Day 1-2 Marrakech: Explore the Red City of Marrakech

Welcome to Morocco! Welcome to Marrakech! Marrakech is nicknamed “Hongzi” (because of its 1,000-year-old red sandstone walls and buildings). It is a major economic center and home to the prosperous Medina (Old Arab Quarter). Start a new day, explore the Koutoubia Mosque built in the 12th century, and escape the heat in the garden among fountains, pools and palm trees. Indulge your senses, explore the spice market, Souk el-Attarin or Souk Smata market, shop for slippers, carpets and leather Souk des Teinturiers, and see for yourself how leather and fabrics are dyed. Next, visit the Ben Youssef Madrasa Islamic School, experience the 16th century architecture and marvel at the exquisite details: arabesques, Islamic calligraphy and colorful geometric tiles made Him.

When you walk in the alleys of Marrakech, please pay attention to Fondouks or Caravanserai-medieval trips on the ancient trade routes for tourists and merchants and supplies. Take a half-day tour of Jemaa el-Fna in Medina with your guide to explore the plaza’s rich history, culture and hidden gems. Gemma Alfner, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, becomes active in the evening, with vendors and musicians, acrobats, storytellers, and even snake charmers.

Depending on the time and your energy level, you may wish to visit several attractions south of Jemaa el-Fna. Some options to consider are the 500-year-old Saadi tombs, the extensive courtyards and sunken gardens of the El Badi Palace in the 17th century, or the intricate wooden Him and painted ceilings of the Bahia Palace in the 19th century. Return to Jemma el-Fna to eat something, and then return to your accommodation for the night.

Day 3 High Atlas trekking and overnight stay at Berber home Amizmiz

This morning, you’ll drive an hour south from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech to the small town of Amizmiz and the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains. Here you can explore the small markets of the old town before heading off the beaten track for an amazing walking tour among the gems of this region.

On your way, you will be guided by a local mountain expert who will take you through trails and mule trails in the surrounding hills. You’ll choose how far, how long, or how difficult the route you want to tackle, but note that the farther you go, the better the vistas that reward your journey.

Whichever route you take, you’re unlikely to see any other tourists as you hike between Berber villages and across the beautiful mountainside. Along the way, keep an eye out for local farmers, shepherds, mules, goats and some dogs who share the scenery with you. Note how the community here has adapted to the terrain: you’ll see terraced fields and small irrigation canals dug along the mountainside, all built by farmers to make the area suitable for agriculture.

You will stop for lunch with a local family who will show you how they bake delicious bread in a small traditional oven. Afterwards, continue the hike before heading to a local Berber home where you can relax and take in the stunning scenery, then have dinner with your host and a fun evening of connection and community. Once you’re done drinking mint tea and talking, head back to your guest room for the night.

Day 4 Trekking from Amizmiz to Imi N’Tala & Traditional cooking workshop

Enjoy breakfast with your host this morning before heading back to the peaceful, well-marked trails. As you hike the mule trail in the Amnougal Valley, you’ll pass through charming villages; immerse yourself in the magnificence of rural mountain life, interrupted by the cycle of seasons, as you learn about the area. On your way you will see beautiful pastoral scenery, flocks of sheep and goats on pastures, terraced fields, examples of traditional irrigation and lovely fruit trees.

You’ll stop for a picnic in an idyllic setting before continuing to the village of Imi N’Tala. Here, your welcoming host, khadija, will give a big to welcome you at her home with a smile and happy to give to you a cup of fresh mint tea, before showing you a trip of her town so you can learn more about everyday life here.

In the late afternoon, you will return to your home in khadija for a hands-on cooking workshop. You will learn how to make Moroccan traditional bread and Tagine or couscous. After dinner, you will be greeted by a local family who will host you overnight at their guesthouse.

Total walking time: 5-6.30 hours

Day 5 Amizmiz to Marrakech

Enjoy breakfast at your country guesthouse, then say goodbye to your host family and set off again. Today you can choose how long to hike, explore more villages and enjoy beautiful scenery; if you want to spend more time in the city, you can also go to Marrakech early.

After your overnight stay, stay and relax, or venture out into the city for more sightseeing and shopping. One of the highlights of Marrakech is its food, as the city is known for having some of the best food in Morocco. Your experts will be happy to offer some great advice on their favourite places to take a bite; whether you’re dining in a cafe, going for a more glamorous restaurant for a grand culinary feast, or grabbing a bite at a plaza street food stall , you are sure to give your taste buds an unforgettable experience!

Total travel time: 1,5 – 2 hours

 Day 6 Marrakech to Essaouira

Today’s route to the seaside town of Essaouira will take you across vast rolling plains. On your way to the west coast of Morocco, you will come across a unique forest filled with argan trees that only grow in this specific location. The oil in Argan nuts, preserved in the fruit of the tree, has a variety of uses, especially in the culinary and cosmetic fields. You may have the opportunity to stop by the Argan Cooperative to learn more about the products and their applications, or even learn about the actual oil recovery process.

But if you visit the trees, you’re probably not alone! On the high branches, you may see local goats eating argan fruit. What a sight!

Once you arrive in Essaouira, relax and enjoy some free time in this laid-back town: you can stroll along the impressive sea wall, discover fun in the old medina area and even in the very active fishing port Enjoy some time. If you’re feeling hungry, have lunch at a great seafood restaurant in the harbour!

You’ll have the rest of your time to relax and explore this charming town; your expert will be happy to recommend great places for dinner here. You can even buy fresh seafood from local fishermen at the port and bring it to the restaurant for preparation. At night, you can relax to the sound of the sea as you fall asleep.

Total travel time: 3 – 3,5 hours

Day 7 Essaouira to Marrakech

This morning, take time to enjoy breakfast in Essaouira, stroll through the quaint town, or relax while looking out at the coast. The bustling medina here is more laid-back and easier to navigate than Marrakech’s, so consider shopping here before you leave. There are some great finds in shops and open-air markets, where you may not feel as stressed as you would in a big city.

Later this morning, you will return to Marrakech and enjoy the beautiful scenery as you cross land. As you traverse the rolling plains, keep an eye out for the goats in the nearby argan trees!

When you arrive in Marrakech, you will have the rest of your time and the evening to spend as you please. If you’re inspired to explore a local museum, head to Dar Menebhi Palace, home to the wonderful Marrakech Museum; you’ll see contemporary art as well as a collection of traditional handicrafts and weapons. Marrakech also has a thriving art scene, with galleries showcasing the work of local artists.

When dinner is ready, indulge in a delicious meal; your experts can help you choose a restaurant in this gastronomic capital. Afterwards, stroll the streets and feel the hustle and bustle of the city, or head back to your hotel to relax.

Total journey time: 3 hours

Day 8 Marrakech and departure

Time to say goodbye to Morocco! Enjoy your last delicious breakfast and souk up the hustle and bustle of the city; Depending on your travel schedule, you may have time for last minute tours or shopping at Marrakech–Menara Airport before your flight home.