Arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK). Collect luggage, pass customs, and meet your private driver who will transfer you to your riad in the Medina (approx. 20-30 min).
Check in at your riad (suggested: Riad Yasmine or Riad Be Marrakech). Freshen up, store luggage, and get a quick orientation from the riad staff about the neighbourhood and key meeting points.
Stroll to Jemaa el-Fnaa square to soak in the lively atmosphere. Watch street performers, snake charmers, and food stalls while your guide gives a quick introduction to the Medina’s layout and etiquette.
Lunch at Café des Épices overlooking the souks. Enjoy a tagine or fresh salad and mint tea while taking in views of the bustling spice market below.
Begin a guided walk through the souks (textiles, leather, metalwork). Visit the Tanneries viewpoint, stop at a traditional pottery cooperative, and learn bargaining tips from your guide.
Visit the Bahia Palace to admire its ornate courtyards and carved woodwork. Spend 30-45 minutes exploring the gardens and reception rooms for a feel of 19th-century Moroccan craftsmanship.
Head to the Koutoubia Mosque gardens for photos and a relaxed walk. Your guide will explain the mosque’s historical significance and its role as a city landmark.
Stop at Le Jardin secret (or, if preferred, the Maison de la Photographie) for a calm respite from the Medina bustle; enjoy tea in the courtyard and a short rooftop view over the medina.
Return to your riad to rest and change before evening. Use this time to freshen up and perhaps enjoy the riad’s rooftop terrace as the sun sets.
Dinner at Nomad in the Medina for modern Moroccan cuisine with rooftop views — try the lamb tagine or vegetable couscous. Make a reservation for a window seat if possible.
After dinner, walk back to Jemaa el-Fnaa to experience the square at night when food stalls and performers take center stage. Sip mint tea, sample street-food snacks like msemen or grilled kefta, and enjoy the vibrant ambiance.
Optional: stop for a nightcap at Le Comptoir Darna (if you prefer lively nightlife) or return to the riad for quiet. Your riad can arrange a henna artist for a short visit if desired.
Back at the riad: review tomorrow’s itinerary with your host (Jardin Majorelle visit and souks exploration). Get a good night’s rest to prepare for a full day of Marrakech discoveries tomorrow.
Wake up at your riad and enjoy a light Moroccan breakfast on the rooftop (fresh orange juice, msemen or bread, jam, and mint tea) while watching the morning light over the medina.
Walk or take a short taxi to the Saadian Tombs; explore the beautifully tiled mausoleums and learn about the Saadian dynasty before the crowds build.
Stroll to the nearby Bahia Palace and spend 45-60 minutes admiring the intricate woodwork, zellij tile, and the tranquil courtyards of this 19th-century masterpiece.
Head toward the Koutoubia Mosque area to photograph the mosque’s minaret and enjoy a relaxing walk through the formal gardens; your guide will explain its history and architectural importance.
Arrive at the Majorelle/Musée Yves Saint Laurent complex; queue for tickets if needed and begin your visit to the vibrant Jardin Majorelle, the Berber Museum (optional), and the YSL Museum exhibition.
Lunch at Le Jardin (near the medina) for a calm garden setting and a menu of Moroccan and Mediterranean dishes — try the kefta tagine or a seasonal salad with fresh mint tea.
Return to the souks for an afternoon shopping and exploring session: visit the leather souk (near the Tanneries viewpoint), the metalworkers’ quarter, and stops at a traditional carpet cooperative to learn about weaving.
Take a short detour to the Maison de la Photographie to view historical images of Morocco and, if desired, climb to the rooftop terrace for sweeping views over the medina.
Enjoy a guided food tasting walk through Jemaa el-Fnaa’s surrounding alleys: sample fresh orange juice, msemen, local pastries, and small bites while learning about Moroccan ingredients and street-food culture.
Rest and refresh back at your riad; use the rooftop to watch the sun lower over the red city and prepare for an evening out.
Dinner reservation at Café des Épices or Nomad (if you prefer a modern rooftop setting) to sample signature dishes like lamb tajine or vegetable couscous and end with Moroccan mint tea or a dessert of almond briouat.
Return to Jemaa el-Fnaa square to experience its transformation at night; wander the stalls, listen to storytellers, and sample grilled skewers or sweets from the food market.
Optional: enjoy a drink and live music at Le Comptoir Darna (for a lively vibe) or a quieter tea on your riad’s terrace — reflect on the day’s highlights and confirm tomorrow’s pickup time for the Atlas Mountains trip.
Back at the riad: pack any items needed for the day trip tomorrow, set alarms, and get a good night’s rest after a full day exploring Marrakech’s palaces, gardens, and souks.
Wake up at your riad and enjoy a light breakfast on the rooftop (fresh orange juice, Moroccan bread, jam, and mint tea). Confirm pickup with your driver for the Atlas Mountains transfer and pack layers — mornings are crisp in December.
Meet your private driver/guide in the riad lobby; depart Marrakech toward the High Atlas (approx. 1-1.5 hours to Ourika, 1.5-2 hours to Imlil). Enjoy scenic highway views and a short comfort stop en route.
Arrive in Imlil (if chosen) and begin a guided walk from the village center with a local Berber guide; learn about traditional mountain life while walking through walnut and apple orchards toward a nearby hamlet.
If traveling to Ourika Valley instead, meet your local guide and take a gentle hike to the Setti Fatma waterfalls, passing small cafes and terrazzo gardens; stop for photos of the valley and river.
Visit a Berber family in their home for mint tea and homemade bread; your host will demonstrate daily life, traditional cooking methods, and perhaps a short demonstration of pottery or weaving.
Continue exploring the mountain trails with your guide — in Imlil this could be a mule track offering panoramic views of the High Atlas peaks; in Ourika you may climb to a viewpoint above the valley to take in sweeping vistas.
Lunch at a local mountain restaurant: suggestions include Kasbah du Toubkal (Imlil) for a terrace meal with mountain views or Restaurant Les Cascades (Ourika) for river-side seating and fresh tagine specialties.
After lunch, visit a cooperative producing argan oil (on the Ourika route) or stop at a local cooperative selling handmade carpets and silver jewellery to learn about crafts and support the community.
Optional short hike or mule ride: choose a 45-60 minute uphill stroll toward a higher viewpoint in Imlil (easy-moderate) or a gentle riverside walk in Ourika to see more local villages and terraced fields.
Begin the return drive toward Marrakech, enjoying late-afternoon light as the Atlas range recedes; pause briefly at a scenic lookout for last photos and a tea break if desired.
Arrive back in Marrakech and stop at the Majorelle/Musée Yves Saint Laurent complex if you missed it earlier (short external visit or rooftop tea at Le Jardin) — otherwise head straight to your riad to refresh.
Rest and freshen up at your riad; take advantage of rooftop views as the sun sets over the red city and review souvenirs or photos from the mountain day.
Dinner reservation at Al Fassia (Gueliz) for classic Moroccan cuisine prepared by women chefs — try the lamb mechoui or zaalouk starter, and finish with orange blossom tea or almond pastry.
If you have energy, stroll to Jemaa el-Fnaa for an evening reprise of the square’s sights and sounds or enjoy a relaxed mint tea at the riad while sorting photos and notes from the day.
Optional: arrange for a short visit by a local storyteller or musician at your riad for an intimate cultural experience, or simply rest and prepare for tomorrow’s early departure toward the Sahara.
Back in your room: lay out warm layers for the desert transfer tomorrow, confirm pickup time with your riad host (usually very early), and get a good night’s sleep after a full day in the Atlas Mountains.
Early wake-up at your riad in Marrakech; pack final items (warm layers, hat, toiletries) and enjoy a light breakfast arranged by the riad (tea, bread, jam) while your driver confirms departure.
Meet your private driver/guide in the riad lobby and depart Marrakech toward the Sahara; expect a long scenic drive through the High Atlas and over the Tizi n'Tichka pass with a brief comfort stop en route.
Stop in Ouarzazate for a restroom break and quick photo opportunity at Taourirt Kasbah; consider a short 20-30 minute visit to the kasbah’s exterior and the film studios district if time allows.
Continue across the Draa Valley, passing argan and palm groves; your guide will point out changing landscapes and landmarks, and offer commentary on Berber culture and caravan history.
Arrive at Ait Ben Haddou for a guided 45-60 minute stop to explore the UNESCO ksar, climb to the viewpoints above the village for sweeping photos, and visit a local café for mint tea if desired.
Depart Ait Ben Haddou and begin the cross-country drive toward Erfoud and the edge of the Sahara, passing through small towns; enjoy a picnic-style lunch en route (pre-arranged by your driver) or dine at a roadside restaurant.
Arrive in Erfoud / Rissani region; visit a fossil workshop in Erfoud to learn about the area’s geological past and browse hand-polished fossils and local crafts.
Drive to Merzouga village and stop at your desert accommodation (recommended: Kasbah Mohayut or Auberge Yasmina) to freshen up, store luggage, and meet the desert guides for the camel transfer to the dunes.
Mount camels for a 45-60 minute trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes toward your desert camp; ride across golden sand as the light softens and listen to your guide share nomadic stories.
Arrive at your desert camp (suggested: Luxury Merzouga Desert Camp or a well-reviewed Berber camp); settle into your private tent, enjoy hot mint tea, and watch the sun sink behind the dunes.
Short hike up a nearby dune for sunset photos and panoramic views; the guide will point out the silhouettes of camel trains and the dramatic color changes of the sand as twilight approaches.
Return to camp for a traditional Berber dinner served under the stars — sample tagine with seasonal vegetables or chicken, couscous, salads, and sweet pastries, accompanied by mint tea.
Enjoy an evening around the campfire with live Berber music (guembri and drums), storytelling, and the chance to chat with local nomads about desert life and astronomy.
Stargazing on the dune ridge or camp terrace — the low light pollution makes this an excellent opportunity to spot constellations and the Milky Way; camp staff can provide blankets and hot tea.
Retire to your heated/private tent for the night; tents typically include comfortable bedding and shared or private bathroom facilities — set an alarm if you wish to wake for a pre-dawn photo session.
Final practical check: confirm wake-up and camel pickup time with camp staff (common option: wake before sunrise for dune-top photos) and store any valuables before sleep.
Wake in your Merzouga desert camp; enjoy a simple breakfast of mint tea, fresh bread and dates while staff prepare your camel or 4x4 transfer for the return journey toward Erfoud and the High Atlas.
Depart the camp by 4x4 (recommended for a faster return) or remount camels for a short ride to Merzouga village; use this time to take final dune photos in the soft morning light.
Arrive in Merzouga village and stop at Auberge Yasmina or Kasbah Mohayut to freshen up, collect luggage, and meet your driver for the long drive west toward Todgha Gorge; pick up a takeaway coffee or orange juice for the road.
Drive through Rissani toward Erfoud with a stop in Erfoud to visit a fossil workshop where craftsmen demonstrate polishing techniques and you can browse unique regional souvenirs.
Continue the journey through Tinejdad and Alnif; pause at a roadside café for a short break and light snack — try a freshly made msemen or a glass of sweet mint tea to recharge.
Arrive at Todgha Gorge for a 45-60 minute visit: walk the dramatic narrow canyon floor, photograph the towering limestone walls, and if you like, visit a small local café along the river for a panoramic view.
Lunch at Auberge Le Festival or a nearby guesthouse restaurant in the Todgha area; enjoy a hearty tagine or grilled river trout with salads while resting before the longer drive back to Ait Ben Haddou.
Depart Todgha Gorge and head west through the Dadès Valley, watching the landscape transition to kasbah-dotted plains; your driver can stop at a viewpoint for photos of the curving 'Road of a Thousand Kasbahs.'
Arrive at Ait Ben Haddou for a 60-75 minute stop: explore the UNESCO-listed ksar, climb to the viewpoints for classic shots of the earthen citadel, and visit the local cooperative or Café Kasbah Chocolat for mint tea.
Depart Ait Ben Haddou and begin the crossing of the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka pass toward Marrakech; enjoy dramatic late-afternoon light and brief photo stops at panoramic outlooks.
Stop in Ouarzazate for a quick break and optional 20-30 minute visit to Taourirt Kasbah or a coffee at Le Jardin des Roses if time allows; stretch your legs before the final leg to Marrakech.
Continue the drive over the Tizi n’Tichka pass as the sun sets; have the driver pull briefly for dusk photos of the Atlas ridgeline and the red hues on the mountains.
Arrive in Marrakech and check into your riad (suggested: Riad Yasmine or Riad Dar Zellij). Freshen up and drop off luggage, then take a few minutes to unwind on the rooftop and review the week’s highlights.
Late dinner reservation (if desired) at Le Foundouk in the Medina for a relaxed wrap-up meal — try the lamb tajine or pastilla and finish with Moroccan mint tea or a dessert of almond briouat.
Return to your riad to rest; confirm tomorrow’s relaxed morning schedule for final souk shopping and departure, and set aside souvenirs and travel documents for an easier check-out.
Wake gently on your riad rooftop with a final Moroccan breakfast: fresh orange juice, msemen or khobz, jams, olives and steaming mint tea while you take in one last view over the medina.
Pack and check your room; settle any outstanding bills with the riad staff and ask them to arrange a taxi or private transfer to the airport for your preferred departure time.
Stroll from the riad toward the souks for calm morning shopping before crowds arrive — head first to the spice souk near Café des Épices to pick up saffron, ras el hanout, and preserved lemons.
Visit the leather souk and Tanneries viewpoint (if you missed it earlier) to browse handcrafted bags and babouches; stop at a leather workshop for a quick demo and to bargain politely for a small purchase.
Drop by a carpet cooperative (or a trusted shop such as Galerie 127 or a recommended cooperative) to learn about Berber weaving and, if desired, make a considered purchase with the guide’s translation help.
Coffee or mint tea break at Café des Épices or Le Jardin to relax, review receipts and confirm airport transfer details with the riad; take time to photograph any last medina scenes from a rooftop.
If you have small gift items left on your list, pop into the Souk Semmarine or the artisan stalls near Jemaa el-Fnaa for last-minute purchases like argan oil from an argan cooperative (La Maison de l'Argan).
Return to your riad to pack carry-on items, collect luggage, and check out; ask the riad to store any purchases that won’t fit in your hand luggage until departure if needed.
Enjoy a light lunch nearby if your schedule allows — options include Nomad for rooftop views and a quick plate or Café Clock for a relaxed camel burger or Moroccan salad before you leave.
Final rooftop moment: take a last look at Jemaa el-Fnaa from above, savoring a final cup of mint tea and reflecting on highlights from the Atlas, Sahara and souks.
Meet your pre-arranged taxi or driver in the riad lobby; confirm estimated travel time to Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) and ensure you have passports, boarding passes, and any necessary travel documents.
Depart for Marrakech Menara Airport (allow 20-40 minutes depending on traffic); use the drive to relax, do a last photo review on your phone, and say farewell to the red city.
Arrive at RAK: check in for your flight, drop checked luggage, clear security and browse the small airport shops for any final snacks or souvenirs.
If time allows before boarding, find a quiet spot in the departure lounge to review contact details for riad hosts and transport providers, and to download any photos or notes you want to keep offline.
Boarding and departure procedures: follow airline announcements, board when called, and keep your passport and boarding pass handy for final checks.
Depart Marrakech: relax on your flight home or onward, reflecting on a week of Marrakech medina rhythms, Atlas mountain air and Sahara stars — and make tentative plans to return.