Marrakech 3-day itinerary
Morocco
Where to go and what to see in Marrakech – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Annabelle Thorpe.
Bucket list experience:
Marrakech is world-renowned for fine craftsmanship – notably homewares, textiles, and natural beauty products. Browsing and haggling in the souks is of course a must-do, but why not also try your hand at making your own?
Hands-on workshop with local maalem (master craftsperson) will teach you the techniques involved in some of Morocco’s most classic crafts – zellig tilework, carved cedarwood, carpet weaving, and even tadelakt (plaster finishing). For those interested in beauty products, there are also workshops to make Marrakech’s famous ‘black soap’, Oriental wax or ghassoul (a body-cleansing clay).
Whatever you end up making – babouche slippers, jewellery, carpet, a zellig tivet, or a hammered bowl – all participants leave each workshop with their own unique souvenir.
Workshops can be three or five hours long, depending on the depth of knowledge desired – although three hours is usually plenty. Classes take place onsite in the small studios of local artists’ workshops (where you can also browse and purchase some other goods produced).
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Destination Guide >Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
Morocco
Where to go and what to see in Marrakech – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Annabelle Thorpe.
Morocco
Where to go and what to see in Marrakech – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Annabelle Thorpe.
All tours start in Marrakech and guests are accompanied on foot to the artist’s workshop (often in the Marrakech medina) with the assistance of a hostess who also provides translation services. Workshops outside of town require transportation – taxis are an additional cost.
All materials and tools are provided during the workshops, as well as pots of tea and pastries when a break is needed. Modest dress is recommended given that the workshops take place in functioning artists’ ateliers.
Workshops run all year round – days depend on the tour operator. Options during summer months (July and August) and also Ramadan can be limited. It’s common for artists to take Friday morning off, returning mid-afternoon.
Morning workshops are preferred, before the heat sets in, but an afternoon pastry class in a local home is a nice way to beat the heat.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.2 miles]
Trendy boutique hotel in Marrakech’s old city, an easy walk to the medina’s palaces and souks, with the lively Jemaa el Fna just five minutes away.
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Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.3 miles]
A flamboyant, palatial hotel commissioned by the Moroccan king, popular with European royalty and celebrities. The place to stay in Marrakech.
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Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.4 miles]
Sumptuous suites, monumental spa and massive pools make this luxurious legend a royal favourite.
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Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.6 miles]
Legendary Medina hotel boasting big swimming pools, spa and hammam, cooking school and country club in a convenient location for sightseeing.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Marrakech-Safi, Morocco
An exotic time capsule of ancient streets and souks, blending Arab culture and French colonial heritage.
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Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[1.1 miles]
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Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[1.1 miles]
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