Marrakesh, Morocco
Marrakesh is unlike any other city in the world. Exotic sights, smells and sounds captivate the senses at every turn. On this AstridTravel Club Trip to Marrakesh, you’ll wander in a maze of souks, sip mint tea on a balcony overlooking the bustling market square of Jemaa el-Fnaa, savor some of the most flavorful cuisine you’ve ever tasted, and relax in the garden of a luxury riad. Join us and be swept away by the excitement of this wonderful city and the heart-warming charm of its people.
Interested in this trip? Fill out the form at the bottom of this page.
This Trip at a Glance
Dates: TBD | Price: $3,450 - $3,950*
This trip is luxury in style, featuring accommodations - in our humble opinion - that are fit for royalty! The focus is on the people and culture of Morocco with a strong emphasis on experiences which shed light on the history and heritage of Marrakesh. The pace is moderate, and travelers should be comfortable walking and standing for extended periods of time.
* The price of this trip varies depending on the traveler’s room selection at our chosen accommodation: the Dar Ayniwen Hotel Villa. For more information about trip pricing, scroll to the bottom of this post.
If you wish to take this trip at another date, either solo or with a group of your own, contact us and we’ll work with you to customize this trip for your needs.
The Itinerary — 7 Days, 6 Nights
Day 1
The luxurious Dar Ayniwen.
Arrive to Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK) where you will be picked up and escorted to our luxury riad, The Dar Ayniwen Villa Hotel.
Upon arrival enjoy a cup of traditional Moroccan mint tea and some light snacks on the terrace by the pool. Afterward, your hosts at the Dar Ayniwen will provide a tour of the gorgeous riad grounds which include a gourmet restaurant, full-service spa, 5 acres of gardens, and an exotic bird sanctuary. Take some time to get settled in your room and explore the gardens at leisure before meeting in the traditional Arabic dining tent for a delightful Welcome Dinner. Prepare to be wowed by fabulous Moroccan cuisine - guaranteed to be one of the highlights of this trip!
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2
Café Arabe. Photo source.
Dive into the history and culture of Marrakesh by taking a guided tour of the city. Visit the iconic Koutoubia Mosque which overlooks the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa, the main square and marketplace in the Medina, the old, walled city. Let your guide lead the way as you navigate winding alleyways and stop at various points of interest to learn about the history of Marrakesh from its ancient Berber heritage through today. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant and sit on the upstairs balcony to watch Jemaa el-Fnaa come to life below with performers, merchants, and people bustling to and fro.
Discover ancient tombs, breathtaking palaces, hidden corners, and tranquil, secret gardens on this full-day tour.
Afterward, enjoy dinner on the rooftop of Café Arabe and enjoy a fabulous meal as you watch the Moroccan sun dip below the horizon.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Photo source.
Enjoy the early morning at leisure before departing for the Medina in the afternoon where we’ll go shopping in the Marrakesh’s famed Souks! A private guide will help you navigate the seemingly endless maze of vendors, teach you how to spot quality goods, and most importantly, how to haggle. You will quickly learn that haggling simply is the way to shop in the Souks. Enjoy the adventure and trust that your guide will be there to provide guidance and help you along the way. Whether you’re looking to take home a new collection of Moroccan spices, a traditional Berber rug, or a pair of handmade slippers, you can find it here!
Following our shopping tour, enjoy some leisure time to explore in the Medina, stroll through a museum, or perhaps enjoy a cup of mint tea on a rooftop terrace. In the evening, we’ll embark on an immersive Food Tour of Marrakesh where you will get a taste of a wide variety of traditional Moroccan dishes and delicacies. Return to our sanctuary at the Dar Ayniwen upon the conclusion of the food tour.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner (Food Tour)
Day 4
Learning to make Berber mint tea!
Marrakesh is an incredibly lively city, so a day trip to the peace and tranquility of the nearby Atlas Mountains will offer a welcome respite from the activity of the city. On this day, you’ll venture to the humble mountain town of Setti Fadma. Along the way, stop to have tea with a local Berber family who will welcome you into their home with open arms, offering a glimpse into the contemporary life and culture of the Berbers. (Listen to ATC Travel Coordinator, Madeline Freret share her thoughts on this wonderful experience here!)
Upon reaching Setti Fadma, enjoy the option to take a swift hike to reach a collection of cascading waterfalls and stunning scenic views or simply enjoy a cup of tea by the peaceful, flowing river. Regroup for lunch at a a local riverside restaurant.
Return to the Dar Ayniwen and take some time to refresh before enjoying dinner at Comptoir Darna, an ultra chic restaurant with nightly live music and an exciting belly-dancing performance.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Moroccan Cooking Class at Maison Arabe. Photo source.
We’ll begin the day with a visit to the Musee Yves Saint Laurent, built in recognition of the designer who claimed that Marrakesh was “the city that taught him color.” Continue the journey to the adjacent Jardin Majorelle. This spectacular garden, characterized by its striking cobalt blue features, was designed by French artist Jacque Majorelle in the 1920s. In the 1980s, the property fell into the hands of none other than Yves Saint Laurent and his partner, Pierre Bergé, who restored the then-ailing gardens to their former glory. Today the Jardin Majorelle is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city, and one not to be missed!
Afterward, venture to the Medina and enjoy an afternoon Cooking Class led by an expert dada, a female chef educated through generations of Moroccan family tradition, at the luxury riad, Maison Arabe. Following the cooking class, travel back to the Dar Ayniwen for a night of relaxation or remain in the Medina to explore as long as desired.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6
Hot air balloon, desert of Marrakesh. Photo source.
Day 7
Your final day will begin with an early morning pick-up at the hotel. From there, you’ll drive about 20 miles north of Marrakesh and depart on a sunrise hot-air balloon ride over the semi-arid desert valley below. Enjoy views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains in the distance as you float peacefully through the air and watch the landscape change color with the rising sun. Upon landing, journey back to “camp” and enjoy a traditional Berber breakfast nestled amongst comfy cushions under a traditional dining tent.
Return to the hotel by late morning and spend the rest of the day at leisure. You can arrange to have a spa treatment at the hotel, or we can even provide you with a private guide if you wish to spend more time in the Medina. Conclude the evening with a spectacular Farewell Dinner under the tented- canopy restaurant amongst your private oasis at the Dar Ayniwen.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
If time allows, enjoy free time in the Medina before catching a flight back home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodations: The Dar Ayniwen
The Dar Ayniwen Villa Hotel is like no other hotel in the world. A 'dar', more commonly known as a 'riad', refers to a particular kind of dwelling that is unique to this part of Africa. The Dar Ayniwen, along with the aspects of a traditional riad like an inward-facing courtyard and painstaking attention to detail, features a host of unique and luxurious amenities. These include: a formal Arabic dining tent, a full-service hamam and spa, a year-round heated pool and butler-like service for every guest. In addition, the riad’s 5-acre garden is filled with thriving olive and palm trees, swaths of fragrant flowers, and a plethora of exotic birds that roam the property and fill the air with their melodious songs. Blend all of this together and you will find a truly unforgettable Moroccan oasis at the Dar Ayniwen.
Photo Gallery
Additional Trip Information
Inclusions
6 Nights at The Dar Ayniwen Villa Hotel
All tours mentioned in the itinerary
English- speaking, private guides
Cooking Class
Private airport transfer
Local travel concierge
Gratuities
An AstridTravel Club Representative on-site
Exclusions
Airfare
Meals not specified in itinerary
Miscellaneous personal expenses
Travel Insurance
Payment Schedule
$800 deposit is required upon booking
$1,750 payment due on or before October 15, 2020
The remaining balance will vary depending on room selection, and is due on or before November 1, 2020
Monthly payment plans available. Contact us for details.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your trip 90 days or more prior to departure, and you will receive a full refund of any monies paid to the ATC. Cancel your trip between 89 - 60 days prior to departure, and you will receive a 50% refund. Cancel your trip between 59 - 30 days prior to departure and you will receive a 25% refund. Cancel your trip less than 30 days prior to departure, and you will receive no refund.
All cancellations must be sent via email to contact@astridtravel.com and are effective the date we receive this correspondence.
ATC reserves the right to cancel this trip for any reason. Such reasons include, but are not limited to, attaining an insufficient number of participants necessary to make the trip feasible, weather, and similar unforeseen circumstances. In such event, you may choose to either receive a full refund or apply your payments to another trip if approved by ATC.
Traveler Requirements
Travelers must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months following the return travel date.
Travelers are responsible for making their own flight arrangements.
Travelers must provide a copy of their desired flight reservation before booking to ensure that all information is correct. If you would like assistance booking your flight, please contact us.
Travelers must purchase travel insurance to go on this trip. In the event that you are unable attend this trip due to an illness, family emergency, missed or canceled flight, act of terrorism, natural disaster, etc., Astrid Solo Travel Advisor, AstridTravel LLC, the AstridTravel Club LLC, nor any affiliated person or party will be held responsible for payment repatriation. Protect yourself against any unforeseen trip disasters and purchase travel insurance. More details will be provided after you make a trip reservation.
Room Variations at the Dar Ayniwen
The Dar Ayniwen Villa Hotel is a traditional Moroccan villa known as a dar or riad. Riads used to be, and and in some cases still are, home to some of the wealthiest merchants in Morocco. Features of a traditional riad include an inward-facing courtyard or garden, pointed arches, statement doors and windows, intricate woodwork and painstaking attention to detail. The Dar Ayniwen offers a variety of rooms - each with a unique design and style. Due to the limited number of rooms and per-room variations at the Dar Ayniwen, the price of this trip will vary depending on the traveler’s room selection. The options are as follows and will be awarded on a first come, first served basis.
Classic Room | Total trip cost: $3,450 (1 available)
Junior Suite | Total trip cost: $3,700 (2 available)
Premium Suite |Total trip cost: $3,800 (2 available)
Royal Suite | Total trip cost: $3,950 (3 available)
Click here for photos and information about each room.
Interested in Joining?
If you are interested in this trip to Marrakesh, fill out the brief, no obligation, interest form below and we will reach out to you via email. Please feel free to include any questions or comments you might have about this trip.