Overview
of this
Round Trip
Journey Code & Duration
PLM-T-010 |
From 4 nights – individually planned and extendable
PLM-T-010 | From 4 nights – individually planned and extendable
Best Travel Period
Year-round – particularly pleasant in spring and autumn
Climate
Warm and dry in Marrakesh and Agafay, mild and influenced by the Atlantic in Essaouira
Stages
Short to medium; around 2.5 hours to Agafay, around 3 hours to the Atlantic coast.
Concierge Service
Private chauffeur, local guides, optional private concierge
Where Art, Craftsmanship & Landscape Tell Stories
See Morocco Through Different Eyes. In Marrakesh, art takes shape before your eyes: metal is hammered, fabrics are dyed, wood is worked, and centuries-old techniques give rise to the forms, patterns and colours that continue to define the face of the city today.
Just outside Marrakesh, André Heller’s ANIMA Garden blurs the boundaries between art and nature. In Agafay, everything man-made recedes into the background – stone, vastness, light and silence define the landscape.
Then, on the Atlantic, Essaouira opens up: white and blue, creative and cosmopolitan, shaped by craftsmanship, artists’ studios and a musical culture for which the city is known far beyond Morocco. From inspiration to stillness and onwards to the Atlantic – a private journey for those who want not only to look at art, but to experience its stories, its origins and the people behind it.
From Inspiration to Stillness
This journey is defined by its contrasts.
Marrakesh is intense, vibrant and full of form. ANIMA combines human creativity with nature. In Agafay, this gives way to simplicity – a landscape that creates space before Essaouira reveals another creative side of Morocco on the Atlantic.
This is not a classic art journey from one museum to the next. It is a journey to places where art is created, culture is lived and the landscape itself becomes a source of inspiration.
Art That Lives
In Marrakesh, creativity is everywhere. In the souks, metal is hammered, wood is worked, leather is crafted, fabrics are dyed and carpets are woven. At the same time, a vibrant contemporary art and design scene has developed beyond the historic Medina. With your private guide, you discover both sides: time-honoured craftsmanship and a city that continually reinterprets its creative traditions.
What You Will Experience
– Private tour of the UNESCO Medina with local guide
– Insights into selected artisan districts and workshops
– Palaces, courtyards and traditional architecture
– Visit to Jardin Majorelle
– Optional: MACAAL – Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden
– Optional: selected galleries, photography and design in the Medina and Gueliz
– Optional: calligraphy workshop
What Particularly Fascinates Us
Art here rarely begins with a sign. Often, you hear it first: the rhythmic hammering from a metal workshop, voices from a studio, the clatter of a loom. Experience Marrakesh this way and the souks reveal more than products – they reveal the people, materials and stories behind them.
When Nature Becomes Art
Just outside Marrakesh lies a completely different form of creativity. Austrian artist André Heller created ANIMA as a garden where exotic plants, architecture and international art merge. Among bamboo, palms, cacti and lush vegetation, sculptures and installations appear almost unexpectedly. On clear days, the High Atlas provides the backdrop.
What You Will Experience
– Visit to ANIMA Garden
– Walk through different gardens and botanical landscapes
– Artworks and installations by international artists
– Time to discover the garden at your own pace
– Optional: combine with an excursion to the Ourika Valley
Facts & Figures
– Approximately 27 kilometres outside Marrakesh on the route to the Ourika Valley
– Created by Austrian artist André Heller
– Opened to the public in 2016
– The garden brings works by artists including Keith Haring, Pablo Picasso and Auguste Rodin together with its lush plant life
What Particularly Fascinates Us
ANIMA is not a museum with a garden added to it. The garden itself is part of the artwork.
Plants, sculptures, colours, shadows and views towards the Atlas change with every step, almost dissolving the boundary between nature and artistic creation.
Space for Stillness After all the colours, forms and impressions, the perspective changes. Agafay is not a classic sand desert, but a stark landscape of stone, earth and gently rolling hills. On clear days, the High Atlas forms a dramatic backdrop. Here, little is needed: a wide-open view, the final light of the day and a table set beneath the open sky. What You Will Experience – Stay at a selected camp or lodge – Dinner beneath the open sky – Sunset over the stone desert – Optional: dromedary ride – Optional: quad or buggy tour Facts & Figures – Stone desert rather than classic sand dunes – Approximately 30 kilometres southwest of Marrakesh – Characterised by arid plains and gently rolling hills – On clear days, views extend towards the High Atlas What Particularly Fascinates Us The contrast. One moment, a garden where every detail appears carefully composed. A little later, a landscape whose beauty lies precisely in its simplicity. Agafay creates space between two intense cultural worlds.
The Creative City on the Atlantic White façades, blue shutters, city walls above the sea and seagulls circling the harbour: Essaouira has a lightness you feel from the moment you arrive. But the city is more than a beautiful backdrop. Artisans and artists work in its narrow streets, galleries open onto the Medina, and music forms part of the city’s identity. The Medina has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001, while Essaouira has been a UNESCO Creative City of Music since 2019. What You Will Experience – Private tour of the UNESCO Medina with local guide – The Skala, harbour, historic quarters and city walls – Insights into traditional wood craftsmanship – Galleries and artists’ studios within the Medina – Optional: personal visit to an artist’s studio or artisan workshop – Optional: cooking class – Optional: Gnaoua music experience – Optional: visit to an argan oil cooperative Facts & Figures – The Medina has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001 – Essaouira has been a UNESCO Creative City of Music since 2019 – The historic port city developed into an important centre of international trade and cultural exchange – Craftsmanship, artists’ studios, galleries and music continue to shape the city’s creative identity today What Particularly Fascinates Us Creativity here does not happen in just one place. You encounter it in an open workshop, on a canvas outside a gallery, in intricately crafted wood inlays – and sometimes simply as a rhythm drifting from a side street. Essaouira does not put its art on display. It is part of the life of the city.
Your
Personalised
Access to
Morocco
What makes this journey special is not only the what, but the how:
Customised planning
Continuous support
Destinations beyond the usual routes
The accommodation also reflects the character of the journey. A riad behind the walls of the Medina or a design-led boutique hotel in Marrakesh, a stylish camp or lodge in the vastness of Agafay, and a riad or boutique hideaway in Essaouira – every property is selected according to your preferences, travel style and the atmosphere of your individual journey.
In Marrakesh, the culinary world ranges from traditional tagines and pastillas to a new generation of restaurants reinterpreting Moroccan produce. In Agafay, it is above all the setting that transforms the experience: dinner beneath the open sky. As the colours of the day slowly disappear from the landscape, a vibrant variety of flavours unfolds on the palate. In Essaouira, the Atlantic defines the cuisine. Fish and seafood meet the flavours of southwest Morocco – including argan oil and amlou, made with almonds, honey and roasted argan oil.
No two guests travel with exactly the same interests. Enhance your art and cultural journey with selected Private Pur Life Experiences – chosen according to your personal preferences and individually integrated into your itinerary.
Private Art Tour of Marrakesh’s Galleries & Art Scene
Discover the contemporary side of Marrakesh through selected galleries in Gueliz and gain insight into an art scene that brings together contemporary African art, photography and international design.
Visit to MACAAL – Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden
Discover modern and contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora at one of Marrakesh’s leading art museums – ideal for guests who want to experience not only traditional craftsmanship but also the creative Morocco of today.
Private Calligraphy Workshop in Marrakesh
Learn the fundamentals of Arabic calligraphy with personal guidance and discover how individual lines, forms and letters come together to create an art form with centuries of history.
Curated Shopping Experience in Sidi Ghanem
Discover Marrakesh’s creative district through selected design studios, concept stores and ateliers – from interiors and textiles to fashion, ceramics and contemporary Moroccan design.
Private Dromedary Ride Through the Stone Desert
Experience the vastness of Agafay in the most beautiful light of the day, travelling by dromedary through the ochre-coloured landscape as the sun slowly disappears behind the hills.
Private Quad or Buggy Tour Through the Stone Desert
Discover Agafay’s stark landscape beyond the camps – travelling along tracks, across dry plains and over gentle hills with expansive views across the stone desert.
Private Visit to an Artist’s Studio or Artisan Workshop
Step behind the doors of selected studios and workshops and discover through personal encounters how Essaouira’s distinctive art and craftsmanship are created.
Private Gnaoua Music Experience
Immerse yourself in one of Essaouira’s defining musical traditions and experience the characteristic rhythms, instruments and stories of Gnaoua culture in an intimate setting.
Private Cooking Class with Market Visit
Discover Essaouira through its cuisine: select fresh ingredients together before preparing traditional Moroccan dishes, gaining insight into the spices, produce and culinary traditions of the Atlantic coast.
Private Horseback Ride on Essaouira Beach
Experience the vast Atlantic coastline on horseback – riding along the beach and through the open landscapes surrounding Essaouira.
From 4 nights – individually planned
Marrakesh · ANIMA Garden · Agafay · Essaouira
Private Art & Cultural Journey
Year-round – particularly pleasant in spring and autumn
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The journey combines art, traditional craftsmanship, architecture, nature and Moroccan culture. It is particularly suited to travellers who enjoy looking a little closer and discovering the stories behind places, people and creative traditions.
No. Like all Pur Life Maroc journeys, this route is individually planned. We tailor the length of stay, accommodation and additional experiences to your interests and preferred pace of travel.
Precisely because of the contrast. After the visual intensity of Marrakesh and ANIMA Garden, Agafay’s pared-back landscape creates space and stillness before the journey reveals another creative side of Morocco in Essaouira.
No. Agafay is a stone desert with arid plains and gently rolling hills. You will not find the vast sand dunes of the Sahara here.
The spectrum ranges from traditional craftsmanship and historic architecture to contemporary African art, photography, design and selected galleries. We tailor the focus individually according to your interests.
Visits to selected artists’ studios and artisan workshops can be arranged subject to availability. We place particular emphasis on authentic encounters and carefully selected partners.
ANIMA Garden is generally open throughout the year. We check opening hours and any potential closure dates for your specific travel dates.
The port city has long had a vibrant art, craft and music scene. Its Medina has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001, and Essaouira has also been a UNESCO Creative City of Music since 2019.
The Medinas of Marrakesh and Essaouira are primarily explored on foot. Routes may include uneven paving and narrow streets. We adapt tours and daily itineraries according to your preferred activity level.
Yes. Additional days in Marrakesh or Essaouira, more time in Agafay or an extension along the Atlantic coast can all be individually incorporated into your journey.
Destinations, accommodation, inspiration
Destinations
accommodation
inspiration
Marrakesh
Your private guide will accompany you to one of the most beautiful trekking villages in the Atlas Mountains: Ait Souka. From here you will enjoy breathtaking views of Jebel Toubkal (4,167 m), the highest mountain in North Africa. During the hike you will reach altitudes of around 2,000 metres while passing through picturesque Berber villages. The highlight of the day is lunch with a local Berber family.
The Ouzoud Waterfalls are among the most spectacular natural sights in Morocco. The water cascades down 110 metres in three impressive tiers, surrounded by olive groves and reddish rock cliffs. The area is ideal for hiking and exploring. Highlights include a visit to the Imi n'Ifri natural cave with its red stalactites, watching the local macaque monkeys, swimming opportunities and optional boat rides. Travel time from Marrakesh is approximately three hours.
Golfing in Marrakesh is easy and spectacular. The city offers an excellent selection of courses, including the historic Royal Golf Marrakesh (27 holes), Palmeraie Golf (27 holes), the impressive Amelkis Golf Club (27 holes) and Samanah Golf Club (18 holes). Play between palm trees with breathtaking views of the High Atlas Mountains and desert landscapes.
Riding a camel or dromedary is one of Morocco's most traditional and charming ways to explore the landscape. Your guide will take you on a half-day or full-day excursion off the usual tourist paths to discover hidden places and authentic encounters with local communities.
Skiing with views of the Sahara desert? It is possible in Oukaimeden, located about 75 km from Marrakesh. From December to April, ski slopes between 2,500 and 3,200 metres altitude offer a unique winter sports experience. Spend the day skiing in the mountains and return in the evening to Marrakesh's vibrant nightlife.
A must for adventurers and curious travellers: a hot air balloon flight over the imperial city. From the sky, watch the colourful cityscape of Marrakesh fade into vast desert landscapes and the peaks of the Atlas Mountains. A truly breathtaking experience.
Discover the beauty of Arabic craftsmanship during a creative workshop lasting two to five hours. Choose from experiences such as Arabic calligraphy, pottery, mosaic art, wood carving, jewellery design, basket weaving, brass work, embroidery, leather craft or Berber carpet weaving, and gain insight into Morocco's rich artisan traditions.
Encounters with local people are often the most memorable moments of any journey. Your private guide will open doors usually closed to travellers. Share a meal in the home of a Berber family and experience the warmth and generosity of Moroccan hospitality.
Experience Moroccan culture in a magical One Thousand and One Nights setting. In a traditional Berber tent you will enjoy an opulent dinner accompanied by a spectacular show featuring belly dancers, acrobats, horse riders, fireworks and traditional Moroccan music. A memorable evening of entertainment and hospitality.
Agafay
From your Agafay camp, travel to the beautiful Ourika Valley (approx. 50–60 km, 1–1.5 hours by 4×4). Together with your guide, explore traditional Berber villages and visit a local argan oil cooperative. The highlight of the excursion is the Setti Fatma waterfalls, a series of seven cascades with natural pools perfect for cooling off. Enjoy panoramic views of the High Atlas Mountains and lunch in a traditional kasbah.
Around Lake Lalla Takerkoust (approx. 20–40 km from the Agafay camps), gentle trails follow the shoreline and surrounding hills, offering beautiful views of the Atlas Mountains. These routes are ideal for one- to two-hour walks. Along the lake you will also find cafés and opportunities for outdoor and water sports such as jet skiing, kayaking and stand-up paddling, as well as quad tours around the lake and towards Agafay.
A unique experience: glide for 15–30 minutes above the desert and the Lalla Takerkoust reservoir with views of Jebel Toubkal in the High Atlas Mountains. About 1–1.5 hours from your desert camp lies a well-known paragliding spot at the northern edge of the Atlas. Your tandem flight begins from the Aguergour slope, with launch points between 950 and 1,250 metres, soaring over the Kik Plateau, Berber villages and valleys.
A must for the curious and adventurous: a hot air balloon flight over the royal city of Marrakesh. From above, your view drifts from the vibrant colours of the city to the vast desert landscapes and the Atlas Mountains. An unforgettable experience.
Essaouira
Enjoy a guided walk taking in the Skala, the harbour and the city, including the old town with its souks, the consular district and the Mellah (Jewish quarter). Stroll through lively alleyways dotted with shaded squares and traditional Moorish café terraces.
How about a half-day cooking class at L'Atelier, a former warehouse beneath the stone arches at the entrance to Essaouira's medina? Guided by a top chef, you'll uncover the secrets of Moroccan cuisine and learn how to master tajines, couscous, pastillas and gazelle horn cookies.
Looking for the perfect blend of eco-tourism and walking? Choose from guided half-day or full-day hikes, complete with a tea break or lunch in a traditional Moroccan eatery. Discover the natural beauty of the Essaouira region at a more relaxed pace.
A network of trails linking local villages makes the countryside around Essaouira ideal for mountain biking. Your guide will lead you along winding paths to some of the region's most scenic spots. Of course, you're also free to explore on your own, with mountain bikes and e-bikes available for hire.
A quad tour is an exhilarating way to explore Morocco's stunning landscapes. Our off-road routes take you straight into the dunes, with two- or three-hour excursions leading you along rocky tracks to Cap Sim, where you'll get up close to the dramatic sand dunes and Atlantic beaches.
Discover the beaches, sweeping dunes south of Essaouira and unforgettable sunsets on horseback. Setting off from the town of Diabat, your guide and their experienced team will lead you on a one- to three-hour ride, suitable for both seasoned riders and beginners alike.
No trip to Essaouira is complete without a camel ride. A favourite with both children and adults, this experience offers a memorable way to explore the region's dunes and beaches. Our camel guide looks forward to introducing you to these fascinating animals, perfectly suited to gentle journeys across the sand.
Set against a stunning natural backdrop, Golf de Mogador offers perfect conditions year-round to enjoy challenging greens and superb fairways. Designed by Gary Player, this 18-hole championship course (par 72) in Essaouira is a top-class golfing destination.
Experience first-hand how argan oil is traditionally produced by women under fair working conditions at the Marjana Cooperative. Taste premium-quality argan oil and purchase products directly from the source. Afterwards, visit the coastal village of Sidi Kaouki, whose five-kilometre Atlantic bay is considered one of the world’s finest surfing beaches.
Would you like to experience the hippie flair of the early 1970s? Your guide will accompany you to the Jimi Hendrix Café in the village of Diabat as well as to the ruins of the Dar Solatane Palace, which is said to have inspired Jimi Hendrix’s song Castles Made of Sand. The beach of Diabat captivates visitors with its untouched nature, dunes and peaceful atmosphere, connecting Essaouira with the surfer paradise of Sidi Kaouki.
Spend a night in a traditional Berber tent on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Discover the secrets of Moroccan cuisine, enjoy dinner on the beach and warm yourself by the campfire. Look forward to breathtaking views of the surrounding nature with argan and tamarind trees, as well as a spectacular sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.
Discover the hinterland of Essaouira on a guided excursion. The route takes you through impressive landscapes, past a traditional weekly market and into a village where you will enjoy an authentic lunch in the home of a Berber family. Afterwards, take part in a traditional Moroccan tea ceremony.
A special half-day excursion takes you to one of the largest and most authentic souks in the hinterland of Essaouira. Far away from classic tourist routes, you will experience a lively weekly market where farmers, fishermen and local traders offer their goods — from fresh fruit and vegetables to spices, olives, livestock and traditional handicrafts. Accompanied by a local guide, you will gain fascinating insights into the daily life and culture of the region. Afterwards, enjoy a classic tagine lunch in a traditional Moroccan restaurant.
Saints of Agafay Retreat in Morocco's stone desert near Marrakech: desert hikes, Lalla Takerkoust and starlit nights – for calm, balance and new perspectives.
Marrakesh meets the peace of the Agafay desert: luxury riad, desert camp & private chauffeur
A city trip that makes the diversity of a Morocco holiday tangible. From Agadir over to Essaouira to Marrakesh.
Adults Only beach holiday in Agadir & Taghazout: unforgettable experiences on the Atlantic.
Luxury round trip from 7 days: Experience Morocco’s four imperial cities plus Casablanca in luxury
Route of a Thousand Kasbahs from 5 Nights: Marrakech, Skoura & Sahara
Art Journey Morocco from 4 Nights: Marrakech, Agafay & Essaouira
Back to your natural rhythm at the Silent Nature Retreat – Adults-only
Experience a private round trip through kasbahs, oases and the fascinating vastness of the Sahara.
Desert Drive Agafay – 4x4, buggy, quad and e-bike meet authentic Amazigh encounters, individually arranged near Marrakesh.
Agafay & Atlantic from 4 Nights: Experience the Stone Desert and Coast in Private
Experience Morocco's four Imperial Cities authentically: craft, encounters, history & a personal chauffeur.
A private culinary journey through Morocco from 6 nights: fine dining in Marrakech, oysters on Oualidia’s lagoon and a panoramic dinner in the Agafay
Photocredits: Pur Life Maroc/Michael Huber Photography, unsplash, pexels, Sascha Montag, ANIMA Garden/Albina Bauer, Suzy Stöckl, Maacal Marrakesh
