By Laura Ruiz-Wyseman

Published: May 12, 2026

If Morocco has been sitting on your travel wish list, consider this your sign to book it. We just returned from Intrepid Travel’s Classic Morocco tour, running September 15 to 23, and tacked on an extra night in Marrakech at the end to soak in a little more of the city. It was, without exaggeration, one of the most rewarding trips we have taken.

Here is what you should know before you go.

The Tour at a Glance

Intrepid’s Classic Morocco is an eight-day loop that starts in Casablanca and ends in Marrakech. In between, you visit the sacred town of Moulay Idriss, the Roman ruins at Volubilis, the winding medina of Fes, the sand dunes of the Sahara near Merzouga, Todra Gorge, the iconic kasbah at Ait Benhaddou, and the Atlas Mountains. It covers a huge amount of ground and packs in a remarkable variety of landscapes, cultures, and experiences for the price.

The Logistics

From the moment we were picked up on arrival, everything ran smoothly. Airport transfers were arranged and on time, and the logistics throughout the trip were seamless. Our group of 12 travelled in a comfortable 15-seater minibus with a dedicated driver and an excellent lead guide, plus expert local guides at key stops along the way. Bathroom and stretch breaks came every couple of hours on the longer driving days, which made the road time very manageable.

Our group was a great mix of well-travelled Canadians (just us!), Americans, and Australians. The small group size meant we got to know everyone quickly, and it made navigating tight alleyways and busy souks much easier than being part of a large coach tour.

The Accommodations

This is not a luxury trip, and Intrepid is upfront about that. What it is, though, is clean, comfortable, and full of character. Every property we stayed at was well maintained. The real standout was the riads, the traditional Moroccan guesthouses built around a central courtyard. They were absolutely charming and gave us a much more authentic experience than a chain hotel ever could. If you are the kind of traveller who values character over thread count, you will be very happy with the accommodations on this tour.

The Highlights

The Sahara Desert. Hands down, our favourite part of the trip was glamping in the Sahara and the camel ride to our camp. Watching the sun set over the dunes from the back of a camel is the kind of moment that stays with you. Our one regret? We wished we had a second night in the desert. There are optional activities like 4WD excursions that we would have loved to squeeze in, and the setting is so spectacular that one night felt like just a taste. If Intrepid ever adds an extended desert option, we would be first in line.

Fes. Walking through the medina in Fes is like stepping back in time. The narrow alleys twist and turn through a maze of dye pits, spice stalls, and artisan workshops. We were very glad to have a knowledgeable local guide leading the way, because without one, we would genuinely still be wandering around in there. The Al-Attarine Madrasa and the tanneries were particular standouts.

Ait Benhaddou. This ancient fortified village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the backdrop for countless films, absolutely took our breath away. The scale of it, the way the light hits the earthen walls, the history layered into every corner. Unforgettable.

The Colours of Morocco. Beyond any single stop, what struck us most was the sheer diversity of the landscape. Coastal cities, green valleys, red desert, snow-capped mountains, blue-tiled mosques, ochre kasbahs. Morocco is one of the most visually stunning countries we have ever visited.

The Food

Outstanding, full stop. If you enjoy Moroccan cuisine, you are in for a treat. Tagines, couscous, fresh bread, mint tea at every turn. The meals were generous and flavourful. Intrepid also includes a lunch at the Amal Association in Marrakech, a non-profit that supports local women through culinary training and employment, which was a meaningful and delicious experience.

The Pace

There was not a lot of downtime on this trip, and honestly, we did not need any. This was not a beach vacation, and we did not go in expecting one. Some of the driving days were long, particularly the stretches to and from the Sahara, but the payoff was worth every kilometre. We covered a huge portion of Morocco in just over a week, and the itinerary was well balanced between guided experiences, cultural immersion, and free time to explore on our own.

There were a handful of shopping stops at local cooperatives and establishments along the way, but there was zero pressure to buy anything. These felt like genuine cultural experiences rather than tourist traps.

The Value

Was this a luxury vacation? No. Was the value incredible? Absolutely. When you look at everything that is included, the guided tours, the local experiences, the accommodations, the transport, the meals, the airport transfers, it is a lot of trip for the money. Intrepid delivers on their promise of real, immersive travel at a fair price.

Would We Do It Again?

In a heartbeat. We would travel with Intrepid again, and next time we would look at one of their Comfort or Premium tours to experience the same style of travel with a few more upgrades. Morocco exceeded every expectation, and Intrepid made the whole experience feel effortless

-Laura Ruiz-Wyseman, Ellison Independent Travel Advisor