Highlights of Morocco

You will depart from your selected airport, heading for Morocco. There may be connecting flight(s) along the way. Upon arrival in Morocco, you will be welcomed at the airport by our local partner and transferred to your hotel.

The rest of the day is at your leisure, before the evening when you’ll be welcomed to Morocco with dinner at one of the city’s well-known rooftop restaurants.

After breakfast, you will be collected from your hotel. 

The first half of the day features a guided tour of the “Red City”, as Marrakech is often called due to the colour of many of its buildings.

The absolute highlight of the day is the medina, the historic heart of the city. Its streets are narrow and maze-like, and it’s said that medinas were originally designed this way so residents could easily hide from enemies, who would almost certainly lose their way unless they themselves had been born within the city walls.

Your guide will usually ask whether you have any particular wishes for your tour of the medina and adjust the route accordingly. We can highly recommend a visit to the Madrasa Ben Youssef, an architectural gem with its harmonious, symmetrical design and exquisite decoration. The medina’s main square, Jemaa el-Fna, is also not to be missed. During the day it may seem a little underwhelming, but it’s useful to know your way around, as in the evening, it transforms into a scene worthy of any Indiana Jones film! Here, authentic snake charmers and food stalls sit side by side with henna artists and fresh juice bars. 

The afternoon is yours to explore Marrakech at your own pace. Perhaps you’ve spotted a few souvenirs you’d like to take home?

The morning offers an exciting culinary experience as you take part in preparing your own lunch. This takes place at Amal Women's Training Center, an NGO dedicated to giving women the opportunity to build a career in the restaurant industry. Trained chefs guide both you and the women assisting you, ensuring they continue to develop their skills, while you indulge your taste buds and support a truly worthwhile cause.

In the afternoon, you’ll be driven to the Ourika Valley, located in Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains. Here, the Ourika River winds its way through lush mountain scenery dotted with orchards, terraced fields, and traditional Amazigh villages scattered along the hillsides. 

You’ll arrive at your hotel later in the afternoon, with the rest of the day at your leisure to relax and soak up the beautiful natural surroundings. 

Dinner will be served at the hotel this evening.

After breakfast, lace up your walking boots and head out into the Ourika Valley. A gentle hike awaits through the stunning mountain landscape, where trails meander past green fields, small villages, and traditional houses clinging to the mountainsides.

The Ourika Valley is home to many Amazigh families, and along the way, you’ll gain an insight into the culture and daily life that have been closely intertwined with the Atlas Mountains for generations. Here, the land is cultivated across the steep terrain, and villages are scattered throughout the valley and along the mountainsides.

Late in the morning, you’ll continue to the small mountain village of Setti Fatma, where lunch awaits.

Afterwards, the journey takes you into the world of saffron. At the saffron museum, you can learn more about this sought-after spice, often referred to as ‘red gold’, and discover its history and significance in Morocco.

After your visit, you’ll leave the Atlas Mountains behind and continue towards the Agafay Desert. Here, the landscape changes character once again, as green mountainsides and lush valleys give way to a stark and barren terrain of rocky plains and dry, rolling hills. Although Agafay is not a sandy desert, its vast, open scenery creates a truly distinctive desert atmosphere.

The afternoon is at your leisure. At the camp, you can book a range of activities, such as a quad bike tour, or perhaps the pool will tempt you with a relaxing swim.

In the evening, dinner awaits at the camp, often accompanied by various forms of entertainment.

You’ll bid farewell to the arid landscapes of the Agafay Desert and set off towards the Atlantic coast. Along the way, you’ll stop at a women’s cooperative, where you’ll gain an insight into the traditional production of argan oil.

Here, you’ll see how the argan kernels are transformed through a time-consuming process into the sought-after oil used in both cooking and cosmetics. The cooperatives also play a vital role for local women and their families, helping to preserve a tradition that has been part of Moroccan life for generations.

Before reaching the coast, there will be a stop for lunch, including a wine tasting.

You’ll arrive in Essaouira in the afternoon, with the rest of the day at your leisure.

Essaouira is a charming coastal town on the Atlantic and offers a striking contrast to Marrakech. While Marrakech is known for its bustling souks, vibrant colours, and lively streets, Essaouira invites you to unwind with its seaside setting, wide sandy beaches, and a more relaxed pace of life.

Essaouira is also known as the ‘Windy City’ thanks to the fresh Atlantic breeze that has made it a favourite spot for windsurfers and kitesurfers.

The historic medina is listed on the UNESCO world heritage list and is a maze of narrow streets, whitewashed houses with blue details, little shops, and local artisans. Down by the harbour, blue fishing boats lie in delightful disarray, creating a striking contrast against the golden stone of the city’s old walls.

For centuries, Essaouira has been an important trading town, and the blend of Moroccan, African, and European influences can still be felt throughout the city today.

The morning features a guided tour of the city, while the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure.

The day is at your leisure to explore the city at your own pace. Wander through the medina, enjoy a cup of mint tea with the locals, or stroll down to the harbour to see what the fishermen have brought in today.

In the evening, we have included dinner in one of the city’s traditional riads, complete with entertainment – the perfect way to round off your tour to Morocco.

It’s time to bid farewell to Morocco for now.

Well ahead of your departure, you’ll be transferred to Marrakech airport for your flight home, with a suitcase full of unforgettable experiences (and perhaps quite a few souvenirs!).