Product Description
Highlights
Take the journey to bustling Marrakech to the laidback vibe of Morocco’s coast, without the hassle of working out your own travel arrangements.. Discover the colourful markets of Essaouria and finish a half-day guided tour of the city with a delicious barbecue seafood lunch.. Consider your options of joining an Urban Adventures experience in Essaouira – perhaps with a focus on local cuisine, or traditional Gnawa culture and music..
Overview
Need an excuse to head coastal in Morocco? Look no further than a short break to the seaside town of Essouira – a place that is known for its white-washed buildings, laidback vibe and delicious seafood. Consider exploring by foot the spice-scented lanes, the bustling markets, or perhaps meet with the Gnawa people – an Afro-Moroccan group whose culture and music provide the heartbeat of this town. This bite-sized adventure starts and ends in Marrakech and takes the stress of travel and organisation away from you. Get relaxed and get exploring on Morocco’s coast.
Breakfast Included: 2 Lunches Included: 1 Dinner Included:
Essaouira
Good morning from Morocco! This morning, you’ll be collected from your hotel in Marrakech and will travel to the port town of Essaouira, driving for around 3 hours. Essaouira's charm is undeniable – within the stone ramparts you'll find whitewashed houses with bright blue shutters, art galleries and wood workshops. This laidback artists' town is a former Portuguese trading colony and was once home to sizeable British and Jewish populations. It faces a group of rocky islands, called the Mogador, and is surrounded by an expanse of sandy beaches and dunes. It's still a busy fishing port and its pretty harbour is filled with tiny colourful boats which go out early every morning for the day's catch. You'll arrive in time to wander the cafes and have some lunch with the afternoon free to relax.
Essaouira
After breakfast, head on a half-day guided tour of this seaside port, checking out all of the main sights and gaining insider knowledge with a local guide. After this tour, you’ll be sure to have worked up an appetite, so finish with a fresh barbecue seafood lunch with today’s local catch. Other dietary options are also available. With the afternoon free for you to explore, why not check out an Urban Adventures tour? Perhaps the Gnawa Music Experience – step inside the sacred and traditional world of the Gnawa, an Afro-Moroccan group whose music and culture are the heartbeat of Essaouira. Meet with Gnawa masters and experience their addictive music in hidden domains inaccessible to Essaouira outsiders. If more food is on the menu, how about the Essaouira Food & Culture tour, which takes you on a tour through the medina, to the fishing port, and up onto the ramparts of this mesmerising Moroccan city. If you’d prefer to do your own thing, that’s good too! The narrow streets of Essaouira are ideal for strolling. Browse the shops and art galleries, or if you’d like to relax, don't miss the opportunity to indulge in a hammam or local-style bath.
Marrakech
Savour a relaxing morning, and after breakfast, you’ll travel back to Marrakech (approximately 3 hours). Please advise at the time of booking if you would like to be dropped off at the airport or a hotel in Marrakech – both arrangements can be made available.
