Noon Tours: Morocco

Begin in Marrakech, then set off to experience the side of Morocco they don’t tell you about in the guidebooks. Break bread with Amazigh (Berber) families in remote homes, see how an artist co-op is empowering female rug-weavers in small villages, take in the beauty of the far-flung M’goun Valley over four days of hiking with the region’s first local female guide, and enjoy the singing and dancing of Moroccan women in cultural ceremonies in rural communities. With all the hallmarks of a classic Intrepid adventure – local leadership, private transport, real life experiences – and an added focus on female travel and female empowerment, this is a unique opportunity for women to blaze the trail in an incredible but often conservative country.

What’s on the itinerary?

Day 1 – Saturday 29 April 2023, arrive in Marrakech

Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Morocco. After your welcome meeting, where you’ll meet your host and fellow travellers, venture to Djemaa el Fna, the lively town square in the centre of the Medina. Huge crowds converge at night to see singers, drummers, dancers, fortune tellers, jugglers and even old medicine men and dentists mingling together in what has been called the ‘greatest spectacle on earth’.

• Accommodation: Hotel 2 Ciels (standard room) or similar

Day 2 – Sunday 30 April 2023, Bou Taghrar

Board your private transport and settle in for the journey to Bou Tgharar village (approximately 7 hours). You’ll be hosted by local women, and there will be some Amazigh (Berber) music and local songs to enjoy. A tasty, traditional meal will be waiting for you on arrival. Your accommodation is a beautiful terra cotta gite (rural guesthouse). From here, the views of the surrounding hills are superb, and you’ll be greeted with warm hospitality from the local family who run the establishment.

• Included activities: Bou Tharar – Amazigh music and local songs
• Meals included: Breakfast, dinner
• Accommodation: Mountain Gite

Day 3 – Monday 1 May 2023, Agouti

Set off on a hike from Bou Tgharar village to Agouti Village (approximately 5–6 hours). For the next four days of hiking, you’ll be accompanied by Mama Bia, the region’s first local female guide. Mama Bia knows these parts like the back of her hand and will share incredible stories of the landscape and her nomadic past. You’ll be hiking through villages and meeting some of the locals on the way. In the afternoon, learn how to prepare some specialty dishes at a cooking demonstration and in the evening watch how couscous is prepared in a traditional way. It’s a classic and characterful component of Maghrebi cuisine.

• Included activities: Bou Tharar – Hike to Agouti | Agouti – Couscous demonstration
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Guesthouse

Special Information: Today’s guesthouse is multi-share accommodation, so expect to be sharing a room with two or three other travellers in the group. Bathroom facilities are also shared but, most importantly, you can still enjoy a hot shower after a day’s hike.

Day 4 – Tuesday 2 May 2023, Amejgag

Set off on a morning walk through Agouti Gorge, crossing through Almdoun Village to get to Amejgag (approximately 5–6 hours). The dramatic red walls of the gorge make for an otherworldly sight. At some point during today’s hike, you will need to cross a river, maybe multiple times. Depending on the water levels, you may need to roll up your trousers and take your shoes off. Your experienced leader will make sure to find the best place to cross, but come prepared to get a little wet. After arriving in Amejgag Village, gain insight into an age-old craft by attending a weaving workshop run by a local ladies’ cooperative. Afterwards, there will be a walk through the village to see some of the interesting architecture.

• Included activities: Amejgag – Rug-weaving workshop visit | Agouti – Hike to Amejgag
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 5 – Wednesday 3 May 2023, Issoumar

This morning enjoy a traditional Moroccan breakfast comprised of a comforting homemade soup, tea, coffee, and (most importantly) olive oil served with Moroccan bread. Get involved in preparing this flatbread, otherwise known as khobz, which is widespread and almost synonymous with Moroccan food. Set off to Issoumar, trekking through more of Morocco’s spectacular landscape. The route crosses small hills and leads to Timtda village, where you’ll take a break and enjoy a picnic lunch. From here, climb 200 metres uphill to the Tissardan pass, which offers a fantastic view of the M’Goun Valley. Then descend 300 metres to Issoumar village, where you will spend the night. This afternoon, listen to traditional folk tales and play music with the local women inside the guesthouse.

• Included activities: Amejgag – Moroccan breakfast preparation | Amejgag – Hike to Issoumar | Issoumar – Folk tales and music
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 6 – Thursday 4 May 2023, Bou Taghrar

Follow the M’Goun River back to Bou Thrar (approximately 5–6 hours). You’ll most likely see a few farmers going about their daily business along the way. After lunch, visit a farm and learn some traditional farming skills that have been practiced in this part of Morocco for centuries. After a long but rewarding day, take some time to rest before joining your fellow women in trying on some traditional henna and kohl makeup. After having your dress picked out and make up done for you, head out to attend a very special party, imitating a Amazigh wedding. Make the most of this wonderful event while enjoying dinner with your group – your final meal with Mama Bia.

• Included activities: Bou Tharar – Farm visit | Bou Tharar – Amazigh dress and make up | Issoumar – Hike to Bou Tharar
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Mountain Gite

Day 7 – Friday 5 May 2023, Marrakech

Return to Marrakech today. On the way, make a stop at Ait Benhaddou to check out the beautiful mudbrick ksar. Retaining its thousand-year-old allure, the ksar is southern Moroccan architecture at its finest. Once back in Marrakech, take a detour from the hustle and bustle of the medina and visit the home of Zineb, a local woman who will be cooking your dinner tonight. Tuck into a beautiful traditional meal as you hear how Zineb’s hard work and determination to provide for her children has led her to where she is today.

• Included activities: Marrakech – Home-cooked dinner | Ait Benhaddou – Leader-led ksar walk
• Meals included: Breakfast, dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel 2 Ciels (standard room) or similar

Day 8 – Saturday 6 May 2023, Departure from Marrakech Airport

There are no activities planned for the final day. Your departure transfer will be arranged to coincide with your return flight to the UK.

• Meals included: Breakfast

Price from: £1,329pp

Your tour includes:

• Noon host
• Return international flights from London Heathrow
• Overseas airport transfers
• 7-nights’ accommodation as described based on twin share (single rooms available for a supplement)
• Meals as per the itinerary – 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 6 dinners
• English speaking leader throughout, plus a local guide in Boutahhrar
• Included activities as per the daily itinerary

Tour only price from: £949pp

Excludes international flights and overseas transfers

To book your place or for more information call 0800 412 5678. Or to request a call back click here.

Terms and conditions: Prices are from per person based on twin share. Valid for departures specified. Price includes return international flights, pre-payable taxes, transfers and accommodation as stated. Flight prices are subject to change and availability, price will be confirmed once group numbers have been reached. The price is correct at the time of advertising and subject to change, call for further details. Booking terms and conditions apply. Holiday deposit terms and conditions apply – full details of the applicable payment will be given to you at the time of booking. Silver Travel Advisor sells travel services on behalf of Hays Travel Limited and benefits from Hays Travel’s membership of ABTA with membership number P8411.