Wendy Wheeler and Ian Reid
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
ARRIVE IN MARRAKECH AND TRANSFER TO ESSAOUIRA
Upon arrival in Marrakech, meet your English-speaking guide and transfer to your hotel for the evening in Essaouira (approximately 2.5-hour drive).
Palais Heure Bleue is nothing short of decadent. The hotel’s décor is influenced by colonial nuances from the Orient, Africa, Portugal, and Britain, bringing an elegant sophistication to the property. In traditional Moroccan style, the heart of the hotel is its inner riad, crowned with an ornate fountain.
Overnight Palais Heure Bleue
Day 2
ESSAOUIRA
Escorted by an expert guide, spend the first half of today exploring the seaside town of Essaouira.
This Atlantic-coast port city speaks of a bygone era. The medina, or old town, is protected by the Skala de la Kasbah, fortress-like 18-century seafront ramparts. Essaouira is famous for its fresh seafood, which guests can sample in the stalls of the old port. Enjoy expansive ocean views and watch the surfers cruise waves carved by the strong “Alizée” trade winds.
The rest of the day is yours to relax and explore at leisure.
Overnight Palais Heure Bleue
Day 3
ESSAOUIRA TO MARRAKECH
This morning, transfer from Essaouira to Marrakech (2-hour drive) via an extraordinary winery called Val d’Argan. Established in 1994, Val d’Argan represents 13 varietals from the Rhone Valley. Committed to excellence and warm, Moroccan hospitality, the staff at the winery will introduce you to their work of producing wine in the French tradition enthusiastically.
Check-in to La Maison Arabe, the first riad hotel to open in Marrakech in 1998. Today, it is still one of the best. The elegant interior courtyard encircles a plunge-pool where ambient lanterns and warm touches give this special hotel a feel of pure opulence. The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure.
Overnight La Maison Arabe
Day 4
MARRAKECH
You will be met by your guide in the lobby after breakfast to begin a guided tour of Marrakech. This medieval city is crisscrossed with a complex network of alleyways, each of which play host to bustling souks, or marketplaces selling traditional wares such as textiles, pottery, or jewelry. The city skyline is anchored by the omnipresence of the Koutoubia Mosque, a 77-meter tall symbol of the city.
In good hands, you’ll discover hidden gems in this wondrous city including the Saadians Tombs, Koutoubia Minaret, El Bahia Palace, the Koranic School Medersa Ben Youssef, the Jemaa el Fna Square, and more.
Overnight La Maison Arabe
Day 5
HOT AIR BALLOON OVER MARRAKECH
Your guide will collect you early in the morning for a 4×4 transfer to the countryside, to the hot air balloon launch site. Watch the team as they skillfully set up the rig, and after a full safety briefing, you will take flight! Glide gently over the undulating terrain below. Over the course of an hour, you will cover between 15 and 25-kilometers, depending on the strength of the wind.
En route back to Marrakech, stop at a small village to sample home-baked breads with honey-and-mint tea. Return to your accommodation in Marrakech and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.
Overnight La Maison Arabe
Day 6
MARRAKECH TO IMLIL
After breakfast, head to Imlil (1.5-hour drive). Located about 35-minutes outside of Marrakech is a small eco-farm that specializes in delivering a full-sensory culinary experience that brings Moroccan culture to life. This morning, participate in a cooking class with well-regarded chef Tarik to learn about healthy and authentic local food and cooking culture in Morocco.
The vision for La Kasbah du Toubkal sprang to life when to British brothers stayed at the then ruined Kasbah. Together with their Moroccan host, they set out to create a retreat like no other on the fringes of Toubkal National Park with the extraordinary backdrop of North Africa’s highest mountain.
Check-in to La Kasbah du Toubkal, and enjoy the rest of your day exploring the resort’s astounding grounds.
Overnight La Kasbah du Toubkal
Day 7
IMLIL
Imlil is a small Berber village located 1,800-meters above sea level high in the Atlas Mountain range.
After breakfast this morning, embark on a short trek to explore the neighboring hamlets. Stop for a scenic picnic lunch to admire the tall, jagged peaks and enjoy a mint tea with a local Berber family to learn more about Moroccan culture.
Overnight La Kasbah du Toubkal
Day 8
BIKING IN IMLIL
Enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting off for a demanding but gratifying biking activity. Start in Imlil, the Moroccan Katmandu, at 1,750-meters to climb the challenging Tizi n’Tamatert to 2,230-meters.
On top, take in the dramatic views. The high peaks of the Atlas Mountains are often snow-covered, giving these giants a majestic appeal. Your ride back will be punctuated by quaint Berber villages, where the children are always amazed to see visitors! Conclude your adventure near Asni, and transfer back to your lodge to relax and recuperate after an active day.
Overnight La Kasbah du Toubkal
Day 9
Departure
Enjoy one last breakfast on the rooftop terrace of La Kasbah de Toubkal, taking in the incredible scenery around you. Your guide will meet you and assist with your private transfer to the airport in Marrakech for your departing flight home.
