Essaouira (1 day tour)

550 Dhs per pers (Lunch not included)
departure 8h30 am, return for 6.30 pm
Essaouira, also known as "the pearl of the kingdom", looks just like a mirage suspended between sea and sky at the end of a long beach made of the finest sand.
A cosmopolitain and international town, already renowned during the Roman Empire for the extraction of crimson dye, Essaouira was conquered by the Muslims in the 10th century and invaded by the Portuguese in the 16th.
It's a magnificent place to visit any time of the year since this city is blessed with an exceptionally temperate climate, making it possible to swim even during the winter. You will be charmed by the splendid medina (old quarter) made up of narrow paths, blue doors and whitewashed houses which alternate with artisan's workshops and small shops.
In Arabic, this town is called Essaouira, i.e. "the wall", but its ancient name was "Mogador",
a word of berber origin which means "the well-guarded".
Essaouira looks onto the îles Purpuraires or Purple Islands, an archipelago that faces the town and that protects it from the ocean's fury.
This enormous fortress, with a cross-shaped plan like Saint Malo's, was built at sea level.
It's of a blinding whiteness and has the appearance of an urban complex of a theatrical air, with its squares and markets and just as many
meeting places and performance areas. Wind-whipped but protected by solid bastions, Essaouira's main business activities revolve around the craft industry and tourism. Here, you
can practice scuba diving and rent wind-surfing boards.
Fishing is a flourishing business. In fact, every morning, all kinds of fish and shellfish are sold at the port .
From the ancient Portuguese tower (Skala du port), which dominates the entrance of the port, one can enjoy an impressive, unrestricted view of the city and the îles Purpuraires.
Essaouira can be divided into three parts: the Medina, the Mellah and the Kasbah, all three surrounded and protected by high city walls. Within these walls, one can find an enormous, colourful souk (bazaar)..
An enticing town with a slightly retro appearance, Essaouira has always attracted artists of all genres and nationalities. The Rolling Stones and other pop stars regularly vacationed here during the 70's. Nowadays, famous contemporary writers and directors continue to come here in order to savour this nostalgic, slightly romantic atmosphere, where one can hear the sound of the waves and the cry of seagulls taking wing by the thousands.

Ouzoud waterfall

Across a pleasant valley, at 2 hours and a half from Marrakesh, accede to the most fabulous site of the Middle Atlas, the Cascades d’Ouzoud.
You’ll find a 100 meter high waterfall set admist a verdant of poputated by colony Babary apes and many birds. ts waters rebound on several landings and throw fine drops into the air.
The waterfalls are therefore almost constantly surrounded by a beautiful rainbow.
Once there, you can ask about the numerous possible hikes.

Follow a well-laid path, lined with olive trees. On arrival at the foot of the waterfalls, visitors can devote themselves to the joys of sunbathing, enjoy a meal at the water’s edge.

Asni Valley

A little more than one hour away from Marrakech, the Asni Valley is at the foot of some of the highest peaks of the Atlas Mountains.
It is a spread of natural unspoilt beauty and purity and offers a haven of peace after the commotion of the red town.
Infinitely different landscapes are passed through to reach this calm region. From the comfort of their vehicle, visitors can imagine the lifestyle of the inhabitants not so long ago.
The mule tracks, the douars (shanty-towns) on the hillside, or the shepherds leading their troops are constant reminders of the relativity of time.
The arrival in Asni tends to interrupt this train of thought. Indeed, this village is not of any special interest, but it is the place for deciding between continuing straight on towards.
Marigha, Ouirgane and Tizi n’Test or heading off towards Imlil and the Toubkal Mountain, the highest peak of the Atlas Mountains.
The charming little mountain village of Imlil is an essential crossing point for all walkers wanting to tackle the 4167m of the Toubkal mountain.
Located 64 Km away from Marrakech, it is also the entrance to the superb National Park of Toubkal.
Created in 1942 and covering a surface area of 38 000 ha, this park provides the opportunity for wonderful walks.
Over time, the plateaus and cliffs alternate with the steep gorges, and the cypress trees give way to junipers in a real explosion of colours and scents.
The attraction drawn by the Toubkal is, however, at the heart of Imlil life. It contributes to the majority of the economic activity of the village and is the cause of several initiatives

«A day out with the Berbers»
au DAR TASSA

Transfer, guided trek included (about 2 hours)
(Berber Lunch not included to be paid on the spot :250 Dhs/ pers)                                        
Discover the Berber way of  life & the  authentic Morocco in  Dar Tassa , at 1300 metres in the High Atlas in the middle of  Toubkal national park only  59 Km from  Marrakech .

09 :30 Pick up from your  Riad by Taxi or a mini bus trough a The most Spectacular R203 Road
          
11:30  You will arrive at Dar Tassa , where you will be greeted with mint tea & cakes
                        
12:00  A guided  walk in the national park and  stroll in the fields and orchards of apple, peach, cherry and apricot.
Discover the old hydraulic mill  & village old olive presse                                                                                                          
13:30 Lunch on the  terrace with panoramic  views.

15:30 Discover Takherkhort reserve & take you chance in  spotting a Barbary sheep or one of the 150 species of birds.

16:30 mint tea & a presentation of how to make Berber bread Fresh bread with  local organic olive oil  & wild thym & Lavender organic honey  (yum yum!)
         
18:00 Happy return to our Riad.