Day 1: Marrakech – Asni – Ijoukak - Tizi N’Test Pass - Taroudant

Start the journey from Marrakech and travel towards the west. The drive takes you deep into the mountains via a slew of hamlets and vast, mesmerizing landscapes. Indeed, the two villages of Asni and Ijoukak lie on the dramatic Tizi N’Test Pass, the second highest in the country. Cutting through the High Atlas, it connects Marrakech with the Sous plains and the desert. Your first main stop will be at the Tin-Mal Mosque, a twelfth-century monument close in spirit to the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech. Tin-Mal town from which the mosque took its name was the base from where the Almohads swept down to conquer Morocco. Your drive will continue via the mountains and then through the Argan fields in the Sous plains until you get to Taroudant. You will arrive in town by late afternoon.

Day 2: Taroudant – Tafraout – Sidi Ifni

After breakfast in your hotel, you will have enough time for a visit within the town. Otherwise, Taroudant is known as “Little Marrakech” because of its color and narrow streets, and also because it was founded by the Saadians before they moved on to Marrakech. In fact, there is little to see in Taroudant, so the highlights are the ramparts, the Medina and its alleyways and souks (markets). Afterwards, you will leave Taroudant and drive again through the Argan fields where you are supposed to see herds of goats climbing Argan trees to feed. This scenic road takes you across the mountains to Tafraoute, a small gorgeous village which nestles in the Ameln Valley in the Anti-Atlas. The village is surrounded by red-granite rocks and is one of the most relaxed destinations in Morocco. After lunch in Tafraout or nearby, you will continue the drive to Sidi Ifni. You will arrive in town and get to your hotel by late afternoon.

Day 3: Sidi Ifni – Souss - Massa national park – Agadir

After breakfast in your hotel, you will start the day by a wander within the town. Sidi Ifni is small and will not take much time to walk its decorated streets and step down to its beautiful beach. The town was built in 1930s on a cliff top site, thus offering spectacular panoramic vistas of the sea and the area around. The most attractive about the town, as an old Spanish enclave, is the Spanish feel and the Art Deco Architecture (An Art Deco Town hall, Lighthouse, etc). The next three day of the trip will be along the coast. From Sidi Ifni, you will drive towards the north via Mirhleft and Tiznit to Agadir; but before getting to the later, you will stop at Souss-Massa National Park, home to a considerable biological and ecological diversity. The park comprises various plant species, mammalian fauna and birds. Its lagoon, the Massa Lagoon, is an important bird habitat and is packed with flamingos, avocets, ducks, etc. You will arrive at your hotel in Agadir by late afternoon.

Day 4: Agadir – Taghazout – Essaouira

We will leave the hotel around 8 a.m. and go mainly to three places in the city. At first, you will go to the Valley of the Birds which is located in the centre of Agadir and runs down towards the sea. It is, however, a lush green valley with a zoo, a waterfall and a children’s playground. The valley draws a rich variety of birds throughout the year. As you finish wandering into the valley, you will end up walking by the beach. Afterwards, you will head to a Kasbah which is atop a hill at the north fringe of the city for a marvelous view of Agadir and the coast. Later, you will head off up to Essaouira, by way of the splendid village of Taghazoute, Morocco’s top surfing spot. You will approach your hotel in Essaouira by late afternoon.

Day 5: Essaouira – Marrakech

Essaouira, a laid-back Atlantic town, is quite interesting and pleasant to spend a day in or more. In the morning, however, you may begin first by exploring the old Medina. You will stroll down its beautifully decorated alleys and traditional markets, and discover also the wood workshops, jewelry stores, art galleries, etc. later, visit the harbor and do not miss a walk along the beach. For lunch, a good range of cafes and restaurants are available which allows you to choose from a long menu including fresh seafood. You will drive back to Marrakech by mid-afternoon.

Accommodations

Standard:

• Taroudant: Riad Taroudant or Riad Anna or similar
• Sidi Ifni: Logis Marin Sidi Ifni or similar
• Agadir: Hotel Argana or Kenzi Europa or similar
• Essaouira: Riad Zahra or Riad Raoud Rayhan

Superior

• Taroudant: Dar Zitoune or Riad Dar al Hossoun
• Sidi Ifni: Logis Marin Sidi Ifni or similar
• Agadir: Hôtel Timoulay & Spa or similar
• Essaouira: Riad Chbanate or Atlas Essaouira & SPA hotel