From the stunning palaces and vibrant souks of Marrakech to the lush, secluded valleys of the Atlas Mountains, Morocco captivates you from the moment you arrive. The warm culture, delectable local cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes have us returning to Morocco time and time again; it truly feels like our second home! However, what initially attracted us were not just the shimmering desert sands, snow-capped mountain peaks, or coastal forts, but the incredible accommodations. Where else can you spend the night in a luxurious riad reminiscent of 1001 Nights or stay in an extravagant hillside kasbah featuring private plunge pools and breathtaking views?
Morocco is the ultimate destination for a luxurious holiday that blends rich culture, exquisite dining, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. For first-time visitors, we recommend starting your journey in Marrakech and exploring the nearby Atlas Mountain valleys. This introduction to the country requires minimal travel time and offers a diverse array of experiences—all while staying at some of the most prestigious hotels in Morocco.
The prospect of traveling to Morocco for the first time may feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to arranging transportation if you are not fluent in Darija or French. To enjoy the ultimate luxurious holiday in Morocco with reduced hassle, consider booking through a specialized tour operator like Original Travel. They offer personalized, tailor-made trips to this incredible country. We have traveled both independently and on private tours and found that having someone else handle the logistics was pure bliss!
To kick off your luxury holiday in Marrakech, we’ve crafted the perfect itinerary just for you!
Luxury Marrakech Itinerary Overview
Days 1 – 5: Marrakech
Days 5 – 7: Ourika Valley
Days 7 – 9: Imlil
Day 9: Time to head home
Day 1: Arrive in Marrakech
Arrive at Marrakech Menara Airport and transfer to your hotel. Most flights from the UK arrive in the evening, allowing you to enjoy a relaxing dinner before settling in for the night, ready for the adventures ahead.
Stay at La Maison Arabe for a truly luxurious experience that avoids the pretentiousness often found in high-end hotels. Positioned on the edge of the medina (old town), it offers easy access to the city’s attractions. This beautiful riad-hotel features a labyrinth of well-lit passageways, salons, and courtyards, with rooms and suites to cater to various preferences. Don’t miss their exquisite hammam! The standout feature is the exceptional service, which strikes a perfect balance between professionalism and warmth.
Eat at Les Trois Saveurs, the enchanting poolside restaurant located at La Maison Arabe. Here, you can savor delightful French, Asian, and Moroccan dishes (be sure to book a table in advance!). It’s unequivocally the best dining experience we’ve had in Marrakech, with musicians serenading diners with Arab-Andalusian lute and guitar music to add to the ambiance. Don’t forget to visit the jazz bar for cocktails later!
Day 2 – Palaces and Fortune Tellers
Discover the Palaces and Museums of Marrakech today. Don’t fret about getting lost; it’s part of the adventure! You’ll find friendly locals ready to guide you back to the main square, making it easier to navigate. While numerous attractions are on offer, there won’t be enough time to see them all. We recommend visiting the Musée des Confluences at Dar el Bacha and the Bahia Palace for their stunning architecture and intricate tile work. Also, be sure to check out the Medersa Ben Youseff, once the largest Islamic college in the city, showcasing remarkable craftsmanship and history. If time permits, the Maison de la Photographie offers fascinating historical photographs of life in Morocco.
In the evening, explore Djemaa el Fna, the iconic main square that truly comes alive at night with its busy markets, fortune tellers, and performers. It can be overwhelming initially, so start with a drink at Le Grand Balcon du Café Glacier for a stunning view of the happenings below.
Eat at Nomad, a popular fusion restaurant in the medina near the square, boasting a fantastic rooftop terrace and lively atmosphere at night. Make sure to reserve a table ahead of time, and don’t miss out on their famous orange cake!
Read More: Best Restaurants in Marrakech
Day 3 – Traditional Cooking Class
Your most challenging decision today will be choosing between chocolate crepes or cinnamon pastries for breakfast. Why not indulge in both—you’re on vacation, after all! Plus, you’ll need the energy for the day’s activities.
One of our favorite activities in Marrakech is joining a cooking class to immerse ourselves in Moroccan cuisine. This morning, we suggest you learn to prepare a tagine and uncover the secret recipes behind the delightful dinners you’ve been enjoying. Following instructions from the Dada (traditional Moroccan cook) at La Maison Arabe is an entertaining experience that reveals how integral food is to daily life here. If you’re short on time but still want to cook, try the Express Cooking Class at La Maison Arabe, which lasts only an hour (excluding eating time!). Yes, you can cook a tagine in just an hour!
In the afternoon, head to the souks for some shopping, practicing your haggling skills with the friendly vendors. You might come across colorful babouches or distinctive Moroccan pottery. Once you’ve had your fill of the markets, enjoy a refreshing drink at the rooftop at Kosybar in Place des Ferblantiers, a perfect spot to relax and watch the world go by, with views of the crumbling Badi Palace walls where storks nest in season.
Eat at Le Trou Au Mur, a newer addition to Marrakech’s dining scene, just a short distance from the Ben Youseff Medersa. Here, you can try traditional Marrakchi dishes like tride and homemade donuts which you can fill with your choice of fillings—an exciting twist!
Read More: How to Navigate the Souks in Marrakech
Day 4 – Hot Air Ballooning
Start your day with an early morning private hot air balloon flight, floating above Berber villages, vast valleys, and dry wadis with the spectacular Atlas Mountains as your backdrop. From this vantage point, you can truly appreciate the breathtaking colors of the landscape and enjoy the sunrise illuminating the plains below. Once you land, a traditional breakfast awaits you in a Berber tent before you return to your hotel. A hot air balloon ride in Marrakech is one of the most unforgettable experiences we’ve ever had in Morocco—a unique way to take in the Red City!
Return to the hotel to gather your swimming gear and a good book before taking La Maison Arabe’s complimentary shuttle to their stunning casbah gardens country club. Just a few moments from the bustling city center, this tranquil oasis is the perfect spot to unwind, take a swim, or grab a bite to eat at the on-site restaurant.
Eat at La Trattoria, an all-time favorite for its incredible poolside setting and a ceiling adorned with exotic Moroccan lanterns. On clear nights, the roof opens up to a canopy of stars.
Read More: Tipping in Morocco – Our Top Tips
Day 5 – Off to the Ourika Valley
After a leisurely breakfast, embark on a scenic drive south with your driver to the lush Ourika Valley for a day of luxury and perhaps a bit of adventure! Just an hour away from the city, it feels like a world apart.
Stay at Kasbah Bab Ourika, arguably the most beautifully situated accommodation in the country. Breathe in the aromatic scents of the orange and lemon groves below, and admire the craftsmanship of the traditionally designed kasbah. While various room types are available, we especially recommend one of the infinity pool suites nestled at the bottom of the gardens for a quintessential luxury experience.
Explore the exquisite gardens and enjoy stunning views of the Atlas Mountain foothills that surround the property while sipping homemade lemonade in a hidden, tranquil nook of the grounds.
Eat at the Kasbah, your best option in the area, where you can enjoy meals on an enchanting terrace illuminated by lanterns under the starry night sky.
Day 6 – Saffron Farms & Berber Villages
Today is dedicated to exploring the Ourika Valley, connecting with local residents, and embarking on a journey through a lesser-known part of Morocco!
Start your half-day private tour at the local Berber market at Oftnine, where you can wander without feeling pressure or discomfort. The atmosphere is completely different from Marrakech. Engage with local farmers who have made the trek down from the mountains to sell their goods, discovering their lives in this beautiful region. Next, visit the Nectarome Botanical Gardens, where much of the soap and shampoo found in Moroccan hotels originates! Walk through the herb gardens and enjoy mint tea with a twist in the pavilion.
Continue your journey through the valley to Paradis du Safran, an ecological saffron farm run by an energetic Swiss woman. Here, explore the gardens and brave the barefoot trail, followed by a DIY foot spa using herbs from the garden. Before leaving, savor some saffron-flavored mint tea and bread dipped in saffron cream—a delicious treat!
Your final stop for the day is the Berber Eco Museum in Tafza, a traditional pottery village in the valley. This restored kasbah showcases rugs, musical instruments, and pots that offer insight into mountain life. Your young guide will keep you entertained and speaks excellent English, making the visit enjoyable.
Read More: 25 Most Instagrammable Places in Morocco
Day 7 – Into the Mountains
Enjoy a final breakfast on the terrace before transferring with your driver to the stunning Imlil Valley, inhabited by Berber villages and a launch point for climbing Toubkal, the tallest mountain in North Africa. The drive takes less than two hours and showcases picturesque landscapes.
Stay at the glamorous Kasbah Tamadot, a luxury retreat in the Atlas Mountains that is part of Sir Richard Branson’s renowned collection. This kasbah is known for its lavish suites, picturesque grounds, and exceptional service! We love the secret courtyard pools filled with rose petals and the option to enjoy burgers with your Champagne!
Spend your afternoon exploring the extensive gardens, taking refreshing dips in the magnificent infinity pool, or working up a sweat on the tennis court. Alternatively, unwind with cocktails on the terrace draped in grapes while admiring the view. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even visit the open-air cinema (headphones provided), stop by the Eve Branson Foundation, or participate in another cooking class if you enjoyed the previous one in Marrakech!
Eat at Kasbah Tamadot, where dining is just one of the many highlights. The cuisine here ranks among the finest we’ve experienced in Morocco, especially the weekly Berber feast!
Day 8 – Hiking in Imlil
Lace up your hiking boots and set off on a valley trail that weaves past traditional adobe houses perched on hillsides. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the orchards, terraced fields, and walnut groves surrounding the villages. Whether hiking solo or with a guide (which can be arranged at Kasbah Tamadot), there are many trails to choose from based on your energy levels. You don’t need to venture far to capture stunning views; we recommend heading to Armed for some mint tea with a local family while admiring the magnificent panorama.
Once back in Imlil, stop for lunch at the renowned Kasbah du Toubkal, situated on their stunning ‘eagle’s nest’ terrace. You won’t find a more beautiful setting to pair with your tagine!
Return to Kasbah Tamadot for a well-deserved traditional Moroccan hammam experience in the elegant spa.
Eat at the kasbah again; perhaps opt for the multi-course tasting menu tonight, concluding with drinks in the cozy fireside bar. It’s the perfect way to round off an incredible holiday.
Day 9 – Homeward Bound
Spend your final morning unwinding at the Kasbah or exploring the Imlil Valley.
Most flights back to the UK are in the evening, so you can easily transfer directly to the airport from the Kasbah for a stress-free last day.
Once you’re home, you can begin planning your next trip to Morocco, as we’re sure you’ll fall in love with this enchanting destination, just as we did.
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