Magic Marrakech

6 Days - Departs Daily Year-round on a Private Basis

Modern Marrakesh represents a reverberating collision of Africa and Europe, west and east, bohemia and high culture, Arab cities and Berber villages. Framed by the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, thousand-year-old palm groves, and wrapped in faded red, ochre walls, Marrakech casts a magic spell. One’s senses are stimulated by the brilliantly colored spices, entrancing music, rich folds of carpets, delectable cuisine, whirling dervishes, intertwining tile geometries, and perfumed gardens shimmering in still waters of reflecting pools. This tour combines the sensuous delights of Morocco’s most exhilarating Imperial city with spectacular mountain vistas and idyllic beaches, making for a most enchanting visit.

Your magical journey begins with welcome by your private driver upon your arrival at Marrakech, an ancient oasis of weathered pink buildings and orange groves at the base of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. Settle into your accommodation at an historic riad, beautifully restored small private palaces combining traditional Moroccan artisanship and elaborate Moorish design, or into one of the city’s famous luxury hotels. Spend the afternoon with a private guide as you explore fascinating local souks (markets), ancient palaces, and lush gardens. Capture the city’s historic sites, including the mellah (Jewish Quarter), the Palais de la Bahia, the Dar Si Said Museum of Moroccan Arts, and the beautiful Jardin Menara, with its reflecting pools surrounded by a large grove of olive trees. Witness the legendary Djemaa el-Fna square come alive at sunset as water sellers, snake charmers, magicians, and storytellers compete for an audience. Radiating from the Djemma el-Fna are narrow lanes providing entrée to the labyrinthine medina, which hides sultans’ palaces, ornate mansions, and a lively souk. The maze of alleyways leads to tiny shops flaunting Berber carpets, kilims and caftans, leather goods, silver jewelry, copperware, other handicrafts, stylish dresses, medicinal herbs, and gorgeous antiques.

When you need a reprieve from sightseeing and shopping, stroll through the Jardin Majorelle, stunning gardens created by French painter Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s and now maintained by Yves St. Laurent. You also might rejuvenate in a traditional hammam (steam bath), learn the art of Moroccan cuisine in a cooking lesson, take in world-class golf, or enjoy a private henna session as skilled artists adorn your body with the ancient (and temporary) dye.

Marrakech’s position at the crossroads of ancient caravan routes also makes it an ideal base for excursions. Spend a day in the Ourika Valley in the nearby Atlas Mountains as a guest of a local Berber family for a unique perspective on the traditional way of life. Unwind for a day in the seaside town of Essaouira, a former Portuguese settlement where windsurfers frolic near the fringe of silvery beach and camels ferry passengers across fine sand. Explore the old fortress ramparts, browse artisan shops, or dream on the beach. Back in Marrakech, celebrate the conclusion of your journey by dining at one of the city’s centuries-old former palaces.

Itinerary Overview

Cost and accommodations level

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