Day 1: Marrakech, Morocco
Welcome to Menara Marrakech airport. You will be greeted by your VIP Meet & Greet agent who will assist you clearing customs and immigration procedures. He will escort you to the luggage belt where you pick up luggage then he will escort you to the exit to meet your private guide and master driver who transfers you to your hotel. Marrakech, Pearl of the South, Jewel of the South, The Red City are just a few of the nicknames Marrakech has acquired over the years. The pearl and the jewel symbolize its importance as the center of Morocco. It was a busy trading town and resting place on the crossroads of ancient caravan routes from Timbuktu. The Red City refers to its distinctive hue of its many brick buildings. Part Berber, part Arab, part African, Marrakech is the heartbeat of Morocco, where palaces and sites of unrivalled refinement sit calmly alongside the snake charmers and Gnaouan drums pulsing constantly from Djemâa el Fna Square, the most exuberant marketplace in the world.
Virtually unchanged since the Middle Ages, Marrakech’s solid ramparts encircle and protect its mysterious medina, which hides sultans’ palaces, the ornate mansions of rich merchants and some of the most colorful bazaars in the Arab world. Late in the afternoon, locals and tourists crowd the Djemâa el Fna to hear storytellers and musicians perform, be wooed by herbalists and acrobats and watch smoke rise from the outdoor food stalls as vendors whip up a wide array of fried fish, meats, salads and Moroccan delicacies, such as lamb or beef stewed in an earthenware pot and left in hot ashes all day.
The hotel’s unique location in the heart of the city is walking distance to famous La Koutoubia Mosque and Jamaa-el- Fna Square. Authentically representing the classic forms of the traditional medina, an elegant composition of riads, restaurants and spa arranged around the main reception building with its lobby, dinning, bar, lounges and library. Royal Mansour encompasses an environment of immense grace and charm. You enjoy an entire riad on three stories, each having its own distinctive character, furnished with silks and brocades, antiques and hand-crafted furniture. Outside the riads, guests may stroll and relax among Andalusian courtyards, pools, fountains and gardens, or sample the delights of the table and the spa. Royal Mansour is another world, rare luxury and the allure of mythic Marrakech. After your check-in, set out on an orientation tour followed by a sunset stop by UNESCO World Heritage Jamaa el Fna Square. You spend the night in the most luxurious hotel in the city. Royal Mansour Hotel
Day 2: Marrakech
A former imperial city, Marrakech is one of the most popular cities in the Maghreb. Plenty of things to do and see in both the medieval and modern parts of town, Marrakech is the most captivating city of all Morocco. Explore the Old Spice Market, the Rahba Kedima, which is a vibrant market filled with a wide array of spices from cumin, cinnamon, saffron and dried pepper. Then visit the ruined 16th century El Badii Palace, dating from the time of the sultan Ahmad al-Mansour (1578-1603). Next on to El Badii Palace, the Bahia Palace in Marrakech is a beautiful building and an excellent example of Eastern Architecture from the 19th century that represents trends and standards of the wealthy who lived here at that time. It was built for Ahmed Ibn Moussa between 1894 and 1900 in the Alawi style that was popular at the time.
Discover the fascinating 12th century Koutoubia Mosque and its influential minaret along with its gardens. It is the largest mosque in Marrakech, Morocco. Walk through the labyrinth like streets and alleys of Djemma El Fna Square. The city’s main square is home to a multitude of street-artists, stalls of dried fruit and freshly-pressed orange juice. The numerous small restaurants that take over its center from the early evening contribute to the scent of its surroundings.
Then comes the Jewish Mellah, founded in 1558 by Moulay Abdallah. It was designated as the Jewish quarter in Marrakech. The sultan at that the time offered this little piece of security for Jews who were escaping to the country. Now the Mellah is almost completely Muslim but there are approximately 250 Jews still living in Marrakech, and most outside the medina.
Start your Sadaka ride in the sidecar of a motorcycle and travel off the beaten path through the medina and the palm grove to make your way towards Dar El Sadaka. Kids will love a stop at the Jean-Francois Fourtou’s sculpture park with pieces such as “The House Fallen from the Sky” and “The Giant’s House.” Your ride is tailor-made, designed according to your family’s level of interests, respectful of the local culture. This all-inclusive to offer you a memorable experience. Royal Mansour Hotel (B)
Day 3: Marrakech / Ouarzazate / Skoura
Today, you will embark on a domestic flight from Marrakech airport to the airport of Ouarzazate. Upon landing in Ouarzazate, then you meet your transportation guide that you booked to Skoura and your hotel, Dar Ahlam, a beautiful 19th Century Kasbah. The land surrounding the Kasbah was once the private hunting grounds of a Sultan. It has since evolved into a lush landscape with a heated, T-shaped swimming pool, surrounded by date palms and olive trees. Each suite is spacious and minimalist-style chic, with sizeable baths in the ensuite bathrooms and a sitting room complete with dressing area and open fire. Each villa has two sitting rooms and a plunge pool. The main Kasbah is a warren of scented corridors, alcoves and grand archways, very deliberately creating an authentic and discreet atmosphere. Each meal is taken privately in a different location, whether it be somewhere inside the Kasbah or outside in the two hectares of gardens, so guests will never have to repeat the same view or experience. A large pool in the garden is complemented by a luxurious hammam, Jacuzzi and massage rooms. An all-inclusive stay gives guests access to the hammam, use of mules and camels to explore the palmerie and a cooking course.
Days at Dar Ahlam take shape around completely personalized adventures with your dedicated guide. Trek into the Valley of Roses, guided walks in the mountains or desert, or walks with donkeys for children to explore the valleys, villages and isolated plateaus. Explore among the corn stalks and pomegranate trees of a nearby palmerie and drive to the hilltop vestiges of a 12th century Berber village for a traditional tea ceremony at dusk. Select from a menu of other activities that encompass something for every member of the family. Never ridden a camel? You can here, or a horse if you prefer for an adventurous ride in the desert. You can opt to discover Moroccan foods at cooking demonstrations and events. Enjoy use of Hammam, traditional bath, and 25m heated swimming pool, and indoor and outdoor massages (as well as scrubs with black soap are with supplement, to be booked and paid directly). Dar Ahlam (B)
Day 4: Skoura
This morning is at leisure. Relax and enjoy activities provided by Dar Ahlam. This afternoon you set out exploring the desert landscapes on quad bikes (paid directly), with a guide. Learn about this dramatic land with desert adapted species. Dar Ahlam (B)
Day 5: Skoura / Ouarzazate / Agafay
Today, you will travel through stunning Atlas Mountains to reach the Agafay Desert, a hidden desert. En route, you stop in the fortified village of Ait Benhaddou, the most exotic and best-preserved Kasbah in the Atlas region. The village has starred in many movie masterpieces such as “Lawrence of Arabia”, “Jesus of Nazareth”, “Gladiator” and “The Mummy”. Drive over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest in the region at 2,260 meters/7,415 feet, and marvel at the incredible landscapes. En route, travel through picturesque villages, passing travelers going from one village to the next on foot or by mule. Admire the lush green of eucalyptus trees in contrast to the red hue of rocky hills. You’ll notice the exotic smell of “chwaya”, grilled meat or Berber tagine beautifully displayed with a tomato on the top. Continue to your camp in the desert of Agafay.
You reach the camp in time for a sunset camel ride. Explore the surroundings, admiring scenic arid vistas as your camel sways gently back and forth and reminds you of the caravans crossing the desert on the trade route. Inara Camp is a magical setting of the stony Agafay Desert. In the middle of a field of 10 hectares, the camp consists of two parts. The high section including the restaurant, which welcomes you for an exceptional lunch. Then, down below the bivouac quarters welcomes you to the unique experience of a night in the desert. Just ten luxury tents, 30m², provides splendid overviews of the desert. Each features a king-size bed inside, a living room and separate bathroom with shower and toilet.
You will reach the rocky desert of Agafay in time for a sunset camel ride. Explore the surroundings and admire scenic arid vistas on a camel back a reminiscence of caravans crossing the desert on the trade route.
Then, enjoy a stunning show exclusively for you before your private dinner in a Bedouin tent, where a local Gnaoua band, belly dancer, tattoo expert and fire eater will perform. The nomadic tents are strategically placed, designed for you to savor a memorable overnight. Inara Camp (B)
Day 6: Agafay / Marrakech
This morning, you head out for a fun filled morning driving across the desert in a four-wheel buggy. Enjoy two hours of rolling across the desert floor looking for whatever flora and fauna you might find. This afternoon, you are at leisure to relax before beginning the transfer to Marrakech.
On arrival, you check in to your hotel, Royal Mansour Marrakech, before visiting the Radia Association, a foundation established to help newborn babies get a second chance in life! They find loving families for these children. In less than four years, Radia Association matched 80 babies with families.
Discover the vibrant souks before returning to your hotel, with its unique location in the heart of the city, in walking distance to famous La Koutoubia Mosque and Jamaa-el- Fna Square. Authentically representing the classic forms of the traditional medina, its composition of riads, restaurants and spa are arranged around the main reception building with dinning, bar, lounges and library. You enjoy an entire riad on three stories, each with a distinctive character, furnished with silks and brocades, antiques and hand-crafted furniture. Outside the riads, you can stroll and relax in Andalusian courtyards, pools, fountains and gardens. Royal Mansour Marrakech (B)
Day 7: Marrakech
Today you travel about 30 minutes to Terres d’Amanar, an estate in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains net to the pristine 100,000 ha/247,000 acres of the forests of Toubkal National Park. The estate epitomizes ecotourism in Morocco. It is suitable for families, friends, couples or colleagues. Accommodation and amenities are comfortable and environment-friendly. The Terres d’Amanar Project was designed by and in partnership with the local community. Food is prepared by Berber women from neighboring Douars. The staff are mainly local, including from the surrounding villages. The project has provided work and income for some 150 local families by way of partnerships with local cooperatives including for vegetables, craft products and building raw materials. This afternoon, you are met some of the women who operate one of these cooperatives.
Later, set out on a scenic drive to the snow-capped Atlas Mountains into the Ourika Valley and Ouikamedain, one of North Africa’s favorite ski villages. This is the land of the Berbers. From here, you begin a biking excursion that tales you into the gorgeous Atlas Mountains landscapes of fresh verdant trees, as your guide leads you along trails. This is a fast-paced biking downhill adventure that is doable by anyone with good riding capabilities. You will enjoy many quick descents down rugged mountainous terrain or flying down a smooth road if you choose that option. You may pass goats, donkeys and camels as you ride down the mountainside. (Minimum age: 10) The grand Atlas Mountains are the colors of the Berbers – red and orange earth tones of the adobe buildings give the impression that the entire city springs from the earth. Terres d’Amanar (B)
Day 8: Terres d’Amanar / Oualidia
Today you will be transferred to Oualidia, a coastal village in Morocco situated between El Jadida and Safi. It sits beside a protected natural lagoon and has been called Morocco’s “oyster capital,” a reference to the significant role shellfish harvesting plays in the local economy. Oualidia is just a 2,5-hour drive from Marrakech and 2 hours from Casablanca and is the ideal place to unwind.
Oualidia is a small village on the Atlantic coast, popular with weekenders from Marrakech and Casa Blanca. It faces a salt water lagoon and beach where ocean and coast merge. Poised on the edge of the ocean in a site of great ecological importance, Oualidia attracts those looking to get energized and those looking to be soothed in equal measure. The beauty of the natural landscape comes with an exceptional Mediterranean climate, with cool winters and fresh air in the summer. It’s ideal for families and couples alike. Upon arrival check in to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
An idyllic retreat on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, La Sultana Oualidia overlooks a glorious blue lagoon surrounded by gardens of swaying palms with a dramatically stunning spa. Every room has a terrace overlooking the water. The walls and ceilings are finished in traditional tadelakt and the furnishings are hand painted in summer colors with a hint of rusticity that gives the whole place a relaxed seaside feel. Take a Turkish bath and swim in the pillared indoor pool with a roof that opens to the sky. Watch the pink flamingos along the lagoon Oualidia, one of the richest wild bird habitats in Morocco with migrating series. La Sultana Oualidia is a Small Luxury Hotels of the World property. La Sultana Oualidia (B)
Day 9: Oualidia
Relax this morning or maybe take a stroll on the beach. Known as Morocco’s “Oyster Capital,” this area is famed for its oyster production and seafood. It has a rich history with the renowned shellfish. While the first oysters in the lagoon originated in France, they were transplanted to Morocco in the 1950s. The region’s oyster farming was initiated in this lagoon and currently dominates when it comes to the Moroccan aquaculture production.
Oualidia is also a haven for water sports, including stand-up paddle boarding and surfing. Indeed, try a surfing lesson in one of the most well-known spots for both beginners and advanced surfers. Learn about this ecosystem with guided kayaking in the lagoon to encounter many of the endemic birds. Take a short boat ride from La Sultana to explore the local farms, learn about the production of oysters, see where they’re cleaned, and taste what the hype is all about. If feasting on delicious seafood on the Atlantic coast isn’t enough to entice you on its own, you can even have a beachside picnic filled with the fresh oysters, wine, and grilled fish.
Enjoy a perfect sunset while ordering Oysters with a glass of Moroccan white wine by the lagoon. Or opt for an Argon oil massage, followed by a ‘Moroccan Mint Tea’ while enjoying your private sea water Jacuzzi (in every room category). La Sultana Oualidia (B)
Day 10: Oualidia / Casablanca / Depart
This morning, check-out and transfer to Mohamed V Casablanca International airport to connect with your onward flight. (B)
