Why book the Moroccan Melodies tour?
Moroccan Melodies is a private 9-day journey from Casablanca to Marrakech that takes you through Morocco's full sweep of landscapes and history. You visit four imperial cities (Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes and Fez), sleep under the stars at a Berber desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes, and cross the Atlas Mountains via the highest pass in North Africa at 2,260m. Because it's a private tour, the group runs from just 2 people, and the itinerary can be tailored to your pace and interests. A local English-speaking guide and driver accompany you throughout.
Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Morocco?
Absolutely. The itinerary is designed as a best-of introduction: you get the Atlantic coast, the UNESCO-listed medinas of Fez and Rabat, the Roman ruins at Volubilis, the Sahara dunes, the dramatic Todra Gorge, and the souks of Marrakech all in 9 days. The pace is comfortable (no overnight coaches, private A/C transport throughout) and your guide handles all navigation, making it ideal if this is your first time in North Africa.
What is the difference between this and your other Morocco tours?
The Moroccan Highlights tour covers a similar 9-day circuit but runs as a small group (up to 16 people) and includes Chefchaouen, the blue city in the Rif Mountains. Moroccan Melodies is a fully private tour, so you have the vehicle, guide and itinerary entirely to yourselves, and there are no set departure dates. If you want a more social experience, go with Moroccan Highlights. If you want flexibility, privacy and the ability to start on any date, Moroccan Melodies is your pick.
What is the best time of year to do Moroccan Melodies?
March to May and September to November are the sweet spots. Temperatures are pleasant for walking the medinas and the desert is not unbearably hot. Summer (June to August) is very hot inland and in the Sahara, with temperatures regularly above 40C. December and January can be cold in the mountains and at night in the desert. The coast (Casablanca, Rabat) is mild year-round, moderated by Atlantic breezes.
Why does this tour cost what it does?
We get it, you can find cheaper tours floating around. But Moroccan Melodies gives you a private vehicle and guide throughout, 4-star and boutique hotels (Hotel Kenzi Basma in Casablanca, L'Escale Hotel in Fez, Le Kech in Marrakech), an authentic Berber desert camp at Madu Camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes, and all entrance fees to the sites in the itinerary. This is a fully-serviced private experience for two or more people, not a budget group tour.
What is actually included in the price?
Accommodation in 3 to 4-star hotels and the Berber desert camp, all road transport in private A/C vehicles (including 4WD for the desert section), a 24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service, services of an English-speaking local tour leader and driver throughout, specialist local guides in main cities (Marrakech, Fez, Rabat, Casablanca), entrance fees to all sightseeing in the itinerary, and 8 breakfasts plus 3 dinners.
What is NOT included and how much extra should I budget?
International flights, travel insurance, and any meals not listed in the itinerary are not included. You will also need money for tips, drinks, snacks, souvenirs and personal expenses. For tipping, the tour notes recommend budgeting for your main guide separately from service tips along the way. If you travel at Christmas or New Year, some hotels may apply a gala dinner supplement that will be added to your booking if it becomes compulsory. Your guide will give you a full briefing on current amounts at the start of the tour.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. When you book you can pay a deposit to secure your place, or hold a reservation with no payment at all through our reserve-now-pay-later option. Your full balance is due 8 weeks before departure. You can also pay in full at the time of booking if you prefer.
How physically demanding is Moroccan Melodies?
This is an easy to moderate tour. Most days involve walking tours of medinas, markets and heritage sites with some uneven cobblestones and steps. The camel ride at Erg Chebbi is short and relaxed. There is no trekking or strenuous hiking involved. You need to be able to walk for a few hours at a comfortable pace, but no special fitness level is required.
What if I am older than the rest of the group?
Because this is a private tour, you are the group. The pace is entirely set to suit you. Morocco is generally accessible, though medina streets are cobbled and uneven, and some sites involve stairways (the Fez tanneries viewing platform, for example). If you have any specific mobility concerns, let us know before you book and we can assess the suitability of particular activities.
What if I have mobility issues or a medical condition?
The main challenge is uneven cobblestones in the medinas and occasional steps at historic sites. Wheelchair access is very limited in the old cities. The Berber camp in the desert involves mattresses on the ground in a tent. If you have significant mobility limitations, please contact us so we can discuss which parts of the itinerary are accessible and what alternatives might suit you better.
How hot does it actually get?
In summer (June to August) the inland cities like Meknes and Fez reach 35-40C and the Sahara can be considerably hotter. Spring and autumn are much more comfortable at around 20-28C in the south and cooler in the mountains. The Erg Chebbi dunes are warm even in spring but drop sharply at night. Pack layers for desert nights, especially between November and March.
Is Morocco safe to visit?
Morocco is one of the most visited and well-touristed countries in Africa, and the vast majority of visits are trouble-free. The main tourist areas (Marrakech, Fez, Casablanca, Merzouga) are very well set up for visitors. The usual precautions apply: keep your valuables secure, be alert in crowded souks, and follow your guide's advice. We check government travel advisories regularly and would not operate tours if we had serious concerns about safety.
Is it safe for women travelling solo?
Morocco is generally safe for solo female travellers, particularly on guided tours. You will have a guide with you at all times in public spaces. In the medinas, some persistent attention from vendors is part of the experience. Dressing modestly (covering shoulders, avoiding short skirts in non-tourist areas) reduces unwanted attention significantly. Many solo women travel Morocco with us every year without incident.
What happens if I get sick on tour?
Your guide carries basic first aid and knows the nearest reputable medical facilities in each city. Casablanca and Marrakech both have good private hospitals. Travel insurance is compulsory on all our tours, and your policy must cover emergency medical treatment and repatriation. Make sure you carry a copy of your policy with you.
Will I be hassled by vendors and touts?
Persistent salespeople in the souks and around major monuments are part of the Moroccan experience. Your guide will help navigate this and can be very effective at deterring unwanted attention. A firm but polite 'no thank you' usually works. In the tanneries and markets your guide will accompany you, making the experience much more comfortable. Haggling is a normal part of buying in local markets and can be fun once you get the feel for it.
What is the accommodation actually like?
Hotels are mainly at the Moroccan 3 to 4-star level with some boutique properties included. In Casablanca you stay at Hotel Kenzi Basma, a modern hotel with high-speed internet, a restaurant and 113 en-suite rooms. In Fez, L'Escale Hotel has a rooftop restaurant with 360-degree city views. In Marrakech you are at Le Kech, a boutique hotel with a pool, gym and spa. In the Dades valley you stay at Perle de Dades, a repurposed Berber kasbah. All hotels have en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning.
What is the Berber desert camp like?
Madu Camp at the edge of the Merzouga dunes is a proper luxury desert camp, not a basic campsite. It has 8 Berber tents with en-suite bathrooms and hot water. There is a separate restaurant tent, campfire entertainment, and lanterns and Moroccan carpets throughout. You ride in by camel at sunset and can watch the sun rise over the dunes the next morning. It is one of the highlights of the tour.
Will I have Wi-Fi?
All the hotels on this tour have Wi-Fi. Signal quality varies but is generally reliable in the main cities. At the Berber desert camp connectivity is limited or unavailable, which many travellers consider a welcome break.
Can I upgrade my accommodation?
Because this is a private tour, contact us and we can arrange alternative hotels at different levels to suit your preferences. We can also add extra nights at either end (extra nights in Casablanca pre-tour or extra nights in Marrakech post-tour are available as standard options).
What kind of food will we eat?
Moroccan cuisine is one of the great pleasures of the trip. Expect tagines (slow-cooked meat or vegetable stews), couscous, fresh salads, harira soup, pastilla (a sweet-savoury pastry), and freshly baked bread. Breakfasts are buffet style. The Berber camp dinner is a hearty traditional meal around a campfire. In Marrakech, Djemaa el-Fna square at night is one of the great street food experiences in the world.
Can you cater for vegetarian
vegan or gluten-free diets?
Is it safe to drink the water?
Tap water in Morocco is generally not recommended for drinking. Stick to bottled water throughout the tour. Hotels provide bottled water and it is inexpensive to buy. To cut down on plastic waste, consider bringing a Water-to-Go filter bottle, which removes over 99.9% of contaminants from any non-saltwater source.
Is this trip good for solo travellers?
Because Moroccan Melodies is a private tour, it runs from a minimum of 2 people. Solo travellers are welcome if you are happy to pay for two (or connect with a fellow solo traveller). If you would prefer a group tour where you can meet others, our Moroccan Highlights small-group tour is the better option.
Do I have to share a room?
Rooms are based on two people sharing. If you are travelling alone and want your own room, a single room supplement is available. If you would like to share, let us know and we will try to pair you with another solo traveller of the same sex travelling around the same dates.
What is the group size and who else will be on the trip?
The tour runs from a minimum of 2 people with a maximum of 14. As a private tour, your group is typically just you and your travel companions. There is no joining a larger group.
Can I book this as a private tour?
Yes, it already is a private tour. You have the vehicle, guide and driver entirely to yourselves. The itinerary can also be customised if you want to add or change activities or adjust the pace.
Is this tour suitable for kids?
There is no minimum age listed for this tour, and Morocco is a family-friendly destination. The itinerary includes camel rides and dramatic desert scenery that children tend to love. For children under 12, check with us about specific requirements. The pace and comfort level make it suitable for families travelling privately.
Do I need a visa for Morocco?
Many nationalities including the USA, UK, EU countries, Canada, Australia and New Zealand do not need a visa for stays of less than 3 months in Morocco. Check with your local Moroccan embassy if your nationality is not on that list. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date.
What should I pack?
Modesty is important in Morocco, especially for women. Pack loose-fitting clothes that cover shoulders and avoid short skirts in non-tourist areas. Comfortable walking shoes with grip are essential for cobbled medina streets. Bring layers for desert nights (especially November to February when it gets cold) and sun protection for daytime. For the desert camp, bedding is provided but a sleeping sheet or liner is recommended. A universal plug adapter for type C/E sockets (220V) is needed for North American appliances.
Are any vaccinations required?
For Morocco, additional vaccinations typically recommended are Hepatitis A, Tetanus, and Typhoid. Malaria is not normally present in Morocco, and no Yellow Fever certificate is required unless you are arriving from an infected area. Consult your GP or a travel clinic before departure for current guidance specific to your health situation.
Do I need to book international flights through you?
No. International flights are not included and you book them independently. Fly into Casablanca (CMN) and out of Marrakech (RAK), or we can advise on alternatives. We are happy to arrange flights for you if you prefer a one-stop booking experience.
What about tipping?
Tipping is a standard part of Moroccan culture. Your guide will brief you on current norms at the start of the tour. As a guideline, the tour notes suggest budgeting for your main guide separately from service tips for hotel staff, local guides, camel herders and restaurant staff along the way. Amounts are entirely at your discretion based on the service you receive.
Can I add a hot air balloon over Marrakech?
Yes. A spectacular hot air balloon flight over Marrakech is available as an optional extra on the final morning (Day 9), subject to your departure flight time. It can be booked in advance or locally through your guide.
Can I do the quad-biking excursion from Marrakech?
Yes. A half-day quad-biking excursion through the desert and countryside outside Marrakech is available as an optional extra. Note this replaces the included Marrakech city tour if taken on Day 9.
Can I add a day trip to Essaouira?
Yes. A full-day trip from Marrakech to the coastal town of Essaouira (approximately 2.5 hours each way) is available as an optional extra. Essaouira is a charming fortified Atlantic port famous for its blue-and-white streets, kite surfing beach, and seafood.
Can I add extra nights at the start or end?
Yes. Extra nights in Casablanca before the tour starts and extra nights in Marrakech after the tour ends are both available as paid options. Your airport transfers are included on these extra nights if booked through us.
Can I do the Ourika Valley half-day tour?
Yes. A half-day trip to the Ourika Valley in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains is available as an optional extra from Marrakech. It is a lovely excursion if you want to see Berber village life close to the city.
How far ahead should I book?
Because Moroccan Melodies is a private tour, you have more flexibility than on group departures. That said, popular travel periods like spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) fill up quickly. Booking 3 to 6 months ahead is advisable for peak periods. Marrakech in particular is very busy during spring school holidays.
How does booking work?
Complete the online reservation form on our website. You can pay a deposit, pay in full, or hold a reservation with no immediate payment. Full payment is due 8 weeks before departure. We will confirm your booking and send detailed pre-departure information once payment is received.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, travel insurance is compulsory on all our tours. Your policy must cover personal accident, medical expenses, emergency repatriation, and travel delay. We recommend World Nomads Travel Insurance, which covers more than 150 adventure activities. You must provide your policy details before departure and carry a paper copy with you.
What is your cancellation policy?
Our cancellation policy operates on a sliding scale: the closer to departure you cancel, the higher the cancellation charge. Full terms are set out in our booking conditions. We are a UK-registered company and all customer funds are protected through our partnership with Trust My Travel, so you are covered in the event of our insolvency.
What if my dates are sold out?
Because this is a private tour with flexible start dates, it rarely sells out in the traditional sense. If your preferred dates are not available (for example during a high-demand period), contact us and we will find an alternative date that works. We can also create a fully tailor-made Morocco itinerary if you want something different.
