Since you've just arrived, ease into Marrakech with a leisurely late-morning check-in at a charming riad such as Riad Yasmine or Riad Kheirredine, where you can freshen up and enjoy a mint tea on the rooftop terrace. After settling, take a gentle stroll to nearby Koutoubia Gardens for a peaceful walk among orange trees and views of the mosque's minaret-perfect for relaxed photos and acclimating before deeper Medina exploration later in the trip.
As the afternoon unfolds, wander toward the atmospheric Bahia Palace to admire its intricate courtyards and romantic gardens-an easy, low-energy way to soak in Moroccan craftsmanship and get gentle sunlight for photos. Follow this with a relaxed late-afternoon mint tea at Café des Épices overlooking the bustling spice square, then return to your riad for a quiet rooftop sunset while planning evening options like a short, nearby stroll to discover local halal dining.
As dusk falls, enjoy a romantic dinner at Le Jardin Secret's calmer courtyard restaurant (ask for a quieter corner) where Moroccan flavors are served with attentive, halal-friendly options; afterward wander hand-in-hand through the lantern-lit alleys to discover the live music and street performers near Place Jemaa el-Fna while keeping to the outer arcades for a gentler pace. Finish the night with a nightcap on your riad's rooftop or a moonlit stroll to Saadian Tombs's exterior gardens for peaceful views of the city skyline before returning to rest and prepare for tomorrow's Medina exploration.
Begin with a photo-friendly stroll through the atmospheric lanes of the Medina, stopping at the colorful stalls of the Souk Semmarine to watch artisans at work and hunt for handcrafted leather goods and ceramics; pause for a fragrant mint tea and a light halal snack at Café Clock for a local cultural introduction. Continue to the serene oasis of Jardin Majorelle, arriving early to enjoy the cobalt-blue villas and cactus gardens in soft morning light, then visit the adjacent Yves Saint Laurent Museum for a brief, elegant cultural contrast before returning to your riad to refresh for the afternoon.
After a morning of souks and Majorelle, take a relaxed walk to the atmospheric Ben Youssef Madrasa to admire its carved stucco and tiled courtyards, then cross into the quieter lanes to visit the intimate Maison de la Photographie for a charming collection of historical Moroccan images-perfect for couple portraits and storytelling. Finish with a late-afternoon respite at the rooftop of Café Terrasse des Épices (different vantage than morning coffee) for mint tea and pastries while watching the city's evening light settle over the medina before returning to your riad to refresh for dinner.
As dusk deepens, slip into the intimate atmosphere of Le Foundouk for a romantic halal-friendly dinner on their candlelit terrace, enjoying refined Moroccan plates and live Andalusian guitar. Afterward, take a relaxed, lantern-lit stroll to Place des Ferblantiers to browse artisan metalwork and then pause at Cafénéa (a quieter rooftop café) for a nightcap and rooftop views of the medina roofs and distant minarets before returning to your riad.
Set out early for a scenic drive to Imlil, where you'll start with a gentle guided walk through terraced fields and walnut groves toward the nearby Berber village of Aremd, pausing for views of the snow-dusted peaks and a welcoming mint tea in a family-run guesthouse. Continue with a short mule- or foot-led ascent to the panoramic hamlet of Toubkal Refuge viewpoint (no technical climbing required) for sweeping valley vistas, then descend to enjoy a wholesome halal-packed picnic by a mountain stream before returning to Imlil to explore a local cooperative selling handcrafted argan oil and woven goods.
After your mountain picnic and return toward Imlil, take a leisurely drive to the peaceful Setti Fatma waterfalls for a gentle 30-45 minute walk along the river, pausing to admire cascades and small cedar groves and enjoy photos of the valley. Continue with a stop at the cooperative-run argan oil women's cooperative near the road for a short demonstration and tasting of locally pressed oil and honey, then relax over a late-afternoon mint tea on the terrace of Kasbah du Toubkal (tea stop or viewpoint area) as the light softens and you head back toward Marrakech, carrying the calm of the High Atlas with you.
After returning from the valley, unwind with a cozy mountain-to-table dinner at Auberge La Source (or a similar family-run auberge) where you can savor halal slow-cooked tagine and seasonal vegetable dishes by the fireplace while listening to local Berber songs. Finish the evening with a short twilight stroll through the nearby village lanes to the viewpoint at Aït Souka for peaceful panoramic views of the illuminated valley, then enjoy a cup of hot mint tea under the stars before heading back to your riad in Marrakech, carrying the calm of the High Atlas into the night.
Leave Marrakech after an easy breakfast and enjoy the coastal drive arriving in Essaouira mid-morning to check into a charming riad such as Riad Chbanate or Dar Liouba, then stretch your legs with a relaxed walk along Skala du Port to admire the centuries-old seafront cannon bastions and the fishing boats in the harbor. Continue to the nearby Marché des Poissons at the port for lively scenes of fishermen and the chance to sample halal seafood preparations from local vendors, then wander the wind-swept Plage d'Essaouira for a peaceful stroll and photos of the kitesurfers before a light mint tea at a seaside café.
After checking in and your seaside stroll, wander the blue-and-white lanes to discover the atmospheric artisans of Rue laâlouj, popping into workshops to watch thuya wood carvers and try a personalized, halal-friendly souvenir purchase; pause for a relaxed seafood-free lunch or vegetarian tagine at Taros Terrace with sweeping harbor views. Later, take a gentle horse-and-carriage ride from Place Moulay el Hassan out toward the quieter stretch of Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah Museum gardens for a cultural interlude, then settle at Café del Mar Essaouira (or a calm rooftop café nearby) to watch the golden afternoon light over the ramparts while planning an easy evening by the beach.
As twilight settles, enjoy a seafood-free sunset dinner at La Table by Madada on a quieter terrace, where Moroccan-spiced vegetarian tagines and freshly prepared salads pair with local herbal teas in a romantic coastal setting. After dinner, take a leisurely moonlit walk along the ramparts toward Port Mogador to watch the lights on the fishing boats, then finish with a chilled mint tea or mocktail at Le Chalet de la Plage while listening to distant waves and planning a relaxed day of Essaouira exploration tomorrow.
Begin with a relaxed breakfast at Café Hqiba, then wander the quieter lanes toward Place des Alizés to watch local artisans weaving baskets and try a hands-on thuya wood carving demonstration at a nearby workshop. Continue with a gentle stroll to Rue Ibn Khaldoun to browse boutique galleries of contemporary Moroccan art, finishing with a seaside mint tea at Scala Cafe while watching fishermen ready their boats for the day's catch.
Lose yourselves in the medina's quieter corners with a guided tasting-and-craft stroll through Souk Jdid, sampling fresh argan honey and stopping at a family-run atelier to watch traditional carpet weaving. Continue to the lively Port de Pêche for close-up scenes of fishermen mending nets and to book a short, halal-friendly boat trip around the bay, then unwind with late-afternoon pastries and mint tea on the ramparts at Café Terrasse Taros (lower terrace) while watching kitesurfers carve the breeze along the coast.
As golden hour fades, enjoy a relaxed seafood-free dinner at Chez Sam or O'Bleu-both offer halal-friendly vegetarian tagines and fresh salads on tranquil terraces overlooking the medina roofs. After dinner, take a moonlit stroll along Boulevard de la Plage toward the illuminated old ramparts, pause at Galerie La Mouette for late-evening galleries or live acoustic sets when available, then finish with a calming mint tea at Café Atlas while listening to the distant surf and planning tomorrow's gentle coastal activities.
After a relaxed drive back from Essaouira, start your morning with a light breakfast and a wander through the lesser-known artisan lanes near Rue Bab Debbagh, watching tanners and dye workshops at work before popping into the intimate Ensemble Artisanal Sidi Ghanem for modern crafts and halal-friendly souvenir finds. Continue to the tranquil courtyard of Dar Si Said Museum to admire carved wood and textiles in a quieter museum setting, then pause for a restorative mint tea and a small plate of pastries at the shaded garden café of Le Jardin Secret (upper garden café) to ease into the city's pace before your afternoon hammam booking.
Ease into the afternoon with a leisurely stroll through Souk el-Khemis and the adjacent artisan quarter of Rue des Teinturiers, stopping to watch dyers and silversmiths at work and pick up a handcrafted textile or copper tray. Then unwind with a couples-friendly hammam experience at Les Bains de Marrakech (private duo treatment) followed by light refreshments in their calm lounge before heading up to the rooftop bar of Café des Épices (alternate rooftop terrace) to enjoy a sunset mocktail and panoramic views over the medina as you plan a relaxed evening.
As twilight falls, wander toward the elegant courtyard of Riad Be for a quiet pre-dinner drink before heading to Nomad's rooftop for a contemporary halal-friendly dinner with panoramic views of the medina and Atlas foothills. After dinner, take a gentle post-meal stroll through the illuminated alleys to Place Rahba Lakdima to browse artisan stalls selling ceramics and amber, then finish your night with a soothing private tea service and soothing foot reflexology at Hammam de la Rose (private couples room available) to relax before tomorrow's departure.
Enjoy a slow, satisfying final morning by browsing the elegant ateliers of Rue Mouassine, where you can pick up last-minute halal-friendly gifts like argan oil sets and hand-stitched slippers, then pause for a relaxed breakfast of msemen and fresh orange juice at Café des Nattes. Before checkout, stroll through the peaceful courtyard of Foundouk El Attarine to admire its artisan displays and sip a final cup of mint tea, then arrange a comfortable private airport transfer through your riad to ensure a stress-free departure.
Spend a relaxed afternoon wandering the elegant craft boutiques of Rue Sidi Abdelaziz and the nearby cooperative at Cooperative Talaa Kebira to pick up last-minute halal beauty sets and handmade textiles, then enjoy a light vegetarian lunch of zaalouk and fresh salads at the peaceful courtyard cafe of Le Jardin Secret (lower café). Allow time for a final slow tea and date tasting at Maison de l'Argan before returning to your riad to pack, settle the bill, and meet your pre-booked private transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport-aim to depart the riad 2-2.5 hours before your flight for a calm, stress-free journey.
For a relaxed final evening, enjoy a calm farewell dinner at Café Clock Rooftop where you can savor halal-inspired Moroccan fusion dishes and watch the medina roofs glow as dusk deepens. After dinner, take a gentle moonlit stroll through the peaceful gardens of Le Jardin Secret (upper garden paths not previously visited in the itinerary) or linger at Place des Épices for a final cup of hot mint tea and quiet people-watching before returning to your riad to collect luggage and meet your pre-booked airport transfer.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Riad Yasmine (overnight/stay) | $80 |
| Riad Kheirredine (overnight/stay) | $140 |
| Koutoubia Gardens | Free |
| Bahia Palace (entry) | $8 |
| Café des Épices (drink/snack) | $6 |
| Le Jardin Secret (restaurant / dinner) | $25 |
| Place Jemaa el-Fna (evening stroll / performers) | Free |
| Saadian Tombs (exterior views) | Free |
| Medina / Souk Semmarine (strolling / shopping) | Free |
| Café Clock (snack / mint tea) | $7 |
| Jardin Majorelle (entry) | $12 |
| Yves Saint Laurent Museum (entry) | $10 |
| Ben Youssef Madrasa (entry) | $5 |
| Maison de la Photographie (entry) | $4 |
| Café Terrasse des Épices (drink/snack) | $6 |
| Le Foundouk (dinner) | $30 |
| Place des Ferblantiers (shopping stroll) | Free |
| Cafénéa (rooftop drink) | $5 |
| Guided Atlas Mountains day trip (Imlil / light hiking, per person) | $45 |
| Mule or porter short ascent (optional, per person) | $10 |
| Picnic (halal-packed) in Atlas (per person) | $8 |
| Setti Fatma waterfalls (access / light walk) | Free |
| Argan oil women's cooperative (demonstration / tasting) | Free |
| Kasbah du Toubkal (tea stop viewpoint) | $4 |
| Auberge La Source (dinner) | $18 |
| Aït Souka viewpoint (twilight stroll) | Free |
| Private transfer Marrakech → Essaouira (per person, shared transfer average) | $25 |
| Riad Chbanate (overnight/stay) | $70 |
| Dar Liouba (overnight/stay) | $65 |
| Skala du Port (walk / ramparts) | Free |
| Marché des Poissons (market visit / snack) | $5 |
| Plage d'Essaouira (beach walk) | Free |
| Taros Terrace (lunch/drink) | $12 |
| Horse-and-carriage ride (short, per person) | $10 |
| Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah Museum (entry) | $3 |
| Café del Mar Essaouira (drink/snack) | $6 |
| La Table by Madada (dinner) | $22 |
| Le Chalet de la Plage (drink/mocktail) | $6 |
| Café Hqiba (breakfast) | $6 |
| Place des Alizés (artisan viewing) | Free |
| Thuya wood carving workshop (hands-on demo, per person) | $8 |
| Rue Ibn Khaldoun galleries (browsing) | Free |
| Scala Cafe (seaside tea) | $5 |
| Souk Jdid guided tasting-and-craft stroll (per person) | $20 |
| Port de Pêche short boat trip (halal-friendly, per person) | $18 |
| Café Terrasse Taros (lower terrace drink) | $6 |
| Chez Sam / O'Bleu (dinner) | $18 |
| Galerie La Mouette (gallery / live set) | Free |
| Café Atlas (tea) | $4 |
| Ensemble Artisanal Sidi Ghanem (shopping) | Free |
| Dar Si Said Museum (entry) | $6 |
| Le Jardin Secret (upper garden café snack) | $7 |
| Souk el-Khemis / Rue des Teinturiers (artisan stroll) | Free |
| Les Bains de Marrakech (couples hammam private duo treatment) | $70 |
| Café des Épices (alternate rooftop mocktail) | $7 |
| Riad Be (pre-dinner drink) | $8 |
| Nomad (rooftop dinner) | $28 |
| Place Rahba Lakdima (shopping stroll) | Free |
| Hammam de la Rose (private foot reflexology / tea service) | $30 |
| Rue Mouassine (atelier shopping) | Free |
| Café des Nattes (breakfast) | $6 |
| Foundouk El Attarine (courtyard visit / mint tea) | $5 |
| Private airport transfer (per person, shared/private avg) | $18 |
| Rue Sidi Abdelaziz / Cooperative Talaa Kebira (shopping) | Free |
| Le Jardin Secret (lower café lunch) | $12 |
| Maison de l'Argan (tea and date tasting) | $6 |
| Café Clock Rooftop (farewell dinner) | $20 |
| Le Jardin Secret (evening garden paths) | Free |
| Place des Épices (final mint tea) | $4 |
| Estimated Total (per person) | $986 |