Explore Marrakech, Atlas Hiking & the Cooast- 5 days

Welcome to Marrakech ''Red City'' once an important trading capital for Atlas mountain tribes, Marrakech remains an exciting former imperial city. north of Atlas mountain foothills, Marrakech is home to Africa's busiest aduare, Jemaa el-Fna. Begin exploring Marrakech's ancient medina 9 old quarter), starling with the Koutoubia Mosque and Gardens. though the mosque cannot be entered by non-muslims, it's worth cheching out its 12th-century foundations and 253 feet (77 m) minaret. Visit the fountains and pools in the adjoining garden.

Indulge your sunses as you explore the complicated labyrinth of Souk (markets), tucked behined ordinary restaurants and shops. Check out Souk el Attarin, Souk Chouari, and Souk Smata for a celection of spices, woodwork, and Babouche (traditioal Moroccan slippers). visit Souk des Teinturiers or the dyers' Souk to see how cloch and yarn are dyed using traditional methods.Next admire the fine example of Moroccan Islamic architecture of the Ben Youssef Madrasa, a 16th century Koranic school, and note the ornate dwtail of its interior: ceilings, scupted plaster, and Zellij tiling.

Return to Jemaa el-Fna as the sun begins to set and enjoy the show as the square comes alive with musicins, and dancers, and snake charmers. Explore the many stalls and vendors to find something to eat. Or for more relaxed experience, look for one of the many cafes that sit above the square to enjoy a meal and peaple watch before retiring to your Riad the evening.

A short distance south of Marrakech lies the small town of Amizmiz at the foothills of the High Atlas mountains. Explore the humble market in the old town before meeting your mountain guide to begin your hike along quiet narrow roads and mule paths. As the area is remot, you are unlikeliy to come across ather tourists. As such, you will be treated to trekking in between traditional Berber villages that hug the hillsides, with local farmers and shepherds going about thier daily routines. Discover the terraced plots of farmland, that local farmers have built ti turn the mountainside into suitable land for farming.

Visit with a local family and see how they live and enjoy a traditional lunch them, before carrying on with your hike. Meet another local Berber family and relax as guests in thier home, enjoying a warm meal and thier  company.

Have breakfest with your hosts before saying goodbye and heading out on the trail. continue to explore the local scenery and other nearby towns before returning to Marrakech.

Upon arriving in Marrakech, explore the Kasbah (firt or fortification) area south of Jemaa el-Fna and check out the Saadian Tombs and descover the 500-year-old craftsmanship that went into its construction. Visit the sunken gardens of hte 17th-century El Badi Palace as you work your way through the Mellah (Jewish quarter) and to the 19th-century Bahia Palace. if there's time, you may wish to check out the Dar Di Said Miseum (olso known as the Museum of Moroccan Arts) to see exhibits of clothing, antiques, jewelry, and beautifully carved Hispano-Moorish decorations of carved cedarwood.

After breakfest, make your way west to the Atlantic coast and to the laid-back beach town of Essaouira. The route along the way takes you over extensive, rolling plains and through endemic argan forests. If you're lucky, you may see goats in the trees grazing on the argan fruit, a sight seen when grass pasture id limited or unavailible.

arrive in the port city of charming Essaouira, a nice contrast to frenetic Merrakech, and spend the rest of the day as you choose.Peruse the UNESCO-protected medina, ride horses in hte surf, take a kitesurfing lesson, or walk the Skala de laKasbah (the 18th-cemtury seafront ramparts) along the coast. Designed by European engineers, old brass cannons line the walls and offer viewing access over the Atlantic. Jimi Hendrix fans may want to take a short taxi ride to Diabat at the end of Essaouira's  beach where he reportedly spent some time. Walk to Essaouira and enjoy a meal of freshly caught seafood.

Say farewell to the Windy City and return to Marrakech. There is an option to stop at Argan Cooperative  along the way to see how the precious argan oil extracted from nut.

Once back in Marrakech, time allows, discover the only surviving Almoravid monument, the 12th-century  Dar Mnebbi Palace, the museum is home to large exhibit of both modern and traditional art and includes artifacts of Berber and Moroccan Jewish and Islamic cultures.

Included / Exclude

Pick Up: From Your Accommodation Or Airport

Drop Off: At Your Accommodation Or Airport

Price Included

Transport in comfortable A/C vehicle

Private 4×4 or Minivan Transport

English speaking driver/guide

Sunset Camel Trek along the beach

Mineral water provided during the trip

Price Exclude

Soft drinks

Lunches

Tips and gratuities

Optional activities.

Personal expenses on the itinerary