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Morocco Atlas & Atlantic

Morocco Atlas & Atlantic

From $ 1,295 AUD

Description

Morocco is a land of both bustling cities and wind-swept deserts, but if you head south of majestic Marrakech, there’s plenty more to explore. You’ll see some lesser-known Moroccan treasures in eight days with a local leader showing you the ropes. Pristine waterholes hiding in secret valleys, sprawling untouched beaches and traditional cultures preserved after centuries of Spanish rule. Hang ten in a surfing lesson in Taghazout, drink tea with local Berber communities and laze beachside in Agadir and Tafroute. This new side to Morocco takes you from the coast to Berber heartlands with all the magic of Marrakech at either end.

Trip Name
Morocco Atlas & Atlantic
Last Updated
2020-06-09
Days
8
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Djemaa el-Fna isn't just a marketplace, it's a way of life. Marrakech's largest outdoor food market is brimming with activity and is a great place to sample delicacies while mingling with the locals.
  • Explore some pristine and secluded beaches along the often-overlooked southern Moroccan coast, finding the spots where the Atlantic Ocean meet the mountains and rocky cliffs.
  • Discover a more laidback way of life in Taghazout, a sleepy coastal village where you can learn to surf with an included lesson and unwind with a beachside yoga class.
  • Get the right balance of a local leader taking you from souq to souq, plus plenty of time to explore the coastal boulevards, winding laneways and city medinas by yourself.
  • Visit Belgian artist Jean Veran's striking art project – a collection of pink, blue and green painted boulders just outside of Tafroute.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES: Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you print and review a final copy prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any changes once on tour. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and may be on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your leader know you are interested and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and leaders are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Marrakech
Welcome to Morocco! Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting today at 6 pm, where you'll meet your travel crew and group leader. After your group briefing, you have the option to join your leader and the rest of the group for a dinner. Once you’ve eaten, why not visit Djemaa el-Fna – the central square in Marrakech. Huge crowds converge at night to see singers, drummers, dancers, fortune tellers, jugglers and even old medicine men come together. This part of Marrakech is a feast for the senses – it’s an eclectic and colourful spectacle.
Day 2 - Sidi Ifni
Hit the road early today and head for Sidi Ifni (approximately 5.5 hours). Stop along the way around the well-known resort, Agadir, for an included lunch. Agadir is known as one of Morocco’s most vibrant seaside cities, with a lively beachfront promenade and golden stretches of sand. After lunch, continue to Sidi Infi – once known as a Spanish port city before being returned to Moroccan rule in 1969. You’ll see Spanish ruins beside European and traditional Moroccan architecture. It’s a sleepy town with a lot of quirks and not a lot of holidaymakers. This afternoon is yours to start exploring.
Day 3 - Sidi Ifni
Begin the day with a guided tour of the city, where you’ll get to learn about the Spanish history of the old town and the port. Afterwards, head seaside with a trip to Legzira Beach. This pristine stretch of sand is known for its unique red arches that dip over the sand and into the sea. Bring a book and some games or just bliss out on the shore. For lunch, perhaps try some local seafood specialities, such as grilled fish or fish tajine. After a chilled-out day, head back into town for an evening to spend as you wish.
Day 4 - Tafroute
Take private transport to Tafraoute – a secluded slice of paradise far from the hustle and bustle of metropolitan life (approximately 3.5 hours). On the way, keep your eyes peeled for a weird sight – herds of goats climbing argan trees. On arrival, get an insight into the unique charms of Tafraoute with a leader-led orientation walk through the city. Ancient traditions still run strong here in the Berber heartland. You’ll also get to witness the beauty of the surrounding landscape on a walk through a desert oasis to witness Belgian artist Jean Veran’s painted rocks project, standing out as vibrant monuments in a sea of tanned desert soil. Visit a traditional Berber house for a cup of Berber whiskey (mint tea) before heading to your accommodation for dinner tonight.
Day 5 - Taghazout
Have your swimming gear ready as today, you’ll visit some of Morocco’s most beautiful bodies of water. First, the aptly named Paradise Valley – a dreamland full of gorgeous pools of water hidden in bright stone canyons. Afterwards, travel onwards to a surf resort near to the small fishing village of Taghazout. Over recent years, the town has gained a reputation as a prime surfing location for locals and tourists. The waters stay warm throughout the year and the surf is excellent for rookies and pros. There are some seriously laidback vibes here, so if you’re feeling it, join in on an included yoga session.
Day 6 - Taghazout
If you were thinking about surfing yesterday but didn’t have the know-how to ride a board, not to worry – you’ve got a 2-hour surfing class booked in to learn the skills. It’s okay if you’re a beginner as the intensity of the program will be adjusted to the abilities of the group so everyone gets a chance to enjoy themselves. The surf school provides wetsuits and all the equipment you will need for the lesson. Come the afternoon, you can choose to spend your free time polishing your surf skills, lounging by the pool or exploring more of this fishing village.
Day 7 - Marrakech
This morning is free to spend as you wish. Later on, travel back to Marrakech where the rest of your day is also dedicated to independent exploring. Perhaps you’ve got a list of places you missed in your first time around, but if not, be sure to begin at Djemaa el-Fna – the most vibrant square in North Africa. Tonight, why not head out to dinner with your travel crew and local leader at one of the trendy restaurants in the Gueliz district of Marrakech.
Day 8 - Marrakech
With no activities planned for today, your Moroccan adventure comes to an end this morning. You are free to leave at any time, provided you comply with the accommodation’s internal check-out policy.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
17-10-202024-10-2020AUD $ 1,295-

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nights),surf resort (2 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle

Map