Desert Winds to Ocean Breezes

Welcome! Please be prepared to meet in the lobby at 5:30 P.M. to depart for your welcome dinner. The dinner reservation time will be finalized closer to your trip date. If you plan on arriving today, we recommend flying into RAK.

Today, you will experience the magic of Marrakech. In the morning, you'll take a short transfer to the bustling Medina and spend your morning exploring its vibrant souks. You'll also have a chance to rest at the traditional café Dar El Bacha, where you'll be served tea and local pastries. You'll have some free time for lunch on your own. In the afternoon, you'll visit the Yves Saint Laurent Museum and the Majorelle Garden, where you'll discover the influence of Morocco of this iconic fashion designer. In the evening, you'll venture into the aromatic hidden alleys of the Medina to sample olives, nuts, dried fruits, and grilled meats. It's important to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, but always dress modestly to respect the local culture.

• Medina Walking Tour

  After a brief 15-minute private transfer, you'll step into the bustling Medina, where the vibrant colors of textiles and the echoes of skilled artisans plying their crafts will welcome you. You'll meander through narrow labyrinthine streets, with each corner revealing a new facet of the city's rich culture. There will be ample time to explore the souks featuring pottery, woodwork, carpets, and spices. Time permitting, you'll take a tranquil break at a coffee shop where you'll be welcomed by the inviting aroma of Moroccan coffee and tea. Coffee or tea and typical Moroccan pastries are included during your visit. Please note you will be walking between 1 and 1.5 miles during this tour.

  09:00· 180 min· Marrakech
• Yves Saint Lauren Museum & Majorelle Garden

  After midday, you'll be picked up at your hotel. Following a 15-minute transfer, you will arrive at the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, once the legendary designer's home. Step into his creative universe, where haute couture, art, and Moroccan inspiration seamlessly blend. Explore his iconic fashion collections, sketches, and photos of his personal life. Depending on your interests, you can spend one or two hours in the museum. Time seems to fly inside this amazing place. Your journey through the museum wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Majorelle Garden, a lush oasis that Yves Saint Laurent and his partner, Pierre Bergé, lovingly restored. This botanical paradise, with its exotic plants and vibrant blue buildings, reflects their shared passion for Marrakech. You'll have an hour to explore its labyrinth of crisscrossing alleyways on different levels and boldly colored buildings that blend both Art Deco and Moorish influences. Restrooms are available at both the YSL museum and Majorelle Garden. Please note that you'll be walking approximately 0.5 to 1 mile during this tour.

  14:00· 180 min· Marrakech
• Evening Street Tasting Tour

  You'll be picked up at Majorelle Garden for a short 15-minute journey to the Medina to begin a delightful street-tasting tour. Imagine wandering through the intricate maze of Marrakech's bustling streets, where every twist and turn reveals a hidden culinary gem. Your Guide, a true connoisseur of the city's food culture, will lead the way. With their expertise, they'll slow down the chaotic rhythm of the city and help you make sense of its vibrant tapestry through its tantalizing food and lively markets. As you follow your Guide through the labyrinthine alleyways, you'll encounter a world of flavors. From sizzling grills and fragrant spices to exotic fruits and delectable pastries, each stop offers a new chapter in Marrakech's culinary story. The tour includes some unique local treats like harira and sfenj, as well as other delicious snacks such as olives, nuts, exotic spices, dried fruits, mint tea, and grilled meats. Please note that this tour does not include dinner, and you will have free time after the tour to dine on your own. During this tour, you can expect to walk approximately 0.5 to 1 mile.

  17:00· 210 min· Marrakech

Waking up before the sun rises is a truly worthwhile experience, especially when it's to watch the sunrise from a hot air balloon. Expect an early pick-up from the hotel and transfer to the countryside, away from the city, where the hot air balloon flight will be waiting for you. Float peacefully, savor the tranquility, and take in the breathtaking sunrise view. After the flight, return to the hotel for check-out and a chance to freshen up. Then, another transfer will whisk you away to a traditional Moroccan cooking class, where you'll learn how to prepare typical local dishes. Enjoy lunch with the chef and your fellow Travelers, savoring the creations you've made. Later, continue your journey to the desert glamping site, arriving in the afternoon. For the hot air balloon flight, it's advisable to bring a jacket with you, as the morning air can be brisk. For the remainder of the day, comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended.

• Hot Air Balloon

  Today, you'll be picked up from your hotel before sunrise, embarking on a 45-minute journey to the countryside. Upon arrival at the launch site, the hot air balloon staff will welcome you and provide a briefing about the activity. Climb into the balloon basket, and your approximately 1-hour flight will begin. This sunrise hot air balloon tour in Marrakech promises an unforgettable experience. You'll ascend gently into the tranquil morning air, suspended in a wicker basket. Below, the countryside stretches out, the vast desert seems endless, and the majestic Atlas Mountains loom in the distance, creating a breathtaking backdrop for your journey. As you gracefully glide above the landscape, the only sounds are the occasional whisper of the flame heating the balloon and the gentle rustling of the wind. After the activity, a simple yet delicious breakfast is served in a tent. It's a wonderful opportunity to share your photos with the group while enjoying a cup of coffee. After breakfast, you'll head back to the hotel for check-out and a quick refresh before beginning your journey to the desert.

  06:00· 180 min· Marrakech
• Cooking with Chef Tarik

  After checking out from the hotel, bid farewell to Marrakech for a while and embark on a 40-minute transfer to Chef Tarik's house, where an exciting culinary adventure awaits. Step into his atelier, a hidden gem where tradition meets innovation, and immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and fragrances of his garden. Here, you'll uncover the essence of Moroccan cuisine from the ground up. In this hands-on cooking class, Chef Tarik will guide you through the art of crafting traditional Moroccan dishes, using the freshest ingredients harvested from his own garden. You'll learn the secrets of aromatic spices and the delicate balance of flavors that define Moroccan cuisine. Together, you'll prepare three different Moroccan salads, three delicious varieties of tagines, and a special dish with couscous. Once the dishes are ready, it's time to savor the fruits of your labor. Picture yourself having lunch in a tent in the enchanting garden, where the air is filled with the aroma of your creations. After the cooking class, the day continues with a 1.5 hour transfer to the desert camp.

  10:00· 240 min· Marrakech
• Transfer · Marrakech → Agafay

  Escape the bustling streets of Marrakech and embark on a scenic 1.5-hour journey to the Agafay Desert, where a comfortable camp awaits amidst the endless dunes. Stops for the restroom and snacks will be made along the way as needed.

  private · 90 min

Waking up in a tent in the Moroccan desert is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Take a moment to breathe and savor it. After breakfast, you'll have free time to explore the desert, capture endless photos of the majestic landscape, and enjoy the camp's amenities. At midday, lunch will be served in the main tent, providing ample time to relax and converse with your fellow Travelers. As the sun begins to set, embark on a memorable camel ride for a sunset tour across the mountains. Return to the main tent for dinner. For sunny days, it's recommended to wear sandals and a hat, as well as to use sunscreen and sunglasses.

• Sunset Camel Ride

  As the sun begins to set and the cool desert breeze sweeps through, it's time to meet the most iconic inhabitant of the desert: the camel. Experience an unforgettable camel ride as the sun dips below the horizon. The tranquil rhythm of the camel's footsteps allows you to immerse yourself in the boundless beauty of the desert, with the ever-changing colors of the sky as your backdrop. The experience lasts approximately 1.5 hours, during which you'll find yourself captivated by the serenity and grandeur of this unique landscape.TrovaTrip works in tandem with the local operator to ensure that all animals are treated humanely and respectfully. Please note there is a 220lb weight limit for this activity.

  17:00· 90 min· Agafay

Begin your day with a relaxed morning at the camp, savoring breakfast in the midst of the desert breeze. Then, set out on a scenic journey to the enchanting ocean coast, with a delightful stop at a winery in Val d'Argan, including a wine tasting, a chance to learn about the wine-making process, and a full lunch. Following lunch, continue with the transfer to Essaouira. Upon arrival, take your time to explore and wander along the coastal pathway at your own pace. Please remember to wear comfortable walking shoes and consider bringing sunglasses and a hat to stay comfortable during the tour. If the ocean winds are brisk, it's recommended to have a jacket on hand.

• Vineyard Visit & Wine Tasting

  After a 2.5-hour journey from the camp, we'll make a stop at Val d'Argan, a hidden gem nestled along the route to Essaouira. Here, you'll discover a boutique winery surrounded by extensive vineyards and picturesque landscapes. Immerse yourself in the world of winemaking as you explore the vineyard's grounds. Your Guide will lead you through the vineyard, unveiling the secrets of their winemaking process. Witness the meticulous care that goes into cultivating the grapes and learn about the art of crafting their exquisite wines. During the tour, you'll have the opportunity to taste four wine ranges, including red, white, rosé, and gray, accompanied by olives and cheese. Lunch, featuring traditional Moroccan dishes, is included at the winery. You can purchase beverages on-site, but please bring cash as credit cards are not accepted. After lunch, a brief 30-minute transfer will whisk you away to your hotel in beautiful Essaouira.

  12:00· 120 min· Val D’argan
• Transfer · Agafay → Val´d Argane

  Leave the desert behind and embark on your journey to the breathtaking ocean coast, where the mesmerizing landscapes of Essaouira await. A planned stop at Val d'Argan for a winery visit and lunch will be at midday. Stops for the restroom and snacks will be made as needed along the way.

  private · 150 min
• Transfer · Val'd Argane → Essaouira

  We're in the final stretch of our journey to the ocean coast! Only a 30-minute transfer separates us from Essaouira. Find a seat and savor the views!

  30 min

Good morning from Essaouira! Feel the ocean breeze as you enjoy breakfast and prepare for a fun surf lesson that will let you ride the waves. No prior surf skills are necessary; the idea here is to have fun with your fellow Travelers and experience the rhythm of the sea. Later, you'll have some free time on the beach and the opportunity to have lunch on your own. In the afternoon, enjoy a traditional tea at Chez Driss, a renowned coffee house filled with local art. For the surf lesson, please wear a swimsuit and bring a towel, flip-flops, and sunscreen.

• Surf Lesson

  The hotel is conveniently located near the beach, so for the surf lesson, you can either take a quick 5-minute transfer or choose to enjoy a 30-minute walk, depending on the group's preferences. Once on the beach, the instructors will provide a briefing about the activity, and it will be time to put on the neoprene suit. No prior knowledge of surfing is necessary; it's a guided activity for beginners to learn basic skills and try riding the waves. Sharing the waves with your fellow Travelers will be the highlight of your day and bring more than a few smiles! The lesson typically lasts around 1.5 hours, and afterward, you'll have some free time to enjoy the beach with the group. Please note that swimming skills are necessary for this activity.

  10:00· 120 min· Essaouira
• Tea Ceremony at Chez Driss Patisserie

  A short 5-minute walk from the hotel, you'll discover Chez Driss, a renowned coffee shop where you'll partake in a traditional Moroccan tea ceremony. Immerse yourself in this age-old tradition as you savor the aromatic brew alongside exquisite pastries. The cozy ambiance and authentic decor will transport you into the world of Moroccan hospitality. Chez Driss Patisserie is the perfect place to unwind in a courtyard surrounded by local artists' paintings, all while enjoying the flavors of Morocco and the cool ocean breeze. Please note that this tour does not include a transfer, as it's only a 5-minute walk from the hotel. Coffee and pastries are included, and additional food and drink can be purchased on-site.

  16:00· 120 min· Essaouira

Today we'll say goodbye to Essaouira and begin the journey back to Marrakech. Upon arrival, get settled and get ready for a day of ultimate relaxation with a rejuvenating Hammam experience. In the evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner with local musicians and dancers providing performances. Don't forget to bring your swimsuit and flip-flops for the Hammam.

• Hammam Experience

  After a 15-minute transfer, you will reach a traditional Moroccan Hammam. Step into a world of soothing steam and tranquil ambiance, where centuries-old rituals of cleansing and rejuvenation await. Before entering the main Hammam area, you'll be directed to the changing rooms. Here, you'll disrobe and put on your swimsuit. You can leave your personal belongings in a secure locker provided. After changing, you'll spend some time in a warm room to acclimate your body to the heat. Then, you'll move on to the steam room, which is the heart of the Hammam. As you enter, you'll immediately feel the intense heat and humidity. The experienced staff will guide you through the process, which involves several steps: you'll be gently doused with warm water to open your pores, softly cleansed with homemade soaps, followed by a gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin cells, and finally rinsed with warm water to eliminate the soap and exfoliated skin. After the intense heat of the steam room, you'll transition to a cooler area. In this outdoor courtyard, you'll be served refreshing mint tea, and you can enjoy a more relaxed and fun time by the swimming pools. The Hammam experience typically lasts about 1 hour, followed by another free hour to spend at the pools. It's important to note that the Hammam sessions are conducted separately by gender, while the swimming pool area is gender-mixed. The Hammam provides towels and lockers for your belongings. Please be aware that the Hammam experience usually involves partial or total nudity.

  15:00· 180 min· Marrakech
• Transfer · Essaouira → Marrakech

  It's time to return to Marrakech! The transfer departs from Essaouira in the morning and lasts approximately 3.5 hours, with scheduled stops for restroom breaks and shopping along the way.

  private · 210 min

All good things must come to an end, but only until your next adventure! Enjoy a final breakfast and then make your own way onward. If departing directly from the hotel, we recommend flying out of RAK.