Meet Morocco: 10 Days in Marrakesh, Essaouira, the Atlas Mountains, and the Agafay Desert

Overview

Get to know all sides of Marrakesh during this full day of free time and open adventures. For the early riser — or the avid adrenaline seeker — a free day could mean starting early with an optional hot air balloon experience. Why not watch the sun rise as you soar above red clay roofs, with views of the city walls, snow-capped Atlas Mountains, and lush palm groves? Should you opt in to this once-in-a-lifetime ride, you’ll enjoy traditional Moroccan breakfast in a Berber tent afterward. Whether or not you choose this option, the day is entirely yours. You can explore your favorite neighborhood, tuck in to a leisurely meal, or shop at leisure, though you also have ample options for add-on experiences. Today, you can participate in a sidecar riding adventure of roughly an hour and a half, touring the city in style. You can alternatively — or additionally — take a guided tour of the Majorelle Garden and adjacent Yves Saint Laurent Museum with a local expert guide, or visit the city’s Secret Garden: an Islamic garden tethered to an ancient palace. Speaking of palaces, the El Badi Palace and Saadian Tombs likewise rank among the best things to do in the city, so you can take a guided tour, if you so choose. If you’re interested in the city’s artistry, you can also participate in a half-day rug-making workshop with Marrakesh residents, or visit the Dar El Bacha Museum, followed by a gastronomic tasting experience at the museum’s restaurant. Regardless of how you structure your day, you’re in for a treat; Marrakesh makes that promise. (Breakfast)

Highlights

Accommodations