Morocco
Trip Date: May 2 – 11, 2023
Price:
$4,700 per person, private room
A journey to experience the colorful and exotic city of Marrakech, the thrill of desert “glamping” the abundant orchards and farms of the Ourika Valley, and the breathtaking beauty of the Atlas Mountains.
This trip can also be customized as a private experience for families, solo travelers, couples, or groups of friends, over dates of your choosing. Contact Valise to enquire about creating a Private Journey during dates of your choosing.
Immersive Travel to Morocco: culture, history and cuisine in Marrakech, the Ourika Valley and the High Atlas Mountains. Discover the people and traditions of the exotic country of Morocco.
The Experience
This trip offers a unique insider’s experience in exotic Morocco. Valise has been traveling to Morocco for 8 years and we are excited to introduce you to our local friends, show you our favorite shopping spots in the souks and our favorite hiking spots in the Middle and High Atlas Mountains. Join us in taking a step back in time to a place where ancient architecture and traditional culture still adorn the streets. The colors, the sounds, the Arabic influence and Berber culture will mesmerize and enchant you.
Nourishing and delicious cuisine combining organic foods and juices, homemade yogurt and locally sourced produce with a special focus on anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant foods.
Purifying body treatments rooted in Moroccan history and culture such as a Hammam scrub, a red clay facial or a mint foot bath.
A private guided walking tour of the cultural and historical highlights of Marrakech
A tour of the newly opened Yves Saint Laurent Museum of Morocco. A visit to Yves Saint Laurent’s gardens and Art Deco villa, Jardin Majorelle
Overnight in a luxury desert camp with a camel ride and dinner under the stars
Visit and tour of a woman-owned saffron farm
Private guided hiking in the Atlas Mountains, including engagement with a local Berber family
A cooking class focusing on clean and healthy traditional Moroccan dishes
Many unique opportunities to connect with the people and culture of Marrakech
Plenty of downtime to enjoy the exceptional beauty of Riad l’Orangeraie, Kasbah Bab Ourika and Kasbah Toubkal
Day 1 – USA, Marrakech
D
Arrive Marrakech, check-in to Riad l’Orangerie
Brief Introduction to the neighborhood
5:00pm – Restorative Yoga
7:00pm – Cocktails and Dinner at our Riad
Day 2 – Marrakech
B
Rooftop breakfast at the Riad
10:00am – Depart for history & culture tour of Marrakech: Bahia Palace, Badi Palace, Jemaa El-Fnaa square
1:30pm - Lunch at a notable local restaurant
Free afternoon to relax at Riad, enjoy a spa treatment, explore souks
7:00pm – Dinner at Maison Arabe
Day 3 – Marrakech
B/L/D
Rooftop breakfast at the Riad
11:00am - Moroccan cooking lesson and lunch
Free afternoon to relax at Riad, enjoy a spa treatment, explore souks, visit local Museums: Secret Garden, Musee de Mouassine or Maison de la Photographie.
7:00pm – Cocktails and Dinner at our Riad
Day 4 – Marrakech
B
Rooftop breakfast at the Riad
10:30am – Depart for guided visit to Yves St. Laurent Museum and Jardin Majorelle
1:30pm - Lunch at Cafe de la Poste
Free afternoon to relax at Riad, enjoy a spa treatment, explore souks
Farewell Dinner at La Mamounia
Day 5 – Marrakech, Desert Camp
B/D
Energizing rooftop breakfast
Free morning for shopping in souks, massage
2:30pm - Depart for Inara Desert Camp
5:00pm - Camel Ride
6:00pm - Social Hour and Dinner under the stars
Overnight Glamping in the desert
Day 6 - Inara Desert Camp, Mid-Atlas Mountains
B
Breakfast in the Desert
Depart for Mid-Atlas and Bab Ourika
Lunch at Bab Ourika
2:00pm - Local Hike (Easy to Moderate)
6:00pm – Social Hour followed by Dinner at Bab Ourika
Day 7 - Ourika Valley
B/L
Breakfast at Bab Ourika
10:30am – Depart for Saffron Farm: tour and lunch
Free afternoon at Bab Ourika: pool, Hammam, massage
6:00pm – Social Hour and Dinner at Bab Ourika
Day 8 - Ourika Valley, High Atlas
B/L/D
Breakfast at Bab Ourika
10:30am - Depart for Atlas Mountains & Kasbah du Toubkal
1:00pm - Arrival, Check in and lunch at Kasbah du Toubkal
3:00pm - Local Atlas trek (Easy to Moderate)
6:00pm – Social Hour
7:30pm - Dinner at Kasbah du Toubkal
Day 9 - High Atlas
B/L/D
Breakfast at the Kasbah
10:00am – Depart for half-day Atlas trek with picnic lunch (Moderate)
6:00pm - Social Hour
7:30pm - Dinner at Kasbah du Toubkal
Day 10 - Mid Atlas to RAK
B
Breakfast at the Kasbah
TBD - Depart for Marrakech Airport and International flights (RAK)
Itinerary is subject to change
Space is limited
Included Meals in itinerary are indicated as follows:
B - Breakfast
L - Lunch
D - Dinner
This trip includes a wealth of private excursions that take you off the beaten tourist track: behind the medina’s closed doors and into the villages and homes of the Berber people. Each excursion provides multiple opportunities to learn about Moroccan customs, cuisine, art and natural history.
After landing in Morocco, your adventure begins in the vibrant and culturally rich city of Marrakech. Our "home" for our 4-nights here is the stylish Riad l’Orangeraie, You will be charmed by the garden courtyard, the pool, library and lovely roof terrace with it’s sweeping view of Marrakech. But mostly, you will be charmed by the warm and friendly staff who regard you as one of the family. Your Riad home is conveniently located just steps away from the bustle of the souks, yet offers an oasis of peace and tranquility within its walls.
While in Marrakech, you will enjoy private, guided tours of the open-air markets and the cultural landmarks of the Bahia and El Badi Palaces. You will visit the lovely gardens of Yves Saint Laurent's Jardin Majorelle as well as the newly opened Yves Saint Laurent Museum. You will also participate in a cooking experience with local Berber women.
From Marrakech, you will head to the luxury desert camp, Inara, for an overnight in a Bedouin style tent. After your luggage is taken to your tent, you will be introduced to a new mode of travel: Camels! After a 45-minute ride, we will return to camp for a magical dinner and an evening under the stars.
The next morning, we depart desert camp for 2 nights in the Ourika Valley at Kasbah Bab Ourika, a magnificent garden setting in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains with views of the jagged, snow dusted peaks of the High Atlas Mountains, the fantastic forms of the Salt Natural Park's hills, and the lush terraces of the fertile Ourika valley. From this base, we will explore the area with a private, guided hike and an excursion to a fragrant Bio Aromatique garden and saffron farm for a farm tour and lunch.
After your time in the Ourika Valley, we will travel deep into the High Atlas Mountains. Get ready for an experience you will never forget in the stunning and historic Kasbah Toubkal, designated by National Geographic as one of the Unique Lodges of the World. The highlights of your time here are 2 treks with local Berber guides. As you trek, your guide will describe the Berber way of life and the natural world surrounding you. You will experience first hand a taste of Berber life as you pass through the local villages along the way. Your lunch will be a tasty picnic under the shade of olive trees.
Note: Kasbah Toubkal is committed to ecological sustainability and cultural preservation. This sensibility extends into food sourcing and meal preparation. The cuisine we will experience at the Kasbah reflects the flavors and preparation of traditional Moroccan cooking.
Don't miss this opportunity to experience and understand the people and culture of four fascinating areas of Morocco: bustling Marrakech, the arid desert, the fertile Ourika Valley and the dramatic High Atlas Mountains.
Booking your flight:
The nearest airport is Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK)
Roundtrip airport transportation will be arranged for you, and is included in the price of this trip. If possible, plan to arrive before noon on Day 1, and to **depart after 1pm on Day 10.
**Note: The final day of this trip you will be traveling from the Atlas mountains to Marrakech (RAK ) for your departure. It is necessary to depart the Atlas Mountains 4-hours before your flight. If possible, please book a flight departing after 1pm.
Detailed information will be sent to you when you register, including a packing list, tipping guidelines/cash needs, and some suggestions to help you prepare for the adventure.
A 30% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm a reservation. The full balance is due 6 (six) weeks prior to the start date of the trip, this amount is non-refundable upon payment. Cancellations less than six weeks prior to arrival are non- refundable.
Trip Inclusions
Private accommodations
All ground transportation, including transportation to the off-site activities
Daily meals as specified in the itinerary
The following activities:
2 Private walking history & culture tours in Marrakech
1 Cooking lesson
1 Camel Ride
1 Saffron Farm tour
Private Yoga/Fitness classes
1 Private hike in the Ourika Valley
2 Private hikes in the High Atlas Mountains
Trip Exclusions
International flights
Alcoholic beverages other than those explicitly stated
Gratuities
Personal expenses such as laundry services
Travel insurance is strongly recommended