Solo-ish Morocco

Please ensure your flight lands by 3pm and enjoy an included arrival transfer to the start hotel in Casablanca. After a brief welcome meeting, discover the secrets of Moroccan cuisine during a hands-on, private cooking demonstration in a traditional restaurant. With an experienced chef by your side this sensory immersion into the region’s culture will not only provide you with ancestral techniques to assemble these local ingredients, but each dish also tells a story. From pastillas to tagine, discover Berber origin tales and anecdotes about royal festivals, as you witness first-hand how food has the power to bond strangers from across the globe.

Today is all about the history and regional flavours of Morocco. Travel first to the archaeological site of Volubilis for a guided tour of the most well-preserved Roman ruins in the entire country, where you'll learn all about how far their empire stretched. In the early afternoon head to a G for Good project that supports a local women’s community initiative where the group will enjoy a traditional lunch bursting with colours and flavours. Then, travel to the imperial city of Meknes featuring architectural remnants from its storied past and feel part of the very fabric of this fascinating land. The day ends with a visit and tour through the facilities of a family-run vineyard outside the city. Specializing in Syrah and Cabernet grapes grown in the largest wine region of Morocco, this vineyard offers a remarkable spot to enjoy an outdoor tasting paired with other locally sourced foods like olive oils, dried fruits, and fresh goat cheeses.

Prepare to experience what G Adventures does best and enjoy an immersion into the northeastern city of Fés—often referred to as Morocco’s cultural capital—with a surprise G twist occurring somewhere along the way. See the vibrant colours, hear the cacophony of noise, and smell the richness of spices as you explore the labyrinth of streets within the famous Fés medina alongside a local guide. Enter in through one of the gates and experience the lively chaos first-hand as you walk past artisans’ quarters, carpenters, bakers, butchers, and spice sellers. You’ll even watch from above as men of the famous local tannery work hard to treat and dye different hides. End the walk with a special lunch at a traditional riad before taking some time to yourself. Just don’t wander far because who knows where you might end up to cap off this epic G Day.

Travel southeast into the vast Sahara desert to the small Moroccan town of Merzouga near the Algerian border surrounded by red sand and vast open spaces. The town is also known as the gateway to the large expanse of dunes north called, Erg Chebbi and this is where you’re headed. Arrive in the late afternoon and enjoy a camel ride over the dunes to your remote camp. The group will be welcomed here as is custom with a cup of tea and some nuts. Then, everyone will climb the nearest dune together in time to catch the remaining golden light over the sea of sand. Walk back down into camp and get settled in your traditional attire for this evening’s desert campfire meal accompanied by melodies played by local Berber musicians. Fall asleep under a sky of endless stars.

Awake as the sun rises over the mesmerizing starkness of this landscape and have some breakfast at camp amid your quiet, tranquil surroundings. Next, speed the adventure up with a 4x4 ride through the undulating sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. As you venture deeper into the region, the group will encounter the welcoming Amazigh nomads that live peacefully here and will allow you a chance to see their fascinating way of life. Savour fresh mint tea in your host’s traditional dwelling and walk with them through the village of Khamlia, where you’ll be treated to a cultural performance showcasing the rich history of Gnaoua music. Cap off this desert wandering with a Medfouna cooking class, and discover the cherished secrets of this traditional dish that is like a stuffed pizza without cheese. Enjoy a free afternoon for some of the optional activities in the area like sandboarding amid the dunes. Dinner this evening will be around another bonfire.

Perhaps you will rise early for some solo time as the sun peaks above the horizon and the shadows transform this stark but beautiful landscape. Have breakfast with the group before transferring to the massive cliff walls of Todra Gorge and its green oasis of palm trees in the eastern part of the High Atlas Mountains. Stop along the way to have lunch on your own in the town of Tinjdad, just outside the gorge. Once there, walk through the fields where locals grow produce like alfalfa, pomegranate, and other regional vegetables. Hike deeper through the tall rising cliffs before continuing to the hotel where dinner will be at your leisure this evening.

Drive from Todra Gorge to Aït Ben Haddou and enjoy some time on your own to sit down for a delicious lunch before taking a guided tour of this collection of dwellings that are a striking example of southern Moroccan architecture. Wander through the narrow alleyways and walls next to massive clay buildings and visit a traditional home, climb the granaries where they stored food and goods on higher ground, and head to the central park of the kasbah where you can see the mosque and public square. Stop for a tea experience lead by a local family and then climb to the highest point of this walled fortress and stare out at the vast views of the surrounding desert and Ounila River. Make sure you snap a few photos of the golden light before it disappears completely. Spend free time this evening exploring the area and finding a local spot for dinner on your own or with your favorite travel mates.

It’s time for a day that belongs entirely to you! Travel to Marrakech in the morning passing by the breathtaking views throughout the High Atlas Mountains along the mighty Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2260m). Then, chose to take on the exploration by yourself or join your CEO for a guided walk within the modern district of Gueliz, as well as the city center of Marrakech. As you go, you will learn more about the city, its history, and end your walk at Menara Gardens. The choice really is all yours. You can decide to be as solo or social as you wish offering the best of both worlds. Dinner in the evening will be at your leisure. We think finding a hip foodie spot with your travel mates sounds like a fabulous idea.

After breakfast the group will embark on an immersive guided visit to the medina. Begin from Koutoubiya mosque and visit its gardens followed by the Saadian tombs, Jardin Secret, and Bahia Palace. Along the way the group will stop to try different Moroccan foods like olives, msemmen, sfenj, cookies, briwate, and to smell different mints. After this, spend a free evening in Marrakech before an optional group farewell dinner in the evening at a local food stall, where you can try some local delicacies if you're feeling adventurous enough.

Opt to get up early and catch the sunrise over Marrakech by pre-booking the Hot Air Balloon excursion. Please ensure you allow enough time to return from the activity when planning your onward journey.