In Marrakech, Morocco, Jemaa el-Fna Square was bustling with activity, with flute players, snake charmers, fruit vendors and Guerrab water sellers wearing distinctive red robes and conical hats while carrying goatskin water bags and shiny cups.
Our group gathered under a shady umbrella and sat on small stools arranged on a carpet as cool, wet, scented towels were passed around so we could refresh ourselves as we soaked up the sights and sounds of the square.
The UNESCO-listed square is a site for traditional storytelling, and we listened intently as Zouhair Khaznaoui (who is known as a Hakawati — a practitioner in the art of Hikayat, or storytelling) shared stories during this break on our visit to Marrakech. We were experiencing a preview of a new itinerary from National Geographic Expeditions’ Signature Expeditions with G Adventures, a collection of expert-led, small-group trips for clients seeking more immersion and insight while traveling.
The group gathered at Jemaa el-Fna Square.
Credit: 2026 G Adventures
Khaznaoui accompanied us for much of the day, joining us at Bahia Palace, where he shared its architecture and history through story; we also explored the rich cultural heritage of Madrasa Ben Youssef, which was once an Islamic school and is now a UNESCO site. And we spent time wandering through Marrakech’s labyrinthine medina, soaking in the scents, sights, sounds and flavors.
While our preview focused on Marrakech, the full 13-day Signature: Morocco's Fez, Marrakech & The Sahara Desert expedition will include a number of other destinations, including Casablanca, Fes and the Sahara Desert. Trips depart beginning March 2027, with prices starting at $10,999 per person.
The Difference Between Signature Expeditions and Other Tour Styles From G Adventures/National Geographic Expeditions
The Signature Expeditions are the continuation of a more than decade-long collaboration between National Geographic Expeditions and G Adventures. The new expeditions join National Geographic Journeys and National Geographic Family Journeys in the lineup, which offer a casual service level and a lower price point. For example, the 15-day Journeys: Morocco in Depth itinerary starts at $2,559 per person, and the nine-day Morocco Family Journey: Ancient Souks to the Sahara starts at $1,899 per person.
The new National Geographic Signature with G Adventures expeditions, meanwhile, focus on high-end, expert-led experiences with opportunities for Signature Moments that provide rare access, with offerings such as out-of-hours museum access and private dining. Depending on the number of days, each itinerary includes one or two Signature Moments. Our time with Khaznaoui was the featured Signature Moment during our trip.
Rich storytelling helped the itinerary come to life.
Credit: 2026 G Adventures
Each Signature Expedition is accompanied by not only a National Geographic Expedition Leader, but also a National Geographic Expedition Expert — a historian, archaeologist, biologist or other leader in their field who can provide unique insight into the destination. Our Expedition Expert was Khadija Amahal, a Moroccan Amazigh woman who is a Ph.D. student and an expert on education and youth empowerment. She added an incredible amount of local knowledge and perspective to our time in Morocco.
Leah Whitfield, director of global communications for G Adventures, says traveling with Expedition Experts is a huge draw for clients.
Having the privilege of traveling with these amazing experts throughout the whole trip and really building relationships with them sets these new Signature Expeditions apart.
“Having the privilege of traveling with these amazing experts throughout the whole trip and really building relationships with them sets these new Signature Expeditions apart,” she said.
After a day exploring Marrakech, including UNESCO historic sites, teahouses and delicious restaurants where we enjoyed an assortment of tagines, pastillas, couscous and other incredible local dishes, we spent the next day about an hour outside the city.
Travelers have the chance to try local dishes.
Credit: 2026 G AdventuresWe traveled to Akrich village to visit the Women’s Cooperative of Achbarou, where we enjoyed the expedition’s community tourism component. Here, women preserve their Amazigh heritage through carpet weaving while promoting their own economic empowerment.
We watched the women create beautiful carpets from wool, and we had the chance to try our hand at a few of the steps under the experts’ watchful guidance; we attempted to card and spin the wool, and even weave the carpets. We shared a delicious lunch that the women prepared and learned about their lives and community, before taking time to dance together.
Guests have planted nearly 6 million trees through the Trees for Days initiative. Guests have planted nearly 6 million trees through the Trees for Days initiative.
Credit: 2026 G AdventuresWe also took time to plant a few trees as part of G Adventures’ Trees for Days initiative, which has planted nearly 6 million trees to date. The tree planting only took a few minutes — the holes were pre-dug and everything was laid out and ready for us — before we sat down in the shade to share tea and snacks, and chat with local farmers.
The new National Geographic Signature with G Adventures collection features itineraries around the world, from South Africa, Switzerland, Peru and Vietnam to Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. These itineraries can also be arranged as private departures for clients.
The properties for Signature Expeditions are elevated, and in Marrakech, we stayed at The Oberoi, a five-star property featuring villas with private pools. But guests who participate in Signature Expeditions are looking for more than just a luxury experience, according to Yves Marceau, vice president of product for G Adventures. He says when people select these expeditions, they’re looking for a deep immersive journey.
"They want something more than just a tour,” Marceau said. “They want to understand a destination.”
