Gay Group Trip: Cultural Morocco

Today we’ll explore Casablanca. It was founded by the Berbers in the 7th century. It subsequently developed a considerably French vibe during the French colonial era. It has one of the largest mosques in the world.

We’ll then transfer to Tangiers, known as the gateway to Europe – you can see it from Spain’s southern coast. It became a gay hub in the mid-20th century and attracted LGBT+ writers like William Burroughs.

We’ll visit the stunning Blue City of Chefchaouen – it’s a few hours from Tangiers. It’s one of the most Instagramable places in the world. It is, quite literally, a blue city! There are many little cafes to explore. We’ll then head to Fes.

Fes is the world’s largest Medieval medina-city. It’s an intricate web of winding alleyways and souks. It’s home to one of the world’s oldest universities and striking examples of Hispano-Moorish architecture. We’ll visit the old Jewish quarter and the palace of the Merinid dynasty.

Volubilis is one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in Morocco. It includes triumphal arches and well-preserved mosaics. We’ll then head to Meknes, a former imperial city built in the 17th-century by Sultan Moulay Ismail.

He wanted his court to rival that of Louis XIV and he came pretty close. His shrine is one of the few that can be visited by non-Muslims.

Today we’ll travel through the desert to Erfoud, passing the Atlas Mountains. We’ll travel part of the way on camelback over the dunes. At our desert camp you’ll be greeted with mint tea, pastries and sundowners. Watch the sunset over the dunes of the Sahara.

Quarzazate was the stopping point for African traders travelling through Morocco and Europe. We’ll travel the southern slopes of the Atlas range through Dades Valley. Check out the Kasbahs along Kasbah road.

We’ll visit Ait Benhaddou on route to the capital. It’s a fortified village and one of the best-preserved Kasbahs in the Atlas region. The village has been used in many movies, including Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia.

Overnight in Marrakesh.

Marrakesh is the jewel in Morroco’s crown. It’s a city that’s both modern and like a snapshot of another time. Marrakesh is a bustling city with huge bazaars and crowded streets.

We’ll take a trip in a horse-drawn carriage through the city, explore the Menara gardens and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. This colourful city has inspired many artists and designers. Other highlights include the Bahia Palace, wandering the labyrinthine souks and seeing the fire eaters at Jemaa El Fna. We’ll have two full days to see the highlights of Marrakesh.

Our Morocco adventure draws to a close. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight.