Discover exotic tapestried mountains, sparse rolling deserts and time-frozen villages as you stay in true style in Morocco’s most prestigious and traditional riads.
Delve deep into the ancient lifestyles of local Berbers and nomads and explore tangles of medina lanes leading to bustling souqs. Travel in comfort through the Saharan dunes to the peaks of the High Atlas Mountains. Follow your taste buds through Fes, star gaze in the open desert, glide over Marrakech in a hot air balloon, and relax in a traditional hammam. Hike on foot to get truly off the beaten path and away from the crowds for a more exclusive experience as you access remote Berber villages where you will feast with the locals.
Explore this land in pure class as you uncover the country’s best-kept secrets through exclusive experiences and expert local knowledge.
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
Signature Tour 
Salam Aleikum! Welcome to Morocco. Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to Rabat (90 km, 1.5 hrs. drive). Rabat is enchanting with unspoilt public beaches and a fairy-tale 12th-century kasbah perched over the water.
This afternoon, you will enjoy a city tour of Rabat which includes the Kasbah Oudaya – the ancient city located at the mouth of the Bouregreg River which provides you with a beautiful peak into this UNESCO world heritage city. Continue to Chellah Necropolis and step into Rabat’s ancient history whilst exploring the medieval fortified necropolis of Chellah with structures dating back past the Almohads, past the Romans and into the Phoenician times.
Pause for a tea break at one of our favourite local haunts. Tucked behind the blue alleyways of the Kasbah of the Oudayas, Café Maure is a favourite spot for a mint tea break with a panoramic view of Rabat and the Bouregreg River.
Just a leisurely 10-minute walk from the historic Kasbah des Oudayas is your accommodation. It is an exquisite sanctuary situated in the heart of the captivating Rabat medina. This elegant riad combines traditional Moroccan charm with modern luxury, offering a serene escape from the bustling city. (D)
Overnight – Riad Dar Shaan or similar
Following breakfast, you will transfer to the isolated town of Chefchaouen (approx. 3.5 hrs. drive) today via the Rif Mountains. The first and lowest of the mountain ranges that ripple south through Morocco, make perfect trekking country. Take in the magnificent ranges, gorges and valleys, cloaked in forests of cedar, cork oak and fir. Unlike the extremely popular Atlas Mountains, there are no deep, well-worn trails or tourists – these mountains offer you a unique, sprawling look at undiscovered terrain. Situated close to villages and cities, you can still venture far away without leaving behind the comforts of Moroccan culture and hospitality. Overlooking the entire Chefchaouen town on the Rif mountains, enjoy the peaceful vibe of white and blue. Visit the little Spanish church that you saw when you entered Chefchaouen. You are also likely to meet troupes of Barbary apes around the edge of Talassemtane National Park.
Chefchaouen, or the ‘blue city’, is arguably one of the prettiest places in Morocco. Set against a wide valley and nestled between two peaks in the stunning Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen may take you by surprise. Its medina has been lovingly cared for with striking blue and whitewashed houses, red-tiled roofs and artistic doorways. Much of Chefchaouen was recreated by Andalusian refugees escaping the Reconquista, so you might feel like you’re in the hills of Spain while exploring its streets. Ease into the relaxed pace of life in this rural retreat. Enjoy lunch before taking a stroll through the ancient medina and shop for handicrafts.
Enjoy a guided tour of the city. Chefchaouen is a photographer’s paradise with countless shades of blue painted on every wall, alleyway and door in the village. You’ll be led by an amazing local photographer who will show you the town’s best spots, many only known by the locals of the blue village.
Then it is time for sunset! After a short hike, join the dreamers to watch the sun fall over the mountains behind the beautiful blue city. Ask any local for the ‘mosquita’ and they’ll point you in the right direction – to the Spanish Mosque If you’re feeling peckish, the goats’ cheese on offer is a popular treat enjoyed by many visitors. (B,D)
Overnight – Dar Jasmine or similar
This morning, depart for Volubilis (164km, 3hrs) and explore the ancient ruins. Volubilis is one of the largest and most important archaeological sites in Morocco, with the remains of settlements dating from the pre-Roman to the early Islamic periods.
Continue to Meknes Medina (29km, 40m) where you will enjoy lunch and tour the imperial sites as well as visit the Wooden Doors before returning to Fes. Prepare to step into the past as you explore the great doors of Meknes. Situated all around the medina, the doors harmoniously blend the Islamic and European styles of the 17th-century Maghreb.
Continue on to Fes (68km, 1hr) where you will check into your accommodation. Dinner this evening will be at your riad. An oasis of luxury in the middle of Fes’ busy medina, Palais Amani is a stylishly decorated riad where the staff pride themselves on making you feel at home. The panoramic view and flower-filled gardens are the perfect accompaniment to your drinks or breakfast on the rooftop terrace. The room showcases stunning Moroccan craftsmanship in the intricate mosaics and hand-carved wooden doors. (B,D)
Overnight – Palais Amani or similar
Following breakfast, explore the old city, known locally as Fes el Bali. Your guided tour this morning will take in the Royal Palace, Jewish Quarter and Medrasa. Break for lunch (not included) before you visit the artisan quarters, tanneries and souks.
Descending into the labyrinthine alleyways within the medina is like taking a giant step back to the Middle Ages. Walk through the twisting streets and alleyways, passing donkeys piled high with goods (this is one of the largest car-free urban zones in the world) and explore the specialty sections that divide the souk. Different areas of the Medina are known for specific types of food – from natural butters and fats to pastries, to crepes and soups to dried and fresh produce. Pass dye pits, stalls loaded with fruits, herbs and spices. With the squawk of chickens, the smell of spice and the sound of hammering copper filling the air, embark on a tasting trail to discover secret ingredients and fragrant flavours. Watch artisans craft pots and manipulate metal and tan leather with skills passed down over the centuries.
No stop in Fes is complete without a visit of Al Qarawiyyin, the oldest existing continually operator and the first degree awarding educational institution in the world. The university is equally well-known for its education and for the stunning architecture of its main building.
This evening, let your taste buds guide you as you are taken on a Fes tasting tour for dinner. Experience the energy of the Fes Street food scene as it comes to life in the early evening. On this walking tour, you can try all manners of Moroccan street food including dried meats, mlawi (pancakes), priwates (samosas), spicy sardines, potato cakes, snail soup, cured olives and an array of delicious wild honey plus more! (B)
Overnight – Palais Amani or similar
Today, leave the intensity of the city behind for the simplicity of the scenic high Atlas Mountains to Erfoud (approx. 7 hrs drive) a city known as “the Door to the Desert.
Tonight, you will overnight at Kasbah Hotel Xaluca, The Kasbah is listed as unique in Morocco due to its distinctive characteristics. It was built with adobes, the traditional Moroccan building bricks, and it is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the moment. (B,D)
Overnight – Hotel Xaluca or similar
Continue your journey to Merzouga (55km, 1hr). Nestled against the backdrop of the orange-hued Erg Chebbi sand dunes, the enchanting Saharan village of Merzouga feels wonderfully isolated, as if the modern world has left it behind. The Erg Chebbi dunes are the most breathtaking in Morocco and a must-see during your visit. An erg is a vast expanse of shifting wind-swept sand, sculpted into picturesque, undulating crests and valleys. Erg Chebbi is one of the world’s iconic landscapes, featuring towering dunes that rise to 150 metres high. Located at the end of a sealed road and just 20 km from the Algerian border, it truly feels like a frontier country.
You’ll leave your gear at a simple auberge before riding camels to the edge of the Sahara Desert, where you can enjoy a spectacular sunset along the way. The dunes are particularly stunning in the evening light, which highlights their vibrant colours.
Tonight, you’ll camp in traditional style, with the opportunity to savour delicious local cuisine while gathered around an open fire, listening to the rhythms of tribal songs. Enjoy stargazing with a telescope, accompanied by a brief lesson in astrology. Your tents are comfortably appointed with double beds and access to a comfortable central terrace with plush pillows and rugs for you to relax and enjoy the surroundings. (B,D)
Overnight – Desert Luxury Camp or similar
Prepare to enjoy a beautiful sunrise over the desert. Your table will await atop the dunes along with freshly made coffee and mint tea to start your day with the view of a lifetime. From here, depart for the Dades Valley (310km, 5-6hrs) known as the Grand Canyon of Morocco. En route, you will go fossil hunting! Set out on an expedition of discovery as you search for fossils in areas rich in fish, crocodile and Spinosaurus bones and teeth! Time-dependent, you may also have the chance to visit an active mine and explore an open quarry or perhaps even a quick visit to the local marble plant.
Continue to The Dades Gorges where you will enjoy a short walk through the gorge taking in the incredible scenery.
This evening dinner is included at your riad, Chez Pierre. With amazing views of the Dades Gorge and Michelin-level cuisine, Ches Pierre is a surefire hit among nature lovers and foodies alike. Built into the hillside, your hotel cascades down the gorge with rooms on the many levels decorated with local artefacts from the region. (B,D)
Overnight – Xaluca Dades or similar
Enjoy breakfast before leaving the Dades Valley today, set off on the fabled ‘Road of 1,000 Kasbahs’. The first stop is at Skoura Oasis (96km, 1.5hrs), home to several privately owned kasbahs. Here visit the Kasbah Ameridhl, with its extravagant decorations and mud-brick fortifications.
Continue your journey to Ait Benhaddou (73km, 1hr20m). Perched on a hilltop and almost unchanged since the 11th century, Ait Benhaddou is one of Morocco’s most iconic sites. Its grant kasbah is one of the most beautiful in Morocco and the fortified village is a fine example of clay architecture. If you think you recognise the place, you probably do, as the town has a long list of film and TV credits, including Lawrence of Arabia, Game of Thrones and Gladiator.
Enjoy a walk through the winding streets of old town, making your way to the top of the hill, from where you can enjoy the views across the surrounding plains. (B,D)
Overnight – Oscar Hotel by Atlas Studios or similar
Today, drive to Marrakech (approx. 6 hrs drive time) through Tichka and the High Atlas. Marrakech is an ancient, exotic city wrapped in European modernity. There’s no rush as the scenery through the High Atlas Mountain passes is magnificent, and there will surely be calls for several photo stops along the way.
On arrival in Marrakech, you will check in to your beautiful riad, or Moroccan mansion; beautifully decorated, cosy yet historical.
Tonight’s dinner is included in your riad. La Maison Arabe is famous for its world-class cuisine, with a ‘milk pastilla’ dessert that’s to die for. At dinner time, local musicians alternate between soft traditional Moroccan music and luth solos providing a lovely accompaniment for your meal. (B,D)
Overnight – La Maison Arabe or similar
After breakfast today, meet your local guide and set off on a morning tour of the old medina, through the bustling souks that are the lifeblood flowing through the city. Explore tranquil courtyards filled with the scent of orange blossom and the many salons and chambers that make up Bahia Palace. This splendid mansion was built in 1866 for a former slave who rose to power within the government. Visit Koutoubia, Bahia and Saadian tombs imposing palaces and relics of different architectural and historical eras from Morocco’s imperial past.
Stop at Le Nomad today for lunch (not included) before taking an introductory tour to get your bearings, explore the souk and shop for everything from leather goods to Moroccan lamps and traditional crafts made from metal and wood. You will also visit a spice makers workshop where you will learn about the different Moroccan spices and herbs used in traditional Moroccan cooking.
Brace yourself as the experience is not finished yet, you will have also a Hennaya (a Henna tattoo maker) which is one of the oldest jobs of Moroccan women, this lady will make some cute Henna Tattoo art on your hand or feet while your tour leader is explaining about the origins and common use of this important traditional Moroccan cosmetic product.
This evening is at leisure so why not head to the great square of Jemaa el Fna, one of the largest public spaces in the world and unique to Marrakech. When night falls it transforms into a hive of activity. (B)
Overnight – La Maison Arabe or similar
Today, wake up early to enjoy a hot air balloon ride in Palmary village. Take in birds-eye views over Berber villages, desert oasis, and deep valleys with the High Atlas Mountains in the distance. The different colours of the changing landscape will leave you breathless. (B)
Overnight – La Maison Arabe or similar
After breakfast today, you will be taken to Asni to Sir Richard Branson’s luxury retreat ‘Kasbah Tamadot’ located in the High Atlas Mountains (55km, 1.5hrs). A magical walled complex, Kasbah Tamadot has peaceful courtyards, intriguing staircases, landscaped gardens and breathtaking views. The retreat’s core values involve supporting the local communities; initiatives include free English lessons, the hiring of local staff, a focus on sustainable development and energy-saving efforts.
Enjoy an afternoon at leisure at Kasbah Tamadot. (B,D)
Overnight – Kasbah Tamadot or similar
Today you will enjoy a full day trekking in High Atlas Mountains with a picnic lunch. Your guide will meet you at your hotel at 9am and from there take you to Toubkal National Park and your adventure will begin from Kasbah Tamadot. You will cross the valley of the Ait Mizan, the main valley in the Toubkal National Park which provides water to the farmers for their farms. After a small pause in this valley, you will carry on trekking towards the pass of Asadram, 1600 m above the level sea, passing by the richest forest by the juniper in the Toubkal National Park. You will then descend towards the village of Irghan, 1500m, where you will have a picnic lunch in a Berber house.
You will then start your descent back to the hotel, taking a different path which passes by a village called Imasker situated at 1400 m before reaching your Kasbah. The total distance of your hike today will be approx. 9.5-10km, with around 5.5-6hrs of walking. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Kasbah Tamadot or similar
Today you will drive to Marrakech airport (51 km, 1.25 hrs) for your flight to your onward destination. (B)
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
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**Please note that this tour can be organised on request for private departures.
* Pricing is subject to change at anytime until full payment has been received.
* A minimum of 4 adults is required to guarantee this departure.
A non-refundable deposit of $1000 AUD per person is required to secure your place. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure. Travel insurance is mandatory for travelling with Crooked Compass. For full terms and conditions, please click here.
Small group tours providing intimate connections to gain a deeper understanding and emotional connection to the community, tribes, cultures and lands explored.
Exploring the world’s most remote reaches and challenging destinations requires a high level of expertise which can only be learned from first-hand experience. We know because we go.
In an ever-changing global landscape of rules, regulations and restrictions, rest-assured you are being looked after by those in the know. Given the remote regions that we explore, our passengers safety is our top priority.
Stay up to date with the latest travel trends and new destinations opening up. To be the first to go, you need to be the first to know.
Travel professionals are welcome. For partnerships or agent enquiries, we recommend contacting us directly.
This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
Why travellers love our Signature Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
Why travellers love Founders Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
Why travellers love our Expedition Cruises:
More about out Tour Styles.
Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
Why travellers love Tours by Design:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
Why travellers love our Partner Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
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