Suggested Itinerary Number: 08

Atlantic Coast And Medinas

For those on a short break looking to relax around picturesque harbours and/ or beaches on the Atlantic coast and explore the contrasting medinas of towns, cities or villages.

Print Atlantic Coast And Medinas ItineraryOur recommendations

Season: all year round.

Length: 7 nights.

Flights: Marrakech

Destinations: Marrakech can be combined with the traditional coastal town of Essaouira, or the lagoon side village of Oualidia. Alternatively the traditional walled town of Taroudant can be combined with the cliff top village of Mirleft or the coastal resort of Agadir.

Prices from £245 per person (7 nights) excluding flights*

Day Nights' Stay Typical itinerary for illustration
1 4 Transfer by taxi from Marrakech airport to Essaouira (2.5hs). Depending on your arrival time 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.
3   Take a boat trip or perhaps a camel ride or horse trek at at Diabat. **
4   Day at leisure.
5 3 Taxi transfer to Marrakech (2.5hrs), afternoon visit to the souks and evening visit to 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, take lunch in the main square (a guide can be arranged).**
7   Visit the Agdal Gardens and Yves St Laurents 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 Marrakech tanneries (a guide can be arranged) and taxi transfer to airport.

Pricing: * Based on 2 persons sharing (B&B), excl. flights, staying at Riad Chakir (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: Car (self-drive or with driver) outside Marrakech; coach from Essaouira to Marrakech possible. All travel times are approximate.

Extension options: Essaouira, Oualidia, Nirleft, Rabat (Atlantic Coast), or High Atlas Mountains (Ourika valley or Ouirgane or Imlil).

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
7-10 Nights
Sample Itinerary 8

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.

Oualidia (Optional)

By contrast to Essaouira, Oualidia is a village overlooking a spectacular lagoon with safe swimming on the Atlantic coast, famous for its oysters and migratory birds. About 3 hrs north west of Marrakech and 2.5 hrs north of Essaouira, it is a peaceful except in August.