Marrakech 3 Day Itinerary 2026: Medina, Spa, Cooking & Desert

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 47 individual 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.

Morning · 09:00-14:00

Cooking class with Chef Naima at Riad Vendome

The signature experience of any Marrakech stay. Chef Naima (rated 5/5 on Google with 47 individual reviews) 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).

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.