Explore Morocco’s imperial past and vibrant present in luxury. Travel from the Atlantic coast of North Africa through holy cities and Roman ruins, then into the desert and on to Marrakech. Explore the walled medinas (old cities), wander the fragrant souqs (markets), stay in luxurious boutique riads (manor homes of the old cities), meet cave-dwelling Berber nomads, and engage the spirit of a land steeped in tradition that is also eager to embrace the future.
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I loved the camel riding and seeing the desert dunes up close at sunset. The riads were exquisite. The kasbahs were fascinating.
Sally C.
On arrival at the Casablanca airport, you will be greeted by your driver and transferred to your hotel in the city for your overnight. Casablanca is the most cosmopolitan city in Morocco, but it holds a handful of more historic charms. Depending on your arrival time, you may want to head over to the medina and wander among the shops and food stalls.
Meals
None
Lodging
Sofitel Casablanca or similar
BDay 2Casablanca to Fes via Rabat & Volubilis
After breakfast, stop at the Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in the world, with room for more than 100,000 worshippers! (entry fees to the mosque are not included.) The Mosque, built by 6,000 traditional Moroccan artists, contains intricate mosaics, stone, and marble floors and columns, sculpted moldings, and carved wood ceilings. Also experience the Corniche (South Beach of Morocco), a boardwalk lined with restaurants and nightclubs where the locals go to have a bit of fun. It is also the site of Rick’s Cafe, made famous by the classic movie “Casablanca”.
Continue on to the city of Rabat (estimated 1.5 hr drive), located on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the Bou Regreg River, with a population of about 1.2 million. Here you’ll visit the Kasbah of the Oudayas, a 12th-century medieval fortress citadel with exceptional ocean views from the acropolis. Also explore Hassan Tower, a minaret for an incomplete mosque. It was intended to be the largest minaret in the world along with the largest mosque, but construction stopped when Sultan Yacub al-Mansour died in 1199.
Lunch will be at Meknes (approx. 1 hr drive), one of Morocco’s Imperial cities, where you’ll have time to explore. This town was the Ismailian capital during the 17th century and is now famous for its 25-mile-long walls and monumental landmark gate of Bab el-Mansour. Wander the lanes of the old medina, visit the Mellah Jewish quarter, and see the Royal stables. The Dar Jamai palace houses one of the country’s best museums, exhibiting glorious ceramics, jewelry, rugs, and textiles with distinct ornate Meknesi needlework. Enjoy the setting of this town in a region of olives, wine, and citrus.
Afterwards, visit the Roman ruins at Volubilis, considered the best-preserved archeological site in Morocco. You’ll spend time exploring these 2,000-year-old UNESCO ruins, and perhaps imagine what life must have been like during the Roman Empire.
Your day ends in Fes, often referred to as “the cultural capital of Morocco”. Once there, get settled in your luxurious riad, overlooking the medina.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Riad Palais Faraj or similar
CDay 3Fes Exploration
You’ll spend the day exploring the cultural capital of Morocco beginning with a walk through its alleyways and small streets. You’ll stop to see the Royal Palace and admire the stunning brass doors surrounded by beautiful mosaic tiles. Next, visit the Mellah (Jewish Quarter) the first ever built in Morocco, followed by a visit to the Al Quaraouiyine University, the oldest continuously-operating educational institute in the world. Founded by Fatima Al-Fihiri in 859 AD, it became one of the leading spiritual and educational centers in the Muslim world. Here, students are taught ina traditional format, seated in a semi-circle (halqa) around the sheikh. You’ll also visit the colorful leather-dying pits to see leather-making techniques unchanged since the middle ages. After lunch, visit a ceramic workshop where you will have the chance to watch the craftsmen chip mosaic tile pieces and paint designs on plates. Before returning to your hotel, enjoy a refreshing cocktail in the new city.
Return to your riad where the rest of your day is free to roam the medina or perhaps get a relaxing massage at the hammam.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Riad Palais Faraj or similar
DDay 4Atlas Mountains to Merzouga
After breakfast at the riad, you’ll leave Fes and begin the drive into the Atlas Mountains. Stop at Azrou (1.5 hr drive), a Berber village in the middle of a famous cedar forest—the largest in Morocco—where you may spot Barbary apes (macaques). You’ll notice how the scenery changes to reveal hints of the desert as you approach the city of Errachidia to enjoy the Berber hospitality for lunch. Continue on to Merzouga (6 hr drive) via the Tizi Ntalghamt Pass and along the luxurious Ziz Valley, stopping for panoramic views along the way. On arrival in Merzouga before dinner, you’ll enjoy a glass of refreshing mint tea as you check into your beautiful, luxurious riad. The riad sits at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes offering amazing veiws.
Total driving distance today will be approximately 265 miles, but with frequent stops along the way.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging
Riad Madu or similar
EDay 5Sahara Desert and Camel Trekking
After breakfast at the hotel, visit the Gnaoua people, originally slaves brought over from Sudan, to experience their music and lifestyle. Nearby is Merzouga Lake, home to many species of birds. You may also visit the nomad wire house, where many Berber handicrafts are sold at a much better bargain than in the big cities. In the afternoon, mount your camels* to explore the sand seas of Merzouga, guided by an experienced camel handler. Enjoy a wonderful sunset over the golden dunes, then overnight in comfortable Berber tents with a private bathroom, shower, and running water.
*Option to take a 4 x 4 vehicle to the campsite for additional cost.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging
Bouchedor Luxury Desert Camp or similar
FDay 6Todra Gorges and Dades Valley
Early this morning, you’ll wake to what may just be the best sunrise in your life, then peacefully camel-trek back to your riad. En route, be sure to appreciate the unique beauty of the spectacular Erg Chebbi sand dunes, changing with the light as the day progresses. After breakfast at the riad, you’ll leave for Rissani, Tinghir, and Todra Gorges—the highest and narrowest gorges in Morocco. Enjoy lunch in the heart of the gorge, then continue on through the Dades Valley, where you’ll see the majestic sand castles and the amazing rock formations known as “monkey toes.” Overnight accommodation will be in a lovely hotel overlooking the Dades valley.
Total driving time today is around 4 hours plus frequent stops (160 miles).
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging
Hotel Xalucadades or similar
GDay 7Bouthaghrar & Skoura to Ouarzazate
Today’s journey takes you through the Dades Valley along the way of the thousand kasbahs – providing numerous opportunities to take some of your best photographic shots of the trip. You’ll stop to meet the Berber cave dwellers and learn about their lifestyle and how they make their home in these caves. Continue on through the fertile Rose Valley, admiring the rock formations along the way, to Skoura where you’ll visit the Kasbah Ameridil. This well preserved kasbah, originally built in the 17th century, is one of Morocco’s best living museums. This kasbah, which has been owned by the Nassiri family since it was built, contains ancient Moroccan artifacts. Enjoy some hiking in the valley, then have lunch in a traditional restaurant overlooking the rim. Today’s drive ends in Ouarzazate where you check-in to your beautiful, luxurious riad that blends in nicely with the environment of the desert, not far from the mountains.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Ksar Ighnda or similar
HDay 8Ouarzazate to Marrakech
Depart for Marrakech, stopping to visit the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, the largest Kasbah in Morocco. It was built by Et Hami El Glaoui, one of the last Berber chieftains during the 18th century. It now houses many Glaoui people. Continuing on, you’ll journey through the majestic Tizi n’tichka Pass (7413 ft) over the High Atlas Mountains, before arriving at your lovely riad, located in the heart of Marrakech. If you like, spend some time this evening exploring the medina.
Total driving time today is around 6.5 hours plus frequent stops along the way.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Ksar La Maison or similar
IDay 9Marrakech Tour
After breakfast in the riad, it’s time to start exploring Marrakech, “the red city of Morocco.” Your guide will ensure that you see the most important places of historical and cultural interest, such as:
The 16th century Saadien tombs where about 60 members of the Saadi Dynasty, including Ahmad al-Mansur and his family are entombed.
The 19th century El Bahia Palace, built in Andalusian, Islamic, and Moroccan style with materials used from throughout Morocco.
The ruins of El Badi Palace, built in the 16th century by the Saadian Dynasty, which was constructed using some of the most expensive materials of its time including gold, onyx, and marble
The Ben Youssef Coranique School, the largest Madrasa in Morocco, and once the largest theological college in North Africa, housing as many as 900 students at one time.
After lunch at a local restaurant near the square, visit the Majorelle Gardens, a 12-acre botanical and artist landscape garden that is home to more than 15 endemic bird species. The garden houses:
The Islamic Art Museum, including collections of ceramics, jewelry, and paintings by Majorelle as well as North African textiles from St. Laurent’s personal collection
Menara Gardens, containing orchards and olive groves that surround a pavilion built during the 16th century
The Koutoubia Tower, designed in Almohad style and built of sandstone. This 250 foot high minaret can be seen from as far away as 18 miles.
This evening, you will have the opportunity to walk around the “Jemaa El Fna Square” full of magicians, story tellers, snake charmers and food sellers.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Ksar La Maison or similar
JDay 10Essaouira Day Tour
After Breakfast at your riad, drive on to the city of Essaouira (approx. 2.5 hr drive/112 mi), known as the “City of the Wind” for its strong winds most of the year that attract surfers from all over the world. Because of its size and its characteristic blue doors and washed walls, it is also regarded as Morocco’s “Jewel of the Atlantics.” Essaouira was influenced by many civilizations, including the Portuguese who had an affect on much of its architecture. However, it remains a small village with a great history and is a perfect example of a late-18th-century fortified town with its original cannons still in place. It is also where Orson Wells shot “Othello” in the “Moor of Venice” movie, and has appeared on the television hit “Game of Thrones.”
You’ll spend the day exploring Essaouira, visiting the Skala Fortress (built for defense against attacks from the sea) and the port. You’ll also visit the souks and see Thuya wood carved by local artisans, and take a walk through the alleys of the medina to admire the hundreds of local handicrafts.
In the afternoon, visit the Mellah—the Jewish headquarters—and enjoy the cool breezes on the beach where there is an annual festival known for “Gnawa music,” with many musical groups coming from different parts of Africa and the world.
Overnight in a lovely riad in Essaouira.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Hotel Atlas Essaouira or similar
KDay 11Return to Marrakech via Chichaoua
On the way back to Marrakech stop to visit the women’s co-operative of Argan oil makers. Here they extract the oil that is famous for its culinary, cosmetic and medicinal properties. The whole region of Essaouira is famous for the argan trees, where you see goats climbing to get fruit they can’t find on the ground.
Back in Marrakech, you’ll spend the afternoon exploring “the red city of Morocco” including the Majorelle Gardens, a 12 acre botanical and artist landscape garden that is home to more than 15 endemic bird species. The garden houses the Islamic Art Museum and includes collections of ceramics, jewelry, and paintings by Majorelle as well as North African textiles from St. Laurent’s personal collection. Other highlights include the Menara Gardens, which contain orchards and olive groves surrounding a pavilion built during the 16th century, and the 250-foot high Koutoubia Tower, designed in Almohad style and built of sandstone, that can be seen from as far away as 18 miles.
This evening, you will have the opportunity to walk around the “Jemaa El Fna Square” full of magicians, story tellers, snake charmers and food sellers on your own.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Ksar La Maison or similar
LDay 12Depart Morocco
After breakfast, transfer to the airport in Marrakech or Casablanca (2-2.5 hr drive) for your flight back home.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
None
Anticipated plan; actual route and program may vary.
Explore Morocco’s imperial past and vibrant present in luxury. Travel from the Atlantic coast of North Africa through holy cities and Roman ruins, then into the desert and on to Marrakech. Explore the walled medinas (old cities), wander the fragrant souqs (markets), stay in luxurious boutique riads (manor homes of the old cities), meet cave-dwelling Berber nomads, and engage the spirit of a land steeped in tradition that is also eager to embrace the future.
On arrival at the Casablanca airport, you will be greeted by your driver and transferred to your hotel in the city for your overnight. Casablanca is the most cosmopolitan city in Morocco, but it holds a handful of more historic charms. Depending on your arrival time, you may want to head over to the medina and wander among the shops and food stalls.
Meals
None
Lodging
Sofitel Casablanca or similar
BDay 2Casablanca to Fes via Rabat & Volubilis
After breakfast, stop at the Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in the world, with room for more than 100,000 worshippers! (entry fees to the mosque are not included.) The Mosque, built by 6,000 traditional Moroccan artists, contains intricate mosaics, stone, and marble floors and columns, sculpted moldings, and carved wood ceilings. Also experience the Corniche (South Beach of Morocco), a boardwalk lined with restaurants and nightclubs where the locals go to have a bit of fun. It is also the site of Rick’s Cafe, made famous by the classic movie “Casablanca”.
Continue on to the city of Rabat (estimated 1.5 hr drive), located on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the Bou Regreg River, with a population of about 1.2 million. Here you’ll visit the Kasbah of the Oudayas, a 12th-century medieval fortress citadel with exceptional ocean views from the acropolis. Also explore Hassan Tower, a minaret for an incomplete mosque. It was intended to be the largest minaret in the world along with the largest mosque, but construction stopped when Sultan Yacub al-Mansour died in 1199.
Lunch will be at Meknes (approx. 1 hr drive), one of Morocco’s Imperial cities, where you’ll have time to explore. This town was the Ismailian capital during the 17th century and is now famous for its 25-mile-long walls and monumental landmark gate of Bab el-Mansour. Wander the lanes of the old medina, visit the Mellah Jewish quarter, and see the Royal stables. The Dar Jamai palace houses one of the country’s best museums, exhibiting glorious ceramics, jewelry, rugs, and textiles with distinct ornate Meknesi needlework. Enjoy the setting of this town in a region of olives, wine, and citrus.
Afterwards, visit the Roman ruins at Volubilis, considered the best-preserved archeological site in Morocco. You’ll spend time exploring these 2,000-year-old UNESCO ruins, and perhaps imagine what life must have been like during the Roman Empire.
Your day ends in Fes, often referred to as “the cultural capital of Morocco”. Once there, get settled in your luxurious riad, overlooking the medina.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Riad Palais Faraj or similar
CDay 3Fes Exploration
You’ll spend the day exploring the cultural capital of Morocco beginning with a walk through its alleyways and small streets. You’ll stop to see the Royal Palace and admire the stunning brass doors surrounded by beautiful mosaic tiles. Next, visit the Mellah (Jewish Quarter) the first ever built in Morocco, followed by a visit to the Al Quaraouiyine University, the oldest continuously-operating educational institute in the world. Founded by Fatima Al-Fihiri in 859 AD, it became one of the leading spiritual and educational centers in the Muslim world. Here, students are taught ina traditional format, seated in a semi-circle (halqa) around the sheikh. You’ll also visit the colorful leather-dying pits to see leather-making techniques unchanged since the middle ages. After lunch, visit a ceramic workshop where you will have the chance to watch the craftsmen chip mosaic tile pieces and paint designs on plates. Before returning to your hotel, enjoy a refreshing cocktail in the new city.
Return to your riad where the rest of your day is free to roam the medina or perhaps get a relaxing massage at the hammam.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Riad Palais Faraj or similar
DDay 4Atlas Mountains to Merzouga
After breakfast at the riad, you’ll leave Fes and begin the drive into the Atlas Mountains. Stop at Azrou (1.5 hr drive), a Berber village in the middle of a famous cedar forest—the largest in Morocco—where you may spot Barbary apes (macaques). You’ll notice how the scenery changes to reveal hints of the desert as you approach the city of Errachidia to enjoy the Berber hospitality for lunch. Continue on to Merzouga (6 hr drive) via the Tizi Ntalghamt Pass and along the luxurious Ziz Valley, stopping for panoramic views along the way. On arrival in Merzouga before dinner, you’ll enjoy a glass of refreshing mint tea as you check into your beautiful, luxurious riad. The riad sits at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes offering amazing veiws.
Total driving distance today will be approximately 265 miles, but with frequent stops along the way.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging
Riad Madu or similar
EDay 5Sahara Desert and Camel Trekking
After breakfast at the hotel, visit the Gnaoua people, originally slaves brought over from Sudan, to experience their music and lifestyle. Nearby is Merzouga Lake, home to many species of birds. You may also visit the nomad wire house, where many Berber handicrafts are sold at a much better bargain than in the big cities. In the afternoon, mount your camels* to explore the sand seas of Merzouga, guided by an experienced camel handler. Enjoy a wonderful sunset over the golden dunes, then overnight in comfortable Berber tents with a private bathroom, shower, and running water.
*Option to take a 4 x 4 vehicle to the campsite for additional cost.
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging
Bouchedor Luxury Desert Camp or similar
FDay 6Todra Gorges and Dades Valley
Early this morning, you’ll wake to what may just be the best sunrise in your life, then peacefully camel-trek back to your riad. En route, be sure to appreciate the unique beauty of the spectacular Erg Chebbi sand dunes, changing with the light as the day progresses. After breakfast at the riad, you’ll leave for Rissani, Tinghir, and Todra Gorges—the highest and narrowest gorges in Morocco. Enjoy lunch in the heart of the gorge, then continue on through the Dades Valley, where you’ll see the majestic sand castles and the amazing rock formations known as “monkey toes.” Overnight accommodation will be in a lovely hotel overlooking the Dades valley.
Total driving time today is around 4 hours plus frequent stops (160 miles).
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Lodging
Hotel Xalucadades or similar
GDay 7Bouthaghrar & Skoura to Ouarzazate
Today’s journey takes you through the Dades Valley along the way of the thousand kasbahs – providing numerous opportunities to take some of your best photographic shots of the trip. You’ll stop to meet the Berber cave dwellers and learn about their lifestyle and how they make their home in these caves. Continue on through the fertile Rose Valley, admiring the rock formations along the way, to Skoura where you’ll visit the Kasbah Ameridil. This well preserved kasbah, originally built in the 17th century, is one of Morocco’s best living museums. This kasbah, which has been owned by the Nassiri family since it was built, contains ancient Moroccan artifacts. Enjoy some hiking in the valley, then have lunch in a traditional restaurant overlooking the rim. Today’s drive ends in Ouarzazate where you check-in to your beautiful, luxurious riad that blends in nicely with the environment of the desert, not far from the mountains.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Ksar Ighnda or similar
HDay 8Ouarzazate to Marrakech
Depart for Marrakech, stopping to visit the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, the largest Kasbah in Morocco. It was built by Et Hami El Glaoui, one of the last Berber chieftains during the 18th century. It now houses many Glaoui people. Continuing on, you’ll journey through the majestic Tizi n’tichka Pass (7413 ft) over the High Atlas Mountains, before arriving at your lovely riad, located in the heart of Marrakech. If you like, spend some time this evening exploring the medina.
Total driving time today is around 6.5 hours plus frequent stops along the way.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Ksar La Maison or similar
IDay 9Marrakech Tour
After breakfast in the riad, it’s time to start exploring Marrakech, “the red city of Morocco.” Your guide will ensure that you see the most important places of historical and cultural interest, such as:
The 16th century Saadien tombs where about 60 members of the Saadi Dynasty, including Ahmad al-Mansur and his family are entombed.
The 19th century El Bahia Palace, built in Andalusian, Islamic, and Moroccan style with materials used from throughout Morocco.
The ruins of El Badi Palace, built in the 16th century by the Saadian Dynasty, which was constructed using some of the most expensive materials of its time including gold, onyx, and marble
The Ben Youssef Coranique School, the largest Madrasa in Morocco, and once the largest theological college in North Africa, housing as many as 900 students at one time.
After lunch at a local restaurant near the square, visit the Majorelle Gardens, a 12-acre botanical and artist landscape garden that is home to more than 15 endemic bird species. The garden houses:
The Islamic Art Museum, including collections of ceramics, jewelry, and paintings by Majorelle as well as North African textiles from St. Laurent’s personal collection
Menara Gardens, containing orchards and olive groves that surround a pavilion built during the 16th century
The Koutoubia Tower, designed in Almohad style and built of sandstone. This 250 foot high minaret can be seen from as far away as 18 miles.
This evening, you will have the opportunity to walk around the “Jemaa El Fna Square” full of magicians, story tellers, snake charmers and food sellers.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Ksar La Maison or similar
JDay 10Essaouira Day Tour
After Breakfast at your riad, drive on to the city of Essaouira (approx. 2.5 hr drive/112 mi), known as the “City of the Wind” for its strong winds most of the year that attract surfers from all over the world. Because of its size and its characteristic blue doors and washed walls, it is also regarded as Morocco’s “Jewel of the Atlantics.” Essaouira was influenced by many civilizations, including the Portuguese who had an affect on much of its architecture. However, it remains a small village with a great history and is a perfect example of a late-18th-century fortified town with its original cannons still in place. It is also where Orson Wells shot “Othello” in the “Moor of Venice” movie, and has appeared on the television hit “Game of Thrones.”
You’ll spend the day exploring Essaouira, visiting the Skala Fortress (built for defense against attacks from the sea) and the port. You’ll also visit the souks and see Thuya wood carved by local artisans, and take a walk through the alleys of the medina to admire the hundreds of local handicrafts.
In the afternoon, visit the Mellah—the Jewish headquarters—and enjoy the cool breezes on the beach where there is an annual festival known for “Gnawa music,” with many musical groups coming from different parts of Africa and the world.
Overnight in a lovely riad in Essaouira.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Hotel Atlas Essaouira or similar
KDay 11Return to Marrakech via Chichaoua
On the way back to Marrakech stop to visit the women’s co-operative of Argan oil makers. Here they extract the oil that is famous for its culinary, cosmetic and medicinal properties. The whole region of Essaouira is famous for the argan trees, where you see goats climbing to get fruit they can’t find on the ground.
Back in Marrakech, you’ll spend the afternoon exploring “the red city of Morocco” including the Majorelle Gardens, a 12 acre botanical and artist landscape garden that is home to more than 15 endemic bird species. The garden houses the Islamic Art Museum and includes collections of ceramics, jewelry, and paintings by Majorelle as well as North African textiles from St. Laurent’s personal collection. Other highlights include the Menara Gardens, which contain orchards and olive groves surrounding a pavilion built during the 16th century, and the 250-foot high Koutoubia Tower, designed in Almohad style and built of sandstone, that can be seen from as far away as 18 miles.
This evening, you will have the opportunity to walk around the “Jemaa El Fna Square” full of magicians, story tellers, snake charmers and food sellers on your own.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
Ksar La Maison or similar
LDay 12Depart Morocco
After breakfast, transfer to the airport in Marrakech or Casablanca (2-2.5 hr drive) for your flight back home.
Meals
Breakfast
Lodging
None
Anticipated plan; actual route and program may vary.
The cost quoted is the Land Cost and is subject to change. This covers accommodations, transfers, activities, touring, guide services and meals as described in Journeys’ Trip Notes. The quoted Land Cost will apply when group size falls in the specified range and when travel is on the indicated dates.
Though we do our best to ensure your accommodations at the hotels given are the places you will stay, last-minute changes are possible and sometimes unavoidable.
For the camel trekking, we recommend consulting with your physician about riding if you are over 70, pregnant, or if you have had a recent surgery, or serious sickness. Those with hip, back, or knee problems should first consult with their physician.
Some areas such as Chefchaouen and the desert are “dry” and may not have wine or other alcoholic beverages available. If you wish to purchase alcohol, ask your guide to help you make a purchase in one of the larger cities before heading out to the dry areas.
Rugs and carpets are beautifully handcrafted in Morocco and your local guide in Fes and Marrakech may encourage you to purchase a rug. You are under no obligation to do so and it is best to speak up if you feel pressured. If you do decide to purchase a rug, keep in mind that they are all painstakingly hand-made, but you should still plan on bargaining. Don’t be afraid to bargain and negotiate!! Low-quality and cheaper rugs can also be purchased in the markets.
Pricing and Payment
Reservations are accepted and confirmed after we receive a non-refundable booking deposit and a Traveler Profile Form signed by each adult on the trip as well as by the guardian for each child on the trip, and if space is available. For most group departures, the booking deposit is $500 per person per trip, though for some trips it may be more, as noted in the trip description.
The minimum booking deposit requirement for custom trips is $800 per person, and this deposit is non-refundable. A trip-planning fee of $250 per itinerary is also charged to cover costs of preparing itinerary proposals for custom trips. This fee is credited to the cost of the trip, but is nonrefundable if you do not take the trip. Custom travel during holiday seasons may require a deposit prior to trip confirmation.
An invoice for the total estimated cost of your itinerary will be sent with your reservation confirmation. For both group departures and custom trips, a second deposit of $1,000 per person is due 120 days prior to departure or at the time of booking for reservations made fewer than 120 days before departure. The balance as shown on your invoice is due 60 days prior to departure regardless of whether extensions or other arrangements are pending. Although we do our best to avoid increasing prices after we receive your deposit, in some cases it may be necessary to adjust pricing even after we receive payment to allow for changes in group size, rooming status, currency exchange rate fluctuations, fuel surcharges and other circumstances attendant to international travel. Late payments may jeopardize confirmation of your itinerary and in some cases may result in additional fees. If we have not received final payment 30 days prior to departure your reservation may be canceled and subject to our Cancellation & Refund Policy stated below.
We accept payments by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or check drawn on a U.S. bank account. Payment for airfare is required at the time of ticketing. Discounts that may be available for some trips are not available toward bookings made through travel agencies.
Late Signups
Early reservations are encouraged! Some trips and flights fill several months before departure. We can confirm your space on a trip once we receive your deposit and signed Reservation Form. We try, but cannot guarantee, to accept late signups. In the event that we are able to accept reservations fewer than 60 days before a trip departure, additional fees of $500 or more may apply to cover administrative costs necessary to expedite your reservation confirmation and transmit your departure materials. For reservations made fewer than 60 days before departure, full payment will be due at the time of booking.
Itinerary Changes
We understand that circumstances arise that lead you to inquire about changes to your itinerary, and aim to satisfy your requests. Once activities and accommodations have been confirmed, there will be a $50 change fee, in addition to the difference in costs for the services booked. When changes are requested within one week of departure, the change fee is $100. For changes requested after a trip has begun, the change fee is $200.
Cancellations & Refunds
If you must cancel before departure, you may request a refund according to the following schedule. Some trips require additional non-refundable payments as noted in the trip description or in the trip itinerary.
Days Prior to Departure
Cancellation Penalty
90 or more
Non-refundable booking deposit and trip planning fee, if applicable
45-89
30% of total land costs
31-44
75% of total land costs
0-30
100% of total land costs
Please note: cancellation of airfare, other transit, and lodging is subject to the policies of the individual carriers or providers and are not included in the schedule above. Additional cancellation fees are the responsibility of the traveler. We strongly recommend that all travelers purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for trip cancellation or interruption which may reimburse you for cancellation penalties and extra trip expenses should a circumstance covered by the policy force you to cancel or interrupt your trip.
Departure is defined as the date on which travelers will leave their home state, province or city, or the trip departure date as indicated on the trip itinerary, whichever comes first. Cancellation date will be considered the date that we receive written notification of your intent to cancel.
Payments due at the time of cancellation remain the responsibility of the client. No partial refunds are possible for unused hotel rooms, air or land travel, trekking days, or other sight-seeing arrangements included in the land cost.
In the event Journeys International cancels a trip, for any reason, all money for services described in the trip description, less airline ticket cancellation fees, will be refunded.
Air Fares
We can help you to secure air travel arrangements to correspond with land travel booked through Journeys International. We work with an airfare consolidator to assist in booking the flights that suit your needs. Journeys International may charge a ticketing fee for this service. For group departures, if you prefer to fly on dates other than those listed as trip dates, or if you arrive at your destination other than at the group arrival time, then you may incur an additional fee to cover the separate transfer, contingency, and coordination costs which frequently arise from arrival and departure on flights different from our regular bookings. We will let you know about these fees ahead of time, if they apply. If you must change your air routing after ticketing, there is a charge of $50 per change, in addition to change or cancellation charges levied by the airline.
If you decide to make your own flight arrangements, you must provide Journeys International with a complete copy of your itinerary showing departure and arrival flights and times. You should plan to arrange your own air travel if you are using mileage credit or originating outside North America, but please be in touch with our office before you finalize ticketing so that we can help you to coordinate the correct arrival and departure dates and times.
Transfers Between Trips
You may transfer between some trips upon written request. More than 90 days before departure, the deposit transfer fee is $100 per person plus any cancellation fees charged by hotels or ground service providers. Less than 90 days before departure, full cancellation penalties from the original trip apply. In the event that Journeys International cancels a trip, you may transfer the full amount of your land payments to another trip without penalty.
Expenses Covered
Normally, our stated land costs include the cost of all guides, leaders, permits obtained after arrival, lodging accommodations, food and entry fees as specified, and all surface transportation associated with the planned itinerary. We do our best to avoid increasing prices after receipt of your deposit, but, rarely, factors beyond our control might require us to change our prices without prior notice, even after you have signed up.
Expenses Not Covered
Costs not included in the price may include: meals not indicated as included in itineraries; meals prior to arrival in starting cities; transfers, if not arriving or departing on the scheduled group flights; soft drinks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages; medical expenses, costs of hospitalization, or evacuation from remote areas; laundry; airport departure taxes not included on your airline ticket; accommodations en route to starting cities; visas; airfares; gratuities; and insurance.
If a trip must be extended or an itinerary modified due to weather, road conditions, labor interruption, lack of transportation, political or civil disputes, medical emergency, or other causes beyond our control, then the traveler may incur additional costs that are not included in the trip price. We strongly recommend that all travelers obtain travel insurance to cover these risks.
Group-Sized Pricing & Group Minimums
Many trips are guaranteed to depart at prices published on our website with as few as two participants. However, in some cases it is necessary to adjust prices to reflect smaller group sizes. We do everything we can to make a trip operate as planned even with a single participant. Additional costs for small groups amounts vary from trip to trip. Final decision to cancel a trip due to insufficient signups is made 30 days prior to departure.
Environmental Stewardship
Journeys International believes that we have a responsibility to protect the earth for future generations of travelers. International tourism may be responsible for up to eight percent of annual worldwide emissions of greenhouse gasses. Journeys International advocates that adventure travelers who make environmentally-conscious choices when selecting their destinations and activities should also make the environmentally-conscious choice to offset the carbon footprint of their travel to compensate for their personal contributions to global climate change. Every Journeys International trip invoice includes an optional donation to the Earth Preservation Fund’s carbon offset program to be used to purchase and permanently retire certified carbon credits to offset the carbon footprints of Journeys’ travelers. The Earth Preservation Fund purchases carbon credits that have been certified under a reliable third-party standard. Travelers who choose to make this donation will receive a receipt for 501(c)3 tax deduction. There is no penalty for opting out of this donation.
Pre-Departure Services
We look forward to working with you! After we receive your deposit we will send you a pre-departure information packet containing things like medical and immunization information, visa and other permit forms, a recommendation for travel insurance, packing checklist, reading list, cross-cultural information, and an initial invoice for the balance due. If you would like, we can also book your extended land travel arrangements for before and after your trip. About 2-3 weeks before departure, we will send you a final departure packet including last minute reminders and local contact information for your destination. We send some of our materials by mail, so if you are leaving home before the scheduled trip departure date, please let us know how we can best reach you so that you will receive your materials prior to your departure.
Please call our office at any time if you have questions about your trip or for additional information.
Lodging Accommodations
Lodging accommodations are usually double occupancy in hotel rooms, tents, or other facilities as described or noted in trip itineraries. Please contact our office to discuss pricing and availability of alternative accommodations. We try to honor specific requests for lodging, but in some cases we may have to book and confirm equivalent standard accommodations. If you are traveling alone but would prefer a roommate, then let us know! We are often able to match solo travelers. If a roommate is not available or if you prefer single accommodation, then you must pay the Single Supplement, if one applies. On some trips, it is not possible to guarantee single accommodations.
Fitness to Travel
Good physical and mental health are essential for the enjoyment of Journeys International’s trips. In many cases participants travel in rugged areas remote from modern medical facilities. Good physical conditioning is recommended as preparation for all trips, especially those involving trekking. Most trips require some walking. By paying the booking deposit and signing the Reservation Form, the traveler certifies that he/she is fit for rigorous travel and does not have any physical, mental, or other condition that would create a hazard for him/herself or other travelers. It is essential that any participant with a medical condition requiring regular treatment or which may be affected by vigorous activity, prolonged travel, high altitude, heat, cold, natural phenomena, or particular foods, notify Journeys International in writing prior to booking.
We assume no responsibility for medical care and we cannot guarantee meeting special dietary requirements or vegetarian needs. Participants may be required to furnish a physician’s statement of good health. Journeys International’s or the individual trip leader’s or guide’s judgment shall provide the ultimate determination of an individual’s fitness to embark upon, or to continue, a trip. Journeys International reserves the right to refuse reservations or deny participation prior to departure of anyone whom it deems unsuitable for a trip. Once a trip has been confirmed, medical circumstances will not be considered as exceptions to our cancellation policy. All participants must be covered by a current major medical insurance policy for the duration of their trip. Proof of such coverage may be requested.
Duration 12 Days
The number of days, or duration, in a destination corresponds with the itinerary as published. This is the time period covered by the land cost.
Group Size 2 - 10
I loved the camel riding and seeing the desert dunes up close at sunset. The riads were exquisite. The kasbahs were fascinating.
Comfort Level
Deluxe
Luxurious 5* riads and hotels
Activity Level
Active
Easy walking with optional hikes; a couple of long driving days; camel ride
Why Journeys International
Our purpose is to understand the journey you are on – not just the vacation you want to take – and to help you on your way.
We are here to help you plan the trip that will move you closer to your goals and help you fulfill your dreams.
We are here to help you plan a more inspiring, more provocative, more breathtaking, more transformational adventure.
We say “adventure” and not “trip” because, for us, a trip is just going someplace else, but an adventure is an experience that takes you someplace beyond your comfort zone – and therefore maximizes the potential for wonder, discovery, and potentially transformation.
Why trust Journeys to plan that kind of experience with you?
Journeys is an award-winning industry-leader with more than 40 years in business planning creative and thoughtful adventures in interesting places around the world
Our staff is professional and devoted, with adventure specialists in Ann Arbor and guides in the field who take pride in traveler satisfaction; many stay with us for decades
Our Ecological Code of Ethics has long stood as a model for others, and our Earth Preservation Fund puts our money where our mouth is
We go to the farthest corners of the earth – you’ll see some pretty remote destinations on our list, and if you want to challenge us with something new, we’ll likely be willing (though we’ll make sure you know if we’ve never experienced it firsthand)
We’re real people like you, starting with the real person who will answer the phone, right through the owner, Robin Pollak, who you can talk to any time you want (or even her parents, Joan & Will Weber, who started the company!)
We ask lots of questions and get to know you as well as possible to we can design the best experience for YOU
Your unique itinerary includes sites, accommodations, activities, and meetings with people hand selected for personal goals, passions, interests and abilities
Your personal adventure specialist stays with you from trip planning through departure to answer all your questions – promptly – and make sure every detail is handled so you are well prepared for your trip
Our partners on the ground in your destination will welcome you as a friend of a friend; we’ve been working with many of them for ages
We’re open and clear, and offer a complete picture of what you can expect while traveling. We don’t want to make an easy sale; we want to make an honest one.
24-hour emergency phone support while traveling
We’ll be excited to hear about the trip when you get back, and take all feedback seriously
Our travelers come back again and again, for five, ten, or more adventures — and they trust us enough to send their friends to us, too
We love what we do, and we love sharing our common passion with you.
Match the trip’s intensity to your ability and motivation.
Gentle
Easy walking, with opportunities for low-key physical activity.
Active
Energetic exploration with optional day hikes, leisurely cycling, or light canoeing.
Vigorous
Day-long active excursions and options for demanding activity in varied environments.
Challenging
Strenuous hiking or other intense activity that may be at high altitude or over rough terrain.
Demanding
Multi-day trekking and other activities requiring endurance or strength. Steep trails. No technical expertise necessary.
Comfort Level
Choose accommodations and amenities that fit your personal style
Simple
Our most natural accommodations. Bath facilities often shared, sometimes rustic.
Delightful
Comfortable and especially personal. Small to mid-sized lodges, typically with private bath.
Superior
Lodges and hotels with additional amenities, refined artistry, or extra-special settings.
Deluxe
Exclusive or luxury lodges, hotels, or safari camps with fine dining options.
Uncommon
The most indulgent accommodations arranged specially for private trips.
Single Supplement
The single supplement is applicable if a roommate is not available or if single accommodation is specifically requested. While single accommodation is not available on all trips, we will try and honor this request whenever possible.