Mayhem in Morocco

DAY 10 | FRI 13 SEPT | ESSAOUIRA

Essaouira’s medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases a unique blend of Arab, Berber, and European influences in its architecture, art, and traditions. After breakfast this morning we will delve into the medina to discover the vast array of beautifully crafted goods, from intricately carved and inlaid wood to colourful textiles and ceramics, and hand woven shoes that we have not discovered in any other city,

Then, if you love cheese our destination for lunch today is going to make your heart sing! [And if you are not a cheese lover, never fear, we will cater for you].  We will dine in an open air restaurant and taste local goat and sheep-milk cheeses accompanied by fresh salads and mechoui (lamb spit roast or an alterative for vegetarians) – and all accompanied by local wines. After our feast, we will roll home for the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.

Meals : Breakfast & Lunch

DAY 11 | SAT 14 SEPT | AGAFAY DESERT

Departing Essaouira after breakfast we make our way to a winery en route to the Agafay Desert.  We will observe where the wine is matured, mixed, bottled and labelled before enjoying a selection of wines accompanied by a light tapas lunch.

Transferring to 4WD vehicles we head into the rocky desert of Agafay with its stunning 360° views of Agafay’s barren grandeur and beyond to the snow‐capped Atlas Mountains.  After settling in, we will embark on a camel safari out into the desert, embracing the space and freedom that the desert delivers. This is also an opportunity to channel your inner ‘Sex in the City’ character if you wish with a lot of photo opportunities for the ‘gram!  On return to camp, we will enjoy sundowners before we feast on traditional Moroccan cuisine around a candlelit communal table, serenaded by musicians.  Then as the evening envelops the camp in inky blackness we bed down in our tents savouring the stillness of the desert night.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 12 | SUN 15 SEPT | MARRAKECH

The morning is at leisure to do whatever you choose.  Enjoy a sleep-in in your luxury tent or rise early to participate in a yoga session overlooking the Atlas Mountains and desert landscape.  After lunch in camp we will board our 4WD transfer to the ochre‐coloured city of Marrakech where we will have the pleasure of unpacking and spending the following five nights!

Take your time to settle in, then we will rendezvous by the pool for a hosted dinner.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 13 | MON 16 SEPT | MARRAKECH

After breakfast we set off on a walking tour of Marrakech to take in the famous Koutoubia Minaret, the 12th century Kasbah (fortress), the 16th century monument site of the Saadian Tombs and we will explore the mellah (Jewish quarter).

We then enter the maze of alleyways and narrow streets that make up the souk. Here sellers offer everything from spice, sandalwood, and black soap to clothing, baskets, leather goods, furniture, lanterns, fabrics, pottery, and almost anything else you could wish for.

We take lunch in the middle of the souk in a fabulous rooftop café and then you will be let loose to explore at leisure (or you can stick with the guide who is on hand to help you navigate the souks).  We will set a rendezvous point for those who wish to dine together this evening (to own account), or you may wish to make your own arrangements.

DAY 14 | TUES 17 SEPT | ATLAS MOUNTAINS

Heading out of the city we meander through the valleys at the foot of Mount Toubkal, Morocco’s highest mountain, which rises 4,165m above sea level and remains snow‐capped for most of the year.

We will delve deep into a traditional Berber market to encounter traditional village life before taking a short hike to a traditional Berber home toienjoy mint tea, fresh baked bread and hummus.  This is not a strenuous hike, but a degree of fitness is required.  If you prefer to relax by Richard’s* swimming pool you can!

After our hike we descend to *Richard Branson’s renowned and award‐winning Kasbah Tamadot. We will indulge in a long, decadent lunch on the rooftop terrace with views along the picturesque valley. The food marries local produce, flavours, and ingredients from Tamadot’s vast gardens. After lunch we have time to explore the property before returning to Marrakech where those who have not yet sated their appetite may wish to venture into the souk, or simply relax in the hotel and order a snack.

Meals : Breakfast & Lunch

DAY 15 | WED 18 SEPT | MARRAKECH

First thing this morning we will attend a workshop to create our own fragrance ‐ exotic and Arabian in nature, think ingredients like musk, patchouli, jasmine and amber.

Once we have created our signature scent, we will explore the world famous Marjorelle Gardens – once the private home of painter Jacques Majorelle. The Marjorelle Gardens are one of the most visited sites in all of Marrakech and beyond the gardens we recommend visiting the fascinating onsite Berber Museum.  The boutique stores across the road are also definitely worth browsing!

After visiting the museum entirely devoted to the work of the legendary fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent we will enjoy lunch in a restaurant that empowers women by teaching them culinary skills, and where the food is delicious!

Then the afternoon is all yours! We can guide you to the best boutiques & artisan workshops in Gueliz (the new city full of designer boutiques) or you may wish to wander the souk or return to the riad for some rest and relaxation.  Dinner is at your leisure.  A group dining option will be on offer.

Meals : Breakfast & Lunch

DAY 16 | THU 19 SEPT | MARRAKECH

A mouthwatering morning awaits!  Our riad offers one of the most outstanding cooking classes in all of Morocco!  Our day begins with a trip to the spice market to gather all we need before being initiated into the delights of one of the world’s best cuisines. The menu is chosen daily by their chefs according to the seasonal market offering and our morning workshop will teach us how to prepare a full, traditional meal that you can easily reproduce for your friends and family at home. On conclusion we will gather for a glass of wine and to savour the fruits of our labour!

The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to return to grab that last-minute ‘must have’ in the souk or enjoy some pampering before your journey home.  We will celebrate our final night in Morocco with a Gala Dinner this evening!

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 17 | FRI 20 SEPT | INFLIGHT HOME

Today marks the end of our Mayhem in Morocco journey. Depart Marrakech after breakfast by road bound for Casablanca, arriving in time to check in for your flight home.

Wishing you a safe flight and ‘shukran’ (thank you) for sharing this wonderful adventure!

NOTE: if you would like to extend your stay in Morocco to venture into the Sahara Desert please get in touch – we can easily arrange this for you, along with a visit to other exotic destinations on the western side of the Atlas Mountain range.

DAY 18 | SAT 21 SEPT | HOME

Welcome Home!

A more detailed itinerary with lots of gorgeous images is available on request – please click here