Morocco with Rachel Hunter - September 2026
A SEDUCTIVE JOURNEY THROUGH MOROCCO
17-28 September 2026
Marrakech → Atlas Mountains → Sahara → Atlantic Coast
Arrival Day - Welcome to the Red City
Your Moroccan adventure begins the moment you land. A private airport transfer sweeps you from Marrakech Menara - into the beating heart of the medina. TRANSFER INCLUDED IN PRICE.
STAY
Riad Kniza - an exquisitely preserved 18th-century family riad, owned by the same Marrakchi family for over 200 years. It’s all old-world romance, carved cedar, flickering lanterns… the kind of place where time stands still Second oldest Dynasty in Morocco. Olde world charm.
WELCOME DRINK
A sunset toast on Kniza’s roof terrace, where the call to prayer hums across the terracotta skyline. ONE ALCOHOLIC OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE INCLUDED IN PRICE.
DINNER
Tonight is yours, settle into the riad’s elegant old world dining room or let us whisk you somewhere sultry in the medina or indeed rest after your flight - NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE.
Marrakech, Warm & Waking Up
A delicious Moroccan breakfast sets the tone, fresh breads, local honey, citrus, mint, and sunshine. INCLUDED IN PRICE.
A WALK WITH A FEMALE STORYTELLER At 10:30 AM, a young, dynamic female guide meets us at the riad. INCLUDED IN PRICE.
Over 3 hours, wander artisan quarters, learn food secrets, pause for mint tea or coffee, and feel the rhythmic pulse of the medina on a Friday-prayer day, when the city exhales.
Stop for Coffee or Mint Tea- INCLUDED IN PRICE.
Continue on to Ben Yousef Madrasa and Marrakech Photography Museum. INCLUDED IN PRICE.
AFTERNOON
- Free Time Experiences: Either Relax at the Riad or choose from the curated lists of extra/optional experiences NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE.
A GLAMOROUS FIRST NIGHT OUT
At 7:30 PM, a private transfer sweeps us to the iconic Comptoir Darna.
Dinner at 8 PM.
A gorgeous, glamorous, high-energy Marrakech institution-perfect for Night One.
DINNER AND TRANSPORT INCLUDED. ALCOHOL EXCLUDED.
STAY
Riad Kniza.
After breakfast, we slip away early 9:15 AM departure to beat the crowds at Jardin Majorelle and the YSL Fashion Museum. An oasis of cobalt blue, palms, fashion, and serenity. INCLUDED IN PRICE.
LUNCH: BELDI COUNTRY CLUB
A 20-minute escape into an olive-tree-shaded fantasy. Swim, shop, enjoy a long, lazy lunch… Morocco’s answer to Tuscany-with-a-twist. INCLUDED IN PRICE - SWIMMING EXTRA.
AFTERNOON - IF TIME ALLOWS
- Free Time Experiences: Either Relax at the Riad or choose from the curated lists of extra/optional experiences NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE.
DINNER
A free night - choose from dinner at the hotel or local recommendations made by our wonderful local partner - Nicky.
STAY: Riad Kniza.
OPTIONAL: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon
A 5:30 AM departure for an unforgettable flight above desert plains. NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE - different options available for those interested. Breakfast in a Berber tent or upgrade to breakfast in the sky.
Return by 9:30 AM.
DAYTIME
Breakfast at the Riad for the non-fliers. INCLUDED IN PRICE.
Secret Morocco with Nicky Burmester our local partner. INCLUDED IN PRICE - any coffee/snacks etc while out with Nicky - NOT INCLUDED IN price.
Free time after return.
DINNER - PRIVATE COOKING CLASS
At 545pm we will set off with our driver, and be hosted by a Moroccan chef in a New Zealander-owned medina riad , where you will learn the secrets of spice, some moroccan cooking techniques. A private class just for us. Circa 3 hours including eating time. INCLUDED IN PRICE. Alcohol excluded.
From City Heat to Mountain Cool
Farewell to Riad Kniza. At 10:45 AM, we meet our driver and leave for the Atlas foothills.
LUNCH - KASBAH TAMADOT
12:00 PM at Richard Branson’s legendary kasbah-terraces, panoramic mountains, and refined Moroccan cuisine. INCLUDED IN PRICE.
IMLIL ADVENTURE
At 2:15 PM, descend into the village of Imlil. A soft 10-minute walk leads to a change into walking clothes, then a gentle mountain stroll with a trained Moroccan mountain guide. You can bring all your luggage or bring an overnight bag as our driver will be with the Van.
• Waterfalls.
• Berber villages.
• Mint tea with a local family.
Return: 5:45 PM
Sunset drinks on the rooftop at 6:30 PM: ONE ALCOHOLIC OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE INCLUDED IN PRICE.
Dinner: 7-7:30 PM: INCLUDED IN PRICE - followed by stargazing and an early night.
STAY
A rustic-chic Mountain Lodge in Imlil – The stay in Imlil is at a surpise location/s. Depending on room configurations we might be housed over two lodges - with one used as the Hub. Dinner at the Hub.
Please note there is a short walk to the lodge - and back the next day - advisable to pack an overnight bag for this stay.
Tuesday - 22 September 2026
Into the Cinematic South
Breakfast at 8 AM. INCLUDED IN PRICE.
Depart at 8:45 AM - walk up to meet driver.
Cross the High Atlas in a sweep of dramatic landscapes.
Stops include:
• Ait Ben Haddou - a UNESCO sandcastle like ksar.
• Ouarzazate - Morocco’s Hollywood.
Arrive for a swim under palms in Skoura.
Driver knows many hidden gems.
STAY: Skoura: L'ma Lodge - depending on room configuration there may be overflow to neighbouring lodge. L'ma lodge used as the hub if this is the case.
Dinner: INCLUDED IN PRICE.
OPTIONAL - EBIKE SUNRISE RIDE - NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE.
At 7:30 AM, cycle gently through the oasis as it wakes.
Breakfast picnic or back at the lodge: INCLUDED IN PRICE.
TOWARD THE GOLDEN OCEAN OF DUNES
A day tracing beautiful southern towns as we approach the desert.
Drive Time: 5 hours.
ARRIVAL - THE SAHARA
We meet our camels and sway into the dunes.
Your luggage arrives separately-you can bring all your luggage or indeed a night bag as the driver will be with our luggage.
YOUR DESERT CAMP IN MERZOUGA – Tiziri - Luxury Camp
• Luxurious tent with ensuite.
• Bedouin musicians.
• Dinner beneath the stars.
• Fire circle for intentions.
• Optional sunrise dune walk - OPTIONAL BUT AMAZING.
A night you will never forget.
STAY & DINNER: INCLUDED IN PRICE.
From Golden Dunes to Green Valleys
After sunrise and an early breakfast: INCLUDED IN PRICE.
Depart by 9 AM.
Dades Gorge:
A dramatic canyon retreat.
• 3-hour drive from the desert.
• Boutique hotel: INCLUDED IN PRICE.
• Dinner onsite - INCLUDED IN PRICE.
7-hour drive to Essaouira the following day.
Friday 25 - Monday 28th September 2026 - 3 night stay:
Essaouira - Ocean Light, Slow Days & Salt Air
Arrive at Les Jardins des Douars, a lush, dreamy garden estate 15 minutes from the sea.
STAY Les Jardins des Douars.
Private villas for our group surrounded by palms, paths, birdsong, and hidden courtyards and pools.
DINNERS: At the hotel’s enchanting restaurant or in Essaouria. NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE.
YOUR PRIVATE DRIVER
At your disposal for Essaouira town trips, beach moments, or spontaneous shopping adventures or nearby towns. Our driver will be with us. INCLUDED IN PRICE.
Breakfast at Villa: INCLUDED IN PRICE.
ESSAOUIRA DAY: FREE DAY TO EXPLORE - if wanting to do anything extra this can be arranged at an extra cost.
TRANSPORT into Essaouira INCLUDED IN PRICE.
Wander the breezy blue-and-white medina.
Seafood lunches, coffees overlooking camels on the beach, or indulgent spa downtime. Sunset drink over the ocean.
TEAM DINNER
Dar Baba - Essaouira - Stylish, warm, delicious. INCLUDED IN PRICE.
Sunday - 27 September 2026
A free day with Options we can provide or visit the following places with the driver - INCLUDED IN PRICE.
• Sidi Kaouki - laid-back surf beach.
• Taghazout - earthy bohemian energy.
• Or soak up the Douars’ gardens and pools.
Farewell, For Now
Check out and transfer back to Marrakech for flights or extend your adventure with add-on nights and new Moroccan destinations.
Drive time: 3 hours to Essaouria and 2.5 hours check in time before an international flight.
TRANSPORT NOT INCLUDED: quoted on requirements of group.
NB: if you are wanting an extra night in Marakesh or to continue on your Morocco adventure - this can be arranged for you.