Morocco Express: Marrakech – Essaouira & the Desert

1 night: Marrakech
Marrakech is a mix of flavors and scents that will overwhelm us from the start, so let's get acquainted with the local food! Let's toast to this adventure!

1 night: Agafay
A morning in Marrakech
After seeing what Marrakech has to offer at night, we'll now see what we can find once the sun rises. We'll have a leisurely breakfast before meeting a local guide for a tour of the charming old medina, with its narrow streets and bustling souks.

We'll get a feel for this great city by walking through the ancient kasbah, admiring the Moroccan architecture of the palaces and mosques. At the end of the tour, if we wish, we can stop for a fresh, iced fruit juice - much needed after wandering through the capital all morning!

The rocky dunes of Agafay
Later in the afternoon, we'll say goodbye to Marrakech and begin the (relatively short!) journey to the Agafay Desert. We'll pass through traditional Berber villages and have the opportunity to stop for green tea as the Atlas Mountains loom in the distance.

Then we'll delve into the desert: the rocky dunes of Agafay welcome the desert camp that will be our home for the night, and we are definitely ready for this incredible new experience.

We can relax in the solitude of the desert or take a camel ride before finding the perfect spot to watch the sunset. And for the evening? We'll gather around the fire for a traditional Berber dinner under a sky full of stars shining brightly above us! It's simple, right?!

1 night: Essaouira
The road to Essaouira
There's nothing quite like a desert sunrise, which is why we'll set our alarms while it's still dark outside, to enjoy the peace and tranquility of a new day dawning over the spectacular rocky dunes of Agafay. After breakfast, and before the desert heat rises, we'll head to the cooler climes of the Atlantic coast, our final destination.

Today's transfer will be a little longer, but that's fine: the view from the window will keep us entertained – and if that's not enough, there will surely be a good playlist to listen to!

Morocco by the sea
Located on a wide bay on Morocco's southwest coast, with a backdrop of lush, wooded hills, Essaouira is the coastal town we were looking for. We arrive in the early afternoon and the rest of the day is ours. With its lively marina, picturesque blue and white houses, and a medina filled with souks, there's plenty to do here.

We can walk along the ramparts that separate the medina from the Atlantic, head down to the beach to relax, or try our hand at windsurfing or horse riding. The sunset is not to be missed: the silhouettes of fishing boats stand out against the golden sky, it's an incredible sight. We'll find a quiet spot to admire it, then it will already be dinner time: grilled fish for everyone? The fish is always fresh, as we are by the sea!

1 night: Marrakech
Discovering the flavors of Essaouira
This morning, we will dedicate ourselves to a culinary experience in the local style of Essaouira. So roll up your sleeves and, trying to follow the skillful gestures of the local cooks, you will learn to cook popular Essaouira dishes: a Moroccan salad, a fish or chicken tagine… Once the dishes are cooked, of course, we will savor them!

Return to Marrakech
After lunch, we're off for the final leg of the journey, returning to where it all began: magnificent Marrakech. Once our bags are left in the room, we are free to discover what one of the most fascinating cities in the world has to offer. We can look for bargains in the souks, admire the architecture of the Bahia Palace, or take an Instagram-worthy tour of the Majorelle Garden, with its intense blue walls and incredible cacti.

As day turns into night, we'll head to the Medina, where we'll discover authentic Moroccan flavors, then continue the evening with our last dinner, an opportunity to reminisce about the short but sweet adventure we've shared, before a final stroll through the sparkling streets of Marrakech.