12-Day Women Only Tour of Morocco

Just in time for International Women’s Day, this 12-day, women-only tour of Morocco takes a group of adventurous women to see the country’s sacred mosques, ride camels over sand dunes, and camp out under the desert stars. An English-speaking female guide offers tips and info as you travel from the storied piano bars of Casablanca to the colorful bazaars of Marrakesh, learning firsthand about the area’s history and culture. This women-only tour includes:

• Round-trip airfare from New York (JFK) or Los Angeles (LAX)
• Private airport and hotel transfers
• 1 night of accommodations at Art Palace & Spa in Casablanca
• 3 nights of accommodations at Palais Ommeyad in Fes
• 1 night of accommodations at Xaluca Hotel Bivouacs Le Belle Etoile in Merzouga
• 1 night of accommodations at Dar Chamaa in Ouarzazate
• 1 night of accommodations at Berber Cultural Centre in Imintanoute
• 3 nights of accommodations at Riad Slitine in Marrakech
• Licensed English-speaking female local tour leader
• Private sightseeing in a modern air-conditioned vehicle
• 10 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 8 dinners
• Sightseeing and entrance fees per itinerary

Days 1–3: Casablanca and Rabat

After an overnight flight, you can rest up at your luxury hotel in Casablanca, or get out and familiarize yourself with the city made famous by the 1942 film starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. The highlight in Casablanca is a stop at Hassan II Mosque, Morocco’s tallest building. After leaving Casablanca, you’ll cruise the imperial cities of Meknes and Rabat, the political center of Morocco. Rabat is also where you can see the original Hassan Tower, which dates back to the 12th century.

• Hassan II Mosque: Chandeliers from Venice, intricately carved wooden ceilings, and communal baths are some of the lavish touches you’ll find inside this marble-lined mosque.
• Ruins of Volubilis: The relics of this bygone Roman city are more than 2,000 years old, but they’re remarkably well-preserved. You can make out mosaic floors, olive-oil presses, and the columns of the former capitol building.

Days 4–7: Fes and Merzouga

Next, you’ll travel east to reach Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to Jemaa Karaouyine University, one of the first universities ever established. Navigate the cobbled alleyways of this historical medina to see leather tanners at work and to browse outdoor bazaars brimming with colorful textiles and fragrant spices. On Day 6, you’ll camp out under the stars in Merzouga before setting out for Ouarzazate at daybreak. 

• Kairaouine Mosque: Non-Muslims aren’t allowed to enter, but you can marvel at the green-tiled roof and minaret from outside the mosque. 
• What to buy: Leather products. Fez is a world leader in leather production; its Chouara tannery is almost 1,000 years old. You can find leather bags, shoes, coats, belts, and more in the bazaars of Old Fez.
• Learn to make Moroccan dishes during a cooking demonstration with a female chef, which culminates in a group lunch.
• Ride camels through the desert and over rolling sand dunes at sunrise before leaving Merzouga.

Days 8–9: Ouarzazate and Inintanoute

The tour continues through Todra Gorge and the colorful limestone cliffs of through Dades Valley en route to the snow-capped peaks of Ouarzazate’s High Atlas Mountains. The desert city has been nicknamed the Hollywood of Morocco because many directors have used its mountainous setting as a backdrop for their films. 

• Stop and smell the roses of El Kelaa Mgouna, a village that’s known throughout the world for its fragrant rose gardens.
• Taourirt Kasbah: In its heyday, this 19th-century palace had some 300 chambers. You can still view the harem room and gaze at the frescoed ceilings of the reception rooms. 
• Tifoultout Kasbah: The cast of Lawrence of Arabia stayed here when they filmed on location in the 1960s.

Days 10–12: Marrakech

Called the “Red City” for its overwhelming number of red stone buildings, Marrakesh is a panoply of crowded markets, gardens, and public squares. Spend your days here wandering the winding streets of the city’s old quarter. Berber women show you how to prepare a traditional lunch accompanied by mint tea, and a local artist decorates your hands with henna.

• Explore the Saadian Tombs: This royal burial ground dates back to the 16th century.
• Centuries-old olive groves and reflecting pools stand in the shadow of the Atlas Mountains at Menara gardens.
• See snake charmers in Djemaa El Fna Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The square really comes to life at nightfall, when dozens of chefs flame-grill traditional meats and buskers play live music. 

Know Before You Go

• Official language: Arabic
• Currency: Moroccan dirham
• Drive on the right side of the road.
• Entrance requirements for US citizens: a passport valid at time of entry, with at least one blank page

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much would it cost to fly from an airport not listed as part of this deal? This deal is available from JFK and LAX. Departures from additional airports may be available for a supplemental cost. Contact Indus Travels at 866-­978-2997 for availability and pricing.

2. Solo vs Single - what’s the difference? Do I have to pay a single supplement? Single supplements are incurred for a hotel room on your own, rather than sharing it (and the expense) with someone else. If you’re happy to share a room with a fellow traveler, Indus Travels offers a free roommate matching service. If they’re unable to find you a roommate, they will cover the cost of the single supplement so you have your own room. Otherwise you have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure that you have your own accommodation.

3. Can we extend our trip before or after the promotional dates for the deal? Yes, you may extend your trip for a supplemental fee at the time of booking. Extensions are subject to availability.

4. How do I find out if the dates I want to travel are available? View the departure dates listed in the deal options above. If there are multiple dates listed in a deal option, call Indus Travels at 866-978-2997 for the most up-to-date availability.

5. What happens if I buy the Groupon and my travel dates are not available? We suggest calling to redeem your vouchers as soon as possible so that you do not run into this problem. If Indus Travels is unable to book your trip for the available date and before the book-by date, Groupon will refund your purchase.