Morocco
Journey to Morocco to experience the cultural and natural highlights during the early days of summer, one of the best seasons to visit! We will include unique experiences and exclusive activities designed by our in-house team of Morocco experts and combine beautiful properties along the way.
Morocco is home to a spiritually uplifting culture grounded by gracious hospitality and compelling customs. It stretches across fertile valleys, snow-capped mountains, two extensive coastlines and an immense desert. Every region harbors a distinct local culture, tied to a distant past that shapes Morocco’s distinguished personality.
April 10 – 13: Fez
- Riad El Amine (3 nights)
April 13 – 14: Sahara Desert
- Luxury Camp (1 night)
April 14 – 16: Skoura Valley
- L'ma Lodge (2 nights)
April 16 – 19: Marrakech
- Riad Siwan (3 nights)
April 19 – 21: Essaouira
- Villa Maroc (2 nights)
April 21: Departure
The weather in Morocco in April can vary depending on the region, as Morocco has diverse climates due to its geography.
Central regions, including Marrakech and Fes, start to warm up in April. Daytime temperatures can reach 77°F to 86°F. However, evenings may still be a bit cool, so it's advisable to pack layers.
In the southern desert regions, such as the Sahara Desert and Ouarzazate, April is already quite hot during the day, with temperatures often exceeding 86°F or even higher. Nights are generally cooler but not excessively so.
Coastal areas like Essaouira have pleasant temperatures in April, with daytime highs around 73°F to 77°F. Sea temperatures may be too cool for swimming, though.
You will be traveling to Morocco during the month of Ramadan when most people will be observing the daily fast. Although some local cafes and restaurants might be closed for the month, most will be open. The cities come alive at night more so than during the day, especially Marrakech.
Ramandan ends on April 9, 2024, which is the large celebration of Eid.
Get ready for your trip with our personalized guide to Morocco. You'll find:
- Tipping Guidelines
- Packing Lists
- Useful Arabic Phrases
- Dishes to Try
- and more!
Take a look at Scenset's Guide to Morocco here!
Two guides will be available to assist you during your trip to Morocco. Their contact information will be provided.
Look for the VIP Airport Service after exiting the plane to be assisted through customs. After being fast-tracked and collecting your luggage, head over to the Arrivals Terminal.
Assistance can be arranged for both Fez and Casablanca airports.
Service included in your itinerary.
You'll be picked up upon arrival at Casablanca Airport and taken to your hotel in the city center.
Hotel: Melliber Appart Hotel
Transfer booked by Scenset. Hotel booked independently.
Start your trip with a direct flight from Paris to Fez (booked independently), so you can hit the ground running and begin your exploration of Morocco's imperial city.
Look for the VIP Airport Service after exiting the plane to be assisted through customs. After being fast-tracked and collecting your luggage, head over to the Arrivals Terminal.
Assistance can be arranged for both Fez and Casablanca airports.
Service included in your itinerary.
You will be greeted by your personal expert guide and transferred in private to your hotel in Fez.
Service included in your itinerary.
Catch your train from Casablanca to Fez. Upon arrival in Fez, you can either catch a taxi from the train station or call a local driver for a ride.
Train booked independently. Pick-up in Fez is available if needed.
Fez is the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities and the medina is the largest car-free urban UNESCO site in the world. It is home to Al Quaraouiyine, the oldest existing and continually operating university in the world. Fez is the spiritual heart of Morocco, dotted with famous saints' mausoleums around the medina. It is also the capital of traditional crafts of Morocco, where the ancient art forms are preserved and practiced to this day all by hand.
Around sunset, visit the doors of Al Quaraouiyine with your guide, the oldest existing and continually operating educational institution in the world and is sometimes referred to as the oldest university. It was founded by Fatima al- Fihri in 859, becoming one of the leading spiritual and educational centers of the Muslim world. In 1963, it was incorporated into Morocco’s modern state university system.
Pick-Up Time: Afternoon
Pick-Up Location: Riad Entrance
Experience included in your itinerary.
Dar Roumana is widely celebrated as having the best restaurant in Fez. Dinner is served in a charming courtyard dining room, decorated with cream-colored upholstery and tropical plants that complement the building’s scenset hand-cut zellij tiles, carved plaster, and painted-wood ceilings.
Reservation Time: Evening
Here are some of Scensets's favorite places to eat in Fez. If you'd like a reservation for any of them, just let us know.
- Dar Namir is a home-style cooking school in Fez specializing in modern Moroccan cuisine, set in a stunning riad in the medina.
- Dar Hatim is a family-run restaurant with home-made traditional dishes, specializing in exquisite recipes from Fez.
- NUR Restaurant, its name “Nur” means light in Arabic, and sharing the radiance of her very personal modern Moroccan cooking is the mission of the chef at her intimate new restaurant in the medina.
- La Maison Bleue is a family palace turned luxurious restaurant with a legendary pastilla selection and live traditional music to accompany your tasting menu.
- Dar Roumana is widely celebrated as having the best restaurant in Fez. Dinner is served in a charming courtyard dining room, decorated with cream-colored upholstery and tropical plants that complement the building’s original hand-cut zellij tiles, carved plaster, and painted-wood ceilings.
- The Ruined Garden is located within the centuries-old roofless shell of a former merchant’s house and has a low-key vibe featuring artfully prepared riffs on Moroccan classics such as lamb pastilla served with a tomato and orange salad. Alcohol is not served at this restaurant.
Why we love it for you? A small hotel with a huge heart and plenty of soul, Riad El Amine Fès is a luxury Riad located in the ancient Medina of Fez, an emblematic 19th-century building, in the Arabic-Andalusian style. The interior decor gives the feeling of a Moroccan palace, with a down-to-earth rooftop bar serving tapa-sized bites.
Riad El Amine
3x Ambassador Suites and 3x Junior Suites
- Breakfast included
You'll be picked up from Casablanca Airport and taken directly to Fez to meet the rest of your group.
Arrival Time: Around midday
Flight: will be provided
Travelers: will be provided
Destination: Fez
Travel Time: about 3 hours
Booked by Scenset
Look for the VIP Airport Service after exiting the plane to be assisted through customs. After being fast-tracked and collecting your luggage, head over to the Arrivals Terminal.
Service included in your itinerary.
After breakfast, enjoy a hidden medina tour of Fez showcasing the alluring charm of the old town, the colorful streets and souks, and the rich tapestry of life that exists within its ancient walls. Gain access to ancient palaces and Islamic gardens, venture into the depths of the tanneries, observe weavers at their loom and discover hidden workshops where generations of artisans ply their individual trades and adapt century-old techniques to a modern market.
Visit Medrasa Nejjarine (Quaranic School) and gain expert insight into the different ornamentation and decorative techniques. Floral motifs, infinite geometric patterns, ceramic carvings, and calligraphy are all testament to the rich cultural heritage of the vast Islamic empire.
Pick-Up Time: Late morning
Pick-Up Location: Riad Entrance
Experience included in your itinerary.
Tal’aa Ikbira Street is where to go when in search of vintage treasures. Head for the upper, westernmost portion of Tal’aa Ikbira, one of two main retail streets in Fez-el-Bali, which is lined with small-scale antiques dealers. Unique finds include vintage silk caftans and stunning Berber ornaments.
Experience included in your itinerary.
Experience the energy and essence of the Fez street food scenset as it comes to life. This fascinating tasting trail reveals the captivating appeal of the medina as the sun goes down and the locals enjoy the specialities that only the evening offers. Your walk will take you from Bab Boujloud, winding your way through the alleys and souks with a local food expert. You will visit different food souks allowing the chance to try traditional Moroccan street food including dried meats, milawi, harsha, briwats, spicy sardines, spicy potato cakes, snail soup, stuffed camel spleen, olives and more. Discover the world of spices and their uses in Moroccan cuisine.
Pick-Up Time: Early evening
Pick-Up Location: Riad Entrance
Experience included in your itinerary.
Riad El Amine
3x Ambassador Suites and 3x Junior Suites
- Breakfast included
Today you'll head out on a full day trip to the ancient ruins of Volubilis and Meknes. You'll leave in the morning after breakfast and return in the evening in time for a final dinner in Fez.
After breakfast, head out to explore the ancient site of Volubilis, with beautiful mosaic floors, uncovered and brought to light by the archaeologists that still work on this partly excavated site. This town was developed from the 3rd century BC onwards as a Phoenician and later a Carthaginian settlement. The town fell to local Berber tribesmen in 285 and was never recovered by the Roman Empire.
Pick-Up Time: Morning
Pick-Up Location: Riad Entrance
Experience included in your itinerary.
Enjoy a delicious Moroccan lunch made with locally grown products at Scorpion House overlooking the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss.
Reservation confirmed. Lunch to be paid locally.
On your return to Fez, stop in the ancient capital of Meknes—once considered to be the Versailles of Morocco. It’s known as the “poor brother” among imperial cities of the country. It was developed as a capital late in the nation's history, in the 17th century. The city’s Friday mosque was built in 1200 along with the main city gates. Back then, Meknes was a prosperous commercial city, known also as a spiritual and educational hub. This city offers a “snapshot” of Morocco’s last imperial era. Moulay Ismail’s palace-city (over 40 km. of walls, not counting outer defenses) is a stupendous investment of might in masonry.
If you visit Meknes, you won't return to Fez until the evening. If you'd like a shorter day trip, you can ask your guides to skip Meknes and get back to Fez earlier.
Experience included in your itinerary.
Gayza Restaurant is located inside of the spectacular Riad Fes.
See the menu here.
Note that the lamb shoulder and free-range poultry specials must be ordered 8 hours in advance—let us know if you want one of these items.
Reservation: Evening.
Riad El Amine
3x Ambassador Suites and 3x Junior Suites
- Breakfast included
Today is your longest drive, so pack a good book or something to enjoy in the car. There will be several pitstops along the way to break up the drive.
Greeting by your guide in the morning and private transfer to the Sahara Desert. This 9-hour drive takes you through some of the most spectacular landscapes of the country. You will also be able to make several stops along the way, such as at Morocco's "Little Switzerland", a place to feed native monkeys, small villages, and plenty of scenic overlooks.
You will make a stop for lunch at a local inn along the way.
Pick-Up Time: Morning
Arrival at Desert Camp: Late afternoon
Service included in your itinerary.
You'll switch to a 4x4 drive for your last portion of the drive to get to the desert camp in the Sahara dunes.
Towards the end of the afternoon, take the Paris-Dakar rally route to reach your desert camp. You will see the soaring dunes of the Sahara Desert ahead. Settle into your tents and enjoy tea with views of the surrounding dunes.
Glide down the dunes on sandboards and learn how to slide down this impressive desert. Don't be intimidated! No experience is needed to take advantage of this unique desert adventure – just determination. It's a heart-pumping workout and amazing fun – running up the dunes and surfing your way down. The fine desert sand makes the perfect “wave” (and an excellent cushion for your landing).
Sandboards are available at your camp to use at your disposal. Feel free to grab a sandboard and use them at your leisure!
Experience included in your itinerary.
No activity is more quintessential in Morocco than camel riding. Hop on top of your new dromedary friend to explore the dunes of the desert by camel back to catch the sun set over the dunes.
Experience included in your itinerary.
With all the light pollution far away, the desert is the perfect place to contemplate the universe and all its glory. A special set-up will be arranged for your astronomy session this evening. As the clear sky slips to a deep inky blue, the stars and planets shine like diamonds scattered across the universe.
Your stay is just a few days after the new moon—perfect conditions for stargazing!
Experience included in your itinerary.
Why we love it for you? This tented camp in the stunning dunes of Merzouga is set up away from the crowds in a quiet and remote area of the Erg Chegaga Dunes. Private domes overlooking the sand make for a one-of-a-kind way to spend the night in the desert, with a delicious meal prepared by campfire to round out the experience.
Luxury Desert Camp
4x Superior Camp Tents and 2x Dome Tents
- All meals & soft drinks included
It's an early morning, but we promise it's worth it. There's no experience quite like watching the day break over the sand dunes.
After watching the sunrise, enjoy breakfast at your camp before hopping back in 4x4s where you'll be taken to your ATV Experience.
The best and most thrilling way to take on the dunes is behind the wheel of your ATV buggy. It's almost like driving through 20 feet waves.
You will be taken to the ATV site after breakfast. You won't come back to the camp after, so pack up your things before leaving.
Experience included in your itinerary.
Depart from your nomadic camp in the desert and head to the Skoura Valley in the region of Ouarzazate. You'll make scenic stops along the way, including at the Gorges of Togdha.
Transfer Duration: Approximately 6 hours
Service included in your itinerary.
Skoura is known for its many historical places as well as its natural attractions. Enjoy a visit in the palm grove and visit kasbah Amerhidil, an ancient adobe fort. Explore the small beaches along the Dades river where you can swim, and stop by the Toundount salt mine, where a 180 million-year old dinosaur was discovered.
This is a traditional kasbah turned luxury boutique hotel in the Palmeraie of Skoura Valley outside of Ouarzazate. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon by the beautiful swimming pool and surrounded by palm trees.
Experience included in your itinerary.
Enjoy a welcome dinner all together on your first evening in Skoura prepared by the wonderful staff.
Dinner included in your itinerary.
Why we love it for you? This stunning lodge in the palm grove of Skoura has it all. The beautiful touch of elegance mixed with Moroccan flare. The exquisite restaurant. The outdoor pool for warm sunny days. And of course, the perfect location from where you can walk out or rent buggies to explore the region.
L'Ma Lodge
Full Kasbah for Exclusive Use
- Breakfast and dinner included
The day in Skoura is a day for everyone to unwind after the first few days. Take a stroll through the town, visit ancient kasbahs, go on a guided bike ride with a guide, or simply enjoy the pool at your lodge.
In the morning, a local guide will take those interested on a trek through the Skoura Valley. Explore its scenic orchards, historic forts, and the traditional lifestyle of local villages.
Experience included in your itinerary.
Head out to explore the gorges and valleys of Skoura on your mountain bike, giving you the flexibility to cover much more ground than on a hike. A picnic lunch included will help you fuel up along the ride to continue on!
Service included in your itinerary.
L'Ma Lodge
Full Kasbah for Exclusive Use
- Breakfast and dinner included
Greeting by your guide and private transfer to Marrakech through the High Atlas Mountains.
Transfer Duration: 4 hours
Service included in your itinerary.
Drive past remote Berber adobe villages clinging to the mountain sides and stop by the famous UNESCO site Ait Ben Haddou. This is a fortified village (ksar in Arabic) located along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakesh. Many families still live in this ancient village, which is composed of a dozen kasbahs -- or merchants houses and other individual dwellings. The structure is a spectacular feat of earthen clay architecture that is typical of this southern region of Morocco.
Experience included in your itinerary.
Founded almost 1000 years ago, Marrakech is a feast for the senses and has remained at the heart of Moroccan life ever since, acting as Sultanate capital on occasions, but now undoubtedly as the country’s cultural center.
At sunset, explore the famous Jamaa El Fna Square with your expert guide - a 1000-year old UNESCO site with everything from snake charmers and acrobats, magicians and storytellers, to food stalls and orange juice stands.
Pick-Up Time: Evening
Experience included in your itinerary.
El Fenn is a relaxed kind of place and so is the food. The emphasis is on local, seasonal plant-based food – with meat and fish available too. Each dish is made with freshly harvested fruits and vegetables from local farms and markets, combined with the bright herbs, exotic spices and fragrant aromatics. It’s fresh, flavorful & packed full of goodness.
Reservation: Evening
Here are some of Scenset's favorite restaurants in Marrakech. If you'd like a reservation for any of them, just let us know.
- Dar Yacout is a famous restaurant in Marrakech for good reason. The decor is enchanting with its private rooms and breath-taking panoramic view from the terrace overlooking the medina and the Koutoubia mosque of Marrakesh.
- NOMAD is known for its sleek sand-coloured sofas and black-and-white tiled tables. The menu is fearlessly modern, featuring eclectic twists on classics such as calamari marinated in cumin served with a dash of spicy harissa or saffron-scented date cake with salted caramel ice-cream.
- Le Jardin is a green-hued oasis with an overarching canopy of banana leaves, bamboo and palms. Order up a light Moroccan salad or club sandwich, accompanied by an orange and beet smoothie or a milky date shake.
- Latitude 33 serves up sophisticated Medi-Moroccan fusion cuisine, which includes ambitious offerings such as cream cheese briouat (pastries) with strawberry puree, and chicken tagine with caramelised apples and thyme honey.
- Gastro MK is famous for its fusion Euro-Moroccan cuisine and is one of the medina’s finest restaurants. As there are only 20 seats, pre-booking is essential and a deposit is required. As a nod to the owner's English background, you can also enjoy a full English Afternoon Tea here!
- La Maison Arabe set the benchmark for Marrakech fine dining and has hosted many notable guests. The menu is exclusively Moroccan, offering heartwarming classics such as tanjia alongside more inventive dishes like saffron-infused lamb chops.
- Chez Lamine Hadj is where it gets real. You come here for an authentic Marrakech experience of a famous local dish: the Tanjia. No reservation required.
- Plus 61 is owned by a couple who moved to Marrakech. The food is a creative fusion of flavors but the mix is always delicious.
Why we love it for you: Riad Siwan is as ravishing as Moroccan buildings get: loyal to its North African roots, yet with stylish contemporary furnishings at every turn. Ornately carved columns tower in the courtyard, and there’s a sun-drenched and spacious terrace on the roof. Inside, impeccable service awaits.
Riad Siwan
Private Riad for Exclusive Use
- Breakfast included
Visit Marrakech’s main historical attractions in style: by sidecar. Hop on a tour of the Red City in the most unique way and wizz by the Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian Tombs, an ancient university and a palace. Continue on to explore the souks by sidecar and get a unique perspective on the medina.
Pick-Up Time: Morning
Pick-Up Location: Riad Siwan
Experience included in your itinerary.
Visit Marrakech’s main historical attractions, including the Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian Tombs, an ancient university, and a palace. Continue on to explore the souks and artisans with your guide, and learn about the art of bargaining for special pieces.
Join your guides to visit a couple of the monuments above between your sidecar tour and the cooking class—optional if you want to see these attractions!
Experience included in your itinerary.
In the late afternoon, experience a Moroccan cooking class at La Maison Arabe. The workshop will be conducted by a dada (traditional Moroccan cook) using easy-to-use, modern equipment. Learn how to prepare an appetizer and a main dish, or a main dish and dessert. You will be able to dine on the meal you have prepared.
Start Time: In the afternoon.
Experience included in your itinerary.
Head out to visit your local friends in Marrakech for dinner. Please coordinate the drop-off location directly with your guides and drivers.
Pick-Up Time: Early evening
Riad Siwan
Private Riad for Exclusive Use
- Breakfast included
You'll be picked up from your hotel for the scenic car ride (about 90 minutes) up into the High Atlas Mountains surrounding Marrakech.
Today you will set out with your expert hiking guide to explore the valleys and passes of the incredibly beautiful High Atlas Mountains. The hike will be tailored to your preferences and fitness levels.
Pick-Up Time: Late morning
Experience included in your itinerary.
With your expert guide, visit a Berber village for lunch. Follow the road past the Kasbah up to the village of Imlil. Enjoy dazzling views as you traverse the Toubkal National Park, home to the highest peak of North Africa. From here, take an off-road track to the highest village in North Africa– Arm’ed (2000m). An excellent traditional Berber lunch will be served on the highest roof terrace of the village with stunning views down the mountain.
Experience included in your itinerary.
Enjoy a final dinner in Marrakech with the whole group at Terrasse des Epices, which serves traditional Moroccan dishes with a creative twist.
Reservation: Dinner time.
Terrasse des Epices is a 15-minute walk from your riad through the medina.
Riad Siwan
Private Riad for Exclusive Use
- Breakfast included
Today, make the journey to the seaside town of Essaouira, known for its water-sport beaches and hip art scene.
You'll be picked up from your riad this morning in time for your private transfer to the Marrakech Airport.
Pick-Up Time: Morning
Travelers: Two travelers
Destination: Marrakech Airport
Flight Departure: Midday
Experience included in your itinerary.
Take a private transfer back to Casablanca in time for your flight home.
Pick-Up Time: will be provided
Travelers: will be provided
Destination: Casablanca Airport
Flight Departure: Evening
Experience included in your itinerary.
The rest of the group will be picked up from your riad in Marrakech for the drive to Essaouira.
On the way, stop at the Val d’Argan organic vineyards during the midday hours, where some of the best Moroccan biodynamic wines are produced. Enjoy a short walk around the property and a wine tasting with a delicious lunch.
Total Travel Time: about 3 hours
Service included in your itinerary. Lunch to be paid locally.
You can't beat sunset on the Atlantic beaches of Essaouira, watching as the sun dips below the ocean while riding horseback along the sand.
Start Time: Evening
Experience included in your itinerary and arranged with the villa concierge.
On your first evening at Villa Maroc, enjoy a meal prepared at your property in their on-site restaurant. Villa Maroc serves traditional Moroccan cuisine made upon order that you may enjoy in one of their candlelit dining rooms.
Dinner Time: Evening
This dinner is included in your itinerary as a special perk for using Scenset!
Why we love it for you: The trendy riad at Villa Maroc is the perfect little hideaway to end your trip in Morocco. You'll be in a traditional riad in the center of Essaouira, enjoying the view from your oceanview suites with easy access to the rest of the city.
Villa Maroc
4 Seaview Suites
- All rooms are together in the same building sharing one courtyard
- Daily breakfast included
- Dinner included on the first night
The winds of Essaouira are perfect for catching a wave: whether on a traditional surf board or via kite surfing. Hit the water on your element of choice and see how well you can ride the waves!
For the non-surfers, the long beach is perfect for a stroll, followed by a leisurely lunch at La Mouette et les Dromadaires, a fantastic seaside restaurant offering fresh grilled fish accompanied by a chilled glass of wine.
Start Time: Morning (subject to change)
The Villa Maroc concierge will discuss the best start time with you upon your arrival, based on your preferences and also the sea conditions.
Experience included in your itinerary and arranged by Villa Maroc concierge.
Essaouira is an up-and-coming art destination, already famous for its hip galleries and cool street art. Take a visit through the streets of the city to see for yourself.
Recommended by Scenset
You've probably had plenty of tajines by now, but the seafood cuisine by the coast is in a league of its own. Enjoy dinner at La Table.
Reservation: Evening
Villa Maroc
4 Seaview Suites
- All rooms are together in the same building sharing one courtyard
- Daily breakfast included
Today, you'll be picked up for a drive back to your departing airport (either Marrakech or Casablanca) in time for your flight out of Morocco and on to your next destination.
Get up early for a morning transfer back to Marrakech in time to catch your flight.
Pick-Up Time: Early morning
Travelers: Two travelers
Destination: Marrakech Airport
Flight Departure: Morning
Experience included in your itinerary.
You'll be picked up this morning for a morning transfer back to Marrakech Airport.
Pick-Up Time: Morning
Travelers: Two people
Destination: Marrakech Airport
Flight Departure: Late morning
Experience included in your itinerary.
You'll be picked up this morning for a morning transfer back to Casablanca.
Pick-Up Time: Around 10 a.m.
Travelers: Two people
Destination: Casablanca Airport
Flight Departure: Around 3:55 p.m.
Experience included in your itinerary.
Two travelers will be picked up from Essaouira this morning for a transfer back to Marrakech Airport.
Pick-Up Time: This morning
Travelers: Two travelers
Destination: Marrakech Airport
Flight Departure: Around 11:45 a.m.
Booked by Scenset
Scenset invests in making the world a better place. Scenset will offset the fuel used during the trip. On top of that, an extra 10% will be offset to make your trip a carbon-positive experience.
Currently, we support Gold Standard Climate+ Projects from the Gold Standard Foundation.