Hafen
Safi

For those who have already been to Marrakech, you have the chance to discover the charming city of Essaouira.

Depart the port of Safi and head along the coast to Essaouira. Founded in the 18th century, Essaouira was built to be a rival city to Agadir. Formerly known as Mogador, meaning small fortress, it was designed as a fortified town surrounded by Vauban-style ramparts and played a major role as an international trading seaport, linking Morocco and sub-Saharan Africa with Europe and the rest of the world. On our full day tour, we will see the amazing mixture of Portuguese and Berber architecture, the 16th century sea bastions built to protect the city, the 18th century Medina and in the Mellah we find the souks dedicated to gold, spices and fish. You will have a chance to see the sea bastions and Sqale (fortress), the Medina and the Mellah (the jewish quarters) and souks (markets).

Enjoy lunch near the beach before returning to Safi.

Drive to the red city of Marrakech. Marrakech is more than just a city. It is a pearl polished by a rich history and its tradition of hospitality has for centuries been known to welcome visitors. 

The name Marrakech originates from the Amazigh (Berber) words mur(n) akush, which means "Land of God." It is the third largest city in Morocco after Casablanca and Rabat and lies near the foothills of the snowcapped Atlas Mountains.

The city is divided into two distinct parts: The Medina, the historical city, and the new European modern district called Gueliz or Ville Nouvelle. The Medina is full of intertwining narrow passageways and local shops full of character. In contrast, Gueliz plays host to modern restaurants, fast food chains and big brand stores.

Upon arrival to Marrakech, we stop by the Koutoubia Mosque contemplating its decorative flourishes and interesting past.

Bahia Palace - The Bahia palace is a small piece of folly ordered in 1880 by the great vizir Sidi Moussa. The beauty of the Bahia palace makes it a remarkable example of the Eastern architecture from the 19th century. It took 15 years to complete. The Bahia Palace is a masterpiece of domestic architecture which gives a good idea of how the privileged lived during the 19th century in the Imperial city. The use of marble, stucco and mosaics predominates in the apartments, opening on to courtyards filled with fountains and plant life.

Enjoy a traditional lunch.

After the lunch, visit the Medersa Ben Youssef, a historic Islamic college built in the 14^th century and expanded in the 16^th century by the Saadian sultan. Renowned for its stunning Moroccan architecture, the medersa features intricate tile work, varved cedar wood, and stucco detailing. It was once the largest theological school in North Africa. The central courtyard, with its marble and mosaic decoration, reflects Islamic art’s elegance and symmetry. Now a cultural site, Medersa Ven Youssef stands as a testament ti Morocco’s rich educational and architectural heritage.  

After the medersa visit, you will discover the labyrinth Souks and get ready for some free time for shopping. Souk Smarine is an important thoroughfare, traditionally dominated by the sale of textiles and clothing and all Moroccan handicrafts. This is a maze of colorful alleys and small squares which are home to a bewildering array of stalls and ateliers devoted to specific crafts. You will visit Djemâa el Fna square, a multitude of street-artists and stalls of dried fruit or orange juice freshly pressed before you. The multitude of small restaurants that take over its center from the early evening, contribute to the scent of its surroundings. Drive back to the pier.