Arrival at Marrakech airport. Transfer to hotel.Check-in, accommodation and dinner at the hotel. Settle in and relax

Breakfast. Road to Ouirgane, away from the hustle and bustle, through the Haouz plain, up the Oued N'Fis valley and over the High Atlas at the Tizi n'Test pass (2092 m).

This morning we will have a bread cooking demonstration for breakfast and perhaps an early morning walk around the village.   We will then transfer to Taroudant passing through some Berber villages and a stop in one of the oldest mosque in the high altas where we learn about the Almohad dynasty in which era this monument was built. We continue our drive across the high Atlas mountains via the Tizi n Test which will give you a great view of the largest plain of Sous. We arrive at our accommodation “hôtel al mounia” for the evening in the late afternoon in time for a swim in the pool and relax.

Enjoy a day of free time. You might like to take a walk with your family through the oasis and explore the local villages. The oasis is full of palm trees and streams of water, giving it an exotic atmosphere. Perhaps have a go at riding a donkey around the fields.

After breakfast it's time for a short trip to Taroudant city (approximately 30 minutes). This pretty, conservative town (often called 'Little Marrakech') has a tannery which you will visit and spend some time at. Moroccan leather goods are very popular, and here you can learn how the animal skins are cured to produce the leather. It's an interesting snapshot of old-fashioned local craft, and a chance to souvenir a slice of hand-made Morocco.   Then we travel up the coast to Sidi Kaouki (approximately 4 hours). Mount a camel and take in the view as the waves crash along the shore line, taking in the awesome scenery as you plod along. This may well be one of the highlights of your trip. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach, then board the bus again and head to Essaouira (approximately 30 minutes).   This delightful artists' town is a former Portuguese trading colony and was once home to sizeable British and Jewish populations. The town faces a group of rocky islands called the Mogador and is surrounded by an expanse of sandy beaches and dunes. It's still a busy fishing port, and it's pretty harbour is filled with tiny colourful fishing boats which go out early every morning.

Day free for you to explore Essaouira. Why not wander the harbour and its adjacent fish markets where you can witness the daily auction. A fresh-cooked plate of the day's catch is highly recommended. Perhaps browse some of the many shops and art galleries where unique local pieces are on display. The town is becoming renowned for its burled Thuya wood, delicately formed and inlaid in tiny shops. The scent from the oils used to polish the richly coloured wood permeates the air and makes walking through the streets incredibly pleasant.

Leaving Essaouira behind, journey inland to Marrakech (approximately 3 hours). Enjoy an afternoon walking tour of the city center, taking in the main sights on your way to the sprawling Djemaa el-Fna main square and souq. Snake charmers and jugglers are among those who vie to entertain you. In the evening, wonderful smells waft by as food stalls cook up their local delicacies.  

Breakfast. At the scheduled time, transfer to Marrakech airport to take the flight back.