Embarking on a day trip from Agadir or Taghazout to the enchanting old city of Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage site, promises an unforgettable experience. Guided by local experts, visitors can explore the rich history and cultural charm of this 18th-century coastal town, exploring its bustling markets, scenic views, and the production of the renowned argan oil. With a perfect blend of exploration and relaxation, this excursion offers a chance to take in the unique character of Essaouira, leaving travelers eager to uncover more of its captivating secrets.
Key Points
- The Essaouira old city day trip departs from Taghazout, exploring the fortified town on the Atlantic coast of Morocco, with a duration of 1 day.
- The tour highlights include a Berber women’s cooperative, sandy beach, port, old medina, and 18th-century architecture, providing an immersive cultural experience.
- The scenic route along the R207 coastal road offers views of the North Atlantic Ocean and the opportunity to see goats climbing argan trees.
- The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a knowledgeable live guide, and air-conditioned transportation, with language options available.
- Customers have reported mixed reviews regarding the tour provider’s communication and reliability, with some logistical challenges, but many enjoyed exploring Essaouira’s historic old town.
Trip Overview and Details
This Essaouira old city day trip provides an opportunity to explore a fortified town on the Atlantic coast of Morocco.
The tour departs from Taghazout at 8:15 am and is priced from £33.17 per person, with a duration of 1 day. The tour is offered in English and French, and features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Travelers can choose the ‘Reserve now & pay later’ option as well.
The trip highlights include visiting a Berber women’s cooperative, walking along Essaouira’s sandy beach, and seeing the port, old medina, and 18th-century architecture.
With a scenic coastal drive and the chance to spot goats in argan trees, this day trip promises an immersive Moroccan experience.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Souss Massa.
Experience Highlights
The Essaouira old city day trip offers a chance to explore a fortified town on the Atlantic coast, from visiting a Berber women’s cooperative to walking along the sandy beach.
Visitors can see the port, old medina, and bustling market, as well as the 18th-century architecture and old brass cannons.
The highlight for many is the stop at a Berber women’s cooperative, where they can learn about the production of argan oil, a local specialty.
Along the way, travelers may spot the iconic sight of goats climbing in the branches of argan trees, a quintessential Moroccan experience.
Scenic Route and Sightseeing
Traveling along the picturesque R207 coastal route, visitors are treated to stunning views of the North Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding landscape. The journey offers several delightful highlights:
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Stopping to see the famous argan trees, where agile goats defy gravity by climbing into the branches in search of the fruit.
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Capturing awe-inspiring photos of the goats perched high above, with as many as 20 visible at once.
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Arriving at the port town of Essaouira, where the vibrant old medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, comes into view against the backdrop of the crashing waves.
This scenic drive sets the stage for an immersive exploration of Essaouira’s rich history and captivating charm.
Tour Inclusions
The day trip to Essaouira’s old city includes several key features to ensure a seamless and enriching experience for visitors.
Hotel pickup and drop-off service makes transportation convenient and hassle-free.
A knowledgeable live tour guide accompanies the group, providing insights into the history and cultural significance of the sights.
Air-conditioned transportation throughout the journey guarantees a comfortable ride, allowing guests to sit back and enjoy the scenic route.
Participants can select their preferred language, ensuring clear communication and a personalized experience.
With these inclusive offerings, the Essaouira day trip provides a well-rounded and immersive exploration of the UNESCO-listed old medina and its captivating coastal charm.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCustomer Reviews and Feedback
Reviews of the Essaouira day trip have been mixed, with some customers reporting issues with the tour provider’s communication and reliability. While one reviewer, Melanie, found the city tour itself to be worthwhile, others like Lenny and Marco complained that the tour provider simply didn’t show up or failed to communicate.
Based on the feedback:
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Some customers experienced transportation problems, with the bus journey taking over 7 hours total.
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There were concerns about the tour provider’s ability to coordinate and execute the trip as planned.
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Despite the logistical issues, those who made it to Essaouira seemed to enjoy exploring the historic old town and coastal scenery.
Getting to Essaouira
Getting to Essaouira involves traveling along the picturesque R207 coastal route, which offers stunning views of the North Atlantic Ocean and local landscapes.
During the journey, you’ll have the chance to stop and admire the unique sight of argan trees with goats climbing their branches – a truly remarkable phenomenon.
The drive takes at least 7 hours in total, but the scenic nature of the route makes the time pass quickly.
When you arrive in Essaouira, you’ll be greeted by the vibrant old town (medina), a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s packed with 18th-century architecture and bustling markets, waiting to be explored.
Exploring Essaouira’s Old City
Exploring Essaouira’s Old City begins with wandering through the fortified town’s winding medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its 18th-century architecture and bustling markets.
Visitors can expect to see:
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Intricate brass and woodwork in the artisan shops lining the narrow alleyways.
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A lively fish market overflowing with the day’s catch from the nearby port.
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The Skala du Port, a series of ramparts and sea walls showcasing impressive cannons and sweeping views of the North Atlantic.
With its mix of Moroccan and European influences, Essaouira’s old city offers an immersive cultural experience for travelers seeking to soak up the history and vibrant atmosphere of this coastal gem.
Tips for Your Day Trip
To make the most of your day trip to Essaouira’s old city, travelers often start by arriving early to beat the crowds and explore the bustling morning markets.
Wandering the narrow alleyways and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere are highlights, so be sure to leave ample time for getting lost in the medina’s charm.
Don’t forget to visit the Berber women’s cooperative to learn about traditional argan oil production.
And when you need a break, the long, sandy beach provides the perfect spot to relax and take in the views of the North Atlantic.
With thoughtful planning, you can make the most of your day exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?
The tour’s maximum group size is not specified in the provided information. The details only indicate that participants can select the tour based on date and language preferences, without mentioning a maximum group size.
Are There Any Optional Activities or Add-Ons Available?
There don’t appear to be any optional activities or add-ons mentioned for this day trip. The tour includes a guided visit to Essaouira’s old city and a stop at a Berber women’s cooperative, but no additional optional experiences are listed.
What Should I Bring or Wear for the Day Trip?
For a day trip, one should wear comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket or layers, and bring sun protection like a hat and sunscreen. It’s also a good idea to bring a camera to capture the scenic views.
How Accessible Is the Tour for Travelers With Disabilities?
This day trip may not be fully accessible for travelers with disabilities. The tour involves walking through the old medina and along sandy beaches, which could pose challenges. Travelers should inquire about accommodations and accessibility prior to booking.
Can I Customize or Extend the Itinerary for This Day Trip?
Travelers can generally customize or extend the itinerary for this day trip within reason. The tour provider may accommodate requests for additional stops or time at certain sites, though this may incur additional fees. Flexibility may depend on group size and logistical constraints.
The Sum Up
This guided day trip from Agadir or Taghazout to Essaouira’s captivating old city offers a well-rounded experience.
Visitors can enjoy the city’s rich history, admire its 18th-century architecture, and explore its vibrant markets.
The opportunity to learn about traditional argan oil production and enjoy the scenic coastal views makes this excursion a must-do for those seeking an authentic Moroccan adventure.
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