off on the road to morocco

This week, we’re off on the road to Morocco, for an incredible National Geographic Journeys Itinerary with our preferred travel partner, G Adventures. But before you ask… The answer is, “No. Dorothy Lamour is not traveling with us.”

Instead, we’re escorting a small group private departure exclusively for clients of Huckleberry Travel. But if you’re interested in a trip like this, we can put it together for you—either as a private group (if you’ve got enough friends who want to join), or you could join one of G Adventures’s scheduled small-group departures, with no more than 12 travelers on any given trip (and no single-traveler supplements for you solo travelers)!

From atop towering Moroccan dunes, you can peer across the sands to watch the sun rise over another North African day, just like we’re doing. Like us, you’ll discover the fresh cedar forests of the Atlas Mountains, meander the winding lanes of old Marrakech, and explore the dunes of the desert. We’re meeting musicians, Berbers, and artisans, and soaking up the exotic beauty of Morocco. And you can do that too!

Want to see the itinerary? Here we go!

Day 1 Casablanca

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.

Day 2 Casablanca/Fès

Drive to the imperial city of Meknès for a guided tour of some of its fascinating sites. Continue on to the ruins of Volubilis, the best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco. After the ruins it’s off to Fès.

Day 3 Fès

Step back in time and embark on a walking tour of a UNESCO World Heritage Site — the Medina of Fès. Explore winding lanes and alleys to visit the many artisans, tanneries, and shops with an expert local guide. After, enjoy a G Adventures-supported traditional tagine lunch at a cooperative that benefits rural Moroccan women and children. This evening, opt to have dinner and entertainment at a historic riad.

Day 4 Fès/Merzouga

Travel through the Middle Atlas mountains to the Sahara Desert, overnighting in a kasbah-style desert hotel at the edge of the dunes.

Day 5 Merzouga/Tinghir

Explore the Sahara on a thrilling 4x4 dunes tour. Visit the village of Khamliya where you will meet Gnaoua musicians and learn about the history of their music in the Sahara before enjoying a performance. Later, visit local nomads to learn about nomadic life over cups of mint tea in one of their homes. Return to our Auberge then transfer to Tinghir for the evening.

Day 6 Tinghir/Ouarzazate

Visit Dades Valley then continue along the “Route of 1,000 Kasbahs” with an included visit to Kasbah Taourit. Opt to visit a Berber herbalist in Ouarzazate.

Day 7 Ouarzazate/Marrakech

Visit Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then continue to Marrakech. Take some free time to wander this incredible city. Opt to take a historical tour, visit the Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, or wander the souks and shops.

Day 8 Marrakech

Visit a historic riad for a hands-on cooking class from a master Moroccan chef and enjoy the lunch that you have prepared. Later this afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Marrakech or visit the bustling markets.

Day 9 Marrakech

Depart at any time.

Okay, so that’s the standard itinerary. But our group is lingering a bit to spend more time in Marrakech. After all—this itinerary covers a lot of ground. We’re seeing so much of the country, we thought it’d be good to chill for a little bit by extending our trip by a couple of days to stay in a traditional riad.

So, what do you say? Are you ready to go to Morocco with G Adventures and National Geographic Journeys? Let us know—we’ll get it going for you!