Marrakesh and The Atlas Mountains

The tour begins in Marrakesh with a guided walk through its maze-like alleys, visiting the Saadian tombs and Bahia Palace, where gold leaf and marble columns reveal Morocco’s Moorish architectural heritage. The souks buzz with craftsmen making leather goods and jewellery, while evenings are spent amid the vibrant spectacle of Jemaa el-Fnaa square.

A day trip to Essaouira offers a change of pace, with its well-preserved Portuguese citadel and bustling fishing harbour where nets are repaired by hand. Along the way, the landscape shifts from fertile plains to semi-desert, dotted with mud-brick villages and donkeys for transport. An insight into local life comes with a visit to a women's cooperative devoted to argan oil production.

The final full day heads into the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, where river gorges carve dramatic slopes beneath peaks exceeding 3,000 metres. The Ourika Valley, often called the “Garden of Morocco,” provides a contrast of green forest and distant plains. The rest of the time in Marrakesh is left free for quiet exploration or a rooftop view of Jemaa el-Fnaa with a traditional meal. Riviera Travel runs this escorted holiday for those who prefer a measured pace and a blend of city, coast and mountain scenery.