Tailor-made
Morocco
Holidays

Our truly bespoke trips are created especially for you by Emma and Rebecca, our passionate, well-travelled Morocco experts with first-hand knowledge and real experience.

Overview

Morocco might be just a short hop from Europe, but it feels a world away. From the sense assault of Marrakesh’s souks to the stillness of the Sahara, our Morocco experts know just how to piece it all together. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all holiday, so we’ll get to know what matters most to you before designing something completely personal. Whether it’s cooking with locals, trekking with Berbers or soaking up the chaos of the medina, we’ll help you experience Morocco in a way that’s tailored for you. 

 

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Meet our Morocco experts

We offer tailor-made holidays to suit a wide range of tastes. Our experts Emma and Rebecca are dedicated to all things Morocco and are here to help you plan your perfect trip.

Emma Higgins
Emma Higgins
Destination Manager

Our Emma’s been exploring Morocco since 2010 and still finds something new every time. She’s equally at home hiking in the mountains or bargaining in the souks – and knows exactly how to balance it all in one holiday.

Rebecca Dodds
Rebecca Dodds
Destination Manager

Rebecca’s spent years really getting to know Morocco, from trekking in the High Atlas to wandering Chefchaouen’s blue-washed lanes. And always making friends everywhere she goes. Your Morocco holiday is in safe hands with our Rebecca.

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All 24 July 2025

Where You're Going This Year

A brand, spanking new year is around the corner. 12 fresh months, 52 weeks, 365 days – all just waiting to be filled with adventures. Travel was well and truly back in 2022 (thank goodness!), and 2023 is set to be bursting with holidays left, right and centre. We’ve been busy designing holidays all over the World, here’s a handy infographic to show where you’re going (so far) over the next 12 months… Have you booked your 2023 holiday yet? If not, now’s the time!   Get inspired…   Wildlife, nature and Pura Vida lifestyle is top of the bill in 2023. Costa Rica is the most popular holiday destination amongst our clients (so far), with 12% of holidays heading to the nature lover’s paradise.   Costa Rica holiday highlights ☑ Visit Arenal , Costa Rica’s adventure capital, and zip line through the canopy, soak in the hot springs, kayak in the shadow of a live volcano and hike over hanging bridges. ☑ Soak up the wild beauty of the Osa Peninsula . Reaching this region is a bit of a challenge, but being simply the best place to see wildlife in all of Costa Rica, we’d argue it’s more than worth it! ☑ Sun yourself on one of the beautiful beaches along the Northern Pacific Coast . Don’t miss a visit to the tranquil Nicoya Peninsula (and a stay at the incredible Lagarta Lodge , too!) Costa Rica holidays     A county of so much variation and contrast, it’s not tricky to see why Vietnam makes up a huge 10.9% of our 2023 holidays already.   Vietnam holiday highlights ☑ Float amidst the towering limestone rocks of Asia’s most spectacular landscape. A cruise on Ha Long Bay is a must for any Vietnam holiday. ☑ Enjoy a slower pace of life for a few days in the yellow-washed gem that is Hoi An . With cobbled streets that come alive with the light of thousands of lanterns after dark, small tailoring shops, riverside cafes and traditional merchant houses, it’s a special place. ☑ Trek with a local hill tribe through the stunning landscapes around Sapa . Vibrant green valleys, perfectly terraced rice paddies, fast-flowing streams and countless waterfalls await you here. Vietnam holidays     A Jordan holiday is so much more than just a visit to Petra. As 9.9% of our booked clients are set to find out next year…   Jordan holiday highlights ☑ You simply can’t visit Jordan without making a trip to “the rose-red city half as old as time”. Petra is as stunning as it is historic, prepare to pinch yourself once you’ve made your way down the Siq Canyon and are treated to that first glimpse of the famous Treasury Tomb. ☑ Experience the feeling of weightlessness with a bob about in the turquoise waters of the Dead Sea . Found at the lowest point on the Earth’s surface (422 metres below sea level, to be exact), it’s a truly unique place to visit – and the health benefits claimed of its waters are worth the trip, too! ☑ Visit the ancient city of Jerash . Found just outside Amman , Jordan’s capital, these ruins are incredibly well preserved and anyone who loves a bit of history in their holiday mix, will be in their element here. Jordan holidays     South Africa is the destination that started HA. It was the very first place we ever sent clients all those many years ago. And, with 8.7% of holidays heading here next year, we’re chuffed that it’s still as popular as ever.   South Africa holiday highlights ☑ Most South Africa holidays we design, start in the incredible capital of Cape Town . And what a welcome. Gorgeous beaches ready for sundowners, fantastic shopping, fascinating history and world-class food and drink – all set against a backdrop of the unmistakable Table Mountain. It’s not hard to see why Cape Town is considered one of the most iconic cities in the World. ☑ Animals, animals, animals. The quest for the Big 5 is at the top of most South Africa holiday wish lists. And, with incredible safari offerings all over the country, wildlife sightings are (almost) guaranteed to be brilliant here. They’re wild animals of course, they go where they please. But, whether you visit Kruger , the Eastern Cape , Limpogo , KwaZulu-Natal , the Kalahari , or one of the many other reserves – we fancy your chances! ☑ Head to the Great Escarpment , to take in some of the very best landscapes South Africa has to offer. With waterfalls, river canyons, forests, wildlife and viewpoints galore (don’t miss God’s Window!) – it’s a great addition to any South Africa holiday. South Africa holidays     It’s finally back! It’s been off the holiday list for far too long, so we couldn’t be happier that 8.5% of the booked travels in 2023 are heading off to this captivating country. Bullet trains, robot cafes, perfect gardens, bamboo forests, ancient walking trails and so much culture awaits.   Japan holiday highlights ☑ We’re not sure you can visit Japan, without experiencing its largest, craziest and most robot-filled cities. Tokyo is often considered the biggest metropolis on the planet – and we love it. For all of its neon lights and progressive technology, its historic soul is very much intact with countless temples, shrines and gardens dotted around the city. ☑ The spiritual heart of Japan, Kyoto is bursting with shrines and history. Step back in time with a bike ride down the ancient streets of the Gion neighbourhood (keep your eyes peeled for Geisha!), head to the bright red gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine and even test your sword skills at a Ninja workshop . ☑ Experience a different side of Japanese life and culture with some time in Takayama . The perfect base from which to visit to beautiful, rural countryside (the Christmas-card village of Shirakawago is very close by!) – the antique wooden buildings will charm you in no time at all. Japan holidays     Without doubt the must exotic and alluring getaway you can have within a 4-hour flight from the UK, it’s no wonder that Morocco is always a popular one with our clients, snapping up 8.2% of 2023 booking so far.   Morocco holiday highlights ☑ Spend a day or two on the golden sands of the Erg Chebbi. It’s one of only two places in Morocco where you can see the start of the great Sahara Desert. Take a camel ride across the dunes and sleep under the stars. A highlight of any Morocco holiday for sure. ☑ Explore the bohemian streets, pretty medina and blue-washed walls of Chefchaouen . Perfect for photography lovers, this stunning town is set against a backdrop of mountains with so many trails to explore! ☑ For a real slice of authentic Morocco, venture into the High Atlas Mountains and spend some time with the Berbers . There are trails to explore, mountains to climb, fresh mint tea to drink and home-cooked traditional dinners with local families to enjoy. Morocco holidays     Sri Lanka had a bit of a rocky start to the year, but we’re delighted to say it’s fully back on the holiday radar now! With 7% of booked holidays next year visiting this jewel-shaped island, we’re so excited for more of our clients to fall in love with all it has to offer.   Sri Lanka holiday highlights ☑ Take on of the most picturesque train rides on earth up into the rolling tea hills in the middle of the country. Make the most of the slight drop in temperature and take a hike to Lipton’s Seat, enjoy a tour of a local tea factory and indulge in High Tea at the Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya. ☑ Dig out your binoculars for a safari at Yala National Park . With a varied ecosystem made up of monsoon forests, grasslands, sandy beaches and wetlands – the animal sightings are brilliant here. Plus, said to be home to one of the highest concentrations of leopard on earth, it’s THE place to go if you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the illusive cats. ☑ Spend some time in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle to get a taste of the country’s rich history. Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, explore the Dambulla Cave Temples and take a bike ride around the ancient city ruins of Polonnaruwa. Sri Lanka holiday     Namibia has been having a bit of a moment recently and – quite rightly – growing in popularity as a Southern Africa holiday destination. An impressive 6.6% of HA holidays next year are heading to this otherworldly landscape…   Namibia holiday highlights ☑ One of the big hitters of Namibia holidays, the sand seas of the Namib Desert (the oldest desert on earth don’t you know!) around Sossusvlei are something very special. The graceful curves of the massive glowing dunes stand in stark contrast to the other-worldly white pans “vleis”, with dead trees and cracked mud, that lay in their shadow. ☑ The Skeleton Coast forms a division between mainland Namibia and the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Dotted with shipwrecks, without doubt, this coast line is one of Namibia’s most unspoiled and remote areas. Experience it in true style with this ‘Flying the Skeleton Coast’ holiday. ☑ Head to the wide open plains of Etosha National Park to experience one of Southern Africa’s premier safari destinations. Boasting incredible numbers of elephant, zebra, giraffe, antelope and big cats, (plus fairly good number of elusive Black rhino!), a safari adventure awaits here. Namibia holidays     Nabbing 6.1% of next year’s holiday bookings so far, the orangutan-filled rainforests of Borneo are looking to be popular over the next 12 months.   Borneo holiday highlights ☑ A nature-lovers dream, the Danum Valley Conservation Area is one of the world’s most complex ecosystems. It’s perfect for wildlife spotting, with orangutan, Pygmy elephant and clouded leopard spotted frequently. The area is strongly protected, and access tightly restricted, so make sure you factor in a stay at the beautiful Borneo Rainforest Lodge to experience it for yourself. ☑ Visit the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre in the heart of Sepilok. Set amidst lush rainforest and explored via a series of elevated walkways, this is a brilliant place to come for a taste of Borneo wildlife – with the chance to do good along the way. ☑ The island paradise of Gaya Island is the perfect place to unwind on your Borneo holiday after all of the orangutan-spotting excitement. White-sand beaches, fringed with lush palms on one side and turquoise waters the other. Dive on in. Borneo holidays     Canada is vast, diverse and packed full of extraordinarily wide range of scenery and experiences. Whether you’re after beautiful beaches, snowy mountains, wildlife encounters, adrenaline-pumping outdoor adventures or a tranquil lake cruise – it’s got you covered. That 5.2% of bookings are in for a real treat…   Canada holiday highlights ☑ Take one of the World’s most iconic journeys, a train ride on the Rocky Mountain Express through the towering snow-capped peaks of the the Rocky Mountains. This two-day rail journey takes you all the way from Vancouver to beautiful Jasper. ☑ Experience the power of Mother Nature at full force with a visit to Niagara Falls . You can take a boat ride right up to the falls, fly over the top of it or even walk right behind the plummeting water. Plus, nearby Niagara-on-the-Lake with its artisan shops, art galleries and cafes is the perfect base. ☑ You can’t truly appreciate the beauty of Canada until you’ve seen Banff with your own eyes. Canada’s very first National Park (created in 1883), the bright blue water set against the backdrop of mountain wilderness, is pinch-yourself perfect.     The charm of the Cambodian smile is ready and waiting to welcome 4% of HA holiday bookings in 2023 (so far, that is!). We have a real soft spot for this country, its beauty, sights, and its warm, resilient people.   Cambodia holiday highlights ☑ Fall in love with the charms of Siem Reap . Obviously you have to spend some time exploring the ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat , but there’s so much more on offer here. Take a street food tour by vespa and enjoy some of the many sophisticated restaurants and chic bars popping up all over the town. Don’t miss an evening at the Phare Circus either, such talent! ☑ Sun yourself on the secret islands of the south coast . With powdery white sand beaches, lapped with clear blue waters, these small islands boast dramatic headlands and jungle forests. They’re also home to luxurious hideaways perfect for a slice of well deserved R&R after time spent soaking up the history and culture of Cambodia. ☑ Journey up into the Cardamom Mountains . This remote virgin rainforest is one of the last remaining habitats for Asian elephants, bears, tigers and the Siamese crocodile. With deserted river islands, thundering waterfalls and Wildlife Sanctuaries to visit, the Cardamom Mountains would be a great addition to any Cambodia holiday. Cambodia holidays     Oman is such a unique holiday destination – and we can’t wait to send 3.5% of our 2023 clients there. With cities, deserts, rich culture, mountain villages and so much history to explore, it has all the makings of a great adventure for all the family.   Oman holiday highlights ☑ Start your adventure with some time in the capital of Muscat . Old Muscat and Muttrah make up the historical heart of the city, with palaces to explore, forts to walk around, giant chandeliers to be wowed by and old souqs to get lost in. With beach resorts nearby and the option to take a sunset Dhow cruise , too, there’s something for everyone. ☑ It might be just a few hours from Muscat, but the Wahiba Sands feel anything but. Stretching nearly 200 miles from north to south, you’ll find towering golden dunes, deep valleys, local Bedouins and an awful lot of camels here. What’s more, with some beautiful tented camps to choose from, you’ll be relaxing in comfort under the starry desert skies. ☑ Venture up towards the Hajar Mountains and explore the sheer canyons, terraced villages and forts around Nizwa . You’ll feel a million miles away from day-to-day life here – a real insight into rural Omani life. Oman holidays     Whether you visit the North Island, the South Island, or both, New Zealand has all of the makings of an adventure worthy of your 2023 holidays. With 2.4% of booked holidays heading here, we’re already excited to see the travel snaps.     New Zealand holiday highlights ☑ Get away from it all and spend some time in Abel Tasman National Park . All of New Zealand is staggeringly beautiful, but there’s something extra special about this region. With sheltered turquoise waters perfect for kayaking and so many incredible walking trails with a more breathtaking view waiting around every corner – it’s a must. ☑ Be captivated by the marine life playground that is Kaikoura . This is THE place to go to spot giant sperm whales, playful dusky dolphins, seals, sweeping albatross and so much more. ☑ Tucked away in the far south-western corner of the South Island, you’ll find the Fjordland National Park. A boat ride through Milford Sound (or the slightly quieter Doubtful Sound), will certainly make you New Zealand holiday highlights list.   So, where makes your holiday wish list?   Latest posts 15 of our favourite holiday ideas Summer holiday ideas: Our team share their favourite summer itineraries The hibernation’s over: Canada holidays are back! The most popular destinations for 2025 so far Holiday quiz: Find your perfect 2025 holiday  
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All 24 July 2025

Top three things to know before travelling to Morocco

We have been sending lovely, happy clients to  Morocco for more than a decade now, and I myself have been doing so here at Holiday Architects for over six years. It’s safe to say that our Morocco portfolio is a baby of mine; I am so proud of the magical experiences we can offer throughout the country – from crossing the silky dunes of the Sahara , to igniting the senses in the country’s intoxicating cities, and finding peace in its abundance of unique, sumptuous hotels. I could honestly wax lyrical about it forever! All that said, there is no denying that it has been a tough year for Morocco . The earthquake that struck in the late hours of September 8 th 2023 has changed the lives of thousands in the south of Morocco for the foreseeable future. It was with a huge sigh of relief that when we contacted our beloved colleagues in Morocco after this tragic event, all our office staff, drivers and guides were unharmed, as well as all the clients we had in-country. The events that unfolded after that were heartbreaking, but we worked hard with our partners to keep things going – that’s the thing about Moroccans, they do not give up easily. As a country that relies so heavily on tourism income, our partners assured us they needed to carry on, even in these testing times. I’ve had many clients out to Morocco since the earthquake, all travelling as planned and absolutely loving their experiences (have a scroll through our TrustPilot page if you don’t believe me!). After so many lovely conversations with clients after their return, here are three things you should know about travelling in post-earthquake Morocco.   Moroccans are amazing If you didn’t gather from that introduction, I think Moroccans are incredible! Not only in the sense that they have managed to pull through such a devastating event, but also simply in the smiling faces you’ll meet around the country. One big point I have had from returning clients is how many delightful people they met throughout their trips – from city guides to locals they met on hikes in the Atlas. I feel clients have been keener than ever to understand culture and daily life in Morocco recently, and there have been some really special moments of connection. If meeting locals and experiencing a Moroccan way of life sounds like your kind of trip, I recently created our Go Local in Morocco itinerary that delivers just that!   Unfortunately, you will see some damage It would be irresponsible of me to sugarcoat this one; the effects of the earthquake will be seen in Morocco for some time to come. More specifically, repairs continue on several historical buildings in Marrakesh, so you will see some scaffolding here and there, and in the Atlas those that tragically lost their homes are in temporary, tented accommodation awaiting more financial assistance that the government is rolling out. Staff at Atlas Mountain hotels are likely to have lost friends or family members, so sensitivity is needed. We spoke with the owners at Kasbah Angour , a fabulous Atlas hotel we have used for years, about the situation and how their staff and locals in the surrounding villages feel about travellers coming to the country after the earthquake. All stressed how happy they were to continue seeing visitors in their homeland, and my clients also felt this sentiment as they met people out on hikes or other local excursions. Small acts of kindness and a smile will go a long way if you’re in the Atlas Mountains in the coming months and through 2024.   You’re in safe hands! There is a reason why we’ve been working with our agents in Morocco for such a long time – they just look after our clients so very well. From a warm welcome at the airport to our knowledgeable city guides, passionate driver guides, and local reps on the end of a phone line any time you need them, you’ll really feel like they care deeply about your experience in their country. If you’re worried about travelling in Morocco after the earthquake, this is the exact reason why you book through a company like us: you have an experienced team right there on hand to look after you and make sure you have the best possible time. And trust me – you will!     If you’re ready to think about a spring 2024 Morocco trip – late April into May is the perfect time to go this coming year, after Ramadan but when the weather is gorgeous! – then get in touch with Emma or Rebecca now.  
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All 24 July 2025

The perfect winter getaway to Morocco

When you think of  Morocco , our bet is your mind goes straight to images of the golden sands of the Sahara Desert, savouring the shade in city souks or stretching out by the pool under the hot African sun. But, first impressions aren’t always to be trusted!   Morocco is a fantastic winter destination, too. ✓ Cosy rooms with roaring fireplaces ✓ Quiet and peaceful markets ✓ Romantic 5* riads overlooking snow-capped mountains   Emma and Rebecca, our Morocco specialists (there they are below!), LOVE this country at any time of year. But, they both agree that the Moroccan winter months offer something a little bit special.     So, pop your feet up, get cosy and find out more below…     Days 1-3: Essaouira Your adventure starts in Essaouira . The vibe here is exactly what you’d expect from a coastal city: Relaxed, chilled and a much more calming introduction to this exotic country than the bigger, more central cities would be. Plus, the locals are so friendly and welcoming to tourists too, so you’ll be welcomed and seduced by this place in equal measure.   Highlights include: ✓ Grab a delicious dinner and indulge in a romantic hammam experience for two at a traditional Riad hotel. We love Villa Maroc ! ✓ Amble around beautiful Essaouira and its ancient ramparts ✓ Learn all about the flavours of Morocco at a cooking workshop (just like our Emma in the photo above!)         Days 4-5: Unwind in luxury in the Atlas Mountains Head to the Atlas Mountains where the romance of the beautiful rolling hills, set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains is so enchanting at this time of year.   Highlights include: ✓ Nestled within 60 acres of parkland, flower beds, olive trees, orchards and plenty of rose bushes, Domaine De La Roseraie just oozes romance and is one of our favourite hotels in the region. ✓ Explore the remote surrounding villages and get a real taste of mountain life. ✓ Take a guided walk in Ouirgane , through the heart of Berber country. This is the perfect opportunity to get an authentic glimpse what life in the mountains is like.       Day 6: A night under the desert stars   It’s time for a desert adventure! Head to the Agafay Stone Desert and find yourself in a completely different, almost otherworldly landscape.   Highlights include: ✓ Stay in one of the Inara Camp’s luxury tents and spend a romantic, opulent night under the stars. ✓ Watch the sun sink below the horizon, painting the wide sky all shades of pink and red as you experience the magic (and slight discomfort – if we’re honest!) of a sunset camel ride. Your buttocks might not thank you, but your memories will! ✓ Take a dip in their ‘desert lagoon’ swimming pool, whilst gazing out across the far-reaching plains of the stone desert and the snow-capped Atlas Mountains beyond.       Days 7-9: Marrakesh   Head to Marrakesh (just an hour’s drive away!) and you’ll find yourself in the buzzing, sense-assaulting medina. Quite the contrast to the wide open spaces and starry skies of the stone desert, Marrakesh really is one of the jewels in Morocco’s crown.   Highlights include: ✓ Hidden behind imposing and impressive, carved wooden doors, La Maison Arabe is a great choice for a winter stay in Morocco. Almost palatial in style, it will quickly become your calming o asis amidst the frenzy of the medina. ✓ Head to their amazing spa for the ultimate pampering afternoon. ✓ Enjoy a true feast for the senses on a souks and medina tour with a local guide.       Day 10: Time to fly home Never anyone’s favourite day of a holiday, but today it’s time to head back to the airport for your flight home. We can guarantee you’ll be sad to leave, but we’re also fairly sure the memories and photos from your romantic Morocco adventures will make the flight home a happy one.     Rebecca and Emma, are at the end of the phone on 01242 253 073 ready to share their first-hand knowledge of Morocco and answer any questions you may have about getting a winter break in the diary!   Find out what else awaits you in Morocco  

About Morocco

It’s safe to say you won’t find anywhere more exotic, exciting or alluring within a 4 hour flight from the UK than Morocco, and thanks to the proliferation of low-cost flights to destinations across Morocco, it’s becoming ever easier to explore this fascinating country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Geographically Morocco is defined by the Rif, Middle Atlas, High Atlas and Anti-Atlas Mountains that spread across the country like fingers of a giant hand. Historically they provided refuge for the indigenous Berber people in the face of numerous foreign invasions, and remain Berber heartlands to this day. The mountains divide the country climatically as well as culturally, preventing rainfall from Europe and the Atlantic reaching inland and south; so the south and east are generally dry and hot, with the north and west being a little cooler and wetter.

Any trip to the country is likely to involve a mixture of city experiences and more rural experiences, a contrast that Morocco does very well. Her greatest cities, like Fez and Marrakesh are maelstroms of intoxicating sights, sounds and smells, very medieval in feel, whilst once you get out into the more remote oases, valleys and mountains, houses hunker down against the weather and invaders, clustered in ksour (fortified villages) overlooking by kasbahs whose mud-brick walls are covered in intricate decoration. Along the coast, fortified ports boast battlements designed by French and Portuguese invaders, whilst much more modern constructions, like the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca are no less inspiring or photogenic because of their modernity.

Morocco is such a diverse country that it’s almost impossible to convey the breadth of experiences on offer, but we hope this website gives you some idea of why we think it’s such an incredible country, and well worth a week or two of your precious holiday time!

This is a slightly tricky question, as any trip covering more than just a couple of places is going to involve compromising on the weather somewhere. As a general rule, the coast and High Atlas Mountains are best in the summer: the coast because it will be warm enough to swim in the sea, and the High Atlas because the winters get remarkably cold and snowy. The far south, along the great oasis valleys to the Sahara, gets very hot in summer, so is really an autumn/winter/spring destination, whilst the north of the country is a little more year-round and moderate in its climate.

Given these contrasting weather patterns, most people opt for a spring or autumn trip, missing the worst of the summer heat where it’s an issue, but also avoiding the colder, wetter winters where they occur. However, that being said, Morocco can be remarkably romantic during the winter months. With cosy riads, roaring fireplaces and snow-capped mountains. So, as always, chat to us about when you’re thinking of travelling and we’ll help make sure you choose the best time for you.

 

Over the last decade or so, Moroccan cuisine has become more familiar to us here in Europe, and most people are familiar with its staples: the tajine, couscous and perhaps pastilla. Tajines, the classic one-pot stews that marry chicken and lamb with soft fruit (dates, apricots and prunes), and pastilla (a slightly more unusual sounding dish of pigeon in layers of filo pastry dusted with cinnamon and sugar) exhibit one of the defining features of Moroccan food, the marriage of sweet and savoury in one dish. The standard accompaniment of couscous is to Moroccans what rice is to the Chinese!

Tajines, couscous and pastilla are “special” meals, ones that Moroccans would normally have on feast days, or public holidays. The more day-to-day food is actually just as tasty and is best exemplified by the street vendors of the Jemaa El Fna square in Marrakesh: brochettes (kebabs, barbequed) with fresh bread and salad (although if you want something more “challenging”, like whole sheep’s head, that’s on offer too!). Perhaps one of the most pleasing dishes, certainly for freshness, is to be had in places like Essaouira, where fish, straight off the boats moored next to your harbour-side food stall, is paired with a simple salad of tomato, onion, cucumber and coriander – one of our personal favourites!

Perhaps unsurprisingly, given the lengthy French presence in Morocco, there is a long-established wine industry. Granted, for most of its history, the industry has produced little of note, but that is changing, and vineyards, notably near Essaouira in the south and Meknes in the north, are producing better and better wines. They are certainly a cheaper accompaniment to your meals than imported wines, and increasingly, just as tasty too.

Our holidays are inclusive of flights to Morocco with scheduled carriers such as BA or Royal Air Maroc and will include full ATOL bonding. There are also a large number of low-cost flights operating from various UK airports to various cities in Morocco, including EasyJet and Ryanair. We can assist with booking scheduled carrier flights and some low-cost carriers, however for some routes and flight options these may be best booked directly with the airline. As always, we're here to offer the best advice to suit your requirements.

UK passport holders aren’t required to obtain a visa in advance for entry into Morocco for the purposes of tourism for up to three months – you’ll be granted a free visa on arrival.

To enter Morocco, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the date you arrive, and please do make sure your passport isn’t damaged before travel.

Non-UK passport holders should check with their local Moroccan embassy or consulate.

 

As we’re not medical experts, we feel it's essential you contact your G.P. regarding vaccinations and the like for travel to Morocco. What follows are some suggestions, but they must be verified by a medical professional. In addition to such vaccinations as you’d routinely have for living in the UK, further boosters are recommended for Hepatitis A, Tetanus and Typhoid.

For more information, The Travel Doctor, is a great interactive website providing specialist health information for travellers plus customised lists of travel medicines, vaccines and malaria tablets for holiday makers, global adventure travellers and expeditions. However, as always, this is no match for the first-hand advice of a trained professional! 

 

Perhaps more than almost any other country, your accommodation will be a defining feature of your trip, largely down to the phenomenon of riads. These are traditional townhouses, built around one or more internal courtyards, that have been converted into guesthouses and hotels. They are prolific in Marrakesh (there are 1,800 registered riads in Marrakesh and any number of unregistered ones), and increasingly numerous in other major cities.

As a rule, riads are superb and match nicely with our preference for smaller, owner-run and managed hotels, which tend to have more character and better service than larger, chain hotels. Needless to say with so many of them about it’s important to choose the right one, for quality and for the security of your money: that’s where we come in! If we choose to feature a riad or hotel, then we’ve visited it, we know exactly what it’s like and we know it’s a legit, trustworthy operation!

There is more to Moroccan accommodation than riads, and another trend of recent years has been the conversion of old kasbahs (or the building of new hotels but in a kasbah style). These are particularly numerous around Ouarzazate and Skoura in the Dades Valley. More simple, as a rule, than riads, they none-the-less have bags of character and are something to elevate a trip from the ordinary to the truly memorable.

 

The main languages of Morocco are Moroccan Arabic (which is quite distinctive from Classical Arabic and the Arabic spoken in much of the rest of the Arab world), Berber (there are a number of Berber dialects spoken, all being derived from the main Amazigh language), and French. English is not that widely spoken, certainly not outside of the cities, but most people will speak a few words; for getting along on a day-to-day basis, French is very helpful unless you happen to speak Moroccan Arabic or Amazigh!

We don’t recommend self-driving in Morocco, for a number of reasons. The first is that, when in the older cities, navigation through the medinas is extremely difficult, and driving conditions (very narrow streets clogged with pedestrians, donkey-carts, vendors) are tough. Outside the cities, driving standards are not especially high, and road conditions are difficult at times. For locals, who are used to driving in Morocco, it’s not a problem, but even pretty experienced drivers can find things very hard going – exactly the sort of stress you really don’t want on a holiday!

Morocco is a relatively conservative Islamic country, but is liberalising. If you’re visiting any religious monuments, it’s polite to cover arms and legs, especially for women, but almost everywhere else, shorts and t-shirts will be acceptable. Going topless, for men (except by the pool / beach) and women, would be considered very insensitive and should be avoided.

The currency in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Credit and debit cards are accepted at most hotels, although not many restaurants or shops accept cards, so you’ll need to keep topped up with cash. ATMs are readily available in towns and cities of almost any size; sometimes they may not accept your card or be out of order, but there’s nearly always an alternative machine you can use – just ask your driver / guide to find one for you!

Haggling is an integral part of the shopping experience in Morocco, especially in the souqs. There’s no hard and fast rule as to what price you should eventually settle on given the initial price asked – but you should never accept that first price! Consider what it is you want to buy, decide how much you’d be happy to pay for it, and walk away if the vendor won’t come down to that price.

Tipping is ubiquitous and expected for almost any service rendered. As well as the usual 10-15% in restaurants and cafés, tips will be anticipated by porters, drivers, guides (official and unofficial), shoe shiners, vendors, and so on. Try to keep a stash of small Moroccan coins (exchange as many as you can early in the trip, enlist your driver / guide’s help in this) to give out for the inconsequential services. We’ll give you guidelines before you go on how much to tip drivers and guides before you go.

We believe travel should be a force for good. That means exploring with open eyes, treading lightly, and respecting the people and places that make the world so special. Our code of conduct isn’t about rules, it’s simply a guide to help you travel thoughtfully, ethically, and with care. Because every small choice makes a big difference.

  • If you choose to trust us with your holiday, we’ll send you a “Travel Facts” document when confirming your booking. This includes useful facts and travel advice, such as restaurant recommendations, reading tips, basic language information, cultural traditions, climate information, brief historical overviews, and more. We feel that this offers a useful insight and can help you interact with local residents in a more sensitive, well-informed manner. Please do try to take the time to read this information before your visit, it’s worth the time!

  • A number of the countries in which we operate holidays are religious societies with a widely observed set of customs. Always respect these norms, particularly when visiting religious buildings.

  • To the best of our knowledge, all hotels, lodges, and camps within our portfolio operate stringent measures to minimise water usage. All of our destinations have issues with water supplies to a certain extent, so feel free to raise any possible wastage should you encounter it during your stay, either with the accommodation or with us upon your return.

  • Please ask permission before taking photographs of people, and respect their wishes if they are not happy to be photographed. We find that friendly requests and a smile are usually met with a ‘yes!’

  • Strive, where possible, to make your own contribution to environmental practices as you travel. This might include minimising your electricity usage, not smoking in protected areas, avoiding coral while snorkelling, and safely disposing of all litter (recycling where possible).

  • Where possible, try to purchase from local suppliers. This includes shopping for souvenirs, dining out at restaurants, and booking additional excursions during your free time. In areas where haggling is an accepted part of daily life, don’t be offended if you’re unable to obtain what you perceive as a fair price for an item.

  • We emphasise to local suppliers that our clients should never be taken on unsolicited shopping trips, but if this does happen, try to retain your sense of humour, provide a firm refusal to participate and do let us know about it on your return. We pass on all feedback from every trip undertaken with us to our relevant local suppliers, who all share our commitment to travelling with sensitivity.

  • Please don’t remove any indigenous items from their natural habitat and attempt to bring them home as a souvenir. This particularly applies to everything from coral, shells, plants and food in the natural world, to cultural artefacts and antiques.

If you’re unsure about anything relating to the above, please feel free to chat to us. We’ve travelled extensively in the country and will be more than happy to offer our considered advice.

Key Information
Flight Time 3.5 hours from London
Currency Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
Language Arabic and Amazigh
Dialing Code +212
Capital City Rabat
Time Difference GMT or GMT+1

Meet our Morocco experts

We offer tailor-made holidays to suit a wide range of tastes. Our experts Emma and Rebecca are dedicated to all things Morocco and are here to help you plan your perfect trip.

Emma Higgins
Emma Higgins
Destination Manager

Our Emma’s been exploring Morocco since 2010 and still finds something new every time. She’s equally at home hiking in the mountains or bargaining in the souks – and knows exactly how to balance it all in one holiday.

Rebecca Dodds
Rebecca Dodds
Destination Manager

Rebecca’s spent years really getting to know Morocco, from trekking in the High Atlas to wandering Chefchaouen’s blue-washed lanes. And always making friends everywhere she goes. Your Morocco holiday is in safe hands with our Rebecca.

What You're Saying

I would definitely use Holiday Architects again.Emma booked us an amazing holiday in Morocco, and really listened to what was important to us. We travelled extensively, staying in local riads to maximise the true feel of the country and what it has to offer. It was a fantastic trip. All the local staff were friendly and helpful. I would definitely use Holiday Architects again.

Caroline Wolfe Trustpilot
Rebecca at Holiday Architects really listened to me when I described the sort of holiday I wanted. It was truly tailor made for us. We had a fabulous time on our expertly planned multi-destination holiday to Morocco, and all the arrangements and transfers were seamless. Charming people too - I can't recommend this company highly enough and I wouldn't hesitate to use them again.

Charlotte Hope Trustpilot
Thank you to Holiday Architects for creating us an itinerary which enabled us to immerse ourselves within Moroccan culture. From the Atlas Mountains, to the Desert and finally to the city, the holiday exceeded our expectations and blew us away. Many thanks to Emma, you have been fantastic! From your quick responses to our questions and your knowledge of Morocco and the areas we were visiting was invaluable to us. We have no doubt that you helped make our holiday and memories of it, as fantastic as they are.. Having you plan our holiday was like a good friend planning our holiday for us.

Paul T Trustpilot
We recently returned from a holiday to Morocco, where we visited three different places in the country. Everything was organised meticulously by Rebecca, at very short notice. Whilst away the local team were excellent - friendly and efficient and all transfers and trips ran like clockwork. Would highly recommend both Holiday Architects and Morocco!

Greg Trustpilot
An amazing trip, brilliantly planned. Emma from HA was fantastic. She understood what we were looking for from the start and planned us an unforgettable trip which kept both adults and teenagers happy, as well as exposed us to a huge expanse of Morocco in just two weeks. The trip to the Sahara was the highlight, a memory which will last forever. Highly recommend HA and will definitely ask them to help with future trips.

Alexi Arlidge Trustpilot
From the moment I contacted Emma, I knew I was in good hands, she listened and delivered and exceptional holiday for the five of us. She could not have organised a better experience for us; we had the most fantastic holiday ever. Everything worked like magic and your travel partners in Morocco were exceptional and guided us. I can't thank you enough for curating such a perfect experience for us. I would not hesitate to recommend Holiday Architects to anyone planning a trip to Morocco.

Diane Tapner-Evans Trustpilot

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