Mountain Treks and Bohemian Beaches
Itinerary
Day 1 – Merhaba Marrakech
Marrakech is only a short flight from the UK, but it feels a world away and so exotic. You’ll be met on arrival at the airport and transferred to your riad-style hotel, which is ideally located on the edge of the old medina. The rest of your day is free to relax or explore. Your hotel is just a short walk, through the maze of souks, to the city’s famous Djemaa el Fna Square where fire eaters, traditional storytellers and snake charmers take the stage. In the evening the square is transformed into a large open-air restaurant, packed with smoking eateries where you can tuck into freshly grilled fish and kebabs, soak up the atmosphere and people watch.
Day 2 – Couscous in the souks
This morning you’ll meet your guide and head into the souks to buy the fresh ingredients you’ll need for today’s cooking workshop. When you’ve filled your bags with local produce it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking. Learn the secrets of Moroccan cuisine as you’re taught how to make a traditional tajine, and shown how to prepare couscous, Moroccan salad and other traditional dishes. You’ll then sit down to feast on your homemade Moroccan meal. You’ll be back at your hotel in the late afternoon and the rest of your day is free.
Day 3 – From the city to the Atlas Mountains
In the morning pick up your car and drive towards the Atlas Mountains. After around 30 minutes the road starts to climb and you see the first snow-capped mountains appear. You’ll pass through valleys and orchards and after another hour of driving you’ll reach the small village of Imlil, which is surrounded by the Atlas Mountain peaks. You’ll be staying in a cosy, riad-style, boutique hotel on the outskirts of Imlil. You can take a dip in the small pool or relax on the roof terrace and enjoy mountain views.
Day 4 – Exploring Berber life: A guided mountain hike
The next day, after a hearty Moroccan breakfast, head out with an experienced mountain guide on a four-hour hike through the surrounding mountains. It’s a private tour so you can set your own pace. Along the way you’ll pass by traditional Berber villages where time seems to have stood still. Smiling children look at you curiously and are always looking for a little conversation. You’ll stop at a particularly picturesque spot where your guide will prepare a simple picnic lunch. It’s an unforgettable experience – gazing at the snow-capped peaks, with a sandwich in one hand and a camera in the other. Afterwards you’ll head back to your riad where you will spend another night. The hike is suitable for anyone with an average level of fitness.
Day 5 – Venture west to Essaouira
This morning depart the mountains for the coast. It’s a drive of around four hours to Essaouira, a breezy coastal town famous for it’s fish market and wide sweeping beach. You’ll stay in a traditional, colourful riad within the medina walls and a short walk to the beach. Once you’ve freshened up and settled in you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to explore this authentic coastal town.
Day 6 – Grilling fresh fish with local fishermen
Essaouira has a bustling fishing harbour and it’s great to stroll along the fishing boats, but today’s excursion will give you a real insight into the life of the local fishermen. Your local guide will take you along the city walls, the fortress and through the fishing port, sharing stories of local life and the importance of the sea to Essaouira. You do some shopping for lunch at the vegetable market and then on to the Friture de Poisson: the grilling of the fish by local fishermen in a courtyard. You won’t easily find this place yourself. You’ll have the opportunity to grill your own fish for lunch. It doesn’t get fresher than this!
Day 7 – Departure from Essaouira
This morning you’ll be collected from your hotel for your transfer to Marrakech airport in time for your homebound flight. If you’re flying home from Essaouira we’ll arrange for a transfer to Essaouira airport instead.
Accommodation
For this itinerary we offer the following options
Upgrade to our In Style accommodation
For this roundtrip we have an alternative option available for your accommodation. Our In Style version is something a bit more special or unique but still with lots of local flavour! If you would like to upgrade your accommodation for this roundtrip select our In Style option below.
