8-day southern Morocco discovery tour

Marrakech

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech

Welcome to Marrakech! You'll be met at the airport, before transferring to your riad in the medina. Depending on when you arrive, you may be able to spend some time sightseeing. Soak up the atmosphere with a wander through the medina, eat a delicious dinner at the Café des Epices, or book a hammam for tomorrow.

Marrakech

Day 2: Sightseeing in lively Marrakech

After breakfast in your riad, it's time to explore the medina with a city guide, taking in all the sights and sounds of colourful Marrakech. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, the huge Jemaa El Fnaa Square, colourful and lively souks with their enticing scents, and the Bab Agnaou, the most beautiful gate in Marrakech. Be sure not to miss the exquisite Bahia Palace.

The rest of the afternoon is free for you to pursue individual interests. For example, you could visit the famous Majorelle Gardens or relax in a traditional hammam. Afterwards, let your impressions sink in at a typical Moroccan restaurant in the medina; Nomad is a great place to enjoy dinner.

Marrakech - Asni - Taroudant

Day 3: Berber villages & beautiful Taroudant

This morning, leave Marrakech and drive via Asni to Taroudant. Enjoy the spectacular journey through the High Atlas Mountains, with numerous small Berber villages worth stopping at along the way.

In the early afternoon, reach Taroudant and check into your accommodation. This old capital in the east of the Souss plain is surrounded by beautiful city walls and feels like a little sister to Marrakech. Breezy orchards sit outside the walls and can be viewed from a walk around the ramparts.

Inside the city, lose yourself in the lively and wonderful souk brimming with goods; admire the variety of handicrafts, from jewellery to carpets and antiques. Try your hand at bartering for some colourful souvenirs, then in the evening, try some of the wonderful local cuisine. 

Taroudant - Tafraoute - Tamarwot

Day 4: Venture deep into the Anti-Atlas

After breakfast, journey deeper into the Anti-Atlas and Souss culture. You'll pass through Ait Baha, a small village spared from mass tourism. Around noon, arrive into Tafraoute and take the opportunity to have lunch. The town is located at the centre of the Ammeln Valley region and sits at an altitude of around 1,000m, in the western Anti-Atlas.

Nature has formed a magnificent mountain landscape here, with towering granite rocks which shimmer pink in the sun. Various festivals throughout the year offer variety in this otherwise relatively isolated place.

Continue on to your guesthouse, set amid the mountains of the Anti-Atlas. This is the ideal starting point for hikes away from the hustle and bustle, among an untouched, authentic landscape. Once you've checked in, it's time to relax in magical surroundings!

Tamarwot - Sidi Ifni

Day 5: Discover the treasures of the south

After breakfast, cross the plains with their starkly beautiful plantations of thorned and gnarled argan trees. You'll leave the desert landscape behind as the Atlantic Coast appears on the horizon.

Later, you'll arrive into Sidi Ifni, a former garrison town that was once a Spanish colony. Today, it sits tranquil on the shore, with charming Art Deco buildings such as the former Spanish consulate building, and the pastel-hued Hotel de Ville and Cine Avenida.

The town features unspoilt beaches with gigantic rock formations that reach into the water. Take a walk through this natural spectacle and enjoy some restful time to reflect on your journey so far.

Sidi Ifni - Agadir - Essaouira

Day 6: The Silver City & glorious Atlantic coast

Leave Sidi Ifni after breakfast to travel on to Tiznit, the Silver City. This town is famous for its artisan jewellery-making, using silver and semi-precious stones. After exploring the town, continue on towards Agadir, passing through villages hidden from the world.

Take a short break before driving along the spectacular Atlantic Coast, passing fishing villages and surf beaches en-route to Essaouira.

You'll reach this former Portuguese colony in the early afternoon. Enjoy a relaxed evening, sample the local seafood for dinner, and take a stroll around the harbour. Don't miss your chance to watch the sunset with a cooling drink on your hotel's terrace.

Essaouira

Day 7: Essaouira exploration

After a relaxing breakfast, the day is free for you to get to know the city better.

Essaouira, formerly known as Mogadir, has long been popular with international artists and has a reputation of a hippie getaway. Today, it also attracts groups of surfers, kitesurfers, and other wind-and-water enthusiasts.

Join an optional guided tour or independently visit the main sights of Essaouira: the 18th-century medina (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the port, the Sqala, the old town and the Mellah, the former Jewish Quarter. The city is known not only for its artisan jewellery but also for its high-quality leather goods and fabrics, so the souks are well worth browsing for souvenirs.

In the evening, find a seafood restaurant for a final Moroccan dinner as you relax by the sea.  

Essaouira - Marrakech

Day 8: Departure day: return to Marrakech

After breakfast, travel from Essaouira back to Marrakech in time for your onward transfer to the airport, ready for your departure flight home. Safe travels!