Southern Morocco and Coastal Gems

Set out with your private guide to unravel the wonders of the red city! With its exoticism and aura of mystery, Marrakech enjoys legendary status as a tourist attraction. It has the unique distinction of being the city after which the country is named. On this tour, visit the famous Koutoubia Mosque dating back to the 12th century which is also the largest in the city. Listen to your local expert explain the origins of this mosque and its prominent minaret. Afterwards, head over to the Saadian Tombs situated near the Kasbah Mosque. Gaze in wonder at the Italian carrara marble used across the mausoleum. Next, explore the 19th century El Bahia Palace featuring a blend of Islamic and Moroccan styles of architecture. Enjoy the hustle and bustle of the souks at the heart of the old city that offer a variety of wares for visitors to browse through. (Full Day; Time of Day: Morning; Duration: 7 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fixed Time; Fitness Level: Easy;)

Accompany your guide to the 16th century Ibn Lazama Synagogue – it is of immense significance in the Jewish history of Morocco and is still visited by the faithful. Head over to 16th century Miara Cemetery which is used till date. Not only is this the only Jewish cemetery in town but it’s also the largest in the country! See the congregation halls and the stone tombstones with Hebrew inscriptions laid across three layers of burial grounds. Stroll through the mellah (Jewish quarter) in the city to discover tall, mud brick buildings that adorn its streets. Stop by the many small synagogues that dot the winding alleyways of the old walled medina, learning interesting tidbits about each from your guide. (Half Day; Duration: 4 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fixed Time; Fitness Level: Easy)

Explore the beautiful walled town, markets, and squares of the Souss Valley trading center, Taroudant, situated in the Anti Atlas region of south Morocco. Drive past the sprinkling of argan and almond trees in open agricultural plains, framed by the undulating, snow capped mountains in the background. Enroute, drop by the village of Tilouine – the heart of the saffron growing area in Morocco. Cross the rugged passes of Tizi-n-Tighatine and Tizi-n-Ikhsan. Enter the ancient fortress city of Taroudant, dramatically surrounded by 16th century red mud ramparts. This land of the Roudanis is known as Grandmother of Marrakech or Little Marrakech, and boasts a medina (old town) and souks (covered markets), devoid of the hustle and bustle of Marrakech. Wander along the little alleys of the medina, passing donkeys, camels and traders pushing cartloads of fresh produce. Look for clothing and utensils at the Berber souk, and handcrafted leather and silver goods in the Arab souk. Visit the local tanneries to observe traditional, centuries old processing methods being used even today. Relax at one of the leafy cafes in the central square taking in the slow pace of life over a cup of Moroccan tea. As dusk sets in, watch the red fortress walls glow in the sunset. (Duration: 4-5 hrs; Time of Day: Morning; Private Activity and Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy.)

Enjoy a visit to a few typical villages south of Tafraoute. On the road to Tiznit, have a walk through the village of Afella Adai along the slopes of a wonderful granite rock landscape with rounded granite blocks. Then visit the blue rocks of the village of Agard Oudad, known for this huge block of sloping red stone nicknamed ‘the Napoleon Hat’, and have a walk through the pedestrian area of the beautiful center of this village. Not far from here, a small route leads you to Aoumerkt: in a breathtaking lunar landscape. Discover the multicolored work of the great Belgian artist Jean Vérame, «the painter of the desert», who painted many bizarre granite rocks in the year 1984. Have a walk through this ‘Phantasmagoric’ areal of 2.000 x 800 m and discover from near these bizarre granite rocks up to 30 meters altitude, which are fully or partly with geometrical patterns painted in the colors of red, blue, black and violet. The colors have been renewed several times, last in 2018.