Suggested Itinerary Number: 04

Marrakech, High Atlas and Atlantic Coast

For those who love the beauty and peace of the mountains but also seek a short experience of the vibrancy of Marrakech, the beauty of the High Atlas and a taste of the Atlantic, this trip provides the opportunity to relax or to trek on foot, horse back or on camels.

Our recommendations

Season: all year round.

Length: 7 nights. This itinerary lends itself very well also to 10 nights.

Flights: Marrakech (2.5 hours transfer to Essaouira, 1.5 hours to Imlil, 1 hour to Ouirgane).

Destinations: In the High Atlas mountains Imlil (1,800m altitude) is well suited to trekkers, but for a pool or a warmer destination Ouirgane (1,000m) is a good alternative.

Prices from £295 per person (7 nights) excluding flights*

Day	Nights' Stay	Typical itinerary for illustration
1	2	Taxi transfer from Marrakech airport to Essaouira (2.5 hrs), visit the port and watch fishermen landing their catch, and/ or walk the beach promenade.
2		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 perhaps a camel ride or horse trek.
3	2	Taxi transfer from Essaouira to Imlil in the High Atlas (3.5 hrs). Explore the village of Imlil.
4		Take an optional day trek into the surrounding High Atlas, or more informal walk/s around the hills and valleys around Imlil and include a stop at Kasbah Toubkal, famously transformed from a ruin to a luxury retreat, for lunch.**
5	3	Taxi transfer from Imlil to Marrakech (1.5 hrs). Afternoon and evening visit to explore the souks and the main Place Jemma de Fna.
6		Visit the historic sites Saadian Tombs, Badii Palace, Bahia Palace and museums Maison Tiskiwine and Musee de Marrakech and the Medersa Ben Youssef, take lunch in the main square (a guide can be arranged).**
7		Visit the Agdal Gardens and Yves St Laurent's Majorelle Gardens (via caleche optional) and shop for Moroccan handicrafts at one of the Centre Artisanal's (a guide can be arranged).
8		Depending on flight times visit the Mellah and the tanneries (a guide can be arranged) and taxi transfer to airport.

Pricing: * Based on 2 persons sharing (B&B), excl. flights, staying at Chakir Mogador (Essaouira), Dar Ouassaggou (Imlil) 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: Taxi or car (self-drive or with driver) outside Marrakech; coach from Essaouira to Marrakech possible. All travel times areapproximate.

Extension options: Oualidia (Atlantic Coast).

Activity options: ** Day or overnight trekking on horse, camel or foot in the High Atlas or Marrakech and day excursions from Marrakech.

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

Duration: 7-14 Nights

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.

Imlil

A thriving trekking centre in the High Atlas Mountains just 90 minutes south of Marrakech, the village enjoys a wonderful setting overlooked by Jbel Toubkal which, at 4,167 metres, is the highest peak in North Africa. There is a wide choice of treks for all abilities amongst some of the most stunning mountain scenery Morocco has to offer.

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