Marrakech, Atlas Mountains and Essaouira

Relax in your VIP airport lounge before flying to Marrakech. Check in to your accommodation and the rest of the day is at leisure. In the early evening we recommend heading to the Djemma el Fna, the pulsating square in the heart of the medina as it comes alive with musicians, performers and food stalls. Immersing yourself in this centuries-old open-air theatre is an experience not to be missed. Marrakech offers a huge range of superb dining options, from atmospheric rooftop restaurants to swanky fine dining, your consultant will be happy to recommend.

Stay: Riad Kniza (Superior) or Villa des Orangers (Deluxe) 

After breakfast enjoy a half day walking tour with a private guide, where you will discover some of the hidden secrets of the medina, including souks, former palaces, caravanserais and even a thousand year-old bakery.  The afternoon is free to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the souks at your own pace. Venture further into the depths of the medina beyond the tourist stalls and you’ll find sections dedicated to metalworking, leather goods and antiques.  This evening we have also included dinner at Dar Moha, one of the most celebrated restaurants in Marrakech.

Stay: Riad Kniza (Superior) or Villa des Orangers (Deluxe) 

The day is free for you to continue your exploration of this beguiling walled city, or you can choose from a range of optional excursions.  Be sure to visit the Unesco World Heritage listed Djemma el Fna as the sun sets when this historic square comes to life with storytellers, musicians and performers.

Stay: Riad Kniza (Superior) or Villa des Orangers (Deluxe) 

After breakfast a private transfer will take you to the foot of the Atlas Mountains, where you can enjoy a complete contrast to the hustle and bustle of Marrakech. Spend two nights here to relax and soak up the atmosphere of your luxury retreat. Both of our suggested accommodation options offer excellent restaurants, view and swimming pools. On day 5, we have included an excursion into the Atlas Mountains with lunch at the spectacularly located Kasbah du Toubkal, which boasts spectacular 360 degree views from its roof terrace, including view of Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. 

Stay: The Capaldi (Superior) or Kasbah Tamadot (Deluxe) 

Enjoy a scenic drive through the foothills and villages of the Atlas Mountains to the coastal town of Essaouira after breakfast. This relaxed former Portuguese enclave became a hangout out for musicians in the 1960’s including Jimi Hendrix, who reputedly wrote Castles Made of Sand here. More recently the ramparts of the medina were used as the location of Astapor in Game of Thrones. En route there is a stop for lunch at the Le Domaine Val d’Argan winery, located around 30 minutes from Essaouira. During lunch you can taste a selection of wines from one of Morocco’s most respected producers, established by Charles Melia, who left his family winery in Chateauneuf du Pape to set up this boutique winery. The rest of afternoon and evening are free for you to enjoy the medina, with its unique blend of European and Moroccan influences.

Stay: Villa Maroc (Superior) or Heure Bleue Palais (Deluxe)

After a leisurely breakfast you can continue to enjoy Essaouira’s laid-back charms with an included short walking tour. One of the quintessential Essaouira experiences is to enjoy a lunch of fresh seafood from the bustling stalls near the fishing port. Stall holders from a score of simple stalls vie for your business, each claiming to have the best, freshest catch of the day, which is cooked or barbecued in front of you and served with chips or salad. In the evening, we highly recommend watching the sunset with a sundowner at one of the rooftop terraces dotted around the medina. 

Stay: Villa Maroc (Superior) or Heure Bleue Palais (Deluxe)

After breakfast, your driver will take you back to Marrakech airport for your flight home.