Our Team
Our Tour Experts
Heroes and Heroines
Explore vibrant Marrakech
The cosmopolitan city of Marrakech provides a taste of the exotic, only a short flight away.
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![Amy Waters snow biking]()
Our Team
Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
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![William Dalrymple]()
Our Tour Experts
We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
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![Liz Bonnin]()
Heroes and Heroines
The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.
Morocco – For The First Time Visitor
For a first time holiday to Morocco, this itinerary offers a varied trip covering three completely different landscapes.
Fitting nicely into a week or 10-day visit, combine the buzz of Marrakech with its incredible souk, atmospheric Djemaa el Fna square and authentic local restaurants, with the peace and tranquillity of the High Atlas mountains and the pretty coastal town of Essaouira. Visit these three destinations in any order you wish to get absolutely the right balance for a perfect holiday.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
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Unwind in coastal Essaouira
Feast on fresh fish on the seafront, below the white washed ramparts of this pretty port town.
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Rock the Kasbah
Stay in a magnificent mountain Kasbah, visit local markets and traditional berber villages.
4
Shop in the Souqs
Shop for spices, leather, ceramics and clothes amidst the colourful alleyways of the souqs.
Why we like it
For a first time holiday to Morocco, this itinerary offers a varied trip covering three completely different landscapes. A holiday combination that suits all ages with plenty of variety from buzzing souks, splendid mountain views and wild Atlantic coastline.
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Day 1 -2
Marrakech
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Day 3
Marrakech - Essaouira
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Day 4-5
Essaouira
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Day 7
Essaouira - Atlas Mountains
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Day 8-9
Atlas Mountains
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Day 10
Marrakech
Day 1 -2
Marrakech
Colourful, cosmopolitan Marrakech is one of the most evocative places in the world, just the name conjures images of sandstone buildings, dusty streets and towering minarets against blue skies. See the Moorish minaret of the 12th century Koutoubia mosque, wander around the Majorelle gardens with its exotic plants and explore the Djemaa el Fna square at night when the city comes alive with musicians, snake charmers and market stall traders.
Day 3
Marrakech - Essaouira
Day 4-5
Essaouira
Essaouira is a charming fishing village located on the Atlantic coast, where white washed, weather beaten buildings offer an authentic and traditional feel to this sleepy, bohemian town. Wander the old ramparts and enjoy a fresh fish sandwich cooked for you by the local fishermen in the harbour, or visit the many artisan shops in the small and charming souk. Well known for its strong coastal breezes, Essaouira is also the perfect place for a spot of kite surfing, or lazy walks along the miles of sandy beaches.
Day 7
Essaouira - Atlas Mountains
Day 8-9
Atlas Mountains
Visible from the city of Marrakech and reached within an easy hours drive the Atlas Mountains are a perfect escape from buzzing city life. Explore remote Berber villages and women’s’ cooperatives, or enjoy a picnic by the Ouzoud waterfall. Take afternoon tea on the terrace of the stunning Kasbah Tamadot with its spectacular mountain views or join a fully escorted climb of Mount Toubkal with its snowy mountain peaks that dominate the skyline.
Day 10
Marrakech
More details
Marrakech
Colourful, cosmopolitan Marrakech is one of the most evocative places in the world, just the name conjures images of sandstone buildings, dusty streets and towering minarets against blue skies. This city is steeped in rich history and where ancient culture is still very much in evidence today. Intricate buildings and architectural wonders tell their own stories while, in the evenings, acrobats and storytellers gather at Djemma El Fna Square – a scene best viewed from one of many terraced coffee shops overlooking the square.
There is so much to see and do in this fun and fascinating city. Venture deep into the souk to find traditional crafts much less visited by most. Relax on the rooftop terrace of your riad, with views across the city, enjoying a sundowner. Explore the beautiful Majorelle Gardens, owned by Yves Saint Laurent. People watch from a cafe terrace overlooking Djemaa el-Fna square. Take an optional day trip into the nearby Atlas Mountains, dotted with Berber villages and snow-capped peaks.
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Hire Your Very Own Villa
Situated in and around the city of Marrakech there are a number of exceptional private villas that can be rented for groups of friends or families wishing to holiday together in an exotic and memorable location. The staff will look after everything, including the meals, which are included in the weekly rates. The property is completely private and only a twenty-minute drive from the busy centre of Marrakech. Day trips can also be made to the Atlantic Coast or up into the Atlas Mountains.
Depending on the size of your group, we can recommend a number of villas that may be suitable.
Essaouira
Essaouira is a delightful Mediterranean-style fishing port with a wide sandy bay of crashing Atlantic waves and an intriguing network of dusty whitewashed houses. Bright blue shutters and doorways line a myriad of narrow alleyways, decaying arches of days bygone and secret doorways which occasionally open out of the hustle and bustle of a tiny square.
The beach which, although perhaps a little too windy to sunbathe on, offers miles and miles of unbeatable walking and great swimming – the windsurfing championships are hosted here each year.
Venture into Essaouira and spend time in the main square, drinking in the cafes, shopping in the very friendly souq or exploring the old medina.
Essaouira has a very bohemian feel and moves at a slow pace – the town boasts many budding artists who exhibit their work throughout the town. As well as some great artwork Essaouira is also renowned for its red cedar and lemonwood cabinet making and marquetry work and the famous Argan oil, produced from olives grown on trees which are endemic to this region.
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Rock the Kasbah
Visible from the city of Marrakech and reached within an easy hours drive The Atlas Mountains are a perfect escape from buzzing city life. Some of the most beautiful hotels can be found in this area. Magnificent mountain retreats, spectacularly situated in the heart of the High Atlas, near the foot of the Jebel Toubkal, the highest mountain in North Africa, the peace and quiet and seclusion are so complete, the city seems a million miles away. Depending on your style, taste and budget, a stay in an Atlas Kasbah is a special and memorable experience from the warm welcome you experience from the Berber people to the splendid views and ambience of the mountains.
Some prefer to rest and relax and enjoy the facilities at the Kasbah. Others arrive with walking boots, ready to explore the local villages, nearby hamlets and the surrounding mountain landscape. If you wish to explore the Toubkal National Park in greater depth, stay overnight at a trekking lodge. Take a guided trek, high above the apple, cherry and almond trees to 2,450 metres above sea level for a spectacular picnic lunch.
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A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From £2,645 Per person
When to travel
Morocco in January
January is Morocco’s coldest month, yet you can still experience sunny days in certain regions of the country with milder temperatures, ideal for sightseeing and outside Morocco’s peak travel season. It should still be noted that temperatures can dramatically change from day to night.
Morocco in February
At the end of the extreme winter months, February will see temperatures slowly rising during the day but be prepared for a dramatic change in temperatures as once the sunsets, evenings are much colder.
Morocco in March
Travelling from March through to May is one of the best times to visit Morocco. As the country experiences an extreme of the weather chart, with blistering hot summers and chilly winters, visiting during Spring and Autumn as the best times to travel.
Morocco in April
April is an ideal time to travel to Morocco as temperatures will be cooler than the peak summer months and the entire country can be explored without extremes in climates in the Sahara Desert or the Atlas Mountains.
Morocco in May
During springtime, sandstorms can be likely in the Sahara yet in the Atlas Mountains, temperatures are comfortable with few rainy days. The climate will vary according to the region, yet it is still a popular time to travel.
Morocco in June
Travelling to Morocco during June is a good time to visit the country with temperatures in their high 20s, but temperatures may rise into the 30s if visiting some of the country’s major cities including Marrakech.
Morocco in July
Morocco experiences a blistering hot summer, particularly in the months of July and August, where temperatures can climb into the late 30s, meaning sightseeing can be exhausting.
Morocco in August
The month of August will continue to bring extremely high temperatures during the day, yet cool evenings, particularly in many central regions. Coastal regions will be marginally cooler; however, temperatures will still be high.
Morocco in September
Travel during Autumn, from September to October, for bearable daytime temperatures and cool, balmy evenings. As Morocco experiences extremes in climates during summer and winter, both spring and autumn are the best months to visit.
Morocco in October
As one of the best times to travel to Morocco, October will experience about 8 hours of daily sunshine with an average of 28°C. Morocco’s mountainous and desert regions can get cooler at night though and it is best to travel to the Atlas Mountains before winter begins.
Morocco in November
The beginning of winter begins in November and lasts until January, experiencing very cold temperatures and occasional rainfall. As November is the start of winter, the climate will be less extreme with more moderate temperatures during the day but cool evenings.
Morocco in December
Morocco will experience chilly winters with some mountainous regions even seeing snowfall on particularly cold nights.
Holiday Inspiration
Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?
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