Morocco North and South: Mountain Villages and Ancient Kasbahs - 16 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

  You will be staying in hotels for 13 nights and a desert camp for 2 nights. Please note that properties with only two stories may not have elevators.

• What meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 15 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 11 dinners. Moroccan breakfasts are typically simple, often a croissant or sweet roll with jam and coffee. Lunches and dinners will feature local cuisine like couscous, tagine, and brochettes, usually costing between $10-15 USD per meal if not included. Fresh orange juice is highly recommended.

• How will we travel between destinations on this tour?

  Transportation will primarily be by private vehicle, 4x4, and walking. Please be aware that there is a lot of fast-paced travel, which necessitates some long days in our 16-seater minivan. Legroom might be cramped for taller passengers, and the vehicle may not be equipped with seatbelts as it's not a legal requirement in Morocco. Air conditioning is present, but it may struggle to cool effectively in summer temperatures that can reach up to 50°C.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 12 travelers, with an average of 10.

• What is the local currency and what are the recommendations for managing money?

  The local currency in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). ATMs are very common and accept Cirrus and Plus system cards, but it's important to check with your bank before departure and travel with more than one type of card. Visa cards are the most widely accepted credit cards, but typically only for larger purchases, and a fee usually applies. Euros, GBP, and USD can be exchanged at money exchange offices in major cities. It's recommended to carry a combination of cash and cards, and to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund.

• Is tipping included or expected during the tour?

  On Geluxe Collection tours, tipping is included for all included activities and meals. Tipping for your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and porterage is not included. A guideline for tipping your CEO is $10-15 USD per person, per day. For meals and activities not included in your itinerary, it is appropriate to tip 10%; though not compulsory, tipping is expected.

• What cultural considerations should I be aware of regarding dress code?

  When visiting religious monuments, shoulders should be covered, and short shorts or skirts should be avoided. Generally, wearing loose-fitting clothes that cover knees and shoulders is recommended, especially during Ramadan. Please display increased cultural sensitivity during this time by avoiding eating, drinking, or smoking in public.

• Are there any specific health or safety recommendations for this trip?

  It is advisable to drink bottled water in Morocco. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information and inoculations well before departure. Travel insurance, covering medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation (minimum USD200,000), is compulsory. For personal safety, use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables, use hotel safety deposit boxes, and lock your luggage. When exploring independently, especially at night, it's recommended to stay in small groups and use taxis. Illegal drugs and the use of paid sex workers are strictly prohibited, and violation may lead to expulsion from the group without refund.

• What are some of the optional activities available in Marrakech?

  In Marrakech, optional activities include visiting the Jardins Majorelle (200 MAD per person), taking a Hot Air Balloon ride, or visiting Le Jardin Secret (80 MAD per person).

• How does this tour contribute to local communities and responsible tourism?

  This tour includes a 'G for Good Moment' at the Zarbiat Achbarou Cooperative in Morocco, supporting women and providing a lunch experience. The tour operator is the largest corporate donor to the Planeterra International Foundation, a non-profit committed to turning travel into impact by supporting small community-owned businesses. Travelers have the option to join the Dollar-a-day Program to contribute to Planeterra projects.

• Are there any special considerations for travel during certain times of the year, like Ramadan or specific holidays?

  Yes, during Ramadan (e.g., Feb 28 - Mar 29, 2025; Feb 17 - Mar 19, 2026), there may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules. Food is generally available to non-Muslims. During Aid Al-Adha (e.g., Jun 16-17, 2024; Jun 6-7, 2025), most shops and restaurants may be closed, some historical places might also be closed, hotels may have fewer staff, and streets might be less crowded.

• Who will be leading our tour group?

  Your trip will be led by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout the tour, who serves as the group coordinator and manager. Certified local city guides will also be utilized in certain areas to provide more specific knowledge and enhance your experience.

• What kind of accommodation is provided on this tour?

  The tour includes stays in hotels for 13 nights and a desert camp for 2 nights.

• What meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 15 breakfasts, 10 lunches, and 11 dinners. Moroccan breakfasts are typically simple (croissant or sweet roll with jam and instant coffee), and lunches/dinners often feature dishes like couscous, tagine, and brochette, costing around 10-15 USD per meal if not included.

• What is the physical activity level of this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 3, indicating a moderate activity level. It includes exhilarating hikes in places like the Dades Gorge and to Imsfrane Cathedral, camel rides in the Sahara, and extensive walking tours through medinas and historical sites.

• What is the maximum and average group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 12 travelers, with an average group size of 10.

• What types of transportation are used during the tour?

  Transportation primarily includes private vehicles (16-seater minivans), 4x4s for desert travel, and walking tours. Please be aware that some travel days may be long, minivan legroom can be cramped, vehicles may not be equipped with seat belts (as it's not legally required in Morocco), and air conditioning might not cool to Western standards in extreme summer temperatures.

• What opportunities are there to interact with local Moroccan communities and cultures?

  The tour offers several opportunities for cultural immersion, including visiting local communities, having lunch with an Amazigh family and learning about their traditional bread, visiting the tour operator-supported Zarbiat Achbarou Cooperative for lunch and a carpet weaving demonstration, and sharing tea with a local Amazigh family to learn about their lifestyle and traditions.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travelers, and what is the accommodation arrangement?

  Solo travelers do not pay a single supplement on this group trip. Accommodation is designed for shared rooms, and solo travelers will be paired with another traveler of the same sex for the duration of the trip.

• Is tipping included in the tour price?

  Tipping is included for all included activities and meals. However, tipping for the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and porterage is not included. A guideline of $10-15 USD per person per day is suggested for the CEO. For non-included meals and activities, a 10% tip is appropriate and expected in Morocco.

• Are there any specific health or safety considerations for this trip?

  It is advisable to drink bottled water. You should consult your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information and vaccinations, and carry a personal first-aid kit. Note that tour leaders are prohibited from administering any medication. For safety, use a money belt, leave valuable jewelry at home, and utilize hotel safety deposit boxes. Your CEO will accompany all included activities, but for free time, exercise good judgment and consider staying in small groups or taking taxis at night in cities.

• What is the local currency, and what are the recommendations for money and credit cards?

  The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). ATMs are common, but it's important to check with your bank before departure and carry more than one card type as card functionality is not guaranteed. Visa cards are widely accepted for credit, often with a fee. Euros are the most commonly accepted foreign currency, and you can exchange Euros, GBP, and USD at money exchange offices in major cities. It is recommended to carry a combination of cash (Euro/GBP or USD) and cards.

• What are the local dress code recommendations for this tour?

  When visiting religious monuments, shoulders should be covered, and short shorts/skirts should be avoided. Generally, it is recommended to wear loose-fitting clothes that cover knees and shoulders. During Ramadan, it is especially important to display increased cultural sensitivity by dressing modestly and avoiding eating, drinking, or smoking in public during fasting hours.

• Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

  Yes, optional activities in Marrakech include visiting Jardins Majorelle (200 MAD per person), a Hot Air Balloon ride, and a visit to Le Jardin Secret (80 MAD per person).

• What kind of weather can I expect in Morocco during the tour?

  Morocco's climate varies significantly. Summer months (April to September) can be very hot, reaching up to 50°C during the day. Winter months (November to March) can be cool to cold, especially in the Atlas Mountains, with a high probability of snowfall and temperatures dropping to -6°C at night. Most Moroccan buildings are not equipped with heating, so if traveling in cooler months, it's crucial to bring appropriate warm clothing and layers.

• How might local holidays like Ramadan and Aid Al-Adha affect the tour experience?

  During Ramadan (approx. Feb 28 - Mar 29, 2025, and Feb 17 - Mar 19, 2026), there might be some service limitations and schedule disruptions due to fasting. Increased cultural sensitivity is essential, including modest dress and avoiding eating, drinking, or smoking in public during fasting hours. During Aid Al-Adha (approx. Jun 16-17, 2024, and Jun 6-7, 2025), most shops and restaurants may be closed, some historical sites might have limited access, and hotels may have reduced staff, leading to less crowded streets.