Essaouira & Marrakech tour: Coastal medina, palace gardens

Two days linking the Atlantic coast and the imperial city

A 2-day guided tour from Agadir that crosses the High Atlas to Essaouira, a UNESCO-listed medina on the Atlantic known as Mogador, then continues to Marrakech for a night near Jamaa Elfna square. The itinerary includes the fishing port and argan groves on day one, and the Bahia Palace, Koutoubia mosque and Menara gardens on day two, with private transport, an air-conditioned vehicle, breakfast and an English, French or German-speaking guide.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Agadir to Essaouira and Marrakech

• Depart Agadir at 8 a.m.
• Drive 60 km along coastal road
• Cross the High Atlas
• Stop to see wild beaches and argan tree goats
• Visit Essaouira medina and old town
• Discover La Scala, small streets, Portuguese cannons, fishing port
• Lunch at seaside restaurant with seafood
• Continue to Marrakech
• Overnight in luxury Riad near Jamaa Elfna

Day 2: Marrakech city tour and return to Agadir

• Start city visit at 9 a.m.
• Visit Bahia Palace and gardens
• See Koutoubia mosque and Menara pavilion
• Explore old Jewish quarter El Mellah
• Lunch
• Free time at Jamaa Elfna square and souk
• Return to Agadir by 7 p.m.

The experience

You leave Agadir at 8 a.m. on day one and drive 60 km along the coastal road through the High Atlas foothills to Essaouira. The route passes wild beaches and argan groves where goats climb the trees, then enters the medina: a blue and white old town that resembles Saint Malo in France. You walk through La Scala, the narrow streets, past Portuguese cannons left from the colonial era, and down to the fishing port where the day's catch lands. Lunch is seafood in a restaurant overlooking the water, then the drive continues inland to Marrakech, arriving for the evening near Jamaa Elfna square.

Day two starts at 9 a.m. with a guided walk through Marrakech's historical core: the Bahia Palace with its carved cedar and tile work, the gardens of the Menara pavilion, the Koutoubia mosque, and the old Jewish quarter of El Mellah. After lunch you have free time in Jamaa Elfna and its surrounding souks to wander on your own. The return drive to Agadir departs in the late afternoon and arrives around 7 p.m., covering 618 km over the two days.

The guide speaks English, French or German throughout. Pickup from your Agadir hotel is included, as is breakfast each morning and the night in a riad in the medina. The vehicle is air-conditioned and seats your group privately.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned vehicle for both days.
• hotel pickup in Agadir.
• breakfast each morning.
• one night in a riad in Marrakech's medina.
• guide in English, French or German.
• entry to the Bahia Palace, Koutoubia mosque and Menara gardens.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 to 95 years) · Under 12: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, French and German

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Adi Tours

Is this one for you?Two full days lets you see both the Atlantic coast and the inland palaces without rushing the medina or the souks, though it means an early start on day one and a late return to Agadir on day two. If you have only an afternoon free or want to stay longer in one place, a 1-day version or a 4-day extension would fit better.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

7 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, French and German.

What is Essaouira's medina actually like when you arrive?

Essaouira's medina is a walled old town painted in blue and white, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 and known by its Berber name Mogador. You walk through narrow streets, see Portuguese cannons from the colonial period, and reach the fishing port where boats unload the daily catch into the market.

How much time do you spend exploring Marrakech on day two?

Day two in Marrakech runs from 9 a.m. until late afternoon. The guided portion covers the Bahia Palace, Menara gardens, Koutoubia mosque and El Mellah quarter, then you have free time to explore Jamaa Elfna square and the souks on your own before the return drive to Agadir begins.

What's included in the 2-day price?

Private transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, hotel pickup in Agadir, breakfast both mornings, and one night in a riad in Marrakech's medina are included. The guide is also included and speaks English, French or German.

Do you stop to see the argan groves and goats on the way to Essaouira?

Yes. The coastal drive from Agadir passes through areas where argan trees grow and goats climb into their branches to feed, and the route includes stops at wild beaches along the way to Essaouira.

What time does the tour return to Agadir on day two?

The return drive departs Marrakech in the late afternoon and arrives back at your Agadir hotel around 7 p.m.