Ten Days in Morocco: A Suggested Andrew Harper Itinerary

A park view from La Mamounia

Day 1

Fly into Marrakech and check in to La Mamounia or the evocative Riad l’Orangeraie, set in the heart of the medina. Before dinner, experience a hammam ritual—a combination of steam, exfoliation and massage that is the perfect antidote to jet lag.

Day 2

Take a full day to explore Marrakech with a guide. View the Almoravid Koubba, the inspiration for much of Morocco’s architecture, and the richly decorated Ben Youssef Medersa. Dive into the famed souks, a labyrinth of markets offering an incredible profusion of local crafts. Shop for ornate lanterns, leather slippers, inlaid boxes of rare thuya wood and Berber kilims—this is craft-shopping at its best. Finish in the exotic Djemaa el-Fna, a central square where snake charmers, acrobats, musicians and storytellers entertain a largely local crowd.

Day 3

Tour el Badi Palace, the ornate Saadian Tombs and the former Jewish Quarter. After lunch, take horse and carriage to the lush Majorelle Garden, owned by the estate of Yves Saint Laurent.

Day 4

Head out to the poolside teaching kitchen of La Maison Arabe, and learn the secrets of Moroccan cooking. After dining on your creations, take the afternoon to explore the souks on your own.

Day 5

Enjoy the morning in Marrakech, then check in to either Amanjena or Ksar Char-Bagh. Both resorts, located just a few miles outside the city, offer an oasis of tranquility and luxury.

Day 6

Make a day trip into the Ourika Valley, where Berber villages line the river beneath green hillsides.

Day 7

Hike or bike in the countryside, play a round of golf, indulge in a treatment at the hotel’s spa, shop for more treasures in the souks or make a day trip to seaside Essaouira.

Day 8

Transfer with a driver through the sensationally scenic Atlas Mountains, crossing over the spectacular Tizi n’Test Pass. Half-forgotten kasbahs, mountain villages and snow-capped peaks line the unforgettable route. Continue to the unspoiled market town of Taroudant and check in to serene La Gazelle d’Or.

Day 9

Explore the city walls and souks of Taroudant with a guide and have lunch in a 19th-century palace.

Day 10

Enjoy a day to unwind at sumptuous La Gazelle d’Or. Go for a horseback ride, wander the alleys of roses, lounge by the pool, play a round of croquet or continue exploring the city.

Day 11

Transfer 45 minutes to the Agadir airport and depart.