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Image by Sergey Pesterev

A Great Circuit of Morocco's Southern Kingdom 

8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS

Marrakesh – Ourika Valley & Atlas Mountains – Essaouira – Marrakech

(Distance total: 370 miles)

Spice Store

WHAT'S INCLUDED: Some Highlights

  • $400 credit on round-trip flights we book from the USA or Europe (on trips of 8+ days)

  • Airport greeting, transfers & welcome dinner

  • The best private guides and specialty venue guides throughout

  • Air-Conditioned private MBZ transport, or comparable vehicle

  • Lodging at Villas, Riyads and top Hotels from Budget to Comfort to Luxury

  •  $400 credit toward an optional overnight (in lieu of airfare credit) at Richard Branson's 5 Star luxury Kasbah Tamadot or the famed La Mamounia

  • Meals, including dinners of acclaimed Moroccan cuisine*

  • Cooking Class and a meal of recipe creations - always a favorite!

  • Day Trip to Ourika Valley & Atlas Mountains

  • Hiking, Camel Rides, 4x4's

  • Special Dinners, events and performances

* For "foodies": Moroccan food voted “World’s Best Cuisine” in the 2024 poll of 2.5 million world travelers, as announced by Celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsay. See the announcement.

Image by Thiébaud Faix
Image by rigel
Image by rigel
southern kingdom map

Cities in This Tour

Marrakech
Marrakech is the fourth-largest city in Morocco. It is one of the four imperial cities of Morocco and is the capital of the Marrakech–Safi region. The city lies west of the foothills of the Atlas Mountains.

Ourika Valley and Atlas Mountains 
Ourika Valley is a valley in the Moroccan High Atlas along the Ourika River. Despite its proximity to Marrakesh, it is still considered a relatively well-preserved valley, by its very nature and traditional mountain way of life.

Essaouira 
Essaouira, known until the 1960s as Mogador, is a port city in the western Moroccan region of Marrakesh-Safi, on the Atlantic coast.   The Skala fortress system (that appeared as “Astapor” in “Game of Thrones”)  offers panoramic views of ocean and city and protected the medina from sea attacks. 

moroccan food
Koutoubia Mosque
Saadian Tombs
Bahia Palace
Ourika Valley
MARRAKECH
Essaouira
Image by Annie Spratt

Sample Itinerary*

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech I 2Ciels Luxury Boutique Hôtel** I D

  • Welcome to Marrakech: Begin your Moroccan adventure in the enchanting city of Marrakech, known for its vibrant culture and rich history. After a warm welcome from your personal guide, travel to Marrakech city and check-in at your luxury hotel, riyad or villa.

  • Traditional Moroccan Welcome and Dinner Feast: Enjoy a sumptuous Moroccan dinner, featuring traditional dishes that reflect the country’s culinary heritage. 

 

Day 2: Marrakech | 2Ciels Luxury Boutique Hôtel | B L D

  • Full Day City Tour: Explore Marrakech starting with visits to its historical monuments: 

    • Koutoubia Mosque: Admire the stunning architecture of this iconic landmark. 

    • Saadian Tombs: Discover the 100 Saadian tombs, including two mausoleums that are architectural masterpieces. 

    • Bahia Palace: Marvel at the palace’s intricate details, including carved ceilings and fascinating sides. 

    • Dar Si Said Museum: Explore this museum dedicated to Moroccan arts. 

    • Ben Youssef Madrasa: Visit this 16th-century Islamic college founded by Moulay Abdallah. 

    • Jemaa el-Fnaa: In the afternoon, stroll through the famous square of Jemaa el-Fnaa, where you can experience food stalls, storytellers, henna tattoo artists, acrobats, and other entertainers. Continue your exploration through the various souks (markets) and the ancient Medina, immersing yourself in authentic Moroccan culture. 

  • Marrakech Dinner with Entertainment: Enjoy a lavish dinner accompanied by traditional entertainment at one of the city’s renowned night venues. 

  • Accommodation in a Luxury Hotel or Riyad: Relax in your luxurious accommodations after a day of exploration. 

Day 3: Ourika Valley, Atlas Mtns | 2Ciels Luxury Boutique Hôtel | B L D

  • Visit the Ourika Valley: Journey to the Ourika Valley where typical Moroccan villages are scattered amidst the towering Atlas Mountains. Discover the area’s natural herbs and their many uses. 

  • Traditional “Berber Foot Bath”: Before lunch at the gardens, enjoy the unique traditional “Berber foot bath".

  • The Hammam experience:  After a day in the mountains, return to Marrakech for rest and relaxation; consider the traditional safe, clean hammam experience and unwind at your luxury lodging.

  • Dinner at a Favorite Restaurant: Indulge in a delightful dinner at one of our favorite local restaurants.

Day 4: Marrakech | 2Ciels Luxury Boutique Hôtel | B

  • Day at Leisure: Spend the day at your own pace, exploring or relaxing as you wish; or opt to plan otherwise with your guide.

  • Dinner on Your Own: Experience the local cuisine at a restaurant of your choice, or plan otherwise with your guide.

Day 5: Marrakech to Essaouira | Dar L'Ouissia Riyad | B L D

  • Half Day Cooking Class: Learn to prepare traditional Moroccan tajine and salads in an authentic Riyad. This hands-on experience will give you a deeper appreciation for Moroccan cuisine. 

  • Travel to Essaouira: After lunch, drive (2:40) to Essaouira, known as the Artists’ City. The name “Essaouira” means “a little picture” and the town lives up to its name with a vibrant blue and white old medina, sandstones gates, colorful ramparts, and bustling harbor.  

  • Dinner: Enjoy a delightful dinner at one of our favorite places. 

  • Accommodation in a Luxury Riyad: Settle into your luxurious Dar L'Ouissia lodging just inside the gates of the Medina. 

 

Day 6: Essaouira | Dar L'Ouissia | B L D

  • Explore Essaouira: Start your day with our local specialist guide by visiting the old medina and the local souk. 

  • Lunch: Savor fresh seafood for lunch, the culinary specialty of this coastal town. 

  • Ride horses or camels safely along the long flat beach waters

  • Skala and Sunset: Head to the Skala to catch a stunning sunset over the ocean waves. 

  • Dinner: Enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. 

  • Nighttime Walk Along the Beach: Complete your day with a peaceful safe nighttime walk along the beach. 

Day 7: Marrakech | 2Ciels Luxury Boutique Hôtel | B D

  • Morning at Leisure: Spend your morning at leisure, exploring the medina, wonderful shops, or relaxing as you wish. 

  • Return to Marrakech: Drive back to Marrakesh in the afternoon. 

  • Farewell Morocco! Dinner: Conclude your journey with a memorable farewell dinner. 

Day 8: Marrakech Airport | B

  • Transfer to Menara Marrakech Airport: After a final breakfast, check out from your hotel. Your guide will transport you to Menara Marrakeh Aicrport for your departing flight.

  • Farewell: The MTAG team wishes you a safe and pleasant journey carrying with you what we hope are unforgettable memories of your experiences amidst Morocco's diverse beauty and rich heritage.

Notes: *(1) MTAG Itineraries are customized to suit each group's interests, pace and budget; **(2) The hotels, riyads and desert camps listed are typical examples of the excellent lodging quality travelers can expect at the "Comfort" or "Luxury" level. Each property's often daily pricing variations based on their algorithms will inform decisions on the group's hotel placement.  We reserve the right to substitute comparable high-end properties on occasion in place of those listed.

Marrakesh

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