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 Moroccan Souks & Sand - A gay cultural tour of Morocco and Marrakech! Journey from Casablanca to Marrakech through moody desert landscapes, kasbahs, and villages on our signature all-gay Morocco tour. Picnic in mountain gorges, learn to cook the perfect couscous, and immerse yourself in labyrinthine souks. You’ll also discover the ruins of a Sultan’s city that was built to mimic Versailles, stay in a hotel made of Saharan sand, and find tranquility in a traditional riad surrounded by the frenzy of a medina. All-in-all, the sounds, smells, and flavours of North Africa will infuse your memories for years to come.
• Explore a phenomenal mosque in Casablanca
• Get caught up in the energy of Marrakesh
• Discover the magic and artistry of The Blue City
• Weave through the twisting alleys of Fes’ medina
• Enjoy a sunset camel ride through sand dunes
• Stay in a wide range of accommodations, from a traditional Berber desert cam in the Sahara to five-star luxury hotels
• Learn the secret to cooking perfect couscous
Day 1
Mrehba! Welcome to Casablanca. Our trip begins with a group meeting at 5:30PM, followed by an included Welcome Dinner at Rick’s Café—a tribute to the bar made famous by Bogart and Bergman in the classic film, Casablanca.
Hotel: Idou Anfa Hotel & Spa, Casablanca
Day 2
For our tour’s first full day, we visit the grand Hassan II Mosque—the largest in Africa—then hit the road towards the Rif Mountains and Chefchaouen, aka The Blue City. After checking into our hotel, we’ll enjoy an orientation walk and learn about the Blue City’s Andalusian history and how it got its namesake coat of blue paint. Finally, we’ll end the day with dinner at a local restaurant.
Hotel: Dar Echchaouen Maison d'hôtes & Riad, Chefchaouen
Day 3
We’ll begin the day with a relaxed breakfast at our accommodations before heading to the city’s beautiful medina for a guided tour. It is here we’ll indulge in the sights, sounds and smells of the city’s famous district. We may even taste some local goat cheese. After an included lunch at another local favourite, you’ll have the afternoon free to explore. May we suggest a hike through the surrounding hills towards Akchour falls?
Hotel: Dar Echchaouen Maison d'hôtes & Riad, Chefchaouen
Day 4
We’ll rise early for a quick breakfast at our accommodations. Then it is off to Fes vis-a-vis UNESCO-listed Volubilis, a partly-excavated Berber city. After arriving in Fes you’ll have plenty of time to unpack, get acquainted with the city or just indulge in our stunning hotel. Loosen your belt buckles because tonight we’ll enjoy a memorable, included meal.
Hotel: Sahrai Hotel , Fes
Day 5
Today, a local guide will introduce us to the incredible Medina of Fes, the spiritual heart of Morocco. We’ll but scrape the surface of this mysterious place, as we explore just a few of its 10,000 streets. Laden with souks, markets, and handicrafts quarters, the potential for discovery is limitless. This will be followed by free time in the afternoon. To round out our day, we’ll enjoy a fabulous home-cooked dinner with a local family. This is the perfect opportunity to get to know Moroccan culture and customs.
Hotel: Sahrai Hotel, Fes
Day 6
Arm yourself with a good book because today we take the 9-hour journey to Merzouga in a private transfer. On the way we will stop for an included local lunch in Midelt, a charming town located in the high plains with stunning views of the Atlas mountains. Our boutique hotel in Merzouga, beautifully situated, is nestled into the sandy surrounds. After check-in, you can strip down to your swimsuit and luxuriate by the pool. Our day ends with a delicious dinner.
Hotel: Riad Madu, Merzouga
Day 7
A big day awaits as we jump aboard 4WDs to visit the Merzouga desert, the village of Hassilabiad and the very popular village of Khemlia. Khemlia is populated by a nomadic group that arrived in Morocco in the 15th century from sub-Saharan countries like Ghana. You’ll have time to enjoy their music, dance and unique fashion before a Madouna lunch—a local bread stuffed with meat (optional), veggies and herbs. Tonight we’ll saddle a caravan of camels and ride into the desert sunset for one of the most memorable evenings of the tour. Finally, back at our desert camp we’ll enjoy another included dinner.
Hotel: Madu Luxury Desert Camp, Sahara
Day 8
Today we travel towards Ait Benhaddou with a stop en route at Kasbah Amerhidil, part of the oasis town of Skoura. We’ll have lunch here before continuing to Ait Benhaddou where we’ll check in to our comfortable hotel located near the old kasbah.
Hotel: Riad Ksar Ighnda , Ait Benhaddou
Day 9
Today is defined by a spectacular drive across the High Atlas Mountains. Driving through the Tizi n’ Tichka pass—the highest in Morocco at 2,260m/7,400ft—our final destination is Marrakech. Once there, you’ll be able to enjoy the comforts of our centrally located accommodations. A Moroccan feast awaits for dinner at a beautifully restored riad—in fact, one of the oldest riads in the city!
Hotel: 2Ciels Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa , Marrakech
Day 10
Rise and shine, Habibi. After a simple breakfast we head to La Maison Arabe for an informative Moroccan cooking class where we’ll discover the secrets to North African cuisine. Lunch is included today followed by a guided tour of Marrkesh’s wonderful Medina, or Arab Quarter. We’ll explore hidden shops, secret courtyards, lush Islamic gardens and Bahia Palace, a splendid mansion built by a former slave who rose to power within the government. Dinner and the rest of the day is at your leisure.
Hotel: 2Ciels Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa, Marrakech
Day 11
For our final full day together, we’ll venture into Marrakech’s serene Majorelle Gardens, originally owned and tended to by the French painter Jacques Majorelle. The tropical gardens are also where the ashes of Yves Saint-Laurent were scattered in 2008. Speaking of whom, we’ll spend an hour or so at the Yves Saint-Laurent museum, appreciating the gay icon’s contributions to the world of fashion. The adventure finally ends with a Farewell Dinner at one of Marrakech’s most popular restaurants, where we can reminisce over the 11 past days before we part ways.
Hotel: 2Ciels Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa, Marrakech
Day 12
There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart at your leisure. Thank you for joining our gay Morocco tour! Your local guide will help arrange your included departure transfer to the airport. Safe journey!
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• Arrival & departure transfers to/from Out Adventures’ joining/finishing point hotel
• Group leader from beginning to end of tour
• 11 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 9 dinners
• 3-star or higher accommodation (10 nights), Luxury Berber Desert Camp (1 night)
• Entrance and guided tour of Hassan II Mosque
• Guided tours of Chefchaouen, Volubilis, Fès, Skoura & Marrakesh
• Sunset camel ride in the Sahara
• Desert camp experience
• Entrance to Museum El Khorbat, Volubilis, Bahia Palace, Jardin Secret, Majorelle Gardens and Yves Saint-Laurent Museum
• Cooking class in Marrakech
• Gratuities for drivers, hotel staff, porters (approximately $40-$60 USD)
• International Airfare
• Meals & Activities not mentioned
• Travel insurance is mandatory for all travellers.
• Gratuities for Tour Leader ($60-$120 USD)
• All items of a personal nature (laundry, drinks, etc.)
• Visa fees
Morocco Visa
A visa is not typically required for American, Australian, British and Canadian citizens travelling to Morocco for fewer than 90 days. There may be exceptions, and all visas are the responsibility of the traveller.
Culture Shock
Tourism in Morocco is developed enough to afford many of the luxuries of home. However, we’ve found the culture and madness can be overwhelming for some. Most shops use high-pressure tactics which can disconcert Western travellers, but rest assured any shops you are brought to via Out Adventures do not provide any sort of kickback to our company, or your guide.
Local LGBT Scene
Both religion and law have hindered progress for LGBT Moroccans, and there are actually laws in place that prohibit homosexuality. Alas, there are no LGBT establishments to visit. That said, we will ensure you experience the destination in a respectful manner, but we recommend you avoid public displays of affection for the safety of not only yourself, but also your fellow group members.
Weather
Temperatures in Morocco range from mild to hot with little rain. A hat is essential, as is a sweater, because even during the summer the desert can be cold at night. Overall, you can expect approximate daily highs of 25C/77F (or higher) and lows around 11C/52F.
Required Vaccinations
Based on the entry requirements for Morocco, there are no vaccinations needed for entry. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, you should consult your doctor or a travel medical clinic, as we cannot provide vaccination recommendations.
Electricity
You will need an international travel plug/adapter for type C/E sockets.
Connectivity
All of our hotels will have (at times very slow) Wi-Fi access, so feel free to tweet, pin, post and share your experience with your friends and family at home. They might be a tad jealous!
Travel Insurance
For everybody’s peace of mind, medical travel insurance is required on all Out Adventures tours. At a minimum, your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses, emergency repatriation and personal liability, with a minimum medical coverage of US $200,000.
Meals
To keep things flexible, not all meals are included in the trip price. Although we typically dine together, so that everybody can get a taste of everything, feel free to explore on your own…your guide will always have some restaurant recommendations.
Money
The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham. We usually recommend carrying local currency for small purchases, however credit cards are accepted at most upscale restaurants and hotels. We also recommend carrying approximately $400 USD to be used only in the case of an emergency, or if your credit/ATM cards are placed on hold.
Tipping
If you are happy with services throughout your trip, a tip is recommended. Tipping details will be provided in your final trip documentation, however we recommend budgeting approximately $150-$175 USD.
What to bring
Our adventures entail carrying your own luggage on occasion. And while you’ll never schlep far, things can quickly get costlier than a celebrity breakup if you don’t keep your baggage under 20kg/44lb thanks to costly surcharges on domestic flights. You should also bring something smaller for day trips to carry water, your camera, and any souvenirs you find along the way.
Optional Activities
Every Out Adventure offers optional excursions that are not included in price of this trip. Please see the daily itinerary in your final pre-trip packet to learn what’s available.
How We Travel
Out Adventures is all about good times with likeminded guys. Whatever’s on the itinerary – from fireside camping to five-star decadence – our goal is to make the experience magical. We’re also committed to supporting the communities we visit by hiring local guides, staying at locally-owned accommodations when possible, and celebrating local cuisine. It all adds up to a great way to immerse yourself in the culture.
Your Guide
All Out Adventures are led by a gay (or gay-welcoming) guide. Whenever possible, we hire destination locals. And we can also connect you with the right people if you’d like to delve deeper into the local culture. If you’re pleased with your guide, we recommend a tip of US $5-10 per person, per day…they’ll certainly appreciate it!
Flying Solo
If you’ve never travelled on your own, it’s an amazing way to get to know yourself while making new friends along the way. We can arrange for you to share a room with people in your age range at no charge, or you can pay a supplement for your own room. If there’s an odd number of solos, we’ll rotate a single room on a random basis.
A Special Note On Accommodations
On this tour you’ll experience authentically Moroccan accommodations. From chic boutique to desert Berber camp, charming and simple to five-star luxury. Our goal is to show you the many faces of Morocco and we hope you appreciate the variety.
Starting Point Hotel
Idou Anfa Hotel & Spa, Casablanca
The 4-star Idou Anfa Hotel & Spa Casablanca, situated about a 5-minute drive from Ancienne Medina, offers an indoor pool as well as a fitness club. 5 minutes by car from Derb Omar, this luxurious hotel is located in the heart of the shopping Sidi Belyout district.
The Idou Anfa Hotel & Spa Casablanca offers a rich buffet breakfast in the restaurant. Tiznit, the onsite restaurant, serves Moroccan cuisine while Anoual restaurant is boasting international specialties. Guests can enjoy dining at the Moroccan restaurant, which comprises a spacious terrace. Also, the hotel features a bar on the 16th floor. It also welcomes guests with a piano and a TV. There is a bar serving European food just 5 minutes' walk away.
At this Casablanca property you may pay for a sauna and an indoor swimming pool. The Idou Anfa Hotel & Spa offers a Turkish steam room, sauna facilities, and an indoor pool for nice relaxation. The onsite spa amenities include a wellness area and a spa lounge.
The property has a panoramic location in the heart of Casablanca, close to Gauthier.
Finishing Point Hotel
2Ciels Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa, Marrakech
Set in Marrakech, 400 m from Marrakech Plaza, 2Ciels Boutique Hôtel boasts air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel has an outdoor pool and sun terrace, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant.
All rooms are equipped with a TV. Some rooms have a seating area where you can relax. Every room includes a private bathroom with a bidet and shower, with bath robes and slippers provided. For your comfort, you will find free toiletries and a hair dryer.
Conference Palace is 700 m from 2Ciels Boutique Hôtel, while Carré Eden Shopping Center is 700 m from the property. The nearest airport is Marrakech-Menara Airport, 4 km from 2Ciels Boutique Hôtel.
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