Morocco Private Journey 1 - Marrakech, Atlas & Coast

Activity code: MORJ01

Duration: 8 Days

START / FINISH - Marrakech

This itinerary is our recommended holiday for a week of contrasts and stunning scenery in southern Morocco; it includes travelling between the popular locations of Marrakech, Taroudant and Essaouira. With our many years of experience putting together practical and interesting itineraries for our clients we would like to recommend this journey for you to make the most of your time in this fascinating country.

What makes this holiday special ?

Travelling with one of our friendly English-speaking drivers allows you to experience much more of the country and its people. Your driver will gladly discuss both your daily schedule and general matters about Morocco and the places you pass; he can arrange local guides or co-ordinate any itinerary of pre-booked sightseeing that we arrange with you beforehand. In addition to your driver's experience and knowledge during your holiday we have also driven extensively around Morocco and will be happy to share our experiences with you if you are at all unsure about your chosen route or any aspect of travelling with one of our drivers.

Your driver will drive any type of vehicle within their daily rate and this rate also includes their food and lodging.

We are, of course, also able to tailor-make a holiday to suit your requirements for any or all of the following - UK departure airport, budget, hotel type/size, duration, activities, etc.

Highlights of the Marrakech, Atlas & Coast Private Journey

• MARRAKECH: Nestled on a large plain at the foot of the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains, it is the perfect city to begin your visit to Morocco. Surrounded by its original fortified city wall Marrakech entices you into its midst to explore the historic and labyrinthine Medina, its palaces, gardens and souks. Today, Marrakech has become a thriving metropolis with chic night spots, top restaurants and a very modern atmosphere in places, all of which emphasises the immense historical context of the Medina and its focal point, the Djemma el Fna.

• OUIRGANE: The High Atlas Mountains are dominated by some of North Africa's highest peaks and their breathtaking size towering above the Berber villages provides a backdrop for Ouirgane. Ouirgane and nearby Marigha are surrounded by almond blossom in early spring and is just an hour's drive south of Marrakech.

• TAROUDANT: Taroudant's excellent location between the two majestic mountain ranges of the Moroccan south lends itself as an ideal base for exploring the region; particularly the Anti-Atlas Mountains. Situated within the green expanse of the Souss Valley and enclosed by the well-preserved old city walls Taroudant will satisfy the visitor's desires for cultural and historical experiences without losing too much on the relaxation front.

• ESSAOUIRA: Essaouira is a fascinating former Portuguese fishing port; its houses and shops in the medina are white-washed with blue doors and shutters. An expansive sandy beach is located next to the harbour and is shallow enough for safe bathing. Thanks to the ocean breeze, Essaouira benefits from cool on-shore breezes and at the end of the morning don't miss the colourful and lively spectacle of the return of the boats to the port, with their baskets full of fish.

• RIADS: Many treasures, especially the now-famous riads are hidden away in Marrakech and other cities in Morocco, such as Fez and Essaouira. Riads are houses, built around a central courtyard patio, whose outside walls are entirely closed. They are often converted into guesthouses or restaurants and are a symbol of the Moroccan art of fine living. We recommend riads in our programme where the local staff are integral to the experience and all food and drink and many other materials involved with your stay and the building itself are all sourced from the local area.

Why book with Rediscover Morocco ?

With our excellent prices for car rental, Morocco has opened up to some quite unique holiday experiences. Roads around the country are improving and are actually pretty good in most places, even in the mountains and desert areas they are now mostly asphalted. We have all driven extensively around Morocco and will be happy to share our experiences with you if you are at all unsure about your chosen routes.

Accommodation: the hotels in this itinerary are generally small, independent or family-run, properties which add significantly to your travel experience in this fascinating country (in the table below we have included suggestions for upgrades to "boutique" riads and deluxe options, please do not hesitate to request alternative hotels).

Transport: to take the stress out of arriving and departing we also offer a private airport transfer service.

Extra Information: all our holidays have a recommended route with suggestions for sightseeing; we are able, through our local agency, to book activities and specialist sightseeing, particularly in Marrakech - such as cooking, quad bikes, caleche rides, day hikes.

NB. extend this holiday easily by adding nights in any or all of the three locations.

What's included in your Private Journey holiday?

• Private [arrival] airport transfer.
• 6 nights accommodation at a choice of small hotels.
• 6 days fully-inclusive car hire with a/c
• 6 days services of English-speaking driver
• Private guided half day city tour in Marrakech.
• Sightseeing suggestions and driving directions
• All taxes, full 24 hour representative services.

NB: Flights available to book through us with a range of airlines, from various UK airports.

Our recommended hotel choices for this fly drive:

[Classic Hotel, Classic Riad, Boutique Hotel/Riad, Deluxe Hotel]

• Marrakech: - Hotel Tichka, Riad Hikaya, Riad Kniza, Les Jardins de la Koutoubia
• Taroudant: - Hotel Palais Salam, Dar el Hana, Dar Zitoun
• Ouirgane: - Kasbah Tatfi, Chez Momo, Domaine Malika, La Roseraie
• Essaouira: - Riad Mimouna, Riad l'Oussia, Madada Mogador, Hotel Mogador Golf & Spa

Click on the location to view our whole selection.

Contact us now to book this self drive holiday for any date.

• Day 1 & 2 - Arrival and Marrakech

  Arrival into Marrakech; private transfer to your hotel or riad.

  Day 2 includes a full day of sightseeing in Marrakech; morning with your included guided city tour and free time to explore in the afternoon.

  • stay 2 nights at Riad el Zohar, Ksar Anika, Riad Hikaya or Riad Les Trois Mages.

• Day 3 - Marrakech - Tizi n'Test - Taroudant

  Meet your English-speaking driver at your riad and drive to Taroudant via the scenic Tizi'n'Test route. This will take you across High Atlas via Ouirgane and the N'Fis valley. We recommend a visit to the Tinmal Mosque en route near Ijoukak.

  • stay 2nts at Riad Zitoun on BB.

  * why not book an extra night at one of our fabulous hotels in Ouirgane en route and add a gentle guided day hike ? (e.g. Kasbah Tatfi, Domaine Malika).

• Day 4 - Taroudant

  Relax in Taroudant. Other options include a drive into the Anti-Atlas Mountains, such as the road to Tafraoute, maybe even a little further afield to Tiznit, Massa National Park or the coast south of Agadir, e.g. Mirleft.

• Day 5 & 6 - Atlantic Coast to Essaouira

  Drive up stunning Atlantic coast to Essaouira.

  Day 6 is a free day to relax and enjoy sightseeing in Essaouira.

  • stay 2 nights at Riad Mimouna, Hotel Atlas & Spa or Madada Mogador.

• Day 7 - Marrakech (final night or airport)

  Drop off car and driver at Marrakech airport for flight home or return to Marrakech for last night if you have an early flight the following day.

• Prices & Departure Dates

  Prices are on request and depend on your chosen accommodation and room availability as well as time of travel. Please take this into consideration when comparing prices; we always aim to match a high quality experience with exceptional value for money. Please note that discounts will apply if there are 4 or more people in your travelling party as fixed costs such as transportation and guides will be shared equally between the group.

  NB: Flights available to book with us through a range of airlines, from various UK airports.