MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA TC JOURNEYS
Moroccan Magic: Marrakesh, Mountains & Essaouira
8 nights | 2 adults
Trip highlights
- Step into Marrakesh’s ancient heart, where centuries-old minarets, opulent palaces, and ornate riads reveal the city’s soul at every turn.
- Lose yourself in the medina’s winding souks, where spices perfume the air, coloured lanterns glimmer overhead, and artisans bargain with spirited energy.
- Experience authentic Berber hospitality in the shimmering High Atlas foothills, waking to birdsong and magnificent mountain views from your rustic lodge.
- Trek through dramatic valleys to share mint tea with local Berber families, feeling truly welcomed by their warmth and traditions.
- Wander Essaouira’s ramparts, where Atlantic breezes mingle with music, craft stalls, and the enticing scent of freshly grilled seafood.
Uncover the magic of Morocco, from Marrakesh’s intoxicating energy to the tranquil heights of the High Atlas Mountains and the artistic seaside allure of Essaouira, where ancient ramparts meet the wild Atlantic. Each day brims with authentic moments, whether it’s the taste of a crisp honeyed pastry, the heady aroma of spices and fresh leather drifting from the souks, or the sight of eagles gliding above rugged peaks. Your adventure combines awe-inspiring sights with local connections, leaving you with lasting memories woven from Morocco’s dazzling contrasts.
Days 1-2: Marrakesh
The fragrance of orange blossom greets you as you step into the peaceful inner courtyard of Riad Palais Sebban, your oasis for three nights. Tucked within the city’s historic heart, its elegant interiors echo the grandeur of Arab-Andalusian design. Unwind in a haven of tiled mosaics, trickling emerald pools, and refined hospitality: a serene hideaway amidst the bustle of the medina.
On your second day, delve into Marrakesh’s imperial treasures on a guided tour, marvelling at the Koutoubia Mosque’s sunlit minaret, the opulent rooms of Bahia Palace adorned with intricate zellige tiles, and the delicate marble artistry of the Saadian Tombs. As the sun sets over the Menara Gardens’ mirror-like reflecting pool and expansive olive groves, the snow-dusted Atlas peaks frame a view you’ll carry forever.
Day 3: Marrakesh
Wake to the city’s golden light and set out at your own pace, perhaps to the exotic Majorelle Garden, where sunny yellow accents pop against cobalt-blue facades and drifting jasmine scents your morning. Alternatively, watch street life unfurl in Jemaa el-Fnaa, Marrakesh’s legendary cultural-hub. Throughout the day, this vast square shifts from a tapestry of orange juice sellers, artisans, and acrobats to a carnival of street performers, storytellers, and musicians.
In the afternoon, an included tour takes you deep into the medina’s maze-like bazaars, piled high with spices, leather goods, and handwoven Berber carpets. Led by your guide, partake in some good-natured bartering and uncover Marrakech bite by bite, sampling sun-ripened apricots, aromatic nuts, and pastries that melt in your mouth – a feast for the senses you’ll never forget.
Days 4-5: Atlas Mountains
Leaving Marrakesh behind, journey just over an hour to the gentle hush of the High Atlas Mountains. Your home for the next two nights is Kasbah Africa, a Berber-run lodge tucked within a spectacular river valley, where city sounds give way to birdsong and mountain breezes. Relax and reconnect with nature as you gaze upon the soul-stirring terracotta peaks that surround you.
Mornings bring the thrill of exploration as an expert guide leads you along hidden trails to picturesque villages, where you’ll receive a warm Berber welcome. Enjoy the ritual of sharing mint tea while immersing yourself in the stories and traditions of this friendly community. Afternoons invite you to bask in the sun by the pool as eagles glide overhead, while evenings unveil the High Atlas sky in all its velvety darkness – perfect for stargazing and tracing constellations.
Days 6-8: Essaouira
Your final destination is the coastal city of Essaouira, where fortified walls aged by history meet the wild Atlantic. Spend three nights at Le Medina Essaouira Thalassa Sea & Spa: a tranquil retreat with elegant rooms and a spa offering restorative thalassotherapy for complete rejuvenation.
Spend your days strolling Essaouira’s ochre ramparts or losing track of time in the artisan-lined lanes of its UNESCO-listed medina. Wander barefoot across golden sands beneath sun dappled palms, catch a rolling Atlantic swell in a surf lesson, or feast on freshly caught sardines and lobster at smoky grills by the bustling port. With your spirits lifted by the Atlantic breeze, Essaouira is the perfect place to conclude your unforgettable Moroccan adventure.
