Moorish Architecture, Art and Gardens of Marrakesh and the Atlas Mountains

You will be met at Marrakesh airport and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner this evening where you will meet your Botanical Guide and fellow travellers.

Begin your day with breakfast at our hotel before joining a guided tour of Marrakesh. Stand before one of Marrakesh's most iconic landmarks, the 12th-century Koutoubia Minaret. We then visit the Arsat Moulay Abdeslam Garden. Formerly a private royal orchard, the garden once belonged to Moulay Abdesalam, a member of Morocco’s royal family. Now a public park, its paths lead us past rose bushes, fragrant orange trees and fountains. From here, we continue to the medina’s bustling souks, where intoxicating spices and colourful wares grace aisle after aisle.  

We adjourn for lunch to the renowned La Mamounia Hotel, a favourite of Sir Winston Churchill. After lunch, visit Le Jardin Secret (The Secret Garden of Marrakesh), a private garden located in the heart of the medina. The Secret Garden has hosted some of Morocco's highest political figures and displays exceptional Islamic art and architecture. Enjoy the remainder of your day exploring the lively maze of narrow streets, squares and markets within the medina. At the vast Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, revel in the sights, sounds and enticing aromas of this captivating public arena. Visit food stalls and witness traditional Moroccan entertainment, from acrobats and musicians to snake charmers.

Today we begin at the iconic Majorelle Garden, also known as Jardin Majorelle. Stroll along winding paths, delighting in tranquil fountains, reflective pools, and a collection of plants from around the world. Close by, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum pays tribute to the profound influence of the enigmatic fashion designer. After taking in some of his remarkable work and creative legacy, we head to Café Arabe for lunch. The dazzling courtyard of Bahia Palace showcases the opulence and grandeur of Moroccan craftsmanship. Continue through the palace's numerous rooms to appreciate the intricacy of their design. We then discover some of the city’s caravanserais, or fondouks. These buildings, used to store goods and accommodate travellers, once played a crucial role in daily life here. The structures have since been repurposed as museums, art galleries and souks.

This morning we depart for the nearby Atlas Mountains. Our first stop will be at Anima Garden, a captivating oasis created by renowned artist André Heller. Enjoy the fusion of art and nature, while relaxing amid lush greenery and vibrant sculptures. Continue to the Bio Aromatic Garden, a blissful herbal garden, whose aromatic treasures flourish. Join a walking tour of the garden, accompanied by your Botanical Guide and the local gardener. This tour will provide an excellent opportunity to learn about the medicinal plants grown here, which are used to produce bio cures and cosmetics. Enjoy lunch at the garden before taking a tour of Kasbah Angour. Approach the top of a hill overlooking the area for spectacular views of beautiful gardens and their surrounding wilderness. The rest of the day is free for you to rest or explore at leisure. This evening, savor a delightful dinner at Kasbah Angour.

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast and enjoy a free morning at the kasbah. Soak up the sun poolside while taking in your tranquil surroundings. Later this morning, we transfer to Imlil, a charming Berber village, less than an hour's drive away. Upon arrival, join an orientation tour of the village to discover its unique charm and cultural heritage. Visit a local Berber house, where you will enjoy a traditional lunch with locals. In the afternoon, learn the art of preparing delicious Moroccan mint tea, affectionately known as “Moroccan Whiskey.” Enjoy some free time in our beautiful mountain setting before we begin our return drive to the kasbah.

This morning we arrive at the Agafay Stone Desert. Your journey will include a stop at the idyllic Kasbah Beldi. Explore the lovely gardens here and enjoy a refreshing soft drink along the terrace, overlooking the property’s olive groves. We then continue to the surreal setting of Le Bédouin Desert Camp, where we have lunch. During our return trip to Marrakesh, we pause at the Beldi Country Club, whose beautiful gardens enjoy a most tranquil setting. Arrive back in Marrakesh late this afternoon and enjoy dinner at our hotel.

We begin our day with a visit to the Thiemann Cactus Garden, a stunning botanical oasis renowned for its diverse collection of cacti and succulents, which includes some rare species. After transferring to the city centre, enjoy some free time to discover the local sights and shops. Return to the hotel late this afternoon to relax prior to our Farewell Dinner at Dar Zellij restaurant.

After breakfast today you will be transferred to the airport as our journey concludes.