Morocco – Blue Cities & Golden Dunes
Available dates : 01 October 2026 | 08 April 2027.
Group size: 6 – 12 people
There is a moment, somewhere between the blue-washed alleys of Chefchaouen and the amber silence of the Sahara, when Morocco stops feeling like a destination and starts feeling like a dream you’ve had before. This 12-day journey is built around that feeling.
We begin on the Atlantic coast, where the Hassan II Mosque rises from the ocean like a prayer made stone. We wind north through the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen, where every wall is painted the colour of a cloudless sky. We walk the medieval lanes of Fes — the world’s largest car-free city — past tanneries that have worked leather the same way for a thousand years. We cross the Middle Atlas, pause in a cedar forest where wild Barbary macaques watch from the branches, and descend into the Sahara as the sun turns the Erg Chebbi dunes to fire.
And then the quiet. Two nights camped among the dunes, with nothing above you but the Milky Way and nothing around you but the oldest silence on earth.
From there, the journey carries you through the gorges of Todra, the valley of a thousand kasbahs, and the ancient earthen towers of Aït Ben Haddou — before the High Atlas Mountains deliver you, finally, into the organised chaos and intoxicating beauty of Marrakech.
Tour Highlights

💙 Wander through Chefchaouen’s blue-washed alleyways, stumbling upon hidden squares and unexpected views.

🕌 Stand at the edge of the Atlantic and look up at one of the largest mosques ever built.

🏛️ Walk through Volubilis, where ancient Roman mosaics and marble arches rise out of the Moroccan countryside.

🏯 Step inside Fes el Bali, a medieval city where cars cannot enter and time stands still.

🌅 Wake before dawn and watch the towers of Aït Ben Haddou turn gold as the Saharan sun rises.
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Departure/Return Location
Casablanca/Marrakech -
Included
Accommodation as describedGround transportLocal GuideMeals according to the daily descriptionOmaya Travel representitive -
Not Included
Activities as mentionedEntry fees for the mentioned sitesFlightsInsuranceMeals not mentionedSingle room supplement
Tour Plan
Arrival in Casablanca
Casablanca - Rabat - Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen - Fes
Fes
Fes - Merzouga
Merzouga
Merzouga - Boumalne Dades
Dades Valley - Aït Ben Haddou
Aït Ben Haddou - Marrakech
Marrakech
Departure
Frequently Asked Questions
Our classic tours are open to everyone — solo travellers, couples, friends and families travelling together. They're the ideal choice if you want to share the experience with a mixed group of like-minded people from all walks of life, guided by our expert local teams at a pace that works for all.
Alongside our classic tours, we also offer two specialist formats. Our solo traveller tours are designed specifically for those exploring on their own — with small groups, a carefully considered pace, and a natural setting for meeting fellow independent travellers. Our women-only tours create a warm, supportive environment for women who want to experience Morocco with the freedom and confidence that comes from travelling in an all-female group.
Not sure which is right for you? Our team is happy to talk it through and help you find the best fit.
Riads are traditional Moroccan guesthouses built around a central courtyard — full of character, history and charm. Staying in one is an experience in itself, and a far more atmospheric alternative to a standard hotel.
A few practical things to keep in mind: due to their age and central locations, heating and air conditioning can be inconsistent, and thick traditional walls sometimes limit Wi-Fi signal to common areas rather than individual rooms — mobile data is a reliable backup. Most riads have two or three floors with no elevator, so be prepared to carry your luggage up stairs.
Morocco is a Muslim-majority country with a strong culture of modesty, and dressing respectfully goes a long way. For both men and women, keeping shoulders and knees covered is recommended — especially in rural areas, religious sites, and smaller towns.
Lightweight, loose-fitting layers work well and double up as protection from the sun. You don't need to overhaul your wardrobe — just pack with awareness and you'll feel comfortable wherever the itinerary takes you.
The trip involves a mix of walking, hiking and long drives. Some days — like exploring Fes el Bali or hiking up to the Spanish Mosque in Chefchaouen — require a reasonable level of fitness and comfort on uneven, cobbled surfaces. The camel trek into the Sahara is gentle and short.
Overall, a moderate level of fitness is recommended, but nothing on this itinerary requires athletic ability. If you have any specific concerns, speak to our team before booking and we'll give you an honest assessment.
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the sweet spots — comfortable temperatures across the mountains, desert and cities. Summer in the Sahara can be extremely hot, and mountain passes can be affected by snow in winter.
We'll always advise on conditions closer to your travel date and let you know if anything is likely to affect the itinerary.
Citizens of many countries — including the EU, UK, USA and Canada — do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Requirements vary by nationality, so we recommend checking with your local Moroccan embassy or consulate ahead of travel.
Your passport should also be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Our team is happy to point you in the right direction if you're unsure.
Morocco's currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Cash is king for most day-to-day transactions — souks, street food, tipping and smaller guesthouses rarely accept cards. ATMs are widely available in cities, but scarcer in rural areas.
We recommend arriving with some local currency and withdrawing cash in Casablanca, Fes or Marrakech before heading south. Note that Dirhams cannot be exchanged outside Morocco, so avoid withdrawing more than you need towards the end of your trip.
It's best to stick to bottled or filtered water throughout the trip. This applies to brushing teeth in more rural areas as well. Bottled water is cheap and widely available everywhere on the route, so you'll never be far from a safe supply.
Haggling is a normal and expected part of shopping in Moroccan souks — it's a social exchange as much as a commercial one. A good rule of thumb: start at roughly half the asking price and meet somewhere in the middle.
Never feel pressured, and never start negotiating for something you aren't genuinely prepared to buy. Your guide will give you tips on the ground and can help if you're unsure whether a price is fair.
Tipping is customary in Morocco and genuinely appreciated. As a rough guide: restaurant meals 10–15% of the bill, local guides 50–100 MAD per day, drivers 20–50 MAD per day, and a small amount for anyone who assists with luggage or shows you around informally.
We'll provide a full tipping guide before departure so you can arrive feeling confident and prepared.
Morocco is widely considered one of the most welcoming and accessible destinations in North Africa, and millions of international visitors travel there safely every year. As with any destination, a degree of common sense goes a long way — keep an eye on your belongings in busy medinas, use recommended transport, and follow your guide's advice on the ground.
Our local team monitors conditions throughout and will always brief you before and during the trip. We also stay in close contact with the FCO and equivalent travel advisories and will proactively communicate any relevant updates.
No specific vaccinations are legally required for entry into Morocco from most countries, but it's always worth ensuring your routine vaccinations are up to date. Some travellers choose to get hepatitis A and typhoid cover as a precaution — your GP or a travel health clinic can advise based on your medical history.
We also recommend packing a basic travel health kit including sun protection, rehydration sachets, and any personal prescription medication. Pharmacies are well stocked in cities, but harder to find in rural areas.
Morocco is multilingual — Darija (Moroccan Arabic) and Tamazight (Berber) are the native languages, while French is widely spoken in cities, hotels and restaurants. English is increasingly common in tourist areas, and your Omaya guide will be with you throughout to bridge any gaps.
That said, knowing a few words of Arabic or French goes a long way and is always warmly received. A simple "shukran" (thank you) will earn you a smile almost anywhere.
Moroccan cuisine is one of the great joys of any visit — think tagines slow-cooked with aromatic spices, freshly baked bread, vibrant salads, and pastilla, the remarkable sweet-savoury pastry. Meals are generous, communal and deeply satisfying.
Vegetarian options are widely available and most dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice. Please let us know at the time of booking and we'll make sure the right arrangements are in place throughout the trip. Note that pork products and alcohol are not served in traditional Moroccan establishments, though international hotels may offer both.
