Marrakech revealed
Specialist Morocco has a new, 8-day itinerary called Marrakech Revealed that includes excursions to both the Atlas Mountains and Essaouira on the Atlantic coast, with a special launch price of £399 pp – a reduction of 30%.
Accommodation is at Riad Africa, a recently-launched 8-bedroomed property, located just a few minutes’ walk from, Djemma el Fna, the huge square that comes to life at dusk when the street food sellers, fire eaters, acrobats, alchemists and musicians come to ply their trade.
After a private transfer and afternoon at leisure on arrival in Morocco, day two of the itinerary consists of a private walking tour of Marrakech, teaming up with local facilitator Tod Zankert and an official guide; this really is the best way to really get under the skin of this historic city.
The guide will help you make sense of the chaos of the souks which are, in fact, thoughtfully grouped into different sectors, each focussing on a particular type of product. It will also include the architectural highlights from Koutoubia Mosque to the Ben Youssef Medersa.
Day three is spent at leisure, perhaps to enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, a return to the souks to purchase some souvenirs and maybe finishing the day enjoying a sundowner cocktail at one of the city’s trendy roof-top bars.
Day four offers a complete Berber experience which no visit to Marrakech would be complete without. An hour from the city are many Berber villages, dotted around the mountains; the highlight is a visit to Ait Burka, where few outsiders have been, and including a couscous meal in a private home.
After a day at leisure on day five, day six offers guests a choice of either a drive to Essaouira, the ancient Portuguese fishing town on the Atlantic Coast, or a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou, via the ‘route of the Caravans’ and Tizi n’Tichka Pass.
The final day is spent at leisure, perhaps enjoying a massage in Riad Africa’s private Hammam, or some last minute shopping, or simply sitting in Djemma el Fna square, sipping mint tea and watching the world go round.
The seven-night holiday costs from £399 pp for a group of four, or from £499 pp (two sharing). This includes 7 nights’ B&B in Riad Africa in a Standard Suite (plus one dinner), private airport transfers, hammam and massage, private guided walking tour of Marrakech medina with tea/lunch and entrance fees included & private excursions with a guide as detailed. Room upgrades to Grand Suites available at a supplement.
For more information, visit maison-africa.co.uk.
