5 days in Marrakech
5 Days in Marrakech: Complete Itinerary + Sahara Option (2026)
Five days in Marrakech covers the medina, Atlas Mountains day-trip, and optional 2-day Sahara overnight. Here’s the day-by-day route.
Day 1: Medina + souk + Djemaa el-Fna
Morning
Walk to Djemaa el-Fna square. Visit Koutoubia Mosque exterior (non-Muslims can’t enter).
Afternoon
Bahia Palace + Saadian Tombs (both 70 dirhams). Souk crawl — Souk Semmarine + Souk Haddadine.
Evening
Djemaa el-Fna at sunset — food stalls light up, storytellers + snake charmers.
Day 2: Atlas Mountains day-trip
Morning
Pre-arranged driver to Ourika Valley (45 min). Stop at a Berber village for mint tea.
Afternoon
Hike to Setti Fatma waterfalls (1-2 hour return). Lunch on riverside terrace.
Evening
Return to Marrakech. Hammam experience at Les Bains de Marrakech (book ahead, 600-800 dirhams).
Day 3: Madrasa Ben Youssef + Jardin Majorelle
Morning
Madrasa Ben Youssef (60 dirhams) — restored 14th-century Islamic college.
Afternoon
Jardin Majorelle (Yves Saint Laurent’s blue villa) + YSL Museum. Lunch at La Maison Arabe.
Evening
Rooftop dinner at Nomad or Le Salama (medina views) or Café Clock.
Day 4: Sahara desert overnight (optional)
Morning
OR a slower day — cooking class at La Maison Arabe + Sahara extension. Otherwise: drive to Sahara (8 hours each way OR fly to Errachidia).
Afternoon
Camel ride into the dunes. Sunset over Merzouga’s golden dunes.
Evening
Berber camp overnight under stars. Or: stay in Marrakech for restorative spa day.
Day 5: Sunrise camel ride + departure
Morning
Sunrise camel ride (if at Sahara camp). Return drive to Marrakech.
Afternoon
Final souvenir shopping in souks. Lunch at Café Clock for camel burger + storytelling.
Evening
Final dinner at a riad rooftop or at Dar Yacout (palace setting, 7-course traditional).