Morocco Highlights

• Half day city tour of Marrakech
• Visit the Jardin Majorelle

Enjoy a riveting half day tour of the ancient streets of Marrakech, accompanied by a specialist guide. You'll head from the bustling Medina, twisting your way through the kaleidoscopic souks, and arrive at breathtaking palaces and museums. The souks, under a bamboo roof to shade people from the summer sun, have a vast array of things to sell, all arranged in enticing colours, shapes and styles. You will be whisked around the souks, peering into and even haggling in different areas such as the spices, gold/silver, nuts and fruit souks. There will be a chance to see the metalworking and woodworking areas, and perhaps a visit to the underground communal bakeries where the bread for each local family is cooked. The tanneries are also a popular attraction, though you may wish to protect yourself with a mint sprig to offset the smell! Continue to the Palais Bahia, which is arguably the most architecturally impressive palaces in the country. It was constructed in the late 19th Century, and its name means 'brilliance', and you'll witness why: magnificent rooms open onto opulent courtyards, which edge onto a stunning 2 acre landscaped garden. It was intended to capture the essence of Islamic and Moroccan styles, merging into one; you'll likely come across similar structural themes throughout your trip. Continue to the Madrasa: once a prosperous Islamic college and now an Islamic heritage site, it boasts splendid courtyards and open air galleries. Other highlights of this tour include the epic Museum of Marrakech, where you can learn of the city's intriguing history, followed by the Saadian tombs, where you can marvel at the sepulchres of this compelling dynasty. Your tour ends in the Mellah, an enchanting neighbourhood in Marrakech inhabited by the city's Jewish population. The beauty of having your private guide is that you can specify your particular interests: whether its the masterpieces of Moroccan architecture, the hidden market gems or the more modern areas of Marrakech, your guide will happily accommodate. Visit the Jardin Majorelle Vivid gardens with pools and exotic plants, an oasis of colour, formerly owned by Yves Saint-Laurent and designed by Jacques Majorelle (a french painter). The juxtaposition of the "majorelle blue" paint work with the yellows of the plant pots and the plants and flowers of all hues is worth a long visit. Accommodation: Riad Imilchil or similar Riad Imilchil is located a short walk away from the Bahia Palace and Jamna el Fnaa Square. This gorgeous traditional property has 7 boutique rooms all decorated in a Moroccan style. They all have en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning/heating, a safe and Wi-Fi. At its centre there is a beautiful indoor garden, adorned with large potted plants and colourful tiles. Adjoining this area is a small swimming pool and comfy sitting room with large sofas to lounge upon. Another great feature of the riad is its spacious roof terrace. It’s not only a great place to socialise, it has stunning views of the city and the snow tipped Atlas Mountains. A continental breakfast is served every morning either in the dining room or on the patio.There is also a 24-hour reception, so your utmost needs can be met round the clock!

• Day tour to the High Atlas via Aït Benhaddou and Telouet
• Visit Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou
• Kasbah de Telouet visit

The drive starts across the plain of Haouz and into the foothills of the High Atlas, reaching the high passes of Tizi n Tichka at over 3000m with great views over the Toubkal national park mountains. The descent twists down the mountainside, with Berber villages on both sides and to the famous Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou. After a chance to visit this World heritage Site, drive up into the mountains and visit the Palace of the Glaoui in a remote mountain village. take the journey back to Marrakech for the night. The travel time really depends on where you stop and the length of the time to wander about the Kasbah and the sights to see. However the journey from Marrakech to Ait ben Haddou usually takes up to 3-4 hours or less. The tour will be by private minibus. Visit Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou This World Heritage site is a ancient but well preserved kasbah and has been the backdrop for many films including "Gladiator" and "Game of Thrones." It is still inhabited, but possible to wander through the streets and get an impressive view from the hilltop on which it is built. A rocky desert or "Hamada" surrounds the kasbah, but where there is a deep-water course, palm trees grow in abundance. Kasbah de Telouet visit The “lost” palace of the Glaoui at Telouet, is a former palace with sumptuous decoration, but made out of mud brick. It was the headquarters of the Glaoui tribe until the 1950's. The Glaoui tribe supported the French protectorate, and of course lost favour after Morocco gained independence. The palace is collapsing, but the main hall in the palace is a fine example of Moroccan decoration and ornate carvings. Accommodation: Riad Imilchil or similar Riad Imilchil is located a short walk away from the Bahia Palace and Jamna el Fnaa Square. This gorgeous traditional property has 7 boutique rooms all decorated in a Moroccan style. They all have en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning/heating, a safe and Wi-Fi. At its centre there is a beautiful indoor garden, adorned with large potted plants and colourful tiles. Adjoining this area is a small swimming pool and comfy sitting room with large sofas to lounge upon. Another great feature of the riad is its spacious roof terrace. It’s not only a great place to socialise, it has stunning views of the city and the snow tipped Atlas Mountains. A continental breakfast is served every morning either in the dining room or on the patio.There is also a 24-hour reception, so your utmost needs can be met round the clock!

• Marrakech to Essaouira

Drive towards the Atlantic coast – see the terrain change from the dry desert around Marrakech to the green fields and the orchards of argan trees. Transfer will be by private minibus. travelling time 3 hours. Accommodation: Riad Zahra or similar One of the top rated riads, this is an establishment located a bit outside the main town of Essaouira in the tranquil argan and oak forest that is found along the coast. The riads are all set with their own pools, pet tortoises’ range around the grass and there is a spa facility.

• At leisure in the coastal town of Essaouira

Self-arranged. Essaouira is arguably one of Morocco's most enchanting towns, with origins in Berber, Portuguese and French architecture. It was inhabited by the Romans and possibly the Phoenicians as far back as 7th century BC; the Romans used to harvest molluscs here for the Imperial purple dye. This old fortified has been a trading port of various importance throughout its history and still has a thriving fishing harbour: take a wander down to the sea, and you'll be stunned by the dazzling mass of fishing boats, all painted a vibrant blue. The serenity of Essaouira makes it perfect for leisure time: recline on the golden sands, drift between the craft shops on the blue cobbled streets, or simply relax in a hamman. Its name translates as the 'wind city of Africa', so if you fancy something more active, it is great for windsurfing and other water sports. It has a nice climate throughout the year, with other activities including discovering the wooden boat building in the harbour, trying a traditional Moroccan cookery course, and admiring the copious displays of Thuiya wood and argan. The seafood here is to die for, so we highly recommend giving that a try too! Accommodation: Riad Zahra or similar One of the top rated riads, this is an establishment located a bit outside the main town of Essaouira in the tranquil argan and oak forest that is found along the coast. The riads are all set with their own pools, pet tortoises range around the grass and there is a spa facility.

• Morning at leisure in Esssaouira
• Meet argan oil producers
• Transfer from Essaouira to Marrakech via Argan oil cooperative

Self-arranged. A free morning to explore Essaouira and do some shopping, or enjoy the sea view. Meet argan oil producers On the outskirts of Essaouira and on the road between Essaouria and Marrakech, there are many argan tree plantations and the nuts are gathered by women in a cooperative system and ground and processed to make various argan oil products. It is possible to visit one of these cooperatives and meet the women at work, see the processes and sample some of the oils and products. Transfer from Essaouira to Marrakech via Argan oil cooperative Hop on a private minibus transfer from Essaouira to Marrakech. See the foothills of the High Atlas and enjoy the scenery change from the green scrub near the coast to the dry desert plains around Marrakech. Estimated travel time - 3 hours. Accommodation: Riad Imilchil or similar Riad Imilchil is located a short walk away from the Bahia Palace and Jamna el Fnaa Square. This gorgeous traditional property has 7 boutique rooms all decorated in a Moroccan style. They all have en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning/heating, a safe and Wi-Fi. At its centre there is a beautiful indoor garden, adorned with large potted plants and colourful tiles. Adjoining this area is a small swimming pool and comfy sitting room with large sofas to lounge upon. Another great feature of the riad is its spacious roof terrace. It’s not only a great place to socialise, it has stunning views of the city and the snow tipped Atlas Mountains. A continental breakfast is served every morning either in the dining room or on the patio.There is also a 24-hour reception, so your utmost needs can be met round the clock!

• Airport transfer from Marrakech to the airport

Time for your onward flight - you will be transferred from Marrakech city to Marrakech airport. Transport will be by private minibus. Estimated travel time - 15 minutes, traffic depending.