Marrakesh, Morocco — October 3 - 12, 2025

Women of Morocco - Generosity, Abundance & Gratitude

Explore women's stories and traditions within a vibrant, embracing culture throughout the desert, mountains and ancient cities of Morocco.

“This trip taught me that age is never a barrier if you want something enough and believe in an unlimited sense of who you are and what you express.

Having an open and flexible attitude on life and what it presents to you is key to having a good experience."

- Marianne, Colorado

Trip Overview

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 deep sisterhood connection!

From the bustling city markets and charming riads of Marrakech and Fez to the breathtaking 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. Experience traditions of the women's hammam, henna adornment, cooking and dancing side-by-side, and more.

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 generations 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 in the charming seaside town of Essaouira. Come early and settle in!

Pre-trip itinerary here: Essaouira Beach Retreat

Highlights

Experience the magic and hospitality of the desert

Cross the stunning Erg Chebbi sand dunes by camelback at sunset in the Sahara desert and visit centuries-old mud earth kasbahs reminiscent of ancient kingdoms. Explore the colorful, bustling markets of the Marrakech medina and taste street foods from the world renown night market.

Savor delicious cuisine served in elegant and colorful settings

Moroccan cuisine is an art. Prepared with intricate care and a prayer, the flavors of the Mediterranean meld with North African tradition and spices from the East. Seafood, stews, hot and cold vegetable dishes, fresh baked bread and bright ramekins of olives adorn every table. The piece de resistance–a steaming pot of fresh mint tea–is the perfect finish to every meal.

Share sacred sisterhood within Moroccan women's society

Celebrate “Moroccan style” with local music, dancing and home-cooked food at a sisters-run guesthouse. Hear stories of women’s resilience in workplaces, education and their communities. Relax and rejuvenate with a restorative hammam bath and spa experience.

Read Our Itinerary — A Journey of Stunning Beauty and Fresh Perspectives

  • Pre-Trip

    You're invited to read Anita Diamant's popular historical novel, The Red Tent, prior to our trip. It provides beautiful examples of ancient traditions within women's community to spark questions and discussion while we are together.

    Also, we will host a Zoom call with the trip group two months prior to departure. Come meet our HHJ trip hosts and fellow sisters with whom you will experience this transformative adventure. Hear about the Moroccan cultural in which you'll be immersed, share trip goals, and get your questions answered about trip logistics.

  • October 3 – Arrival in Marrakech

    Marhaba!  Welcome to Morocco! Your private transfer will meet you at the airport to bring you to our riad sanctuary in the heart of Marrakech. 

    Rest from your travel and journal your first impressions before our late afternoon gathering. We will drink tea together, review our itinerary and cover important topics and questions before venturing through the Marrakech medina to experience the famous night market and enjoy traditional Moroccan street food.  (D)

  • October 4 – Marrakech

    Our first full day begins with visiting Marrakech's historic sites with a female tour guide. Then we're off to meet more Moroccan women through an extraordinary organization training them for employment within the culinary arts and supports women's activities in the community. We'll enjoy a delicious meals and experience Marrakech in a truly unique way.  (B,L)

  • October 5 – Across the Atlas Mountains

    On our way out of the city today, we'll stop to meet young women from the countryside supported by a women-led non-profit encouraging education, leadership and independence. Learn how these young women's lives have been transformed and impacted their rural communities. Then we cross the High Atlas Mountains and the country's highest pass - through brilliant red earth mountain landscapes and into the high desert. This is the Morocco of our imagination -- mud earth villages reminiscent of ancient kingdoms and trading centers. 

    We will visit a UNESCO World Heritage kasbah that served as a film set for Lawrence of Arabia, Babel, Kingdom of Heaven, Desert Queen and Game of Thrones!  We will stay the night at a simple rural guesthouse, with time to reflect, journal and share before enjoying a traditional dinner with our hosts.  (B,D)

  • October 6 – Erig Chebbi

    Journeying further into the desert, we will encounter crumbling kasbahs and booming market towns peppered with women in black embroidered scarves and children on bicycles. The changing landscape brings us through the arid, rocky desert known as the hammada and to the edge of the giant red sand dunes.

    Here we depart on camelback for our camp in the dunes. A gentle camel ride accompanied by a majestic sunset lead us to our comfortable desert eco-camp. We'll dine in the dunes then dance to the tune of drum rhythms under the stars! (B,D)

  • October 7 – Maison Sahara

    Continuing north, we'll swap the desert sands for desert oases. Our destination is a guest house run by a family of weaver women, nestled in one of the largest date palm oases in North Africa. Their southern hospitality, genuine kindness and storied rugs are second to none! Homecooked meals are a highlight here, served with much love and attention to detail. after lunch, take a walk through the oasis to learn about agriculture and way of life in this unique environment.  (B,L,D)

  • October 8 – Maison Sahara

    Work beside our hosts to cook a local favorite dish for lunch then relax on the terrace overlooking the infinite rows of palms below. The afternoon is free to enjoy the oasis at your pace, or perhaps get a henna tattoo. We'll spend our last evening with our new friends donning traditional party clothes for a Berber ahwach dance party. It’s an experience you’ll never forget!  (B,L,D)

  • October 9 – Middle Atlas Mountains

    Journeying through stunning shifting landscapes, we’ll follow the Ziz River from the desert into the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping for lunch and photo opportunities. Stay in a comfortable roadside hotel overlooking a cherry grove.  (B)

  • October 10 – Fez

    Continuing north, we’ll stop in some of the area’s charming small towns, meeting a group of women artisans to learn their traditional button-making craft. Working side by side, we’ll feel the camaraderie and gain a real appreciation for their craft!

    After a homecooked lunch we get to visit the wonderful co-op boutique for beautiful handmade jewelry, rugs, blankets, scarves and more. Then it's on to Fez, a UNESCO World Heritage medieval city.  (B)

  • October 11 – Fez

    Take in the sights, scents, and sounds of Fez’s medina with a guided tour. Discover the lifestyle of the women as well as what ancient and modern traditions collide in this historic labyrinth.  (B,D)

    In the afternoon, relax at a historic hammam (Muslim bathhouse) and soak up the past week of our journey before gathering for our final dinner together. Afterwards, we will reflect in honest conversation and say farewell to our new Honest Heart Journeys sisters!

  • October 12 – Departure Day

    Goodbye Morocco! Ma salama!

    Feel free to extend your stay to enjoy more of this fascinating city - or explore more to the North of Morocco or to the western seaside!  (B)

  • Continued Community

    Your Honest Heart journey can continue after you arrive home. We'll host a call following the trip for trip sisters to reconnect and share lasting impressions and inspiring take-aways. We also maintain natural communication via WhatsApp following our shared experience.

    We fully anticipate this won't be your last HHJ experience. You're now part of a growing community of new sisters!

    What kind of continued connection can we cultivate with our Moroccan community, including the young women we meet who are learning to be leaders outside Marrakech?

The Experience

We Host Your Journey

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!

Our Trip Book

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

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.

Trip Specific Info

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.

Accommodations

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.

Cuisine

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!

Weather

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.)

Packing Tips

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.

Responsible Travel

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.

Your Trip Hosts

Founder & Host

Jennifer Dale

Trip Host - Morocco / Costa Rica

Summer Davis

What’s Included?

    • 5 nights luxury boutique lodging; 2 nights rural guesthouse; 1 night comfortable rural hotel; 1 night boutique desert camping

    • 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

Women of Morocco - Generosity, Abundance & Gratitude

Explore women's stories and traditions within a vibrant, embracing culture throughout the desert, mountains and ancient cities of Morocco.

Book your spot, today!

Double Occupancy

4,995 USD

Deposit: 50%

Available Add-Ons

Women of Morocco - SINGLE accommodations throughout the trip (limited availability).

Essaouira Beach Retreat - 4-DAY PRE-TRIP RETREAT in Morocco's seaside town of Essaouira. Includes luxury riad accommodations in the heart of its UNESCO World Heritage medina for the entire pre-retreat.

Essaouira Beach Retreat - SINGLE accommodations for the entire pre-retreat.

1995 USD

800 USD

350 USD

FAQS

  • 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 through our Contact page.

  • A 50% deposit is due at registration. 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. Cancellations less than 179 days prior to the departure date will be charged in full.

    Itineraries are subject to change depending on weather, availability of activities, unforeseen circumstances, emergencies, etc. 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.

    Notification of cancellation must be received in writing via email to info@honestheartjourneys.com.

  • HHJ requires that you obtain travel insurance in case of cancellation, unexpected medical 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.