Marrakech Stopover Explorer: Imperial Streets & Sahara Desert Adventure

Your detailed trip plan

A suggested sequence — every flight, hotel and day can be changed.

• 1Destinations
• 1Accommodation
• 2Transfers

1. 31 Mar

   Marrakech

   Stay from
   

   • Morocco
   • 3 nights

   Marrakech, often called the “Red City” for its terracotta-hued walls and buildings, is a vibrant gateway to Morocco that blends ancient traditions with modern energy. At its heart lies the medina, a maze of narrow alleys, riads with hidden courtyards, and lively souks where the scent of spices, leather, and incense fills the air. The city’s rhythmic pulse is most palpable in Jemaa el-Fnaa, the main square, where street performers, storytellers, and food stalls take over every evening, turning the space into an open-air theater of Moroccan life. History and architecture enthusiasts will find plenty to explore. The Koutoubia Mosque, with its iconic minaret, is a landmark visible from many corners of the city. Nearby, the Bahia Palace showcases intricate stucco work, painted ceilings, and tranquil gardens that hint at Marrakech’s royal past. The Saadian Tombs, rediscovered in the early 20th century after being sealed for centuries, offer a glimpse into the opulence of the Saadian dynasty through elaborately decorated burial chambers. Marrakech also has a softer, more serene side. The Majorelle Garden, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent, is a lush botanical retreat with cobalt-blue buildings, exotic plants, and shaded paths that provide a peaceful escape from the bustle of the medina. Outside the city, the landscapes shift quickly: within a short drive you can ride camels in the palm groves of the Palmeraie, visit Berber villages in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, or plan day trips to waterfalls and desert-like plains. For travelers, Marrakech offers a rich sensory experience and a variety of stays, from budget hostels to luxury riads with rooftop terraces overlooking the city’s rooftops and minarets. The local cuisine—tagines, couscous, pastilla, and freshly squeezed orange juice—adds another layer to the journey, best enjoyed in small neighborhood eateries or on rooftop restaurants at sunset. Whether you come for shopping, history, photography, or simply to wander and get lost, Marrakech promises an immersive introduction to the colors and culture of Morocco.
2. 31 Mar

   Riad dar Ourika & SPA

   3 nights
   

   ★★★★ 9.2 Booking.com · 1,179 reviews

   • RAK, Marrakech
   • Budget Double Room
   • WITH BREAKFAST
3. 01 Apr

   Marrakech City Tour: Private Custom-Made

   Experience
   

   • 4 hours - 8 hours

   Get a feel of Marrakech and enjoy this personalized door to door Marrakech city tour. Explore the ancient city walls, the splendid palaces with their Moorish iconic architecture and discover the prestigious Majorelle Garden, with its French-influenced architecture and connection to the French designer Yves Saint Laurent. Enjoy a genuine guided walk in the 9th century Old Medina with the famous Djemaa El Fna square and Souks, an open air theatre that always seduces its visitors. Your multilingual driver and expert guide will be at your entire service to assist you and to ensure you discover the best of Marrakech. You will be picked up from your hotel in a brand new, air-conditioned minivan and dropped off to visit each monument planned in the discovery of Marrakech.

   Additional information

   • Specialized infant seats are available
   • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
   • Please note that YSL Musuem is closed on Wednesdays.

   Itinerary

   You will start your door to door tour with a visit of the prestigious Majorelle garden, a calming retreat near, and yet so far from the bustling city, sheltered from time by high earthen walls. You will explore its intriguing history , learn about its French-influenced architecture and connection to the iconic French designer Yves Saint Laurent and the famous painter/botanist Jacques Majorelle, amble along shady lanes, discover exotic plants of dreamy origin, walk past refreshing, burbling streams and pools filled with water lilies and lotus flowers. Duration: 45 minutes. Ticket not included.

   After that, you will head to the Royal Kasbah in the southern part of the ancient medina of Marrakech. Built by Sultan Almohad Mansour al-Yacoub, it is the site of "El Mansouria" (the  big mosque of the kasbah) and the Saadian Tombs. You will visit the Saadian tombs, discovered and restored recently in 1917. Because of the beauty of their decoration, these tombs are a major attraction for the visitors of Marrakech. It is one of the few remaining vestiges of the Saadian dynasty who reigned over the golden age of Marrakech between 1524 and 1659. Duration: 30 minutes. Ticket not included.

   Continue to the most beautiful palaces and monuments of Marrakech, the Bahia Palace. Built in the late 19th century, the name literally means "brilliance" and was intended to be the greatest palace of its time. The best workers and artisans of the country have worked continuously for six years (1894-1900) to achieve it. Duration: 1 hour. Ticket not included.

   With your expert certified tour guide by your side, appreciate a genuine walk through Marrakech old city. Explore the hidden and authentic side of the ancient city walled medina of Marrakech, stroll along some of the oldest quarter and discover the medieval way of life of its inhabitants and their daily occupation. Fall in love with the towering minaret, intricately carved archways, splendid Moorish iconic architecture and ornate mosques and walk in the souks at the famous Djemaa El Fna square where tightly packed stalls are exhibiting exotic goods and intriguing crafts from Morocco’s past. Duration: 1 hour.

   Built in the 14th century, this historic Islamic school located in the heart of Marrakech, was once the largest Islamic school in North Africa and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Duration: 45 minutes. Ticket not included.

   A museum entirely devoted to the work of the legendary fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent in Marrakech, Morocco. (Closed on Wednesdays) Duration: 30 minutes. Ticket not included.
4. 02 Apr

   Agafay Desert Dinner Show with Quad Bike and Sunset Camel Ride

   Experience
   

   • 5.5 hours

   Pick up at the agreed point around 03.00 pm. A short optional stop on the way to visit a women's cooperative *shopping not obligatory* Depending on the group's preferences, you may take a break to use the restrooms and enjoy some tea Enjoy a scenic drive to the Agafay Desert, soaking in the beautiful landscape along the way. Quad biking: Upon arrival, hop on a tour with the quad bike for an exhilarating ride through the desert dunes. Camel ride: Experience the tranquility of the desert on a peaceful camel ride as the sun begins to set. Dinner and Show: Return to the campsite for a traditional Moroccan dinner accompanied by live music and cultural performances. Return to Marrakech: After an enchanting evening, you'll be transferred back to your accommodation in Marrakech

   Additional information

   • Wheelchair accessible
   • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
   • Public transportation options are available nearby
   • Specialized infant seats are available
   • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
   • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
   • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

   Itinerary

   Experience an enchanting evening in the Agafay Desert with a thrilling quad bike ride and a serene camel excursion. Afterward, immerse yourself in Moroccan culture with a captivating dinner show featuring traditional music and dance performances. Indulge in a delightful feast of authentic Moroccan cuisine under the starlit sky, creating memories to cherish for a lifetime Pick up at the agreed point around 03.00 pm. A short optional stop on the way to visit a women's cooperative *shopping not obligatory* Depending on the group's preferences, you may take a break to use the restrooms and enjoy some tea Enjoy a scenic drive to the Agafay Desert, soaking in the beautiful landscape along the way. Quad biking: Upon arrival, hop on a tour with the quad bike for an exhilarating ride through the desert dunes. Camel ride: Experience the tranquility of the desert on a peaceful camel ride as the sun begins to set. Dinner and Show: Return to the campsite for a traditional Moroccan dinner accompanied by live music and cultural performances. Return to Marrakech: After an enchanting evening, you'll be transferred back to your accommodation in Marrakech