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Marrakech 3 Day Itinerary 2026: Medina, Spa, Cooking & Desert
Planning your trip? See our Discover Marrakech guide and what to see in Marrakech.
In brief — Marrakech 3-day itinerary
- The three-day plan runs Day 1 medina and souks, Day 2 cooking class and spa, Day 3 Agafay desert, from €400 per person all-included at Riad Vendôme.
- Day 1 takes in the Ben Youssef Madrasa, Bahia Palace at €4 entry, the Saadian Tombs at €5 and sunset on Jemaa El-Fna, all within walking distance of the riad.
- Day 2 is a 4-hour cooking class with Chef Naima from €65 per person plus hammam and a 1-hour massage at €43, before the Agafay desert excursion from €55 on Day 3.
- Direct booking / WhatsApp: +212 600 608 608
The complete 3-day Marrakech itinerary for your long weekend, written by Eric — French owner of Riad Vendome since 2011. This is the exact plan we send to our 3-day guests: Day 1 medina exploration, Day 2 cooking class with Chef Naima & spa afternoon, Day 3 Agafay desert excursion. Pacing tested with 200+ British, Irish and European groups in 2025. Total cost from €400/person at Riad Vendome all-included (3 nights with breakfast, cooking class, spa session, half-day Agafay desert).
3 days is the minimum recommended duration to properly experience Marrakech without rushing. The medina deserves a full day, the cooking + spa combo is the most beloved combo of our guests, and an excursion (Agafay desert or Atlas Mountains) is essential to see the landscape beyond the city walls. With this 3-day plan, you cover the 3 essentials of a Moroccan trip: culture, gastronomy/wellness, nature.
💡 Pro tip from Eric: Book your cooking class & spa in advance for Day 2. Saturday slots (the most popular day for 3-day visitors) book up 7-10 days ahead in high season (October-April). For hen parties, the cooking class is the star activity — book the group slot 4 weeks ahead.
Book your 3-day stay: +212 600 608 608
(Reply within 24 hours from Eric or Naima personally)
Day 1 — Medina, Souks & Jemaa El-Fna
Morning · 09:00-13:00
Riad check-in & medina walking tour
Land at Marrakech Menara Airport between 08:00-12:00 (most morning UK flights). Private transfer arranged by Riad Vendome (€15) brings you to Dar El Bacha. Welcome mint tea on the rooftop with view of the Atlas Mountains. Free walking map and 1h orientation by riad staff. 10:30-13:00 walking tour with our recommended local guide (€35 for 4h, max 4 guests) covering the alleyways of Dar El Bacha, Mouassine fountain, the spice souk, the textile souk and the iconic Ben Youssef Madrasa (€5 entry, the most beautiful Quranic school in Morocco, recently restored).
Lunch · 13:30-15:00
Lunch at a riad rooftop in the medina
Recommended lunch spots in the medina (10-15 min walk from Riad Vendome): Le Jardin Secret (€€12-20, beautiful Andalusian garden, light Moroccan and international food), Cafe Clock (€€8-15, camel burger speciality, vegetarian options), Nomad (€€20-35, modern Moroccan cuisine, rooftop with Atlas view, book ahead). For something quick and authentic, the souk food stalls of Souk Ableuh sell freshly prepared brochettes, kefta and salads for €€4-7.
Afternoon · 15:30-18:00
Bahia Palace & Saadian Tombs
12 minutes walk from Riad Vendome. Bahia Palace (€4 entry, 1h15) — built in the 19th century, the most beautiful courtyard in Marrakech with painted cedar ceilings, zellige tiles, and a 1.5-hectare garden. Saadian Tombs (€5, 30 min) — 16th-century royal tombs hidden until 1917, particularly the famous Hall of the Twelve Columns. Optional add-on: El Badi Palace ruins next door (€4, 30 min) for a sunset stroll on the ramparts. Pro tip: arrive at Bahia at 15:30 to avoid the morning cruise tour groups, and you'll have softer light for photos.
Evening · 18:30-20:30
Jemaa El-Fna at sunset
15 minutes walk from Bahia Palace to Jemaa El-Fna. The square comes alive at sunset: snake charmers, monkey trainers, storytellers, henna artists, food stalls, freshly squeezed orange juice (€0.50/glass). Climb to Cafe de France or Cafe Glacier rooftop for the iconic view (€€3-5/drink). Stay 30-45 min then walk down to explore the square at street level.
Dinner · 21:00-23:00
Traditional Moroccan dinner at Jemaa El-Fna
Two options: 1) Food stalls in the square (€€8-15/person, authentic and theatrical, choose stall #1 or #14 — locals' choice), or 2) Walk back to Riad Vendome for Naima's set menu (€25/person, pre-order before 18:00). Naima's tagines have a 5/5 rating on Google with Google reviews — chicken with lemon and olives, lamb with prunes, vegetable with seven vegetables. After dinner, optional 30 min in the rooftop jacuzzi 36C with view of the lit-up minaret.
Day 2 — Cooking Class & Spa Day
Morning · 09:00-14:00
Cooking class with Chef Naima at Riad Vendome
The signature experience of any Marrakech stay. Chef Naima (rated 5.0/5 on Google leads a 4-hour cooking class. 09:00 start: 30 min souk visit with Naima to choose ingredients (vegetables, spices, meat or fish). 10:00-13:00: back at the riad kitchen, prepare 1 starter (Moroccan salad or harira soup), 1 main course (chicken tagine with lemon and olives, lamb couscous, or vegetable tagine), and 1 dessert (Moroccan pastries or orange-cinnamon salad). 13:00 lunch: taste your own creations on the rooftop with view of the medina. From €65/person, group rates available. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options on request. See all cooking class options.
Afternoon · 15:30-18:00
Hammam, scrub & 1H massage at the riad spa
After the cooking class, the perfect afternoon: private hammam + 1H massage (€43/person) or complete combo with rooftop jacuzzi 2h30 (€50/person). Hammam (30 min): black soap exfoliation with kessa glove, ghassoul clay mask, rinse with rose water. 1H massage: argan oil signature massage in the wellness room or on the rooftop pergola. For couples: rooftop duo massage with sunset view (€66 for 2 guests, 2 therapists working in parallel). After the spa, 30 min relax in the jacuzzi at 36C (free for guests). See all spa options.
Dinner · 20:00-22:30
Rooftop dinner with mountain view
After the spa, you don't want to leave the riad. Stay in for Naima's special tagine (€25/person, pre-order at lunch) or splurge on a 5-course Moroccan tasting menu (€45/person, book before 14:00). The rooftop view of the lit-up minaret of Koutoubia at night is the best free entertainment in Marrakech. Pair with Moroccan wine (€18/bottle) or fresh mint tea (free).
Day 3 — Agafay Desert Excursion (Half Day)
Morning · Slow start at the riad
Sleep in. Late breakfast on the rooftop (until 11:00). Optional second hammam without massage (€22/person) for guests who want a final wellness moment before the desert. Pack light bag: scarf for sun and dust, water, comfortable shoes (closed, not flip-flops), camera, layer for evening.
Lunch · 12:30-14:00
Lunch in the medina
Light lunch before the desert excursion. Recommended: Cafe Atay (rooftop, €€8-15), Le Trou au Mur (refined Moroccan, €€20-35), or Henna Cafe (NGO, simple vegetarian €€6-10). Avoid heavy meals before the camel ride.
Excursion · 14:00-22:00
Agafay Stone Desert: camel ride, Berber dinner, sunset
Pickup from Riad Vendome at 14:00. 30 min drive to Agafay desert (40 km southwest of Marrakech). Agafay is a stone desert (not sand), with rolling lunar landscapes and Atlas Mountains backdrop. 15:00-17:00: 1h camel ride at golden hour with Berber guide. 17:00-19:00: traditional Berber tea ceremony at the camp + sunset photo session (Atlas in the background). 19:30-21:30: Berber buffet dinner around the campfire (mint tea, harira soup, mixed grill, vegetable tagine, Moroccan pastries) + traditional gnaoua music. Return to riad at 22:00. From €55/person, group rates available. See Agafay desert details.
3-Day Marrakech Itinerary Variations & Alternatives
Atlas Mountains alternative: replace Agafay desert on Day 3 with a full-day Atlas Mountains trip to Imlil (departure 8:30, return 19:00, €45/person). Includes mule trek to a Berber village, traditional lunch with a Berber family, optional hike to the Toubkal viewpoint. Best for nature lovers, families with kids, and visitors interested in Berber culture. Honeymoon variation: add a private candlelit dinner on the rooftop with rose petals on Day 1 (€45 supplement for 2), couples massage on Day 2 (instead of solo, €66 for 2), and overnight Berber camp in Agafay desert on Day 3 (€175/person, includes private tent, gourmet dinner, sunrise yoga). Hen party variation: private cooking class for 8-12 girls (€55/girl), exclusive spa party with welcome cocktail (€75/girl), Agafay desert with quad bikes instead of camels (€95/girl). Riad full privatisation from 10 girls.
3-Day Marrakech Itinerary FAQ
Is 3 days enough for Marrakech?
Yes, 3 days is the minimum to properly experience Marrakech without rushing: 1 day medina, 1 day spa & cooking class, 1 day Agafay desert OR Atlas Mountains. Most popular formula for British and European long-weekend visitors.
What to do on a 3-day trip to Marrakech?
Optimal plan: Day 1 medina, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Jemaa El-Fna sunset. Day 2 cooking class with Chef Naima 9am-2pm + afternoon hammam and massage + rooftop dinner. Day 3 Agafay desert excursion 14:00-22:00. From €400/person all-included at Riad Vendome.
How much does a 3-day Marrakech trip cost?
Per person, 3 days excluding flights: backpacker €€250-400, mid-range €€400-700, luxury €€1500-2500. At Riad Vendome 3-day plan with breakfast, cooking class, spa session and Agafay desert = €€400-500 per person. Direct booking saves 5% vs platforms.
Best 3-day Marrakech itinerary for couples?
Day 1 medina + romantic dinner. Day 2 cooking class together (€130 for 2) + couples spa rooftop (€66 for 2). Day 3 Agafay sunset camel and dinner under stars. From €540 the couple at Riad Vendome. Particularly recommended for honeymoon, anniversary, marriage proposal.
Best 3-day Marrakech itinerary for hen party?
Day 1 arrival + welcome mocktails + Jemaa El-Fna dinner. Day 2 group cooking class + private spa party + Moroccan buffet with belly dancer. Day 3 half-day Agafay desert + souk shopping. Riad privatised for 10-15 girls. Hen party 3-day from €325/girl all-included.
Should I do Agafay or Atlas on Day 3?
Agafay for sunset, romance, evening activity (14:00-22:00). Atlas for hiking, Berber villages, snow in winter, daytime excursion (8:30-19:00). For first visits, Agafay is more iconic. Both options arrangeable through Riad Vendome (€55/pp Agafay, €45/pp Atlas).
Where exactly is Riad Vendome located in Marrakech?
Riad Vendome is at 217 Derb El Halfaoui, in the Dar El Bacha district of the Marrakech medina. It is a 7-minute walk from Jemaa El-Fna square, close to the Koutoubia and the souks, so you reach the main sights on foot without needing a taxi. A member of staff meets you at the nearest vehicle drop-off point on arrival.
How do I book, and how quickly do you reply?
You book directly with the riad, not through a platform. Send your dates and group size on WhatsApp at +212 600 608 608 and you receive a written quote within 24 hours. There is no automated booking engine: every stay is confirmed by a person, and the payment terms are set out in the quote you receive.
Can the whole riad be privatised, and for how many guests?
Yes, Riad Vendome can be hired exclusively. The main riad has 12 rooms and goes up to 20 rooms with our second riad 100 metres away, for exclusive hire of up to 45 guests. During an exclusive hire there are no other guests: the pool, hammam, jacuzzi and rooftop are reserved for your group alone.
Plan your perfect stay:
Marrakech Itinerary (Pillar) · Weekend Itinerary · 3 Day Itinerary · 4 Day Itinerary · 5 Day Itinerary · Cooking Class · Spa Day · Agafay Desert · Desert 3-5 Days · Atlas Day Trip · Best Riads Medina · Book Direct -5%