Highlights of Morocco - 15 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What type of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

  You will generally stay in local hotels or pensions, which can vary in standard. Some may not have elevators, air-conditioning, or English-speaking staff. All are locally-run, with traditional character, and in central locations. Be prepared for quirky plumbing and occasional cold showers in some areas. One night is spent in a basic, multi-share mountain gîte, and another in a traditional desert auberge (guesthouse) in Merzouga.

• What kind of transportation is used during the tour?

  The tour uses a private air-conditioned minivan, camels, and walking. Please note that the itinerary is fast-paced with some long travel days. The minivan may have limited legroom, and while it has air conditioning, it might not cool to familiar temperatures when outside temperatures reach up to 50°C in summer. Seatbelts may not be legally required or available in all vehicles in Morocco. You are restricted to one check-in size bag and one day pack per person due to space limitations, especially for the mountain gîte transfer where luggage is transported by mule.

• Are international flights included in the tour price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of this tour. For some combo tours, international flights may be included, so it is best to confirm with your booking agent. Baggage allowances and restrictions vary by airline.

• What health considerations should I be aware of before traveling?

  It is advisable to drink bottled water in Morocco. You should consult your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information and recommended inoculations such as typhoid, tetanus, infectious hepatitis, and polio. We recommend carrying a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers. Your adventure travels to high altitudes (over 2,440m/8,000ft), so consult your physician about altitude sickness preparedness. Tour leaders are prohibited from administering any medication.

• How large will the tour group be?

  The maximum group size is 14 travelers, with an average group size of 10.

• What is the role of the tour leader (CEO) and local guides?

  A Chief Experience Officer (CEO) accompanies the group throughout the trip, acting as a coordinator and manager to ensure a smooth journey. The CEO has broad knowledge of Morocco's historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects, offering suggestions for activities and dining. Certified local city guides are also used in specific locations to provide specialized knowledge and enhance your experience.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travelers?

  There is no single supplement on this group trip, as accommodation is designed for sharing. Solo travelers are paired in twin or multi-share rooms with someone of the same sex. If you opt for the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops, except for the mountain gîte on Night 10, which is multi-share.

• What is the local currency and what should I know about money exchange?

  The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). ATMs are common and generally accept Cirrus and Plus system cards, but it's important to check with your bank before departure and carry more than one card. Visa is the most widely accepted credit card, typically for larger purchases, and a fee usually applies. Euros are the most commonly accepted foreign currency, and you can exchange Euros, GBP, and USD at money exchange offices in major cities. It's best to carry a combination of cash and cards. You can check daily exchange rates at www.xe.com.

• What meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 14 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 3 dinners. Generally, other meals are not included to provide flexibility in dining choices. Moroccan breakfasts are typically simple, often consisting of a croissant or sweet roll with jam and instant coffee. Lunches and dinners featuring staples like couscous, tagine, and brochette usually cost between $10-15 USD per meal. Don't miss trying fresh orange juice, local snails, or fried cake donuts as snacks.

• What are some optional activities available during the tour?

  Optional activities include a Rif Valley Mountains Hike, exploring Fès (Ville Nouvelle, Belghazi Museum, shopping in the Medina), a Merzouga Land Cruiser Desert Excursion, a Tagine Cooking Demonstration in Aït Ben Haddou, shopping and a Traditional Hammam Experience in Essaouira, and various attractions in Marrakech (Musée de Marrakech, El Badi Palace, Jardins Majorelle, Djemaa el Fna Market Square visit, Hot Air Balloon ride, Dar Si Said).

• What is the tipping custom in Morocco?

  Tipping is customary and expected in Morocco, as many service providers rely on tips to supplement their income. A 'tipping kitty' system is used for group services, where your CEO collects a contribution on Day 1 to cover tips for general service providers. It is also customary and appreciated to tip your CEO separately at the end of your trip, with a guideline of $8-11 USD per person per day.

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  The main highlights of this trip include wandering through ancient medinas and Roman ruins, experiencing a camel ride into the Sahara Desert, spending a night in a traditional mountain gîte, enjoying authentic Moroccan cuisine at a local home, shopping in the coastal town of Essaouira, and marveling at the unique blue city of Chefchaouen.

• What should I know about safety and security during the trip?

  In major cities, common sense is advised: be aware of your surroundings and mind your personal belongings. Using a neck wallet or money belt for valuables and leaving expensive jewelry at home is recommended. Many hotels offer safety deposit boxes. Your CEO has the authority to adjust the itinerary for safety reasons. During free time, exercise good judgment for activities, stay in small groups, and use taxis at night in major cities. Avoid protests or demonstrations. When participating in water-based activities, it is recommended to be accompanied by a guide.

• What is Planeterra and how does this tour support local communities?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization that turns travel into impact by helping local communities earn income from tourism. They develop and support community-owned businesses that empower local people, including indigenous communities and women, and protect the environment. G Adventures is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs so 100% of donations directly benefit projects. This tour includes a visit to the G Adventures-supported Zarbiat Achbarou Cooperative Project, offering a carpet weaving demonstration and tea.

• When can I do my laundry during the trip?

  Some hotels offer laundry facilities for a fee. It is advisable to bring non-polluting or biodegradable soap if you plan to handwash your clothes.

• What is the climate like in Morocco and how might it affect the tour?

  Morocco has a Mediterranean climate along the coast, becoming more extreme inland. Winters (October to March) have cold nights and pleasant days. Summers (April to September) start moderate but can become extremely hot (up to 50°C) from mid-June. Inland areas are very dry. Rain is typically short bursts from November to March. During winter months (November-March), expect cool to cold temperatures, especially in the Atlas Mountains with potential snowfall. Most Moroccan buildings are not heated, so warm clothing is essential for evenings. The tour itinerary may have flexibility based on winter weather conditions in the mountains.

• How will Ramadan or other local holidays affect the tour?

  The tour dates around Ramadan (Feb 28-Mar 29, 2025; Feb 17-Mar 19, 2026) may involve fasting by Muslims. This can lead to limitations in services and disruptions to schedules, though tours generally operate effectively and food is available to non-Muslims. Increased cultural sensitivity is important, including modest dress and avoiding eating, drinking, or smoking in public during fasting hours. The Aid Al-Adha holiday (Jun 6-7, 2025) may also impact travel, with most shops and restaurants closed, fewer hotel staff, and quieter streets.

• Is travel insurance mandatory for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory for all participants. You will not be allowed to join the group without providing evidence of a policy that covers a minimum of USD200,000 for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation. Coverage for personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage is also strongly recommended. If using credit card insurance, proof of trip purchase with a card in your name and details of their insurer/coverage are required.