Morocco provides a stunning, culturally-rich backdrop for experiencing timeless traditions of women in community and how we care for one another. True inspiration for living sisterhood! From the bustling city markets and charming riads of Marrakech and Fez to the snow capped Atlas Mountains and desert oasis home of Berber women weavers and camel caravans, let us take you on a journey of stunning beauty and fresh perspectives. Feel truly pampered staying in charming boutique hotels and a desert glamping encampment. Savor delicious Moroccan fare served with generous hospitality in elegant, festive settings. Sit back and linger, as the locals do! Life in the city and rural countryside varies greatly for Moroccan women. You'll notice striking differences between generations. But, are they asking the same questions as our own communities at home? Our world yearns for greater understanding and compassion. While our group will nurture its own beautiful sisterhood, we'll also experience meaningful connections with diverse groups of Moroccan women - including young women learning to be leaders in urban settings and groups of artisans who still embrace ancient practices in the desert. Through sharing stories and traditions and working alongside other women, we recognize that, though our cultures are distinct, many of our inner desires, challenges and triumphs are universal. We're now also offering a relaxing 3-day pre-trip retreat add on in the charming seaside town of Essaouira. Come early and settle in! Ask us about the itinerary.
This curated experience immerses you in the vibrant culture of Morocco ~ with a specific focus on finding universal cross-cultural threads of womanhood. Please note that while these are the locations and activities planned, the actual itinerary is subject to vary.
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This thoughtfully curated experience immerses you in women's culture amidst the natural beauty of Morocco. We encourage curiosity and self reflection as you listen to stories and work or cook alongside these women in both rural and city settings. You will have time to reflect on your unfolding experience in your journal and exchange questions with trip sisters around themes in your trip book and the culture around you!
The beautiful sense of sisterhood - of women supporting women – in this book of modern fiction makes it a favorite on many women’s bookshelves. "The Red Tent", based on the Bible story of Jacob and his wives, places Rachel’s daughter Dinah at the heart of the tale. We see her embraced by the loving mothers, sisters, daughters and midwives who find sanctuary and solace together in the Red Tent. It gives us a glimpse into the tender generosity between women in nomadic desert ancient culture, still preserved in Moroccan tradition. Our world is yearning for this kind of healing community.
Activities include guided hiking, extended city walks, camel riding, dancing, and 2 long drives through the countryside. We will have private transportation, but interaction with locals is encouraged, whether it be the taxi driver, receptionist or local carpet weaver! There will be free time during the trip to choose independent activities.
Accommodations are in locally-owned hotels, riads (traditional Moroccan houses), and for one night, after our camel ride, we will set up camp at a desert hotel in the Sahara.
Moroccan food is a brilliant fusion of Mediterranean, Oriental and French cuisine based on the traditional Berber diet. Featuring lamb, vegetables and dairy, Moroccan cuisine is complemented by a delicate mix of spices. You'll enjoy both rural Bedouin and cosmopolitan meals all in a traditional Moroccan atmosphere!
You will experience bustling marketplaces, quiet kasbah settings in a desert oasis, and new languages , mainly Arabic and French. In general, Moroccans are conservative in dress, and covering yourself from shoulders to knees is a good guideline for both men and women. You'll notice women from different generations dress in diverse coverings, showing their interest in both tradition and fashion.
October is one of the best months to visit Morocco. Both the heat and the summer crowds have left, and the sun is plentiful, but milder. Temperatures average mid 70's - low 90's F. (Temperatures will vary as we cross the high Atlas Mountains and into the Sahara Deserts.)
We will be in both mountainous and desert environments, so good footwear, headwear and layers are recommended. We will provide you with a detailed packing list in your Planning Guide prior to the trip.
Travel responsibly by purchasing from local businesses, lodging in locally owned hotels, partaking in local transport, and leaving as little negative impact on the environment as possible. Please bring your own refillable water bottle! Also consider bringing a shopping bag for purchases, which will greatly reduce the use of plastic bags.
5 nights luxury boutique lodging; 2 nights rural guesthouse; 1 night comfortable rural hotel; 1 night boutique desert camp
Airport transfer upon arrival from Marrakech airport
Private transport throughout trip
Activities: guided tours and museum entrances, desert camel ride, cooking and traditional dance experience with local women, button making with women's co-op, Moroccan bath experience (hammam)
Meals as noted in the itinerary
Travel insurance
Flights to and from Morocco.
Travel day meals
Airport transfer on departure
Gratuities
Optional activities & excursions
Several meals chosen to give you autonomy (4 lunches & 3 dinners). Budget $10-25 per meal, and you may decide to eat light or skip altogether
FROM$4,995.00/pp
You may reserve your spot through our website. We require a 50% deposit with full payment due 120 days prior to the departure date. We welcome payments via credit card, check, or Zelle (jen@honestheartjourneys.com). We're happy to work with you to establish a payment plan as well.
If you have ANY questions, we'd love to talk with you! Reach out any time at info@honestheartjourneys.com.
A deposit of 50% of the HHJ trip cost is required to reserve your spot on the trip.
If a cancellation is made prior to 180 days before the trip date, the entire deposit will be refunded less a $500 per person service charge. If a cancellation is made from 180 to 90 days prior to the trip departure date, 50% of the deposit will be refunded. If a cancellation is made within 90 days of the trip departure date, the entire trip fee is forfeited. All cancellations must be received in writing to info@honestheartjourneys.com.
It is highly unlikely that we will cancel a trip, but we do reserve the right to cancel due to weather, natural disasters, emergencies or a lack of sufficient reservations. If we cancel a trip, a full refund of the trip deposit and any final payment will be given.
HHJ requires that you obtain travel insurance in case of cancellation, unexpected circumstances, or the need for evacuation. We want you to make a decision that meets your needs. Though we do not recommend specific companies, travel industry colleagues have recommended the following companies: AIG Travel, Alliance, Seven Corners, Travelguard, and WorldNomads. Booking protection is offered through the registration process on our website. You might also see what your credit card offers, and many airlines now offer travel insurance.
The planning guide that we provide all registered guests who are paid in full includes a full trip itinerary, packing list, supportive travel information, release forms for you to review/sign/ return to us, information on our trip book and other supporting materials, and a link to a guest survey that collects your important information.
Your hosts can guide whatever transportation you require. Budget flights out of Fez go to most cities in Europe while direct flights to the US depart from Casablanca.
International flights (direct to Casablanca from NYC, Miami or DC on Royal Air Maroc or to Marrakech/out of Fez via most European cities on AA/Iberia, Delta/KLM, Air France, etc.). Casablanca airport is connected to Marrakech by train (approximately 4 hours) or local flight (approx. 30 minutes).
Departure transfer to airport ($25-120 depending on the airport, mode of transport and how many are sharing). Please allow 3 hours to get to Casablanca and 30 minutes to get to the Fez airport.
The Moroccan Dirham is Morocco’s national currency and ATMs are readily available in the cities. Most have limits of 2000-4000 Dirham per day (roughly USD$200-400, occasionally you'll find one up to $800). You will need to be able to access enough cash for meals not included, personal expenses, tips, optional activities, etc.
Meals average $10-20 at most places and up to $50 at fancier spots. Some places will be cash only, like local lunches and shopping, while hotels and higher-end restaurants usually accept credit cards.
A tipping chart will be provided. (About $60 for the duration of the tour should be sufficient.)
Please check your passport well in advance of your departure date and make sure that is is valid. Morocco does NOT require your passport to be valid for 6 months, but it must be valid for the entirety of your trip.
A few blogs from our Honest Heart collection that connect with some of the themes explored on this cultural exchange: