Moroccan Southern Jewels

Upon arrival at the airport, your driver will meet you and take you to your riad located in the medina. After settling in, and depending on your arrival time, there may be an opportunity to take part in a guided activity in Marrakech. One option is the Marrakech City Tour, led by a local guide. This walk takes you through narrow streets to the Bahia Palace, a 19th-century residence known for its detailed tilework, peaceful courtyards, and garden spaces. You’ll also visit the Koutoubia Mosque, a 12th-century landmark near the old city walls. The tour ends at Djemaa el-Fna, a central square where local life plays out each day. Another option is the Marrakech Garden Tour, which begins at Jardin Majorelle, a well-known garden space featuring bold colors and a wide variety of plants. Once the home of designer Yves Saint Laurent, it remains a popular stop. From there, you can visit the Menara Garden, with its quiet olive groves and a large reflecting pool. The tour finishes at the Secret Garden, a restored site with walkways and water features, designed in line with traditional Moroccan garden layouts. These tours offer a calm introduction to the city.

Marrakech Medina

Menara Gardens

Marrakech

Marrakech

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Hotel & Ryads Barriére Le Naoura

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Head toward Ait Ben Haddou, a well-known fortified village located about 30 km from Ouarzazate. This site has been used as a setting in several well-known films, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones. The village, made up of earthen buildings surrounded by defensive walls, gives a sense of how people lived in earlier times and remains a point of interest for visitors to the region. On the way, stop at the Taourirt Kasbah, a structure built in the 19th century that once served as the residence of the Glaoui family, who held power in southern Morocco. The kasbah is made up of interconnected rooms, passageways, and decorative details that reflect its former role. Another nearby stop is the Fint Oasis, a quiet spot surrounded by palm trees, hills, and a small river. This area is home to a few Berber villages where daily routines remain closely tied to the land. A short walk through the area provides a look at traditional homes and agricultural practices that continue today. These locations, each with their own background and setting, offer a calm and informative day trip from Ouarzazate.

Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou

Ait Ben Haddou

Ouarzazate

Berber in Kasbah

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Le Berbère Palace

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Your journey follows a scenic route through the High Atlas Mountains, passing a number of small Berber villages along the way. These stops offer a chance to observe local life and take in the surrounding landscape, shaped by agriculture and traditional building styles. By early afternoon, you arrive in Taroudant, once a regional capital located to the east of the Souss plain. Often compared to Marrakech on a smaller scale, the town is known for its well-preserved city walls and relaxed pace. Inside the old town, you’ll find a market with a broad selection of goods. Handmade items such as jewelry, woven carpets, leather goods, and antiques are common here. The market is frequented by both residents and visitors, and vendors are often open to conversation about their work or products. Beyond the town, the area is surrounded by orchards and farmland, supporting a range of produce including citrus and olives. Taroudant has a quieter atmosphere than Morocco’s larger cities but still offers a lot to take in. Whether walking along its walls or spending time in its market, the town gives a clear sense of its connection to both tradition and the surrounding landscape.

Taroudant

Berber Dwellings

Vintage Berber Bedding

Ceramics

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Dar Zitoune

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Today’s route takes you through Ait Baha, a quiet village that has seen little tourism. It serves as a starting point for hikes in the surrounding area. Around midday, you’ll arrive in the Ammeln region, located at about 1,000 meters above sea level. The area features distinctive gray granite rock formations, which appear slightly pink when the light hits them. Throughout the year, the region holds small festivals that bring occasional variety to this otherwise peaceful setting. The landscape here offers good conditions for walking and spending time outdoors, away from crowded areas. You can choose between two activities today. The first option is the Ait Mouss hike in the village of Timjicht, at 1,200 meters. From here, you’ll have wide views of the valley and the Amaghouz Gorges. You may have the chance to share tea with a local shepherd or enjoy a picnic. The second option is the Craftsmanship Route, a short circuit through workshops in the area. Local artisans will introduce you to their tools and techniques, which are often based on long-standing traditions rather than modern equipment. These visits offer a look at work that is shaped by the environment and passed down over generations.

Atlas Mountain View

Atlas Mountain Town

Ait Baha 'Pink Rocks'

Moroccan Artisan

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Tizourgane Kasbah

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Today’s journey heads toward the Atlantic coast and the town of Sidi Ifni, once a Spanish colony and military outpost. Located along a quiet stretch of coastline, Sidi Ifni is known for its well-maintained Art Deco buildings from the 1930s, which give the town a distinct appearance. The area is calm, with wide beaches that remain largely undeveloped. Large natural rock formations rise from the shoreline and add to the coastal scenery. The ocean views and peaceful setting make it a good place for walking or simply spending time outdoors. You’ll have time in the afternoon to walk through the town at your own pace. The streets are easy to navigate, and you’ll find a mix of local homes, small shops, and cafes. While the town is relatively quiet, its atmosphere reflects both its colonial past and present-day life. Whether you’re interested in the architecture, the beach, or just a slower pace of travel, Sidi Ifni offers a change from the inland regions. The day is relaxed, with no fixed schedule, allowing you to take in the surroundings as you prefer. This part of the coast is less visited, and the calm environment may provide a welcome contrast to earlier stops.

Sidi Ifni

Sidi Ifni

Sidi Ifni Locals

Sidi Ifni Artist

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Les Bains De Mirleft

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Leaving Sidi Ifni, the route passes through small villages on the way to Sidi Rbat and the Souss-Massa National Park. This protected area includes wetlands, open grasslands, sand dunes, and coastal stretches. It plays an important role in preserving wildlife, particularly as a habitat for the endangered northern bald ibis, along with other bird species. The park also supports various plants and animals, including mammals, reptiles, and the argan tree, which is native to the region. Visitors may have the opportunity to walk through parts of the park and learn about its role in local conservation. Simple facilities and marked trails help make the experience informative and low-impact. The journey continues past Agadir, the largest city in the region, and moves along the coastline where small fishing communities maintain a steady rhythm of daily life. You’ll see brightly painted boats near quiet harbors and a slower pace that contrasts with the larger cities. In the afternoon, the day ends in Essaouira, once a Portuguese settlement known as Mogador. Today, the town is recognized for its port, coastal setting, and relaxed atmosphere. Its layout and architecture reflect a blend of influences that shaped its development over time.

Northern Bald Ibis

Souss Massa

Agadir Marina

Essaouira

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Suite Azur Hotel

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Spend the day in Essaouira, a coastal town known for its relaxed pace and distinct character. The medina features narrow lanes lined with small shops, local crafts, and simple cafés. Down by the port, blue fishing boats come and go, and the nearby ramparts offer open views of the ocean. You can walk along the beach, visit art galleries, or enjoy the atmosphere of the town at your own pace. There are two optional activities today. The cookery class introduces you to traditional Moroccan dishes. A local chef will guide you through the steps, sharing techniques and background on the ingredients and customs related to food preparation and mealtime. You’ll take part in preparing the meal and then sit down to enjoy it together. Alternatively, the traditional hammam offers a quiet space for relaxation. The session includes cleansing treatments such as a steam bath, exfoliation, and massage with naturally scented oils like rose, amber, or orange blossom. Later, you might choose to dine on fresh seafood near the beach, where many simple outdoor spots offer meals with a view of the water. It’s a good place to unwind and reflect on the day as the sun goes down.

Essaouira

Essaouira

Cannons of Essaouira

Essaouira Fort

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Suite Azur Hotel

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Your guide will advise you of pick up time from your hotel for private transfer to the airport. Happy travels!

Marrakech Airport

Happy Travels!

Hassan II Mosque

Flight Home

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Suite Azur Hotel

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