Marrakech and the Coast
Private Tour – dates to suit you
This tour combines the imperial city of Marrakech with a trip to the Atlantic coast and the town of Essaouira with its peaceful medina, a Unesco World Heritage site. The suggested trip is of 7 days (6 nights) duration with 3 nights in both Marrakech and Essaouira, but can be amended in length in accordance with your wishes.
For a short break it’s a perfect trip – Marrakech and Essaouira complement each other perfectly, being quite different in style and character, whilst travelling time between the two is only 2h45.
We have suggested staying in Essaouira on the coast, a town that has enough activities to keep you busy for several days. However, you can also stay in other coastal towns, including the surfing centre of Taghazout, or windy and wild Sidi Kaouki, or the tranquil village of Oulidia, which has a lagoon teeming with wildlife that is protected from the buffeting Atlantic.
The trip assumes starting and ending in Marrakech but can of course be adapted to your arrival and departure ports. If arriving in Casablanca the transfer takes 2h45 to Marrakech.
The famous Djemaa el-Fna, possibly the busiest square in Africa
Day 1: Marrakech
Marrakech is Morocco´s 4th largest city. It was founded in 1062. The red walls of the city were constructed in 1122 and during the 12C the ruling dynasty, the Almoravids, built several merdasas (koranic schools) and mosques. In the 17th century the wealthy Saadian sultans constructed various sumptuous palaces, some of which are open to the public today. The main square, Djemaa el-Fna is a hive of activity and possibly the busiest square in Africa.
Accommodation will be provided in a stylish and comfortable riad in the medina. We recommend that on the 1st night you take dinner at the riad, perhaps exploring the neighbourhood in the vicinity. If you arrive early in the day we can help arrange activities in the afternoon – perhaps a half day private tour, a food tour or one of the activities included in the ´day trips´ section (.
Day 2: Marrakech
We recommend taking a full day´s private guided walking tour. The guide will meet you in your riad at 9am.
Like all our private tours, it is adapted to your wishes – explore the maze of colourful souks, see the impressive Koutoubia Mosque with its imposing minaret, learn about Morocco’s history of education and scholars at the Ali ben Youssef Medersa, visit some of Marrakech’s most important kings at the Saadian Tombs and enjoy the opulence of the stunning Bahia Palace. Later on in the day experience the excitement and energy of the street performers at Marrakech’sDjemaa el-Fna square – including Morocco’s legendary storytellers.
No shortage of Babouche slippers in Marrakech
View of Atlas Mountains from the Menara gardens, Marrakech
Day 3: Marrakech
Free day.
Your time can be spent indulging in an endless array of activities – shop in the exotic souks, relax in a hammam, visit one of the gardens, or perhaps take a cooking course with our friend that owns a saffron farm in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Additional ideas and options are provided in the ´day trips´ section.
Day 4: Essaouira
The trip from Marrakech to Essaouira takes about 2h45. At about half way the character of the scenery changes. The towns change in colour from sand coloured pise to blue and white, whilst the landscape gradually becomes increasing lush and covered with argan oil trees. There are several cooperatives en route where you can discover how the oil is made and also purchase some good quality products too. En route you will probably see the goats in the trees, which although somewhat stage managed, is still an impressive and enjoyable stop.
Accommodation is in the medina, where there are several stylish guest houses, all with terraces with sweeping views of the Atlantic.
The harbour at Essaouira
The ramparts of Essaouira
Day 5: Essaouira
Essaouira is quite different in character to any other town in Morocco. It’s blue and white buildings are in stark contrast to Marrakech´s sand coloured pise constructions. The medina is protected by 18th century seafront ramparts. The medina is both colourful and relaxed, a wonderful place to wander around the souks and visit the art galleries and boutiques. It is also gaining a reputation as a gastro centre, with new niche restaurants opening seemingly every week. Essaouira has a stunning crescent shaped beach. Being known as the windy city of Africa, the beach is better suited to hiking and activity, rather than sun worshippers. But this ´rawness´ all adds to Essaouira’s unique atmosphere.
Day 6: Essaouira
Essaouira is a marvellous place to stay for 2 full days. You can divide your time between the delights of the medina, visiting the fishing port, or enjoying the beach hiking, surfing, horse riding (best done at a beach 3 km south of Essaouira, which you can walk or take a vehicle to), a camel trek or quad biking. Lunch and dinner can be enjoyed at one of the many restaurants on the seafront or in the medina. A guide is not required in Essaouira. However, if you require any assistance in organising anything, we are always on call and happy to help.
The vast beach at Essaouira
Photo opportunity prior to departure!
Day 7: To Marrakech airport
The trip to Marrakech is about 2h45. You may even see the goats in the trees again!
If flying out of Casablanca airport the trip is about 5 hours.
Highlights include:
- Learn all about the amazing city of Marrakech and its fascinating past on an informative and fun guided tour, which is tailored to your interests.
- Experience the energy of the medina and its souks.
- Relax in the calm and comfort of your riad.
- Enjoy Marrakech‘s wild, crazy and entertaining atmosphere at its main square,Djemaa el- Fna. By day acrobats, snake charmers, dancers and musicians wow the crowds and by night local restaurants have a cook off.
- Try some of the fantastic array of restaurants on offer serving Moroccan and European dishes.
- Visit an argan oil cooperative close to Essaouira.
- Explore the peaceful medina in Essaourira, a Unesco World Heritage site.
- Blow away the cobwebs on the wonderful beaches.