From the mystique and magic of Marrakech to the High Atlas mountain village of Imlil, this tour reveals Morocco’s many facets, and adds absorbing character with stays in historic riads
Marrakech - 3 nights
Imlil - 2 nights
Taroudant area - 2 nights
Essaouira - 2 nights
An immersive experience of Morocco, this tour puts you at the heart of its history and mystery, colour and culture, by using heritage accommodation, uniquely placed for you to enjoy the atmosphere of its surrounds.
Encapsulating Moroccan tradition, the heart of Marrakech is its UNESCO listed walled city, with 20 gates and 200 towers in its red clay ramparts. The intimate little Angsana Riads are within the medina walls, along with mosques, palaces, 18 souks, and three thousand lanes and alleys leading who-knows-where. In the High Atlas Mountains, Imlil is literally at the end of the road, where tarmac turns to mule tracks, and it echoes the simplicity of its setting with the rustic-style restoration of Dar Imlil riad and the Kasbah du Toubkal mountain retreat. Taroudant’s Riad Dar Zitoune is a colourful and characterful enclave, in an elegant and compact town, where the hub of activity is the traffic-free Place Assarag, where locals promenade and musicians often perform; and in multi-faceted Essaouira, Le Medina adds graceful tradition to its fine location, close to the beach and port, where colour comes in the form of fiery sunsets, and flotillas of bright blue fishing boats.
Cultural Tour
Jules Verne Sightseeing
2 UNESCO Heritage Sites
2 Lunches & 5 Dinners
Local Guide Throughout
Historic/Central Hotels
Enjoy lunch at Kasbah du Toubkal with stunning views of the Atlas Mountains. Lunch in Marrakech at the historic La Mamounia, where Churchill stayed. A Moroccan dinner at a rooftop or historic riad restaurant. Dine under the stars (weather permitting) at a countryside Riad.
Day 1 Fly from London to Marrakech for a three-night stay at the Angsana Riad.
Day 2 Experience this dizzying city, where souks are awash with spices, jewellery, and carpets; and mystics and Berber dancers draw the crowds to Djemaa el-Fna square. Use your two days in the city for independent exploration, or discover it with an optional Marrakech sightseeing on Days 2 & 3 (£95 total, pre-bookable). Today’s is a full-day tour including, blue and white Bahia Palace and the ruins of 16th-century Badia Palace; the restored Saadian Tombs of seven sultans; and the Dar Si Said Museum of Moroccan Arts. Enjoy a Riad dinner this evening. (B, D)
Day 3 Visit Jardin Majorelle and the YSL Museum, dedicated to designer Yves Saint Laurent exhibiting garments from his collection; and enjoy lunch at the unashamedly opulent former royal palace, now hotel, La Mamounia. (B, L)
Day 4 Travel into the High Atlas Mountains, via the scenic Ourika Valley, to Imlil, a little Berber village close to North Africa’s highest peak, Toubkal. Two nights at the Dar Imlil or Kasbah du Toubkal. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Enjoy the peace and scenery of Imlil’s village surrounds with a 2 hr guided walk in the mountains this morning. Lunch at Kasbah du Toubkal. Afternoon at leisure in Imlil. (B, L, D)
Day 6 A dramatic drive (4 hrs) through the High Atlas Mountains takes you over the Tizi n’Test pass, descending the mountain to the Sousse Valley and the walled town of Taroudant. Two nights at the historic Riad Dar Zitoune. (B, D)
Day 7 Taroudant is a majestic fortified market town, with superb souks and two main squares at its core. Visit its gardens and landmarks and take some time to explore the medina today. (B, D)
Day 8 Travel (4 hrs) south of the Atlas range, perhaps seeing the tree-climbing goats, enroute to the busy port and laid-back resort of Essaouira. Two nights at the 4-star Le Medina Hotel. (B)
Day 9 Enjoy a morning walking tour of this former Portuguese port, visiting the 18th-century oceanfront ramparts, the medina and the market. Afternoon at leisure, perhaps stroll along the beach, or explore the souk stalls. (B, D)
Day 10 Transfer to Marrakech airport for the return flight to London. (B)
Notes
Days 4-5 involve some uphill walking.
Medinas can be busy and include 1-2 hours on foot.
A selection of small, intimate historic riads, within Marrakech medina. Sitting rooms, patio, roof terrace, a small Angsana spa with hammam and WiFi (free). Air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and tea/coffee making facilities.
A wonderfully located and superbly restored riad on the outskirts of Imlil, 20 minutes’ walk from Kasbah du Toubkal and from where the famous photo of the Kasbah and Mount Toubkal was taken. Restaurant, hammam, WiFi (free) and 10 rooms with private facilities, balcony, tea/coffee making facilities and hairdryer.
A unique mountain retreat, originally built by a dictatorial Caid and carefully restored and run by an English company in cooperation with the local Berber community. Restaurant, roof terrace, hammam, WiFi (free) and 11 rooms with private facilities and tea/coffee making facilities.
A 4-star traditional hotel nestled at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. Restaurant, gardens, pool, spa, WiFi (free) and 30 air-conditioned rooms with satellite TV.
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A 4-star hotel decorated in the traditional red of Mogador. Located opposite the beach and close to the medina and port. Restaurants, bars, pool, gym, spa and WiFi (free). Air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.
Sundays
per person in a twin room
easyJet from Gatwick
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Single supplement £595
Accommodation Upgrades
Kasbah du Toubkal £150
Single supplement £50
Flight Options
British Airways from Gatwick - On request
British Airways Club Europe - On request
Optional Excursions
Marrakech sightseeing £95
Extension Options
Extra Nights - Marrakech
Angsana Riad (per night) £90
Single supplement £90
Half Board £30
Tour Only
Save £200
Arrival transfer add £15
Departure transfer add £125
Price Includes
Air travel, UK departure taxes, overseas airport taxes, transfers, 9 nights' accommodation, breakfast daily, 2 lunches and 5 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
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