DAY 1 – ARRIVE CASABLANCA
Welcome to Morocco!
Upon arrival into Casablanca, clear Customs and Immigration, collect your baggage, and proceed directly to the Arrivals Hall, where you will be met our representative and *transferred to our hotel. (If on suggested flights)
Check into our lovely accommodation, Le Casablanca Hotel, where we will stay for the night. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure, indulge in the spa, take a swim or catch up on some sleep after your long haul flight then join your fellow travelers for cocktails in the bar and a Hosted Welcome Dinner this evening.
Overnight Le Casablanca Hotel. (Welcome Dinner)
DAY 2 – MARRAKECH
This morning after breakfast, we embark on a morning tour of Casablanca.
Before departing for Marrakech, we will stop for lunch at Rik’s Cafe in Casablanca. Rik’s is a romantic eatery inspired by the cafe in the 1942 film “Casablanca,” with great cocktails & a piano. When you step inside, you feel like you’re going back in time to the 1940s.
We drive to the ochre‐coloured city of Marrakech and transfer to our gorgeous Riad where we will stay for the following four nights.
Settle in and then gather on the roof for sundowners before enjoying our candle-lit roof-top dinner.
Overnight Riad Yasmine (B / L / D)
DAY 3 – MARRAKECH
After breakfast we will be driven to the world famous Marjorelle Gardens. This colourful garden surrounds the equally colourful villa that was once the private home of painter Jacques Majorelle. Full of cacti, bamboo and other rare and exotic plants, the gardens were lovingly restored by world famous fashion designer Yves St Laurent, whose dying wish was that his ashes be scattered adjacent to the villa, where he passed so much of his leisure time.
We will also visit the fascinating onsite Berber Museum. (There will be time to shop in the stylish boutiques across the road.)
From here we will wander up the road and visit the YSL Museum – an incredible museum dedicated to the work of legendary fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent.
We have lunch nearby before we return to the Riad for a swim and some downtime.
Early evening, we depart for a guided wander through Jemaa el-Fnaa at sunset. For a thousand years, Jemaa el-Fnaa has served as a gathering place and market at the heart of Marrakesh. In the morning, stall owners set up their stands selling orange juice, spices, traditional medicines, mint leaves, and snails. The flutes of snake charmers drift across the square and tooth-pullers ready their pliers to pluck out the aching teeth of passers-by. Once the sun sets, Jemaa el-Fna really comes alive. Berber musicians and Gnaoua dancers begin their nightly performances, acrobats and slapstick comedians start performing all across the square, and henna tattoo artists vie for customers as storytellers, and poets pass on the oral traditions of Morocco.
Return to our Riad.
Overnight Riad Yasmine (B / L)
DAY 4 – MARRAKECH
Full day tour of the Souks!
Today we enter the maze of alleyways and narrow streets that make up the souk. Here sellers offer everything from spice, sandalwood and black soap to clothing, baskets, leather goods, furniture, lanterns, fabrics, pottery and almost anything else you could wish for.
The souks of Marrakech are the largest in Morocco (over 3000 stalls) and famed throughout the world as some of the most exotic marketplaces to shop in. Prepare for all of your senses to be overwhelmed at once; the souks are the heart of the medina and have been the centre for trade in the city a thousand years. Even if you’re not into shopping, the souks are still a spectacle that are well worth experiencing.
In between our exploring, we have lunch at Nomad. (own account)
We return to our Riad this evening for some well earned rest!
This evening we will dine at the luscious Limoni.
Overnight Riad Yasmine (B / D)
Day 5 – MARRAKECH
This morning we visit the fabulous Maison de la Photographie (House of Photography Museum). The Maison de la Photographie invites you on a journey in time, back to the Marrakech of the 19th Century. The changing exhibitions present treasures from the early days of photography. A cool drink can be enjoyed on the lovely roof top of the Museum.
From here, we will visit the Ben Youssef Madrasa – built in the 14th century by as a religious school for Islamic studies, but it also served as a mosque and a library. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site
We then enjoy a long, lazy lunch at Le Jardin.
Your afternoon is free.
Return to the Souks, shop some more, or simply rest up at our gorgeous Riad.
Overnight Riad Yasmine (B / L)
DAY 6 – MARRAKECH to ESSAOURIA
This morning we pack our bags and bid farewell to Riad Yasmine.
Before departing Marrakech, we head out on a fabulous experience: on a vintage sidecar! We meet our Insider Guides who introduces us to both the geography of the city and our tailor-made itinerary. Adjust your helmet, put on your sunglasses and hop on! In the Medina’s beautiful maze, through the ancient French neighborhood or in the mythical palm grove, Marrakech is full of surprises. Secret gardens behind closed doors, old art deco buildings or khettaras in the palm grove are just a few of the many hidden treasures we will introduce you to on this unusual open-air ride. There is no predefined program, this ride is made according to our desires and interests.
We will be dropped off at Plus 61 where we have a fabulous lunch (own account), and perhaps a cocktail or two, before transferring to Essaouira. We have a three odd hour transfer to our gorgeous digs for the next three nights – Villa Beldi, a former bourgeois house of the 1960s, built a few minutes away from the ancient medina of Essaouira.
We check in, and settle around the pool for a sundowner before our dinner at the Villa.
Overnight Villa Beldi (B / D)
DAY 7 – ESSAOUIRA
This morning, after a lazy breakfast we transfer into the walled medina ‐ a UNESCO World Heritage site of seawalls and imposing ramparts, where we will discover colourful local artworks (Essaouira has long held an attraction for artists) and will have the opportunity to sample traditional Moroccan treats in the local pastry shops.
Essaouira has the cool breeze, blue skies, and laid back atmosphere that will relax and calm you. We have the day to explore and indulge in some Guided Shopping around the boutiques and concept stores before returning to our hotel. The Medina is where all the life happens, where sipping a mint tea is a sacred moment, where the days follow each other between a hookah and the prayer of a muezzin; it is where most activities take place and where a walk in the small old streets is basically following the sounds of gnaoua music, a scent of amber and sandalwood, the smoke of a spiced couscous.
We have lunch in the medina.
Before returning to the Riad, we can drop in for a sundowner at Salut Maroc. (Own account)
Return to the Villa for rest, relaxation and (another) sundowner. Your evening is free.
Overnight Villa Beldi (B / L )
DAY 8 – ESSAOUIRA
This morning is free to do as you wish.
Return to the medina maybe? There is just so much to see in the Essaouira Medina and the best way to see it, is to simply wander. Discover more silversmiths, textile artists, the Bayt Dakira Jewish Museum (which gives a great account of Jewish Moroccan history) and designer Boutique stores.
Or swim/chill, or relax, at the Villa.
At lunch time, we travel to Le Domaine du Val d’Argan, a celebrated winery dating back to 1994. One of the country’s most renowned wineries, we will have the opportunity to taste a selection of the delicious wines and eat a wonderful, long lazy lunch under the trees.
Return to the villa, and our evening is free.
Overnight Villa Beldi (B / L)
DAY 9 – TO AGAFAY DESERT
Today we are transferred to our gorgeous Tented Camp in the Agafay Desert.
Scarabeo Camp is set in the Agafay Desert, in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, an hour south of Marrakech. Get set for some serious escapism at this striking, secluded retreat. In the distance, the Atlas Mountains stand tall while the sun rises and sets in a spectacular fashion. At night, a gazillion stars fill the sky.
This evening you can enjoy a peaceful trek with the desert’s most iconic animal. Arabian camels, known as dromedaries, differ to other species featuring a single hump rather than two. Our Berber guide will lead you away from the camp to enjoy breath-taking sunset views. At night the ambience of the desert comes alive as you relax to the sounds of traditional Berber musicians and enjoy the endless starry sky and peace of your desert surrounds.
*For thousands of years, camels have been used as a mode of transport in the desert. They can carry heavy loads and stay hydrated for hours at a time, attributes that made them vital to the survival of desert dwellers in various regions. The camels are treated very well, and a lot of attention goes into their well-being. The camel handler has the job of being concerned with the camels’ well-being at all times — after all, their livelihood depends on the camels being healthy and able to work. They see the benefit of treating the camel with the care that it needs. At night, camels are allowed to roam free and sleep where they please. They see the benefit of treating the camel with the care that it needs. We are a Responsible Tour provider and if we ever see suggestive wounds or the owners being abusive towards the animal, we refuse to ride. And it is completely up to you as to whether you would like to ride or not.
Overnight Scarabeo Camp (B / D)
DAY 10 – TO THE ATLAS MOUNTAINS
This morning we will travel to the Ourika Valley in the Atlas Mountains to our divine Kasbah.
First, we stop at the gorgeous Beldi Country Club for lunch (own account) and a spot of boutique shopping.
Surrounded by olives trees, Kasbah Bab Ourika perches majestically on a hilltop at the apex of the Ourika Valley, offering a bird’s-eye view of the Atlas Mountains, traditional Berber villages and of the lush river valley below. It guards the gateway to the snow-capped Mountains with awe inspiring 360 degree panoramic views and the best viewpoint to enjoy a Moroccan sunset. The setting is simply stunning, and the location makes it perfect for hiking, trekking, biking, rafting and horseback riding.
The Kasbah is an authentic mountain retreat constructed in the traditional Berber tradition with rammed mud walls. It is probably Morocco’s most environmentally friendly hotel – something to revel in while we are enjoying the spectacular surroundings, exquisite cuisine and eco chic décor. The resident chef focuses on traditional Berber cuisine using fresh ingredients derived daily from neighbouring villages. Delicious Berber, Arabic and international meals are served in the shady gardens or colonnaded restaurant.
Our afternoon is free to take in our surroundings and simply relax.
Tonight we enjoy a Hosted meal in the Kasbah.
Overnight Kasbah Bab Ourika (B / D)
DAY 11 – THE OURIKA VALLEY
This morning we have an opportunity to visit female artisans in the High Atlas Mountains with our guide to assist with language and explanations. (This immersive excursion will be confirmed closer to departure.)
We then have a guided visit to a Berber Village, including lunch with a Berber family.
After lunch, we visit the village of Tafza and its pottery manufacturing. And of course, we will stop in at one of our favourite carpet suppliers.
We return to the Kasbah and your evening is free.
Overnight Kasbah Bab Ourika (B / *L – *if on experience)
DAY 12 – OURIKA VALLEY
Today can be spent simply enjoying your tranquil surrounds, or choose an optional activity that appeals.
Days disappear easily at the Kasbah, spent either idling around the pool, reading in the garden or unwinding in the hammam. The spa is a space dedicated to wellbeing, relaxation and beauty. There is a selection of treatments on offer: massages, hammam, facial treatments and oriental manicure. The spa uses aromatherapy oils created by Nectarome, an organic garden neighbouring Kasbah Bab Ourika.
The hammam ceremony draws its sources from purification and beauty rituals known since antiquity. To create the treatments of a hammam, we have traced the history of the thermal baths and pierced the beauty secrets of Moroccan women who carry within them the traditions of a thousand-year-old art.
For the more energetic there is hiking, trekking, biking, rafting, and riding from the Kasbah.
Tonight we dine at the Kasbah.
Overnight Kasbah Bab Ourika (B / D)
DAY 13 – TO EL JADIDA
After a late, lazy breakfast this morning, we transfer to Ela Jadida for our final night.
The Portuguese fortification of Mazagan, now part of the city of El Jadida, was built as a fortified colony on the Atlantic coast in the early 16th century. It was taken over by the Moroccans in 1769. The fortification with its bastions and ramparts is an early example of Renaissance military design. The surviving Portuguese buildings include the cistern and the Church of the Assumption, built in the Manueline style of late Gothic architecture. The Portuguese City of Mazagan – one of the early settlements of the Portuguese explorers in West Africa on the route to India – is an outstanding example of the interchange of influences between European and Moroccan cultures.
Once we check into our lovely accommodation, L’Iglesia, we will take a walk around the ramparts and see the *Portuguese Cistern. *Subject to opening.
Located inside a restored Catholic church, L’Iglesia is a boutique hotel positioned right beside the ramparts of the old city. L’Iglesia’s design is a mix of Portuguese and Moroccan traditions: smooth blue and white tile and elegant chandeliers, alongside rich color and pattern, carved wooden lattices, arched doorways, and stucco walls. Most guest rooms are located inside the old convent, but a handful are in a newer annex that once housed the American consulate. All have high ceilings and wrought-iron beds, and each one is individually decorated with antiques picked up at shops and bazaars all over the country.
Tonight we enjoy our magical farewell meal at L’Iglesia’s restaurant, where a range of North African cuisines are served in a charmingly old-world setting filled with antique mirrors and heavy porcelain dishes in wooden cabinets.
Overnight L’Iglesia (B / Farewell Dinner)
DAY 14 – DEPARTURE
Today marks the end of our divine Moroccan journey.
Depart the L’Iglesia at *TBC for our road journey to Casablanca, arriving in time for our flight home or, pending your choice, onward travels elsewhere.
Wishing you a safe flight and ‘shukran’ (thank you) for sharing this wonderful adventure
