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Local Culture
Morocco
Free Men
Do you consider yourself a ‘free man’? Let’s dive into its true meaning with Aurelio Marino, our travel reporter, as we embark on an authentic journey through Morocco. Discover the resilient spirits of the Berber, Tuareg, and Gnawa people, three distinct tribes that have shaped the nation's rich cultural tapestry. Witness firsthand how these "free men" have adapted to the changing world while preserving their ancestral heritage. This is not a trip for the faint-hearted. Be ready to adapt, have stamina, and open your mind.
Highlights
- Itinerary: We will visit Marrakesh, Essaouira, the Erg Chebbi dunes, and the villages of Toufrine, Ait Tamlil, Megdaz, Merzouga, Khamlia, and Ait Benhaddou.
- Journey Through the Small Villages of Morocco: Travel 1,000 kilometers through Morocco's diverse landscapes. Start with the vibrant souks of Marrakech, continue to the coastal charm of Essaouira, the dunes of Erg Chebbi, and a series of villages known only to the locals.
- Discover the Tribes of Morocco – Berbers, Tuaregs, and Gnawa: Explore the heart of Morocco through its three iconic tribes: the Berbers, the Tuaregs, and the Gnawa. Experience authentic Berber life in remote mountain villages, uncover the fascinating cultural heritage of the Tuaregs in the Sahara Desert, and immerse yourself in the spiritual and musical traditions of the Gnawa.
- Meaningful Connections: Meet local tribe members, learn about their unique traditions, and discover how they’ve preserved their ancestral ways of life while adapting to the modern world."
Fun Note: Get ready for a trip where 'breathtaking views' doesn't even begin to cover it—and pack for an adventure you'll never forget!
What's Included
- Food: 7 breakfast, 2 lunch, 2 dinner
- Accommodation: 7-night stay in a hostel/2-3 stars hotel/riad/tent
- Transportation: transfers to/from the airports and all transportation.
- Tour & Activities: excursion & road trips by car/van, horseback riding, volunteer activities, and quad bikes ride in the dunes.
- Other: 24/7 ORMA coordinator availability, medical and baggage insurance
What's not Included
- Food: lunches and dinners, unless specified otherwise
- Accommodation: city tax
- Transportation: flights from/to Marrakech
- Other: trip cancellation insurance
- Anything not specified under "What's included"
Payment Terms
30% down payment at the time of booking and the remaining 70% due 30 days prior to departure.
If the booking is made within 30 days of departure, the full amount is due at checkout.
Bank transfers or credit cards can be used to make payments.
Direzione Turistica APICAL Srl, Via Stretta 32, 25128 Brescia (BS). P.lva 03958620985 REA BS-577256 - SCIA 019363 of SUAP of Milano 2021. For more information, see the Terms & Conditions in the website footer.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech
Welcome to Morocco! Upon arrival, you’ll meet Aurelio, your guide for the trip, and your group. We’ll kick off our adventure with a visit to the iconic Jemaa el-Fna square, where street performers, storytellers, and food stalls bring the city to life. From here, we head to the Atlas Mountains, arriving in a Berber village where you’ll get to experience the hospitality of the local people.
Day 2: Marrakech – Exploring the Medina
Start the day diving into Marrakech’s vibrant heart. We will take you through the buzzing Jemaa el-Fna square, with its street food, musicians, and performers. Explore the Medina’s maze-like souks, packed with handcrafted goods, textiles, and spices. After a delicious lunch in a hidden gem of the Medina, we’ll head to Essaouira. Arrive in the coastal city just in time for a breathtaking sunset horseback ride along the beach.
Day 3: Essaouira – Coastal Wonders and Local Life
Spend the morning soaking up Essaouira’s bohemian atmosphere, wandering its ramparts, artisan workshops, and bustling fish market. Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch by the port before setting off toward the Atlas Mountains. Along the way, pass through scenic olive groves and small villages such as Air Tamlil. Your evening will be spent in Toufrine, staying in a traditional home and enjoying dinner with a welcoming Berber family.
Day 4: Atlas Mountains – Village Life Experience - Megdaz
Wake up to breathtaking mountain vistas and spend the day connecting with local Berber families. Immerse yourself in the authentic traditions of Megdaz village, gaining insight into their way of life. In the evening, savor a traditional meal with your hosts as they share captivating stories of life in the Atlas Mountains.
Day 5: Ait Tamlil (Toufrine ) → Merzouga
Today, we journey into the Sahara Desert to experience the world of the Tuareg people. We’ll visit a local community to learn about their nomadic lifestyle, their art, and their deep connection to the desert. Then, an excursion into the desert at Merzouga and in the evening, enjoy an unforgettable dinner under the stars, surrounded by the towering sand dunes of Erg Chebbi.
Day 6: Khamlia Community Visit → Ait Benhaddou → Marrakech
In the morning, we’ll visit the small village of Khamlia, home to the Gnawa people. Here, you’ll learn about their rich cultural and spiritual heritage and hear their mesmerizing music, which has been passed down through generations. Afterward, we’ll continue our journey to Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before returning to Marrakech for the night.
Day 7: Marrakech – Hidden Gems and Palaces
Today, we dive deeper into Marrakech’s lesser-known treasures. Start with a visit to the stunning Bahia Palace, known for its intricate tile work and peaceful courtyards. Then, head to the Saadian Tombs, a beautifully preserved site showcasing Morocco’s architectural heritage. After lunch, we’ll explore the tranquil Majorelle Garden, designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle and later owned by Yves Saint Laurent. Wrap up the day at the lively Mellah district, discovering its historical significance and bustling markets.
Day 8: Marrakech – Debrief and Farewell
On your final day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before gathering with Aurelio for a reflective debrief on the journey. Share your experiences, insights, and memories from the trip. Afterward, a driver will be available to take you to the airport for your departure, sending you off with unforgettable moments from your Moroccan adventure.
Aurelio Marino is an indefatigable traveler and a deep explorer, renowned for his passion in seeking out authentic realities far from conventional tourist circuits. His travel philosophy leads him to connect with small communities and experience daily local life, immersing himself completely in the traditions and stories of the places he visits. For Aurelio, each journey becomes an opportunity to uncover the soul of a region, revealing the hidden beauty in cultural practices, cuisine, and customs that are rarely shown to tourists.
Traveling by public transportation—and often by hitchhiking—Aurelio has traversed thousands of kilometers, exploring fascinating countries like Iraq, the Balkans, Peru, Central America, and many more. In each destination, he approaches local communities with deep respect, documenting his experiences and the stories of the people he meets, which he shares through detailed reports on his YouTube channel. His unique approach has made him a distinctive voice in the world of sustainable travel and dark tourism, a form of travel that delves into places charged with complex, often forgotten histories.
Aurelio is also an expert in dark tourism, which drives him to investigate without filters and with a reporter’s eye, exploring the most hidden and sometimes challenging realities to tell the stories of humanity that would otherwise remain in the shadows. Each of his experiences is a journey into stories that are rarely captured in traditional travel accounts, offering his audience an authentic and profound perspective on the world around us.
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Additional Info
Don’t listen to us, listen to them
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