Smaak van Riad in Marrakech

Essaouira Medina and Harbour Tour with Argan Coop Visit

They call Essaouira the ‘Jewel of the Atlantic' for a reason. It's a whitewashed maze famous for its Medina, fishing village vibe and flocks of kite surfers. You'll explore the harbour, meander through the UNESCO-listed medina and catch up on its bohemian arts scenes. Ibrahim, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘An Essaouira born and bred Amazigh, my family moved when I was 14. Now, when I return, I'm filled with nostalgia as I tour the alleys I used to play football in with my Arab and Jewish friends. Essaouira has always been a multicultural melting pot.'You'll get the lowdown on the city from your guide, learning about the port, municipal market, jewellers' district and artisan centres. Its mellow atmosphere, narrow winding streets laden with kaleidoscopic carpets, peeling-paint houses with and heavy old wooden doors make it a wonderful place to wander around. You'll walk the ramparts of the harbour, known as the Skala, where electric-blue boats bob in the water and see the collection of historic European brass cannons.After lunch in a local restaurant inside the medina, we'll check out the artisan shops and galleries, known for handcrafted products made with thuya wood. The Othello arts space – named after the film of the Shakespeare play, which was partially shot in Essaouira – is worth a visit. We'll also drop into an argan oil cooperative, which was founded by local women, where you can try homemade local products such a mint tea, bread and amlou – a spread made from argan oil, honey and almonds.

Ouzoud Waterfalls tour with Imi-n-Ifri and lunch from Marrakech

The Ouzoud Falls are one of the top sights in Morocco and easily visited from Marrakech. You'll head into the Middle Atlas Mountains to see North Africa's highest waterfalls as well as a natural travertine bridge. Hamza, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘I've been guiding this excursion for many years, but I still love seeing the falls. They drop 110m down craggy red cliffs, and there are various places to view the cascading water, from above and below. Ouzoud means “olive” in the Berber language, and the falls are named after the ancient olive trees that thrive around this valley.'You'll cross palm groves, pass by typical Berber villages and weave through mountain passes en route to Ouzoud. Reaching the falls, you'll have plenty of time to take photos and marvel at the succession of tiered cascades. There's a permanent rainbow created by the mist thrown up from the natural power of the water, which is at peak flow during the spring.Your guide will point out the best viewpoints, and with luck you might even spot the Barbary apes that call this dazzling place home. Hamza says, ‘Many people think of Morocco as arid. Yet the Ouzoud Falls and the green surroundings bring a sense of vitality and life-force to the landscape.' After your visit, it's time to relax over a meal in a Berber restaurant where you'll tuck into a freshly-prepared local lunch including a typical dish of the region. And there's a photo stop at the nearby Imi-n-Ifri natural bridge on the way back to Marrakech.

Riad Dinner in Marrakech Medina with Transport

For a true Moroccan experience, dinner in a riad hits all the right notes. Riads are typical of the Marrakech medina, and though these historic palaces might not seem like much from the outside, as soon as you step inside, you'll feel as if you're in an Arabian daydream. Karim, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘In the old medina, lanterns illuminate the narrow alleys, at the end of which you will discover our riad. It's a hidden treasure. The décor inside recalls the Medersa Ben Youssef, one of the finest monuments in Marrakech.'The opulent yet intimate atmosphere of a riad provides the perfect setting for a special evening out. On arrival, you'll be served a welcome cocktail, which you can sip on as you relax by the courtyard and interior gardens. Karim says, ‘The Arabic word “riad” means “garden”, and most riads are arranged around a central courtyard filled with plants and fountains. When you walk in from the busy streets, there's an instant sense of serenity and peace.'The ornate detailing of the riad, with intricate geometric carvings and jewel-coloured tiles, sets the scene for your meal. Before you take your seat for a full-on gastro experience, there's the traditional orange blossom hot water handwashing ceremony. Then it's time to feast on a variety of local and European dishes expertly cooked using souk-sourced spices and the freshest produce, all washed down with wine. After your dinner and digestif, sit back and watch a belly dancer accompanied by a lute player.

Road of the Kasbahs 4x4 Tour with Lunch in Aït Benhaddou

The sands of the High Atlas are sprinkled with silver screen stardust. On this epic tour, you'll travel by 4x4 to Telouet, rumble across the dizzying Tizi n'Tichka mountain pass and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aït Benhaddou. It's a blockbuster. Youssef, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘I'm from the village of Tamdaght, just 6km from kasbah Aït Benahdou – a red clay village so untouched it feels like you stepped into a movie. Living here, films became a normal part of our lives. I boosted my income when I was a student by working as an extra.'Your 4x4 adventure in the Atlas Mountains kicks off with a scenic drive via Taddart to Telouet – a crumbling kasbah on the former caravan route that linked Marrakech to the Sahara. Then, with views over Aït Benhaddou, you'll break for a tasty lunch freshly prepared with locally sourced produce. Afterwards, your guide will take you inside the ksar walls of the kasbah, where Hollywood films such as Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia were filmed. This is one of Morocco's finest examples of earthen clay architecture.For the return trip you have the ascent to the spectacular Tizi n'Tichka pass to look forward to. Youssef says, ‘Tizi n'Tichka means “difficult mountain pasture” in Berber, and you'll soon find out why. It reaches the altitude of 2,212m with lots of switchbacks.' Once over the pass, the road descends through scenic valleys, passing villages and palm groves, before arriving in Marrakech.

Marrakech horse and carriage tour with Jemaa el-Fnaa Square

Marrakech by night is magical – and as the sun begins to set over the medina, the night-time entertainment turns the atmosphere electric. You'll enjoy your own magical experience with a horse-and-carriage tour, and time to soak up the heaving Jemaa el-Fnaa square in the evening. Fatima, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘My family owns a riad in the medina and I would often go by horse and carriage to get to school. Horses, donkeys and mopeds are the only means of transport to traverse the narrow alleys of the medina – if you're in a rush, too bad.'Start your evening by hopping on to your horse-drawn carriage to tour the main sights in and around the medina. You'll trot along the 12th-century ramparts and down the main avenue. Then take in the views from the Hivernage district, and ride through Bab Jdid and Bab Ighali, two of Marrakech's imposing city gates. Next, you'll tour Mechouar – the Royal Palace district – and continue towards La Kasbah Mellah and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jemaa el-Fnaa. At this time of day, it's less crowded.The square is the life and soul of the city. By day, it's a space for vendors to sell their fresh produce, but by night it takes on a completely different air and the show begins to unfold. As the sun sinks low, stallholders begin to set up for the evening. Acrobats perform, storytellers sit cross-legged as crowds gather round, fortune-tellers proffer their wisdom. And cooks' grills sizzle with various street food staples – an absolute must-do in Marrakech.

Atlas Mountains 4x4 tour with lunch at a Berber village

If adventure and remote mountain villages are your thing, then this 4x4 ride into the High Atlas Mountains ticks all the boxes. You'll head into the rugged terrain just a short drive from Marrakech and discover typical Berber villages. Yasmine, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘My family owns a large olive grove in the Asni valley. It used to be enough to support my extended family, but due to lack of rain the harvests got smaller and smaller until we had to move to Marrakech. Now, I'm a tour guide, and I'm proud to show guests around the Berber villages I know so well.'Hop into an air-conditioned 4x4 and start your journey into the High Atlas Mountains. Swap city streets for palm-lined valleys, rose gardens and scented fruit trees as we head out into the wilderness. Photographers will love the widescreen mountain panoramas, and you'll have the chance to see local pottery being made in the traditional way, and buy some items if you like.We'll stop for a break to sip on a mint tea and try fresh local bread in a typical Berber house, before enjoying some free time to explore the village. Next, we'll take the scenic route through rust-coloured mountains and into the Asni valley, where we'll break for a traditional lunch of local specialities. Jasmine says, ‘I like to check that local olive oil is always served with lunch, and I love to see our guests enjoy it.' You'll round off your 4x4 adventure with a stop at the Tahanaout gorges on the return trip.