Luxury Marrakech & Atlas Mountains - 7 Days

Day 1: Welcome to Morocco!

Welcome to Morocco! Arrive in Marrakech Menara International Airport. You'll be met by your driver and guide who will transfer you to the hotel for check-in. Relax and get some rest ahead of your busy week, or head out for a short city tour to get acquainted with the city. Dinner is included at your riad. 

Day 2: Sights and Souks of Marrakech

Enjoy breakfast at your riad, then head out for a full-day tour of the Ochre City. Start by visiting the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, then continue to the Bahia Palace and Saadian Tombs to see traditional Moroccan architecture and tile mosaics. Stop by the Mellah, or former Jewish Quarter, to learn about Morocco's little-known but significant Jewish heritage. 

Stop for a mid-day lunch on a terrace overlooking the spice markets. Try the tagine and refreshing mint tea, then head out for the afternoon to explore the souks, or markets, which spread through the winding alleyways of the medina. The shops sell everything from spices to clothing, household goods, and a variety of traditional Moroccan gifts and souvenirs. 

In the evening make your way to the sprawling Jemaa El-Fna to see a colorful medley of street performers, fortune-tellers, musicians, and food vendors. 

Day 3: Gardens and Spas of Marrakech

 

Start your day with a late wake-up and relaxed breakfast. Head out for another day of sightseeing, starting with the lush Majorelle Gardens. Wander around the colorful gardens, looking for hidden alcoves and enjoying the vibrant plants and small Berber Museum. From here head next door to the Yves Saint-Laurent Museum, which honors the global fashion icon's love for Marrakech and houses a permanent collection of the designer's best-known works. 

 

Finish your fashion-filled morning with a trip to 33 Majorelle, located next-door to the gardens and featuring a chic collection of clothes and art by trendy Moroccan designers. For lunch head to the Le Grand Cafe de la Poste, a posh venue frequented by well-to-do Moroccans. 

 

In the afternoon visit a luxury spa for a traditional hammam cleansing ritual. Hammam means "spreader of warmth", and you will feel this atmosphere when you walk into the spacious and ornate spa sanctuary. The quintessential Moroccan experience involves several steps of cleansing, mud masks, and a relaxing oil massage designed to purify and detox. Afterward, enjoy some downtime at the riad with a refreshing mint tea. 

Day 4: Tagine Time!

Opt for an early morning start and a hot air balloon ride above the palm oases and small Berber villages that surround Marrakech. 

Afterward, spend a leisurely morning exploring the city on your own. In the afternoon head to a cooking class to learn how to prepare a traditional Moroccan dish—Tagine, a thick stew of chicken and vegetables. Learn how to make the accompanying dishes, including Moroccan bread, fresh salad, and mint tea. End your class with a celebratory dinner to eat your own masterpiece, ending with a sweet dessert—almond paste cookies!

Day 5: Atlas Hiking and Overnight

Depart Marrakech by 9:00 A.M. for the 1.5-hour drive to the nearby Berber village of Imlil to meet your expert mountain guide who will accompany you throughout the day. Spend the day exploring rural life in the Atlas mountains on foot. Walking sticks, rental hiking boots, and a mule will be provided during the day for travelers needing assistance with the trekking. 

The hike is a moderately difficult 3-hour climb into the mountains, although it can be adjusted for difficulty and duration. Enjoy views of the snow-capped mountains and learn about the local culture and history as you hike. For lunch, settle in on the terrace of a family home for an incredible home-cooked meal with views of Mt. Toubkal. 

Return to Imlil on a 2-hour hike, then drive to your comfortable Atlas Mountains retreat in time for dinner. 

Day 6: Berber Cultural Immersion

Immerse yourself in the Berber culture as you visit a nearby village, tour local artisan shops and galleries, and join a local family for tea. Horseback rides, cooking classes, or other community visits can also be arranged. 

In the afternoon relax before dinner at the hotel. 

Day 7: Departure Day

Bid farewell to your driver and guide, who have by now become your life-long friends, then head to the airport for your connecting flight home. Safe travels!