Morocco casts a spell over all who visit her extraordinary kingdom. With a history of over 3000 years, it has taken the best from the Phoenicians and Romans, Arabs and Africans, Muslims and Jews, indigenous Berbers and from periodic European colonisers from the Iberian Peninsula, and finally the French. The culture and architecture are unique and this combined with some staggeringly beautiful landscapes makes it a marvellous place to visit with Marrakech being the jewel in its crown. The focus of our escorted tour will be the remarkable gardens of Marrakech and beyond which, difficult to convey in words have to be experienced and our visit provides the opportunity to indulge in all their beauty and history.
We will explore Marrakech and the surrounding countryside which offers the visitor a most rewarding experience. This oasis city at the foot of the Atlas Mountains provides a delightfully chaotic atmosphere and as you stroll through the old quarter there is an almost biblical feeling. The best way to experience this bustling and colourful city is to embrace all that it offers and we will encounter ancient customs and come across sudden beauty. Often overlooked, an important aspect of the city is its beautiful gardens and from the lush courtyards of its riads to the expansive formal gardens of the palaces and museums, these green spaces are havens from the hustle and bustle of the city. We will also spend time in the surrounding landscapes of the Atlas Mountains where we will enjoy guided walks and visits to traditional Berber villages.
During the course of seven nights we will stay in two delightful properties, a luxury hotel in Marrakech and a kasbah in the Atlas Mountains, enjoy some fantastic cuisine and take an in-depth look at this exotic land. Looking out over the mountain and desert landscapes, exploring dramatic gorges, viewing delightful gardens and art galleries, and immersing yourself in the colourful souks in Marrakech is the perfect escape from modern life. Throughout the week we will be accompanied by a local guide with extensive knowledge of the local plant life who will escort our visits to the region’s most alluring gardens.
Gardens of Marrakech Accommodation
For our escorted tour of Morocco we have chosen two wonderful properties:
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Marrakech, Morocco.
Fly to Marrakech and on arrival transfer to Hotel Les Jardins de la Koutoubia, our base for the next three nights. Dinner will be at the hotel this evening. (D)
Day 2 Marrakech.
After breakfast set out to explore the historic city of Marrakech and its vast array of gardens. Start at the Koutoubia, a 250-foot minaret that has been standing guard over the city since the 12th century and is today one of Marrakech’s most famous landmarks. The Minaret and adjoining mosque have their own peaceful garden providing an oasis from the busy streets of the city. Continue to the Arsat Moulay Abdeslam Garden, built in the 18th century and once a private royal orchard and garden belonging to Moulay Abdesalam, a member of the Moroccan Royal family. Today it is a public park that combines tradition with modernity, and we will wander the park’s paths taking in the vibrant flowers, fragrant orange trees and soothing fountains. From here we will head into the famous Medina of Marrakech. With our local guide we will explore the maze-like souks taking in the sounds and smells and see the array of local goods on sale from carpets to leather, still made in the traditional ways, pottery and piled high spices. Lunch will be at La Terrasse des Epices which overlooks the Cherifa Souk and afterwards we will visit Le Jardin Secret, a private garden located in the heart of the Medina. The original garden dates back over four hundred years and was rebuilt in the mid-19th century. Before returning to the hotel for an evening at leisure there will be time to visit the famous Jamaa El Fna Square. (B, L)
Day 3 Marrakech.
Today we will explore some of the more famous gardens in Marrakech. We will start with the iconic Majorelle Gardens, a vibrant and enchanting garden created by French painter Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s and 30s and then purchased by Pierre Berge and Yves Saint Laurent in the 1980s to save it from developers. The garden spans over two and a half acres and is divided into different sections, each offering a different experience. Afterwards there will be a visit to the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, a small but beautiful example of contemporary architecture in Marrakech. Lunch today will be at Café Arabe which offers traditional Moroccan dishes in a relaxed atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle outside. This afternoon we will visit the Bahia Palace which, built in the 19th century showcases the opulence and grandeur of Moroccan craftsmanship. Explore the intricate tile work, decorative ceilings and of course the beautifully landscaped gardens. Continuing on we visit some of the Caravanserais or Fondouks, historic buildings located inside the Medina and once used to store goods and accommodate merchants. They served as key points along the caravan routes between Saharan Africa and Southern Morocco but over time have become private houses, museums and art galleries. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon for an evening at leisure. (B, L)
Day 4 Marrakech, Ourika Valley & Atlas Mountains.
This morning we leave the city behind and head to the Atlas Mountains. The first stop of the day will be in Ourika Valley, a short drive outside of Marrakech. This beautiful valley is known for its pine and cedar forests and is home to Berber villages and even some Barbary apes. We will stop at the Anima Gardens created by the Austrian artist Andre Heller. This garden of more than three hectares is a smorgasbord of sculptures by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Rodin and Alexander Calder enthroned in a richly wooded park filled with hundreds of types of plants. From here we continue to the Bio Aromatic Gardens, a blissful herb garden and a wonderful example of the rich botany of Morocco and the region. We will walk around the garden with one of the site’s gardeners and learn about the medicinal plants. After lunch at the garden we continue into the Atlas Mountains to our hotel, Kasbah Angour. After checking in for our two night stay there will be a short orientation tour of the kasbah and its beautiful gardens. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to relax or further explore the gardens before dinner at the kasbah this evening. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Atlas Mountains.
After a leisurely morning we will head to the Berber village of Imlil where there will be a short walking tour of the village and we will learn about the Berber people and their way of life. Lunch will be a traditional Berber meal served at a local house. Following lunch we will learn about ‘Moroccan Whiskey’, Moroccan mint tea. There will be some free time to explore the village and surrounding area before returning to our kasbah. Dinner this evening will be at the kasbah. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Atlas Mountains to Marrakech.
After breakfast we depart the Kasbah Angour and begin the journey back to Marrakech. We will stop at the Kasbah Beldi and explore its lovely gardens where there will be time for refreshments on the terrace overlooking the olive groves. The drive back to Marrakech will take us through the Agafay Stone Desert, the white sand dunes offer a similar but smaller landscape to that of the Sahara dunes. Within the desert there are still some Berber villages that exist in this austere but sublime environment. Lunch will be served at a Bedouin desert camp and en-route back to Marrakech we will stop at the Beldi Country Club for refreshments and an exploration of their lovely and extensive gardens which have 18 gardeners working on them year-round. Return to Hotel Les Jardins de la Koutoubia for our final two nights and enjoy dinner in the hotel this evening. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Marrakech.
This morning after breakfast we will visit the Thiemann Cactus Garden, a stunning botanical oasis famous for its diverse collection of cacti and succulents, some of which are incredibly rare. Heading back into the centre of Marrakech, enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore at your own pace or return to the hotel and relax before the farewell dinner this evening at Dar Zellij, a restaurant located in a 17th century riad. (B, D)
Day 8 Marrakech to London.
After a leisurely morning and lunch at the hotel, we will transfer to the airport for the scheduled flight to London. (B, L)
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy1 to 8 April 2025 • 7 to 14 October 2025 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Price | |
Twin | £3595 | |
Single | £4795 |
Tour Reference Code: LAMARRAKECH
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Five nights at Hotel Les Jardins de la Koutoubia in Marrakech • Two nights at Kasbah Angour in the Atlas Mountains • Meals as indicated (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner) • Drinks with included lunches & dinners • Excursions with English speaking local guides • Noble Caledonia Tour Manager • Gratuities • Transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Gardens of Marrakech Accommodation
For our escorted tour of Morocco we have chosen two wonderful properties:
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000