Suggested Itinerary Number : 03

Coast, City and Culture of the Berbers

Experience the contrast of Marrakech, the beautiful Atlantic coast, High and Anti-Atlas Mountains, the fertile Souss valley and the Berber towns of the south.

Our recommendations

Season: all year round.

Length: 10 nights.

Flights: Agadir (50 minute transfer), Marrakech possible (3.5 hour transfer if starting in Marrakech, 2.5 hours if starting in Essaouira).

Prices from £565 per person (10 nights) excluding flights*

Day	Nights' Stay	Typical itinerary for illustration
1	5	Fly to Agadir & transfer to accommodation Taroudant (50 minutes) - Note option of flying to Marrakech (3.5 hour transfer by taxi).
2		Visit the two local souks, the Arab Craft Market and the Berber Market, among the best in Morocco, climb the ramparts, take a caleche ride around the city walls or hire some bikes to explore the town.**
3		Day trip to Berber villages of the High Atlas. The excursion takes in 3 villages each of which depends for its livelihood on 3 different products: honey, pottery and olive oil. It includes opportunities to visit local people’s homes to see bread making, their livestock, their lifestyle and to eat a delicious vegetarian tagine, scooped up by freshly baked bread.**
4		Day trip to Tioute Oasis and Anti-Atlas Mountains. This excursion takes you through savannah-like and irrigated landscapes on the edge of the Souss Valley to an oasis on the northern edge of the Anti Atlas mountains. During the trip you are likely to see the strange sight of goats grazing in the native argan trees. and visit a women’s cooperative where there is a chance to purchase high quality organic products including argan oil which is unique to this region.**
5		Visit to the Taroudant souk to purchase ingredients for the evening meal, have a cookery lesson and/or language lesson, or alternatively visit the Palais Salam to swim or take an additional excursion.**
6	3	Taxi transfer to Essaouira (4 Hours). Afternoon to explore the charming port and the fortifications.
7		Relax on the beach, walk the ramparts and discover the craftsmanship and exquisite carpentry in the little thuya wood workshops under the ramparts, take a boat trip or visit the souks.
8		Option of camel or horse trek or walk by the coast.
9	2	Taxi transfer to Marrakech (2.5 hours), afternoon visit to the souks and evening visit to the main Place Jemma de Fna.
10		Visit the historic sites Saadian Tombs, Badii Palace, Bahia Palace and museums Maison Tiskiwine and Musee de Marrakech, take lunch in the main square. (A guide can be arranged)
11		Depending on flight times visit the Agdal Gardens or Yves St Laurent's Majorelle Gardens, and taxi transfer to Marrakech airport.

Pricing: * Based on 2 persons sharing (B&B), excl. flights, staying at Naturally Morocco Guest House (Taroudant), Riad Zahra (Essaouira) and Riad Alwachma, (Marrakech) - budget accommodation; Naturally Morocco can offer a range of alternatives if required. Price varies by room, season and exchange rate.

Transport options: Transport provided in Taroudant. Taxi or car (self-drive or with driver); coach from Essaouira to Marrakech possible. All travel times are approximate.

Extension options: Ouirgane, Imlil or Ourika valley in the High Atlas Mountains, or Tafraoute and Mirleft.

Activity options: ** The timings of these excursions and activities may vary.

A range of additional day excursions and experiences from Taroudant are also available from our 'Real Morocco' programme. Trekking on foot, horse, camel or mountain bike is available in the High Atlas, and day excursions from Marrakech. In Essaouira.camel and horse trekking and windsurfing/ kite surfing/ surfing

Request a Quotation or Tel: UK: 0845 345 7195 (local rate) or 01239 710 814

Duration: 10 -14 Nights

Taroudant

Often known as “Little Marrakech” due to the backdrop of the High Atlas Mountains and its red town walls, which are more complete than those of any other Moroccan town. This Berber market town is little frequented by tourists, providing an authentic experience of everyday life and is an ideal base from which to explore Berber countryside.

Essaouira

Boasting a photogenic traditional fishing harbour and a wonderful fortified medina (a World Heritage Site), this charming town - 2.5 hrs west of Marrakech - built by the Portuguese, offers a wide range of shopping in traditional souks, a good range of restaurants and a large range of activities for all the family. It is a great place to relax or be as energetic as you wish, and offers a number of water sports related courses on a huge sandy beach a short walk from the medina.

Marrakech

Marrakech is the gateway to Morocco for most visitors, and understandably so. One of the four imperial cities, it is a lively city with a true Moroccan soul and culture, a feast for the senses that caters well for visitors. From the atmospheric souks of the medina, to the villages of the High Atlas Mountains a short drive away, Marrakech offers a vast range of options for the visitor either on a short trip or as part of a longer adventure.

Pictures