Morocco in Full Colour: A Feast For the Senses

Casablanca shimmered, the Atlas Mountains calmed, the desert glowed, and Marrakech pulsed with life. Across every landscape, during the 7-day Premium Morocco Highlights Tour, our advisors discovered a Morocco full of wonder and learned why Intrepid Premium is the perfect way to experience its stories in comfort and authenticity.

Casablanca greeted the group with its seaside energy and surprising modernity. “It was more modern and organised than expected”, says Sally Watson from Noller & Turner Travel Associates, who was delighted by the beachfront and city buzz. “There was a great cosmopolitan vibe to Casablanca.”

After settling into the New Hotel Piscine Wellness & Spa, the evening began with an intimate welcome dinner: fragrant tagine, fluffy couscous, and the first of many servings of mint tea, a symbol of Moroccan hospitality. The ritual of pouring, serving, and sharing the sweet, herb-filled drink quickly became a cherished moment for many on the trip.

Starting the day at one of Casablanca’s architectural masterpieces, morning light revealed the splendour of the Hassan II Mosque, where the group explored its soaring minaret, mosaic artistry and peaceful ocean backdrop. “It was one of my trip highlights… You have to see it to believe it”, shares Catherine Baker, Assistant Business Leader at Press & James Travel Associates. “We had a fantastic guide who was highly knowledgeable and led us inside before the crowds arrived.” 

From there, a scenic drive into the countryside led to the breathtaking Widiane Resort, an Intrepid Premium Feature Stay set against the snow-dusted Atlas Mountains. Palm trees, serene pools and panoramic lake views set a tone of pure tranquillity. Advisor Thomas Sfyrios from Lewis & Turner Travel Associates captured the moment best: “You really can't beat having a swim in an infinity pool when the backdrop is a jaw-dropping view of the Atlas Mountains and Bin El Ouidane Lake. It was just what we needed after the hustle and bustle of Casablanca.”

A gentle boat ride across the turquoise lake revealed craggy gorges and quiet villages clinging to the hillsides. But the soul of the day came to light while having lunch with a local family, one of Intrepid Premium’s signature immersive experiences. For many of our advisors, it was one of the most meaningful moments of the trip, filled with heartfelt connection, shared stories and homemade dishes served with pride. 

Back at the resort, the team enjoyed a leisurely evening in the blissful surroundings. For Megan Corrigan from Carswell & Turner Travel Associates, the setting itself was unforgettable: “A few times, I just stopped and looked at the view, which was gorgeous. The views were amazing from our room, from the pool, and from the boat ride on the lake.” With the evening free for spa time, mountain walks, or simply watching the sunset over the infinity pool, everyone found their own way to soak in the spectacular scenery.

Leaving the mountains behind, the group travelled via the mighty Ouzoud Falls before arriving in the stone-and-sand Agafay Desert, where luxury tents awaited at Les Terrasses Agafay. “I loved this unique glamping accommodation in the desert”, says Catherine. “We stayed in very comfortable tents and enjoyed lovely food in the restaurant.” 

Sunset arrived in a wash of apricot light, perfect for a camel ride or quiet reflection with a glass of mint tea. Elise Phillips from Travel Associates Belconnen encourages travellers to embrace the unfamiliar saying, “It’s a new place, a new culture, and new food. You’re there to experience it.” 

For Thomas, the night sky became the trip’s peak moment: “Stargazing in the Agafay Desert was my absolute highlight. After a gorgeous dinner and fire show hosted by our stunning desert camp, we walked onto the outskirts of the camp to sit with a professional stargazer, who had the most infectious passion for the galaxy, and we got lucky with a beautiful clear sky, and were able to get clear views of Saturn as well as other marvels of our Solar System. We loved this experience so much our stargazer stayed overtime for us.” 

Sally’s favourite moment came at dawn: “The best time in the desert was the early morning sunrise – it was so peaceful watching the sun come up, and the landscape was like something out of a movie.”

After a restful breakfast, the group returned to civilisation, Marrakech’s ochre walls rising beneath the Atlas peaks. They wandered the opulent Bahia Palace before arriving at the AMAL Women’s Training Centre, an Intrepid Foundation partner which empowers local women in the community through providing education, skills and food. The visit was moving for many who visited the centre. “It was beautiful to see and support such a worthy and important organisation. Women helping women was truly touching”, says Megan. Thomas agreed: “It was not only a touching experience to learn about the AMAL Women's Training Centre and what it does for the local community, but this was by far my favourite meal we had in Morocco – bursting with flavour which you can only achieve when cooking with love.” 

The afternoon saw our travel advisors disperse into Marrakech, some to the souks, others to a traditional hammam. Elise’s advice for her clients and future travellers visiting the country? “I would recommend experiencing the traditional Moroccan hammam! It’s something that you can’t experience in Australia, let alone any of our nearby countries. It’s the best way to refresh yourself on a trip and leave feeling better than ever... a glowing version of yourself!” The day ended with a relaxing night spent at the Riad Les Sources Berberes, where the group were able to experience what it is like to stay in a Moroccan riad – a traditional home built around a private inner courtyard, offering a peaceful sanctuary hidden within the lively city centre.

The final day unfolded in Marrakech’s medina, the true epicentre of Moroccan life. Reflecting on his time in Marrakech, Jonathan House, Assistant Business Leader at Travel Associates Runaway Bay says, “The Medina in Marrakech is just what I expected Morocco to be - the snake charmers, the thousands of small shops and the hustle and bustle of the area in general.” For Jonathan, this experience best captured the spirit of the country. 

A guided food tasting trail through the vibrant streets offered our advisors a taste of Marrakech’s soul, as they weaved through heaving streets lined with fragrant stalls to sample the dishes locals love most. Highlights on the menu included a Moroccan chicken and lemon tagine, harira soup, garlic olives, as well as Moroccan donuts and sweet pastries – the group ended the tour with a glass of freshly pressed fruit juice, just what they needed to cool down in the warm Moroccan sun. 

On their final evening, the advisors sat down to a beautifully curated dinner in a traditional riad, where a special live performance by Houariyates musicians filled the room with rhythmic, joyful sounds and brought the group’s final evening in Morocco to life while celebrating the local culture and heritage. The following morning, they made their way to the airport for the journey home, carrying many fond memories of their time in Morocco.

With small groups, hand-picked accommodation, exclusive immersive experiences, and the expertise of local leaders, Intrepid Premium gave our advisors a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Morocco. Everyone agreed that the tour guide was the most memorable part of the trip. As Elise puts it, “Anytime I have travelled with Intrepid, it is clear that they have the best tour guides. They all have such passion and love for their home country and always deliver such a great tour. It really elevates the experience.”

Morocco surprised, delighted and challenged perceptions at every turn. As our advisors shared, this itinerary suits curious travellers, culture lovers, seasoned explorers and anyone ready for a destination that’s alive in every sense. “Visiting Morocco is an entire package of experiences”, says Catherine. “You need to try the food, the tea, the hammam, chat to the locals, haggle with heart in the markets, and of course, stay in a riad.”