Morocco had been on my bucket list for years. When I would look at photos, there was something that drew me to it. It seemed mystical and foreign in the sense that I felt I was stepping back in time on those pages.
After years of looking at photos, I finally went in 2025. Storymakers Travel hosted a group trip of twenty adults. It was everything I dreamed about. We arrived in Casablanca, which was much busier and bigger than what I envisioned. I had butterflies in my stomach as I stood in that lobby waiting to see friends I had not seen since high school graduation in 1987. We hugged and laughed; it was such a special moment!
As I write this, I get to relive it and I have tears in my eyes. Loved that moment so much! Just might go down as my favorite moment of 2025!
In Casablanca, the Hassan II Mosque is an impressive site and the Islamic world’s third largest mosque. The architecture and colorful mosaics are stunning. It is interesting to see how the modern local life blends with another era.
Chefchaouen, the blue city, is nested in the Rif Mountains. It is VERY blue. Every corner is vibrant. Walking up the hills and watching the stray dogs chase the cats was how our morning began.
And if you know me, I am a cat lover, so I made sure to make noise or distract the dogs so the cat would not get injured. We only spent one night here, but two nights would be good too. It is a peaceful area and a good place to just soak up the uniqueness. Fes and Marrakech buzz with energy and can be overwhelming if you get lost. For part of the days we had a guide as we wandered the labyrinth medinas.
I am not kidding when I say there were times I felt like Jesus was going to walk right by us. It is so steeped in tradition and history and truly was one of the most unique places I have been blessed to visit.
We did get lost in Marrrakesh. So what does one do when that happens?
Well, eat of course! Or shop!
Our group had two birthdays so we had surprises up our sleeves for them. One night there was a dinner of traditional Moroccan food and dancing and the second birthday girl got to be star of her own short film that we all participated in at the “Hollywood of Morocco” Atlas Studios.
There were so many experiences that filled souls! We stopped in villages and got to visit with the locals. My favorite was joining a family in their home for lunch. They did not speak English but they communicated with kindness and generosity that warmed our hearts and bellies! Moroccan food touches on every sensory your body can imagine. Tagines bubbling with hints of apricot flavors and couscous piled high. Mint tea is a staple-and a performance as it flourishes from the silver teapots into your ornate teacup.
Lastly, the most memorable part of the journey is trading the cities chaos for the quiet majesty of the Sahara desert. This is where the magic is. We got to see a rare rainbow high above the luxury tents on our campsite. We rode camels as they walked across the golden sand dunes.
I partnered with Intrepid for this this trip because I knew they would help me make it extra special for my clients, and they did! In Morocco, every experience is timeless. This trip was so special for the culture, the people, the food, the extremely diverse landscape and of course-the friendships we gain when we travel as a group.
I would love to help your group create amazing experiences too! As a group travel specialist, I take away the stress of planning. You will not have to worry about the logistics of managing everyone’s flights, hotel preferences, budges and last minute changes.
To learn more about us and what Storymaker’s Travel can offer as your group travel agent experts, join my private Facebook group!
I hope this blog inspired you to take a step back in time and visit vibrant and colorful Morocco!