VEGAN VENTURES
MARELLOUS MOROCCO TOUR
MAR 20 to 29th, 2026
Small-group trip to an exotic land of souks, sand dunes & blue cities
Embark on a delectable and immersive journey with Vegan Ventures through Morocco’s vibrant culinary and cultural scenes.
Vegan Ventures is where foodies and travellers meet. Embark on a delectable and immersive journey through Morocco’s vibrant culinary and cultural scenes. This small-group adventure offers the perfect blend of flavorful plant-based dining and captivating exploration. Savour innovative vegan twists on traditional Moroccan cuisine. Between delectable bites, you will learn about the country’s rich history and be led to incredible destinations.
This Moroccan journey offers a rich blend of cultural, historical, and scenic highlights. Starting in Casablanca, travellers explore iconic landmarks like the Hassan II Mosque. Moving through the “Blue Pearl” of Chefchaouen and onward to Fez via the ancient Roman site of Volubilis and Meknes, they’ll experience Morocco’s architectural and cultural treasures up close, with bustling souks, historic mosques, and unique medinas.
In the second half, the journey leads into the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert. After a night under the stars in Merzouga, guests continue through Todra Gorge and explore ancient kasbahs and the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou. The Vegan Ventures Adventure ends in Marrakech, with its vibrant souks, gardens, and iconic sights, providing a colourful and unforgettable finale to this captivating Moroccan Adventure.
Join us on this multi-sensory Vegan Ventures Morocco Tour!
DATES: MARCH 20-29th, 2026
HIGHLIGHTS
PRICING FROM
USD Per Person in Dbl/Twin Accommodation
Day 1: Arrival Casablanca, Morocco
Welcome to Morocco!
Your Moroccan adventure begins in Casablanca, a city that blends modernity with rich history. Upon arrival at Mohammed V International Airport, your friendly team will greet you and assist with your transfer to a comfortable hotel in the city center.
After settling in, you’ll have some time to rest and refresh before venturing on your first excursion. In the late afternoon or next early morning based on the arrival time, you’ll visit the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. Located on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. After the mosque visit, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel.
Day 2: Chefchaouen – Discovering the Blue Pearl
Your journey from Casablanca to Chefchaouen begins with a morning pickup from your hotel after enjoying a hearty breakfast. The distance between Casablanca and Chefchaouen is about 335 kilometers (about 208 miles), and the drive typically takes around 5 to 6 hours.
Along the way, your guide may share stories and insights about the regions you pass through, enriching your travel experience. You’ll drive through small towns and villages, where you can see locals going about their daily lives, and perhaps stop for a quick break at a roadside café for a refreshing drink or a snack.
As you approach Chefchaouen, the scenery becomes more mountainous, characterized by the beautiful Rif Mountains surrounding the town. The blue buildings of Chefchaouen gradually come into view, creating a wonderful backdrop against the green hills. Upon your arrival, you’ll be welcomed by the town’s charming beauty.
After checking into your riad and refreshing, you’re ready to explore Chefchaouen, the “Blue Pearl” of Morocco. Renowned for its bluewashed buildings, the town offers a serene and great atmosphere. Begin your adventure by wandering the narrow streets of the medina, lined with artisanal shops selling handmade crafts and colourful textiles. Admire the charming architecture adorned with blooming flower pots, and enjoy the friendly interactions with locals eager to share their culture. You might visit Plaza Uta el-Hammam, where you can sip mint tea at a café while soaking in the lively atmosphere.
Don’t miss the historic Kasbah, with its beautiful garden and small museum. If time allows, hike to the Spanish Mosque for panoramic views of the town and mountains, especially at sunset. As evening approaches, enjoy a traditional Moroccan vegan dinner at a local restaurant, with delicious dishes like vegan tagine or couscous. This exploration will set the stage for a memorable two-night stay in Chefchaouen.
Time: About 5 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast is included
Accommodation: Dar Jasmine Hotel (or similar)
Day 3: Into the Heart of Morocco – Fez
This morning, after breakfast, set off for Fez, stopping along the way to explore Meknes and Volubilis. Your journey will take you through picturesque landscapes as you make your way to Meknes, one of Morocco’s imperial cities. Here, you’ll visit the Bab Mansour, an iconic gate known for its tile work and intricate carvings. Take some time to wander through the bustling streets and enjoy the local atmosphere.
Next, continue your journey to Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its well-preserved Roman ruins. Here, you can walk among the ancient mosaics and ruins, imagining life during the Roman Empire. After immersing yourself in the history, enjoy lunch at a local café in Meknes, where vegan options will be provided to ensure a delicious and plant-based meal, before continuing your journey to Fez.
Upon reaching Fez, check into your riad and unwind. As evening falls, gather for dinner at a local restaurant, where you can savour vegan versions of traditional dishes like pastilla and harira, immersing yourself in the region’s culinary delights. Rest assured, all food will be vegan to meet your dietary preferences.
🚗Time: About 4 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast is included
Accommodation: Riad Salam (or similar)
Day 4: Exploring Fez – Olive Oil & Couscous
Prepare for a half-day exploration in Fez, starting with a guided tour of the medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enter the labyrinth of narrow streets and discover Al Quaraouiyine University, the oldest existing university in the world, renowned for its stunning architecture. Visit the Bou Inania Madrasa, a beautifully restored theological college known for its intricate tile work and carved cedar wood.
As you wander, experience the vibrant atmosphere of the souks, where vendors sell everything from spices to textiles, after a leisurely lunch at a local café, where you can enjoy delicious vegan dishes, continue your tour by visiting the Dar Batha Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Moroccan artifacts. Next, explore the world of olive oil, one of Morocco’s most cherished ingredients. You’ll get to try different kinds of locally made olive oil, learn how it’s made, and hear fascinating stories about why it’s such a big part of life here.
After that, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and dive into the art of making couscous! With the help of friendly locals, you’ll learn the traditional way to roll and steam this iconic dish, step by step. Rest assured, all the food will be vegan, ensuring a flavorful and plantbased culinary experience. It’s not just about making food—it’s about connecting with a tradition passed down for generations. This is more than just an activity; it’s a chance to relax, have fun, and feel the warmth of Moroccan hospitality. 😊
⏰Time: Full day
Meal Plan: Breakfast is included
Accommodation: Riad Salam (or similar)
Day 5: Crossing the Atlas Mountains – Sahara Desert
A comfortable, 8-hour private transfer takes you to your accommodation in Merzouga today. Starting early, your driver will stop at a few cultural spots along the way to show you the desert communities in the Sahara. Enjoy the scenery as you twist through the cedar forests of the Atlas Mountains and keep your eyes peeled for the local Barbary macaque monkeys! Your next stop will be for lunch in Midelt.
Continue to the Ziz Valley, famous for its hidden oasis and palm tree clusters. Along the road, you’ll see many fortified houses known as ksars. Merchants built these homes to protect precious products and items such as gold, salt, and spices. Just before reaching Erfoud, you’ll catch a glimpse of the ever-shifting Saharan dunes. Stop to watch an ancient method of water mining, an ingenious way to transfer water to farmland before the modern pump. Chat with nomadic shepherds, stroll through settlements, and, if time allows, enjoy a cup of tea with a local Berber family.
Stop at Erfoud, a bustling market town known for its annual Date Festival, fossil mining, and artisan factories. While en route, enjoy views of the hillside mines before visiting a local artisan collective to learn about the area’s fossils. As you make your way towards Itinerary View booking and trip details here Merzouga, you’ll spot the waves of Erg Chebbi in the distance—an extensive set of sand dunes covering almost 14 square miles (35 sq km), with some peaks rising over 650 feet (200 m). The colour and shape change depending on the time of day and the wind, with particularly spectacular views just before sunset.
In the early evening, arrive at your hotel in Merzouga, where you’ll be greeted with mint tea and traditional Berber hospitality. Spend the evening creating a magical atmosphere in the heart of the desert.
🚗Time: About 8 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast & dinner is included
Accommodation: Tiziri Camp (or similar)
Day 6: Journey to Ait Benhaddou + Ouazazate
After a tasty breakfast at your desert camp, your day starts with an amazing experience. Take a comfy Jeep ride to meet your driver and get started on the next part of your journey. We’ll head toward Aït Benhaddou, stopping in Ouarzazate along the way. The drive itself is part of the adventure. You’ll see the desert slowly change into rocky mountains, creating a stunning backdrop for your travels.
On the way, we’ll make a special stop at Todra Gorge. This spot is breathtaking, with giant cliffs towering up around you. You can take a short walk, snap some pictures, and just enjoy the peaceful vibes before we continue. As we travel, you’ll pass by small Berber villages where life moves at its own pace. It’s such a nice glimpse into the heart of Morocco.
By the afternoon, we’ll arrive in Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Morocco” because so many movies have been Itinerary View booking and trip details here filmed there. You can take it all in and even snap some photos before we head to our final stop for the day. By evening, we’ll reach Aït Benhaddou, a beautiful ancient village that feels like stepping back in time. You’ll check into a cozy hotel where you can relax and unwind before enjoying a delicious Moroccan dinner.
🚗Time: About 6 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast is included
Accommodation: Ksar El Kabbaba (or similar)
Day 7: Travel to Marrakech via High Atlas
After breakfast, journey towards Marrakech beginning with a scenic drive that takes you through the rugged landscapes of Morocco’s interior. Cross the High Atlas Mountains, winding along the Tizi n’Tichka pass. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to scenic views of verdant valleys, terraced farms, and distant snow-capped peaks, showcasing the diverse beauty of the landscape. There will be opportunities to stop for photos along the way, as well as to visit a small Berber village to learn about local customs and experience the warm hospitality of the High Atlas region.
Arriving in Marrakech by late afternoon, you’ll check into your riad and unwind in the peaceful courtyard or rooftop terrace. As evening approaches, step into the bustling heart of the city at Djemaa el-Fna, the vibrant main square. Here, you’ll enjoy the lively atmosphere, with Itinerary View booking and trip details here street performers, snake charmers, henna artists, and musicians create an unforgettable sensory experience.
For dinner, rest assured that all food will be vegan. Choose one of the open-air restaurants lining the square, where you can enjoy vegan versions of traditional Moroccan dishes such as tagine, couscous, or flavorful vegetable platters. Savour your meal while taking in the sights, sounds, and aromas that make Marrakech’s famous square so unique.
Time: About 4 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast is included
Accommodation: Riad Palais Sebban (or similar)
Day 8: Experience Marrakech + Vegan Food Tour
Your final day in Morocco begins with a guided tour of Marrakech, known as the “Red City” for its distinctive ochre buildings. Start at the magnificent Koutoubia Mosque, the largest mosque in Marrakech, with its iconic minaret visible from afar. Next, visit the serene Majorelle Garden, a beautifully landscaped garden featuring exotic plants, vibrant colors, and the stunning blue villa once owned by Yves Saint Laurent.
Explore the Bahia Palace, a splendid example of Moroccan architecture and design, and then immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of the souks, where you can shop for traditional handicrafts, spices, and textiles.
For lunch, rest assured that all food will be vegan. Consider trying a local café to savour vegan versions of traditional Moroccan dishes like tagine, couscous, or other delightful flavors. After you’ve made the most of your time exploring the Red City, return to your hotel to relax and enjoy some leisure time.
In the evening, experience Marrakech’s vibrant nightlife with a vegan food tour. Begin at Jemaa el-Fnaa square, sampling treats like msemen, harira soup, and vegetable briouats. Enjoy a delicious vegetable tagine with couscous at a traditional riad. End your evening on a rooftop terrace, sipping mint tea and savoring sweet Moroccan pastries under the stars. This tour is the perfect way to taste the flavors of Marrakech while enjoying its magical evening atmosphere.
Time: About 5 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast & dinner included
Accommodation: Riad Palais Sebban (or similar)
Day 9: A Vegan Culinary Experience
Experience the magic of Moroccan cooking with a fun and friendly vegan class at Mon Riad Hotel, right in the heart of Marrakech! It’s a hands-on experience where you’ll learn how to create the delicious flavours of Morocco with a skilled local chef who’s passionate about sharing their culture and love for food.
We’ll start by visiting a nearby souk (market) together to pick out fresh veggies, herbs, and spices. You’ll hear all about where they come from and why they’re so special in Moroccan cooking. Then, Itinerary View booking and trip details here back in the cozy kitchen at Mon Riad, you’ll roll up your sleeves and learn step-by-step how to make some amazing vegan dishes like vegetable tagine, couscous with seasonal veggies, and zaalouk (a tasty eggplant salad). The chef will guide you through every step, showing you how to mix spices and create those rich, comforting flavours.
After all the cooking, we’ll sit down together and enjoy the meal you’ve made in a relaxed, traditional setting. Rest assured, all food will be vegan, ensuring a delightful and inclusive experience. Plus, you’ll take home a recipe booklet so you can recreate the magic in your own kitchen. This class is perfect for everyone, whether you’re new to cooking or already a pro. It’s a fun, relaxed way to experience the heart and soul of Moroccan food.
Time: 3 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast & Lunch is included
Accommodation: Riad Palais Sebban (or similar)
Day 10: Departure Day from Marrakech
After breakfast, enjoy some free time for last-minute shopping or relaxation at your riad. Depending on your flight schedule. Your driver and guide will be ready to take you to Marrakech Menara Airport for your departure.
Take with you unforgettable memories and experiences that will stay with you long after your journey ends.
Time: 30 min
Meal Plan: Breakfast is included
Sadly, it’s time to leave this beautiful country. Bid farewell and head off to the airport to meet your departure flight home. Hope you had a wonderful time with us and to travel is to make memories. We hope you have lots of it!
Up, up and away!
Option to extend ask us – info@finisterra.ca
Tour Exclusions
IMPORTANT NOTES
PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change. Although we always do our best to stick to the itinerary, due to the ever-changing nature of the world, activities, hotels, and visits are subject to change due to forces beyond our control.
FLIGHTS: Please do not purchase your flights until this tour is confirmed.
PASSPORTS: Must be valid for at least 6 months upon return date to your home country. Proper documentation is the responsibility of each traveller.
VISAS: Responsibility of the traveller
Travel Insurance
Cancellation, Travel, Flight, and Health insurance are required and are the responsibility of the participant to research and secure the appropriate coverage. Click HERE for a Travel Insurance Quote or please email nicola@finisterra.ca for a quote.
Check with your local travel agent /insurance provider/health plan for advice about traveling overseas.
Waiver Form
All participants will be required to sign a Waiver Form prior to departure.
Sample Hotels for Vegan Ventues – Marvellous Morocco Tour (Subject to change)
Casablanca – Barcelo Hotel (or similar)
Chefchaouen – Dar Jasmine Hotel (or similar)
Fez – Riad Salam (or similar)
Sahara Desert – Tiziri Camp (or similar)
Ouarzazate – Ksar El Kabbaba (or similar)
Marrakech – Riad Palais Sebban (or similar)
Born and raised in Portland, Oregon. Ashley Castellanos always loved food and travel. To the point that she left the U.S. in 2014 to teach English and to see and explore the world as much as possible. She moved to 6 countries: Spain, Turkey, Vietnam, Argentine, England, and Indonesia in a span of 5 years and has traveled to 25 countries and counting.
While living in Hanoi, Vietnam, Ashley made the decision to become vegan for health reasons and continued to travel and live abroad but through a vegan lense.
Upon returning to Portland, Oregon in 2019, Ashley was “traveling through food” in the city of Portland and would document it on social media. So much so, that a friend suggested to start a food Instagram page. Vegan Ventures was born in 2020 and since then, the platform has become a trusted resource for the best vegan eats and experiences. Vegan Ventures became more than just sharing a food photo, it became sharing about the people, the culture, and the community through a vegan lense.
Ashley uses her experience from past professional marketing roles as well as working as branding photographer and in video production to create engaging content that has allowed Vegan Ventures to expand to multiple social media platforms. This also lead to the launch of the official Vegan Ventures website in 2022.
Vegan Ventures partners with businesses to promote exciting news, share stories and create community through social media and digital marketing. Now, Vegan Ventures also hosts partnered events and group trips to create experiences for people to connect, especially through food. This is where foodies and travelers meet.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Even though we wish you a flawless trip, things can happen, especially nowadays. Make sure you are prepared with a Travel Insurance policy that is right for you. Finisterra recommends Manulife Insurance or John Hancock Please feel free to ask us about Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance, Cancel for Any Reason Policies, Travel Medical Insurance, or any other questions you may have.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR CANADIANS
Travel with confidence knowing that you’re covered with Manulife Insurance.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR AMERICANS – JOHN HANCOCK
Explore the world, stress-free, when you book travel insurance with John Hancock International.
WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
At Finisterra Travel we help you discover, push personal boundaries, and explore the unknown.
We are super passionate about sustainable, transformational, and adventure travel. Definitely not “armchair travellers”, we have firsthand experience of where you’ll be heading. No one wants to feel like a tourist which is why when we plan a custom travel experience for you, we strive to make your adventure as authentic as possible. We offer an array of Small Group Adventures & Custom Trips, and have something for every type of traveller.
Our unique itineraries are designed to best showcase some of our favourite destinations around Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, and Europe. All itineraries are fully-customizable. Not your typical online travel agency, nor are we quite a tour operator, we are international travel designers with a flair for unique experiences. We’d love to hear from you!
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