Arriving in Marrakech you enter an entirely different world of lively bazaars filled with exotic spices and treasures. At sunset the main square, once the place of executions, is filled with snake-charmers, acrobats and jugglers in a carnival of entertainment. Crossing the mighty Atlas Mountains you head for the impressive Ait Benhaddou kasbah a? a maze of red towers and fortifications often used as the backdrop for films such as Gladiator.

From your base in the southern Atlas youa?ll gain an insight into the lives of the Berber people, take walks through local villages and discover how Argan oil is produced. Your last days will be spent in the old port of Essaouira, once a piratesa? lair; looking at the imposing ramparts ita?s easy to imagine theya?re still hiding around the next corner. The busy fishing port and laid back souk are ideal places to absorb the atmosphere or you can enjoy the wide expanse of sandy beach.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Join trip Marrakech 3 Visit Kasbah; drive to Ifergane 4 Ifergane a? Atlas village & palm grove walks 5/6 Essaouira; explore port; optional camel ride 7 Drive to Marrakech; pm free 8 Trip ends in Marrakech 2 am city tour & explore souks; pm drive to Ait Benhaddou

Transport, accommodation and meals: Minibus, on foot Hotels (7nts) Youa?ll stay in well appointed, comfortable en suite accommodation, some of which have swimming pools. 7 breakfasts
Other costs: International airfare not included. Airport tax abroad not included.
Other info: Minimum age: 5 years Be prepared for the heat in summer, but be aware that it can feel cool in winter. Walks are easy a? none are compulsory.
Group size: Maximum 18 people. 3-6 families.
Grade:
Climate: Year round destination.
Trip Reference: FWE