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 A gay cultural tour of Morocco that culminates in magical Marrakech! Journey from Tangier to Marrakech through windswept desert landscapes, cozy kasbahs, and traditional villages on our signature gay Morocco tour. Discover the magic of Chefchaoun, a.k.a. The Blue City, unveil the history of Volubilis, and wander through labyrinthine souks and medinas. The sights, smells, and flavors of North Africa will infuse your memories for years to come!
If you’re looking to extend your vacation, the September departures can easily be paired with our Spain: Madrid, Sevilla & Barcelona tour, and the May departure with our Portugal: Lisbon, Porto & the Douro Valley tour.
• Visit the Yves Saint-Laurent Museum, dedicated to the gay icon of the fashion world
• Venture into Marrakech’s serene Majorelle Gardens, originally owned and tended to by the French painter Jacques Majorelle
• Explore the Caves of Hercules, an impressive underground system of sea caves
• Tour the humongous Grand Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca
• Discover UNESCO-listed Volubilis, a partly-excavated Berber city
• Get caught up in the energy of Marrakech
• Unveil the magic and artistry of The Blue City
• Weave through the twisting alleys of Fes’ famous medina
• Enjoy a sunset camel ride through the desert near Agafay
• Kick back and relax at a desert luxury camp experience
Day 1
Mrehba! Welcome to Morocco.. Our trip begins with a Group Meeting at 5PM followed by an included Welcome Dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Hotel: Hilton Tangier City Center Hotel, Tangier
Day 2
After breakfast, we’ll spend the morning exploring Tangier, famous for being a gay hotspot in the late 1940s and early 1950s. We’ll begin with a visit to the legendary Caves of Hercules, where mythology meets history. Here, we’ll descend into underground caverns to marvel at the incredible rock formations, including the iconic “Map of Africa” opening believed to have been created by the Phoenicians. Next, we’ll head to the nearby Cap Spartel Lighthouse, perched at a stunning vantage point where the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea meet. After an optional lunch, we’ll hit the road towards the Rif Mountains and Chefchaouen, aka The Blue City, where we’ll check into our hotel. This evening, we’ll gather for an authentic Moroccan dinner.
TODAY’S DRIVE TIME: Approximately 3 hours, depending on road conditions
Hotel: Dar Echchaouen Maison d'hôtes & Riad, Chefchaouen
Day 3
We’ll begin the day with a relaxed breakfast at our accommodations before heading to the city’s beautiful medina for a guided tour. It is here we’ll indulge in the sights, sounds and smells of the city’s famous district. We may even taste some local goat cheese. After an included lunch, we’ll visit some artisan shops before a short 15-20 minute hike up to the Spanish Mosque for a panoramic view. Guests may opt out of the hike if they wish, but the view from the top is well worth the trek! Later, we’ll have the afternoon free to explore. Tonight’s dinner is optional.
Hotel: Dar Echchaouen Maison d'hôtes & Riad, Chefchaouen
Day 4
We’ll rise early for a quick breakfast at our accommodations. Then we’re off to Fes via UNESCO-listed Volubilis, a partly-excavated Berber-Roman city, with a stop for an optional lunch along the way. After arriving in Fes, we’ll have plenty of time to unpack, get acquainted with the city, and indulge in our stunning hotel.
This evening, we’ll loosen our belt buckles for an included dinner of homecooked Moroccan cuisine that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.
TODAY’S DRIVE TIME: Approximately 5 hours, depending on road conditions.
Hotel: Sahrai Hotel , Fes
Day 5
After breakfast, our local guide will introduce us to the incredible medina of Fes, the spiritual heart of Morocco. We’ll dive right into this mysterious marketplace as we explore just a few of its 10,000 streets laden with souks, artisans, and handicrafts. After an included lunch, we’ll head to Al Quaraouiyine University, the Tanneries, and the Bou Inania madrasa to marvel at its distinctive architecture. This evening, we’re free to dine at our leisure or relax at our hotel.
Hotel: Sahrai Hotel, Fes
Day 6
We’ll start the day with an included breakfast before our private transfer to Casablanca. Upon arrival, we’ll visit the Grand Hassan II Mosque, home to a 689-foot (210m) tall minaret that stands as a prominent city landmark. It is the second-largest functioning mosque in Africa and features some of the finest Moroccan artisanal work. After we check in to our hotel, we’ll gather for an included dinner at a local restaurant.
TODAY’S DRIVE TIME: Approximately 4 hours, depending on road conditions.
Hotel: Idou Anfa Hotel & Spa, Casablanca
Day 7
Today is bound to be a highlight! After an included breakfast, we’ll hit the road toward Agafay and our desert luxury camp, stopping for an optional lunch along the way. Upon arrival at the camp, we’ll be greeted by a pristine pool, a welcoming staff, and a captivating view of the High Atlas Mountains in the distance. Once we’re settled, we’ll have the afternoon at our leisure. Lounge around the pool, snap some photos, or dial up the thrills on an optional Quad Biking (ATV) or Dune Buggy ride. This evening, we’ll saddle up on a caravan of camels and ride into the desert sunset! Finally, back at our camp, we’ll enjoy a spectacular included dinner.
TODAY’S DRIVE TIME: Approximately 4 hours, depending on road conditions
Hotel: Oxygen Lodge, Agafay
Day 8
Today, we’ll have a later start, so feel free to sleep in or wake up early and catch a gorgeous sunrise! After we’ve filled up on breakfast, we’ll wave goodbye to our desert luxury camp and board our private transfer to Marrakech. Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy a short orientation walk around the Jemaa el-Fnaa medina, then check into our centrally located accommodations with time to explore the hotel, relax, or grab a bite. This evening, we’ll indulge in a fabulous, included dinner at Trattoria.
TODAY’S DRIVE TIME: Approximately 1 hour, depending on road conditions
Hotel: Riad la clé d'or, Marrakech
Day 9
Rise and shine, Habibi! We begin today with an included breakfast and some free time–why not make a spa appointment at our hotel? Just be done in time to gather in the medina for an included lunch. Afterward, we’re off to visit Le Jardin Secret, a traditional garden revived for the 21st century. Once owned by a powerful chief, this historic riad has one of the most beautiful courtyards in Marrakech, combining exotic and traditional Islamic gardens that are fed by the original khettara, an underground irrigation system. From there, we’ll head to Bahia Palace to marvel at the architecture and design of this ornate mansion built in 1866. After that, we’ll stop by Koutoubia Mosque. Notably, its minaret served as a prototype for others like it around the world. We’ll cap off the day with a stroll through the old medina before we return to our hotel and have the evening at our leisure.
Hotel: Riad la clé d'or, Marrakech
Day 10
For our final full day together, we’ll venture into Marrakech’s serene Majorelle Gardens, originally owned and tended to by the French painter Jacques Majorelle. The tropical gardens are also where the ashes of Yves Saint-Laurent were scattered in 2008. Speaking of whom, we’ll spend an hour or so at the Yves Saint-Laurent museum, appreciating the gay icon’s contributions to the fashion world. Lunch and the afternoon will be at our leisure. Book an appointment for a Hammam and Massage in a luxury spa, or fit in some last-minute shopping. This evening, we’ll gather for a spectacular Farewell Dinner at one of Marrakech’s most popular restaurants, where we can reminisce over our adventure over delectable cuisine.
Hotel: Riad la clé d'or, Marrakech
Day 11
There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart at your leisure. Thank you for joining our gay Morocco tour! Your local guide will help arrange your included departure transfer to the airport. Safe journey!
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• Arrival & departure transfers to/from joining/finishing point hotel
• Gay group host and a local tour leader throughout
• Breakfast daily, 3 lunches, 6 dinners
• 4- & 5-Star Hotels (9 nights), Luxury Desert Camp (1 night)
• Entrance and guided tour of Hassan II Mosque
• Guided tours of Tangier, Chefchaouen, Volubilis, Fès, & Marrakech
• Entrance to Museum El Khorbat, Volubilis, Bahia Palace, Jardin Secret, Majorelle Gardens, & Yves Saint-Laurent Museum
• Sunset camel ride in the desert near Agafay
• Desert luxury camp experience
• Gratuities for drivers, hotel staff, porters
• A $50 USD Rainbow Railroad donation to help resettle LGBTQ+ refugees
• International Airfare
• Meals & Activities not mentioned
• Travel insurance is mandatory for all travellers.
• Gratuities for group host & local tour leader (we recommend budgeting $170-$240 USD)
• All items of a personal nature (laundry, drinks, etc.)
• Visa fees
Morocco Visa
A visa is not typically required for American, Australian, British and Canadian citizens travelling to Morocco for fewer than 90 days. There may be exceptions, and all visas are the responsibility of the traveller.
Culture Shock
Tourism in Morocco is developed enough to afford many of the luxuries of home. However, we’ve found the culture and madness can be overwhelming for some. Most shops use high-pressure tactics which can disconcert Western travellers, but rest assured any shops you are brought to via Out Adventures do not provide any sort of kickback to our company, or your guide.
Local LGBT Scene
Both religion and law have hindered progress for LGBT Moroccans, and there are actually laws in place that prohibit homosexuality. Alas, there are no LGBT establishments to visit. That said, we will ensure you experience the destination in a respectful manner, but we recommend you avoid public displays of affection for the safety of not only yourself, but also your fellow group members.
Weather
Temperatures in Morocco range from mild to hot with little rain. A hat is essential, as is a sweater, because even during the summer the desert can be cold at night. Overall, you can expect approximate daily highs of 25C/77F (or higher) and lows around 11C/52F.
Required Vaccinations
Based on the entry requirements for Morocco, there are no vaccinations needed for entry. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, you should consult your doctor or a travel medical clinic, as we cannot provide vaccination recommendations.
Electricity
You will need an international travel plug/adapter for type C/E sockets.
Connectivity
All of our hotels will have (at times very slow) Wi-Fi access, so feel free to tweet, pin, post and share your experience with your friends and family at home. They might be a tad jealous!
Travel Insurance
For everybody’s peace of mind, medical travel insurance is required on all Out Adventures tours. At a minimum, your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses, emergency repatriation and personal liability, with a minimum medical coverage of US $200,000.
Meals
To keep things flexible, not all meals are included in the trip price. Although we typically dine together, so that everybody can get a taste of everything, feel free to explore on your own…your guide will always have some restaurant recommendations.
Money
The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham. We usually recommend carrying local currency for small purchases, however credit cards are accepted at most upscale restaurants and hotels. We also recommend carrying approximately $400 USD to be used only in the case of an emergency, or if your credit/ATM cards are placed on hold.
Tipping
If you are happy with services throughout your trip, a tip is recommended. Tipping details will be provided in your final trip documentation, however we recommend budgeting approximately $170-$240 USD.
What to bring
Our adventures entail carrying your own luggage on occasion. And while you’ll never schlep far, things can quickly get costlier than a celebrity breakup if you don’t keep your baggage under 20kg/44lb thanks to costly surcharges on domestic flights. You should also bring something smaller for day trips to carry water, your camera, and any souvenirs you find along the way.
Optional Activities
Every Out Adventure offers optional excursions that are not included in price of this trip. Please see the daily itinerary in your final pre-trip packet to learn what’s available.
How We Travel
Out Adventures is all about good times with likeminded guys. Whatever’s on the itinerary – from fireside camping to five-star decadence – our goal is to make the experience magical. We’re also committed to supporting the communities we visit by hiring local guides, staying at locally-owned accommodations when possible, and celebrating local cuisine. It all adds up to a great way to immerse yourself in the culture.
Your Guide
All Out Adventures are led by a gay (or gay-welcoming) guide. Whenever possible, we hire destination locals. And we can also connect you with the right people if you’d like to delve deeper into the local culture. If you’re pleased with your guide, we recommend a tip of US $5-10 per person, per day…they’ll certainly appreciate it!
Flying Solo
If you’ve never travelled on your own, it’s an amazing way to get to know yourself while making new friends along the way. We can arrange for you to share a room with people in your age range at no charge, or you can pay a supplement for your own room. If there’s an odd number of solos, we’ll rotate a single room on a random basis.
A Special Note On Accommodations
On this tour you’ll experience authentically Moroccan accommodations. From chic boutique to desert Berber camp, charming and simple to five-star luxury. Our goal is to show you the many faces of Morocco and we hope you appreciate the variety.
Starting Point Hotel
Hilton Tangier City Center Hotel, Tangier
Find Hilton Tangier City Center Hotel attached to Tangier City Mall, facing the Strait of Gibraltar and Malabata Beachfront. Hilton is steps from high-speed train station and the Old Medina is within three kilometers. Enjoy our rooftop pool and terrace, with views over the Bay of Tangier. Hilton also offer wellness facilities, including a sauna, steam room, and 24-hour fitness center.
The rooms include a TV. Certain rooms include a seating area where you can relax. You will find a kettle in the room. Each room comes with a private bathroom.
There is a 24-hour front desk, a business centre, concierge service and shops at the property. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar.
Finishing Point Hotel
Riad la clé d'or, Marrakech
Riad la clé d'or & spa in Marrakesh offers rooms with private bathrooms, air-conditioning, and free WiFi. Each room includes a minibar, flat-screen TV, and soundproofing for a comfortable stay.
Guests can enjoy a rooftop swimming pool, indoor pool, and sun terrace. The property features a spa, massage services, and a hot tub. Additional amenities include a steam room, sauna, and fitness centre.
Friendly restaurant serves Mediterranean and Moroccan cuisine with halal, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. Breakfast includes fresh pastries, pancakes, and juice. Dining areas offer indoor and outdoor seating.
Located 5 km from Marrakech-Menara Airport, the riad is near attractions such as Bahia Palace (17-minute walk) and Djemaa El Fna (1 km). Guests appreciate the attentive staff and excellent service.
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