Growing up, watching movies helped me imagine life beyond the four walls of my living room, taking me to places I never imagined existing.
If you ever dreamed of floating 1,000 meters above the earth hoisted by a balloon like Carl in Up, or wandering through bustling and colorful marketplaces like the fashion-forward quad in Sex and the City 2, Marrakech, Morocco is the perfect destination for your real-life adventure.
Here, wonder meets affordability. I discovered that living out those big-screen adventures doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Let me show you how I spent three days exploring Morocco for less that $250 USD. Check out my three-day itinerary.
Day 1: Sunset Agafay Desert: Camel Ride, Dinner & Fire Show
We arrived in Marrakech, bright and early. We checked into our riad in the Medina. The riad came with a private chef who cooked lunch for us as we settled into the three-bedroom, two and a half bath house. After eating lunch, we decided to peruse a few shops before meeting our guide at the pickup location for our first tour.
We explored the Agafay Desert – a magical place where the Atlas mountains served as the perfect backdrop to the rocky terrain. Upon arrival, we were greeted with Moroccan tea at a shop where locals made authentic Argan oils, butters, and soaps. We continued on to take in the majestic views of the desert and learned about Morocco’s history. We rode the camels (really, the dromedaries), ate a delicious meal, danced as the sun set, and enjoyed a fire and light show.
Cost: ~$32 pp
Transportation: Included
Food: Moroccan tea and dinner, included
Day 2: Luxury Hot Air Balloon Flight & Royal Berber Breakfast
We rose before dawn to experience the flight of a lifetime. Our driver picked us up around 5:15 AM and transported us and a group of tourists to the location. A team greeted us with hot tea and pastries. Then, the show began. We watched them prepare the balloons for lift off and listened to safety instructions.
The balloon ride was seamless. Before we knew it, we had ascended into the air and were floating 1,000 meters above sea-level. The flight was a picturesque, 45-minute ride over Marrakech. After a smooth landing, we were greeted by drivers who took us back to the welcome site where we received a flight certificate and a delicious traditional breakfast.
Cost: ~$114 pp
Transportation: Included
Food: Moroccan tea, pastries, and traditional berber breakfast
Sequins, Spices, And A Souk Stroll
After the hot air balloon experience, we were ready to shop in the infamous Souks – the same marketplace where Carrie ran into her old flame, Aidan, in Sex and the City 2.
Where love and fashion collided for Carrie, the clash we were most excited about was between culture and style. Shopping was a great way to learn about Moroccan culture, embrace it, and consume it, literally.
What was on my list? I bought dresses, Argan oil, fabrics, handbags, and babouches (Moroccan leather slippers).
We could have shopped all day, but at some point, you can hold everything at once. So, we took a break from shopping, changed into our new Moroccan threads, and headed over to our next tour.
Jardin Majorelle, YSL Museum, Berber Museum
If you’re someone who loves botanical gardens and fashion, visiting the Jardin Majorelle and YSL museums are a must. The landscape is breathtaking and the fashion exhibits are truly inspiring.
Shops and restaurants line the pathway to the garden, so give yourself time to explore the area. You can grab a bite to eat and explore shops and perfumeries. While you can book this experience with a guide, we decided to reserve tickets on the site’s website to allow maximum flexibility. Taxiing from the Medina to the garden was seamless.
Costs: ~$89 pp with guide | ~$37* pp when you book direct
Transportation: Included when you book with a guide
Food: Not included
Day 3: Casablanca Day Tour from Marrakech
On day three, we left the bustling roads of Marrakech to quiet streets and pristine shores of Casablanca. This was a ten-hour excursion that featured multiple stops, including the Hasan II Mosque – the third largest mosque in the world. The mosque was built in 1993 in honor of the current president’s late father Hasan II. It sits right on the edge of the Atlantic shore, a beautiful and poetic position for a magnificent structure, designed with intention and charm.
From there, we explored historic cathedrals, enjoyed lunch, and ended the day at Plage d’Aïn Diab, where I rode a beautiful horse named Warda along the shore.
Cost: ~$53 pp
Transportation: Included
Food: Not included
Grand total: $236*
Note, all prices are subject to change. Rates are subject to change.
Ready to embark on the trip of a lifetime? Morocco is a majestic wonder that inspires you to dream and create moments that feel like a movie. It calls out your main character energy, all while setting you up for love and connection: with that special someone, with friends, with family, or with yourself.