Morocco Details

Welcome to your Morocco Guide! Listed below are all the details you need to plan for this amazing tour. Please bookmark this page for future reference.

Itinerary

    • Afternoon arrival via Marrakech Airport. Transfer from airport to our riad - the Riad Atay, in the heart of the ancient Medina of Marrakech.

    • Welcome reception and dinner at the Riad.

    • Breakfast at the Riad.

    • Morning walking tour with ARTIST & NOMAD’s friend Mohammed:

      • Start our tour with a quick visit to the Women’s Museum. Walk through the souks of the medina and watch the artisans as they work their magic.

      • Visit the famous square “Jamaa L’fna” home to story tellers, music makers, henna ladies and vendors of curious wares and go to the Bahia Palace.

      • Lunch in the Medina at one of ARTIST & NOMAD’s favorite restaurants.

      • Visit Medersa Ben Yousef and Koutoubia mosque (outside) and learn about Argan oil and other natural products at a traditional pharmacy.

      • Visit the Photography Museum

      • Freetime to explore or return to the Riad to rest.

      • Dinner at the Riad 

    • Breakfast at the Riad.

    • Visit to Amal Nonprofit for a special day of learning to cook traditional Moroccan Food. This social enterprise supports courageous women on their journey towards empowerment and financial independence.

    • Have lunch at Amal and then return to the Medina.

    • Afternoon Options:

      • Experience a traditional hammam (Moroccan Spa)

      • Visit Majorelle Gardens and the YSL Museum.

      • Shop the souks and sustainable shops

      • Rest

    • Dinner at our Riad.

    • Breakfast at Riad. Pack up and prepare for departure.

    • Cross the high Atlas Mountains.

    • Visit Cooperative Afous Gafous, artisan friends with The Anou, our favorite model for direct trade and empowerment of female artisans in Morocco.

    • Lunch with the artisans, followed by workshops in wool spinning and natural dyes

    • Opportunity to shop to support the artisans.

    • Head to Ait Ben Haddou and stay in a historic traditional kasbah for the night

    • Dinner at the kasbah.

    • Breakfast at the kasbah.

    • Morning visit to the famous kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou.

    • Stop by to visit our favorite female artist’s gallery: Hafida Zizi

    • Drive by the Rose Valley.

    • Arrive in the Valley of Dades before sunset.

    • Enjoy your evening meal and spend the night in a boutique hotel in the valley.

    • Be captivated by the beauty in the surrounding valley,

    • Breakfast at the hotel

    • Depart for the journey to the desert.

    • Visit the Gorges of Toudgha.

    • Visit the irrigation system before Erfoud

    • Visit the Fossils workshop

    • Camel ride near the dunes at sunset.

    • Spend the night in the camp close to the dunes.

    • Dinner at the camp.

    • Enjoy the beautiful starry sky and magical desert landscape.

    • Breakfast at the camp.

    • Off-road drive in 4WD cars into the Merzouga Desert.

    • Visit the Berber nomads in their tent and have tea with them.

    • Visit Khamlia Village to enjoy the local live music.

    • Lunch at a local restaurant to try the Berber pizza.

    • Spend the night in a Riad near the dunes.

    • Breakfast in the Riad

    • Pack up and depart for a long journey to Fes.

    • Passing by the Ziz Valley stop for photos.

    • Visit the Monkeys Forest.

    • Arrive to Fez at sunset.

    • Stay in our favorite historic dar, Dar Seffarine, one of the most beautifully restored homes in Fes, owned by Norwegian designer Kate and Iranian architect Alaa. 

    • Dinner at the dar.

    • Breakfast at the dar

    • Walking tour of Islamic Architecture with our guide Alaa.

    • Lunch in a favorite local spot

    • Visit the medina, souks, the Tanaries and the Medrasa Bouaanania

    • Visit ceramics and zalij making

    • Hike to the hilltop at sunset to enjoy the view.

    • Dinner at the dar.

    • Breakfast at the dar.

    • Morning weaving workshop at the Anou Headquarters. After the workshop, tea with the artisans and shop to support artisans, and bring home a beautiful Moroccan rug!

    • Lunch on your own and opportunity to have a final free afternoon to shop, explore the ancient medina, or relax at the rooftop of our dar.

    • Closing dinner at our dar and gather for a debrief to engage in conversation about our amazing journey together in Morocco.

    • Pack up for our departure tomorrow (3-hour taxi drive to Casablanca Airport).

    • Today, we say goodbye after our wonderful time in magical Morocco.

    • Breakfast and final packing

    • Drive to Casablanca (3-hour taxi drive) to catch your return flight home.

Travel Details

  • Arrival Airport & Time:

    Departure Airport & Time

    • At Customs, you will need to state you are staying at:

      • Riad Atay • 12 Derb Anboub, Marrakech 40000 / +212 8085 44409 (Whatsapp) • Owners: Valentin and Sibel 

    • Exchange Cash at the airport

    • Meet Hope at ???

  • We will keep you busy the first few days to help combat jet lag.

    • Eat healthy 24 hours before flying. 

    • Eat healthy during flights.

    • Bring compression socks to help with circulation and swelling.

    • Bring a reusable water bottle and stay hydrated before, during, and after flight.

    • Bring ear plugs and eye mask for the flight and sleeping.

    • Bring melatonin or other sleep aids.

  • Photographs: If you’re welcomed by artisans or local hosts, feel free to take photos. There will be times when it is not appropriate to be taking photos, and we will let you know. 

    • We will create a shared album for a daily airdrop of photos for group shots + add your photos to share.

    • We ask that you restrain from taking images that don’t honor the local culture or people. Also, be sensitive to taking photos of people or children - ask permission if someone wants their photos taken before you take it. 

    Social Media: Share what inspires you on social media. Tag ARTIST & NOMAD and our local partners as a way to honor them and inspire others to explore social impact travel.

  • The overall philosophy is to not plug in unless you really need to. We want you to be fully present for your Moroccan adventure! 

    Phone Plan: Check with your mobile phone plan to verify what you need for this trip. Please plan being able to receive messages via WhatsApp, as that is how we will communicate as a group throughout the trip.

    WiFi: Is available at our hotels, but it’s not always reliable. You’ll usually get the best connection in your room, mostly in the mornings or evenings, which works well with the time zone differences.

    WhatsApp: We will use WhatsApp for our group messages. It is also great to us it to communicate with your loved ones at home during your trip.

  • Item description

Travel Documents + Health Information

    • Must have 3 blank pages and not expire 6 months before the return date of your trip.

    • Bring a copy of your passport.

    • Upload a photo of your passport here

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  • Pharmacy & Medical Clinics: if needed, medicines are also available in local pharmacies if needed. Your host will have a small first aid kit, but you should bring anything you think you need as well.

    Health Insurance Card: bring a copy of your regular health insurance card .

    Yellow Health Card: Be sure to bring this and your shot record as well as a digital photocopy on your phone of your vaccine if you have had it. It is helpful to have your record handy in case of emergency. 

    Vaccines: Please check the CDC website for updated health notices and vaccine recommendations, and visit your doctor or a travel nurse to discuss what is best for you.

    • You are responsible for ensuring you have the vaccinations or vaccination exemptions required for travel and entry into your destination.

    • Currently there are not vaccines required to enter Morocco.

  • Health Policy:  If alcohol is available on this tour, we kindly ask that you enjoy it mindfully and in moderation. Please note that smoking and drug use are not permitted.

    There is no alcohol allowed in many restaurants and most public places in Marrakesh or Fes medinas due to cultural/religious laws.

    Alcohol is not included in your trip costs. You will need to pay directly for alcohol when it is available. A few of our meals may offer it, so just use your discretion. Please be sensitive to being guests in a foreign country (many locals do not drink) and avoid all excessive drinking.

Packing + Luggage Details

  • Checked Luggage

    • Pack light—you’ll be carrying your own bag.

    • We suggest bringing one checked bag and an extra foldable duffle for souvenirs.

      • Check your airline’s baggage rules on your ticket.

    • Larger purchases can be shipped home through DHL, which is reliable.

    Carry-On Bag

    • Pack essentials and at least two changes of clothes in case your luggage is delayed (this happened before on tours).

    • You may also bring a personal item (like a purse, backpack or camera bag), but check your airlines for their policies.

    Small Waist Pack or Crossbody Bag

    • Great for keeping your passport, tickets, and documents handy.

    • Usually doesn’t count toward your carry-on allowance if small.

    • Perfect for exploring markets and keeping things secure.

  • Toiletries: Liquids must be under 3.4 oz and fit in a clear quart size zip bag if you have them in your carry one bag. Remember to check other airport regulations if you have a connecting flight.  

    • Personal toiletries (keep it as simple as possible).

    • Pack sunscreen bug spreay and hand sanitizer.

    • Whenever possible, try to choose eco-friendly products.

    • Keep your essentials in your carry-on so they’re easy to reach.

    Hair Styling Tools:

  • Here’s a suggested packing list. We’ll go over details in our pre-trip meeting if you have further questions. Keep it light — you’ll re-wear clothes, and layers are key in Morocco. Days are warm, but nights (especially in the desert and mountains) can be chilly. Check the weather before packing.

    Clothing: Modest clothing is important. Avoid shorts, miniskirts, tank tops, see-through, tight, or low-cut clothes. No bare shoulders, flashy styles, torn clothes, or offensive t-shirts. Good options are dresses, tunics, pants/jeans with blouses or button-up shirts.

    • 4–6 casual outfits + 1–2 nicer outfits (you’ll repeat outfits)

    • Lightweight jacket + 1 sweater for cool evenings

    • Scarf for enering holy sites and for warmth.

    Undergarments + Socks:

    • Bring enough for the entire trip (pack an extra in carry-on) as the laundry services may not do your undergarments. You can wash on your own in the sink if needed. 

    • Socks: enought for trip and remember to bring a wooly pair for keeping warm at night.

    Shoes

    • Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes.

    • Sandals comfortable for walking.

    Swimwear

    • Swimsuit for the pool at our final stop (towels provided).

    • A swimsuit can also be worn at the Hammam if you prefer modesty.

    • Bring a small bag for carrying a wet swimsuit.

    Jewelry

    • Jewelry is fine, but leave valuables at home.

    Laundry

    • Available at some hotels (small fee, 24-hour turnaround).

    • Undergarments may not be included — bring enough or wash in the sink.

    • Pack Healthy Snacks such as nuts, bars, dried fruit, etc, that won’t spoil or melt.

    • You may want to pack extra snacks for the longer car rides as well. 

  • Personal Medications: Please bring your regular medications + a few days extra and keep them in your carry on bag.

    Car sickness medications: If you are prone to car sickness, you may want to bring some medications to help especially during a few long travel days. we have a few long travel days.

    Sleep aids: Consider melatonin or other sleep aids that may be helpful during your first few days.

    Travel Medications: Ask your doctor to provide a prescription in case you contract a parasite and need an antibiotic, as well as prescription medications for diarrhea. It’s better to be safe than sorry! 

    sleep aids

  • Electronics: Phone, charger, earphones, and a portable charger. An iPad/Tablet may be helpful for the long flights.

    Plug Adapter(s): Morocco uses types C & E — both have two round pins; type E also has a hole for the grounding pin.

    Morocco’s power: is 220V / 50Hz

  • Credit / Debit Card: ATMs in Marrakech are limited, so having both cash and a card is important.

    • You can use your card at the airport, banks, or money exchange to get local cash.

    • Call your bank or credit card company before travel so your card doesn’t get blocked.

    • Bring a credit card for emergencies and personal purchases (some places take cards, others only cash).

    Cash:

    • Bring $300–500 in new, clean $20 bills. Ask your bank for unmarked bills.

    • Exchange them at the airport after baggage claim—we won’t have time to visit a bank.

    • Book, journal, pen.

    • Sleeping Aids: We are staying in small historic houses and in historic medinas where noise does travel, (part of the experience). There are also prayer calls at regular times from local mosques throughout each day and evening. 

      • Ear Plugs

      • Eye Mask

      • Consider Melatonin or other sleep aids.

Contacts + Google Meet Link + Tour Payment Due Dates

  • A&N Founder/Curator:

    Your Guide and Host:

    • Hope Curran Lundblad: +

    • Mohamed of Morocco Desert Escapades (local guide and friend) • +212 6991 93197 (WhatsApp)

    • The Anou (our artisan hosts in Fes) • 9 Derb Megana, Fès 30000 / +212 666 967895 • Host: Hamza 

  • Marrakech: The Riad Atay • 12 Derb Anboub, Marrakech 40000 / +212 8085 44409 (Whatsapp) • Owners: Valentin and Sibel 

    Ait Ben Haddou• kabesh

    Valley of Dades - hotel

    camp close to the dunes

    Riad near the dunes

    Fez: Dar Seffarine, +212 671-113528

  • We will meet on (date and time) via Google Meet. This is a time to meet everyone and to answer any questions you have about the tour .

    Google Meet LINK

    You will also receive an email and calendar invite for this online meeting.

  • 2nd payment due November 15, 2025: $1,600 USD (+ if applicable, single supplement room fee)

    3rd payment due December 15, 2025: $1,600 USD

    Payment Terms: Our tours are intentionally small, and cancellations have a significant impact on our team and our local partners. For this reason, all payments are required, non-refundable, and non-transferable, as stated in the Terms. Please review our full terms before registering.

Morocco Information

  • These are just a few common phrases to practice as you prepare for your journey. Moroccan Arabic is different from other Arabic languages . Many also speak French. A few will speak English, but not everyone. 

    Hello – As-salaam Alaykum (literally this means peace be with you but is a common greeting)

    And unto you peace – Walaykum As-salaam (said in response to the above)

    Hi – salam

    Goodbye – beslama

    Thank you – shokran

    No thank you – la shokran

    You’re welcome – al ‘afw Insha-allah – God willing.

    Yes – iyah ?

    No – la

    How are you? – Labas?

    Please – afak

    Good – mezya

    No problem – meshi mushkil

    Excuse me (to a woman) – smahaliya

    Excuse me (to a man) – smehlia

    Safi – All clear.

    Baraka – Like safi, but a little clearer, also Stop! 

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  • Here are some great lists for tips on Moroccan Culture. Please review as they will be most helpful to you to understand the culture and avoid offending our hosts. You will also feel more comfortable in Morocco if you are familiar with some of the customs.

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  • There are so many great films based in Morocco or about North Africa. You will see places that remind you of many films shot in Morocco like Lawrence of Arabia, Hideous Kinky, Alexander, and Babel. The below links also include some great books and blogs to check out as well as many films. Have fun and invite your family or friends to join you for a few film nights before the trip!! 

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