About
03 Coast, City and Culture of the Berbers
Experience Berber Culture
An interesting holiday idea contrasting the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, with the peace of Essaouira on the beautiful Atlantic coast, and the interesting yet less frequently visited town of Taroudant. From Taroudant you can explore the stunning High and Anti-Atlas Mountains, the fertile Souss Valley and the Berber towns of the south.
| Season: | All year round. |
| Length: | 10 nights. |
| Flights: | Marrakech, Agadir (50 minute transfer to Taroudant),. |
| Pricing: | from £820 pp for 10 nights based on 2 persons sharing (B&B), excl. flights. 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: | A range of additional day excursions from Taroudant are available. 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 is also available. The timings of these excursions and activities may vary. |
Typical Itinerary
The more time you have for your holiday the more you can explore the fascinating Berber culture, we recommend 10 nights for this trip, for example:
| 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. 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 | Day at leisure or explore the Taroudant souk for some shopping 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 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 Note:
Based on 2 persons sharing (B&B), excl. flights, staying at Palais Oumensour (Taroudant), Riad Zahra (Essaouira) and Riad El Borj, (Marrakech) - budget accommodation; Naturally Morocco can offer a range of alternatives if required. Price varies by room, season and exchange rate.
Based on 2 persons sharing (B&B), excl. flights, staying at Palais Oumensour (Taroudant), Riad Zahra (Essaouira) and Riad El Borj, (Marrakech) - budget accommodation; Naturally Morocco can offer a range of alternatives if required. Price varies by room, season and exchange rate.
Taroudant
Taroudant can be a fascinating part of a Moroccan holiday, either by itself or as part of a more extensive trip.Essaouira
Essaouira is charming traditional Atlantic Coast town with a medina, harbour and fishing port.Marrakech
Marrakech offers visitors a wonderful flavour of Moroccan culture and life. Known as the gateway to Morocco for most visitors, it is one of the four imperial cities.
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