Day Excursion to Essaouira City from Marrakech: Shared group

Essaouira is a very attractive coastal town about 3.5 hrs drive by mini-bus from Marrakech. After the hustle and bustle and heat of the Marrakech Medina, it was a welcome relief to feel the cool sea breezes and relaxed atmosphere in this ancient fishing port. On arrival we were greeted by our knowledgeable and multilingual guide who led us around the harbour with its fleet of brightly painted blue fishing boats. With the smell of that mornings catch pervading the air, it was certainly an assault on the senses, but in a good way. The original stone fortress affords the town protection from the Atlantic waves as well as security from the would-be invaders of the past. The city streets are lined with a plethora of local traders selling the usual tourist gifts along with local art and bric-a-brac. Shops are interspersed with pleasant cafes and restaurants. Our 90min guided tour was followed with a couple of hours of roaming on our own before meeting the mini-bus for the return journey. We would have given this trip a 5 rating had it not been for the debacle which faced us in the morning pick-up. Briefly, the transport company Marrakech Travel Services forgot to pick up my wife and myself. We arrived at their designated pick-up point 10mins early for an 8.00am boarding. After waiting for almost 30mins we eventually spoke by phone to the carrier's representative who shouted at us repeatedly, blaming us for not being there at the appointed time. His manner was aggressive and upsetting. Fortunately our host Hicham, from Riad Miral in Marrakech was on hand to back us up and support us while the carrier found a solution. Their solution was to drive us at break-neck speed and an unsafe manner to catch up the original mini-bus. An experience we could have done without. In reflection, we're travellers experienced enough to know that cock-ups can happen but we would have expected the Marrakech Travel Services representatives to show their customers some understanding and humility, and above all, honesty

Chauffeur nul, juste bon à ss arreter dans les pieges à touristes. Il a fait celui qui ne parlait pas français. Et nous,a ramené à 21h. Une honte.

It was a great experience. He drove us to Essauira and we had 5 hours to spend there. You can take your swimming cloths with you if you want to spend the time by the beach. But they also have a beautiful artistic market. The guy was really nice. Made some stops on the way made sure we have our breaks and took us back to our hotels at night. Amazing experience