Morocco Weekend
Experience a whole new world of travel! Switch up your European travel itinerary and take a detour to North Africa’s most vibrant country, Morocco. Beat your own path hiking the foothills of the Atlas Mountains and ride a camel!
Journey to the Ourika valley to have tea with a local Berber family and relax with traditional Hamman baths at one of the local spas of Marrakech. Morocco will be an exciting worldly experience unlike anything you’ve ever encountered.
Highlights
- Marrakech markets
- Hiking in the Atlas Mountains
- Camel ride
- Lunch in the Ourika Valley
- and more!
**Please note: The trip meets at Marrakech Airport anytime on Thursday. Transportation to the Marrakech Airport is not included, so please plan your arrival accordingly.
Includes:
All ground transportation and airport transfers
3 nights accommodation
Breakfast each morning
Bus2alps trip leader and local guides
Group dinner at the Riad including traditional mint tea
Souk Survival street market tour
Group dinner in Jamma El Fna Square
Day trip to the Ourika valley and Atlas mountains
Mountain camel ride
Tea with a Berber family
Lunch at the foot of the Atlas Mountains
Historical walking tour of Marrakech including museum entry
Optional Activities:
Hammam bath
Hammam bath & massage
ATV Tour
*All activities are paid in cash upon arrival in Morocco (Euro cash preferred). The trip leader will reach out to all guests prior to the trip to collect flight information as well as to request a response for those who wish to reserve a spot for an activity.
For accurate departure times, travel times, activity information or suggestions on how much extra money you will need, please contact info@bus2alps.com.
*Again please note, this trip does not include flights to or from Morocco.
DAY 1 – THURSDAY
A city of contrasts, Marrakech boasts a unique culture, deep history, special charm, and delicious cuisine. Any time on Thursday based on your flight’s arrival time, a driver will meet you outside of the arrivals hall of the RAK airport for a private Bus2alps transfer into Marrakech (look for them holding a “BUS2ALPS” sign). Your guide(s) for the weekend will then meet you at the transfer drop off point and walk with you approximately 10 minutes to our Riad (accommodation) in Marrakech. It usually takes about 1 hour to clear customs after arrival at the RAK airport.
We will then settle into the Riad and provide lunch recommendations prior to heading off on the guided ‘Souk Survival’ intro tour of Marrakech. Here we will explore the markets (souks) of the old town and learn the intricacies of bartering to get the best deal. We will finish the evening with an included dinner of traditional Moroccan cuisine at our Riad, complete with musicians and followed by mint tea.
*Please note, if you plan to arrive on Wednesday, email info@bus2alps.com to arrange an additional night’s accommodation. For Wednesday arrivals, an airport transfer will also be included, but your Bus2alps guide will not join you until Thursday.
DAY 2 – FRIDAY
Friday morning, after breakfast, we depart on an excursion to the Ourika Valley and the foothills of the Atlas mountains. Along the way we will take a break at a Berber family’s house, where we will visit inside their home and have tea with the family members. We will then stop for a quick camel ride that goes into the base of the mountain paths. After that, we will commence the hike to see the waterfalls, followed by an included lunch by the riverside. This hike is difficult, and tennis shoes are required! We recommend bringing athletic or other comfortable clothes for the hike.
We will return to Marrakech around 17:00 – 18:00 in the evening for an included group dinner in the Jamaa El Fna Square, as we can watch as the square comes alive at night with musicians, artists, and crowds of Moroccans.
DAY 3 – SATURDAY
After breakfast Saturday morning you have a free morning and can choose to join one of the optional activities: an ATV tour or a traditional Hammam Bath & Massage. For those who do not wish to participate in an activity, the morning is yours to explore the souks of Marrakech or linger over lunch in the main square.
In the afternoon we will head off on an extensive walking tour of Marrakech led by a local guide. We will visit a Berber herbalist, the spice markets, the Marrakech Museum, and a cooperative featuring Moroccan jewelry, clothing and furniture. Please note that while panoramic photos are fine, permission should be asked before taking a close-up photo of a person or their shop in Morocco. Snake charmers and monkey trainers who can be seen around the square during the day charge for photographs.
In the evening we will arrange an optional group dinner at a nearby restaurant. Otherwise, the night is yours to explore!
DAY 4 – SUNDAY
Depending on your return flight time you will have the morning free to further explore Marrakech and finish some last minute haggling in the souks for souvenirs. Your Bus2alps trip leader will organize your transport back to the airport in time to meet your flight and will inform you of this time earlier in the weekend so you can plan accordingly.
Accommodation: While in Marrakech we stay in a traditional accommodation called a “Riad.” These beautiful buildings consist of rooms overlooking a central garden, usually with a fountain as the focus point. Rooms will be shared between 4-6 people.
Weather: The weather in Morocco tends to be warm during the day time but may cool down in the evenings. We recommend bringing a fleece or sweater to wear at night time. Although usually sunny, there are sometimes short rain showers during the months of November & December, so we recommend packing an umbrella and/or rain jacket.
Common Sense: Morocco is generally a very safe place to travel; Marrakech especially is welcoming to tourists. People following a few basic common sense travel rules should have no problem.
Keep your passport and money safe at all times. Don’t carry your wallet in your back pocket. Travel in groups and don’t leave friends behind. Respect the local culture and they will respect you.
Shopping: Street vendors, sales people and hustlers can be very persistent. Bargaining is a part of daily life in Marrakech. If you are interested in something feel free to enter into the bargaining process, but never pay the first price and never feel obligated to pay more than you want to. If you do not want something politely say no thank you, hold up your hand and walk away. For those vendors who are particularly persistent, just ignore them and keep walking.
Please note that you should ask permission before taking a close-up photo of a person or their shop in Morocco.
This tour is offered by Bus2Alps AG. The confirmation of your booking will be immediate and will come directly from Bus2alps. Please make sure you insert your email and contact details correctly to receive your tour confirmation and departure voucher.
Read More About Morocco
We currently only have one blog post about Morocco, if you would like to contribute an article about your experience, please contact anna@florenceforfun.com
Important Information
By booking and paying for a tour with Bus2Alps AG, you agree to and accept the following terms and conditions. This agreement is between you, the participating passenger (henceforth referred to as “you”) and Bus2Alps AG Hauptstrasse 15, 3800 Matten bei. Interlaken Switzerland(henceforth referred to as “Bus2Alps”).
1. BOOKING AND PAYMENTS
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2. TOUR DESCRIPTION
2.1 Unless otherwise stated in the tour description, Bus2Alps provides round-trip transportation on a private chartered bus, and dormitory room, hostel accommodation for the specified number of nights of the trip. In the case of boat/ferry trips, Bus2Alps provides economy deck seats. Hostel accommodation varies from hostel to hostel and can include but is not limited to 4,6,8, & 10+ person dormitory rooms. Room preference is subject to availability and is on a first come first serve basis upon arrival at the hostel by the Bus2Alps group.
2.2 All Bus2Alps trips include a travel advisor/facilitator to help you with the basic logistics of your trip. The travel advisor will, assist you during check in at the provided accommodation and provide you with basic information concerning recommendations of what to do and what to see. Bus2Alps travel advisors are NOT professional guides, are not responsible for providing guided excursions, walking tours or anything other than advice with the basic logistics of your trip.
3. CONTRACTING PARTIES
3.1 The booking conditions detailed herein contain the entire contract between you and Bus2Alps. No representation, term, warranty or condition can be expressed or implied by reference to any other writing, advertisement or conversation.
3.2 Your contract is with Bus2Alps Gmbh. Bus2Alps reserves the right to nominate to you in writing any other company or person to have the benefit of some or all of the provisions of this contract, which Bus2Alps may then specify, as if you had agreed to the provisions concerned directly with that company or person.
3.3 Bus2Alps acts as a booking agent and contracts directly with coaches, boats, hostels, hotels and other service providers. All bookings with carriers and other service providers are subject to their terms and conditions and limitations of liability. It is important to note that some of these limit or exclude liability in respect of death, personal injury, delay and loss or damage to baggage. Bus2Alps cannot accept any responsibility for any loss as a result of such actions or as a result of any act or omission of any such third parties.
3.4 Many accommodation arrangements provided by Bus2Alps are contracted to third party providers. They are subject to the terms and conditions, and limitations of liability, imposed by the provider. All arrangements are made independently of Bus2Alps, regardless of the booking of such arrangements by Bus2Alps.By booking and paying for a tour with Bus2Alps AG, you agree to and accept the following terms and conditions. This agreement is between you, the participating passenger (henceforth referred to as “you”) and Bus2Alps AG Hauptstrasse 15, 3800 Matten bei. Interlaken Switzerland (henceforth referred to as “Bus2Alps”).
3.5 Organizzazione Tecnica for all trips departing from or taking place in Italy is provided by
Bus2alps Italy srl – Tour Operator – Via Ghibellina 97/R – 50122 Firenze – Italia
Aut. Amm.va del 02 Marzo 2012 – Provincia di Firenze
C.C.I.A.A. N° 599160 – Assic. R. C. FILO DIRETTO Ass. N° 1505001339/X
4. PASSENGER RESPONSIBILITIES
4.1 It is your responsibility to make sure you have a valid passport, and all necessary visas, permits or certificates on your person for your selected trip. Bus2Alps is not liable for any problems, delays or denied entry in the event you are not in possession of valid travel documents.
4.2 You agree to comply with the authority of the Bus2Alps travel advisor, and the laws and regulations of the countries visited, including customs and foreign exchange restrictions. If you do not comply with said reservations, you will be asked by the Bus2Alps travel advisor to leave the trip. You are not eligible for refunds under such circumstances.
4.3 There may be times when the Bus2Alps travel advisor must make a decision for the safety and/or the best interests of the group. It is a condition of booking that you comply with the authority and decisions of the Bus2Alps travel advisor. If you do not comply, or if in the opinion of the Bus2Alps travel advisor you are not compatible with the general enjoyment of the group or the smooth operation of the tour, Bus2Alps reserves the right to refuse to allow you to continue with the tour. You agree that Bus2Alps has the exclusive right dispel you from a tour at anytime, without any claims or complaints by you against Bus2Alps. In such a case Bus2Alps will not be liable for any refund, compensation, or additional costs incurred by you.
4.4 It is your responsibility to meet the transportation provided by Bus2Alps at the correct time and location for departure. In the event you miss a planned departure, any extra travel costs incurred are paid by you. Passengers who miss a departure time due to delay or cancellation of incoming transportation are not entitled to a refund. It is your responsibility to check in with the Bus2Alps travel advisor 15 minutes prior to the specified departure time. Due to the nature of the services provided, Bus2Alps will not be liable if any service departs or arrives later than the specified time, even if as a result you miss a connecting service.
4.5 Bus2Alps may not be held responsible for your personal belongings. It is your responsibility to look after your belongings yourself. Bus2Alps cannot be held responsible for loss, theft or damage to any of your personal belongings, regardless of the circumstances.
4.6 The products offered by Bus2Alps are travel packages consisting of transportation and accommodation. Bus2Alps travel advisors cannot offer constant special attention or assistance should you have any physical disability requiring such attention.
4.7 You agree that Bus2Alps may take photographs and films of you while you are participating on a Bus2Alps trip. You agree that these images may be used for marketing purposes by Bus2Alps. These images may be used in, but are not limited to, brochures, websites, print media and promotional videos. These images may be used for publicity and advertising without Bus2Alps obtaining further consent or payment for the use of the images.
5. LOCAL TOURS AND EXCURSIONS
5.1 You will have the opportunity to purchase from Bus2Alps local tours and/or excursions at your chosen destination. Tours and excursions are not included in the price of your travel package (unless otherwise stated). You are responsible for any additional costs.
5.2 Any tours and excursions purchased by you are run by local operators and you will be subject to their terms and conditions.
5.3 Local tours and excursions purchased through Bus2Alps are non-refundable and non-transferable. It is your responsibility to meet the tour at the designated departure point and time.
5.4 It is your responsibility to keep track of any local tour and excursion vouchers or tickets issued to you by Bus2Alps. Lost vouchers or tickets cannot be replaced.
6. INSURANCE
6.1 There is no travel insurance included in the cost of any Bus2Alps tour or package, ticket, or product.
6.2 Bus2Alps highly recommends that you purchase your own travel insurance that covers all of your travels. Bus2Alps strongly recommends that you are covered by a comprehensive insurance policy which includes: personal accident, medical expenses, personal baggage, money and public liability.
6.3 Travel Guarantee
Our company is bonded by the Guarantee Fund of the Swiss Travel Industry. This guarantees the amount that you paid in booking your travel package as well as your repatriation in the event of insolvency by Bus2alps AG. For more information please contact visit www.garantiefonds.ch.
7. WEATHER, ENVIRONMENTAL AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS
7.1 Bus2Alps may not be held responsible for any delay, deviation, or cancellation due to weather conditions. No trip may be cancelled or changed by you at anytime on the basis of weather conditions.
7.2 Bus2Alps may not be held responsible for delays due to labor disputes, border problems or other political factors.
7.3 Bus2Alps may not be held responsible for delays due to mechanical failure, or other issues that may arise and are outside of our control.
8. CANCELLATIONS/CHANGES
8.1 Any discounted fares, promotion fares, sale fares and package deals are non-transferable and non-refundable.
8.2 Promotional trips as prizes are non-transferable.
8.3 All Packages, Oktoberfest, Springfest, and Ireland St. Patrick’s Day trips are non-transferable and non-refundable.
8.4 Vouchers / Gift Certificates are non-refundable.
8.5 Cancellation/change of a booking by you must be made in writing or via email to Bus2Alps prior to the day of departure and may incur an additional charge.
The following cancellation policies apply:
a. 20 days prior to departure 100% refund.
b. 7 days prior to departure 50% refund. Any booking or payment made with less than 20 days remaining before the trip are subject to the same regulations.
c .Less than 7 days prior to departure no refund. Any booking or payment made with less than 7 days remaining before the trip are subject to the same regulations.
8.6 No refunds will be made in respect of any unused portion of a ticket or partially completed trip.
8.7 Although unlikely, tours may be cancelled/changed by Bus2Alps due to lack of the minimum number of participants or other unforeseen circumstances. Bus2Alps reserves the right to cancel/change tours up but not less than 12 hours in advance. In the event a tour is cancelled/changed, you will be notified via email or phone. In the event of a cancellation by Bus2Alps you will receive a full refund for the amount paid.
8.8 Changed reservations become ineligible for refunds.