9 Day Women's Wellness Adventure in
Morocco
Join an intimate group of women for an Exotic Hiking and Cultural Adventure in Morocco
October 26 - November 3, 2024
Embark on an extraordinary journey to Morocco with like-minded women to hike in the exquisite mountains and witness life in the local berber villages. Embark on a camel expedition into the vast Sahara Desert, and spend an unforgettable night in a luxury desert camp amid the dunes and beneath the stars. Wander through Morocco's vibrant city of Marrakesh, where ancient traditions, bustling souks, fragrant spices, and mesmerizing architecture await to create an unforgettable experience.
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Our adventure will begin in Marrakesh, where we will immerse ourselves in the Medina's labyrinthine streets and explore iconic landmarks such as the magnificent Bahia Palace and the Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. We will embark on an authentic food tour and learn about Moroccan culture and traditional way of life.
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Led by seasoned local private guides, we will embark on day hikes in the High Atlas Mountains to experience the sheer beauty of Dades, traverse the awe-inspiring Todra Gorge, and explore the enchanting village of Imlil. This adventure offers a unique opportunity to connect with Berber culture and witness the timeless traditions of mountain life.
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The Sahara desert is a far drive, yet worth the effort! We will visit Merzouga for a traditional cooking class, feel the rhythms of the Gnawa musicians, and ride on our camels at sunset to our luxury tent, where we will spend the evening relaxing under the stars.
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Rejuvenation and relaxation are also woven into the fabric of this extraordinary adventure. Commencing with a two-night stay in a beautiful Riad with a rooftop terrace and heated pool overlooking the Medina, the journey concludes with two nights in a prestigious 5-star luxury hotel. There will be opportunities to visit a Hammam and to experience a ritual bath and spa treatments.
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This trip will begin and end in Marrakesh. There is an option to continue for five days at the end to visit the mystical city of Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the magnificent blue city of Chefchaouen. This will be discussed at the informational zoom meeting.
This trip is a "Lifestyle Health Adventure". The itinerary is designed around concepts of Lifestyle Medicine: movement, community, whole foods, and stress reduction.
DETAILED ITINERARY OCT 26-NOV 3
Oct 26 MARRAKESH You will be picked up by a private driver at the airport and taken to our accommodations at a traditional, beautiful riad, where we will be waiting for you. We will have a welcome group lunch at 1:30 pm and an evening food tour in the medina. Oct 27 MARRAKESH We will have a guided tour of Marakesh and wander through the famous Souk with free time for exploration. Oct 28 HIKE We will drive in a comfortable small bus to Dades with a few short stops along the way. This afternoon, we will hike outside Dades in the High Atlas Mountains. (around 5 miles, 700 ft elevation gain, and some rock scramble). We will spend the night in an authentic, traditional hotel in the gorge. Oct 29 HIKE We will drive to Todra Gorge for a spectacular hike in the mountains. Depending on the group, we will have two separate guides with different difficulty levels. The more strenuous hike is around a 2,500 ft elevation gain and 7 miles. The second guide will offer a shorter option with less elevation gain. We will spend the night in a beautiful boutique hotel at the foot of the desert run by a man who is a fabulous storyteller. Oct 30 MERZOUGA and DESERT CAMP Next, we will drive to Merzouga for an unforgettable day in the desert. We will visit the village of Khemliya to learn about the Gnawa people and hear their music. UNESCO has put Gnawa music on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. We will learn to make Berber Pizza in an engaging and authentic cooking class. Then, we will take a guided camel trek through the dunes and stay overnight in a luxury tent camp for a truly unforgettable night under the stars in the desert. Oct 31 THE MARKET and RELAXATION We will explore the bustling traditional market in Rissani, where locals come to trade everything including fruits, vegetables, dates, spices, donkeys, and goats. We will stay in a fabulous hotel next to an ancient Kazbah where there are gardens to explore and a hammam/spa available. Nov 1 MARRAKESH We will drive back to Marrakesh with a few short stops along the way. We will arrive in the late afternoon and have free time to shop, explore, or relax at our 5 Star Luxury Resort, La Maison Arabe Marrakesh. Nov 2 MARRAKESH and HIKING We will drive an hour outside of Marrakesh to the stunning village of Imlil for a moderate day hike in the High Atlas Mountains and lunch with a Berber Family. We will return in time for a little relaxation prior to our final group dinner. Nov 3 DEPARTURE Breakfast and car service to the Marrakesh Airport for your return home. You have the option to continue your journey up north to tour Fes and Chefchaouen. Details of this are below. **** The itinerary may be altered based on the leader's and group's preferences and the tour operator's decisions.
OPTIONAL TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY NOV 3-7
FES and CHEFCHAOUEN (Driver, guide and female host included) Nov 3 - Drive to Rabat and then onward to Fes. Overnight stay in Fes at a luxurious Riad. Nov 4 - Enjoy a full day private guided tour of the captivating sights of the world heritage UNESCO site in the Fes Medina. Explore the tannery, pottery, intricate architecture, bustling souks, and ancient landmarks. Overnight stay at a luxury Riad in Fes. Nov 5 - Depart for the enchanting blue city of Chefchaouen. Enjoy a leisurely evening exploring the vibrant streets. Spend the night in a beautiful Riad nestled in the heart of the medina, offering breathtaking rooftop views. Nov 6 - Embark on a half-day guided tour with easy hiking and walking in a nearby village, soaking in magnificent views of the surrounding landscapes. Spend the afternoon exploring more of Chefchaouen's charming attractions. Nov 7 - Transport to Casablanca airport, scheduled to arrive around 2 pm. Following your tour, you have the option to either depart directly from Casablanca or take a short hour-long flight back to Marrakesh. It is advisable to consult with the tour leader before finalizing any flight arrangements. Should you choose to extend your stay, you can opt for an additional hotel night and fly home the next day. Alternatively, for those with earlier flight commitments, separate transportation can be arranged to Casablanca to ensure timely departure.
This was an amazing trip! We truly dove into the people, land and culture of Morocco. From the cities' Medinas to the sands of the Sahara our minds and bodies were immersed. We hiked gorges and traversed farms when we weren't marveling at historic sites and Medina shops. What a complete and breathtaking trip. Stacey did an incredible job of curating daily tours and mixing in time to reflect. She also found Riyads, hotels and restaurants that were perfect for us! I am so grateful for this trip and all I experienced.
-Agapi Bell
Traveling with Stacey from Lifestyle Health was a wonderful experience. Stacey's itinerary was a masterpiece. It was packed with unique experiences and activities that I wouldn't have thought to plan on my own. The accommodations were outstanding, offering both comfort and an authentic Moroccan ambiance.
The music, the landscapes, the architecture, the tour guides, my group – every aspect of Morocco added a unique layer to my adventure. I would highly recommend visiting this beautiful country to anyone seeking an unforgettable travel experience.
-Kim Lawrey
MAIN TRIP COST AND CANCELLATION POLICY
Trip cost $4,950 until Feb 22, 2024
$5,150 Feb 22-June 1, 2024
$5,300 after June 1, 2024
*Prices based on shared double
**CME can be offered for this trip. Please inquire if interested.
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Single supplement for $850. There are limited singles. Please inquire asap if you would like one. If you want a roommate, we can arrange for you to virtually meet other members of the trip.
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To hold your place, a $500 nonrefundable deposit is due upon booking.
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All payments must be paid in full by JULY 6th, 2024. Please note, All payments are final after July 6th and nonrefundable. Refunds for cancellation prior to July 6, 2024 will take up to 60 business days, less the non-refundable deposit of $500.
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Personal trip insurance is required.
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Prices are based on the USD to euro currency exchange rate on 1/3/24. Changes in currency exchange rates up to 8% two days before the trip begins will be covered. Currency changes greater then 8% may be passed on to the cost of the trip. (see terms and conditions
WHAT IS INCLUDED AND EXCLUDED IN THE COST
Price includes:
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All Accommodations
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Travel to and from designated airports and during the trip to each location
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8 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
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Guided food tour in Marrakesh
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Guided city tour in Marrakesh
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Trekking guides in Dades, Todra Gorge and Imlil
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Cooking class in Merzouga
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Camel ride
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Tips and gratuities for all day guides
Price does not include:
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Airfare
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Tips for our main driver and guide
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Alcohol and nonalcoholic specialty drinks
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Hammam and spa amenities, and additional activities you want to do during free time
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International airfare
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Trip insurance
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Cost of CME if desired (please contact for more details)
OPTIONAL EXTENSION TRIP COST NOVEMBER 3-7
Extension Trip Cost $1,900
*Prices based on shared double.
Single Supplement is $400.
To hold your place, a $200 nonrefundable deposit is due upon booking.
Space is limited and availability is not guaranteed. Please talk with tour leader.
Cost Includes:
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Transportation with a male driver, accompanied by a male guide and female host.
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Four nights of luxury accommodations with breakfast included.
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Full-day tour of Fes, exploring the world famous Medina.
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Half-day tour guide for a hike/walk in a village outside of Chefchaouen.
Cost Does Not Include:
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Lunches and dinners.
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Tips for guides, drivers, and staff.
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Extra activities not specified in the itinerary.
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Airfare
Note: The host will provide restaurant recommendations and assist with making group reservations as needed.
Want to know more about LH Adventure Travel in Morocco?? Read more GUEST REVIEWS and my BLOG from last year's trip
OUR RIAD and HOTELS
MARRAKESH RIAD
MARRAKESH LUXURY RESORT
We are starting our adventure staying in a Riad in Marrakesh. A riad is a traditional Moroccan house or palace with the style and architecture of the region. They are centered around a garden or courtyard and adorned with intricate mosaics, carved wood, and other ornate decorations. Many have been converted into boutique hotels for a unique cultural immersion while providing a tranquil setting. Our Riad has a rooftop terrace with a small heated pool and a view of the medina. Each room in the Riad is different. Some are larger, and some are smaller. I will offer room preference according to the date that you register. Our hotel in Dades is more modest. But, lovely, set into the gorge, authentic and with unparalleled hospitality. We have beautiful and unique hotels for the remainder of the mobile portion of our trip. Again, many have different size rooms. We end our adventure together at a beautiful 5 star luxury resort, La Maison Arabe Marrakesh. This resort is ranked amongst the top hotels in Northern Africa by Tripadvisor and Conde Nast Traveler.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
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TRIP INSURANCE: It is required to have your own travel insurance policy that includes medical coverage and emergency evacuation. Depending where you live, this usually costs roughly between $150 and $300. Suggestions can be made or you can research on your own policies. This will be discussed along with registration.
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FLIGHTS: You will ARRIVE and DEPART from MARRAKESH MENARA AIRPORT. (unless you choose the optional add-on extension up north). The Marrakesh airport is less than a 30 minute drive from the medina.
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WAIVERS: Everyone will receive legal waivers. Your place on this trip will be secured by your deposit and returned signed documents.
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WHO IS THIS TRIP FOR. We are women, primarily in our 40s to 60s, who share a deep passion for exploration and self-care. We love to embark on an adventure, appreciate diverse cultures, and enjoy the company of other remarkable women. We're open-minded and flexible during our travels. This trip involves moderate hiking in the mountains.
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FITNESS LEVEL: Hiking during out treks is considered moderate. Two of the hikes will have two separate guides offering options for difficulty level. If you have any questions or concerns, talk with us and your medical provider.
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DRIVING. There is a lot of driving during portions of this trip. The desert is a far journey from Marrakesh, but well worth the trip! We will have a very comfortable small bus and there will be periodic stops. The views are spectacular along the way and all guests appreciated the driving time last year. This will be discussed during the informational zoom meeting.
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SAFETY: We will have a male driver and a male guide throughout our trip. We will also have many additional day guides in the cities and on the treks. All guides are licensed in Morocco. We will be picked up from the airport by a private driver and stay in top-rated accommodations in central locations in the cities. You will have time to be on your own if you want to, or you can stay with group members, ask the hotel for a guide, or relax at our beautiful accommodations in your free time. We will create a WhatsApp chat group for everyone to communicate during the trip. The US travel.state.gov website rates Morocco as level 2 (exercise increased caution). France, Denmark, Turks and Caicos, and Nepal have the same rating at this time. You can read more here.
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GROUP SIZE: There will be a minimum of seven and a maximum of twelve women in our group. If sold out, you can be placed on a waiting list.
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CME-A 28 Category 1 AMA credit program created by Dr. Kara Pepper on physician wellness will be incorporated into this trip. For physicians, nurses, nurse partitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists and dentists, additional continuing education credits may be available based on experiential learning in Lifestyle Medicine during the trip, powered by CMEfy. Please contact for more details.
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OTHER: Packing suggestions, tipping, dress, shopping, etc. will all be discussed.
Contact for more information about this trip. Please write "Morocco" in the message.