IMPERIAL MOROCCO
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FROM THE SAHARA TO THE SEA
Discover Morocco: Uncover the magic of Morocco as you explore the Imperial cities of Meknes, Fes, and Marrakech, each brimming with rich history and culture. Embark on an unforgettable camel ride in the Sahara Desert and glamp beneath the stars in a luxurious camp nestled among the sand dunes. Savor grilled fish by the sea and sip on refreshing mint tea in the tranquil Atlas Mountains, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
IMPERIAL MOROCCO
From the Sahara to the Sea
The ultimate small-group journey through Morocco Imperial Cities​
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RABAT | FES | SAHARA DESERT | SKOURA | MARRAKESH
OCT 8 - OCT 22 | 2025 - 14N/15D
From Me To You
Welcome to the Gateway to Africa! From the Imperial cities, twinkling desert nights, and sumptuous feasts, to the Berber culture and sweeping grandeur of the Atlas Mountains, rich textiles, and vibrant souks—Morocco is not just a destination; it's a sensory odyssey!
Weave A Thousand Journeys has been curating exclusive tours since 2011. Each year, we design a signature tour, and each year, I think, "It's going to be hard to top this one!" Luckily for us, we live in a world that continually surprises, awes, and humbles us. Each destination we've embarked on has proven even more enchanting than the last. If you have been following our incredible journeys through the years, then you'll know that that's saying something. Thanks to our incredible team on the ground, we get to experience the best of it.
When it comes to architecture and cuisine, those who know me understand that I have strong opinions and, quite frankly, can be a bit of a snob. But that's actually been to the benefit of our clients and fellow travelers. We have stayed at some of the most magnificent places around the world—from Lyon to Torres Vedras. But this time, we will be staying in dazzling riads, palaces, kasbahs, and luxury tents. This is like no other built environment we've traveled to together. Everything, from the aromatic tagines and mules in the streets to the call to prayer five times a day, the saffron in the dishes, and the intricate zellige tiles, will immerse us in uniquely Moroccan culture. Where else in the world does French colonial architecture sit side by side with Islamic, Spanish, and Berber Moorish architecture? Each diverse culture that came to Morocco—whether for trade, military occupation, or migration—has left its stamp on this country.
We will tour the Imperial cities: Rabat, Meknes, Fez, and Marrakesh. We will visit six of the nine UNESCO heritage sites in Morocco, ensuring we get a full picture of the country from the sea to the Sahara! We will enjoy feasts in historical riads, dining halls, private homes, nomadic tents, roadside eateries in villages like Zaida (known for their BBQ), and other towns renowned for their Berber pizza (you heard me!).
One of the pillars of this tour is empowering women through social gastronomy. We will visit non-profits that train women in culinary arts, tour women's cooperatives, support their causes, learn about human migration, and so much more.
This is a bucket-list-immersive tour that spans the vast expanse of all that Morocco offers—from cuisine, history, walled cities, and UNESCO heritage sites, to the Sahara Desert under a million stars, stunning oases, and the hectic souks of Marrakesh.
One of my favorite quotes on Morocco says it all:
"To visit Morocco is still like turning the pages of some illuminated Persian manuscript all embroidered with bright shapes and subtle lines." - Edith Wharton, writer
Hope you will be one of the only 10 travel lovers to join us on this journey for 2025. Looking forward to sharing a tagine with you under the Saharan sun!
warmly,
Devaki
EXPERTISE MATTERS
What a great opportunity to be invited to share my travel insights on Morocco on the podcast, The Informed Traveler.
You can hear my chat with Randy Sharman HERE
WE ARE IN THE MEDIA
Check us out here!
WHY MOROCCO?
Morocco is North African, it's European, ancient, modern, traditional and never misses a beat!
Morocco has four imperial cities: Marrakech, Fes, Meknes and Rabat. At the heart of our tour, we will focus on these imperial cities, Rabat, Meknes, Fes & Marrakesh.
Known as the Red City, Marrakech is famous for its old medina, numerous souks, ancient palaces like Badi Palace and Bahia Palace, the striking Koutoubia Mosque, the energetic Djemaa el-Fna and the Saadian Tombs.
The former capital of Fes boasts plenty of stunning architecture, though it is perhaps best known for its large tanneries.
Meknes has one of the most impressive monumental gates in all of Morocco – Bab el-Mansour – whilst horse-drawn carriages make a great way to explore this charming and relaxed imperial city.
Though small in size, Morocco offers a strikingly varied landscape, ranging from golden dunes and dry plains to the Atlas Mountains, cedar forests and deep blue waves of the Atlantic.
This is the land of souks, spices, mint tea and warm hospitality....Morocco is calling!
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Are we in for a culture shock?
Absolutely! But that's the beauty of it! We're here to curate that culture shock for you. It's only when we leave our comfort zones that we grow and become better, stronger versions of ourselves.
Travel teaches us to respect new cultures, customs, local traditions, and people. This respect has always been the hallmark of our tours.
What’s important is that we stay open-minded, patient, and able to adapt to the unexpected. Let’s be gracious to those around us and, most importantly, recognize that we’re not in the West anymore. It’s all about stopping the search for 'home' wherever we go and embracing where we are.
We know that traveling to a new country and culture can be incredibly exciting but also nerve-wracking. It means leaving our biases at home and opening ourselves to new local customs.
For example, let’s not get grumpy every morning because we hear 'singing' at 5:00 AM. That's not singing; it's the call to prayer (adhan). It happens five times a day, with the first call quite early before the crack of dawn. Since we’ll be staying in the medinas of the cities we visit, we’re going to hear it. Think of it as an opportunity to pause five times a day, remember our maker, or use the time for self-reflection.
It’s natural to fear accidentally offending someone. That's why we'll have the peace of mind with our local driver-guide, who’ll be with us every step of the way. He’ll help us navigate simple requests like visiting an ATM, handling laundry, bargaining in the souks, and ensuring we don’t take pictures of people without permission—never a good idea.
Let’s remember that Moroccans are known for their immense warmth and hospitality. Morocco is a large country with over 30 million people, and what's acceptable can vary greatly depending on where we are and who we are with.
So, let's embrace the differences, learn, and grow through this incredible journey.
A PREFACE OF THINGS TO COME...
GRANDIOSE
ACCOMMODATIONS
RIADS | KASBAHS | LUXURY TENTS
We'll be staying in distinctive types of accommodations, each reflective of the region they're situated in, making them unique experiences.
Bejeweled Riads: A riad is a traditional Moroccan house known for its enclosed garden and courtyard. These homes were once the residences of wealthy merchants and traders and are excellent examples of passive architecture in dry, arid climates. The indoor courtyards of these charming buildings are key to keeping the interiors cool. Decorated with colorful traditional mosaics called "zellij" and highlighted by marble fountains at the center, they're surrounded by plants, trees, and flowers.
Kasbahs: Often resembling mud fortresses, kasbahs were residences for local leaders and served as defenses when cities were under attack. With high walls typically devoid of windows, kasbahs were sometimes built on hilltops for easier defense or near harbor entrances. Constructing a kasbah was a sign of wealth and power for a family.
Luxury Tents and Glamping in the Sahara Desert: Nestled in the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi Merzouga, the largest sand dunes in Morocco, we'll spend a night under the stars. Prepare for a special evening as the breathtaking colors of sunset and sunrise light up the desert sky.
Almost all our luxury accommodations are luxury 5-star. However, in more remote locations, such Merzouga at the entrance to the Sahara Desert, we will stay in 4-star kasbahs as that is the best available option.
SOCIAL GASTRONOMY
In Morocco, women make up only 25% of the workforce. Women’s labor is largely unpaid and undervalued.
We will visit women owned and supported co-operatives and non-profits to learn and contribute to local communities.
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For example, in one non-profit in Marrakesh, women can join a unique training program to learn the ropes of cooking in a professional setting.
Trainees learn by doing under the guidance of experienced chefs to earn a valuable skill-set that helps them secure their first job in the local food sector..
WE COOK
During our cooking class, we will learn the secret of Moroccan cuisine which is considered one of the most refined on the African continent.
The workshops are run by a dada (traditional Moroccan chef), a translator (French/English), and include a visit to a nearby spice market and communal bread oven.
After the workshop we will dine on the delicious meal that's been prepared. ​We will prepare a starter, a traditional tajine and a couscous, as well as mint tea.
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This cooking class has been featured in The New York Times Sunday Travel Section, Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler.
THEY COOK!
FROM FINE DINING RESTAURANTS TO STREET FOODS
What's always been that one truth we have always held onto no matter where we travel?
We go where a great meal takes us!
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We've traveled to Jura in France to taste the greatest poulet de bresse ever served, tableside and were the first foreigners ever invited to a traditional Portuguese Confraria in a village, so why stop now?
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From spectacular fine dining experiences at some of the most exclusive venues to supporting family owned restaurants that have employed women for over 30 years (and serves some of the best food in all of Morocco), we hunt down the most authentic dining experiences from Rabat to the Atlas mountains.
ART & DESIGN
The Jardin Majorelle and the Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts
The Jardin Majorelle extends over 9,000 m², is one of the most enchanting and mysterious gardens in Morocco.
Created over the course of forty years, it is enclosed by outer walls, and consists of a labyrinth of crisscrossing alleyways on different levels and boldly-colored buildings that blend both Art Deco and Moorish influences.
The French painter Jacques Majorelle conceived this large and luxuriant garden as a sanctuary and botanical ‘laboratory’. Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé, who first arrived in Morocco in 1966, purchased the Jardin Majorelle to save it from destruction at the hands of hotel developers. The new owners decided to live in Jacques Majorelle’s villa, which they renamed the Villa Oasis.
“For many years, the Jardin Majorelle has provided me with an endless source of inspiration, and I have often dreamt of its unique colors.”
- Yves Saint Laurent
LET'S TALK ARCHITECTURE
KSAR OF AIT-BEN-HADDOU & MORE
The ksar, a group of earthen buildings surrounded by high walls, is a traditional pre-Saharan habitat. Located in the foothills on the southern slopes of the High Atlas in the Province of Ouarzazate, the site of Ait-Ben-Haddou is the most famous ksar in the Ounila Valley.
Inside the defensive walls which are reinforced by angle towers and pierced with a baffle gate, houses crowd together - some modest, others resembling small urban castles with their high angle towers and upper sections decorated with motifs in clay brick - but there are also buildings and community areas.
It is an extraordinary ensemble of buildings offering a complete panorama of pre-Saharan earthen construction techniques. The oldest constructions do not appear to be earlier than the 17th century, although their structure and technique were propagated from a very early period in the valleys of southern Morocco.
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From Roman ruins, great examples of Islamic architecture when we visit the madrassas, Saadian tombs and nomadic tents, get ready for a dazzling display of architectural wonders.
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ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENCES
THE SAHARA DESERT | CAMEL RIDES, 4 X 4 ON SAND DUNES, LUXURY CAMP
Spend the night in Morocco's Sahara Desert without sacrificing comfort in a luxury tent.
We set off from Merzouga—the gateway town to the Erg Chebbi dunes—by camel or four-wheel drive.
Walk across the rolling dunes, try sandboarding, and go stargazing. You’ll bed down for the night in a roomy tent complete with private showers and private restrooms.
Witness a spectacular one-in-a- lifetime desert sunset and sunrise at the Erg Chebbi dunes
TOURS WITH SUBJECT-MATTER EXPERTS
GUIDED TOURS OF UNESCO HERITAGE SITES FROM ROMAN RUINS TO ONE OF THE OLDEST TANNERIES IN THE WORLD
Morocco is country intensely clustered with UNESCO Heritage sites from the Blue City of Chefchaouen, the tanneries of Fes to the Roman ruins of Volubilis and this journey is one that follows that traiil from Tangier to Morocco via the Sahara Desert and Dades Valley.
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Savor views of the Sidi Chahed waters; stroll among the 2,300-year-old Roman ruins of Volubilis; explore the holy town of Moulay Idriss; and soak up the sights of the historic city of Meknes
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In Fes, did you know that these are some of the only surviving tanneries in the world going back 1000 years?! Beware the stench of decaying flesh though!
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The Chouara Tannery is the largest of the three tanneries in Fes and is reputed to be the oldest one in the world. For almost 1000 years, the structures of the tannery and the leather tanning techniques have barely changed. The sight of the tanners standing waist-deep in stone vessels filled with dyes is a sight to behold!
THE SOUKS OF MOROCCO
FROM THE SOUKS OF FES TO MARRAKESH, WE FOLLOW THE MOUNDS OF OLIVES & JUTE SACKS OF SPICES & RIVERS OF TEXTILES
The Medina’s Ancient Gates and Bustling Markets (Souks): The Medina, or old city, is alive with vibrant markets. When entering the Medina, you'll pass through many ancient gates, each with its own history and charm.
Traders from far and wide used to make their way to the Medina to sell their wares, and over time, one market grew bigger and bigger, eventually evolving into what we now know as the souk.
You can spend hours walking and wandering through the souks—looking, shopping, bargaining, eating, and drinking. Meet the locals, explore the endless alleys, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere.
HAMMAM EXPERIENCE
A TRADITIONAL CLEASING RITUAL THAT WILL LEAVE YOU REJUVENATED
After a quick rinse, bathers head to the hottest room, where either you or an attendant will slather your skin with slippery savon noir (also called savon beldi), a black soap made with the oil and macerated pulp of black olives. This paste softens the skin and prepares it for exfoliation.
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After relaxing in the hot room, bathers move to the warm room to rinse off the black soap and perform the exfoliating scrub. It is performed with a kess (rough-textured glove) and is firm as the aim is to remove dead skin.
Many layers of dead skin later, you’re finally ready for a hydrating rhassoul masque. Rhassoul is a saponiferous clay found in the Middle Atlas, which is usually mixed with a range of aromatic plants (rose petals, cloves, eucalyptus, lichens and chamomile, for example).
​It’s time to take your new baby-soft skin to the cold room, where you relax and rehydrate with some tea or water and you can get a massage here, too. The masseuse uses argan oil for the massage which is another unique Moroccan product rich in essential fatty acids that protect the skin from dehydration and sun damage.
INCLUSIONS
TOUR BEGINS WITH ARRIVAL IN CASABLANCA
AND DEPARTURE FROM MARRAKESH
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Airport Transfers
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Transfers between destinations in A/C Minibus with local Driver-guide throughout the tour.
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Walking tours & historical tours with Subject-Matter-Experts.
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Authentic experiences created exclusively for our group.
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Market Tour & Cooking class with lunch.
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All breakfasts, lunches and dinners with the exception of 2 meals in the entire tour.
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Wine will be served and included with meals when it is available and culturally appropriate.
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All taxes, fees, and gratuities.
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ZOOM Meet-ups with the Group prior to departure.
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The itinerary is in real-time on your smartphones and devices on the travel app. Hauling paper copies around is the thing of the past!
QUESTIONS WE GET ASKED THE MOST ABOUT MOROCCO
IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO MOROCCO?
The US State department has Morocco Travel Advisory as a LEVEL 2 Exercise Increased Caution which is the same as Italy as of August 2024. Of course, as with any other destination you do need contextual awareness in crowded areas to avoid pick-pockets and scams. But don't let biases and prior misconceptions about Morocco put you off, It is a destination packed full of must-sees and is safe and ready to be explored. As an added advantage being part of our small group tour, you'll always have your fellow travelers to look out for you and each other as well as our local guide and driver with us.
HOW SHOULD I DRESS IN MOROCCO?
As with any other Muslim country, both men and women need to cover up and dress conservatively in Morocco. wear loose and lightweight clothing – to cover up and be respectful to the locals. It also helps protect the skin in the heat and to keep cool. It’s useful to carry a lightweight scarf which you can use if and when it is required, particularly around religious buildings. Loose cotton kaftan's and long dresses, and loose tops are a good example for things to wear.
SHOULD I HAGGLE AT SOUKS?
When you’re shopping in the souks (marketplaces) haggling is part of Moroccan culture, the locals do it themselves, so don’t be afraid to do it. Therefore it is useful to go shopping with our local guide who can help us get the best deals. It's also a good idea to wear a good security belt when travelling around Morocco, particularly when you’re in busy areas like souks and it's common sense to not flash your cash!
We will be going to an Emporium in Marrakesh where prices are a little elevated but you won't have to worry about haggling or pick pockets etc. It is located just a few minutes walk from our hotel in Marrakesh.
WHAT LANGUAGE IS COMMONLY SPOKEN?
The most common language in Morocco is Arabic. However, English is frequently spoken in cities and French is also widely spoken.
WHAT LANGUAGE IS COMMONLY SPOKEN?
IS THE WATER SAFE TO DRINK?
The tap water in Morocco is not safe for drinking. We advise taking a water bottle with a built-in filtration system, like a Brita water bottle or ask the hotel for bottled water at all times INCLUDING brushing your teeth.
QUESTIONS WE GET ASKED THE MOST ABOUT MOROCCO
IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO MOROCCO?
The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 2 Travel Advisory for Morocco, which means "Exercise Increased Caution"—the same level as Italy (Sept 2024). As with any destination, maintaining contextual awareness in crowded areas to avoid pickpockets and scams is important. However, don't let biases and prior misconceptions about Morocco deter you. It is a destination brimming with must-see sights and is safe and ready to be explored. As an added advantage, being part of our small group tour means you'll always have your fellow travelers looking out for you and each other, as well as our local guide and driver with us at all times.
HOW SHOULD I DRESS IN MOROCCO?
As with any other Muslim country, both men and women need to cover up and dress conservatively in Morocco. Wearing loose, lightweight clothing serves multiple purposes: it helps you respect local customs, protects your skin from the sun, and keeps you cool in the heat. It's also useful to carry a lightweight scarf, which can be used when needed, particularly around religious buildings. For women, loose cotton kaftans, long dresses, and loose tops are excellent choices. Men should opt for long pants and loose shirts.
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Remember, you'll be able to get away with a lot more when you are in the riad/hotel surrounded by other expats and foreign travelers. Pack your swimming suit and use the hotel pool where available!
SHOULD I HAGGLE AT SOUKS?
When you’re shopping in the souks (marketplaces) haggling is part of Moroccan culture, the locals do it themselves, so don’t be afraid to do it. Therefore it is useful to go shopping with our local guide who can help us get the best deals. It's also a good idea to wear a good security belt when travelling around Morocco, particularly when you’re in busy areas like souks and it's common sense to not flash your cash!
We will be going to an Emporium in Marrakesh where prices are a little elevated but you won't have to worry about haggling or pick pockets etc. It is located just a few minutes walk from our hotel in Marrakesh.
WHAT LANGUAGE IS COMMONLY SPOKEN?
The most common language in Morocco is Arabic. However, English is frequently spoken in cities and French is also widely spoken.
CAN I DRINK ALCOHOL IN MOROCCO?
The short answer is YES! However, this comes with some caveats. Morocco, with its predominantly Muslim population and strict religious laws, has different rules regarding the availability and consumption of alcohol compared to what you may be used to.
Most restaurants do NOT serve hard alcohol, and only a select few will offer wine and beer. However, most 5-star hotels have bars and restaurants that serve beer, wine, and occasionally liquor. Beer and wine are easier to find in Morocco than whiskey or vodka. Interestingly, Morocco even has vineyards that produce red, white, and rosé wines. While the majority of wine produced in Morocco is exported, the mere fact that it exists shows that not everyone strictly adheres to Islamic teachings. Be mindful that you won’t find alcohol flowing freely in public places like Jemaa el-Fnaa in Marrakech.
IS THE WATER SAFE TO DRINK?
Locals will probably not agree with us but the tap water in Morocco is NOT safe for drinking. We advise you to bring a water bottle with a built-in filtration system, like a Brita water bottle, or ask the hotel/restaurant for bottled water at all times, including for brushing your teeth.
Keep in Mind...
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This itinerary is the current plan but is ever evolving and things may change. We will make every effort to provide the tours and experiences that are described above. However, since we are traveling off the beaten path, it means that plans may change at the last minute. You always have the option of skipping a particular excursion, but please note that we will be unable to make refunds for any missed meals or other events.
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**We only have 8 rooms available at most locations and in one case only 7 rooms - we are renting the entire kasbah exclusively. These will be allotted first come-first served. If you are traveling with a friend we may request that you share a room at the lodge in Skoura.