Case Studies - Holiday to Morocco

MARRAKECH / ATLAS MOUNTAINS / ZAGARA

Days 1 - 2:
You will check in for your flight to Marrakech, Morocco. On arrival you will pick up your hire car and drive to Dar el Assafir where you will stay for 2 nights.

This old traditional town guest house (maison d'hotes) is built within the old Medina walls in the Bar Doukala region of Marrakech, and only 15 minutes walk from the entertaining Jemaa El Fna (main square). You can spend the following day exploring the markets and back streets of Marrakech and in the evening go to the night market for dinner.
Dar el Assafir, 2 nights on a B&B basis

Days 3 - 5:
Today you will have a scenic drive up into the Atlas Mountains to Kasbah du Toubkal to stay for the next 3 nights.
At 1800 metres above sea level, Kasbah du Toubkal looks out over three major valleys and is the home of eleven villages of the Ait Mizane tribe of the High Atlas Mountains. The Kasbah is perched on a great rock outcrop above the main village of Imlil with panoramic views of the mountains, valleys and waterfalls.

Numerous activities are available, ranging from gentle rambles through the villages around the Kasbah to extended treks of one or more days. The longer treks will be supported by local guides and mules to carry your luggage, staying in the houses of the local inhabitants and/or mountain huts. Please note that in keeping with Berber culture no alcohol is sold at the Kasbah but you can bring your own which they will keep and serve to you.
Kasbah du Toubkal, 3 nights on a B&B basis

Day 6:
Today you will drive down out of the Atlas Mountains and into the desert. You will drive to Kasbah El Moro to stay for the night.

Kasbah El Moro is on the outskirts of Skoura, a small town to the east of Ouarzazate surrounded by desert scenery, Kasbahs and dense palm groves. On arrival you can relax by the pool or go for a walk in the palmeries.
Kasbah El Moro, 1 night on a B&B basis

Days 7 - 8:
Today you will drive through the stunning Draa Valley to the dusty town of Zagora to stay at Kasbah Asma for 2 nights. From here you can drive into the desert and climb a sand dune or even sleep out in the desert in a Berber tent.
Kasbah Asma, 2 nights on a B&B basis

Day 9:
Today you will head west to Taroudannt; it will be a full day's drive at a leisurely pace and look out for the goats which climb the trees to eat the Argun nuts. You will stay for the night at the town's top hotel the Palais Salaam.
Palais Salam, 1 night on a B&B basis

Days 10 - 12:
This morning you will drive to the coast and have a scenic drive north to Essaouira where you will stay at Riad al Medina for 3 nights. Essaouira is a small and friendly coastal town with a relaxed atmosphere. The majority of the town is encased within the white Medina walls with a fortified harbour at one end. The town is small and visitor friendly with the souks selling a wide selection of Moroccan goods. The harbour is a hive of fishing activity, a lunch time treat has to be selecting fresh fish and having it cooked in front you Moroccan style, absolutely delicious! Either side of the town there are long sweeping beaches, with the strong Atlantic winds they are ideal for most water sports.

The Riad al Medina is in the centre of the old town and was originally the local pasha's (prince) villa. This 18th century building has been restored to its former glory and has one of the finest courtyards in Essaouira with intricate tile and mosaic work and a central fountain.
Riad al Medina, 3 nights on a B&B basis

Days 13 - 15:
This morning you will drive further north up the coast and past vast open beaches with huge breakers perfect for surfers. You will continue up to Oualidia, which is a lovely little coastal village situated around a fishing port and a sandy inland lagoon filled by the sea, which enters through two breaches in the coastal rock wall. The lagoon comes and goes with the tide but is excellent for swimming and windsurfing. The lagoon carries on up the coast for 9km fed only by the breach in the coastal wall and is an excellent bird viewing area and an important resting area in the autumn and spring for migratory birds. The area is also renowned for its oysters and there are a number of oyster farms up the lagoon with excellent sea food restaurants. You can take a boat across the calm lagoon to the coral spit where the Atlantic crashes in forming caves and rocky coves and there are some excellent surfing beaches. This part of the coast is totally empty except for the occasional shore fisherman.

You will stay at Hippocampe, a small family run hotel with extremely friendly and helpful staff. It is set in beautiful gardens, which are the pride and joy of the owner.
Hippocampe, 3 nights on a B&B basis

Day 16:
Today you will drive back to Casablanca in time to check in for your flight back to the UK.