Marrakech Excursions

Marrakech History and Souks - Walking tour

Marrakech History & Souks Discovery Tour (Half Day)
	With the touch of a journey back in time and quite the best introduction to this garden city, we shall visit the dramatic Almohad Koutoubia Minaret and the lavishly decorated Saadien Tombs - some dating from the middle 1550s. Next is the 14th century Ben Youssef Medersa - one of the most beautiful buildings in Marrakech and thence through the labyrinth of narrow alleyways making up the renowned cool, colourful and aromatic Souks of Marrakech - the Dyers' Souk being the last to be visited - finishing our guided visit in the Djemaa el Fna Square ('The Assembly of the Dead'), where until the 19th century, were traditionally displayed the severed heads of criminals.
	Now we see stalls of goods, from fruit to alarm clocks; snake charmers and water sellers; fortune tellers and public scribes; tumblers and nakkachat - women with syringes full of henna - soothsayers and gnaoua musicians. The perfect start to any stay in Marrakech for, without a doubt, you'll be back in the souks for more, but it's best not to get lost on your first adventure.
Prices:
	Available to pre-book or book locally, please contact us for a quote.

Marrakech History & Souks Discovery Tour (FULL DAY)
Introduction
	Discover the multiple facets of the legendary city of Marrakech, at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, on this discovery tour. Marrakech is a heady mix of Arabic, Spanish and European influences.  Its souks in the Medina are among the most famous in Morocco where one can buy almost anything.  Walk around the world-famous Djemaa el-Fna, overflowing with food stalls and entertainers, and savor the typical Moroccan atmosphere.  Towering at 70 metres high, the Koutoubia Minaret fuses classic Moroccan and Andalusian architectural styles.  Explore the beautiful gardens, the mosque, tiled courts, and reception halls of the Bahia Palace.  See where Moroccan royalty was laid to rest at the 16th century Saadian Tombs, built in the Hispano-Moorish style by Saadian ruler, Ahmed the Golden.  Round off this memorable tour with an authentic Moroccan lunch in the heart of the bustling Medina.
Why book this experience
	Stroll in the world-famous Djemaa El Fna square Explore the colourful souks and shop for handicrafts and carpets See the tallest mosque in Marrakech
Itinerary
	0900h: You will be picked up from your hotel/riad in Marrakech for this tour.  Set out in an air-conditioned vehicle with your English speaking guide for this historical sightseeing tour which lasts approximately three hours concluding at lunchtime.   The breakdown of your itinerary is as follows: 0900h: There will be a 5-minute photo stop at the foot of the Koutoubia Minaret.  The Koutoubia is the largest mosque in Marrakech with a stunning 70 metre high minaret. Following this, visit the Saadian Tombs, sealed for centuries until they were rediscovered in 1917.  The tombs date back to the time of the sultan Ahmad al-Mansour.  There are two main mausoleums within the enclosure, consisting of 66 tombs while 100 more are laid outside in the gardens.  Notice the wonderful Hispano-Moorish 1000h: Visit the 19th century Bahia Palace, surrounded by beautifully-manicured gardens filled with sweet-smelling flowers and fruit trees. The aristocratic palace has beautifully painted residential rooms and a lush Moorish style garden in the courtyard.   1100h: Walk in the Medina and discover the colorful and exotic Moroccan handicrafts.  Explore the market, which is divided into smaller souks according to goods sold.  This grand labyrinth features hand-crafted Moroccan good such as babouche slippers, woodworks, brass works, ironworks, bronze works, jewellery, kaftans, carpets, spices, and pottery.  You will also be able to visit the best galleries for leather, antiques and hand crafted gold jewellery.   1200h: Enjoy strolling in the world-famous Djemaa El Fna square, Marrakech’s most popular tourist attraction. This bustling square is listed by UNESCO as a "Masterpiece of World Heritage".  Snake charmers, acrobats, dancers, storytellers make it a lively hub of activity.  The smell of exotic spices fills the air as stalls whip up lip-smacking Moroccan street delicacies.  You now can rest for a while whilst enjoying a delicious lunch in a traditional Moroccan restaurant (inclusive) a short walk from the Djemaa El Fna Square. 1400h: At the base of the Atlas Mountains lie the Menara Gardens. Covering an area of 250 acres, they are full of olive trees surrounding a large central lake that dates back from the 12th century and is fed by a network of irrigation channels. At the water´s edge is a small Saadian pavilion. With the snow covered peaks behind it, this is a breathtaking sight in the evening when it catches the golden rays of the setting sun. 1500h  Your guide will now take you to see one of Marrakech´s most beautiful buildings from the 14th century, Ben Youssef Medersa. It is the largest Koranic university in the Maghreb.  Moorish Spain influenced its decor, a combination of stucco, mosaic, marble and cedar wood. 1530h Your final visit of the day is to the botanical garden of Majorelle, designed by the expatriate French artist Jacques Majorelle during the colonial period when Morocco was a protectorate of France.  Since 1980 the garden has been owned by Yves Saint-Laurent and Pierre Bergé.  After Yves Saint Laurent died in 2008 his ashes were scattered here and a memorial erected.  The garden also houses the Islamic Art Museum of Marrakech, whose collection includes North African textiles from Saint-Laurent's personal collection as well as ceramics, jewelry, and paintings by Majorelle (additional entrance fee not included).                              1630h Your tour ends with a drop-off at your hotel/riad or alternatively you can choose to return to the area of Djemaa El Fna to browse independently and experience the changes the afternoon brings with street restaurants setting up for the evening trade.

Includes - All taxes and fees - Hotel/Riad  pick-up - Lunch - Admission fees (unless otherwise stated)		Excludes - Drinks - Personal Expenses - Tips and Gratuities - Optional Activity Costs