Essaouira Beach Extension

Our beach extension starts at the airport or your hotel in Marrakech. A transfer from Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK) or your Marrakech hotel is included provided we receive your flight or hotel details no later than 10 days prior to departure. The journey from the central bus station in Marrakech to Essaouira is around three hours, we will make a stop along the way. We use the modern Supratours bus service which has a regular services from Marrakech central station to Essaouira. Please note this is a public bus, you will be met either at your hotel in Marrakech or the airport and transfered to the Supratours bus terminal next to Marrakech train station. Your transfer represenative will have your bus tickets ready for you and provide assistance and guideance on where to board. On arrival in Essaouira you will be met, your main luggage will be taken for you. Its a short ten minute walk to our riad, as cars are not allowed in the old town we use a cart to carry your bags. If you arrive early, there are plenty of sights to keep you occupied. In contrast to other towns and cities in Morocco, Essaouira has a relaxed, European feel to it. The town is easy to navigate, our riad is in the heart of the old town which is crammed full of craft shops, exotic spices and food stalls. Our accommodation for this beach extension is a characterful riad in the heart of the old town medina. The riad is set out in a traditional manner with rooms arranged around a central courtyard. Each traditionally furnished bedroom has a different design. The riad features a sun terrace and has a restaurant, offering a choice of freshly prepared Moroccan dishes. Please note, this is a stand-alone extension and can be booked on any date of your choosing, subject to availability. Whilst this itinerary has been designed to complement several of our group tours, we'd like to point out that it's not a group experience and you're unlikely to be travelling with other Explore customers. Please note, this extension is unescorted and is not accompanied by a Trip Leader.
Accommodation:

• Type - Riad
• Accommodation Name - Riad Al Madina
• Grade - Comfortable
• All Inclusive - No
• Any Meal Provided - No
• Breakfast Provided - No
• Dinner Provided - No
• Lunch Provided - No
• Meal Name - Meals Provided: None

This morning our local guide will meet us at reception at 10am and accompany us on a two to three hour orientation tour. The town has a rich and somewhat colourful history and its importance as a trading port during the 18th and 19th centuries saw it prosper, attracting British, French, Arab and Jewish merchants and sailors to its shores. These influences are still reflected in the architecture and layout of the town, which is divided into the old town (including its medina) and the new town. We will visit the ramparts, with its cannons facing out to the sea, head into the medina and take in the Mellah (the old Jewish Quarter) where we can witness skilled silversmiths at work. The rest of the day is free to spend the day as we wish, uncovering the colourful coastal town. Head into the old walled medina and the maze of streets lined with craftsmen selling souvenirs from handmade leather belts to jewellery to wooden boxes inlaid with mother of pearl. Outside of the medina, sink your feet into the golden sands of the beach and watch the fishermen return to shore with their day's catch.
Accommodation:

• Type - Riad
• Accommodation Name - Riad Al Madina
• Grade - Comfortable
• All Inclusive - No
• Any Meal Provided - Yes
• Breakfast Provided - Yes
• Dinner Provided - No
• Lunch Provided - No
• Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast

The morning is left free. With a near constant sea breeze coming off the Atlantic, even in the hottest months of the year taking a stroll along the town's expansive beach is a very pleasant experience. Visit the port to see the fishermen land their catch or wander through the old town browsing the wares on sale or pop into one of the towns many art galleries or workshops. The wood products are particularly good quality in Essaouira and the traders more laid back and relaxed compared to other towns and cities in Morocco. This afternoon we have a cookery class, our local guide will accompany us to our cookery school where we'll prepare a three course meal with freshly purchased ingredients. It's a chance to refine our cookery skills to impress friends and family back home and enjoy a delicious meal together.
Accommodation:

• Type - Riad
• Accommodation Name - Riad Al Madina
• Grade - Comfortable
• All Inclusive - No
• Any Meal Provided - Yes
• Breakfast Provided - Yes
• Dinner Provided - Yes
• Lunch Provided - No
• Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner

Our beach extension to Essaouira ends at our riad after breakfast. Check out is 1100, a Supratours bus transfer is included between Essaouira and Marrakech central station with the following departure times (subject to change) 0700, 0915, 1115, 1415, 1530, 1700, 1815. Your luggage will be transfered to the bus station by cart as cars are not permitted in the old medina. You will be presented with your bus ticket at the station. If you are booked on a later bus, you can leave your luggage at the riad to enjoy your final day in the town. Once you arrive in Marrakech a onward transfer will be provided to either Marrakech airport or a centrally located hotel, please inform us of your destination choice at the time of booking.
Accommodation:

• Type -
• Accommodation Name -
• Grade -
• All Inclusive - No
• Any Meal Provided - Yes
• Breakfast Provided - Yes
• Dinner Provided - No
• Lunch Provided - No
• Meal Name - Meals Provided: Breakfast