From Atlas to the Ocean

Day 1
Marrakech

Reception at the Marrakech airport and transfer to the hotel located near the Jamaa el Fna square.

Day 2
Marrakech – Taroudant

Departure from Marrakech on the panoramic road that crosses the High Atlas. The highest point  is the Tizi-nTest pass at 2092 meters. Here there is a spectacular view of the El Haouz regions to the north and Sous to the south. From here, the road descends until it reaches Taroudnat in the Sous’ river valley.

During the journey, we will make several stops to contemplate the immensity of the Atlas. We will visit the Tinmel Mosque also known as Tin Mal, in the Tamazigh language it means “school”. The mosque dates from the 12th century. It is the architectural jewel of the Almohad era of the Western High Atlas.

We will spend the night in Taroudant,  known as little Marrakech.

Day 3
Taroudant – Ait Baha Fortified Barn Imchguiguiln – Agadir

After breakfast, we will visit Taroudant. The city has an amazing wall surrounded by palm trees.

We will follow the route to Ait Baha. We will visit the fortified barn of Imchguiguiln from the thirteenth century. Completely restored.

The fortified granaries are traditional constructions of the Berber cultural heritage. Old buildings where each family kept their harvest and their valuable objects there. It is like the tribal bank and also the symbol of an egalitarian tribal organization.

The Ait Baha area has one of the highest concentrations of argan trees. Considered by UNESCO, Arganeraie Biosphere Reserve. The argan tree is unique in the world, known as “the liquid gold of Morocco”. Argan oil is knowns worldwide for its many health benefits. To get a liter of oil, it is necessary to 35 kilos of this fruit. The Berber women in charge of its manufacture. The Argan tree in Berber symbolism is “the tree of life”.From Ait Baha we will head towards Agadir. A beautiful landscape full of argan forests, secluded beaches and fishing villages. A tour to enjoy it without haste. Night in Agadir, a city located between the Antiatlas and the Sahara Desert. It is the most important tourist center in Morocco.

Day 4
Agadir- Essaouira

After breakfast, we leave Agadir to Essaouira. Route bordering the coast during the 180 km that separate these two cities. we will see spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. During the journey, we will make several stops:

– Taghazut is a fishing village. That has magnificent beaches frequented by lovers of surfing and windsurfing.

-We will admire the spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean at cape Ghir.

– Sidi Koauki, a very beautiful beach located next to a Tuyas forest.

-Village of Ghazoua, there the route takes us to cape Sim with views between the sea and the Sahara desert

From here we will continue to Essaouira. A fortified city overlooking the ocean.

“A walk through the medina and eating good fish, one of the pleasures of Essaouira”.

Night in a Riad.

Day 5
Essaouira

Free day in Essaouira to stroll through its medina or old city. That is  a World Heritage Site since 2001 by UNESCO. The medina is a place to enjoy it without haste. It is full of life: artisans, merchants and fishermen mix there, which is a great attraction.

Essaouira’s crafts are rich and varied, especially with thuya wood. As well as in goldsmithing, marquetry.

Every year in June there is the Gnawa and World Music Festival in Essaouira. This event brings together hundreds of local and international artists. A meeting of musicians with different types of music: jazz, pop, rock, reggae …

Night at the riad.

Day 6
Essaouira – Marrakech

Breakfast and departure to Marrakech. On the way, we have the possibility to visit a cooperative of women that make argan oil. Upon arrival in Marrakech, we will enjoy free time. Night in hotel.

Recommendations:

Visit to the Majorelle gardens. Botanical gardens designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle. It is currently owned by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent.

Go to Jamaa el Fna Square at sunset to watch from a café terrace. You will observe how little by little the square is filling up. With food stalls and illuminated by hundreds of lights. Then people gather for dinner.

Day 7
Marrakech

After breakfast, we will start the visit in the square of the Koutoubia mosque. Then we go to the Jamaa El Fna square, from here we enter the Medina, declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. We visit the souk and the main places of historical interest. The Saadiane Tombs, the Medersa Ben Youssef, the El Badi Palace. At the exit of the Medina, we will have a mint tea in one of the terraces of the lively Jamaa el Fna square. Declared by UNESCO as Oral Heritage of Humanity. Everything in Marrakech revolves around the Jamaa el Fna square, in this public space gather: musicians, storytellers, snake charmers, dancers, dentists, fruit juice vendors, acrobats, writers, water carriers, medicinal herb vendors …

Night at the hotel.

Day 8
Marrakech – End of circuit

At the established time, transfer to the airport and end of our services.