Four Perfect Days in Marrakech -

Some say “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” When it comes to traveling, I’ll sleep when I get home! Here is a recap of my tried-and-true four perfect days in Marrakech:

Day 1: Arrival and Agafay Desert Excursion

Our Hotel

While visiting my cousin who had just moved to Madrid, we decided to pop down to Morocco for a quick, first-time visit. This was the best possible kickoff to our four perfect days in Marrakech. I couldn’t have planned our arrival day as wonderfully as it turned out to be if I had tried! Luckily for you, I now have the insider scoop thanks to the wonderful concierge at our riad, Riad Nelia. A riad is a style of home in Morocco that has a central garden with a water feature. Many of these traditional homes have been transformed into boutique hotels.

The kickoff to four perfect days in Marrakech began with a seamless check-in to our riad, Riad Nelia.

Our friends at Riad Nelia set up airport transfer for us, and walked us through the maze of Medina streets to the hotel where we were greeted with afternoon tea service in the riad. Our concierge shared personal anecdotes about excursions that he recommended. After about fifteen minutes of storytelling, we asked if we could arrange a desert excursion to ride quads in Agafay. We dropped our bags upstairs in our room, and 20 minutes later our driver arrived to take us to the desert!

Quads in the Agafay Desert

Whether you’re an experienced thrill-seeker or a first-timer, the quad excursion is accommodating to all skill (and comfort) levels. The quad leaders position newbies near the front directly behind the leader, and allow more experienced riders to off-road in the back of the pack. Two hours of riding through the desert may sound like a lot, but the time is interrupted with a tea service in a local Berber village about halfway through the trek!

The desert is sandy as one would expect, and so will you be by the end of your ride! Fortunately, the quad leaders have an air compressor with a blower set up to help dust you off. Wear something that you don’t mind getting dusty, and definitely do not wear white! Seeing as we hopped off the plane and barely had time to drop our bags before heading out to do this, we did not bring baby wipes. However, I would definitely recommend it to help remove the dirt off your face!

Camel Ride

After returning to camp, we headed out on camelback to watch the sun set over the dunes. There is something magical about being in that environment and experiencing this for the first time as the sky turned all kinds of pinks and purples. So obviously when the Google Calendar notification popped up that my coworkers were about to start a meeting, and I miraculously had service in the desert (thanks T-Mobile), I joined the Zoom call to show them! Not sure how I am going to top calling in from the back of a camel… ideas welcomed in the comments section! The joys of working remotely. 😉

Dinner and a Show

All of that exploring the desert sure had us hungry! We ate a traditional chicken tagine dinner back at camp atop floor poufs rimming the Moroccan rug-covered patio. The short tables we sat at were the perfect height for a desert cat to keep us company at. We named him Ronald Weasley and were delighted to make his acquaintance until he tried to steal our Khobz (Moroccan bread). Just kidding, still delighted. How could you say no to his sweet face? He clearly had plenty of practice at schmoozing tourists, but we didn’t mind sharing.

The entertainment during dinner was the highlight of this excursion. A group of musicians performed and sang for us and a fire dancer wowed us with his precision and artistry (he might as well be a real-life fire bender!). My favorite moment was when the band brought all of us guests to our feet to sing and dance together. This celebration embodied the welcoming community that Moroccan people foster. Day One felt like a lifetime, and we had only been there for half a day! Talk about hitting the ground running, er, riding to kick off four perfect days in Marrakech!

Day 2: City Tour and Spa

City Tour

After cramming what felt like three days’ worth of activities into Day One, we needed to slow it down a little bit on Day Two. The Medina is truly a maze of souks (market shops). Given our limited time, I figured it would be best to rely on a local expert to show us around so we could make the most of our visit.

I chose a Historical and Cultural Tour that I found online. Our expert local guide shared stories at each of the locations. My favorite stop on the tour was Bahia Palace. We marveled at the intricate tile work and could feel the history buried in the roots of the fruit trees that filled the riad gardens throughout the palace.

Additionally, other notable stops on the city tour included Kasbah Mosque and Saadian Tombs, which are an Islamic architectural marvel and prominent historic burial site in the heart of the Medina.

I definitely recommend this tour. Not only did we have a morning and afternoon filled with history and culture, we also had the benefit of asking a local expert about how to haggle in the souks and where to eat! Whether you choose a guided tour or wander the Medina on your own accord, wear comfortable shoes!

Spa

Our second day would not be complete without a spa experience. First of all, our feet were achey from all of that walking! Second, our bodies took a bit of a beating riding the quads the day prior. Furthermore, Riad Nelia offered several spa services for us to choose from. Ultimately, I chose an hour long massage. The massage was, in a word, glorious. Even better, the massage only cost about a third of the price that it would have been in the US!

Day 3: Atlas Mountains and Desert Excursion

I had already felt fulfilled and my traveler’s soul rejuvenated from our first two days in Morocco. Little did I know, Day Three would prove to be my favorite! For our final full day, I scouted a guided tour into the Atlas Mountains. Our fellow travelers on this tour in particular were lovely!

Adventure into the Atlas Mountains

Our guide broke up the drive into the Atlas Mountains with a few pitstops. First, we arrived at a scenic overlook of Kik Valley. Second, we enjoyed tea and breakfast at a women’s cooperative where they make oils and teas. We even tried our hand at making the oil–it’s harder than it looks! Next, we stopped for one more scenic overlook before arriving in the heart of the Atlas Mountains.

Finally, we arrived in a Berber village and shopped in the souks. Before hiking, I purchased a locally handmade jacket to keep me cozy. I haggled a little bit, but felt like the price was fair given that the locals were still recovering from a recent earthquake that devastated the surrounding area. The phrase
“shop local” had a little more weight to it while we were there, and I was glad to support their business.

Hiking in the Atlas Mountains

The hike was not particularly challenging, just a slippery rock here or there. I felt more like we were on an epic adventure than an actual hike, crossing handmade bridges made from planks roped together. As we ascended the mountain, I started to notice my thirst. Fortunately, a café stand serving lunch and fresh squeezed orange juice stood beside the waterfall.

A moment of appreciation for how delicious the oranges are in Morocco. I don’t know why they are better, but I can promise you that they just are.

Lunch in the Atlas Mountains

Finally, we hiked back down to the village to eat at a local cooperative restaurant. I haven’t mentioned this yet, but should note that cash is king in the souks and outside Marrakech, especially in the neighboring Berber villages. We needed exact change to pay for waterfall orange juice and rooftop lunch! Another delicious chicken tagine (probably my favorite meal of the trip).

Camel Ride and Afternoon Tea

Our time in the mountains complete, we headed back into the desert for the latter part of our excursion. Another (shorter) camel ride and afternoon tea to round off the day! I was impressed with the diversity of the landscape throughout Agafay; the Atlas mountains framed this area of the desert, making for an entirely unique camel riding experience compared to our first day.

Day 4: Travel Day

Our departure flight looming, we chose to spend breakfast with our friends at Riad Nelia. A traditional Moroccan spread hits differently when you’re enjoying the sunrise on a rooftop in the Medina. I can think of no better way to say goodbye and complete our four perfect days in Marrakech than this.