Essaouira Explorer
World Heritage Medina, Fishing Port & Atlantic Beach
A very worthwhile day-trip to the old port of Essaouira. Feared as a lair for pirates in days gone by, it is now one of the most charming towns on Morocco's Atlantic Coast. As well as a lively fishing harbour and a wild, windswept beach it has a wonderful souk for shopping away from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
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Scenic rural drive
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Guided tour
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Essaouira port
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Ancient medina
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Ramparts
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Time to explore the souk for shopping and souvenir hunting
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Essaouira beach
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Argan trees & oil
Complete with a bustling historical centre and surrounded by ancient city walls, Essaouira is a delightful destination for a day trip. Explore the atmospheric alleyways of the ancient medina, and its historic, ochre ramparts which now provide protection from wind-assisted waves coming from the Atlantic Ocean.
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With a whitewashed medina enclosed by huge pink sandstone ramparts (listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and with a rich Portuguese and Andalusian heritage, Essaouira was originally founded by Phoenicians in the 7th century BC. The Portuguese arrived in the 15th century and established the first fortifications and a trading post. The town itself wasn't built until the latter half of the 1700's, sanctioned by an Alouite sultan, Mohammed II.
From a long white sandy beach and dunes to a bustling fishing port with
excellent seafood and colourful wooden fishing boats, Essaouira has always been a favourite retreat of hippies, sailors, artists and musicians. Local attractions include the Sidi Med Ben Abdallah Museum, a lively souk (excellent for shopping and souvenirs), the old city gates and the impressive sqalas - fortified sea bastions. A stroll along Essaouira’s impressive sandy beach is a favourite activity for most visitors.
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ITINERARY
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0830 Rendezvous with driver; drive to Essaouira (181 km)
1030 Meet local guide for orientation tour of Essaouira’s medina
1230 Free time to explore the sites, visit the beach or harbour
1600 Depart Essaouira to Marrakech
1830 Arrive Marrakech
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Private departures operate daily and can be tailored to personal interests.
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DEPARTS DAILY
This tour operates daily throughout the year. Timings are approx. and may vary due to interests of the group, weather or seasons.
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DON'T FORGET
Sun-glasses, comfortable footwear and plenty of sun protection.
 Wander the streets of old Essaouira |  Old canons still point out to sea to defend the port |
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 Plenty of fresh fish in Essaouira |  Prison island, Essaouira |
 Fantastic for shopping and souvenirs |  Essaouira's harbour has been a haven for fishing boats for centuries |
Prices from £42 / 525 dirhams
Group Size £GBP Dirhams
2 adults £76 950
3 adults £66 825
4 adults £58 725
5 adults £50 625
6 adults+ £42 525
Note: Prices are Per Person
Price for children 0 to 11 years old is £24 (300 dirhams) per child (must be min. 2 adults accompanying). Children 12 and older pay adult price.
PRICE INCLUDES
Pick-up/drop-off in Marrakech; travel in style in private vehicle with air-conditioning and English-speaking driver; 2 hour guided tour.
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PRICE EXCLUDES
Entrance fees, beverages and meals not specified; tips and items of a personal nature.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
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Hundreds of people have enjoyed this trip and we are proud of our customer satisfaction levels.