At The Airport

You will be picked up and dropped off by your driver from Marrakech airport. If you are arriving earlier than Day 1, you will still have a driver pick up. 

The exact pick-up spot will be shared closer to the trip date. 

It is really important that you fill in the Trip Questionnaire with the correct flight information, including the flight number, and ensure the arrival and departure time is adjusted for Morocco's timezone. 

If your flight details change, email us and make sure you receive a reply confirming we have noted the change. 

ESim

It is VERY IMPORTANT to get an eSIM for Morocco BEFORE you arrive. You will need it as soon as you arrive. 

Your provider may already offer this or cover Morocco as part of your plan (check the rates!).

If not, we recommend Saily. We recently partnered with them to making getting an eSim easier for our trips, so click on the image below or use our affiliate link here.

Meeting Your Driver

Your driver will be holding a sign that says Morocco with Hope (our on-the-ground partner for this trip). The sign will NOT have your name on it. 

The driver knows where you are going. You will be dropped 5 minutes walking distance to the Riad. It is easy to find and Vanessa will share how to find it in our Whatsapp group. She can also come and meet you if you are nervous.

Immigration

You can purchase a Fast Track Service if you wish. But you can avoid this extra cost and avoid potential long waits by not messing around between getting off the plane and getting to immigration. Get close to the front of the line so that when the door opens to the immigration hall, you are near the start. The airport is better than in the past so the queues are not as long, but of course, it is your luck on the day.

Arriving a Day Early

If you are arriving early, you are not alone. Our Girl Gone International host will be there too. If you would like to book a room in the same Riad, you can do this directly via https://riadviewpoint.com/

Room Shares

You will be thoughtfully matched amd know beforehand who you will be paired with. Vanessa will coordinate at each accommodation. If you have a solo room, you will have a solo room throughout the trip.

Before your trip to Morocco, you must take out comprehensive travel insurance that covers you throughout your stay and all the activities included in your itinerary.

We will ask you for proof of insurance. As everyone is travelling from different countries, we do not have a preferred or recommended insurance company; it is best to explore options available to you in your country or via your bank or existing insurance firm.

Day 1 | Welcome to Marrakech

4 October 2026

Arrive in Marrakech at any time today. We’ll meet you at the airport and transfer you by private vehicle to our riad in the heart of the Medina.

Settle in, enjoy a traditional mint tea and take some time to relax in the courtyard or by the pool.

5:00 pm – Welcome & Introduction

Meet your GGI host Vanessa, local guides and fellow travellers. We’ll introduce you to the week ahead and share some useful Moroccan cultural tips and local customs.

6:00 pm – Marrakech Food Tour & Dinner

Head out with a local guide for a 3–4 hour food tour through the lively streets of Marrakech. Taste local dishes, discover the Medina and get your first introduction to the flavours and energy of the city.

Afterwards, we’ll return to the riad and settle in for our first night in Morocco.

Overnight: Riad ViewPoint, Marrakech Medina

Included today: Airport meet & assist, private airport transfer, welcome introduction, guided food tour and dinner.

Day 2 | Discover the Medina of Marrakech

5 October 2026

After breakfast at the riad, head out with our local guide for a morning exploring the Medina of Marrakech. Wander through historic streets, colourful souks and some of the city’s main sights while learning about Moroccan culture, history and everyday life.

Around midday, enjoy some free time for lunch and explore at your own pace before returning to the riad for a break.

4:00 pm – Moroccan Cooking Experience

Later, we travel around 30 minutes outside Marrakech to a beautiful farm for a hands-on Moroccan cooking class. There will also be time to relax and enjoy the swimming pool, so bring your swimwear.

We’ll finish the experience by sitting down together to enjoy the dinner we’ve prepared before returning to Marrakech for the evening.

Overnight: Riad ViewPoint, Marrakech Medina

Included today: Breakfast. Guided Medina tour, Moroccan cooking class and dinner

Not included: Lunch

Day 3 | Atlas Mountains & Dades Valley

6 October 2026

8:00 am – Breakfast at the riad

9:00 am – Depart Marrakech

Today is one of our longer travel days as we leave Marrakech and journey through the Atlas Mountains towards the Dades Valley.

Expect around 4.5+ hours of driving across the day, broken up with plenty of stops for bathrooms, refreshments, photos, lunch and sightseeing. The roads become increasingly mountainous and the scenery is spectacular, so this is very much part of the experience rather than simply a transfer day.

Lunch – Ait Ben Haddou

We’ll stop around lunchtime at Ait Ben Haddou, with lunch included.

Afternoon – Kasbah Amridil

After lunch, we continue to Kasbah Amridil for an approximately 1-hour guided visit, learning about the history, architecture and traditional way of life of Morocco’s historic kasbahs.

We then continue by road towards Dades.

Around 6:30 pm – Arrive in Dades

Check into our hotel and settle in. If you would like a swim, the hotel pool is open until approximately 8:00 pm.

Evening – Dinner at the hotel

Dinner is included tonight, followed by a relaxed evening after our journey through the mountains.

Overnight: Dades 

Included: Breakfast, transport, lunch, guided kasbah visit and dinner

Good to know:

• This is a longer road-trip day, but with regular stops along the way.
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes for travelling and exploring the kasbah.
• Bring layers as temperatures can change as we travel through the mountains.
• Keep water, sunscreen, sunglasses and anything you need during the drive in your day bag rather than packed away.
• If you want to use the pool when we arrive, keep your swimwear somewhere easy to reach.

Day 4 | Sleep Under the Stars in the Sahara

7 October 2026

8:00 am – Breakfast at the hotel

9:00 am – Depart Dades for Merzouga

We continue east towards Merzouga and the Sahara Desert. Expect approximately 4.5 hours of driving, plus stops along the way for bathrooms, refreshments and photos.

Around lunchtime – Arrive in Merzouga

We’ll arrive at our hotel/base in Merzouga for an included lunch.

Your main luggage will stay safely at the hotel, so you’ll need to pack a small overnight bag for the desert camp with everything you need until the following day.

There will be some free time before we head into the desert. Depending on timing, you can relax, use the pool or choose an optional activity.

Optional quad biking – approx. €30

Quad biking is available as an optional extra. If you would like to take part, please check that your travel insurance covers quad biking.

4:00 pm – 4x4 into the Sahara

We leave the hotel by 4x4 vehicle for an approximately 35-minute journey through the desert to reach our camp. The 4x4 transfer may be shared with other travellers. The camp is shared by other travellers but our group will be close together.

Around 5:00 pm – Arrive at the desert camp

Settle into your tent and take in your first proper views of the Sahara.

Sunset – Camel Ride & Dunes

Head out into the dunes for our included sunset camel experience, approximately 45 minutes each way.

There will also be time in the dunes for photos, quiet reflection and, if available, sandboarding. As with quad biking, check your travel insurance if you plan to sandboard.

9:00–10:00 pm – Dinner at Camp

We’ll gather for an included set-menu dinner, followed by traditional music and time together beneath the desert sky.

Overnight: Imperial Glory Lodges, Merzouga Desert

Included: Breakfast, road transport, lunch, 4x4 desert transfer, camel experience and dinner

Optional extra: Quad biking, approximately €30

Good to know:

• Expect around 4.5 hours on the road, plus stops, before reaching Merzouga.
• Your large luggage stays at the hotel, so pack a small overnight bag before leaving for camp.
• Keep sunscreen, sunglasses, water and a scarf easily accessible during the day.
• Desert temperatures can drop considerably after sunset, so bring a warm layer even if the daytime is hot.
• Wear comfortable clothing and closed shoes or secure sandals for the dunes.
• The desert camp is not completely private to our group and other guests may also be staying there.
• Air conditioning at the camp may be limited during the day and not operate until around 9:00 pm, so expect a more rustic desert experience.
• Dinner is served relatively late, around 9:00–10:00 pm, so keep this in mind if you usually eat earlier. Make sure you have snacks!

Day 5 | Desert to Aït Ben Haddou

8 October 2026

7:00 am – Breakfast at the desert camp

7:30 am – Leave the camp

We make an early start today, leaving the Sahara and travelling back out of the desert to meet our main driver.

Around 8:00 am – Meet our driver

Collect our main luggage and prepare for the journey west towards Aït Ben Haddou.

Around 8:10 am – Depart for Aït Ben Haddou

Today is our longest driving day, with approximately 5.5 hours of driving, plus stops for bathrooms, refreshments and lunch. Settle in, get comfortable and enjoy the changing scenery as we travel from the desert back towards Morocco’s mountains and kasbah country.

Lunch – En route

We’ll stop for an included lunch along the way before continuing towards Aït Ben Haddou.

Late afternoon / early evening – Arrive at Aït Ben Haddou

Check into our riad and enjoy some proper downtime after the journey. Relax by the swimming pool, enjoy the views or simply have some quiet time before dinner.

Evening – Dinner at the hotel

We’ll come together for an included dinner and a relaxed evening.

Overnight: Riad Maktoub, Aït Ben Haddou

Included: Breakfast, transport, lunch and dinner

Good to know:

• This is a big travel day, so expect to spend much of the day on the road.
• The driving time is approximately 5.5 hours, but the full journey will be longer once lunch and rest stops are included.
• Have a comfortable day bag with water, snacks, headphones, chargers, medication and anything else you may want during the drive.
• Wear comfortable clothes and consider bringing a light layer for the air-conditioned vehicle.
• We’ll aim to arrive with some time to relax and use the pool, although exact arrival time will depend on road conditions and stops during the day.
• Tonight is deliberately kept simple and relaxed after the long journey.

Day 6 | Aït Ben Haddou to Marrakech

9 October 2026

Morning – Breakfast at the hotel

After breakfast, we spend our final morning in Aït Ben Haddou, including an approximately 1-hour guided visit to explore the historic ksar and learn more about its history, architecture and importance in the region.

Around 11:00 am – Depart for Marrakech

We begin our journey back to Marrakech, crossing the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass through the High Atlas Mountains.

Expect around 4 hours of driving, with stops for bathrooms, refreshments and photos along the way. Mountain roads can make journey times variable, so today’s timings are approximate.

Lunch – En route / later in the day

We’ll stop for a late lunch during our journey back towards Marrakech. Make sure you have snacks incase you get hungry before lunch.

Afternoon – Arrive in Marrakech

Check into our hotel and enjoy some free time to rest, freshen up or have a final wander around Marrakech before our last evening together.

Evening – Closing Celebration

We’ll meet again for our closing ceremony, a chance to mark the end of our Moroccan adventure together.

We then head out for our special closing dinner and evening experience, approximately 8:00–11:00 pm.

Overnight: Diwane Hotel, Marrakech

Included: Breakfast, guided Aït Ben Haddou visit, transport and closing dinner

Good to know:

• Allow for approximately 4 hours on the road, although mountain traffic and stops can make the journey longer.
• The visit to Aït Ben Haddou involves walking on uneven surfaces, so comfortable, supportive shoes are recommended.
• Keep water, sunscreen, sunglasses and a light layer accessible for the journey.
• The Tizi n’Tichka Pass is very scenic but also winding, so if you are prone to travel sickness, bring whatever normally helps you.
• There will be time at the hotel to shower, change and relax before the evening celebration.
• Tonight is our final full evening together, with a later finish at around 11:00 pm.

Day 7 | A Final Taste of Marrakech

10 October 2026

8:00 am – Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy breakfast together before our final morning in Marrakech.

10:00 am – Coffee at La Mamounia

For one last experience together, we’ll head to the iconic La Mamounia, one of Marrakech’s most famous luxury hotels, for coffee and a little taste of Marrakech glamour.

Enjoy coffee and cake (included but anything else is extra and you can pay directly there) giving us time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and end the trip on a suitably fancy note!

Fans of Inventing Anna about Anna Delvey may recognise La Mamounia from the Netflix series!

Late morning onwards – Departure Day

Afterwards, it’s time to say our goodbyes. Departures will take place throughout the day according to individual flight times.

If you have a later flight, you may have some additional free time to enjoy Marrakech, pick up any last-minute souvenirs or simply relax before travelling home.

Good to know:

• Breakfast is from 8:00 am.
• We meet for our final outing at around 10:00 am.
• Keep your travel documents, passport and valuables in your hand luggage rather than your checked luggage.
• Make sure you are packed and ready to leave the hotel according to your individual departure arrangements.
• If you have an early flight and cannot join the La Mamounia visit, that is absolutely fine. Departure logistics take priority.
• Exact airport departure times will be confirmed individually once everyone’s flight information has been finalised.

And then it’s time to head home, hopefully with a camera full of Morocco and a few new friends in your life !

Morocco Packing List

You do not need to pack heavily for this trip. Think comfortable, lightweight clothes for warm days, a couple of layers for cooler mountain/desert evenings and shoes you are happy walking in.

Clothes

• 4–5 lightweight tops

• 2–3 pairs of comfortable trousers, loose trousers or longer skirts

• 1 casual dress or nicer outfit for evenings/our closing dinner

• 1 light jumper or fleece

• 1 lightweight jacket

• Underwear + socks

• Sleepwear

• Swimwear

• Lightweight scarf or shawl

• Sun hat

A note on clothing: Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country. There is no special dress code for tourists, but we recommend generally keeping shoulders, cleavage and knees covered when out and about. Lightweight, loose clothing is ideal.

Shoes

• Comfortable trainers/walking shoes

• Comfortable sandals or easy shoes for the hotels/riads

You don't need hiking boots, but you do need shoes you can comfortably walk in for Medina streets, kasbahs and the desert.

Day & Desert Bags

• Small day bag

• Small overnight bag for the Sahara

Important: FOr one night, your main luggage will stay behind when we travel by 4x4 into the desert camp, so you will need a small bag with everything required for one night.

Sun & Desert

• Sunglasses

• Sunscreen

• Lip balm

• Refillable water bottle

• Scarf – particularly useful for sun, wind and sand

Tech

• Phone + charging cable (USB charger is a good idea)

• Power bank

• USB charger / multi-port USB charger

• Morocco-compatible travel plug adaptor

• Headphones for our longer driving days

Power in the desert: Don't worry too much about keeping everything charged. Our driver can charge guests' power banks overnight, particularly while we are staying in the desert. We strongly recommend bringing a fully charged power bank with you.

Personal Essentials

• Toiletries

• Any medication you need

• Hand sanitiser

• Tissues

• Small pack of wet wipes

• Earplugs

• Travel sickness medication if you are prone to motion sickness – some of our Atlas Mountain roads are winding

Travel Essentials

• Passport

• Travel insurance details

• Bank card + some cash

• Copies/screenshots of important travel documents

Don't Overpack!

This is an active but not technical trip. You don't need specialist outdoor clothing or lots of different outfits.

The most useful things to prioritise are:

sun protection • comfortable shoes  breathable clothing • a warm layer • swimwear • scarf • sunscreen • small overnight bag • power bank • books / kindle / journal

Leave a little space in your suitcase too. Morocco is a very difficult place to visit without coming home with something from the souks!

Food, Snacks and Personal Supplies

Most meals during the trip are included, but there are also some free meals and several long travel days, so it is worth carrying a few personal supplies with you.

Morocco has plenty of shops and pharmacies, particularly in Marrakech, but once we travel into the Atlas Mountains, Dades and the Sahara, choice can be more limited and you may not find the exact brands or products you normally use.

Please bring:

☐ Your favourite snacks for the road

☐ Protein bars, nuts, sweets or other easy travel snacks

☐ Any very specific dietary products you regularly rely on

☐ Electrolytes or hydration tablets if you like to use them

☐ Any specialist tea, coffee or drinks you particularly want

☐ Personal toiletries

☐ Period products

☐ All prescription medication you will need for the full trip

☐ Any regular over-the-counter medication you personally rely on

☐ Travel sickness medication if you are prone to it, particularly for the mountain roads

☐ Lip balm and moisturiser, as the desert air can be dry

☐ Hand sanitiser, tissues and a small pack of wet wipes

There will be opportunities to buy things during the trip, particularly in Marrakech, but please don't assume your preferred product, medication or brand will be available once we are on the road.

Tip: Buy anything important before we leave Marrakech for the Atlas Mountains and desert. After that, think of shops as useful extras rather than something to rely on.

Phone, Wi-Fi and Technology

Wi-Fi will be available at most of our hotels and riads, but once we travel into the Atlas Mountains and Sahara, connections may be slower or less reliable.

Please do not rely on having strong Wi-Fi throughout the trip.

We recommend bringing:

☐ Your phone and charging cable

☐ A power bank

☐ A USB charger or multi-port USB charger

☐ A Morocco-compatible travel adaptor

☐ Headphones for longer driving days

☐ Any cables needed for your watch, camera or other devices

☐ Important travel information saved offline or as screenshots

If you need mobile data throughout the trip, consider using an eSIM or local SIM rather than relying only on hotel Wi-Fi.

In the desert: charging options may be more limited. Bring your power bank fully charged. Our driver can also charge guests’ power banks overnight, especially around the desert stay.

Tip: download anything important before we leave Marrakech, including maps, boarding passes, entertainment (remember to check you can watch downloaded shows in another country you may need an upgraded package for that), books or podcasts for the longer road journeys.

The official currency of Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD).

Banknotes and Coins: Here's an overview of the available denominations:

Banknotes: 200 MAD- 100 MAD - 50 MAD -20 MAD -

Coins: 10 MAD -5 MAD -2 MAD -1 MAD -50 centimes - 20 centimes - 10 centimes

Currency Exchange: 1 Euro = 10 MAD , You can exchange at exchange offices, banks, or airports.

Use of Credit and Debit Cards: Credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are commonly accepted in major cities and at hotels, restaurants, and tourist shops. However, in rural areas or small local businesses, cash is often preferred. Be sure to check with your bank before your trip to ensure your card can be used in Morocco.

ATM Withdrawals: ATMs are widely available in major cities, and you can withdraw dirhams directly with your bank card. Be sure to check with your bank about any fees for international withdrawals.

Practical Tip: Cash is often more convenient for daily purchases in markets, small shops, tips and taxis.Pro tip! 

Bring a Revolut or Wise card (or equivalent) with you for easy withdrawals (eg. not having to notify your bank you are travelling) and no or low fees and the best exchange rates. You can add those cards to your Apple wallet to tap and pay too.

Not got one? You can use a friend’s or my referral links so you get a free card and transfers. 

Wise : https://wise.com/invite/ilpc/annes910

Revolut : https://revolut.com/referral/?referral-code=annemsiqr!MAY1-26-VR-GB&geo-redirect

This trip works best when everyone understands that we are travelling as a group and that our choices affect not only ourselves, but the other guests, our host, guides and drivers too.

We want the atmosphere to feel warm, relaxed, caring and respectful. That means looking out for one another, communicating clearly and helping the whole group move smoothly through the trip.

Alcohol and Behaviour

Alcohol may not always be available or appropriate in every location, particularly outside Marrakech and in more traditional or remote areas. Where alcohol is available, or where you are permitted to bring your own, we ask everyone to keep consumption relaxed, moderate and considerate.

Some guests may not drink, may be detoxing, may be in recovery or may simply feel uncomfortable around drunken behaviour.

Alcohol may feel as though it is making your evening more fun while making the shared experience less comfortable for everyone around you. Please know your limits and respect the atmosphere we are creating.

A couple of relaxed drinks is completely fine. Intoxication, disruptive conduct or behaviour that endangers you, another guest or our team is not.

Drunken, drug-related, threatening or seriously antisocial behaviour may result in removal from the trip at the guest's own expense.

This is not intended to stop anyone enjoying herself. It is there to protect the safety, comfort and experience of the whole group.

Please Stay With the Group

This is a group trip, particularly once we leave Marrakech and travel through the mountains and desert.

Please do not disappear on dates, meet-ups, spontaneous side quests or independent excursions without discussing it with your host or guide first.

In Marrakech, there may be times when you can explore independently during designated free time. In more remote locations, particularly Dades, Merzouga and the Sahara, we need everyone to stay closely connected to the group and follow the guidance of our local team.

The desert is not the place to wander off alone, leave camp without telling anyone or make independent plans with people you meet.

If you want to do something outside the itinerary, speak to your host first. We will always try to help where it is safe and practical.

Communication Is Essential

Please keep your host and guides informed.

If you are going somewhere during free time, feeling unwell, running late, changing a plan or need help with something, tell us.

Never assume that someone else has passed the message on.

We need to know where everyone is, particularly on transfer days, in the mountains and in the desert.

Timekeeping Really Matters

Please take meeting and departure times seriously.

Many parts of this itinerary depend on driving times, daylight, sunset, meal bookings, guides and desert transfers. Being 10 or 15 minutes late can have a knock-on effect on the entire day and, in some cases, mean the group misses part of an experience.

When we say meet at 9:00 am, please be ready to leave at 9:00 am, not beginning to pack, order coffee or check out at that time.

If you know you are someone who needs more time in the morning, build that extra time in for yourself.

Being on time is one of the simplest ways you can show care and respect for the other women travelling with you and for the local team working hard to make the trip happen.

Look After One Another

You do not need to become best friends with everyone, but we do ask everyone to travel with kindness.

Notice if someone is struggling. Make space for different personalities and energy levels. Be considerate when sharing vehicles, meals and accommodation. Treat our drivers, guides, hotel teams and local hosts with the same warmth and respect you would like to receive yourself.

The best group trips are created by everyone, not just by the itinerary.

A little patience, good communication, punctuality and care for one another can make the difference between simply visiting Morocco and having a genuinely wonderful shared experience.