Exploring Morocco with Intrepid: A Taste of Morocco - by Hannah H-S, Blenheim

I recently spent a week travelling through Morocco with Intrepid as I wanted to experience small group touring as a solo traveller. There were 10 in our group, a mix of couples and singles from New Zealand, Australia, USA and Greece.

Our journey began in Casablanca, the largest city in Morocco. The Hassan II Mosque there is a must see, it’s beautiful and the story behind it is impressive.

From there, we journeyed to Fez, but not before making a stop at the ancient Volubilis. This UNESCO World Heritage site, dating back to the 3rd century BC, Volubilis is a partly excavated Berber-Roman city that feels almost untouched by time. Walking through its sprawling ruins, I was blown away by how well-preserved it is.

We then made it to Fez, the medieval charm of the Fes el-Bali medina transported us back in time - winding alleys, bustling markets, and the air thick with spices. The highlight was visiting the Chouara Tannery, still operating as it has for centuries. A word of warning: be prepared for the smell! We ended the day with rooftop drinks, watching the sun set behind the ancient skyline as the call to prayer echoed through the air.

The journey to the Sahara was long but unforgettable. The drive through the Atlas Mountains was stunning, and a stop in Ifrane felt like being in Switzerland with its alpine charm. Finally, we made it to the Sahara. Riding a camel across the dunes at sunset and spending the night in a beautiful desert camp under a star-filled sky was one of those moments I know I’ll never forget.

Leaving the desert behind, we travelled to Todra Gorge, where towering cliffs carved by the river created a dramatic passageway. While popular with hikers and climbers, what I loved most was watching local families live in harmony with the land. Families playing in the river, children riding horses, and locals tending to their vegetable plots. It was a humbling glimpse into a simple, connected way of life.

Then came Ait Benhaddou, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site that’s not just steeped in history but also a star in the world of cinema. This ancient fortified village, with its iconic kasbahs made of sun-baked mud and clay, has played a starring role in films and TV series like Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Outer Banks.

My journey ended in Marrakech, where the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square was unlike anything I’d ever experienced, snake charmers, stalls, music, storytellers. There is real buzz here. The souks tested my bargaining skills, but I couldn’t resist a few souvenirs to take back home.

The hotels and riads were stunning, blending traditional charm with modern comfort. The food was surprisingly good (I am normally very fussy when I travel), each meal bursting with flavours.

But what will stay with me most is Morocco's incredible variety. Looking back, Morocco was everything I had hoped for and more. Each place showed me a different side of the country, yet what tied it all together was the warmth of the people and the feeling that I was experiencing a land where history and tradition still flow through everyday life.

If you’d like to experience the magic of Morocco for yourself and explore its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities, get in touch with us today to start planning your own unforgettable adventure.