views. Along the way, we’ll visit a Moroccan Rug Co-op for an engaging weaving workshop, where you’ll discover beautiful handcrafted pieces that might just become a new addition to your home.
Upon arrival at our next accommodation, a charming boutique berber style lodge with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, you’ll have some time to rest and unwind. In the evening, we’ll gather for a delightful group dinner, where you can relax and savor the flavors of the region.
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Cultural Craftsmanship and Cooking
Fill up on a delicious Moroccan breakfast of M'semen, tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, omelets, orange slices drizzled with fresh honey, mint tea, and fruit. You’ll spend today exploring an array of traditional craft workshops such as basket weaving, natural dyeing, and henna, gaining insight into the culture’s craftsmanship while getting involved in various hands-on activities. The cultural discoveries will continue with an outdoor cooking class where you’ll get to make your own tagine for lunch. Enjoy free time in the afternoon before reconvening for dinner where you’ll indulge in regional dishes. After dinner, partake in an unforgettable evening filled with the sounds of traditional Amazigh music performed by local musicians in one of the hotels interior courtyards.
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Spectacular Ounila Valley
Today you’ll be traveling through the spectacular Ounila Valley, which historically served as the main passageway between Marrakech and the caravan routes of the Sahara. We’ll stop to enjoy a refreshing lunch at our favorite local café that’s tucked away in the mountains. Once back in Marrakech, it’s time for our delicious farewell dinner on an illuminated rooftop. Raise a glass to all you’ve experienced this week and recount your highlights with your newfound friends.
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Farewell Morocco
Say your goodbyes over breakfast before heading to the airport. Leave Morocco inspired by the warmth of the Moroccan culture and the spirit of the rich artisanal crafts experienced over the last few days, returning home feeling renewed by the vast landscapes and stunning architecture found only in this wondrous place.
Read the full itinerary here.
Accomodations
Please be aware that while we have reserved these hotels, there may be rare instances where changes are required due to unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, we will do our best to secure comparable accommodations, but due to timing, availability, and local infrastructure, options may be limited. Rest assured, we’ll do everything possible to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
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Riad Dar Sara is a charming boutique riad located in the heart of Marrakech’s Medina, offering a peaceful retreat from the lively city. With its traditional Moroccan design, including beautifully tiled courtyards and serene terraces, the riad provides a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere. Guests can unwind in the tranquil surroundings or take a dip in the refreshing plunge pool.
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Riad Dar Baraka is a tranquil boutique riad situated in the vibrant Medina of Marrakech, offering an oasis of calm amidst the city's lively streets. The riad features traditional Moroccan architecture with elegant courtyards and a peaceful rooftop terrace. Guests can relax and recharge in the serene atmosphere or enjoy the panoramic views of the city from the terrace.
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Hotel Irocha is a charming boutique hotel located in the scenic foothills of the Atlas Mountains, offering stunning views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. With its traditional Berber architecture and cozy, welcoming ambiance, the hotel provides a peaceful retreat for travelers. Guests can relax in the serene courtyards or unwind by the pool while taking in the breathtaking mountain scenery.
Important Notes
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We teamed up with the Morocco destination experts at majestic disorder to bring this one-of-a-kind experience to life. This itinerary is unique to El Camino Travel, and has been designed with the ECT traveler in mind (in fact our Clubhouse members helped us to craft some of the trip elements—one of the perks of being a member). We’ll be taking a deep dive into the design elements of Morocco and using our unique connections to give you access to truly exclusive experiences.
On this immersive, 9-day experience, we'll indulge in slow travel by taking our time to deeply explore the rich and unique culture of this multifaceted country. We'll be spending five days in Marrakech, Morocco's cultural epicenter. This seemingly minute detail holds great significance and is an important part of what makes our trips unique. Many other trips to Morocco will try to squeeze five, six, or even more destinations into a single trip, meaning you'll end up spending a lot of your precious time in Morocco in a car or bus, only scraping the surface of each of the places that you visit.
Early on in the planning process, we made a bold decision to slow things down, sticking to only two main destinations, no more than four or five hours apart. We'll also venture to two other nearby places for day trips (the Agafay desert and Essaouira), keeping travel times to a minimum.
Marrakech is a force to be reckoned with and we wanted to honor that. Take a deep dive into the many aspects of the culture and indulge in the beauty of slow travel. Two or three days in a city that is bursting with creative talent, inspiring design, and jaw-dropping architecture would simply not be enough.
For the final days of the trip, we're heading to a hidden gem in the Atlas Mountains.
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Fly into Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK).
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Please note that El Camino does not handle or monitor flights and is unable to make changes with any airlines. If you need help with your flight search once you reserve your spot, we have a travel advisor that we can recommend who specializes in flights. She can be used at a small fee for those having trouble finding the best option during your flight search or who would like further assistance. She knows all the details regarding our trips and may be able to find better fares and routes than what you can find on your own.
More information will be given post booking on how travelers should work with their travel coordinator if they experience any delays or issues to ensure that we can update our local teams at your destination to arrange an adjusted pickup. If your return/outbound flight is altered at the end of your trip, we will do our best to support your needs.
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This trip is for the traveler who has an adventurous spirit, is looking to squeeze the most out of their time in Morocco, and cares about making the world a better place through responsible tourism. The trip is filled with experiences that allow you to be immersed in the varied cultures of Morocco. This traveler is open-minded, inherently curious, and enjoys indulging in the moment. This trip is for the traveler who finds joy in stepping outside of their comfort zone, loves trying new things, and is excited to explore a culture completely different from their own. This co-ed trip is available to travelers from all walks of life who are over the age of 18.
While El Camino Travel provides a high level of customer service, our traveler is someone who is easy-going and amenable to change in the diverse and unpredictable landscape of travel in Northern Africa.
This trip is also for a solo traveler who does not want to travel solo, but instead with an interesting group of people and for those who do not want to spend countless hours planning a trip of a lifetime.
Our adventurous style of group travel is not for everyone. Please read carefully through the itinerary and the above description to ensure that you are booking a trip that fits your comfort level.
Please review our Traveler’s Values here prior to booking.
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We are not luxury travel, but we're not budget either. So what exactly does that mean? At El Camino Travel, we're all about the high-low. We enjoy fine dining but we also love street food. We fly coach but you can find us in the airport lounge. We'll splurge on something special like handmade pottery or a one-of-a-kind hand-sewn dress, but we also love searching online for a good deal. We love great style and design, but we also get excited about off-the-beaten-path experiences that are a little rough around the edges. We pride ourselves on designing trips that are authentic and real, understanding that any country is comprised of many lenses and lived experiences and that we can't possibly showcase them all.
This duality can be seen in our trips. Our trips represent boutique travel—not luxury, not budget. We won't be staying at hostels but we won't be at luxury hotels either. We choose boutique hotels where we can prioritize things like location, character, charm, safety, and customer service.
Sometimes we do experiences that feel more high-end. Sometimes we're going *way* off the beaten path to do something entirely unique, and sometimes that means it's a little unpolished. Our traveler is someone who enjoys both ends of the spectrum and understands that one isn't more authentic than the other.
Luxury travel usually means a lot more hand-holding. While we provide a high level of customer service, our traveler is a little more adventurous and self-sufficient. We provide blocks of free time so you have the flexibility to explore the destination your way because we understand that everyone is different. Don’t worry though, we will make sure you are equipped with a curated list of all our favorite places to eat, play, and shop for when you are out on your own with your new travel friends.
For some additional context, a luxury-travel version of our trips would start anywhere from $7,000-12,000. We mix the high-low versions of a destination to keep our trips more accessible.
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Please note that our standard pricing is based on shared double rooms. This allows us, among many things, to keep the cost of the trip accessible to as many travelers as possible. If you’re booking this trip with a friend, family member, or significant other, let us know and we’ll place you together.
Traveling solo? No problem—the majority of our travelers choose to fly solo. We’ll be in touch before the trip to learn a bit about you and find the best fit for a roommate. We will make it a priority to best situate you and we’re happy to chat more in-depth if you have any questions or concerns about this.
Single room upgrades are available! A limited number of single rooms have been reserved. Please select this option at checkout if you’d prefer your own space. If all the single rooms have already been filled, please email us at info@elcamino.travel and we'll let you know if we can secure additional rooms to accommodate a single.
We'll have more details regarding hotels prior to your trip, but we promise we chose these locations because they pass the El Camino standard of customer service and are clean, safe, and well-maintained.
It's important to note that our accommodations are not luxury or high-end. We seek more boutique accommodations that are well-situated and allow us to make the most of our itinerary.
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We have a roster of well-qualified hosts that we work with. Prior to your trip, you will receive a welcome packet that will inform you of who will be guiding your adventure. We proudly work with local hosts because no one is better equipped to provide layer upon layer of context than someone who is actually from there.
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A non-refundable $500 deposit is due at the time of booking. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure.
Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions for more information about our cancellation policy.
Payment plans are now available using Affirm. Apply now to make monthly payments.
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ECT Members get $250 off.
Current members, click here for more info about your discount. Not a member? Click Here to learn more about joining The ECT Members.
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We encourage travelers to aim for an arrival no later than 3pm. This should allow you time to settle in ahead of any welcome activities.
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Our trips are very active, and involve a lot of walking, standing, and moving around—sometimes, in very high temperatures, with high humidity, on uneven roads and terrains, in busy cities. While we work to accommodate all travelers, other modes of transportation are not always available, due to infrastructure, making walking the only option. Travelers should be willing and able to walk anywhere up to 4 miles each day, up and down stairs and hills, and be able to stand for extended periods of time. If you have any concerns or questions about the activity level of this trip, have recently had surgery, or have any history of mobility issues, please reach out to us at info@elcamino.travel before booking—we want to ensure that everyone on our trips is safe, and will able to keep up with the active itinerary. By signing up for any of our trips, you agree to and understand that a certain level of physical fitness is required to safely participate in this itinerary.
What Our Travelers Say
“Morocco is like a colorful dream! There is so much beauty and such a sense of community and culture that you simply can not take it all in on one trip. I couldn’t recommend El Camino Travel and Majestic Disorder more for this (and any other) trip!!”
—Ivetta A.