4 Days in Marrakech: Itinerary for an unforgettable trip

Why visit Marrakech

If you’re looking for a short but unforgettable escape, Marrakech is the perfect destination, vibrant, sunny, and full of culture, just a few hours from the UK. We booked our 3-night Marrakech tour through Voyage Privé, which included a mix of city exploration, desert adventure, and authentic Moroccan experiences.

Flights were booked separately with Ryanair for £140, which included priority boarding and hand luggage, making the trip both affordable and easy to plan. Here’s a full breakdown of our itinerary and what to expect from this dreamy long weekend in Morocco.

Marrakech itinerary at a glance

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech

We landed in Marrakech in the afternoon and were greeted by our local representative from Sahara Tours International, who arranged our transfer to Riad Dar Massai, a charming, peaceful riad tucked away in the heart of the Medina. We were warmly welcomed by the host, and to our surprise, we had the entire riad to ourselves that night, which made the stay feel even more special.

After settling in and freshening up, we asked our host to help us call a taxi to Jardin Majorelle, one of Marrakech’s most iconic attractions.

Originally designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé, the garden is a colourful oasis of cobalt blue walls, cacti, bamboo groves, and vibrant flowers. The contrast of deep blues and lush greens against the desert light is mesmerising, a peaceful escape from the bustle of the Medina. We spent about two hours wandering through the garden, taking photos, and visiting the YSL Museum next door, which offers a fascinating look into the designer’s connection with Marrakech.

After exploring, we strolled around the nearby area filled with small boutiques, cafés, and art shops. We ended up dining at Le Majorelle Rooftop & Concept Store, where we had our first Moroccan meal overlooking the streets below, fresh tagine, couscous, and mint tea. This meal cost 515 Moroccan Dirhams (MAD), which is approximately £42 in British Pounds (GBP)

By evening, we headed back to our riad and treated ourselves to a last-minute massage, which was absolutely incredible, the perfect way to unwind after a long day of travelling and exploring.

We had also asked our host earlier to prepare dinner for us, and it turned out to be such a memorable experience. The table was beautifully set, and we were served a three-course meal with a thoughtful personalised birthday message to finish.

If you plan to dine in the riad, make sure to let your host know in advance, as everything is freshly cooked. The meal felt so intimate and homely, and the portions were so generous that we could barely finish them. It was the perfect, warm welcome to our first night in Marrakech.

💡 Travel Tip: Keep a few dirhams (MAD) handy for your local city tax, which is usually paid directly at each hotel or riad upon arrival.

Day 2: Sunrise hot air balloon & Agafay Desert stay

Our adventure started bright and early with a 4:30 AM pick-up for our hot air balloon experience over the Agafay Desert. When we arrived at the launch site, we were welcomed into large Bedouin-style tents for a short briefing with complimentary drinks. It was still chilly before sunrise, but they thoughtfully provided blankets to keep everyone warm.

Before taking off, we had the chance to watch the crew inflate the balloon, which was such a fascinating process to see up close. Our basket fit around 15–20 people, and once we gently lifted off the ground, the excitement really hit.

As the balloon rose higher, we watched the sunrise unfold over the vast desert landscape, the sky painted in soft pinks, golds, and oranges. It was absolutely breathtaking and easily one of the most peaceful moments of the trip.

For those who want to capture the memory, they offer drone footage for an extra $30, which we did and it was totally worth it. The aerial video turned out incredible, with sweeping shots of the balloon floating gracefully over the desert.

After landing, we were treated to a traditional Moroccan breakfast at the base: mint tea, fresh bread, honey, and pancakes before heading back to our riad by 10 AM for a quick rest before continuing our desert adventure.

By late morning, we made our way back out to the Agafay Desert, where we checked into White Camel Lodge, a beautiful glamping-style camp surrounded by rocky dunes and golden desert views. The setting felt both luxurious and peaceful, with stylish tents, open-air lounges, and panoramic views stretching across the desert.

Lunch was included in our tour, and it was the perfect way to settle in and soak up the atmosphere.

The resort has several pools overlooking the landscape, but since none of them were heated, we decided to skip the swim and simply relax by the deck instead, enjoying the stillness and endless horizon.

Later in the afternoon, we joined a sunset camel ride, slowly trekking across the dunes as the sky shifted from soft orange to deep pink. It truly felt like stepping into a postcard.

As night fell, we gathered under the stars for dinner and live music. The vibe was warm and intimate with soft Moroccan tunes in the background, and a cool desert breeze all around. We were served traditional dishes like tagine, but after a few days of tagine and couscous, I opted for a wrap and chips and it hit the spot!

For dessert, we went for something simple — a plate of fresh fruit — and asked if we could enjoy it by the fire pit under the stars. It was such a relaxing way to end the night.

The next morning, we woke up early for a short ATV ride through the dunes, stopping midway for a quick Moroccan tea break in the middle of the desert. It was such a simple yet unforgettable moment, the perfect way to wrap up our Agafay Desert stay before heading back to Marrakech.

Day 3: Back to Marrakech & Souk exploration

After breakfast at the desert camp, we were picked up at 1 PM and returned to Marrakech, checking back into Riad Dar Massai for our final night.

At 3 PM, we were picked up and met by our local guide for a half-day guided tour of the Medina and souks, a maze of colourful stalls, spices, lanterns, and handmade goods. It’s chaotic but magical. You’ll want to bring comfortable shoes and a sense of curiosity.

After our tour, we spent some time wandering around Jemaa el-Fnaa, Marrakech’s famous main square. It’s a lively mix of sounds, colours, and energy, and while it’s definitely worth experiencing, it can feel a bit overwhelming at first. You’ll likely have people calling out to you, trying to sell things or offer directions, and some might even start following you for a few steps. It’s all part of the hustle and bustle, but it can be intense for first-time visitors, so be prepared for a bit of sensory overload.

💡 Travel Tip – Do’s & Don’ts in Jemaa el-Fnaa:
✅ Do keep an open mind and enjoy the atmosphere, it’s one of Marrakech’s most iconic spots.
✅ Do keep small change handy for street food or tipping musicians.
🚫 Don’t take photos of the monkeys or snake charmers, their handlers will demand payment, and it can sometimes turn uncomfortable.
🚫 Don’t engage too long with overly persistent sellers — a polite “no, thank you” and walking away works best.

In the evening, we had a traditional Moroccan dinner at Restaurant Dar Nejjarine, a hidden gem with live music, candlelit tables, and beautifully tiled interiors, the perfect way to end the day.

Day 4: Half-day trip to Ourika valley & hiking Atlas Mountains

On our last day, we opted for a half-day trip to Ourika Valley, which we added as part of our tour package. The valley sits about an hour and a half from Marrakech, making it an easy and popular escape from the city’s bustle.

Our first stop was a local spice and souvenir shop, where we were shown different Moroccan herbs, oils, and teas. It’s a quick but interesting stop, though be prepared for a little sales pressure if you’re not planning to buy anything.

We then continued the scenic drive through the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, passing through Berber villages, rivers, and cascading waterfalls. The change in scenery was stunning, a refreshing blend of nature and traditional Moroccan life.

When we reached the valley, we opted for the hike up the Atlas Mountains, which turned out to be absolutely beautiful but more challenging than expected! It’s a medium-level hike, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a small bottle of water. Along the trail, we passed local stalls selling handmade rugs, jewellery, and souvenirs before reaching viewpoints overlooking the valley.

One thing to note, we didn’t have the option to choose where to eat for lunch. The tour guide took us to a restaurant he knew along the way, rather than one in the village itself. While the food was decent, we would have loved the chance to eat by the riverside or in a local Berber café instead for a more authentic experience.

We returned to Marrakech by the late afternoon, just in time to collect our bags and head to the airport for our evening flight home, tired, sun-soaked, and completely in love with Morocco’s charm.

Travel tips for Marrakech

• Bring cash: Some restaurants and taxis don’t take cards.
• Dress respectfully: Loose, breathable clothing is best for comfort and culture.
• Stay hydrated: Even in winter, Marrakech can be warm and dry.
• Book activities early: Popular experiences like the Agafay hot air balloon and Ourika Valley trips sell out fast.
• Allow airport time: Marrakech Airport can be slow at security, so arrive at least 2.5 hours before your flight.

Final thoughts

Overall, our 3-night trip to Marrakech was an incredible experience, from watching the sunrise over the Agafay Desert to wandering through the Medina’s souks and hiking in the Atlas Mountains. What made it especially stress-free was that everything was booked and organised for us through the tour. All the transfers were seamless, and we never had to worry about timing, directions, or logistics, which made it a really smooth experience.

That said, if we were to visit Marrakech again, we’d definitely stay a bit longer, with at least five days, and plan it ourselves. Doing it DIY would give us more flexibility to choose where we stay, what we eat, and how we spend our time. With the tour, we didn’t actually know our full accommodation details until arrival, and we sometimes wished we could choose our own local restaurants or have more time to relax between excursions.

Still, for a short getaway, the tour was perfect; it gave us a taste of everything Marrakech has to offer: culture, adventure, and relaxation all in one. But next time, we’ll take it slower, explore at our own pace, and savour a few extra days under the Moroccan sun.

Ready to plan your own Marrakech adventure?

If this itinerary has inspired you to plan your own escape to the Red City, I highly recommend checking out Voyage Privé’s Marrakech & Agafay Desert Experience.

It’s not the same package we booked, but it’s perfectly curated for a 5-7-night adventure that combines the magic of Marrakech, a sunrise hot air balloon ride, and a luxurious night under the stars in the Agafay Desert. Everything is organised for you from airport transfers and local guides to your desert camp stay, making it completely stress-free from start to finish.

Prefer to plan it yourself? You can easily DIY this trip too! Visit our curated travel deal flight from Liverpool to Marrakech for December 2025 from £148 per person, perfect if you’re looking for a budget-friendly winter sun escape. Pair it with a few nights in a riad and a desert day trip, and you’ve got your own mini Moroccan adventure for less.