Exploring Morocco Trips Logo - Desert Tour Operator in Morocco

Semester at sea Morocco Student Tours

Welcome Semester at Sea Students to Morocco!

Welcome on board! At Exploring Morocco Trips, we are thrilled to welcome students, lifelong learners, and faculty members traveling with the Semester at Sea program. We specialize in crafting unforgettable, high-quality Morocco student tours specifically designed around your ship’s docking schedule for the upcoming Fall Voyage 138 (September 22 – 27).

Whether you want a quick highlight trip or want to utilize the full block to explore, we’ve got you completely covered. We deeply understand how critical your time is, which is why all our itineraries come with a Guaranteed On-Time Return to the Tangier Port. You will be back at the ship well before the embarkation deadline, zero stress, pure adventure.

  • ⏳ Duration Options: Flexible itineraries from 1 Single Day up to 5 Full Days (1 to 5 Days / Choose what fits your schedule best between September 22nd and 27th!)
  • 🚢 Start Location: Tangier Port (Direct pickup from the ship pier starting September 22)
  • 🏁 End Location: Tangier Port (Direct drop-off at the ship pier / Guaranteed return on time by September 27)
  • 🎯 Target Voyage: Semester at Sea Fall Voyage 138 (September 22 – 27)

Group Trips or Private Tours: You Choose!

We offer total flexibility to match your travel style and budget:

  • SAS Group Tours: Want to travel, share the fun, and split the costs with a large group of fellow shipmates? Our group tours are social, energetic, and budget-friendly.
  • Private Student Tours: Prefer a more tailored experience? If you have a small group of friends or want a private getaway, we can arrange a dedicated private vehicle and guide just for you.

💰 The More, The Merrier (And Cheaper!): We offer exclusive student discounts and special offers. The larger your group, the bigger the discount for everyone!

Our Curated Itineraries vs. Custom Trips

Below, you will find our top-rated Morocco itineraries starting directly from Tangier Port, ranging from 1 single day up to 5 full days. These programs are our most popular and highly demanded routes because they pack the absolute best of Morocco, including the blue streets of Chefchaouen, the ancient alleys of Fes, camel trekking, and sandboarding in the Merzouga desert, into a perfectly timed window that fits your schedule.

Don’t see exactly what you’re looking for? No problem! If none of our ready-made plans match your vibe or duration, just tell us your preferences. The team at Exploring Morocco Trips will collaborate with you to build a 100% customized dream itinerary.

Why Choose Semester at Sea Morocco Student Tours?

Booking an independent trip during your port time can be stressful, but with Exploring Morocco Trips, you are in expert hands. Here is why hundreds of SAS students, faculty, and lifelong learners choose our Morocco student tours for Voyage 138:

  • 100% Guaranteed On-Time Ship Return: Your biggest worry is missing the ship, and our number one priority is making sure you don’t! Our itineraries are meticulously timed around your specific voyage’s docking and embarkation hours at Tangier Port. We promise to get you back to the pier with hours to spare.

  • Massive Student & Group Discounts: We know student life means traveling on a budget. That’s why we offer tiered pricing: the more friends you bring from the ship, the lower the price per person. It’s the most affordable way to experience Morocco without compromising on quality.

  • The Ultimate Desert Experience (Optimized for Time): Reaching the Sahara Desert from the north of Morocco usually takes days, but we have optimized our routes perfectly. You won’t miss out on riding camels, sandboarding, and sleeping under the stars in Merzouga, all while fitting in stops at Chefchaouen and Fes.

  • Safe, Licensed, and Comfortable Transport: All our vehicles (minivans and 4x4s) are modern, fully air-conditioned, and 100% tourism-licensed and insured. You will travel comfortably across the Atlas Mountains with professional, English-speaking drivers who know every road like the back of their hand.

  • Authentic & Experiential Learning: In alignment with the Semester at Sea mission, our tours aren’t just about sightseeing. We connect you with local communities, historic landmarks like the Fes Medina, and traditional Moroccan culture for an immersive, educational experience.

 

The Best Morocco Student Tour Options for Semester at Sea Voyage 138 (Fall 2026)

Below, you’ll find our handpicked Morocco student itineraries starting directly from Tangier Port, with flexible options from 1 single day up to 5 full days. These routes are carefully optimized around your September 22 – 27 schedule to maximize your adventure, returning you to Tangier by the evening of September 26 so you can enjoy a completely stress-free final day before the ship departs.

Take a look at the options below! Remember, if none of these plans completely match your vibe or desired duration, we can easily customize, add, or swap any stop to create your perfect Moroccan journey.

Explore our top itineraries below and lock in your adventure!

Group of happy university students on Semester at Sea Morocco student tours holding a flag and enjoying a desert trekking adventure in the Sahara dunes during one of their custom Morocco student trips and Marrakech student trips.

Option 1: 5 Days Morocco Student Trip (Tangier – Chefchaouen – Fes – Sahara Desert – Midelt)

Maximize your short port time with this incredible, action-packed 5-day itinerary. This route is strategically optimized for Semester at Sea students who want to cross off the blue city, imperial history, and the magic of the Sahara Desert from their bucket list, all with a 100% guaranteed on-time return to Tangier Port.

Day 1: 22th – Tangier → Rif Mountains → Chefchaouen

Your adventure begins the moment you step off the ship! Our professional, English-speaking driver will pick you up directly from Tangier Port in a modern, air-conditioned minivan. We will drive through the breathtaking landscapes of the Rif Mountains until we reach the famous blue city of Chefchaouen. Spend your afternoon wandering through the iconic, Instagram-worthy blue alleys of the Medina. You can shop for unique handmade wool garments, woven blankets, and local crafts. Before dinner, we will hike up to the Spanish Mosque to witness a spectacular sunset over the entire blue city. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner at a local rooftop restaurant.

After a fresh Moroccan breakfast, we travel south to Fes, the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco. Upon arrival, you will step back in time with an expert, licensed local guide for an immersive tour of Fes el-Bali (the ancient Medina), a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will navigate the maze-like streets, visit the famous Chouara Tannery to see how leather is dyed using centuries-old methods, explore the stunning architecture of the Al-Attarine Madrasa, and see the exterior of Al-Qarawiyyin, the oldest continuously operating university in the world. Spend the evening enjoying a delicious tagine and relaxing at a beautiful local Riad.

An early start for the most anticipated day of the trip! Our journey south takes us through Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco” due to its alpine architecture. Next, we stop in the ancient Cedar Forest of Azrou, where you can see and feed the wild Barbary macaque monkeys. We then descend through the dramatic Middle Atlas Mountains and pass the stunning Ziz Valley, famous for its massive palm groves and canyons. By late afternoon, we arrive at the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga. Here, you will mount your camel for an unforgettable trek across the dunes as the sun sets over the Sahara. Arrive at our desert camp for a night of traditional Berber music around the campfire, a hearty dinner, and stargazing under the clear desert sky.

Wake up early to catch a breathtaking Sahara sunrise over the dunes, a perfect photo opportunity! Before leaving the camp, you can grab a board and experience the thrill of sandboarding down the massive golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. After breakfast, the adrenaline kicks in as you ride Quad Bikes (ATVs) from the camp back across the dunes to Merzouga!

Once we meet our main vehicle, we jump into a 4×4 jeep for an off-road desert adventure. We will visit authentic Nomad families living in traditional tents to learn about their lifestyle, explore the old mineral mines of Mifis, and stop by Khamlia village to experience the captivating rhythms of spiritual Gnawa music. In the afternoon, we begin our journey back north, driving through the dramatic landscapes to the peaceful town of Midelt, where we will enjoy dinner and spend a restful night.

On our final day (September 26), we depart Midelt after breakfast, heading directly north toward the coast. We will travel via the modern highway to ensure the fastest, safest, and most reliable route back. We will make a comfortable stop along the way for a delicious lunch and to stretch our legs. Our team is fully committed to your ship’s schedule, which is why this itinerary guarantees to drop you off at Tangier Port a full day early before the final embarkation deadline. You will have a completely stress-free evening and an extra open day in Tangier, boarding your ship with incredible memories and photos to share with your shipmates!

Option 2: 5 Days Morocco Student Tour (Tangier – Marrakech – Sahara Desert – Fes – Chefchaouen)

If you are looking to squeeze every drop of adventure out of your port time, this ultimate 5-day Moroccan loop is your answer. Specially designed for students who want it all, this fast-paced itinerary seamlessly connects the artistic vibes of the north, the electric energy of Marrakech, the majestic High Atlas peaks, and the legendary golden dunes of the Sahara Desert, all compressed into one unforgettable, stress-free student road trip.

Day 1: 22th – Tangier → Marrakech

Your epic adventure begins with a prompt pickup from Tangier Port. Today, we offer your group two amazing options to travel south to the Red City of Marrakech, you decide the vibe:

  • 🚄 Option A (The High-Speed Bullet Train): We will book your tickets for Morocco’s famous high-speed train, Al Boraq. You will zip across the country in total comfort and arrive in Marrakech in record time, giving you a full afternoon to explore the city!
  • 🚐 Option B (The Ultimate Road Trip): Prefer to stay together and have fun on the road? You can travel in your private, modern minivan with your professional, English-speaking driver. It’s a fun, lively road trip where you can play your own music, chat, and make comfortable stops along the way.

Whichever you choose, you will spend the evening diving into the electric energy of Djemaa el-Fna square, exploring the vibrant souks, and enjoying a magical dinner on a rooftop terrace overlooking Marrakech.

An early morning departure from Marrakech as we drive up through the breathtaking Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains. We will stop to explore the famous UNESCO World Heritage site of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a historic fortress featured in Gladiator and Game of Thrones. From there, we continue our journey toward the spectacular golden dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga.

  • Flexible Arrival Note (Tailored for Your Comfort): Because student groups travel differently, we keep this day flexible. If we arrive early, you will mount camels right away for a sunset trek to our Sahara Desert Camp for dinner and a night under the stars. If your group arrives later in the evening, you will spend a relaxing night at a beautiful desert hotel/Riad first, and enjoy your camel trek and camp experience the following evening.

Wake up to a stunning desert sunrise. Today is all about immersing yourself in the Sahara! We will hop into a 4×4 jeep for an exciting off-road adventure. First, we will visit authentic Nomad families in their traditional tents to learn about their unique lifestyle, and then explore the ancient mineral mines of Mifis. After that, we hit the historic Dakar Rally route across the black desert to reach Khamlia village, where you will sit back and listen to the spiritual rhythms of Gnawa music. We will also see the seasonal lake of Dayet Srij (often filled with flamingos) and take a peaceful walk through the lush green Merzouga palm groves. Of course, you can grab a board and enjoy sandboarding down the massive dunes before wrapping up another unforgettable night in the desert.

early to catch a magical desert sunrise. After breakfast, the adventure starts right away as you ride Quad Bikes (ATVs) from the desert camp back across the golden dunes to Merzouga! From there, we say goodbye to the dunes and travel north through the spectacular Ziz Valley, home to Morocco’s largest palm oases and dramatic gorges. We will cross the Middle Atlas Mountains and make a stop in the ancient Cedar Forest of Azrou to meet and feed the wild Barbary macaque monkeys. After a quick stop in Ifrane (the “Switzerland of Morocco”), we arrive in the imperial city of Fes in the evening to relax at a beautiful Riad and enjoy a traditional dinner.

After breakfast, we depart Fes and head into the Rif Mountains to visit the world-famous blue city of Chefchaouen. You will have a few hours to explore its stunning blue-washed alleys, snap beautiful photos, and shop for local souvenirs. In the afternoon, we take the fast route back to the coast. We guarantee to drop you off at Tangier Port a full day early before your ship’s final embarkation deadline. This ensures a completely stress-free end to your Moroccan adventure, giving you an extra open day to relax or explore Tangier!

Option 3: 5 Days Morocco Student Trip (Tangier – Fes – Midelt – Merzouga – Marrakech)

This 5 days Morocco student tour is perfectly designed to show you the absolute best of the country. You will visit the enchanting blue city of Chefchaouen, wander the ancient streets of Fes, and spend an unforgettable night in the Sahara Desert after an exciting 4×4 tour. By breaking the drive with a comfortable night in Midelt, you will arrive at the desert early and have plenty of time for adventure. The trip finishes with a smooth drive from Marrakech back to Tangier, ensuring you return to your ship a full day early and completely on time.

Day 1: 22th – Tangier → Chefchaouen → Fes

Your trip begins with a morning pickup from Tangier Port. We head straight into the Rif Mountains to explore the famous blue city of Chefchaouen. You’ll have time to wander its magical blue alleys and snap incredible photos. In the afternoon, we continue our drive to the imperial city of Fes, where you will check into a beautiful traditional Riad and relax for the night.

After breakfast, an expert local guide will take you on a fascinating tour through the ancient Fes Medina (the world’s largest labyrinth). You will visit the famous leather tanneries, historic schools (Madrasas), and colorful souks. In the afternoon, we leave the city behind and drive south towards the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping to spend a relaxing and cozy night in Midelt.

By departing Midelt in the morning, we will arrive at the golden dunes of Merzouga early! We will hop straight into a 4×4 jeep for a thrilling off-road safari. You will visit authentic Nomad families, explore the ancient Mifis mines, and enjoy the spiritual rhythms of Gnawa music in Khamlia village. As the sun begins to set, you will mount your camels for a trek into the heart of the dunes, arriving at our Sahara Desert Camp for a traditional dinner, drum music, and a night under the stars.

(Note: This is a long but incredibly scenic travel day!) We wake up early for a spectacular desert sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, the adventure continues as you ride Quad Bikes (ATVs) from the desert camp back across the golden dunes to Merzouga! Once we meet our vehicle, we hit the road. We cross the breathtaking landscape to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a famous fortress seen in Hollywood movies. From there, we wind through the dramatic Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains, arriving in the electric city of Marrakech in the evening, just in time to see Djemaa el-Fna square come alive at night.

Spend a wonderful morning discovering the highlights of Marrakech on the ultimate semester at sea 5 days Morocco student tour! You can explore the vibrant souks, visit the historic Koutoubia Mosque, or enjoy a fresh juice on a rooftop cafe overlooking Djemaa el-Fna square. After your morning exploration, we offer two flexible choices for your return back north to Tangier Port, ensuring you get back to the coast a full day early before your ship’s final departure:

  • 🚐 Option A (With Your Driver): Continue the journey in your private minivan with your driver for a comfortable and scenic road trip straight back to the coast.
  • 🚄 Option B (The Comfort Train): We will book your ONCF train tickets from Marrakech. You can relax, study, or chat with your friends in a comfortable cabin as you journey back north, reaching Tangier efficiently.

Whichever option you choose, we guarantee a stress-free and smooth arrival at the Tangier Port by the evening of September 26, giving you a whole extra day to relax before your final embarkation deadline!

Option 4: 4 Days Morocco Student Trip (Tangier – Merzouga – Marrakech)

The absolute best choice for fast-paced adventure-seekers who want to check off all of Morocco’s bucket-list highlights, from the blue city and Sahara dunes to imperial Marrakech, in an action-packed, high-energy 4-day Morocco Student Trip. Best of all? You will arrive back in Tangier on September 25th, giving you two full open days to relax before the ship sails!

Day 1: 22th – Tangier Port → Chefchaouen → Midelt

Your adventure kicks off right at the ship pier in Tangier, where our private vehicle and friendly driver await you. We instantly head into the emerald peaks of the Rif Mountains toward the world-famous blue city of Chefchaouen. Here, you will have plenty of time to wander through the captivating, cobalt-washed alleys, snap gorgeous photos for your feed, shop for unique handmade textiles, and enjoy a traditional lunch in the heart of the old Medina. In the afternoon, we hit the road again, watching the landscape shift dramatically as we cross into the Middle Atlas region, arriving by evening in the peaceful mountain town of Midelt for a warm dinner and a comfortable night’s rest

After a hearty breakfast, we journey further south, driving through the breathtaking Ziz Valley, famous for its massive gorges and endless forests of date palms. As the terrain transforms into golden clay, the majestic dunes of Erg Chebbi will appear on the horizon. Upon arriving in Merzouga, we switch directly into an adrenaline-pumping 4×4 jeep tour across the off-road desert tracks! We will visit authentic, hospitable Nomad families living in traditional tents to learn about their resilient lifestyle, explore the deep history of the old mineral mines, and stop by Khamlia village to immerse ourselves in the spiritual, rhythmic beats of live Gnawa music.

Late in the afternoon, the ultimate Sahara highlight begins: you will mount your own camel and trek across the rolling golden dunes as the sun sets, casting incredible colors across the sky. Your camel caravan will lead you straight to our luxury desert camp for a magical evening featuring a traditional Moroccan feast, a cozy campfire with live Berber drumming, and a night sleeping under a star-studded Sahara sky.

Set your alarm early to witness a breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime Sahara sunrise over the massive golden crests. After filling up on breakfast at the camp, get ready for an ultimate thrill: you will grab the handlebars of a Quad Bike (ATV) and ride across the rolling dunes all the way back to Merzouga! Once we reconnect with our main vehicle, we embark on a spectacular cross-country drive. We will traverse the winding roads of the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the famous Tizi n’Tichka pass, offering panoramic views of ancient earthen Berber villages tucked into the mountainsides. By evening, we arrive in the legendary imperial city of Marrakech, checking into our accommodations to relax and soak in the city’s electric atmosphere.

Wake up ready to dive into the magic of Marrakech! We start the morning with an insightful local guide who will lead you through the city’s historical wonders, including the landmark Koutoubia Mosque and the buzzing, colorful souks packed with spices, lanterns, and leather goods. You will finish the morning experiencing the unforgettable street performance energy of the iconic Djemaa el-Fna square. After a delicious lunch, we transition to our high-efficiency return route back north. You will arrive at Tangier Port on the evening of September 25th, ensuring you are back by the coast with two full days to spare! Choose your preferred travel style for the journey back:

  • Vans/Minivans line the highway for a direct, comfortable group road trip straight to the coast.
  • We can secure your comfortable ONCF train tickets from Marrakech, allowing you to relax, study, or share photos with your friends in a spacious cabin as you glide smoothly back north to Tangier.

Option 5: The 4 Days Morocco Student Tour (Tangier – Merzouga – Fes)

The ultimate route for students who want to experience the magic of the Sahara Desert and the deep history of Fes, while enjoying a smooth, highly efficient loop that brings you back to Tangier with two full days to spare!

Day 1: 22th – Tangier Port → Chefchaouen → Midelt

Your unforgettable 4 Days Morocco Student Tour begins directly at the Tangier ship pier, where your private minivan and driver will pick you up. We drive straight into the breathtaking Rif Mountains toward Chefchaouen, the famous blue city. You will have plenty of time to wander through its charming, cobalt-washed streets, snap incredible photos for your feed, shop for authentic local crafts, and enjoy a traditional lunch. In the afternoon, we continue our scenic drive south through the changing landscapes of the Middle Atlas, arriving by evening in the quiet mountain town of Midelt for a warm dinner and a restful night.

After breakfast, we drive south through the dramatic Ziz Valley palm groves straight to the Sahara. Arriving in Merzouga, the thrill begins with an adrenaline-pumping 4×4 jeep tour for some epic dune driving across the massive golden waves of Erg Chebbi!

During this off-road safari, we will visit authentic Nomad families in their traditional tents, where you can cuddle and take amazing photos with a cute small goat. Next, we head straight to Mifis to explore its historic, old mineral mines, before finishing the tour with the live, rhythmic Gnawa music in Khamlia village. Late in the afternoon, you’ll mount your camel for a magical sunset trek to our desert camp for a traditional feast and a night under the stars.

Wake up early to witness a breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime Sahara sunrise over the dunes. After a filling breakfast at the camp, get ready for a thrilling adventure: you will grab the handlebars of a Quad Bike (ATV) and ride through the open desert dunes back to Merzouga! Once we meet our main vehicle, we travel north toward Fes. Along the way, we stop in the famous Cedar Forest near Azrou to see and feed the friendly wild Barbary macaque monkeys. Next, we visit Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco,” famous for its clean alpine architecture and cool mountain air. By evening, we arrive in the ancient city of Fes to check into our traditional accommodation and relax.

Step back in time as we explore the world’s largest active medieval Medina with an expert local guide! You will wander the labyrinth of historic streets, visit the famous Al-Qarawiyyin University (the oldest continuously operating university in the world), see the vibrant, colorful Chouara Tannery, and admire the stunning architecture of the Royal Palace gates. After a delicious lunch in the heart of the Medina, we take the modern highway straight back north to Tangier Port (arriving on the evening of September 25th). This guarantees you are back by the coast with two full open days to relax, pack, or enjoy Tangier stress-free before the ship departs!

Option 6: The 3 Days Morocco Student Tour (Tangier – Chefchaouen – Fes )

The ultimate cultural loop designed for students who want to pack Morocco’s most famous northern gems, deep ancient history, and imperial legacy into an efficient, high-energy 3 day trip.

Day 1: 22th – Tangier Port → Chefchaouen

Your exciting 3 Days Morocco Student Tour kicks off right at the Tangier ship pier, where your private minivan and driver await you. We drive straight into the scenic Rif Mountains and arrive early in Chefchaouen. This gives you a full day to explore the world-famous blue-washed alleys, snap gorgeous photos for your feed, shop for unique Moroccan crafts, and enjoy dinner overlooking the lively Outa el-Hammam square before spending the night in a cozy local hotel.

After breakfast, we journey south toward Fes, making amazing cultural stops along the way. First, we visit the impressive ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, wandering through historic pathways, standing before towering columns, and admiring beautifully preserved mosaics. Next, we stop in the imperial city of Meknes to explore its grand history, marveling at the monumental Bab Mansour gate and majestic architecture that showcase Morocco’s rich heritage. By late afternoon, we arrive in Fes, the cultural and spiritual heart of the country, where you will check into your traditional Riad and relax.

Step back in time as we explore the world’s largest active medieval Medina with an expert local guide! You will wander the labyrinth of historic streets, visit the famous Al-Qarawiyyin University, see the vibrant Chouara Tannery, and admire the stunning Royal Palace gates. After lunch, we take the modern highway straight back north to Tangier Port, arriving on the evening of September 24th. This guarantees you are back safely by the coast with three full open days to relax and enjoy Tangier before the ship departs!

Option 7: Semester at Sea Morocco Student Day Trips

The ultimate flexibility! If you prefer to keep your cruise ship cabin as your base and avoid packing bags for overnight hotel stays, these high-efficiency, same-day round trips are designed perfectly for you. Explore Morocco’s highlights by day and return comfortably to your ship by evening.

Option A: Morocco Student Day Trip from Tangier to Casablanca and Rabat

A powerful, full-day journey packed with modern Moroccan history, grand political landmarks, and breathtaking coastal architecture.

  • Morning – Casablanca’s Grand Architecture: Your private minivan picks you up early from the Tangier pier. We take the high-speed route straight south to Casablanca. Here, you will marvel at the majestic Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest and most stunning mosques in the world, built right over the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll also catch a glimpse of the famous beachfront Corniche and the city’s vibrant Art Deco heritage.

  • Afternoon – Rabat’s Imperial Legacy: Next, we drive up to Rabat, the historic capital of Morocco. You will explore the magnificent Hassan Tower, stand before the grand Mohammed V Mausoleum, and wander through the stunning blue-and-white clifftop fortress of the Kasbah of the Udayas, overlooking the ocean.

  • Evening – Smooth Return: After an incredible day of exploration, your driver takes you comfortably back up north, arriving safely at Tangier Port in the evening, right to your ship’s doorstep.

Option B: Morocco Student Day Trip from Tangier to Chefchaouen and Tetouan

A scenic, high-energy escape into the Rif Mountains to experience Morocco’s most photogenic blue paradise and its deeply artistic Andalusian heritage.

  • Morning – The Hidden Gem of Tetouan: Leaving the Tangier pier early, our first stop is the fascinating city of Tetouan. Known for its deep Andalusian-Moorish soul, you will enjoy a quick, captivating stroll through its UNESCO-listed Medina, admiring the striking white-washed architecture and the historic Royal Palace gates.

  • Afternoon – The Dreamy Blue Alleys of Chefchaouen: We drive higher into the dramatic Rif Mountains to reach Chefchaouen, the world-famous “Blue Pearl.” You will have a fantastic afternoon wandering through the enchanting, cobalt-washed labyrinth of streets. It is the perfect time to snap iconic photos for your feed, shop for beautiful hand-woven local blankets and crafts, and enjoy a delicious lunch in the lively Outa el-Hammam square.

  • Evening – Back to the Coast: As the sun sets, we take the scenic mountain roads straight back, dropping you off safely at Tangier Port by the evening for a stress-free return to your ship.

Gallery of SAS Morocco student tours

A large group of international university students from the Semester at Sea program posing together on top of golden sand dunes in the Moroccan desert during sunset. The students are smiling, wearing traditional colorful desert headscarves, and holding up two white banners—one featuring the "Semester at Sea" cruise ship logo and the other showing the "Exploring Morocco Trips" camel logo. In the foreground, sandboarding equipment lies on the desert sand.
Two university students sitting on a sandboard, holding a flag during their Semester at Sea Morocco student tours, enjoying sandboarding down the Sahara Desert dunes as part of custom Morocco student trips and Marrakech student trips with 4x4 vehicles in the background.
Four university students wearing traditional turbans standing on top of a white 4x4 Land Rover during their Semester at Sea Morocco student tours, exploring the Sahara dunes on custom Morocco student trips and Marrakech student trips.
A group of university friends posing together in front of the historic Ait Ben Haddou kasbah during their Semester at Sea Morocco student tours, exploring famous heritage sites on their custom Morocco student trips and Marrakech student trips.
Three smiling female university students enjoying a hot air balloon ride over the scenic landscape during their Semester at Sea Morocco student tours, experiencing top activities on their custom Morocco student trips and Marrakech student trips.

Extra Activities to Customize Your Tour

Want to make your Moroccan adventure even more unforgettable? You can easily add these thrilling experiences and cultural activities to your customized itinerary!

🎈 1. Hot Air Balloon Ride (Marrakech)

  • The Experience: Wake up before dawn and take to the skies! You will float peacefully above the historic plains of Marrakech and the stunning Atlas Mountains just as the sun rises, painting the landscape in deep gold and pink.
  • Includes: A traditional Berber breakfast in a tent after landing and an official flight certificate.
  • Perfect for: Students looking for spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime photos and a breathtaking start to their day.

🍳 2. Traditional Moroccan Cooking Class (Fes)

  • The Experience: Dive deep into Morocco’s famous culinary secrets inside the ancient Medina of Fes. You will start by visiting the local souk with a chef to select fresh spices and ingredients, then learn how to mix spices, roll couscous, or slow-cook an authentic, savory Moroccan Tagine.
  • Includes: A full lunch or dinner where you get to enjoy the delicious meal you cooked yourself!
  • Perfect for: Foodies and students who want to bring a taste of Moroccan culture back home.

🐎 3. Horse Riding Trails (Merzouga Sahara Desert)

  • The Experience: Trade the camels for a majestic Arabian horse! Feel the freedom as you gallop or enjoy a peaceful ride along the edges of the golden Erg Chebbi dunes during the magical sunset or sunrise.
  • Includes: A professional local guide and well-trained, gentle horses suitable for all riding levels (beginners to advanced).
  • Perfect for: Animal lovers and adventure seekers looking for a romantic, cinematic desert experience.

🏎️ 4. Adrenaline Buggy Safari (Merzouga Desert)

  • The Experience: If you love speed, this is the ultimate desert thrill. Take control of a powerful, professional Dune Buggy and smash through the massive golden sand dunes of Merzouga! It is a fast, rugged, and incredibly fun off-road safari.
  • Includes: High-end Buggy rental, safety gear (helmets/goggles), and an expert guide leading the track.
  • Perfect for: Ultimate adrenaline junkies and groups of friends looking to challenge the Sahara dunes.

Contact form

Whether you are gathering a small group of friends from the ship, coordinating a larger university circle, or planning a custom route with your cabin mates, our team is here to build the absolute best Semester at Sea Morocco student tours for you.

Simply fill out the form below with your group size, preferred travel option, and any specific adrenaline activities or extra stops you want to add to your itinerary.

Once you submit your details, our local travel experts will get back to you within 24 hours with a fully customized, high-value student group quote. Let’s make your limited days in Morocco the absolute highlight of your Fall 2026 voyage!

Name

Frequently Asked Questions – Semester at Sea Morocco Tours

Here are the most frequently asked questions about our specialized Semester at Sea Morocco student tours, relaxed desert trips, and custom itineraries. If you, your university group, your family, or your travel club have any other questions regarding our fast-paced student loops, slow-paced routes, transport logistics, safety measures, or custom pricing, please feel free to contact us anytime! Our local team is here 24/7 to help you plan the perfect, worry-free Moroccan getaway at your own exact pace.

How do we book as a group, and is there a student discount?

The best way to save money is to gather a group of friends from the ship! Since we run private tours, the price per person drops significantly as your group size increases. Once you have your group ready, contact us via WhatsApp or our booking form with your selected option, and we will send you a custom group quote.

As professional tour operators, we understand how strict the ship’s schedule is. All our itineraries (whether the 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, or same-day trips) are precisely timed to bring you back to Tangier with hours, or even days, to spare. Your safety and timely return to the ship are our absolute top priorities.

We offer door-to-door service. Our private minivans and professional drivers will pick you up directly from the Tangier ship pier right after you disembark, and we will drop you off exactly at the same pier at the end of the tour. No stressful taxi hunting or navigating transit on your own.

Yes, 100%! We specialize in custom student group travel. If you want to add a Hot Air Balloon ride in Marrakech, a Cooking Class in Fes, or go Buggy riding in the Sahara, just let us know when booking. We can adapt any route to fit your group’s specific interests and budget.

The desert weather can surprise you! We recommend bringing:

  • Comfortable walking shoes/sneakers and sunglasses.
  • Layers (a warm jacket or sweater), as the desert dunes can get quite chilly at night.
  • A small backpack/overnight bag so you don’t have to carry your massive luggage into the dunes.
  • A power bank to keep your phone charged for all those photos!

Yes, easily! Moroccan hospitality is famous for being incredibly accommodating. Whether you are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or have specific food allergies, just let us know before the tour starts. We will arrange delicious, authentic Moroccan meals (like vegetable tagines and fresh salads) tailored to your dietary needs at every stop and at the desert camp.

Most traditional Riads, hotels, and even our desert camps offer free Wi-Fi. However, since we will be traveling through mountain passes and open desert tracks, the connection can sometimes be unstable on the road. If you need constant high-speed internet for studying or staying in touch, we highly recommend picking up a cheap local e-SIM or physical SIM card (like Maroc Telecom or Orange) at the Tangier port when you arrive.

To secure your private vehicle, driver, and hotel/desert camp bookings, we require a small deposit via a secure online payment method. The remaining balance can be paid upon arrival in cash (Euros, or Moroccan Dirhams). Group bookings are handled together to make sure you get the best combined student rate.

Don’t worry! We closely monitor the Semester at Sea ship schedules and coordinates. If your ship is delayed due to weather or port traffic, we will automatically adjust our pickup time to match your new arrival schedule. Since these are 100% private tours just for your group, our driver will be waiting at the pier whenever you walk off the ship.

Morocco is a very welcoming and safe country for international students and tourists. Tourism is a major industry here, and locals are famous for their warm hospitality. By traveling in a private vehicle with an experienced local driver and licensed guides, you will bypass the stress of navigating public transit or getting lost, allowing you to explore the country with total peace of mind.

Not part of Semester at Sea? Looking for a Custom Route?

No problem at all! If you are not traveling with the Semester at Sea program and just want to experience the absolute best of Morocco at your own pace, you are in the perfect place.

Below, you can explore our wide variety of standard, fully customizable Morocco desert tours starting from major hubs like Casablanca, Fes, or Marrakech.

Can’t find the exact itinerary you are looking for? Don’t worry for a second! Just send us a message with your travel dates, preferred starting city, and what you want to see. Our local expert team will gladly design a 100% tailor-made journey built exactly around your specific schedule, interests, and budget.

Morocco Tours from Marrakech

Morocco Tours from Casablanca

Morocco Desert Tours from Fes

Scroll to Top