Most Marrakesh tours focus on the medina. This is the old part of the city, where labyrinthine streets take you on adventures deep into the past. Most of the main tourist sites can be found here and are all within walking distance of the main square. 

Don’t miss the opulent 19th-century Bahia Palace, which boasts some of the most intricate mosaics and arches in the country. Meanwhile, the Badii Palace ruins are the place to go if you want to see nesting storks. The Saadian Tombs and the Secret Garden round off your visit before it’s time for shopping in the souks.
 

If you want to ride a camel but don’t have time to travel to the desert, then don’t worry. You can have your photo moment right here in the Red City. Marrakesh camel tours take place in Palm Grove just outside the Old Town. They’re often coupled with quad bike trips for a multi-activity experience.  

You’ll be shown how to clamber on board your ship of the desert, before following the camel train around the Palmeraie. Soak up the scenery as your mount plods silently through the oasis, following in the footsteps of traders who have relied on camels for centuries. 
 

Take to the skies on these aerial Marrakesh tours and see where the city meets the mountain plains. It’ll be an early start, but the views are more than worth the bleary eyes. You’ll also get to see the sunrise over the cactus fields with the Atlas Mountains looming in the background. 

As the roar of the burner punctuates the still morning, you’ll float above abode dwellings and farms. See if you can spot the tiny goats and sheep pottering about far below. After landing, you’ll be treated to a delicious Moroccan breakfast in a traditional Berber house.

Quad biking is an exhilarating way to explore the outskirts of Marrakesh, with tours available for beginners and experts alike. These rugged excursions take place in the Palm Grove and the Agafay Desert, both of which are within easy reach of the medina. Instruction and equipment are provided. 

The Palmeraie is a desert oasis on the edge of Marrakesh, where palm trees make a scenic backdrop for your adventures. Camel rides are available here too. Meanwhile, over in the Agafay Desert, the barren landscape offers unrivaled solitude with superb views of the Lalla Takerkoust Lake for epic selfies.
 

The best way to get to know Marrakesh is by exploring the labyrinthine alleys that snake through the medina. Yet it’s easy to get lost, and going it alone can be a little daunting. That’s why many first-time visitors like to join a walking tour. 

Having a local guide means you can concentrate on admiring the sights rather than worrying about navigation. You’ll get to barter in the souks, meet snake charmers in the Jemaa el-Fna and photograph landmarks like the Koutoubia Mosque and Ben Youssef Madrasa. 

Free walking tours have no set price, you just tip your guide at the end. 
 

Of all the Marrakesh tours on offer, these are among the most immersive. Cooking classes take place in hotels around the city, giving an insight into Moroccan culture and cuisine. You’ll begin with a visit to the market to buy produce, before returning to the kitchen to cook. Tagines, couscous and pastries are all on the menu and you’ll get to taste the results afterward!

If you prefer eating without the effort of cooking, guided food tours are a fun way to explore. Some excursions take you to the famous Jemaa el-Fna Night Market where the sizzling stalls serve up everything from snails to lamb sausages.
 

If you have a day to spare, the Ouzoud Waterfalls in the Atlas Mountains are well worth a visit. It takes 2.5 hours to get there, traveling through scenic countryside and Berber villages along the way. On arrival, you can scramble down to the bottom of the falls and admire them up close.

Boat tours on the river give you a different vantage point – you’ll be able to feel the spray on your face! Then it’s time for a swim in the crystal-clear waters, before heading back to the top. Keep an eye out for the cheeky Barbary macaques that live here on the slopes.

Exploring Marrakesh is one of life’s greatest pleasures, but the city bustle can be a bit overwhelming, especially if it’s your first visit. Those looking for a bit of respite should head to the Atlas Mountains, which are just a short drive from the old town. 

Here, you can journey along remote valleys, admire waterfalls and go hiking through traditional Berber villages. Don’t be surprised if you get invited into a local home for mint tea during your explorations! Feeling energetic? Then book onto one of the 3-day treks that climb Mount Toubkal – it’s the highest peak in Northern Africa. 
 

The souks are an integral part of any visit to the red city and feature on many Marrakesh tours. If you want to pick up a few souvenirs, this is the place to come – there’s everything here from colorful babouches (slippers) to hand-painted pottery.

Haggling with the stall vendors is all part of the experience, and the bartering process can get quite animated. If that sounds a little daunting, then souk tours are the way to go. You’ll explore the markets with a local guide and won’t receive quite as much hassle as you would if you venture in alone.
 

Harness your inner Lawrence of Arabia with a trip down to the deserts of southern Morocco. You can visit on an overnight trip from Marrakesh, or as part of a longer multi-day tour. The latter is recommended as the distances are vast, and there’s a lot to see along the way. 

Camel riding, sleeping in nomadic tents and sandboarding are all on the cards on this Moroccan desert adventure. For towering dunes and convivial camp life, head to the Merzouga Desert. Or, if you truly want to get away from it all, the remote wilderness of the Zagora Desert is sure to leave you captivated.