Discover the relaxed, bohemian seaside resort of Essaouira on a full-day guided tour from Marrakech. Following a pick-up from your hotel in Marrakech, cross Morocco by air-conditioned vehicle en route to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy views of the arid landscape, stopping at an argan oil co-operative to learn how this healthful oil is produced from the nuts of the argan trees.
Upon arrival at Essaouira, take a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the 16th-century ramparts of Essaouria, with astonishing views of the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Follow your English-speaking guide to all of Essaouira’s most important monuments, such as the old fish market and seaport. Watch silver craftsmen and wood carvers at work in the old medina, where the labyrinth of streets is lined with heavy wooden doors and whitewashed houses. At the end of the day, you will be dropped-off at your hotel in Marrakech.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Discover Argan manufacturing and all its possible uses in cooking and cosmetics
✔ Hotel pickup and drop-off
✔ Entry/Admission - Medina of Essaouira
✔ Transport by air-conditioned minivan
✔ Stop at the "goat tree" and admire this peculiar Argan tree with goats perched in it
✖ Food and drinks
✖ Guide
Departure & Return
Departure:
,
Go to in front of Cafe France, Our guide will have your name and he will have a white minibus
Return: End right where it started.
Itinerary
1
Marrakech
Start your morning with pickup from your accommodation in Marrakesh. Travel in comfort in an air-conditioned car to Essaouira.
Duration: 30 minutes
2
Your day trip to Essaouira from Marrakech will begin with driving along the Haouz plains. Once in Chichaoua village, located halfway, stop for a cup of coffee before you continue your journey.
Duration: 15 minutes
3
Cooperative Marjana (ARGAN OIL)
Upon approaching Essaouira, you will cross the Argan trees forest, where you will spot some goats climbing the trees. Stop and take some photos before you carry on to Essaouira.
To watch how the Argan oil (also called the liquid gold or Moroccan oil) is extracted, you will visit a local ladies’ cooperative to learn how some fine cosmetic products are made locally out of the rich Argan oil.
Duration: 20 minutes
4
Essaouira
From here, we will carry on to Essaouira. Upon arrival, you will explore the beautiful city at leisure. Out of experience, Exploring Essaouira is easy on your own: Locals are very friendly, the Medina is pretty small (compared to other old towns in Morocco), and its streets are in order.
You definitely do not need a guide for the tour of the city. You can easily explore the Medina on your own as its streets are aligned opposite each other, unlike every other maze-like Medina in Morocco. Should you insist on one, your driver will help you hire a local guide.
Duration: 3 hours
5
Essaouira Fishing Port
First, you can visit the harbor with its fishing port and old Portuguese fortifications. You can still see medieval war cannons aligned in order and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Duration: 30 minutes
6
Medina Of Essaouira
Please continue to the Medina ( old city ) with its well-kept fortification dating to the 18th century. The major landmark of the Medina is La Scala, which was built against foreign attacks from the sea. You can continue to Bab Laalouj ( One of the main gates of Essaouira, then to the Mellah ( the old Jewish quarter.
Various art shops, galleries, souvenir shops, and Thuya wood craft shops are aligned in order. Choose one of the local cafes for a delicious seafood lunch and head to Kasbah, famous for having served as a military bastion.
If you are a beach lover, enjoy a walk along the sandy beach of Mogador and maybe watch locals playing beach ball. If you are brave enough, why not join a game for a few minutes. People from Essaouira are amicable!! If not, you can sunbathe while watching waterspouts, amateurs kitesurfing, or windsurfing.
Duration: 3 hours
7
Marrakech
Late in the afternoon, drive back to Marrakech, and your full-day tour to Essaouira will end with a drop off at your hotel or the nearest car-accessible point to your riad.
Duration: 2 hours
Additional info
• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
