One Week: Marrakech & Essaouira

This popular itinerary combines the mysterious allure of Marrakech with the relaxed coastal vibe of Essaouira. Throw in a day visit to the valleys below the often snowcapped Western High Atlas, and you'll get more than enough out of your weeklong holiday.

Day 1: Arrive in Marrakech

Marrakech's weather can be energy-sapping hot or surprisingly cold, depending on the time of year. Either way, give yourself time today to get used to the temperature as well as the city's general hustle and bustle. An afternoon ride on the double-decker City Sightseeing bus is a perfect, hassle-free way to get your bearings and absorb the atmosphere, passing the city's iconic sights such as the Koutoubia Mosque and Jemaa el Fna. Later this afternoon, make your way to the incomparable cuisine and entertainment spectacle taking place on Jemaa el Fna.

Day 2: Discover the Medina

Today's the day to "enter the fray" and discover this city's heart and soul. Hire a guide for a morning walking tour, taking in one or two historical sights, a visit to a herboriste and some of the souks, and a stop along the way for a mint tea. You'll no doubt be led to a few shops along the way, so make the most of the situation by taking mental notes of each item's general price and quality, preparing yourself for a return visit should you be seriously interested in something. If you haven't already done so, be sure to head to Jemaa el Fna for the late afternoon and evening show. Perhaps treat yourself tonight with dinner at one of the city's many romantic and ambience-filled restaurants in the medina such as Café Arabe or Narwama, or Le Grand Café de la Poste in Guéliz.

Day 3: Visit the Mountains

Head to the nearby Western High Atlas, only a 1- to 2-hour drive away from the sprawling metropolis of Marrakech (but up to 10°F cooler and with far less hassle and noise). Around the villages of Imlil, Ouirgane, and Oukaïmeden, you'll find some of the country's tallest mountain peaks, inhabited by overwhelmingly friendly Atlas Berbers, and places to have lunch or a mint tea that range from rustic local teahouses to five-star international restaurants.

Day 4: Essaouira

Three to four hours away from Marrakech is Essaouira, easily Morocco's most likeable seaside resort. After checking into one of the medina's many maisons d'hôte, soak up the atmosphere with a wander along the city's pedestrian-only streets, including visits to the numerous souks such as Souk el Ghezel, known as the Spice Souk; La Joutia, the town's flea market; and place Marché de Grains (the old corn market). Catch the sunset atop the ocean-facing ramparts, Le Skala de Kasbah, followed by a dinner of fresh seafood at one of the port's relaxed fish grills.

Day 5: Sand, Shops & Seafood

Quality beach time -- usually best in the morning before the sea breeze cranks up -- and visits to a few of the medina's shops and galleries is best combined with a long, lazy lunch and a romantic dinner in any number of medina and beachside restaurants. Call in to see the El Asri family in the Souk des Bijoutiers (Jeweler's Souk), find a bargain in Abdellatif al Koujdaih's carpet shop, and discover the many benefits of argan oil in Arga d'Or. Take an extended lunch break at the Océan Vagabond beach shack, and finish the day with a sunset dinner at the legendary beachfront institution Le Chalet de la Plage.

Day 6: Back to Marrakech

Arrive back in Marrakech with enough time to complete any outstanding shopping, followed by a last visit to Jemaa el Fna. Perhaps spoil yourself with an overnight stay in one of the palmeraie's all-inclusive, luxurious villas such as such as the regal Dar Aniywen or chic Dar Zemora.

Day 7: Going Home

Most direct flights to the U.K., as well as those to Casablanca for connecting flights to elsewhere, depart from Marrakech in the morning.