Marrakech 5-day itinerary

The world’s quintessential Arabic bazaar, the Medina’s maze-like souks are a shopper’s paradise.

An everyday Moroccan ritual, a traditional hammam visit is a signature Marrakech experience, featuring rhassoul clay from the Atlas Mountains and locally-sourced Argan oil.

UNESCO World Heritage-listed central square that hums with snake charmers, musicians, magicians and other exotics.

Shady roof-terraces, plant-filled courtyards and the bewitching medina just outside the door – staying in a riad is the best way to experience authentic Marrakech.

Hands-on half or full-day workshops allow students to learn traditional Moroccan handicrafts alongside master craftspeople in their studios throughout Marrakech.

Luxuriant twelve-acre botanical gardens designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle who lived here in the 1920s and 1930s. Also once owned by the fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent.

One of the two international museums dedicated to the Yves Saint Laurent fashion house, displaying iconic pieces by the famed designer in an architecturally-interesting building.

Ride a camel across stark, lunar-like landscapes before dinner beneath the stars during an evening escape into the Agafay Desert, just 45 minutes from Marrakech.

Drift above evocative Marrakech, awash with vibrant colours, geometric patterns, and labyrinthine streets. Then it’s out over dramatic, arid landscapes of the Atlas Mountains, looking down onto traditional Berber villages.

Tranquil Medina riad housing an interesting collection of photographs documenting Moroccan life from the 1870s-1950s, that gives the best insight into life in the city before tourism arrived.

A splendid former Koranic school, dating to the 14th century, of remarkable architectural detail and beauty.