The Perfect Marrakesh Travel Itinerary
A week-long stay at a luxury villa allows plenty of time to explore
By Heather Whipps

Moroccan marketplaces alone could keep anyone busy for a week at least, with their delightful labyrinths of loopy alleys and stall upon stall selling everything from lamb brochettes to elegant rugs. Marrakesh is no exception, and its world-famous market is just the beginning. If you’re wondering what a week in Marrakesh could be like, we’ve put together a sample itinerary for you to build – and dream – upon:



Day 1
Arriving in Marrakesh after a lengthy flight, you’re not going to want to spend all day walking around. Instead, settle in to the slower pace of life right away and let your villa staff treat you to a traditional Moroccan meal of couscous, stew and mint tea. An evening visit to one of the rooftop café terraces is a great way to get that first feel for your exotic new surroundings.

Day 2
It’s time to be immersed in the real Morocco, up close and personal, with a stroll through Djemaa el Fna. Marrakesh’ famous marketplace is an intoxicating whirlwind of sights, sounds and smells. Though you don’t even need to shop here to enjoy it, everyone from youngsters to Grandma and Grandpa should find something that suits their souvenir fancy.



Day 3
Kick sightseeing into high gear with a visit to Koutoubia, Marrakesh’ most celebrated mosque. Built in the 12th-century, Koutoubia’s crowning glory is its 230 foot minaret, a tower visible from much of the city. You can also see the mosque from the terrace at Dar Sultan, a three-bedroom riyad in the heart of the medina (old town).

Day 4
Sporting-types take note: Marrakesh is a haven of activity, from its palm-lined golf courses (three, to be exact) to the cycling routes you can make up on your own in this very bicycle-friendly city. The nature-lovers in your party might opt for a day trip out of the city, instead; the incredibly scenic Atlas mountains are within an hour’s drive and offer the chance to hike, ride donkeys through the valley, and learn about the traditional Berber way of life.



Day 5
It’s time for another day of rest. Start with a horse-drawn tour of the Palmeraie, a green oasis of a neighborhood lined with date palms; in the afternoon, a trip to a local hammam (steam bath) is the best way to soak off the heat of the day and be part of a very Moroccan custom. There, you can choose to wash yourself or hire a trained tayeba to scrub you down with an exfoliating mitt. Both Dar Sakina and Palais Mehdi have their own hammams if you’d like to experience the tradition in privacy.

Day 6
Despite the subject matter, the Saadian tombs remain one of Marrakesh’ most beautiful attractions. Touring the 16th-century funerary complex – filled with mausoleums belonging to the city’s royal families - is like getting a history lesson and visiting botanical gardens all in one. After your stop here, complete the day’s learning experience with a trip to Chez Ali, an extravagant dinner and show complete with camel caravans and belly dancing.

Day 7
Bid farewell to Marrakesh by practicing one of its most time-honored traditions: bargaining. For Marrakeshis, haggling for a better price while shopping isn’t considered gauche, it’s expected, and you’ve likely gotten a hang of it in the week leading up to your departure. So pick a store, stand your ground, and leave Marrakesh with a handshake and (hopefully) your item of choice from one of its friendly shopkeepers.

Tantalized by a visit to Marrakesh? Three of our favorite villas are:

  

Slowing Down to Fast It is advisable to avoid a trip to Morocco during the month of Ramadan: in 2006 falling from late September to early October. During this period of fasting and religious observance, you’ll likely find most of the restaurants and shops closed as Marrakeshis limit their daytime activity.

For more information on these or other luxury villa rentals in Morocco, please contact us:

Call 1-877-993-0100 or E-mail.