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USD $49.00
Essaouira Day Trip from Marrakech
Marrakech, Morocco
Visit the beach and famous port of Essaouira on a day trip from Marrakech. You'll take a guided tour of the port and have the opportunity to discover the marvelous Argan oil when you visit a Women's Co-operative manufacturing this famous product.
Formerly known by its old Portuguese name "Mogador", Essaouira is a citadel with a prestigious past. It has been occupied since prehistoric times and was famous for its Tyrian factory which supplied Rome with the legendary purple dye. A cradle for artists of all kinds, Essaouira is also well known for its fishing port and market, a hive of activity day or night.
During your time in Essaouira you will have a guided visit of the port, the Scala, the municipal market, jeweler's quarter and a handicrafts complex. There will also be time for a lunch break during the day (lunch is not included in tour price).
Essouira is a beautiful city and we were really excited to learn about the culture and history of the city. Unfortunately, if that's what you're looking for you will find yourself unfulfilled by this tour. This tour is certainly interesting as they take you to a cooperative where women make Argan oil, then a spice shop, then a wood shop, etc. But this tour felt like the guide wasn't teaching us anything and simply taking us around to his friend's shops so we could buy things. We got some time to explore the city on our own, but weren't given suggestions on historical sites to see or interesting cultural sites. We went to lunch which was very inconvenient as the restaurant only took cash, plus the car ride was long which we expected and didn't turn on the AC even though it was incredibly hot. If you're looking for a shopping tour, I recommend this tour. But otherwise, take some time to research a tour with more substance.
Review by: nate, April 2017
absolutely amazing.
Review by: Peter E, March 2017
I really enjoyed Essaouira. It's an amazing seaside town with a picturesque medina, relaxed and laid-back vibe, and a beach nearby. However, I believe that our tour guide should have told us that the bus would not stay at the meeting location when we parted ways to explore the city. I came back and expected to see the bus parked as the location and it was gone. As a result, I panicked thinking it was relocated and I missed the information about it. In addition, I think we should have been given the option to choose where we would like lunch since it wasn't provided for free during the tour.
Review by: peter r, January 2017
Great trip with excellent guide - lots to see on journey and once at the sea. It is a long day but worth it
Review by: Joyce L, January 2017
Essaouira, itself, is well worth the trip but I was not happy with this tourguide whose name was never even announced. He arrived over a half hour late with no explanation. We made a horrible stop to see some poor sheep stuck on platforms on a tree. Was this supposed to be a photo op? I can't imagine anyone who would want to take pictures of animal abuse, though it is possible they didn't realize that sheep don't normally stand on platforms in a tree. When people did begin to take pictures, they were immediately accosted by the owner of the site who rudely demanded money. We then proceeded to Essaouira where we were marched through the market by the tour guide who pointed and announced olives. After that enlightened tour, he escorted us to the most expensive restaurant in the area most of us refused and left at that point. Instead we found amazing stalls on the beach where fresh fish can be cooked for you. It was delicious. If you take this tour, just be prepared to leave the tour guide and experience this wonderful town on your own. Meet back at the bus for the trip home and you will be pleased that you did it that way. On the bright side, the vehicle was well maintained and comfortable.
Review by: Nathali L, January 2017
Had a overall good experience, however would have enjoyed more free time to explore the city freely. Tour operators were professional.
Review by: Andrew H, December 2016
Trip from hell, choose another tour!!! Arrogant tour guide. Taken from one shop to another. Not as described in the information.
Review by: katie.eddy511, November 2016
This was our best guided tour from our whole trip to Morrocco. Guide spoke English well and was well-informed and engaged. Cites that we visited like Argon oil co-op and silver smith, were remarkably NOT bent on selling to you in the heat of the moment, which is incredibly rare in this country anyone who's spent more than a day here understands that vendors will harass you to no end, so the laid back attitude of these vendors was very, very refreshing. The meal in Essaouira was very nice and getting to have some free time to walk around yourself is a nice change of pace. All in all I would recommend this trip.
Review by: Beth J, October 2016
The day was fantastic. I enjoyed the women's cooperative for Argan Oil, very good demonstration of the process and the women were friendly and allowed photos. Once in Essaouira, our city tour was very informative. The harbor with th fishermen bringing in the catch of the day was unreal. The fish markets, the spice shops etc. were all colorful and vibrant. We had 3 hours of personal time to walk the beach, shop, eat, people watch. Great trip and the guide was very good. Would recommend highly.
Review by: Ivanilde D, September 2016
Un guide merveilleux e un voyage très bien organisé, nous regrettons tout simplement de ne pas avoir pu le remercier, car nous avons changé de voiture...
Review by: Gabriela G, September 2016
Stopped at a government sponsored women and #39;s cooperative where they make argan oil. You can by some of their products. Essaouira itself is okay. Glad I did it to see another part of Morocco, but after a while I was ready to go. Not a ton to see except a souk, the walled city, the fort and that and #39;s it.
Review by: David B, May 2016
Very enjoyable tour with an interesting guide around the town.
Review by: Amy L. G, November 2015
Our Guide Micky was wonderful. The day was so well organized and planned. We got so much information about the culture and life of the area. Micky treated us like family, made jokes, took care of us. We had time in shops, on the beach, eating meals, and even some time on our own. This was a fabulous trip!
Review by: Adele E, November 2015
Not only did we get to see Essaouira, but we also got a chance to make some stops that helps us appreciate the culture and way of life there. We enjoyed the day trip and would do it again.
Review by: Lynda P, October 2015
The city itself was great, but our tour guide was not. He walked us through the town very quickly with little or no history or explanation and we were only allowed to shop at the pre-set stores that he or the company chose 1 woodworking factory and one expensive jeweler. We missed seeing several interesting and historical sites, that I had to rush back to see when we were finally given some free time.
Review by: Carlos C, September 2015
Very nice tour. A day well spent._br/_ Essaouira is a pitouresque city full of history._br/_ The guide led us through the sites and spoke good english. _br/_ It took us about 3 hours from Marrakech to Essaouira.
Review by: Paul W, June 2015
Guide had good information / history in good english and french. Bus neat and clean.
Review by: Henri K, April 2015
Brilliant day out, great to escape the hustle and bustle of Marrakech. Guides are great, and you get a good amount of free time to wander around the city for yourself. Definitely would recommend.
Review by: JOHN W, March 2015
Very good trip very interesting trip to the women's cooperation but would have liked a little extra time to explore without the guide.
Review by: aqplibre, March 2015
Ok tour. We decided to stay in Essaouira after the tour. Its a lovely place. _br/_
Do not eat at the resturant where the guides want you to. The service is so slow that you spend most of your freetime in the city there...
Review by: paul, March 2015
The guide did not turn up waited at the hotel after confirming with operator the day before very disappointing
Review by: Tekisha A, March 2015
I enjoyed the trip
Review by: mary c, September 2014
Well worth doing,tour guide very good,everything was very organized.Lovely place to visit.
Review by: elizabeth d, September 2014
lovely tour,the hotel pick up was punctual,nice air conditioned bus. The journey was good our guide Abdul spoke excellent English and French and gave a lot of helpful information about our journey and the surrounding areas. We had a break about an hour and a half into the journey much appreciated.Then on to the Argan oil Co-Operative.. after seeing the goats in the trees eating the nuts!The Co-Operative visit was for me very interesting and educational,i enjoyed seeing the women work and learning about the process involved. In the shop the prices were not too expensive and i thought the quality of the products was excellent. I bought a face cream with Rose oil in it and it is divine!! Once we reached Essaouira there was a pleasant sea breeze we changed guides for a local guide who showed us around the port,the Jewish quarter and the market. We then had a break until it was time to head back. We found a lovely place to eat that had three courses for 55DH it was great soup or salad ,fish,chicken, or meat with rice and a great home made natural yoghurt. Very good value. After Marrakesh it was pleasant to stroll around the cool streets and not get hassled i would love to do this visit again!!
Review by: Jessica S, July 2014
It was great! The tour guide was so informative and just amazing. We stopped at hand made argan oil manufacturers on the way. When we got there he guided us through the town and then we had a bit of time to ourselves. I would definitely recommend!
Review by: Colin R, May 2014
A long day, good tour, expensive lunch
Review by: Christine B, April 2014
A well organised visit with stops on the way and on the way back to break up quite a long journey. The organisation to collect you from your hotel or riad was punctual and superbly organised. The guide was very informative. A bit of spare time to wonder around the souk and do that extra bit of site-seeing or shopping. Essaouira is a lovely fishing port facing the Atlantic with the bracing winds coming off the Atlantic on one side and beautiful sandy beaches on the other. A small souk in the middle of the town selling lots of Moroccan wares as well as the necessities for living. Altogether a good day's visit well worth the journey.
Review by: William F, December 2013
This was an interesting trip to the coast. Essaouira itself was delightful to visit. There was adequate time to explore the old town , either by tagging onto the tour guide, or going it alone. The tour was good value for money. The guide was excellent!!!!! T
Review by: Igor P, December 2013
This was really nice experience to go outside of Marrakech,highly recommend it,but lunch was not included and guide take everybody in one restaurant where he probably have big commissions for taking us there-very expensive for Morroco,food was not good at all ,they just taking advantage from groups and paid off to guides,go to eat somewhere else-hundreds of places down the road.
Review by: rachelanne, October 2013
Loved this trip to the coast and the stop at the Moroccan Oil cooperative. The meal in the restaurant recommended by our guide was very tasty. The guide was fantastic - friendly and happy to share his knowledge. He really seemed to enjoy his job and sharing his country with us. Loved the walks through the tiny alleyways.
Review by: FAISAL A, September 2013
Very organized trip. The city worth a visit for one day .. lods of free time to discover the city. DONT go to the recommended rest. To touristy to bad.
Review by: Stephanie M, September 2013
An early start 7.25 and long trip 12 hrs there and back by bus. Interesting port area and beach visited then 4 hrs free time.
Review by: Peggy M, July 2013
So convenient...on the way saw Goats in the trees, literally and arrived at a delightful fortresses seaport where fresh fish were grilled along the sea front ... utterly delightful and v well organised !
Review by: Lorna T, June 2013
Excellent. The Guide was great giving interesting and useful information in both English and French. The stop at the Aargan oil cooperative was a great break from the coach (its a long drive). Essouira itself is beautiful and more relaxed than Marrakech. A lovely break from the bustling souks to stroll round the quieter streets. Great food and wonderful crepes from a stall just off the main square!
Review by: Elsa F, June 2013
Too big of a tour group. Our guide mostly spoke the french people,forgetting or omitting to translate for the english speaking people. I say that because I do understand french, and he will go on a very detail explanation of what we were seeing and then a few seconds in english. If you have that many people with one language then separate the tour for them only,saving a lot of explanation and time. Not personable at all.
Review by: Farah B, June 2013
Most of the tourists spoke French, but the guide was bilingual in English/French and catered to both audiences. We got a guided tour of the medina (old city), followed by some free time to have lunch and explore the markets. We were under the impression that we would be getting picked up from our hotel, but unfortunately we found out - only on the day of - that hotel pick up was not an option for us because we were staying in a "riyad". It would have been helpful to know this at the time of booking. While most riyads are located in narrow alleyways, ours was on a large main road (where mini buses passed regularly).
Review by: Elizabeth J, March 2013
This was a brilliant day out and really good value for money. We were treated very professionally, and our guide was friendly and informative. It was the perfect mix of guided tour group and free time once we got to Essaouira, and the restaurant our guide took us to for lunch was great, with delicious, fresh fish. A relaxing day out and a good chance to go round the markets without the stress and hassle of Marrakech.
Review by: AARON R, March 2013
had a wonderful time, great people on trip the only drawback was the weather but we all surived. i would recommend your agency again. in fact when i go to austraila i will probably contact you again. glad i was able to pay prior to the trip it was convenie t for me.
Review by: Cosmin Catalin S, February 2013
Eassaouira is a nice change from the chaos in Marrakech. It is way more relaxed and cosy. You'll have the opportunity to see the argan oil manufactures, visit the medina and the wood manufactures and generally understand the history of Essaouira.
Review by: Michael L, January 2013
Nice respit from the hectic souks, a bit touristy, but different and nice.
Review by: Helen B, December 2012
Excellent day trip with guided tour explaining all about the town Very good
Review by: susan s, December 2012
Brilliant trip. Quite a long bus ride but interesting stops. Loved the goats up the trees!!_br/_
Great guides would advise anyone to take this trip. Beautiful place to visit.
Review by: Neil N, August 2012
Good tour for the price. The Essaouira tour was informative at the port area, but then it was more a walking tour where the guide walked us through the city. I've been to Essaouira before so it didn't bother me, but my friends weren't all that impressed.
Review by: Iwonka, June 2012
Good trip- it was what I expected from reading previous reviews. The pick-up from the hotel was efficient and the trip was well organized. It is a long ride from Marrakech with many stops along the way, as mentioned in previous reviews. The beach was nice; however, that particular day it was too windy to stay on the beach. The guided tour around town was also interesting and permitted to have a brief overview of the city since if we spent only a few hours in Essaouira.
Review by: Debbie H, June 2012
The actual town is well worth seeing, but I did not find the tour company helpful and the tour guide was not very friendly
Review by: Naz N, May 2012
We had French people travelling with us and only 3 who spoke english. Most of the journey was translated in French so the English speakers felt left out.
Review by: Nantia C, March 2012
It was a nice trip.
Review by: Paul D, March 2012
An excellent day in every respect, interesting journey, just enough time at the womens cooperative which was interesting too. The short and informative guided tour was very good and the amount of free time just right. We chose to eat at the restaurant our guide suggested , it was right on the sea front and we were very happy with the food and service.The transport was excellent and our guide Larby added to the day with absolutely excellent Engish and pleasant manner.
Review by: Erlwyn W, March 2012
I would have given the tour a 5 * as the actual trip was brilliant. The guide was exceptionally well informed and interesting. We did however have some major issues with our booking, getting it confirmed when we arrived in Marrakesh. However I would hearily recommend it to everyone!
Review by: Jean-Claire F, January 2012
It's a long drive from Marrakesh to Essaouira so we could have done without the additional stops along the way. Essaouira is beautiful though and a much more laid back place the Marrakesh; beautiful beach - if a little windy!
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