Marrakech city tour guide
From the moment you arrive in Marrakech your senses, will be subjected to the impact of this exotic, mind-blowing and unpredictable city.
Be ready to explore the old medina, the souks, the palaces, the gardens; ride the horse drawn caleches; uncover the colourful history of this second oldest imperial city of Morocco. To fully appreciate what Marrakech has to offer, guided tours are a must and at Amazing Journeys Morocco we offer a range of City Day Tours customised to your time, budget and personal interests. We use professional guides and, when required, air-conditioned vehicles or horse drawn caleches. We suggest:
- Half day walking tour (option to include Caleche for Majorelle Garden visit).
- Full day walking tour with city guide and private car.
- Full day walking tour with city guide (local taxi).
We know our city well and want you to know and love it too. Historical sights to explore with us, most of which are in the old walled city or Medina, are:
The Djemaa el Fna: (meaning Assembly of the Dead, it was a place of execution around AD1050). The pulsing heart of Marrakech, this large square is unforgettable day or night – with traders and performers by day, it is transformed to a colourful alfresco eating area by night as 100s of Berber barbeque food stalls are wheeled in from nearby alleys; and the entertainment continues – it is an experience not to be missed. UNESCO declared this unique square a ”Masterpiece of World Heritage” in 2001.
The Souks: An integral part of many old North African cities, the souks are a labyrinth of colourful markets, each street or area hosting it’s specialist artisans… jewellery, wool dying, metal or wood work, carpets, pottery, textiles, spices, shoes, paintings, gold or silver…. the workmanship is extraordinary, the variety endless. With a local guide to lead you through this amazing wonderland, wander without fearing you will get lost – you will then feel very happy to return later at your leisure!
Bahia Palace (Palace of the Beautiful): Built between 1894 and 1900, and set in an 8 hectare garden, this once beautiful palace is a great example of the skill and extraordinary workmanship of Moorish architects and artisans. Well preserved, amongst its rooms are various formal, reception and private rooms, the harem, and outdoor courtyards. Look in awe at the skill of mosaic tile, stucco, and wood carving masters as well as the painted ceilings.
Jardin Majorelle: This 12 acre walled botanic garden was originally designed by an expatriate French artist Jacques Majorelle during the 1920 and 1930s. Apart from its fascinating collection of plants, especially palms, bamboo and cacti, it is also noted for the strong cobalt blue colour used on many of the buildings and garden structures. Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Berge owned the garden from 1980 and on the death of Yves Saint Laurent in 2008 his ashes were scattered here; a memorial to the designer is to be found in a quiet reflective corner.
Saadian Tombs: Home to 66 royal tombs of the Saardian dynasty, this extraordinary complex was only re-discovered in 1917, but dates back to the late 16th and early 17th centuries. While the complex is modest in size, the mausoleum’s beauty will amaze you with domed ceilings, beautiful finely carved cedar timber, intricate stucco work and tiling, and Italian marble. The cemetery garden is a pleasure to walk around, so enjoy the fragrant plants, admire the architecture or rest in the shade of mature palms.
Menara Gardens: These peaceful typically Islamic gardens are located a short drive west of Marrakech. Built in the 12th century by the Almohad ruler Abd al-Mu’min they were created to provide a peaceful, cooling oasis for people to grow crops and relax in as well as provide respite from the heat of the city. Featuring a collection of small gardens surrounding a large lake, of interest is the irrigation system providing water from the lake to the surrounding orchards and gardens using a sophisticated system of underground channels. Also overlooking the pool is the large pavilion with its dramatic background of the High Atlas Mountains.
We can also show you:
- The Koutoubia Mosque, whose tower can be seen from many parts of Marrakech, although like most mosques, it is closed to non-Muslims. It is however an impressive building even from the outside.
- The old city walls and gates that enclose the medina, or old city.
- The Medersa Ben Youssef is an ancient religious school and a fine example of decorative detailing.
- The Badii Palace, now little more than ruins, once one of the most magnificent palaces ever built taking 25 years to complete.