New Year in Marrakesh. 4 Night Break in a Beautiful Riad & Atlas Mountains Tour.

We will all meet at the airport before boarding our flight to Marrakesh. Upon arrival we take a private transfer to our beautiful accommodation where we will be staying for the next 4 nights.

We will be staying in a riad which is a traditional Moroccan house. The term comes from the Arab word ‘ryad’ (meaning ‘garden’) but is applied to townhouses built around an inner courtyard or garden. Our riad has communal areas and a terrace with settees to lounge on. Do have a look at the pictures as it is just stunning. 🙂
We will all have our own rooms with a double bed. The rooms all have en-suite bathrooms and breakfast is served each morning. Please note that the rooms range greatly in size and decor due to the style of the accommodation so some people may have larger rooms than others.

The Travel Buddies trips work on the basis that as long as you are having a good time then that is what matters, if you don’t feel like coming on one of the excursions or joining the rest of the group for dinner one evening then that is absolutely fine. This is an adventure for everyone and there is nothing worse than having to go somewhere/do something that you don’t really fancy!

Feel free to do as much or as little research as you like, some members will know what they would like to visit as soon as they book the trip, Others will just turn up at the airport and have not researched at all. Either is absolutely fine. We all have different ideas as to what constitutes a great time away!

Feel free to do as much or as little research as you like, some members will know what they would like to visit as soon as they book the trip, Others will just turn up at the airport and have not researched at all. Either is absolutely fine. We all have different ideas as to what constitutes a great time away! 

After breakfast we will be collected from our hotel and head out on a day tour exploring Marrakesh. (by vehicle and on foot)

We will see the most beautiful monument of Marrakesh, the Bahia Palace. Built in the late 19th century, the name literally means “brilliance” and was intended to be the greatest palace of its time.

We also visit the souks for the Moroccan shopping experience. These labyrinths are packed full of thousands of tiny shops selling handmade goods, leather bags and purses, lanterns, crockery and just about everything else you could want to buy.

Next is a stop for lunch (not included) and a chance to soak up the atmosphere and do some people watching before a visit to the famous Marjorelle gardens in the afternoon.We will finish our guided tour at around 15.00 and have the rest of the afternoon to explore further. Tickets to the garden are included.

Time to get ready to welcome in the new year with a wonderful traditional 3 course dinner at the Riad.

Today we have some free time during the morning/early afternoon to do as we please.

As we have arranged some tours already you may wish to take a more leisurely pace, a little wander, relaxing at the riad etc but there is plenty to do for those that wish to be a little more active, Travel Buddies generally separate into smaller groups some of the days so we can see what we like according to specific interests, you wont be left on your own though….. unless you want to be. There is absolutely heaps to do in Marrakesh and if you wish to travel a little further afield this can also be arranged at the Riad.

What about a buggy ride in the sand dunes, or a Camel riding in the desert?
Maybe getting a little more familiar with the souks and haggling for some souvenirs or relaxing at the hotel.

If you fancy being pampered why not book in for a Hammam. At the heart of The Moroccan Spa is the Hammam Ritual, a luxury treatment like no other inspired by centuries old ancestral Moroccan beauty customs where your mind, body and skin will be purified during a luxury bathing ritual in a hot hammam room….. the perfect chance to be cleansed……

The Travel Buddies trips work on the basis that as long as you are having a good time then that is what matters, if you don’t feel like coming on one of the excursions or joining the rest of the group for dinner one evening then that is absolutely fine. This is an adventure for everyone and there is nothing worse than having to go somewhere/do something that you don’t really fancy!

This evening we will take a short guided walk to one of the most famous squares in the world, Djema El Fna. This really is quite a night time spectacle. Filled with stalls of spices, snake charmers, acrobats and musicians it will arouse all of your senses.

There are many restaurants around the square offering a birds eye view of the hustle and bustle.

Here is the perfect opportunity to try a “Tagine” a North African stew of spiced meat and vegetables prepared by slow cooking in a shallow earthenware cooking dish with a tall, conical lid, often nuts and fruit are also used in the flavouring of this traditional Moroccan dish.

Today we will experience Morocco’s beautiful countryside on a full day trip visiting the atlas mountains, waterfalls and berber villages as well as a visit to a women’s cooperative to discover how cosmetic products and Argan oil are made.

Please ensure that you have sensible footwear for the climb up to the waterfalls. If you would prefer not to join this part of the day trip there are many places to relax and enjoy the riverside scenery whilst enjoying some tea, coffee or fresh juices. Please note that lunch is not included.

Today we have the day to do as we please, relaxing or going on one of the many excursions that can be arranged at the hotel.

For a wonderful treat before returning home those of us that would like to can visit the La Beldi Country club for the day, sharing the taxi fayre.

This stunning hotel is a short drive from the city and we can share transfers. A day ticket includes an A La Carte 3 course lunch, towels and sunloungers and use of the pools for the day the tickets cost around £37. The most perfect way to end the trip!

At around 16.00 we will take our private transfers from the riad to the airport for our flight home.