Marrakech, Mountains & Coast of Morocco

Essential Information

Trip Profile

Travel by private minibus and on foot, (1.5 relaxing daywalks), plus 4 days sightseeing in Marrakech and Essaouira.

Accommodation

3 nights 3-star hotel in the new quarter of Marrakech (Gueliz) and 2 nights in traditional Riad in Essaouira - all with en suite rooms. 2 nights in beautifully restored mountain gite with traditional d?cor and view of snow-capped mountains - dormitory-style rooms with shared facilities.

Food

All breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners included.

Reality Check

This trip provides a gentle introduction to Morocco.

The itinerary is quite relaxed, yet there are a couple of long drives (especially from the mountains to the coast), simlpy to be able to experience three distinctly different aspects of this wonderful country.

Although there is an organised itinerary most days, all activities are optional, so you can spend your time relaxing if you prefer. The mountain walks on this trip would be described as undemanding by anyone with experience of hill or mountain walking.

Those less familiar with hiking need to understand that mountain paths are stony and uneven. Morocco generally enjoys a good year round climate (sun-soaked in the summer and reasonably warm in the winter).

Please note Ramadan runs from 20th July to 18th August 2012. During Ramadan, our local guides and drivers choose to work and so we continue to run trips in this period. However, it does need to be recognised that the energy levels of our local staff may be a bit lower and that some restaurants may be closed during the day. Having said this, Ramadan is a unique time to visit a Muslim country - each evening the streets empty for an hour while everyone breaks their fast, and there's a feeling of festivity in the air every night

Normal group size and age

Normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age 16.

Misc

A riad is a traditional Moroccan house with a central open-air courtyard, usually filled with orange or lemon trees and sometimes a fountain. They were a modification of the Roman villa, designed to offer family privacy and to shield from the harsh Moroccan weather. Many dwellings have kept their inward focus, with no large windows on the exterior walls and all rooms opening into the atrium space, despite being converted into hotels and restaurants.

Icons explained

The vast majority of Exodus adventures are adult group holidays. Groups are always small in size. We strongly believe that this adherence to small groups means a better experience for all; more time with your guide, less waiting around and a reduced impact on the communities and environments visited.
Each group is generally made up of like-minded travellers - with singles, couples and friends all joining in together. All these trips are suitable for single travellers, but if you prefer to travel with clients booking individually, please see our Solo Departures page.

Designed for people who are in good health, enjoy the outdoors and want a relaxing trip packed with interest.

Relaxed Itinerary: A range of itineraries seeking out intriguing and off the-beaten-path destinations in a little extra comfort!

Culture: Let Exodus show you a different side to many of the world's greatest cultural attractions.

Where you stay is a crucial part of a holiday, and we have gone to great lengths to find accommodation that provides extra comfort, character, convenience and value. Five-star hotels won’t feature on the agenda, but itineraries guarantee a greater degree of comfort after your day’s efforts.

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