EF Ultimate Break Morocco Review: The Highlights of Morocco
EF Ultimate Break has a vast array of travel destinations to choose from for your next trip. From exploring the cities of Europe to the jungles of South America, there’s truly a trip for every adventurer. One place in particular has become a trending destination for 2025: Morocco. I visited this beautiful North African country with EF Ultimate Break and it is truly a can’t-miss destination. That being said, is going there with EF Ultimate Break worth it? I’ll break down what EF Ultimate Break Morocco is like and if the Highlights of Morocco tour is worth it!
EF Ultimate Break Morocco
If you’re not familiar with EF Ultimate Break, it’s basically a group travel company for people 18-35. They offer a variety of planned-for-you trips to destinations around the world. It’s a great way to travel if you’re solo (but don’t want to be!), are looking to make new friends, or are simply trying to learn the ropes of traveling abroad. I’ve been on three EF Ultimate Break trips and have experienced 8 countries with them, and I do really enjoy them- my next one is the Sicily and Malta trip (check it out here!)
EF Ultimate Break offers two trips to Morocco: Highlights of Morocco and Spain, Morocco, and Portugal. The EF Ultimate Break Morocco trip we’ll be discussing today is the former, Highlights of Morocco. Disclaimer: I went on a modified version of the Highlights of Morocco tour- so may personal experiences and accommodation may not be exact; the tour and experiences overall will be very similar. Buckle up!
Why Visit Morocco?
I’ll be honest- Morocco was never high on my destination list. Why? Simply because it’s not talked about enough! With a rich culture, lively environments, and delicious food, there’s no shortage of things to do in Morocco. This is what EF Ultimate Break has to say about Morocco:
“Want a little more out of life? We got you, Morocco is the home of more. Like the world’s largest desert, vibrant markets, exotic foods, and more—like Moorish architecture. When this adventure comes to an end, you’ll be begging for even more Morocco.
And they’re totally right! I can’t wait to visit Morocco again. So if you were hesitant about making it your next 2025 destination, just go! Now, for the actual Highlights of Morocco Trip:
The Highlights of Morocco EF Ultimate Break Trip: An Overview
EF’s Highlight’s of Morocco tour is 11 days, and you’ll visit 5 different cities. The activity level is moderate; so while you won’t need to start a new fitness regime, you will definitely get your steps in on some exciting adventures. This specific tour is also an EF Ultimate Break Plus tour. Here’s what that means:
Stay in hotel-style accommodations and room with just one other person. Designed for friends, couples, or anyone that just values their me time, Plus combines an immersive itinerary with more space to unwind.
Think of it as a bit more ‘luxurious’ style trip- meaning no hostels and more premier dining and accommodation experiences. Prices for the Highlights of Morocco trip start at $1969 (before flights).
Here’s what’s included in the price of the trip:
- Round-trip flights & airport transfers (or book ’em yourself)
- 9 nights in handpicked accommodations
- 8 breakfasts
- Welcome and farewell dinners
- Four authentic Moroccan dinners
- Expert Tour Director
- 24/7 support from our travel gurus
- 4 insider city tours with local guides
- Entrance to Bahia Palace
- Admission to Atlas Studios
- Excursion to Moulay Ali Cherif and Ksar El Fida
Trip Overview
Now, let’s get into how the trip went! Just a little reminder, my itinerary was a modified version of the Highlights of Morocco tour. So, if you book the trip, you may not experience all of the things I did (and you may get to do extra things too!). Here’s the general itinerary (and what I thought of these experiences):
Day 1: Overnight Flight to Morocco
This one is pretty self explanatory; just head to the airport, catch the appropriate flights, and you’re off to Morocco! I flew from CVG airport to JFK in New York. What I love about flying to your EF Ultimate Break destination is that while waiting for your flight, you’ll probably meet some of the people you’ll be with on tour! I met most of my group before security and they were lovely. We even had dinner before our flight to Morocco with Air Maroc.
Day 2: Arrive in Marrakesh + Welcome Dinner
Welcome to Morocco! After arriving in Casablanca and a short flight to Marrakesh, we met our EF Ultimate break tour director, Adnane. We then boarded our bus and checked into our hotel, Kenzi Rose Garden. This hotel? STUNNING. We were immediately greeted by porters to take our bags. Once we stepped inside, we were given our first taste of ‘Moroccan Whiskey’- Moroccan Mint Tea. It was hot, fresh, and sweet, giving us our first incredible taste of Morocco. With a stunning pool area, bar, spas, and clean room, you could easily see why Kenzi Rose Garden is a 5 star hotel in Marrakesh.
Usually with EF Ultimate Break trips, you’ll have a few hours after you arrive to freshen up, get some rest, or even explore before getting the tour officially started. A few of us opted for a quick snack and a pool day at the hotel before getting ready for the welcome dinner.
Prior to the Welcome Dinner on every EF tour, you’ll meet to go over a general itinerary and basic information about the tour and itinerary; you’ll cover topics such as tipping, currency exchanges and banking, and what to wear ((here’s some ideas for what to wear in Morocco!)
The Welcome Dinner for EF Ultimate Break Morocco starts at Jemaa el-Fnaa, Marrakech’s famous and lively square. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this square is the place to be every night in Morocco. You’ll find tons of food stalls as well as live entertainment such as magic tricks, dancing, and more. The atmosphere was incredible! We then headed to a local Riad in the square for our dinner. When you visit Morocco, you’ll be visiting tons of Riads. They’re often described as traditional residences with an open-air central square. They’re often used as hotels or restaurants and are absolutely stunning!
And our true Moroccan dinner experience started: We started with wine and a traditional Moroccan, ‘salad’, which includes bread and veggies such as lentils, carrots, potatoes, and more. Then, we were served tagine, which refers to both the meal and clay dish it is served in. It’s a sort of stew almost, with roasted meat (we had lemon chicken and spicy beef), vegetables, and an array of traditional Moroccan spices such as ginger, cardamom, tumeric, and even cinnamon. It was delicious! Additionally, the cost of the welcome dinner is always included in the cost of the EF Ultimate Break Highlights of Morocco trip (and all other EF Ultimate Break trips!)
Dinner ended with mint tea and some live entertainment such as belly dancing and traditional Moroccan music. It was a lively night full of fun, food, and getting to know our group and Moroccan culture better. We ended the night with another walk through the square and even participated in some of the entertainment (you will need to tip the entertainers, keep this in mind! ). It was a highly enjoyable first day!
Day 3: Explore Marrakesh + Optional Night out at Nouba: Dinner & Live Entertainment
Day 3 was without a doubt one of my favorite days of the EF Ultimate Break Morocco tour! You’ll start with breakfast (included at Kenzi Rose Garden Marrakech) and start with a walking tour around Marrakech. Our tour guide Adnane was incredibly knowledgeable about the city and its rich history. The tour started off with a stop at the Koutoubia Mosque, a stunning 12th century mosque nestled in the heart of Marrakech. The Mosque is currently open to only external visits for tourists, however I highly recommend a walk around the gardens. You may just run into the Gharrib, or water-sellers. Historically, these men were important in distributing water in the dry climate, however today they are typically a source of entertainment/cultural enrichment for tourists.
Excursion Activity: Aux 100000 Epices
Our second stop on the walking tour was a REALLY fun one! If you know me, you know I have an affinity for all things health, wellness, and beauty. Adnane explained that we would be heading to the best Herborist in Morocco, Aux 100000 Epices. We arrived to see a woman making actual Moroccan Argan Oil (no, not the kind you get at Sephora- the real Moroccan Argan Oil which can only be gotten in Morocco!). We were going to learn all about Moroccan wellness and beauty practices, and do some shopping while we were at it! I was so here for it.
We headed into a room to get started with the activity. We were served some more Moroccan mint tea (you’ll become obsessed with this on your trip to Morocco, trust me!), given some big baskets, and gathered on a bench. One of the Herborists began a presentation on traditional Moroccan spices, health and wellness remedies, and beauty products. Everything she explained was passed around so that we could all experience it; we smelled the spices for cooking, tried some herbal remedies for common, everyday ailments, and got to sample some facial creams and argan oil. She even used me to model some traditional kohl eyeliner and Berber lipstick!
At the end, she reminded us of each item we went over and if you want to buy something, you just raise your hand and they’ll put one in your basket. It was a really fun and interactive way to do some shopping, and since it was an all-girls group, we definitely did some damage! Here’s some items I picked up to give you a good idea of what you can expect:
- Moroccan 7 spice mix
- Moroccan Mint Tea
- Argan Oil
- Argan Face Cream
- Rose Lip balm
- Berber Lipstick
Overall, the entire group loved this experience at Aux 100000 Epices. Definitely recommend for any trip to Marrakech!
Bahia Palace
Next up was the stunning Bahia Palace. Built in the late 1800’s, this palace is a stunning piece of architecture in the middle of Marrakech. It’s a piece of art you will absolutely LOVE on your EF Ultimate Break Morocco trip. Afterwards, we had a quick lunch at a Riad close-by. We tried the official dish of Morocco there: couscous! It was delicious. Then, we had a bit of free time before dinner.
Dinner and Live Entertainment at Nouba
Next up on the EF Ultimate Break Highlights of Morocco tour is an optional night out and dinner at Nouba! This place was unreal. You’ll experience an upscale, gorgeous environment (be sure to dress up!), and delicious, often Asian-inspired food. We had quite the spread- including wine, lychee cocktails, spring rolls, cashew chicken and spicy beef, and even sushi! We also tried some cakes and other delicious desserts. While we dined in this gorgeous restaurant, we saw some incredible live entertainment! From aerial silks to belly-dancing to fire-eaters, it was an unforgettable dinner! I highly recommend booking this excursion for your EF Ultimate Break Morocco trip.
Day 4: Free Day in Marrakesh + Optional Moroccan Cooking Class
This is the final full day in Marrakech. After breakfast, you’ll had to Chez Jafar Adouar for a fun-filled morning. Jafar is a talented artist, and you’ll meet him, have some mint tea, and have an (optional) authentic Moroccan cooking class! We split into teams to all make our own bread and chicken tagine. It was really fun learning more about Moroccan food and recipes.
While the food cooks, you’ll get to dress up in some fun outfits and take a tour with Jafar around his mini-Morocco exhibit- and it is absolutely stunning! There’s even the option to go swimming at Chez Jafar Adouar. When we finally got to eat our tagine- it was delicious!
Next up was exploring Jardin Majorelle. One of the largest and most stunning gardens in Morocco, you’ll view a beautiful array of botanicals and impressive blue and yellow architecture. French Designer Yves Saint Laurent actually purchased the gardens, lived there, and had his ashes spread there; you can see the monument dedicated to him. While we didn’t visit it on the EF Ultimate Break Morocco tour, there is the YSL museum just down the street.
Additional Activities (not included on the EF Ultimate Break Highlights of Morocco Tour Itinerary)
Later this evening, our group also participated in two more activities that are not currently mentioned on the EF website- so you may have to do these in your free time. The first was a traditional Moroccan Hammam- which was definitely an experience. Basically, it’s a spa-like experience in which we received a full wash and scrub down complete with a full body massage afterward. It was incredibly relaxing and we felt brand new afterwards! Fair warning for my shy readers: many of us brought bikinis to wear in the Hammam, as you’re typically in a room with other people. However, we were not allowed to wear anything other than a small paper thong. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
The other activity was a walk through the Medina to take a look at the shops. We ended up back in the Jemaa el-Fnaa square to do a food tour for dinner. We had snails, a traditional Moroccan soup, Kabobs, and ended with a 50 spice tea (yes, it was a lot). Overall, my experience in Marrakech with EF Ultimate Break was nothing short of incredible.
Day 5: Travel to Ouarzazate via Aït-Ben-Haddou
This day, you’ll say goodbye to Marrakech and hello to your first glimpses of the desert in Morocco! We packed our bags and headed to Ait Benhaddou. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ait Benhaddou is a stunning example of Moroccan clay architecture and has been inhabited since the 11th century, with it being a historically important stop on the Saharan trade route. Additionally, Ait Benhaddou is famous as a filming location for Hollywood blockbuster such as Gladiator and The Mummy (one of my favorites!).
We had a great traditional Moroccan lunch and then headed to the town to get a tour from one of its residents- who actually starred in Gladiator! On this tour, you’ll get to see the real homes and streets of Ait Benhaddou; their lifestyle has been maintained throughout the years and is like stepping back in time almost. It was very interesting and we had a great time.
Atlas Studios is located nearby, so you’ll also make a stop there to see the actual studios in which some of these films were made. Unfortunately, it began raining the day our group visited, so we didn’t get to see it.
Day 6: Explore Ouarzazate + Sightseeing En Route to Erfoud
It’s time to head to the desert! This day will mostly be a travel day, however the sights and stops along the way are so worth it. On the bus ride, you’ll make your way through the beautiful Atlas Mountains. Along the way, you’ll see the villages of the Morocco’s indigenous people, the Berbers.
Valley of the Roses
Did you know that Morocco is known for its roses? As you pass through the High Atlas Mountains, you’ll come across the Valley of Roses in the town of Kelaat M’Gouna. There, you can see thousands upon thousands of rose bushes that bloom in late Spring. On the trip, you’ll make a quick pit stop here to take in the views, enjoy a coffee, and even shop roadside for some rose products such as rose water.
The Berber House
The next stop on the road is a great opportunity for the perfect souvenir from Morocco: an authentic Berber rug! Rugs are very important in Berber culture and have been for hundreds of years. Traditionally made by women, these rugs are handmade (often without any pattern) from local materials and dyes. The rugs are often made for important events such as marriage and can have lots of symbols within the patterns.
The Berber House prides itself on quality rugs, and after getting to hear more about the cultural significance and weaving process, you’ll have the opportunity to shop around for your very own Moroccan rug! Be aware- HAGGLING is a MUST! They will try to get the highest price possible out of you. Name a low price, and go from there to get the best deal.
Todra Gorge
The last stop on the road is Todra Gorge. It’s an absolutely stunning limestone river canyon and one of the best spots to go hiking in all of Morocco. The views are breathtaking!
Day 7: Explore Erfoud & Erg Chebbi Sand Dunes
Known as ‘The Door to the Desert”, Erfoud is the next stop on the EF Ultimate Break Highlights of Morocco trip . We stayed at a beautiful 4 star hotel here- Kasbah Hotel Xaluca. It was stunning! This is the day you’ll finally be heading to the Sahara Desert. You’ll spend the day in the sand dunes, exploring the vast Sahara (and potentially riding a camel or ATV!). We had this opportunity and it was incredibly fun.
Day 8: Travel to Fez
This day will be a lot slower than the previous ones (and a good day to catch up on some rest!). You’ll hop on a bus for a long ride to Fez, one of the most impressive and historic cities in Morocco. On the way, you’ll make a stop in Ifrane, a beautiful European-inspired city built by the French. Once you arrive in Fez, you’ll stay at the beautiful L’Escale Hotel Fez in the heart of the city.
Day 9: Explore Fez + Optional Dinner & Music Show
Time to explore and experience some of the best shopping opportunities that Morocco has to offer! Your first stop will be the Royal Palace of Fez, or Dar al-Makhzen. This thirteenth-century palace is the Royal residence of the King of Morocco when he visits the city of Fez, and the gilded and bright mosaics make it an incredibly beautiful sight. You’ll only be able to view the outside of the Palace, and possibly only 1-2 areas of it. On our EF Ultimate Break Morocco Tour, we only visited the 20th-century gates at Place des Alaouites. Still, it was incredible to see!
Next up on the Highlights of Morocco tour, you’ll visit a ceramics collective in which you’ll see demonstrations (and maybe try your hand at the pottery wheel as well!). You’ll also get to shop around for some authentic and handmade Moroccan souvenirs such as tagines, mosaic art, and pottery. I took home a beautiful ceramic and silver keepsake box and I love it!
The next part of the tour will be a shopping-lover’s DREAM! You’ll be headed to the Medina of Fez, or Fes el-Bali to explore the winding historical streets. Another UNESCO World Heritage site on this EF Ultimate Break Morocco trip, the Medina is full of shops, markets, and more. I really appreciated having a tour guide on this tour especially during our stay in Fez because of how easy it is to get lost in the Medina- there’s so many twists and turns, and it’s also the largest car-free urban area in the world; so the tunnels and streets are harder to navigate without wider streets. Enjoy the copper district, visit the oldest university in the world, University of Al Quaraouiyine, and authentic Moroccan jewelry. Later on, you’ll have another great Moroccan dinner complete with music and entertainment.
Day 10: Travel to Casablanca via Rabat + Farewell Dinner
This is the last full day of the tour; but it’s still a very exciting one! You’ll stop off in the capital city of Rabat and pay a visit to Hassan Tower. An incomplete tower of a Mosque that began construction in the 12th century, this landmark is as stunning as it is imposing.
Once you arrive in Casablanca, you’ll visit the 2nd largest mosque in Morocco (and the 14th largest in the world!), Hassan II. This place was stunning! Overlooking the Atlantic ocean, this mosque blends traditional Moroccan architecture with modern techniques- complete with titanium doors! While the mosque began construction in the 1980s, it feels timeless.
Next up in Casablanca is one of the best parts of EF Ultimate Break tours: The Farewell dinner! Included in the cost of the tour, the farewell dinner is always a party. Typically, it’s a delicious, traditional dinner at a more upscale restaurant. For the EF Ultimate Break Morocco Tour, you’ll head to the famous Rick’s Cafe- featured in the famous old Hollywood film Casablanca. A three-course meal complete with wine and dessert was the perfect ending to the Highlights of Morocco tour.
Day 11: Fly Home
Unfortunately, your EF Ultimate Break Morocco tour has come to an end, and you’ll fly home! If you’re considering going on the Highlight of Morocco tour with EF, I hope this breakdown was helpful for you. You can book the tour through this link for an extra $100 off! Let me know in the comments what you think about this Morocco itinerary!
