Highlights
- Take a tour of Marrakesh and its Medina, guided by an expert
- Go camping in the Agafay Desert and ride a camel on the dunes
- Visit an argan oil collective
- Explore Morocco's stunning coast along the Atlantic Ocean
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Marrakesh | Marrakech |
| Day 2 | Marrakesh: Medina & City Tour | Marrakech |
| Day 3 | Camping in the Agafay Desert | Agafay |
| Day 4 | Agafay to Essaouira: Argan Oil & Seafood | Essaouira |
| Day 5 | Essaouira to Casablanca: the Atlantic Coast & Portuguese Ports | Casablanca |
| Day 6 | Departure from Casablanca |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakesh
Welcome to Morroco! After you arrive at Marrakech Menara Airport, you'll be picked up by a driver and taken to your accommodation. Depending on the time of your arrival, you can spend the rest of the day exploring the city on your own; your local specialists will be happy to provide recommendations!
In the early evening, be sure to venture out to the main square, Jemaa el Fna, which comes alive with musicians, performers, snake charmers, games, food stalls and more. If you want to enjoy from a distance, there are many cafés surrounding the square where you can sit and watch the show over a meal.
You have a host of options for tonight's dinner: most of the top chefs who work for the Royal family are from Marrakesh, which has some of the best food in the country — especially the street food!
Day 2: Marrakesh: Medina & City Tour
After you eat breakfast you will meet your local tour guide who will lead you through the stunning old city of Marrakesh. As you explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site you will come across lively souks and maze-like alleys. You will be dazzled by displays of djellabas, brightly colored babouches, intricately-pierced lanterns, conical mounds of exotic spices, and the intense hubbub of medina life. Your humble and energetic guide can regale you with the history and stories of the Medina, the Souk, and the Mellah neighborhoods of the old city. Your guide will also have some great recommendations for the best places to grab lunch!
In the afternoon you'll continue your private tour, exploring places like the Bahia and El Badii Palaces, Majorelle Gardens, and Saadian Tombs. After your tour, relax back at your hotel. As the sun begins to set and the temperature cools, the "Red City" of Marrakesh comes alive and locals converge on the Jemaa El Fnaa. You may want to do some evening exploration of your own to see another side of Marrakesh.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Camping in the Agafay Desert
After breakfast, you'll embark on a short trip to the Agafay Desert. This stone desert is different from the Sahara, but will still give you a sense of desert life and a change of scenery from the hustle and bustle of Marrakesh. Here you will have lunch on the sands, take a camel ride and spend the night in a traditional tent.
Drive time: One hour
Day 4: Agafay to Essaouira: Argan Oil & Seafood
Today, you will travel to Essaouira, a town popular for its excellent surfing beaches. The 3-hour route takes you over extensive, rolling plains. Upon approaching the western seaboard of Morocco, you'll enter a unique forest. This is the only ecosystem where argan trees grow, and their fruits are very useful.
You will make a slight diversion to visit an association of local women that make argan oil, famed for its excellent health and beauty properties. You may see goats, high up in the tree branches, grazing on argan fruit. It is quite a sight!
Once you reach Essaouira, stroll the impressive seawalls, discover the delights in the Old Medina area, or perhaps enjoy some time at the bustling fishing harbor. Be sure to head to the fantastically-preserved Jewish quarter and learn about Jewish culture here; the neighborhood is a perfect example of a community of coexistence and a very interesting place to explore.
Lunch and dinner will be on your own with a recommendation from your driver. Make sure to ask about great seafood options! Tonight you will stay in a hotel or a riad.
Drive time: approximately 3 hours
Day 5: Essaouira to Casablanca: the Atlantic Coast & Portuguese Ports
Today, you'll head out early to Casablanca via the coastal route, with some brief, interesting stops in other seaside cities along the way. You'll first visit Safi, know for its excellent surfing beaches and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The second city you'll stop at is El Jadida, where you can tour the hauntingly beautiful Portuguese cistern. Spend some time walking the ramparts and visit the Church of the Assumption; after, have lunch here in the city.
Next you'll stop at Azemour, which has inspired many Moroccan artists over the decades, some of whom have chosen to live here. Life in this community is still traditional despite its close proximity to the cosmopolitan art market of Casablanca. Get inspired by the beautiful, crumbling 16th-century medina, squeezed between the Oud Er-Rbia (Mother of Spring River) and the ocean.
Once you arrive in Casablanca, check into your hotel and relax before venturing out into the city for dinner and some evening exploration.
Drive time: approximately 5 hours
Day 6: Departure from Casablanca
Depending on the time of your departure flight today, you may be able to do some last-minute sightseeing in Casablanca or enjoy tea from a café. You'll want to schedule your travel, as the airport is about a 45-minute drive from downtown. When the time comes, you'll head to Casablanca's Mohammed V International Airport for your flight.
Map
