Essaouira Insider
Marrakech, Morocco
From USD 0.00
Office phone number:
Essaouira Insider
Marrakech, Morocco
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Give yourself a real dose of daily local life on this Essaouira tour that takes you through souks, to the fishing port, and up onto the ramparts of this mesmerising Moroccan city. With pastries at the start and grilled fish towards the end, you’ll be in for a food-culture-food sandwich that you’ll remember for a long, long time.
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Highlights
- Travel off the beaten path and discover local life in Essaouira
- Sample favourite local foods such as traditional Moroccan pastries and fish straight from the ocean
- Mingle with local artists and learn about their unique crafts
- Take in a hidden panoramic view of the city from an old fortress watchtower
- Visit a traditional herbalist’s shop and sip Moroccan Royal Tea
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Schedule details
- Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours; 8 hours including the two bus journeys
- Meeting point:
Supratours bus station in Marrakech. You’ll meet your guide at the Essaouira bus station.
- Starting time: 8.00 AM
- Ending point:
Supratoursbus station inEssaouira.
Language: English
Inclusions: English-speaking local guide, select food and drink tastings, entrance to the watchtower. Return Bus tickets Marrakech – Essaouira
Exclusions: Additional food and drink, personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide.
Immerse yourself in the lively seaside city of Essaouira. This fascinating city is a bit off the typical tourist trail in Morocco, which means it’s also full of authentic local life just waiting to be explored. In the medina, you'll spot local fishermen hauling in their daily catch while family-operated bakeries prepare fresh traditional Moroccan pastries (we dare you to not devour them all!). On this Essaouira tour you’ll get to experience all of this and more!
Your day starts bright and early with an 8 AM departure from Marrakech. You’ll travel by Supratours bus — a brand known for being organised and on time (and don’t worry, there’s AC!). The trip to Essaouira takes about three hours with one stop on the road for a toilet and coffee break. During the last hour, just before arriving in Essaouira, you’ll pass some Argan trees — and might even be lucky enough to see the wacky sight of goats climbing them!
After arriving in Essaouira and meeting your local guide inside the medina walls, you’ll begin your Essaouira city tour with a stop at the city's oldest pastry shop, a place that's been in business since 1925. Some traditional Moroccan pastries for breakfast, anyone?
After this, you’ll head to an old watchtower where you can take in a picture-perfect panoramic view of Essaouira, its port, and the ocean. Seeing the city from above will set the scene nicely for the rest of your Essaouira tour — and, with a local to point out the landmarks for you, you’ll know exactly where all the unmissable spots are.
Next, you’ll head deep into the medina, the centre of all the action in Essaouira. Here you’ll meet a local artist and learn about Moroccan artwork. Check out some of his pieces and absorb the creativity of Moroccan tradition and craftsmanship. After you’ve got your artistic fix, head over to the fish market for a delectable lunch of fresh grilled fish. Since Essaouira is on the coast, the produce is straight from the sea, so you can definitely expect the freshest and most sustainable seafood to choose from.
Finally, you’ll head just outside the medina to taste a typical Moroccan dessert, and then finish up in a local souk, or market, and wash everything down with an aromatic Royal Tea in a traditional herbalist's shop. It’s these little nooks and crannies that really expose local life in Essaouira, and with your local guide to help, you’ll find places that the average tourist might miss.
Once this tour ends, your local guide will take you back to the bus station for your return trip to Marrakech.
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Additional information
Inclusions: English-speaking local guide, select food and drink tastings, entrance to the watchtower. Return Bus tickets Marrakech – Essaouira
Exclusions: Additional food and drink, personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide.
Dress standard: Please be considerate of local tradition and wear appropriate clothing. We recommend covering the shoulders to the knees for both men and women. As we will walk over some uneven terrain, comfortable walking shoes are recommended and a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen may be necessary. Mornings can be cool so a warm layer is advisable. An umbrella, rain jacket, and closed-toe shoes may be necessary in January and February.
Your Trip: For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Additional Information: Bus leaves Marrakech at 8:30AM; be at the bus station at 8:00 AM.Tour starts at 11:30 AM in Essaouira. Tour ends at 2:30 PM; bus leaves Essaouira at 3:15 PM We believe in Responsible Travel. Please bring a refillable bottle for water and remember to keep hydrated, especially during hot days. A reusable bag is also recommended to carry any purchases to reduce plastic bag waste.
Closure of sites: If there are any sites visited on the trip that can be closed at limited prior notice for any reason. Eg for official visitations, please provide comment and the alternate site that will be visited.
Child Policy: Children are travellers between the age of 6 and 11 inclusive.
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Local contact
Office phone number:
Email address: thuy@whl.travel
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