A 12-day trip full of unforgettable experiences!
One of our most “insider” and exotic tours:
November 7th - November 18th, 2025
Highlights and Trip Summary
Morocco is most known for its exotic food… its raw and natural desert beauty… its colorful spices, intricate tile work and bustling town squares.
The Imperial city of Marrakesh is rich in noise, history, and fragrances – a labyrinth of artisan shops with acrobats, musicians, fun-to-try street food, snakes, snails, tattoo artists, and stands piled high with sweet almonds, luscious dates, olives, and apricots.
Every day its streets are buzzing with activity -- donkeys pulling carts, rug sellers hawking their wares, mopeds, artisans, and people rushing off to prayer. It’s a world away from anything you can see anywhere else.
This trip includes the best of Morocco without being rushed around like typical tourists.
In 12 days you’ll go to Marrakech, then through the High Atlas Mountains into the Sahara desert and out to the coastal oasis of Essaouira.
The journey out to the Sahara includes some longer drives. But, we’ve designed this itinerary to stop along the way and experience the dramatic landscapes of southern Morocco — venturing into parts of the Sahara that are much less frequented by visitors.
We’ll take our time instead of rushing in and out of the desert like most tours which makes the drive a lot easier on your body. And along the way, you’ll see ancient kasbahs, underground water wells (crazy!), and real desert oases.
Our route will take us through the desert flats to Taroudant and finally the beautiful coastal town of Essaouira (where season three of Game of Thrones was filmed). We’ll explore the winding streets on foot and then head out to make our own argan oil which you can purchase and bring home. Essaouira is a favorite for guests and we’re making sure to spend a little extra time here.
Back in Marrakesh, with our special connections, we’ll take an underground tour of the city to meet the locals who work there (fascinating!). We’ll taste-test all the best local food and try a few things you may not have the guts to try as a tourist.
Unlike most tourist tours, you will eat incredibly well on this trip.
And in typical Focused Escapes fashion, we’ll have a local photographer introduce us to the private nature of Moroccan culture and take us to some of his favorite streets to photograph.
If you’re looking for a trip full of adventure and unique experiences… and you want to see Morocco away from traditional tourist traps, this escape is for you.
It comes from our 20-year experience working with professional photographers, travel writers, food bloggers and artists. It’s the trip you’d plan for yourself if you had all these connections and the ability to work with them on an ideal itinerary.
And it’s Amanda’s (the co-owner of Focused Escapes) hometown. This is where she lives and works and has raised her three boys. If you were a friend of Amanda’s, going to Morocco for the first time, this is exactly where she’d tell you to stay, eat and see.
“This trip is so worth it! You can't beat the hospitality, our accommodations and food were superb and getting to meet local Moroccan and Berber families enriched my life.”
— Terry Granger
“I had an amazing time. Morocco is a diverse and beautiful country and the people were warm and inviting. I loved learning about Morocco from all our guides who were very knowledgeable. And the food was incredible.”
— Karen Kirkland
“The only word to describe the hammam experience was AMAZING. I genuinely felt like a new woman! The places we went were excellent. The Argan oil experience, the Berber village, and the Sahara were all at the top of the list. It was a trip like no other....GO!!!”
— Kathy Sullivan
Your Itinerary at a glance*
*always subject to change based on weather and other circumstances
Day 0 - November 7th — Marrakech
If you would like to arrive a day earlier to give you time to adjust and acclimate to a time zone change this can be arranged.
Day 1 – November 8th — Marrakech
You’ll schedule your arrival anytime on this day. Those who arrive in the morning can rest up, shower, and then hit the souks or spa.
Those who arrive in the evening can join the group for dinner or go straight to bed.
The riad we’re staying in is a beautifully designed riad with hand crafted wood and fine furnishings. Admire the incredible tile work and architecture at this hidden oasis.
If you arrive early in the day you can take a stroll outside and start to get your bearings (it’s safe but use big city smarts). You can also opt for a hammam (spa scrub or massage) today to refresh.
Meals are on your own on these arrival days as everyone arrives at different times.
If you’d like to get a leather jacket made in Morocco, it’s best to place your order and get fitted on this day so it’s ready when you return to Marrakech.
Meals Included: Meals today are on your own
What is a Moroccan hammam?
A Moroccan hammam is a weekly ritual for most Moroccan households, typically done in public hammams, though many prefer a more private experience.
You’ll start in a warm, steam-filled room where everything—from the floor to the bench where you sit—is heated. (Amazing!) Your technician then applies luxurious black soap with a heavenly scent that lingers for days! (Everyone loves it!)
Next, you’ll enjoy a full-body exfoliation with a traditional kessa glove, followed by rinses with cups or bowls of hot water that feel surprisingly soothing. Due to the intensity of the scrubbing, a hammam is usually recommended only once a week, making it perfect to experience at both the start and end of your trip.
“The hammam experience was so wonderful, I did it twice! I have raved about it to all my friends and posted it on social media. It is intense but you feel completely refreshed and renewed afterward. Just relax and let the experience wash over you. It’s something you will always remember about Morocco.” - Terry Granger
Day 2 – November 9th - Journey to the Sahara, stop at a kasbah
This day marks the beginning of your journey through the striking landscapes of the High Atlas Mountains.
Taking the Tizi n'Tichka pass, you’ll travel on North Africa’s highest road, offering breathtaking mountain vistas until you get to Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its iconic kasbah architecture and the many famous movies and shows (including Game of Thrones and Lawrence of Arabia) filmed here.
The song: “Rock the Casbah” by The Clash, is about a fortress like this. The song describes a fictional scenario where a Middle Eastern king bans rock music. In defiance, people continue to listen and “rock the casbah.” Eventually, this leads to the King joining in to rock the casbah himself.
To cap off the day, you’ll reach Ouarzazate and see Kasbah Taourirt, the former palace of a powerful pasha, and an emblematic structure of Morocco’s southern architecture.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – November 10th - The Sahara desert
Today you will enter the mighty Sahara. This day is special because we’re taking you where very few other tourists go.
It takes a 2-hour drive to get to the “end of the road,” where civilization ends and vast, untouched wilderness begins. From there, our 4x4 journey through the Sahara’s desolate dunes is an unforgettable experience.
Passing roaming camels and scattered water wells, you’ll get a rare opportunity to see the beauty and tranquility of the desert landscape. This part of the trip offers plenty of chances to stop, explore, and capture stunning photographs of the unique terrain (within reason because you do need to eventually get there!).
The day culminates in a stay at a luxury camp, where you’ll have the chance to experience the quiet, open sky and, hopefully, a night filled with stars.
Sleeping under the desert sky in the Sahara is not only a travel experience but also a deeply memorable and serene connection with nature. This day represents adventure, exploration, and the wonder of spending a night in one of the most awe-inspiring and remote landscapes in the world.
Meals: Breakfast lunch and dinner
Day 4 – November 11th - Second night in the desert
Today is a rare, immersive opportunity to truly experience life in the Sahara beyond the typical quick overnight stay that most tours offer.
Staying an extra day allows for a deeper cultural and personal connection to the desert, giving you the chance to slow down, absorb the environment, appreciate the desert lifestyle, and get the most from your meaningful journey out there.
Starting with a sunrise in the Sahara (if you choose to wake up for it), you’ll have a chance to capture this quiet, mesmerizing moment of light illuminating the vast dunes.
Then, after a relaxed breakfast, you’ll experience the desert at a pace that’s respectful of its tranquility, with time to roam and connect with local nomadic culture. Meeting a nomad family and sharing tea offers a meaningful glimpse into a traditional way of life that’s deeply tied to this harsh yet beautiful landscape. This interaction is a unique chance to learn firsthand about their history, resilience, and customs.
We also have options to further enjoy the desert with a camel ride, giving you a taste of traditional desert travel if you want to.
By evening, you’ll be back at camp, where you can unwind with a freshly prepared meal, private tents, and lively music around the campfire, creating a warm, unforgettable memory.
This extra day isn’t just about staying longer—it’s about deepening your experience, connecting with local culture, and appreciating the desert’s timeless beauty in a way few travelers get to enjoy.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5 – November 12th — Journey to Essaouira
After sunrise in the dunes and breakfast you'll be off in your 4x4's to follow the old Paris-Dakkar race route up to Foum Zguid where you will meet your driver to continue on through the sights of this remote area to your former palace for the night.
Stop off at an old bazaar selling ancient Saharan artifacts to learn about marriage contracts, camp set ups, and Moroccan furniture.
The driver will stop at sights of interest based on timing and energy level of the group.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6 – November 13th - Essaouira
In the morning, get an early start and drive to the west, driving along the Souss Valley and stop in Taroudant, called the Grandmother of Marrakech. It’s a walled city that dates back to the 16th century.
You’ll visit the quiet and comfortable medina which you’ll later be able to compare to the vibrant and chaotic medina in Marrakech.
From here we’ll drive north up the coast to the port city of Essaouira; with a very funky vibe and loads of musicians.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 7 – November 14th - Argan oil making
In the morning, after breakfast, we’ll learn how to make real, authentic argan oil. The oil that’s marketed in stores around the world is usually a mix of argan oil with other, cheaper oils. But here, you will make pure argan oil, and it costs only a fraction of what you pay for the diluted stuff at home.
You will also experience tasting argan oil in several different ways.
Essaouira itself is a town best explored on foot, so there’s free time here to do that in good photography light. You can also stay out as long as you want.
You’ll likely be full from the argan experience, so dinner is on your own tonight to give you extra time for shopping, exploring and photos. If you find yourself a bit hungry, you can grab a crepe from the crepe stand or some appetizers on the roof of our gorgeous riad.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Day 8 – November 15th - Essaouira
This morning join a local guide for a visit to the port of Essaouira as well as some of the other sites. You’ll have plenty of free time today to relax, book a hammam, or wander the city.
Lunch and dinner are on your own today.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9– November 16th - Return to Marrakech
After breakfast, we’ll make our way back to Marrakech. You’ll have the choice to enjoy a leisurely morning, sleep in or to take one last stroll and shop before we depart.
Upon our arrival in Marrakech, you’ll have free time to settle in or explore the city at your own pace.
Later, we’ll embark on an exclusive food tour that reveals Marrakech’s hidden side. With our special connections, we’ll go behind the scenes to meet the locals who work in the heart of the city, giving you an insider’s view of traditional crafts and bustling underground markets and bread ovens.
Prepare to dive into a world of flavors as we sample the best street food from stalls you may be too intimidated to try on your own without a guide.
These include some classic favorites and a few adventurous bites that tourists rarely dare to try! This experience will introduce you to the rich culinary heritage of Marrakech and leave you with unforgettable memories of the city’s vibrant food culture.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
“Until you have experienced the medina in Marrakech, you cannot really say that you have experience Morroco: zooming motorbikes with strident horns, stacks of beautiful Arabic/Berber carpets of every color and pattern, sheep heads for sale, colorful Aladdin slippers, bakers with decadent displays of sugar-crusted treats, artisans plying their skills...no way to capture the experience in mere words. Anyone who wonders why argan oil is so costly to buy should try to make it by hand!! And you will LONG for another hammam treatment before you are even out the door.”
— Sandy Raney
Day 10 – November 17th - Marrakech
In the morning, we’ll explore the city’s most stunning and culturally significant sites, from the ornate Saadian tombs to the majestic Palaces of El Bahia and El Badi, and the Ben Youssef Madrasa.
With an experienced guide, you’ll have the freedom to move at your own pace, allowing you to capture meaningful photographs and appreciate each place's architectural beauty and historical context—a luxury not often afforded on typical fast-paced tours.
In the afternoon you can book a traditional Moroccan hammam treatment. This is done in a special room just outside our riad. It starts with a steam room and is followed by full-body exfoliation.
This day offers a meaningful blend of cultural exploration and personal relaxation, letting you connect with both the vibrant heritage and the tranquil spirit of Marrakech.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Day 11 - November 18th - Marrakech
In the morning, we’ll take a tour of real artisan workshops that define Marrakech’s vibrant artisan culture.
Instead of just browsing the souks, you’ll go behind the scenes to the actual workshops where skilled artisans create the intricate wood, metal, tile, and plaster pieces that fill the markets. This hands-on experience allows you to try crafting these pieces yourself (you’ll see how difficult it is), connecting you more deeply with the techniques, patience, and artistry involved.
This day also offers unique photographic opportunities, as these artisans are open to having their portraits taken. Not only will you take home beautiful images, but you’ll also bring back stories and insights that deepen your understanding of the culture behind the crafts.
By visiting the artisans directly, you’ll discover the true authenticity behind what’s often sold in the markets, along with the chance to purchase meaningful keepsakes straight from their makers.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 12 - November 19th - Departure
Breakfast will be offered at the riad and we’ll all say goodbye to Morocco today. Schedule your departure for today or plan to stay longer and enjoy.
Activity Level
Moderate to high activity. Most of this trip is spent out and about on foot through uneven medinas and on beach and desert sand. Most accommodations do not have elevators and require one to two flights of stairs. There are a few long drives including a longer 4x4 ride in the desert, and a camel ride (optional).
Many of our days are spent in more remote locations which is also something that you may want to keep in mind if you have any medical concerns.
The hustle and bustle of the medina in Marrakech may be overwhelming for some. If you think you’ll have trouble staying with the group, you might consider booking this trip as a private tour.
If you’re worried about physical limitations, please contact us before registering.
Beautiful, authentic accommodations…
For an authentic Moroccan experience, we’ll stay mostly in riads.
“Riad” in Arabic means garden and riads today are essentially small, beautiful, hacienda-style accommodations with windows facing an interior courtyard or garden for privacy.
You’ll find lush plants, plush bedding, beautiful tile, and fine furnishings. Each has been hand-picked for its location, beauty, accessibility and bliss.
Our Commitment to Affordability
We pledge to offer expeditions at the best possible price.
We create tours for travelers, not tourists. Folks who want unique experience they wouldn’t likely find on their own. And we strive to make each and every expedition better than the last.
Many other tour companies use a simple formula, designed to shuffle tourists from one place to the next. They’ll use the same itinerary year after year, without making modifications. And that’s not who we are.
To keep our prices low, and our itineraries fresh, we stay on top of the trends, deals, and best-value opportunities that we can get our hands on. Often times $2,000-$3,000 less than what you’ll find elsewhere!
Price: $7,497
We’ve done all the work of making sure all of your bases are covered on this Morocco trip. Not only will you get to have iconic experiences, you’ll also do things without a tourist in sight.
All of this comes at a great price.…
The total cost of this trip is $7,497.
But you can save by inviting a friend or spouse. The cost goes down to $6,997 per person in a shared room.
Your fee includes nearly all your meals, drinks, activities, guide, and driver, as well as accommodations and entrance fees. We also pay all of your gratuities so you don’t have to hand out cash at every stop. This is often one of the biggest unplanned expenses in Morocco but you won’t have to worry.
On the arrival and departure day there may be a meal or two that you’ll need to cover depending on your flight time. Other items not included are any incidentals such as alcohol, laundry, or mini-bar charges.
A deposit is due at the time of registration. The balance is due in two equal payments 30 and 60 days after your deposit.
*Your Gratuities/Tips Are Included
It’s worth mentioning that when we create Focused Escapes tours, we’re always looking for privacy, beauty, special experiences and opportunities to avoid other tourists.
We also pre-pay all your tips and include them in your fee because we find it incredibly annoying when every person you meet has their hand or hat out for a tip. This can add several hundred dollars - and sometimes several thousand dollars — to your trip.
We eliminate this annoyance by incorporating your tips into the trip fee and then paying them in lump sum when we’re on the ground. It makes our trips more expensive on the surface, but you’ll thank us when you get there.
The only tips we don’t include are for porters who carry your bags. It’s customary to hand them the equivalent of $1-$3 when they bring your bags to your room. But all hotel staff, housekeepers, guides, camel herders, photo models, waiters are tipped fairly without you having to dig in your wallet every hour.
Your registration includes:
Unique access and unforgettable experiences not available on other tours
Fewer Tourists — other tours hustle you between cities so you can check them off your list. We focus on great locations and experiences that aren’t overrun with other tourists.
Top-notch accommodations — 4 nights in Marrakech, 3 nights in Essaouira, and 4 nights in and out of the Sahara Desert = 11 nights
In-country transportation per the itinerary
Breakfast daily
Almost all meals except on arrival and a few times when it makes more sense for you to purchase something on your own.
Tips and gratuities for our driver, guides, and all hotel staff
Airport transfers on arrival
1 traditional hammam treatment
Your registration fee does NOT include:
Your airfare
Your camera or video gear if you’d like to bring some
Meals on your own (allow an average of $10-$20/day)
Any alcohol you may wish to consume
Your departure airport transfer which you can book through our riad when you’re ready to leave (20 euros for a car up to 8 people)
Tips for porters who carry your bags (allow $1-$3 per bag at each hotel change)
Travel insurance (We recommend buying a year of Allianz, but please do your own research)
Beginner photographers welcome!
This is not a photography workshop in the traditional sense even though we’ll have photography elements with a local photographer.
This is a travel tour built for people who like to come home with great pictures. It includes extended times in each location, and the itinerary gets us in all the right places in the right light.
There are no photo skill or gear prerequisites. DSLRs, point and shoot cameras, iPhones and travelers without cameras or other smartphones are all welcome.
The Focused Escapes ADVANTAGE
Local photographers.
We see the most iconic sites for sure. But with an eye (and time) for great photos.
Less fluff.
No boring lectures. No stops at fake jewelry stores. We can get to all the most picturesque places at the right time of day without being herded around like cattle.
Luxurious accommodation.
In well-located areas so we don’t have to drive far for the best pictures or walk far for great food and fun.
Insider guides.
With guides trained in photography and blogging, it’s a travel tour but it’s also a learning experience.
In small groups we can be flexible.
We can change our schedule at a moment’s notice based on weather, what sounds fun, and what my connections on the ground can get us into.
And how very nice it is to travel with like-minded people. Even if you don’t want to pursue or improve your photography, this trip is for anyone who likes to explore. Anyone who wants to really “see” a place rather than book a traditional tourist tour. And anyone up for adventure.
Want to make this a private/custom trip?
Get Details Here
