A Taste of Morocco: Marrakech, Ait Ben Haddou- 5 Days

Welcome to Morocco! Your adventure begins when you land at Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK), where a driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel. Nicknamed the ''Red City'' after the nuturel pigment in the sandstone used to build its walls and building, Marrakech is the fourth largest city in Morocco.

Afer you check-in and get settled, a guide will meet you for your afternoon tour of hte city. You will descover the wonders of life in the old quarter known as the Medina and wander around the souks (markets) filled with vibrant activity at all hours. Continue on to the famed Jemaa el-Fna square that comes alive at night as acrobats, storytellers, dancers, and musicians set up in one section, and a series of open-air food stalls set up in another where you can taste the authentic flavors of Morocco.

After your tour ends, you will have the rest of the evening to enjoy the square, wander around the city, or relax at your hotel.

Today, a guide will pick you up after beakfest and take you 113 miles (183 km) east to Ait Benhaddou-an 11th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site comprised of ancient earthen building. On your way there, you'll travel along the scenic mountain pass of Tizi N'Tichka, which is the highest in Morocco at 7,414 feet (2,260 meters).

Once you arrive, oyu can begin touring the fort Ait Benhaddou is primarily made up of residential dwellings that are surrounded by defensive walls, angled towers, and an armored gate. You cam also learn about pre-Saharan earthen construction techniques and the city's important history.

Ait Benhaddou has also been a sought-after shooting location for films and letevision shows like the Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones. You'll spend the night in the old town, and you'll have time to wander the empty alleys after the crowds have left. If you'd like, you can pay a small fee to enter a few of the kasbahs and climb up tp the rooftop for pretty views of the surrounding ksours (individual kasbahs) and the Ouarzazate Valley.

After breakfest this morning, a driver will pick you up and transfer you back to Marrakech. Your 113-mile (183-km- journey will take you through the Atlas mountains, passing back Tizi N'Tichka and many Berber Villages.

Once you arrive at your hotel in Marrakech, you can check-in and get ready for a day of relaxation and Moroccan Spa treatments. You willl head to a traditional Hammam (bathhouse) for hte full experience, which has many specific steps and is a ritual in itself. The treatments will begin with time in heat and steam rooms before an attendant glazes your body with mixture of water and Ghassoul, a natural clay extacted from the Atlas Mountains which clears the skin of impurities. Then, Savon beldi-a black soap made with olive oil and eucalyptus leaves - will be applied to soften your skin before your body is scrubbed clean  with a 'kessah loofah'.

After your treatment, you can opt for a massage or simply rest and enjoy some mint tea. You'll have the rest of the evening free to continue exploring the city or to relax at your hotel.

Today, you'll take a day-trip from Marrakech to ancient Essaouira, which was formerly  known as Mogador. A driver will pick you up at your hotel and drive you 118 miles (191 km) to the 18th-century town on the coast that is surrounded by medieval battlements.

When you arrive, you will tour Essaouira's medina, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site mide up of white washed buildings with blue shutters. and colonnades. You can also explore its busy fishing harbor and take a stroll along the Skala de la Kasbah along the coast. Enjoy a day of relaxing, shopping, and tasting authentic Morocco seafood before your driver returns oyu to your hotel in Marrakech for evening.

It's time to say goodbye to Morocco! After a final morning wandering the streets and picking up some last-minute souvenirs in the souk, a driver will pick you up at your hotel and drive to the airport for your flight home.

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