Art, Gardens & Culture of Morocco
8 Days with a Botanical Guide in a small group. Explore the heart of Morocco on this detailed look at Marrakesh, the surrounding valleys and mountain villages. Immerse yourself in the colourful souks, explore art galleries, historic houses and palaces with their beautiful gardens, and enjoy fantastic cuisine in some of Morocco’s best restaurants. Day 1 - Arrive Marrakesh
Be met at the airport and transfer to your beautiful riad hotel. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner at 6.30pm.
Accommodation: Five Nights, Marrakesh, Hotel La Maison Arabe
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 - Marrakesh Sightseeing
Enjoy a guided tour of Marrakesh including a visit to the Majorelle Gardens. Enjoy lunch at La Mamounia, where Winston Churchill set up his easel in the gardens. This afternoon visit the artisan quarter, the colourful souks and Dar Si Said museum. Take a stroll around Jamaa El Fna, the main square, and watch the entertainers.
Accommodation:
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 3 - Ourika Valley
Take a scenic drive across the plains towards Ourika Valley, in the Atlas Mountain region. Visit a herb garden where essential oils and perfumes are made. Return to Marrakesh for dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation:
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 4 - Marrakesh Gardens
Visit the 800- year-old royal pleasure gardens, sometimes referred to as the Islamic Versaille. Also see a couple of gardens featured on Monty Don’s new series ‘Paradise Gardens’.
Accommodation:
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 5 - Marrakesh
See traditional art and artefacts as well as new works at the Bert Flint Museum and the Lawrence-Arnott Art Gallery. After lunch continue to the Museum of Palmeraie.
Accommodation:
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 6 - Ouirgane, Imlil AND Atlas Mountains
After breakfast, drive south through My Brahim gorges to the valley of Asni, where we have lunch at Sir Richard Branson’s property, Kasbah Tamadot, before driving to Imlil in the pretty Mizane Valley.
Accommodation: Two Nights, Imlil, Kasbah du Toubkal
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 7 - Imlil AND Atlas Mountains
Enjoy a walk or mule ride to the village of Armed at the foot of Jebel Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. Stop for lunch in a Berber house before continuing downhill on a different path to Kasbah Toubkal.
Accommodation:
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 8 - Depart Marrakesh
Leave Imlil and drive through the valley along scenic mountain roads, enjoying spectacular views back to Marrakesh where your tour will conclude at the airport at approximately 9:30am.
Accommodation:
Meals: Breakfast
