Southern Crossroads: Anti-Atlas & Atlantic Coast
Bask on Atlantic beaches once coveted by Spanish and Portuguese traders. Trace the travel routes of the ancient trans-Saharan caravans, and walk in the footsteps of desert royals as you explore the remains of their kasbahs. Southern Morocco is laden with history, culture, and verdant beauty. The tour is anchored by the major cities of Marrakech, Essaouira, and Agadir, then focuses on a constellation of smaller centers that carry the imprint of their glorious and often turbulent past. This tour is an up-close and personal exploration of the life and lifestyle of the people of the Anti-Atlas.
Key Tour Highlights
10 days:
- Guided walking tour, major points of interest: Marrakech medina*; Majorelle Gardens
- Day excursion: Ourika valley, saffron farm, High Atlas villages (walking/hiking options)
- Agadir kasbah
- Guided walking tour: “Silver City” Tiznit medina
- Tafraout “Pierre Peints” colored rocks
- Taroudant medina and markets
- Taliouine: saffron co-operative
- Essaouira port, medina*, artisanal tradescrafts
- Visit to women’s co-operative, argan oil production
- Take your chances: Goats in the treetops!
Seasonal: Participation in, or access to local festivals and cultural events. Contact us for details.
*UNESCO World Heritage Sites
10 DAYS/9 NIGHTS:
Day 1: Arrive: Marrakech
Day 2: Majorelle Gardens; guided walking tour, Marrakech medina*
Day 3: Day excursion: Ourika Valley, saffron farm & botanical garden, sightseeing and/or walking/hiking from High Atlas villages
Day 4: Travel to Tiznit; visit Taghazout, Agadir kasbah
Day 5: Guided walking tour, Tiznit medina and silversmith workshops; travel to Tafraout: town visit, “Pierre Peints” visit, rock formations
Day 6: Travel to Taroudant: medina, market visits
Day 7: Day excursion: Taliouine and saffron co-operative visit
Day 8: Travel to Essaouira
Day 9: Exploration of Essaouira, visit to women’s argan oil co-operative, return to Marrakech
Day 10: DEPARTURE – Marrakech
NOTE: Afternoon or late-day departure on Day 10 may allow an overnight in Essaouira on Day 9.
PRICE PER PERSON
USD $2760
Tour price includes airport transfers, all ground transportation, services of the driver, private 4X4 vehicle or 8-passenger van (depending on numbers), fuel, 3/4 star accommodations, all breakfasts. Some lunches and dinners may be included. Accommodations confirmed prior to final payment. See “What’s Included” tab for full details.
Prices valid to December 31. Subject to currency fluctuations.
BOOKING CONDITIONS: A 30% deposit is required to reserve your spot on the tour. It is 100% refundable up to 30 days prior to tour departure. Final payments are due 30 days prior to departure. Your reservation is confirmed when we have received your full payment and a signed Contract for Travel Services.
Full and final payments are non-refundable once received. If you cancel within 30 days of your tour departure for any reason, we issue a credit for the full value of your payment less any non-refundable costs we have incurred on your behalf and a USD$75. administration fee. The credit can be used for any trip of any length for any number of people within 18 months of the original departure date, and is also transferable.
See Bookings and Reservations for full details including refunds and cancellations.
GROUND TRANSPORTATION: All ground transportation in a private 4X4 vehicle or 8-passenger van (depending on numbers), including the vehicle, fuel, and services of your Moroccan host/driver each day. Airport transfers on both ends of your tour are also included.
ACCOMMODATIONS: All accommodations in private rooms with private bathrooms for 9 nights in Moroccan-owned and operated riads/hotels. Contact us to see a detailed itinerary including the proposed properties. Properties will be confirmed before final payment is due. You always know where you will stay before we ask for final payment.
MEALS: Breakfast is included each morning at your accommodations except your day of arrival. No lunches or dinners are included.
We encourage you to discover hidden gems or local specialties for the meals when you’re on your own, but we’re happy to make recommendations. Your accommodations may offer dinner with advance notice. (We can arrange this for you if you wish.)
GUIDING SERVICES: We hire a professional guide fluent in the language of your choice for your walking tours in Marrakech and Tiznit. The guides and walking tours are included in the price. No guide is needed at the Majorelle Gardens or in Essaouira.
ADMISSION FEES: Admission fees are included to the Majorelle Gardens (including the Berber Museum and YSL Museum).
ACTIVITIES: Visits to women’s co-operatives are included.
NOTE: Payments made on your behalf for third-party services or activities are non-refundable.
NOT INCLUDED:
MEALS: Lunches and dinners are not included.
ADMISSION FEES: Admission fees to attractions you may want to visit on your guided walking tours are not included so that you can more freely decide what you want to visit.
ACTIVITIES: If you wish to walk or hike in the Atlas Mountains, we will hire a guide on your behalf and provide a quote for your approval prior to making the reservation.
GRATUITIES: Gratuities are not included so that you can make a personal decision about how or if you would like to recognize the services of your driver, guides, and other service personnel who help you along the way.
PERSONAL BEVERAGES: Personal beverages (including bottled water, soft drinks, fruit juices and alcohol) are not included, nor are snacks you might purchase along the road or at your accommodations.
Good to Know
EVERYDAY AUTHENTICITY
Life is slower in the traditional villages of the Anti-Atlas and Souss plain. Be prepared to be awed by the dramatic landscapes, delighted by your interactions with local people, and satisfied with simplicity in meals and accommodations.
TRIP LENGTH:
10 DAYS
DEPARTURE:
MARRAKECH (Essaouira, Agadir departures available)
STARTING PRICE
10 DAYS/9 NIGHTS
USD $2760 per person
Incl. all taxes and fees. Reductions for larger groups. No single supplement. Subject to currency fluctuations. See “What’s Included” tab for complete details.
DEPARTURE DATES
10 DAYS: TBA
Our Tours
When you’re in Morocco, life is about the journey and the destination! A private Morocco tour ensures the best of both.
Grand Caravan Adventures
Souqs, sand and sea – an unforgettable introduction to Morocco’s infinite diversity!
Best of Morocco
Morocco’s signature highlights are captured in one memorable tour!
Four Jewels Adventure: Imperial Cities
Rabat, Meknes, Fes, and Marrakech – all capitals, past or present, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. All on the program!
Came Caravan Desert Trek: Erg Chebbi
Journey by camel or 4X4 into the romantic Rose Desert for an unforgettable overnight stay in a Moroccan tent camp.
Came Caravan Desert Trek: Erg Chigaga
Live your dream of a desert experience: stay overnight in a nomad tent, or if you prefer, explore the dunes by 4X4.
Magnetic North: Atlantic & Mediterranean Coasts
Idyllic coastal villages, golden beaches, glorious surf – how can you resist? See the “blue village” of Chefchaouen, then circle back through Fes for a perfect tour.
Beachcomber's Getaway
Heaven for beach-lovers in three or four days!
Southern Crossroads: Anti-Atlas & Atlantic Coasts
Unspoiled, untouched, and unparalleled. This is the land of saffron, olives, argan, oranges.
Day Excursions: Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca Departures
Find yourself with just a day? Make the most of it with one of our great day trips! Some of Morocco’s very special places are within easy reach.
Savor Morocco
Morocco’s cuisine is considered one of the world’s greatest – and this tour will show you why.
Morocco Mosaic
Discovery Tour for Women Discover why “mosaic” isn’t just about tilework. View Morocco’s infinite diversity from a woman’s perspective – yours and theirs!
Life Event Celebrations
If you’re planning to mark a major milestone, make it unforgettable – celebrate with friends or family in Morocco.