Marrakech, Essaouira and the Atlas Mountains in 1 week

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Discovery day

  

  Morocco is a world apart, rich in sights, smells, and sounds. A private transfer from the airport to your hotel. To get to know the Red City, venture onto Jemaa el-Fna square and stroll through the souks, discovering the corners of the north. Then, lose yourself in the terracotta walls of the old city, but don't let yourself be overwhelmed by the frenzy of sounds and vehicles. When it all becomes too much, find a romantic spot on a rooftop terrace around Jemaa el-Fna, order a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, and watch the crowd from above as the sun sets. Dinner will be outside tonight, then transfer back to your hotel.

• day 2

  A day in Essaouira

  

  Follow in the footsteps of Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix and visit Essaouira on Morocco’s southern coast. It’s a perfect coastal town, with dazzling whitewashed walls and crashing Atlantic waves. Obviously, the rockers of the 60s were not the main influence on this town. The Berbers, Carthaginians, Portuguese, English, Bambaras, and Jews all played their part. The Medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site where local artisans create and sell their goods. The soft sandy beach is a world away from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech and is an ideal place to relax, far from touts and reckless motorcyclists. Highlights of the Essaouira day trip: • The Medina of Essaouira was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in Morocco in 2001. • Enjoy the peace and artistic spirit of the city of Essaouira. • Visit the souks and shops of the old town. • Visit a cooperative where argan oil is extracted. • Take a walk along the beach and the old port of Essaouira. Your day trip to Essaouira from Marrakech will begin after breakfast with a drive along the fertile plains of Haouz to the town of Chichaoua, where you will stop for coffee before continuing to Essaouira. On the way, you will pass through the argan tree forest, where you can see goats climbing the trees. To discover how argan is extracted, you can visit a local women’s cooperative and understand how some natural cosmetics are locally made from the precious argan seed. Afterwards, we will continue to Essaouira. Upon arrival, you will explore the beautiful city with your guide. Next, set off to discover the fishing port of Essaouira. Cross the medina with its souks and traditional stalls, and discover the art galleries as well as the authentic woodworking workshops. Explore the art of cedar wood inlay and enjoy the beautiful objects presented by artisans through the medina’s alleys. Visit the ramparts and gates of Essaouira, its borj and military buildings, as well as its two main fortifications: the Sqala of the Kasbah and the Sqala of the port. For windsurfing or kitesurfing enthusiasts, Essaouira’s unique climate and geographical position have made it a prime spot for these two sports, hence its nickname "Wind City." Above all, don’t miss savoring a souiri tagine or a superb fish dish (a specialty of Essaouira) in one of the seaside restaurants. A day trip to Essaouira from Marrakech is by far the most appreciated tour by our clients: many of them discover this hidden gem for the first time and immediately decide to return for a short break in the calm and hippie atmosphere of Essaouira. From experience, exploring Essaouira is simple: the locals are very friendly, the medina is quite small (compared to other cities in Morocco) and its streets are well organized. You certainly don’t need a guide to tour the city. If you insist, your driver will help you hire a local guide to visit the city. In the late afternoon, return to Marrakech. Your day trip to Essaouira will end at your hotel, with dinner and overnight at the hotel.

• day 3

  Atlas Mountains

  

  Now, you are probably ready for a break from the hustle and bustle, so you will head towards the Atlas Mountains that you have admired through the rooftops of your hotel room. Imlil is about an hour's drive into the High Atlas and is the starting point for some picturesque trails winding through welcoming Berber villages. If you visit in winter or early spring, the mountains are still covered in snow – an absolutely breathtaking sight. Highlights of the day trip to Imlil: • Discover the Imlil valley and explore the Atlas Mountains • Visit the weekly souk in Tahanoute (Tuesday) and the souk in Asni (Saturday) • Admire the Moulay Brahim gorges. • Cross the village of Imlil (Berber village at 1150 m altitude). • Berber welcome lunch • Enjoy a hike or a mule ride around the Berber villages. Your day trip to Imlil will start at 9:00 am from your hotel in a private vehicle for a 2-hour drive to the Moulay Brahim gorges. Then, you will visit the Berber village of Asni, very popular for its weekly market. Afterwards, we will cross Imlil, a vibrant green valley that remains cool and lush, even during the hottest days of summer. Imlil is indeed a small village located at the foot of the highest mountains in Morocco, including Mount Toubkal. Upon arrival at the village of Arremd (1843 m), located in the upper foothills of the Western High Atlas, the main path, with streams and trails branching in all directions, will lead you to your lunch which will be served in a Berber house. Then, you can take a walk before returning to Marrakech.

• day 4

  Recovery time and guided walk

  

  After all this exercise, you will need a hammam – similar to the Turkish bath, but with a Moroccan touch. The basic package includes a scrub: a rigorous exfoliation with a rough glove and black soap. Later, walk to the outskirts of the souks, away from the touristy side surrounding the square. The Souk Sebbaghine, the Dyers' Souk, is filled with floating threads of freshly dyed wool. Other noteworthy diversions include the Criée Berbère (carpet souk), the Souk Haddadine (blacksmiths), the Souk des Bijoux (jewelry), and the Souk Smata (traditional leather shoes). End your relaxing day with cocktails in a piano bar. Closer to the medina, Les Jardins de la Koutoubia serves beautifully presented cocktails to the sound of a baby grand piano.

• day 5

  Time travel and free day to explore the new city and shopping centers, carriage ride.

  

  There is more to Marrakech than souks and snake charmers. Explore beyond the ramparts to the districts of Gueliz and Hivernage. There you will find many shops popular with wealthy locals and those who do not wish to bother with bargaining. There are also many street cafés and stylish bars, as well as nightclubs that attract upper-class crowds. Later, at 6 p.m., you will be taken by carriage for a breathtaking tour around the city walls, then return to your hotel.

• day 6

  Yves Saint Laurent Majorelle Gardens and André Heller ANIMA Garden

  

  After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Majorelle Gardens and then to the Anima Garden. Majorelle Garden A masterpiece blending Matisse colors and nature, the Majorelle Gardens were designed by the French artist Jacques Majorelle over a period of 40 years. Adored by the famous fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, who saved the site from becoming a hotel in 1980, the gardens are home to exotic foliage from around the world, including giant cacti, bamboo, and banana trees, under which koi carp ponds shimmer serenely. Welcome to ANIMA The opulent two-hectare botanical staging by the universal artist André Heller is a magical place of sensuality, wonder, contemplation, joy, healing, and inspiration. For people of all ages who want to experience the unforgettable. Visitors stroll along shaded paths, between sumptuous trees and shrubs, flowers and fragrant wonders, pavilions and sculptures, with breathtaking views of the often snow-capped Atlas Mountains, including the 4167-meter-high Mount Toubkal. Last minute bargains - Shopping Later, at 4 p.m., you will be guided to go shopping and buy some souvenirs for your loved ones. Dinner will be in a traditional folkloric restaurant. Every evening since 1980, Chez Ali Fantasia in Marrakech offers a dinner show under traditional caidal tents. A show of dances, acrobats, horsemen, fireworks, and folk music... The show ends at midnight and transfer to your hotel.

• day 7

  It is time to say goodbye.

  

  It's your last day; after breakfast, your transfer will be ready to take you to the airport according to your flight time. Thank you for visiting us.