Escorted Tours 2024 - 2025

Marrakech < <    Ourika Valley, Atlas Mountains Agafay Desert Essaouira 7 Coach Air Nights 2 Essaouira What’s included ✔ Return flights Gatwick to Morocco with Easyjet. See p132-133 for regional flights ✔ Where you’ll stay Marrakech, 4 H The Red Hotel ✔ 16 meals ✔ 5 excursions ✔ Expert local tour guide Tour pace: Intermediate Day 1: UK to Marrakech D Depart the UK on your flight to Marrakech. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Day 2: Marrakech B/L/D After breakfast, explore the vibrant streets of the old Medina on a guided tour, including the garden surrounding the Koutoubia Minaret. Visit the stunning marble columned El Bahia Palace. Continue through the labyrinth-like swarm of tiny alleyways in the medina, past a traditional public oven and fountains, making your way to Ben Youssef Madrasa. The tour continues through the bustling souks where you will see skilled craftsmen creating exquisite leather goods, jewellery, and furniture. Enjoy lunch in a traditional Moroccan restaurant, followed by a visit to Jemaa el-Fnaa. Day 3: Marrakech B/D Following breakfast, head over to the world renowned Majorelle tropical gardens. Be enchanted by the lush greenery, serene fountains, dense bamboo forests and exotic cactus plants. Next, make your way to the impressive red stoned city ramparts and ancient gates of Marrakech. Take in the sight of the historical gates piercing the walls, including the famous Bab Khemis. After a morning of exploring, spend the rest of your day at leisure. Day 4: Marrakech and Essaouira B/L/D Venture to the picturesque Atlantic coast of Essaouira. Embark on a guided tour of the city, delving into its rich history and exploring its notable sites such as the impressive ramparts, bustling fishing port, charming Skala market and quaint Medina. Next, head to the vibrant Skala municipal market, where you can witness skilled artisans crafting their goods in workshops and browse through an array of fresh and vibrant fruits and vegetables. Later, enjoy a traditional Moroccan lunch before returning to Marrakech in the afternoon. Day 5: Marrakech and Atlas Mountains B/D Today, head to Ourika Valley - a popular destination among locals. Nestled in the foothills of the impressive Atlas Mountains, this lush valley offers an opportunity to embark on an adventure away from the city. Explore the region’s verdant villages and flourishing orchards, as you make your way towards the Haouz Plain, leading to the ancient, abandoned village of Aghmat. Next, venture into the Ighref to discover the captivating Jebel Yagour Mountain. Marvel at the panoramic vistas of the charming Berber villages scattered throughout the area, as well as the glistening waters that carve through the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Pause for a refreshing mint tea at a local herb garden and let yourself be enchanted by the awe-inspiring views. Day 6: Marrakech and Agafay Desert B/D Enjoy breakfast and much of the day free at leisure. In the late afternoon, head to the stunning Agafay Desert. Upon arriving at a local camp, take some time to unwind by the swimming pool or enjoy a short stroll over the surrounding hills and canyons. Later, marvel at the breathtaking sunset from atop the dunes with a fantastic view. Enjoy a Moroccan 3-course dinner in a serene Saharan atmosphere, complete with a campfire under the stars, later returning to the hotel for the night. Day 7: Marrakech B/D Today is for you to enjoy at leisure, with breakfast and dinner served at the hotel. Day 8: Marrakech to the UK B Transfer to the airport for your return flight, or continue on to your chosen extension. Marvellous Marrakech What you’ll see ⚫ Explore Marrakech, visiting Koutoubia Garden, El Bahia Palace and the famous souks ⚫ Experience the beauty of the Majorelle gardens ⚫ Navigate the maze-like streets of Essaouira ⚫ Travel to Ourika Valley, in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains ⚫ Take in the vast views of the Agafay Desert Embark on a fascinating journey uncovering the very best of Marrakech. Explore the vibrant streets of the old Medina, wander the Majorelle tropical gardens, visit picturesque Essaouira, and discover the tranquil Ourika Valley. End your adventure witnessing a stunning sunset atop a massive dune in the Agafay Desert. Includes direct flights Extend your tour Agadir beach stay, 4 nights, 4 H Half Board from £899 Atlas Mountains experience*, 3 nights Half Board from £379 *Please note one night is spent in the Sahara Desert, one night in Ait Benhaddou and one night in Marrakech Departures & from prices Feb 24 £999 Jan 25 £999 Mar 24 £1,099 Feb 25 £1,049 Apr 24 £1,149 Mar 25 £1,199 May 24 £1,199 May 25 £1,249 Jun 24 £1,249 Jun 25 £1,299 Sep 24 £1,199 Sep 25 £1,299 Oct 24 £1,099 Oct 25 £1,199 Nov 24 £899 Nov 25 £949 • Lead-in price based on 25 Nov 24 • A single supplement starts from just £289 • Tipping paid locally £48 pp per tour Save £100 on selected departures with code TOUR100 Africa 116 Hundreds of escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk