Extend your stay in Morocco's seaside gem, Essaouira. With its wide sandy beach and maze-like medina, art galleries and historic ramparts, there's plenty to explore in the picturesque seaside town. Watch the sunset over the ocean, browse handicrafts in the old town or watch the local fishermen bring in the catch of the day. From the blue boats in the harbour to the old town beyond, Essaouira is a photographer's paradise.
Breakfast: 3
Dinner: 1
Local Guide(s)
Car
3 nights premium riad
Relaxed
Itineraries on some departure dates may differ, please select the itinerary that you wish to explore.
Our extension trip starts at your hotel in Marrakech or the airport. A private transfer from your hotel or Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK) is included, provided we receive your flight details no later than 10 days prior to departure. The journey from Marrakech to our riad in Essaouira is around three hours, we will make a stop along the way.
If you arrive early, there are plenty of sights to keep you occupied. In contrast to other towns and cities in Morocco, Essaouira has a relaxed, European feel to it. The town is easy to navigate, our riad is in the heart of the old town which is crammed full of craft shops, exotic spices and food stalls.
Our accommodation for this beach extension is a characterful riad in the heart of the old town medina with fine views of the ocean. Each traditionally furnished bedroom has a different design. The riad features a sun terrace and has a roof top restaurant, offering a choice of freshly prepared Moroccan dishes.
Please note, this is a stand-alone extension and can be booked on any date of your choosing, subject to availability. Whilst this itinerary has been designed to complement several of our group tours, we'd like to point out that it's not a group experience and you're unlikely to be travelling with other Explore customers, it is not accompanied by a Trip Leader.
Riad Mimouna (or similar)
Grade: Premium Riad
This morning our local guide will meet us at reception at 10am and accompany us on a two to three hour orientation tour. The town has a rich and somewhat colourful history and its importance as a trading port during the 18th and 19th centuries saw it prosper, attracting British, French, Arab and Jewish merchants and sailors to its shores. These influences are still reflected in the architecture and layout of the town, which is divided into the old town (including its medina) and the new town. We will visit the ramparts, with its cannons facing out to the sea, head into the medina and take in the Mellah (the old Jewish Quarter) where we can witness skilled silversmiths at work.
The rest of the day is free to spend the day as we wish, uncovering the colourful coastal town. Head into the old walled medina and the maze of streets lined with craftsmen selling souvenirs from handmade leather belts to jewellery to wooden boxes inlaid with mother of pearl. Outside of the medina, sink your feet into the golden sands of the beach and watch the fishermen return to shore with their day's catch.
The morning is left free. With a near constant sea breeze coming off the Atlantic, even in the hottest months of the year taking a stroll along the town's expansive beach is a very pleasant experience. Visit the port to see the fishermen land their catch or wander through the old town browsing the wares on sale or pop into one of the towns many art galleries or workshops. The wood products are particularly good quality in Essaouira and the traders more laid back and relaxed compared to other towns and cities in Morocco.
This afternoon we have a cookery class, our local guide will accompany us to our cookery school where we'll prepare a three course meal with freshly purchased ingredients. It's a chance to refine our cookery skills to impress friends and family back home and enjoy a delicious meal together.
Our beach extension to Essaouira ends at our riad after breakfast.
A private transfer is included back to Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK) from Riad Mimouna regardless of your departure day, provided we receive your flight details no later than 10 days prior to your tour departing. The journey time back to the airport in Marrakech is around three hours.
The climate is both Mediterranean and Atlantic. The dry, hot season is from May to October when summer temperatures can reach 38°C and above (if sight seeing is included we will do our best to avoid the heat of the day during this period). Temperatures may drop significantly at times during the night as the day's heat rapidly diminishes. From December to January snow can be expected on mountain passes and it can be wet. In winter, day temperatures will probably be around 18-25°C, dropping to perhaps 0-5°C.
0
2 Pin Round
Islam
Arabic, Berber, French.
Surfing lesson 400 Moroccan Dirham per person
Only lightweight clothing is needed, Essaouira as a temperate climate - if travelling in the winter months it is worth packing a light fleece and waterproofs.
20Kg
One main piece of baggage and daypack.
Bus
The Riad Al Madina is a three star riad style hotel located in the heart of the old town and just 200 meters from the beach. The riad used to be a private dwelling and has been restored retaining individual charm so each bedroom is different. Ther riad has an open courtyard and restaurant that serves a mixture of Moroccan and international dishes. There is wifi, but no swimming pool.
Can you drink the water? The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip.
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Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.
Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both. The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.
Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.
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You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.
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