Morocco Multi Centre Trip - Marrakesh, Atlas Mountains & Beach
We are experts at putting together multi centre holidays to Morocco. You'll start in Marrakesh, one of the most exotic and enjoyable cities in the world, before heading off to the calm and beauty of the Atlas Mountains. Then its off to the beach for a few days relaxation in the charming resort of Essaouira.
Start your trip to Morocco with a few days in Marrakesh and visit one of the most exciting squares in Africa, Djemaa el Fna. There is plenty to do and over a few days including wandering around the square and medina, but also its worth going out of the centre a bit to some of the beautiful palaces and gardens.
• Wander around Djemma el Fna - this is the main square where you will find a huge array of stalls, dancers, acrobats, magicians, snake charmers and food stalls, while the adjacent medina is a maze of narrow alleys where you can buy almost anything especially spices, arts and crafts, jewellery, leather, pottery, woodworks, and souvenirs.
• Take a Hamman - There are several hammans (Turkish Baths) around Djemma el Fna, catering for tourists, including scrubs and massages.
• Horse and Carriage rides - there is no shortage of people offering you a horse and carriage ride
• Eat Well - there are some magical restaurants in Marrakech - one of our favourites is the restaurant in La Sultana, with tables places around the pool in the courtyard, and musicians playing in the background. Following on from this, there is a cafe at one end of Djemma el Fna which has a terrace and the best views in Marrakech - you can't miss it, but it's best to go mid / late afternoon when things start to come to life in the square below.
• See the Palaces and Gardens - there are several within walking or horse and carriage distance - one favourite of mine is the Majorelle Gardens.
• Have a day at Ouarzazate where the scenery is dramatic and many films have been made such as Lawrence of Arabia. Most day trips include a visit to a wonderful 11th century Kasbah called Ait Ben Haddou.
• Go Horse riding
• Take part in a Traditional Moroccan Cooking Class at La Maison Arabe
• Enjoy a spectacular Hot Air Balloon ride over Marrakech
• Play Golf - there is actually a fairly decent course at Palmeraie just outside Marrakech, and we can guarantee you tee-off times if you pre-book
• Have a mint tea - beautifully made and served in your hotels or riad.
This is one of our most popular riads because of its excellent location, value and character. There are just 19 individually decorated rooms, and a pool to laze around after a bit of sightseeing. But the best bits are the delightful rooftop terrace where you can take a hearty breakfast and the outdoor dining areas where you can enjoy an evening meal.
A day in the Atlas Mountains - you can visit the Atlas Mountains in just under an hour, a world away from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech. Your journey will take you through the stunning Ourika Valley and through traditional Berber villages. When you arrive, there will be walks available from easy to challenging, plus trips to local villages. Or just simply relax and enjoy the scenery!
If you are looking at Morocco twin centre holidays then it is quite easy to visit the Atlas Mountains as a day trip from Marrakesh. When I was there, we arranged this with the hotel who provided a car and driver for the day. However staying here is much better if you have time - it's incredibly relaxing and many clients have told us it was the highlight of their trip.
• Visit a local souq , on a much smaller scale than those in Marrakech, but yet people come from far and wide to trade.
• Enjoy walks in the Atlas Mountains - they vary from easy to half day walks to more difficult full day treks.
• Kasbah Angour organises a mule trek which has the distinction of passing by Richard Branson's luxurious Kasbah Tamadot. You will pass through Berber villages, cross a river and witness superb scenery.
• Go horse riding or even camel riding with a picnic!
• Just relax by the pool and take in the amazing scenery.
• Go mountain biking.
Set in a stunning position, the Kasbah Bab Ourika is the perfect place to unwind for a few days. Spend your time relaxing by the pool, or going for walks, horse riding or mountain biking, or perhaps a visit to the local Berber villages. The rooms are all individually decorated with great views of the Atlas Mountains and villages below. Dinner can be taken in the restaurant, or in the privacy of your room.
Essaouira is generally regarded as the best of Morocco's beach resorts because it has a certain charm lacking in the others. There are the medieval battlements of the medina, the narrow streets, bustling harbour and lovely golden sandy beach of this unspoiled seaside town.
• Relax by the pool, on the beach or enjoy one of the many spa treatments available
• Wander around the craft shops, cafes and boutiques of Essaouira
This hotel is just a few minutes walk from the old city walls and faces a huge sandy beach. There is an open plan courtyard with a heated swimming pool and sun loungers, while the spa has a well equipped Thalassotherapy centre. There are 2 restaurants within the hotel and another just across the road by the beach. Fresh fish is particularly good here.
Guide Prices
Please note that these should be seen as a guideline only - please call us for up to date availability and an exact costing. Prices are 'per person' based on 2 adults sharing one room.
The actual price you pay will vary depending on flight costs, time of year, room upgrades and availability, and of course if you extend or change the package above. The average cost of this trip is around £2,000 per person, however this increases during peak flight periods such as school holidays.
A twin centre holiday, for example 4 nights in Marrakesh and 4 nights in Essaouira is normally slightly less, averaging around £1,800 per person.
What's Included?
- Flights, including checked baggage
- Private Transfers throughout (including between each of the hotels)
- All accommodation as specified
- Daily breakfast
- ATOL protection
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are the flights included and which airport do they go from?
A. Yes flights and baggage are included - typically we use easyJet from London Gatwick but other airports and airlines are also available.
Q. Can I change aspects of this trip?
A. Yes, you can change the number of nights in each place, or choose not to go there at all. We also have a small selection of other hotels which you may prefer if the ones above don't suit.
Q. What is the flight length to Marrakesh?
A. Gatwick to Marrakesh is 3 hours 40 minutes.
Q. Are transfers included?
A. Yes - always private transfers. Transfers are also included between hotels if on a twin or multi centre holiday.
Q. What is a riad and is it better to stay in a riad or a hotel?
A. A riad is a small hotel that has been converted from a former home or palace. They usually have a central courtyard full of herbs, flowers and a pool, and often a delightful rooftop terrace. One thing you will notice is how quiet they are inside. You could be right in the heart of Marrakesh and not hear a thing because the walls are so thick. Often rooms are all uniquely sized and decorated, which just adds to their charm.
Q. Can I have a guide in Marrakesh?
A. Yes the hotel or riad can easily arrange this for you, and we can also pre-book a private half day or full day city tour.
Q. When do we book excursions?
A. You can book them in advance, through the hotel or riad, or through the rep.
Q. Do you have a rep in resort?
A. Yes, someone will make contact with you usually the morning after you arrive to check everything is OK. It is a great time to ask any questions, get any issues resolved and book any trips. There is a 24 hour number for emergencies.
Q. What is the currency and where is best to buy it?
A. The currency is the Moroccan Dirham. 100 Moroccan Dirhams is around £8. Here's my advice:
The Moroccan Dirham is officially a closed currency which means that it really should only be traded with Morocco, so you can't take much (if any) currency with you.
When you get to Marrakesh Airport, change your sterling into Dirhams. Exchange rates are fixed, so there is little to be gained by shopping around. Try and get some small value notes. Keep your receipts as you'll need them to change the money back.
When you are in Marrakesh or Essaouira, there are many ATMS. Just remember to tell your bank that you're going so that they don't block any of your transactions. And again, keep your receipts as you'll need them to change the money back.
For larger purchases, restaurant bills etc, use your credit or debit cards as these are widely accepted.
Change your money back to sterling before you leave.
More information
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