Compare Marrakech & Essaouira Break by Encounters Travel vs Luxury Morocco Adventure by Ker & Downey Africa
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 5 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 910 | $ 8,776 |
| Price Per Day | $ 182 | $ 878 |
| Highlights |
N/A
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Basic | Luxury |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
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| Description | This 5-day Morocco city break takes you to the magical city of Marrakech and the beautiful coastal town of Essaouira. Experience these exotic and colourful cities up close and sample the unique food before losing yourself in the mazy, souvenir laden bazaars. This short tour of Marrakech and Essaouira includes visits to the Koutoubia Mosque, home to the minaret which has become a symbol of the city, the Mausoleum and Bahia Palace with its amazing Arabic craftsmanship, along with plenty of time to explore the lively souks around Jemaa El Fna square. We also spend a night at the coastal town of E |
This Luxury Morocco Adventure invites you to discover the enchanting history of Morocco, camp overnight in the Sahara desert and fly over Marrakech in a hot air balloon. |
Upon arrival in Marrakech airport (RAK) our staff will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for the start of your trip. They'll help you settle in and in the early evening take you on a fascinating horse carriage tour for a couple of hours with a local guide to familiarise you with the local area and the exotic centre of the city.
| OVERNIGHT:
Marrakech - 4-star hotel
| MEALS:
Dinner
Day 2: Travel to Essaouira
After breakfast in Marrakech, we'll transfer you to the old Portuguese port town of Essaouira. After settling into your hotel you'll have time to explore the Port with its ramparts, the ancient Medina and the 'Scala', built by the French. Later, you could take our optional beach camel ride or spend the remainder of the day soaking up the atmosphere at leisure.
| OVERNIGHT:
Essaouira - 4-star hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3: Free time in Essaouira. Back to Marrakech
After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, your morning is free to explore the town further. In the afternoon we drive you back to Marrakech (up to 3hrs) where the remainder of the day and evening is free. This provides a great chance to head into the heart of the city to explore the Djemaa el Fnaa Sqaure as it comes to life in the evenings, packed with street food stalls and live entertainers.
| OVERNIGHT:
Marrakech - 4-star hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Marrakech, city tour
Today's tour of Marrakech begins with a trip to the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, home to the minaret which has become a symbol of the city. We then spend time visiting the Menara Gardens, the Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace and the Dar si Said Museum. After returning to your hotel for an included lunch, in the afternoon we head to the lively souks around the lively Jemaa El Fna square. Home to many different types of traders these bustling and aromatic streets are uniquely Moroccan, and you have time to do some souvenir shopping or just soak up the atmosphere.
| OVERNIGHT:
Marrakech - 4-star hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Marrakech, departure
transfer to the airport
Your time is free today until we transfer to the airport for departure
flight. Depending on your flight time, you may be able to arrange some further options this morning.
| OVERNIGHT:
Marrakech hotel
| MEALS:
Breakfast
| EXTRAS:
Extra day in Marrakech - post-tour
Day 01: Arrive Casablanca, Morocco
Your Luxury Morocco Adventure starts upon your arrival in the legendary city of Casablanca. Your intrepid guide and private driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you into the heart of the city on a short 45-minute drive away to Four Seasons Casablanca. With private balconies overlooking the Atlantic ocean, the Four Seasons hotel is the perfect base to explore the port city of Morocco. After checking in, you will have time to unpack before lunch in the courtyard of Sqala Moorish. Follow your expert guide to discover the unique architecture of the Art Deco district and the 1920’s medinas of the Habbous traditional district on a guided city tour. Return to the hotel for some well-earned downtime or wind down after a day of travel with a refreshing, sunset drink at one of Casablanca’s seafront bars.
Feeling hungry? We recommend dining at Rick’s Cafe, a restaurant inspired by the iconic movie Casablanca. The restaurant is located in an old courtyard-style mansion set against the walls of the Old Medina and serves up an array of fresh, Moroccan seafood.
Where you’ll stay: Four Seasons Casablanca
A modern Moroccan seaside retreat, Four Seasons Casablanca is a 5 star resort located 10 minutes from the heart of Casablanca. The hotel features 186 rooms with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as 3 world-class restaurants.
Day 02: Transfer to Fez
Start your morning off right with a breakfast buffet overlooking the Atlantic ocean and choose from a buffet of Moroccan inspired dishes and Mediterranean mezze. After a seamless checkout, your guide and driver will meet you for your transfer to the ancient city of Fez. En route, stop off at the historic Volubilis Roman Vestiges, the capital of Mauritania. Stretch your legs after the 3-hour car journey and discover the remarkable ruins and well preserved Roman mosaics of the 3rd century UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a Moroccan inspired lunch at Scorpion House while taking in the views of the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss, an important Muslim pilgrimage site. After lunch you will continue your journey to Fez, stopping off in Meknes to tour the medina and the Square of Ruins. In the early evening, check in to one of the 7 suites at the boutique hotel Riad Karawan.
Overlooking the ancient city medina, the hotel’s whimsical interiors were created from original materials such as age-old handcrafted mosaic tiles and filigreed lanterns.
Where you’ll stay: Riad Karawan
Located in the ancient Fez medina, the historic Riad Karawan offers only 7 exclusive suites fit for the most discerning travelers. The hotel boasts whimsical interiors such as age-old handcrafted mosaic tiles and filigree lanterns and features a restaurant, library and Ottoman-style hamman spa.
Experiences:
Enroute to Fez, you will visit the historic Volubilis Roman Vestiges – a 3rd century UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss. After your journey, you can unwind at the hotel’s hamman spa before an authentic Moroccan dining experience at Karawan Restaurant.
Day 03: Fez
Wake up at your own pace and enjoy a classic breakfast buffet mixed with Moroccan flavours at the hotel. Today, your luxury morocco adventure sees you explore the cultural and spiritual heart of Morocco. Your expert guide will meet you at the Riad Karawan and transfer you around the Fez, stopping off at a viewpoint with panoramic views of the city and the winding alleys of the medina. For lunch, sample authentic Moroccan dishes at the Ruined Garden restaurant, located amidst the ruins of an old Fassi mansion within the medina. Continue your city tour through the Jewish neighbourhood, Mellah, or join the hustle and bustle of the marketplace and browse the handicrafts and spices on display in the souks. Return to the Riad Karawan to freshen up before a traditional dinner at the historic riad, La Maison Bleue. Originally the family home of Sidi Mohammed
El Abbadi’s, a famous judge and astrologer of his time. The restaurant serves centuries-old family recipes within the historic Fassi Mansion, transporting guests to a time of opulence and grandeur.
Where you’ll stay: Riad Karawan
Located in the ancient Fez medina, the historic Riad Karawan offers only 7 exclusive suites fit for the most discerning travelers. The hotel boasts whimsical interiors such as age-old handcrafted mosaic tiles and filigree lanterns and features a restaurant, library and Ottoman-style hamman spa.
Experiences:
Explore the cultural and spiritual heart of Morocco on a guided tour through Fez. You will stop off at a viewpoint with panoramic views of the city and Medina and visit the market place to browse the handicrafts and spices. For dinner, you will enjoy traditional dinner at the historic riad, La Maison Bleue.
Day 04: Transfer to Atlas Mountains
After breakfast and a seamless checkout from Riad Karawan, head to your private cooking class at Palais Amani. Start your class in the medina’s local souks, before making your way to your cooking workshop hosted on the palace rooftop or in the lush palace gardens. Enjoy your creations of the day for lunch before meeting your guide and driver who will transfer you to Fez Airport for your onward journey to the Ochre City, Marrakech. After a 1 hour flight, your private driver will eagerly await your arrival at Marrakech Airport and transfer you to Richard Branson’s Kasbah Tamadot hotel at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. The former home of Luciano Tempo, a renowned antique dealer and interior designer, the 28 rooms at the Kasbah Tamadot overlook Mount Toubkal and traditional Berber villages.
Unwind after your exhilarating day of travel on a sun lounger at the infinity pool or sip on a refreshing, pre-dinner appetizer at the fireside bar. After a tasty dinner at Kasbah, end off your day at the outdoor cinema, showcasing a variety of classic films under the stars.
Where you’ll stay: Kasbah Tamadot Hotel
Sir Richard Branson’s award-winning Kasbah Tamadot Hotel is situated in the spectacular Atlas Mountains. The 28 rooms overlook Mount Toubkal and are uniquely decorated using traditional Moroccan furnishing and antiques, as well as pieces from Lucian Tempo’s personal collection.
Experiences:
Today you will enjoy a private cooking class at Palais Amani before making your way to Kasbah Tamadot. Unwind on a sunlounger at the infinity pool or get active with a guided walk or tennis lesson. In the evening, you can enjoy an outdoor cinema experience under the stars.
Day 05: Transfer to Skoura
A breakfast of freshly baked breads and pastries with Moroccan specialities will be served on the poolside terrace, or if prefer, can be delivered to your room. After breakfast, your driver will meet you at Kasbah Tamadot to transfer you deeper into the Atlas Mountains along the ancient caravan route of Morocco. The 5 and a half hour journey will take you over the snaking Tizi n’Tichka mountain pass to Skoura, one of Morocco’s magnificent oases flourishing alongside the Sahara desert. Enroute, stop off at Irocha Lodge for lunch and visit the world-renowned Ksar Ait Ben Haddou, home to Hollywood movie sets and a picturesque example of southern Morocco architecture. After checking in to L’Ma Lodge, you will have time to unwind with a cup of mint tea in the lush gardens or cool off with a dip in the outdoor swimming pool.
Where you’ll stay: L’Ma Lodge
This traditional Kasbah is set on the edge of the Sahara desert in the Skoura palm grove and features a traditional Moroccan Riad with courtyard gardens and the main maison. All 7 rooms have views of the lush garden and access to the outdoor swimming pool.
Experiences:
Discover the ancient caravan route of Morocco as you journey through the snaking Tizi n’Tichka mountain pass to Skoura. You will visit the world-renowned Ksar Ait Ben Haddou, en route to L’Ma Lodge. Unwind at the outdoor pool with a cup of mint tea before a farm to table Moroccan feast at Riad’s restaurant.
Day 06: Transfer to Southern Sahara Desert
Day 6 marks the start of your nomadic Luxury Morocco Adventure into the desert. After breakfast, your driver will meet you and transfer you by 4×4 towards the Southern Sahara Desert. Admire the changing landscapes as you make your way through arid mountainous landscapes to palm plantations and cultivated fields. Enroute stop at Azalai Lodge, hidden in the palm grove of Zagora for a summer lunch by the swimming pool before heading to the desert. Isolated between dunes, you will stay in a luxury marquee tent in the heart of the desert. Your desert adventure starts with a sunset camel ride followed by a candlelit dinner under the stars.
Where you’ll stay: Azalai Desert Camp
Offering seven canvas tents, the luxurious Azalai Desert Camp is isolated between the dunes in the Erg Chigaga desert. The tents are marquee style with double beds, luxurious bedding and inviting lounge area.
Experiences:
Enroute to your desert camp, you will stop at Azalai Lodge for a summer lunch by the swimming pool. Your desert adventure starts with a sunset camel ride followed by a candlelit dinner under the stars.
Day 07: Return to Skoura
Your Luxury Morocco Adventure continues as you watch the sunrise over the desert dunes while having breakfast at your camp. Your driver will meet you for your transfer to L’Ma Lodge in Skoura, stopping off at Tazenakht to learn about Berber traditions and the story behind their colorful tapestries. You will arrive at the lodge in time for a late lunch in the gardens before learning about the unique ecosystems of the palm groves on an expert-guided walking tour to Kasbah Amridil. Return to the lodge for a traditional dinner prepared with local ingredients and organic products.
Where you’ll stay: L’Ma Lodge
This traditional Kasbah is set on the edge of the Sahara desert in the Skoura palm grove and features a traditional Moroccan Riad with courtyard gardens and the main maison. All 7 rooms have views of the lush garden and access to the outdoor swimming pool.
Day 08: Transfer to Marrakech
Today marks the end of your desert adventure and the start of your journey to Marrakech. After a hearty breakfast of seasonal fresh fruits from the Kasbah’s garden and freshly baked breads and pastries, you will make your way to the Ochre City. Your driver will transfer you to the Royal Mansour Marrakech, a 5 hour drive from Skoura, located in the heart of this captivating city. The Royal Mansour boasts 53 private riads, a bar, several lounged and 3 renowned restaurants. After lunch at the in-house restaurant, make your way into the city with your expert guide and explore the historic area of Marrakech. Discover delicate handicrafts, hidden palaces, and monumental tombs before soaking in the buzzing atmosphere of the Djemaa el Fnaa square, an outdoor marketplace in the heart of Marrakech’s medina.
After rebooting at the Royal Mansour we recommend dining at the Dar Moha, a jewel of Moroccan architecture and cuisine. Run by Chef Moha, the restaurant serves innovative Moroccan dishes in a splendid turn-of-the-century riad.
Where you’ll stay: Royal Mansour
Situated in the heart of the Ochre city, the magnificent Royal Mansour is an oasis of 53 opulent riads set within five hectares of fragrant Moorish gardens. Each Riad features a private courtyard and plunge pool, as well as dedicated butler service. The hotel offers 3 fine dining restaurants, a world-class spa, a large swimming pool and several lounges to admire the grandeur of this historical palace.
Experiences:
Enjoy the hotel’s incredible facilities or discover delicate handicrafts, hidden palaces, and monumental tombs alongside an expert guide on a guided tour through Marrakech. Visit Djemaa el Fnaa square, an outdoor marketplace in the heart of Marrakech’s medina, followed by dinner at one of the city’s dining establishments.
Day 09: Transfer to Atlas Mountains
Rise before the sun – you don’t want to miss what lies in store. Your driver will transfer you to the foot of the Atlas Mountain where your hot air balloon ride will depart. Watch the sunrise over Marrakech as you ascend over the mountains in a private hot air balloon. Once, you’ve returned back to land, fill up on a traditional breakfast and head back to Marrakech for a unique city tour in a vintage style sidecar. Your expert, expat guide will take you through the narrow streets of Marrakech, weaving past souks to the Grand Cafe de La Poste for lunch. The menu at this heritage café serves French-inspired and regional dishes. After lunch, your driver will transfer you to Yves Saint Laurent’s Jardin Majorelle. Stroll amongst the exotic plants and trickling waterways originally created by French artist Jacques Majorelle, and revived by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé after the artist’s death.
Return to the hotel to freshen up before a fine dining experience at La Grande Table Francais at the Royal Mansour.
Where you’ll stay: Royal Mansour
Situated in the heart of the Ochre city, Royal Mansour is an oasis of 53 riads set within five hectares of fragrant gardens. Each Riad features a private courtyard and plunge pool, as well as dedicated butler service. The hotel has 3 fine dining restaurants, a world-class spa, a large swimming pool and several lounges to admire the grandeur of this historical palace.
Experiences:
Today you will journey to the foot of Atlas Mountain for a hot air balloon ride at sunrise. This bucket list experience is followed by breakfast in the desert and a unique city tour in a vintage-style sidecar. You will also have the opportunity to visit Yves Saint Laurent’s Jardin Majorelle.
Day 10:Transfer to Marrakech airport
Day 10 marks the final day of your Luxury Morocco Adventure. After breakfast at the Royal Mansour, your driver will transfer you to Marrakech airport for your onward journey home. We trust you will return feeling inspired as you wave goodbye to the Sahara Desert and capture your last photo of Morocco from above.
