itinerary

SALAAM ALEIKUM, you have arrived

STROLL around Casablanca, a city of art deco

WORK out which French city Casablanca is modelled on

MEET your other travellers over a Moroccan feast

WATCH sunrise over the mosque that’s second in size to Mecca

NARRATE the history of Tangier through the city’s incredible Magrebian and Andalusian architecture 

ROAD TRIP to Tangier along the sparkling coastline

WALK in the footsteps of artists like William Boroughs and Tennessee Williams who drew inspiration from the city.

LOSE yourself in the tiny alleyways of the ‘petit socco’, a hub of local activity

INSPIRE with the green tiles of the grand mosque

TASTE the region’s famous goat’s cheese in the street markets

MARVEL at the blue city of Chefchaouen

CAPTURE stunning photos of the blue and white houses as the sun sets

WAKE up to travel to Fes via Volbilis archeological ruins

STARE at the ancient mosaic artwork in the town  

FAMILY lunch with a local family at their home

WELCOME to medieval Fes

DRINKS on your Riad’s rooftop terrace overlooking the medina and mountains

RISE with the call to prayer and see the sun rise over the old city of Fes

LOSE yourself in the alleyways of the souk

PHOTOGRAPH the dye pits and stalls of the medina

WONDER at the medieval libraries and schools

SIP fresh mint tea as you watch the sunset over Fes

MEET a Berber family in the Atlas Mountains

CHECK in to your 5 star hotel at the foot of the Atlas’

FLOAT in the infinity pool overlooking the lake

EXPLORE this oasis city with a hike

DINE under the stars together

FLOATING breakfast on a boat

SWIM in multi-tiered waterfalls

ARRIVE at your Marrakech Riad 

TASTE your way through Djemaa el Fna

LOSE yourself in the bustle of a local square filled with storytellers, singers, and performers

SUPPORT women at a non-profit cooking school

LUNCH eating tagines and Moroccan salads

STYLE at the Majorelle Garden & Yves Saint Laurent Museum

DRIVE to Agafay Desert

CAMEL RIDE into the sunset

FIND your Arabian Moroccan lux tent for the night

YOGA with the sunrise over the desert

RETURN to Marrakesh, the ochre city

CHECK IN to the luxury 5 star Riad al Maha

TEA tete-a-tete with a local literature expert

FAREWELL dinner celebrating Eid with a feast prepared by local women

RISE with the sun and explore the Kasbah and souks as they awaken

GOODBYE breakfast with everyone

MISS you already

an invitation from bri

“Morocco has been on my list of dream destinations for a long time and when we were putting this itinerary together I wanted to fill it with all the things we've missed in the last two years especially: adventure, immersion, and delight. Together we're going to learn about the history of the country and the role literature and the arts have had in shaping its identity. With a focus on food - both eating it and cooking it - we're going to stimulate our senses and deepen our appreciation for the people and place. Touring the Yves Saint Laurent museum and making time for souks and markets means we'll be able to better understand how the melting pot of cultures has informed style and society. It's going to be epic!

Sometimes when I'm going to a new place I feel overwhelmed by everything I could and should do, and don't know where to start. To help us all with that I'm putting together a recommended reading, listening, and watching list. It'll make for a really fun way to get to know our fellow travelers as well. Experts will be guiding us in specific places, and we can listen to them to make sure we're being culturally sensitive and generous visitors.

Travel (both interstate and international) has featured in a lot of my writing, and the 'travel writing' genre has a rich and dynamic history. We're going to take some time together on this trip to improve our noticing and note-taking, and we'll explore the methods and madness of what to do with your journals once you get back home again. These workshops and talks are for writers of all stages and purposes - whether you want to share your work with the world, or simply better experience and remember your adventures for yourself.”

inclusions

• Workshops facilitated by Bri Lee

• 9 nights accommodation in minimum 4 star hotels, riads and luxury desert glamping; with a 5 star riad to finish the trip

• 5 star hotels include Widiane Resort and Riad Al Maha

• 9 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 6 Dinners

• TEA tete-a-tete with a local literature expert

• Traditional Eid feast to end Ramadan with a local women only run restaurant collective. This is a rare privilege and honour.

• Women’s cooperatives: visiting a non-profit empowering women through culinary skills and education, then feast on your creations for lunch.

• Airport arrival and departure transfers

• 24/7 english speaking local tour guide

• Extra local guides in Chefchaouen, Volubilis, and Fes.

• Private transport for 10 days

• Guided tours of Casablanca, Tangier, Chefchaouen, Fes, Marrakech, Volubilis, Bin El Ouidane.

• Literary tour of Tangier: following the trail of the writers who found inspiration here: from the novelist Paul Bowles, the writer William Burroughs to the playwright Tennessee Williams and many others

• Goat cheese tasting tour in Tangier, medina tasting tour in Fes, foodie tour of Djemaa El-Fna in Marrakech

• Boat tour Lake Bin El Ouidane

• Tour of Majorelle Garden & Yves Saint Laurent Museum

• Camel ride during sunset in the Agafay desert

• Yoga in the desert

locations

The places we are staying are stunning. They all represent their location, whether its the blue walled boutique riad in Chefchaouen or the high luxury, futuristic bubble tents in the Agafay desert. There are two riads in Marrakesh we will stay - one art and design based and one luxury five star, with pool and spa. 5 star hotels include Widiane Resort and Riad Al Maha.

FAQs

How will we experience awe?

Everyday you will be inspired and exposed to a stunning city, architecture, philosophy. This itinerary is brimming at the gills with history and inspiration. You’ll experience Grand Mosques, medinas, desert landscapes, mountains, cities that inspired the greats as well as the blue city - Chefchaouen - its medina has been lovingly cared for with striking blue and whitewashed houses, red-tiled roofs and artistic doorways. Much of Chefchaouen was recreated by Andalusian refugees escaping the Reconquista, so you might feel like you're in the hills of Spain while exploring its streets. This is the trip of a lifetime.

How is the trip themed?

The trip is designed to expose you to as much stimuli and inspiration as possible. While our focus is literary, thanks to our host Bri Lee, we will visit icons of architecture, design, religion, history. For instance, Majorelle Garden & Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakesh, to the very unknown holy hilltop cities where you will meet local women and families. This can all be used as a jumping point for creativity, reading, and writing. we will send you a reading list prior to the trip so you will learn the words that Morocco has inspired.

How do I get there?

Our journey begins in Casablanca. Fly into Mohammed V International airport, and our tour guide will pick you up via private shuttle and take you to your accommodation. Flight details are needed 45 days in advance. Formal activities start at 6pm, so you’ll have time to relax for the afternoon and check in at 2pm to shower after your flight. Flights will be booked out of Marrakesh.

What is the rooming configuration?

The trip is priced on a twin share basis, so you get to know your fellow travellers and have a bestie for the entire journey.

How can I pay?

Pay the deposit now, and we will contact you for final payment due 45 days prior to trip departure. Alternatively, you can pay in full when you book.

I’ve never heard of Volubilis - what should I expect?

Enjoy a tour of the ancient hilltop ruins with a local guide, and discover the town’s fantastic mosaics along the Decumanus Maximus, many of which remain intact. Then carry on to Moulay Idris - considered the holiest city in Morocco - and settle in at a local guesthouse where you will meet a local family over a locally made lunch.

What should I pack?

• Day pack for carrying essentials.

• Comfortable walking shoes with good grip.

• Sun protection - a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen.

• Insect repellent and hand sanitiser.

• Light layers for the daytime, including more modest clothing for visits to sacred sites (clothing items that cover the shoulders, or skirts and trousers that go below the knee).

• Warmer layers for night time.

• Sandals, flip flops, or any kind of water shoe.

• Swimmers.

• Electrical adaptor.

• Water bottle.

What if COVID affects the trip?

We will be watching the border and health situation very closely. rest assured that if covid impacts the majority of travellers we will postpone to a later date. 

Will there be downtime?

Whilst our days are designed with plenty of activities to give you the best Morocco experience, there will be time for downtime in the evenings or days when you are free to explore on your own.

Will I need a visa?

Obtaining a visa is the individual responsibility of the traveller. Please note that entry requirements can change at any time. Be sure to check with your government’s foreign travel advisories and consular websites to ensure you have the correct information.

How can I make sure I am culturally sensitive on the trip?

We will be travelling around Morocco during Ramadan, and the last day of our journey also happens to be Eid, the day to celebrate the end of Ramadan. Conservative dress (covering one’s shoulders and knees) is necessary while in public, and bring a headscarf for visiting mosques. Tipping is also customary in Morocco - be kind to staff at restaurants and shops, they will likely be fasting!

What does the Aweventurer team do?

We provide the most thorough support for you to have an epic travel experience with us. From an on-the-ground local host to our team at HQ, there is always someone available to help solve any issues you may encounter. Throughout your expedition, a local host will accompany you and your fellow travellers to make sure you have everything you need for an inspiring and safe. You are also able to reach out with any concerns or questions – before, during and even after your trip. We pride ourselves on prompt responses and are happy to hear from you, whether by email, phone or via a Zoom call, on how we could improve your stay or anything we need to prepare before your arrival.