Marrakech - Full Day
Highlights
- Guided tour of Marrakech
- Koutoubia minaret & Menara Garden
- Saadian Tombs & Bahia Palace
- Famous Djemaa El Fna square & Souks of the old Medina
What's included
- Guide.
- Koutoubia minaret, Menara Garden, Saadian Tombs & Bahia Palace - Famous Djemaa El Fna square & Souks of the old Medina
- Lunch
- Entrance fees to monuments ( Saâdian Tombs & Bahia Palace)
- Beverages
- Gratuities
Overview
One of the most impressive sights in Marrakech, the Koutoubia is one of the largest, most beautiful mosques in the western Muslim world. Its 225 foot tall minaret is a Hispano-Moresque masterpiece that is very similar to the Giralda of Seville.
El Bahia Palace was built in the late 19th century in a two acre garden. It is a haphazard arrangement of secret luxury apartments opening to inner courtyards. For seven years around a thousand craftsmen from the Fez region worked on the palace. The only sections open to the public are the apartments of the sultan´s favorite concubine, the council chamber (with tiled walls and illuminated cedar wood ceiling) and the great central courtyard (paved with marble and decorated with zelliges and fountains).
At the base of theAtlas 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.
To better discover Marrakech, enter an intricate maze of the narrow streets in the world of the souks. Protected from the sun by slatted awnings, you will find a variety of quarters established by craftsmen, according to a structured system of corporation. There are souks of basketwork, dried fruit, spices, clothes, wool, skins, Berber carpet, leatherwork, ironwork, jewelry and more! Some souks of note include the Rue du Souk Smarine which leads into the Place rahba Kedima, where a slave market was once held (it remains an important commercial site). There are also a few apothecary shops here and there.
Next we will visit Djemaa El Fna. This traditional meeting place for peasants and merchants from the Sous region, the High atlas and the South has become the heart of Marrakech. In the mornings this large square is crowded with fruit and spice sellers, guerrab with their leather water bottles and metal drinking cups, basket sellers, ironmongers and Barbers. In the afternoons come the Gnaoua dancers descended from former Guinean slaves, musicians, story tellers, snake charmers and entertainers with performing monkeys!
Additional Information
Information Required From Customer :
Hotel name, address & telephone. Please call Grayline at least 48 hours before travel to confirm your pick up location.
Meeting point description :
Hotel pickup is included for hotels located in Marrakech. Please make sure you are at the reception at least 30 minutes before scheduled departure time. For all other customers outside the hotel pickup area, departure point *is in front of Grayline office ( Residence Yasmine, Majorelle, Boulevard Moulay Abdlah, Mag n 5, Marrakech). Please be at the departure point at least 30 minutes before scheduled departure time.
Pickup itinerary Marrakech north : http://www.grayline.ma/circuit-de-ramassage-marrakech-nord
Pickup itinerary Marrakech south : http://www.grayline.ma/circuit-ramassage-sud
Cancellation policy
Fully refundable when canceled up to 24 hours in advance
