Good morning from Morocco! This morning, you’ll be collected from your hotel in Marrakech and will travel to the port town of Essaouira, driving for around 3 hours. Essaouira's charm is undeniable – within the stone ramparts you'll find whitewashed houses with bright blue shutters, art galleries and wood workshops. This laidback artists' town is a former Portuguese trading colony and was once home to sizeable British and Jewish populations. It faces a group of rocky islands, called the Mogador, and is surrounded by an expanse of sandy beaches and dunes. It's still a busy fishing port and its pretty harbour is filled with tiny colourful boats which go out early every morning for the day's catch. You'll arrive in time to wander the cafes and have some lunch with the afternoon free to relax.

After breakfast, head on a half-day guided tour of this seaside port, checking out all of the main sights and gaining insider knowledge with a local guide. After this tour, you’ll be sure to have worked up an appetite, so finish with a fresh barbecue seafood lunch with today’s local catch. Other dietary options are also available. With the afternoon free for you to explore, why not check out an Urban Adventures tour? Perhaps the Gnawa Music Experience – step inside the sacred and traditional world of the Gnawa, an Afro-Moroccan group whose music and culture are the heartbeat of Essaouira. Meet with Gnawa masters and experience their addictive music in hidden domains inaccessible to Essaouira outsiders. If more food is on the menu, how about the Essaouira Food & Culture tour, which takes you on a tour through the medina, to the fishing port, and up onto the ramparts of this mesmerising Moroccan city. If you’d prefer to do your own thing, that’s good too! The narrow streets of Essaouira are ideal for strolling. Browse the shops and art galleries, or if you’d like to relax, don't miss the opportunity to indulge in a hammam or local-style bath.

Savour a relaxing morning, and after breakfast, you’ll travel back to Marrakech (approximately 3 hours). Please advise at the time of booking if you would like to be dropped off at the airport or a hotel in Marrakech – both arrangements can be made available.