Silversea Expedition Cruises A AGADIR

Explore the historic landmarks and bustling souks of Agadir during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Kasbah Oufella and Agadir City, Beaches and Coast

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the Kasbah Oufella. This Islamic fortress, perched above the Atlantic shoreline, was built in 1572 to defend against the onslaught of Portuguese invaders of the Barbary Coast. Upon arrival, view the ruins of the fortress and take in breath-taking panoramic vistas over Agadir City, its beaches and coast.

Memorial Museum

Next, visit the memorial museum which is located in the southeastern part of the gardens of Olhao, in the modern center of Agadir. The museum recalls the terrible earthquake of 1960, which destroyed the entire city of Agadir leaving more than 18,000 dead. The city was left abandoned, and the modern city was later reconstructed. The museum has a large collection of photos, showing the city before and after its reconstruction.

Old Quarter, Souk al Had and Corniche

Lastly, re-board your coach and drive to the city's Old Quarter. Upon arrival, proceed to the Berber market of Souk al Had. Here, among the maze of souks (markets), some free time is made available to shop and barter for everything from carpets to fine handicrafts. Following your visit, re-board your coach and drive to a local restaurant along the seaside Corniche for a refreshment stop.

Afterward, re-board your coach for the return drive back to the pier.

Depart the pier in your air-conditioned motor-coach for a half-day filled with the highlights of Agadir. This scenic city offers some of the best beaches in Morocco.

Panoramic Agadir

Your scenic drive begins as you pass through the local fish market, and then continues to the ruins of the old Kasbah, which sits atop a hill offering a good overview of the city and your ship in the bay, and also amazing views of Agadir's longest stretch of beach. Sultan Moulay Abdellah built this fortress in 1572 to protect the city from European attacks.

Your next stop is a brief visit to the La Lebanon Mosque, which highlights Moorish architecture and makes for an excellent photo opportunity.

Moroccan Fantasia Show

Continue on to a highlight of the excursion, a Moroccan Fantasia Show which offers a great opportunity experience horses and various Moroccan folkloric performances. Be sure to save some film for the exotic snake charmer at the conclusion of the performance. This is a colourful performance of dancing and horsemanship known as the Fantasia (a Moroccan Fantasy show). You will be welcomed by singers and dancers, Moroccan pastries and mint tea are served under traditional Berber tents as you enjoy belly dancing, Berber dances and Andalusian music. A horse race run by horsemen in traditional costumes, firing their rifles at the end of the race, is a symbol of manhood, courage, and hospitality. At the conclusion of this enthralling performance of traditional music and dance that showcases the rich and diverse heritage of Morocco, the performers will escort you back to your waiting coach.

Journey on to the colourful Souk Al Had, as your guide explains the local wares and give you time to browse or people-watch, before re-boarding the coach for the drive back to the pier.

Discover the rugged natural beauty of the Paradise Valley and its surrounds during this panoramic, half-day excursion via off-road vehicle.

Agadir, Tazeroualt District, Tamrhakht River, Imouzzer, and Atlas Mountains

Depart the pier aboard a 4X4 sport utility vehicle (SUV) for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to Alma Village. En route, drive through the neighbourhood of Iligh, which is located in the Tazeroualt District.

From here, continue past the palm groves and gorges of the Tamrhakht River up into the mountains towards Imouzzer. A photo stop is made at Imouzzer for splendid views of the ever-changing, varied landscape dotted with traditional local houses, and set amidst the argan trees in the foreground of the Atlas Mountains.

Alma Village, Paradise Valley, Rocky Gorges and Palm Groves

Upon arrival at Alma Village, another photo stop is made for panoramic views of your surrounds. Leaving Alma Village, re-board your coach and continue your picturesque journey through the countryside en route to the Paradise Valley. Upon entering the Paradise Valley, take in breath-taking views of the impressive rocky gorges, which twist and undulate between their steep, deep limestone walls. Following a photo stop at the Palm Groves, take an easy-to-moderate guided walk down into the valley. Along the way, learn about the local flora and fauna, and natural history of the area.

Botanical Gardens and Argan Trees

Your last stop is at the Botanic Gardens. During a guided walking tour, view a plethora of plants used for the artisanal extraction of essential oils. In addition, see and learn about argan trees, which are indigenous to the arid southwest region of Morocco, have deep root systems that are well-adapted to the semi-desert environment and can reach the age of 200 years. The rare oil produced from the Argan tree, in its purest form, is renowned across the globe for its exceptional quality and expensive price. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board our coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier via local towns.

Explore Agadir at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Depart the pier for an approximate 90-minute drive to Taroudant. Although this ancient city is off the beaten track and most tourists don't venture there, royals and politicians visit the area regularly. En route you will stop for a closer look at the indigenous Argon trees, you may be lucky enough to look upon the amusing sight of the local goats trying to climbing a tree.

The reign of Mohammed ash-Sheikh of the Saadi Dynasty, brought in Taroudant's golden age. The Sheikh constructed the city walls and built the great mosque and its minaret in 1528. The town became the capital of the Saadians, who used it as a base to attack the Portuguese in Agadir. Although Marrakech later became the capital, Taroudant continued to prosper through the riches of the Sous plain; marketing goods such as sugar cane, cotton, rice and indigo. Today Taroudant is fondly called the "Grandmother of Marrakech" and it retains the exotic feel of a small market town on a caravan route. It resembles a scaled-down, quieter Marrakech with its surrounding ramparts. Unlike Marrakech however, Taroudant contains almost the entire city within its walls. This town has is also known for its jewellery and carpets, with a much less frantic atmosphere to purchase these items.

Enjoy a brief walk through the souks and then some free time around the square to meander or people-watch.

Dar Zitoune

Re-board the coach for a brief drive to Morocco's hotel retreat, Dar Zitoune. Located in the heart of the region of Souss in the south of Morocco you will be surrounded by beautiful gardens and shaded by olive and citrus trees, an ideal place for anyone seeking peace and quiet. Tea and Moroccan pastries will be served in the garden or near the pool and the quiet of the area will be a most welcome retreat from the busy Medina just visited.

Your tour concludes with an approximate 90-minute drive back to the pier.

Embrace the seaside beauty, legacy and traditions of Agadir during this memorable, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Kasbah Oufella

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the Kasbah Oufella. This Islamic fortress, perched above the Atlantic shoreline, was built in 1572 to defend against the onslaught of Portuguese invaders of the Barbary Coast. Upon arrival, view the ruins of the fortress and take in breath-taking panoramic vistas over Agadir City, its beaches and coast.

Old Quarter & Souk al Had

Next, re-board your coach and drive to the city's Old Quarter. Upon arrival, proceed to the Berber market of Souk al Had. Here, among the maze of souks (markets), some free time is made available to shop and barter for everything from carpets to fine handicrafts.

Tighanimine Community and Corniche

Re-board the vehicle for a short 30-minute drive that will take us to a unique place, the Women's Cooperative of Tighanimine, where you will see real Moroccan workers and will learn step by step how Argan oil is made and the sustainability of the place due to this activity. The Cooperative employs 68 women who have been able to create and develop this socio-economical project since 2007. Visit their little shop in case you would like to get some products made with Argan oil.

Lastly, drive to a local restaurant along the seaside Corniche for a refreshment stop and some free time to explore before re-boarding your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.