Unveiled Horizons: A Transformational Journey Through Morocco with G Adventures.

Arriving at Casablanca Airport

When I joined G Adventures for a 2-week tour through Morocco, I expected rich landscapes, historic cities, and maybe a little tagine. What I didn’t expect was how deeply the journey would stir my perspective—on tradition, community, my solo travels, and the simplicity and necessity of connection. This wasn’t just a tour that moved me from city to city; it was a living classroom. Every call to prayer, every shared meal or meal alone, every conversation with a local revealed something deeper about the Moroccan spirit—and about myself. Morocco didn’t just show me its sights; it invited me to listen, to reflect, and to learn.

Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca

Taking some time for myself after arriving, I had a little snack and a really great beer from the region.

Morocco invites you to look deeper from the moment you land in Casablanca. While this itinerary doesn’t linger here, there’s beauty in its grandeur: the sprawling Hassan II Mosque, perched over the Atlantic. I had pre-ordered tickets to enter the mosque; however, I did not join as I was both tired from the long travel time with no sleep, and was advised not to walk the city alone as a woman. It was a difficult decision as the mosque is said to be incredible, but I wanted to start this very long and packed tour off with the proper sleep needed, and I was sure to see many more pretty mosques along the way.

Day 2: Tangier & Chefchaouen

We travelled north to Tangier, Morocco’s cosmopolitan crossroads, where European and African influences collide. The Kasbah, Grand Socco, and Petit Socco reveal centuries of mingled histories and languages. Later, Chefchaouen—the serene “Blue Pearl”—welcomed us with mountain air and cool blue walls that whisper solace and history.

(Yes, that is my traditional gasoline price picture!)

Day 3: Full Day in Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen is more than picturesque—it’s spiritual. The blue-drenched alleys, topped by the call to prayer, echo resilience and harmony. We hiked the Rif Mountains to the Spanish Mosque at sunset: a moment of pure stillness, the city glowing below. While we were in the city, there was a large fire that made headlines as it was quite close to our location. It was extinguished the next day, and I must say, the colours and smoke from the fire added to the dramatic photos.

Part of me felt a sense of melancholy seeing what was likely a charming village two decades ago, before mass tourism took its toll on the area. Tourism, in this regard, is a double-edged sword. I’m always eager to share the special places I discover with those who follow my travels, yet in doing so, I can’t help but feel that I’m contributing to the very forces that diminish the beauty of these locations. I’m currently working on a blog that will explore this topic more deeply, though it’s taking some time to complete, as with each new journey I undertake, I uncover more layers to this complex issue.

Day 4: Volubilis & Fès

From Chefchaouen we traveled through fortified medinas to the ancient ruins of Volubilis. Wandering its mosaics and bathhouses, I felt the pulse of Roman Africa. Then, in rural Mhaya Village, we joined a G for Good lunch—shared stories and empowered local women through cooperative programs. That evening, we arrived in Fès, ready for its medieval maze.

Day 5: Exploring Fès Medina

Fès el-Bali isn’t just a medina—it’s a medieval universe of 9,000 winding streets. Led by a certified local guide, we discovered artisans at work, the revered Al Qarawiyyin University, and the vibrant tannery decks below. This place embodies the creative thread of Moroccan life, woven through centuries.

Day 6: From Fès to Merzouga (Sahara)

This was our longest transit day—but every moment held something: cedar forests with Barbary apes, vast pre‑desert plains, and finally, sand. Erg Chebbi’s dunes appeared like a beacon. Our night in the desert auberge was punctuated by local dinner, shared stories, and night skies generously strewn with stars.

Day 7: Magic of the Sahara

What an incredible experience! Being on the vast Sahara sand was soulful. A morning spent walking and 4X4 exploring on the dunes and then visiting a Berber village revealed unexpected community and rhythm. The highlight? A camel trek at sunset. Mounted on these “desert horses,” we watched the sun’s farewell across golden waves.

Unforgettable.

Day 8: Todra Gorge

From sand to stone, we travelled to Todra Gorge—towering cliff walls framed a palm-filled oasis. A long hike through this dramatic canyon offered calm and reflection, and local Amazigh delicacies nourished more than the body—they nurtured connection. Our hotel had a most welcome reprieve from the heat: a great pool! Temperatures the entire time I was in Morocco were between 38-45 degrees Celsius each day.

Day 9: Aït Ben Haddou & Kasbahs

We journeyed along the famed “Route of a Thousand Kasbahs” to Ouarzazate, Morocco’s cinematic hub, and on to the UNESCO World Heritage Aït Ben Haddou. A living fortress of earthen clay still inhabited by families, this is architecture and tradition frozen in time—used in legendary films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

Day 10: Tizi n’Tichka & High Atlas Hike

Crossing the 2,260 m pass into the High Atlas, we descended into Toubkal National Park and hiked into Aroumd. Our mountain gîte was simple—shared rooms, hearty home‑cooked food, and an endless view of peaks. Hospitality, here, isn’t polished—it’s authentic.

Day 11: Aroumd to Essaouira

After a final mountain hike back down towards the village, we headed toward the Atlantic coast—to Essaouira. This breezy, Portuguese‑influenced port city is alive with artisans, fishmongers, music, and expansive beaches. It felt like stepping into a world shaped by trade, tradition, and salt-scented wind. I loved the calm this city exuded. I'm also a water-lover, so that added to my love of it, and temperatures were a lot cooler here as well.

Day 12: Free Day in Essaouira

A full day to wander: wake up and walk on the beautiful beach, browse leather boutiques and silver workshops, sip mint tea by the harbour, and enjoy my 2-hour hammam experience. After the incredibly packed two-week experience, it was nice to have a 'free day'! The combination of creative energy and coastal calm made Essaouira a soulful counterpoint to the other extremes of Morocco.

Day 13: Arrival in Marrakech

We concluded our route in Marrakech, the “Red City.” A guided tour of the medina revealed the Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, and radiant Koutoubia Minaret. As evening fell, Djemaa el‑Fna Square came alive in its unique, electric way—street performers, food stalls, and communal spirit blending in a kaleidoscope of experience.

In the evening, we parted ways after a farewell supper.

Day 14: Final Day in Marrakech

I spent my last day in Marrakech on a much-anticipated site inspection of Club Med Palmerie, which I have a separate blog for. I spent a quiet and luxurious day reflecting on my time before heading to the airport in the late evening for my flight to Munich, departing shortly after midnight.

Final Reflections: Culture, Connection, and Curiosity

As I departed Morocco for Western Europe, I wanted to approach the country with an open mind, despite the loneliness that often defines a solo travel trip such as this. The group dynamics were quite fragmented, with two distinct cliques, which left me somewhat isolated. This is one of the challenges of travelling alone—you find yourself navigating these subtle divides without the easy connections that come when you're part of a close-knit group. Despite my attempts to connect with fellow travellers and inviting myself along to join others at the beginning, I struggled with balancing my desire for social interaction with a fear of appearing too eager. I settled into my solo role and carried on in my exploration and learning experience of Morocco. As someone who thrives on meaningful connections, this aspect of the trip was less fulfilling than I had hoped. I hear it is not common for this to happen on a G Adventures trip, so fingers crossed my Peru trip in several weeks will be far different!

That said, my time in Morocco was invaluable from both a historical and personal perspective. The country's rich cultural and religious heritage provided a deep well of learning, and on a personal level, I’ve gained insights that will stay with me.

What I will take away from Morocco is its profound historical and spiritual beauty. At the same time, I also saw the challenges it faces—issues such as poverty, environmental degradation, and the pressures of over-tourism and commercialism. These are concerns shared by many nations today, not just Morocco or the African continent.

However, Morocco’s resilience shines through in its people, landscapes, and traditions. The vibrancy of its cities, the warmth of its communities, and the breathtaking beauty of its deserts and mountains are just a few of the country’s remarkable qualities. This trip was more than just a logistical journey—it became a process of personal transformation, offering both a deeper understanding of a fascinating country and a greater awareness of myself.

Thinking of Saying ‘Yes’ to Morocco?

Let’s craft your own path through this mesmerizing land. From dunes to medinas, mountains, and sea—experience Morocco with purpose, an open heart, and meaningful connection. I can't wait to bring you and your loved ones to this incredible land.