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Couscous in the Souks: Marrakech City TourDuring this Marrakech city tour, we'll take you to the souks where you’ll experience the real Marrakech and discover the aromatic secrets of Moroccan cuisine. You'll stay in a tastefully decorated riad hotel, a peaceful oasis tucked away within a city bursting with energy. As the sun goes down, you can stroll along the narrow streets to the Djemaa el Fna Square where fire eaters, mystical storytellers and snake charmers take the stage. Let Marrakech cast its magical spell on you...Marrakech is very central and you can travel to most of our Morocco adventure tours from here. If you fancy a bit of outdoor adventure with some Moroccan culture thrown in, then check out our Morocco Berber Trail tour. During this 3 day guided trek into the High Atlas Mountains, you’ll visit a number of small mountain villages where nomads doze in the sun. At less than 2 hours drive from Marrakech it’s a completely different world, with spectacular vistas and surreal rock formations. Alternatively, you can stick with the city theme with our imperial cities tour. |
| Duration |
3 days / 2 nights begins daily in Marrakech |
Accommodation |
Cosy, stylish riad hotel in the old centre. Comfort level 4 (see accommodation). |
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Price |
£171 per person - based on 2 people sharing |
Includes |
2 nights' accommodation including breakfast, Marrakech city tour and cookery lesson |
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Transport |
Own transport (hire car) |
Excludes |
Other meals, airport transfer |
Day 1: Arrival MarrakechIf you’re flying into Marrakech, we can arrange an airport transfer to your hotel for you. If you’re arriving in Marrakech from the Merzouga desert dunes, you’ll probably be travelling by hire car, in which case your car will be collected from your accommodation by a representative from the rental company. If you’re coming by train (most likely from the imperial cities), then take a ‘petit taxi’ (approx £1.50) from the station to the medina, the old part of Marrakech just off the famous Djemaa el Fna square.In the labyrinth of the medina, there are hundreds of historic riads hidden behind the closed doors. The riad that we’ve selected for our Marrakech city tour is tucked away in the heart of the medina with plenty of elegant Moroccan charm. The Moroccan riads are tastefully decorated with many nooks and crannies and usually an inner courtyard. They are wonderful places to come home to after a Marrakech city tour to the souks. Many riads also have a roof terrace where you can sit in the sun overlooking the flat rooftops. On a clear day you may even see the snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas in the distance. |
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Once you’ve settled into your hotel and freshened up, it’s time to explore. The moment you set foot out of your riad, you’ll be greeted by intoxicating smells and colours. Marrakech has surprisingly few tourist attractions in the form of museums or historic buildings (though the tropical gardens and the bizarre baby blue house of the Jardin Majorelle make for a worthwhile visit). Its main attraction is the atmosphere - something you have to experience rather than see. The Djemaa el Fna and the surrounding souks form the beating heart of the city and it’s probably where you’ll spend most of your time in Marrakech. During the day the area is quiet except for the odd storyteller, snake charmer or group of musicians catering. It’s interesting to come back to the square in the morning, the afternoon and the evening so you can see the atmosphere change throughout the day. The roof terrace of the café restaurant Argana or the Café du Grand Balcon have the best views of the square. Sip on a glass of mint tea and watch the world go by. |
Day 2: MarrakechThe next morning, wake up to a wonderful breakfast in your little palace. Around 11am you’ll be picked up at your riad by Gemma. She’s lived in Marrakech for quite some time and she’ll be taking your into the souks to buy ingredients for tonight’s meal. If you go into the souks on your own you’ll see what most visitors to Marrakech see. She knows the way like the back of her hand and everyone knows her. She’ll take you to the chicken seller where you’ll get chicken as fresh as you can get it (so look away if you’re of a delicate disposition). You’ll visit the vegetable market and buy fresh bread at the local baker’s all the while surrounded by friendly locals who are more than happy to let you share in the routine of their daily life.When you’ve filled your bags with ingredients it’s time to roll up your sleeves for Gemma’s Moroccan cooking workshop. On Mondays and Thursdays you’ll be joined by a small number of other chef hopefuls on the patio of your hotel, but on other days the workshop is held in Gemma’s own riad. |
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Day 3: End of Marrakech city tourThis Marrakech city tour should give you enough time to really experience the atmosphere of Marrakech, but if you want to stay a little longer, we can always extend your stay with one of more extra days. Just let us know on your quote request form.After you've seen the sights of Marrkech, you can head to the desert dunes at M’Hamid, just south of Zagora with our Morocco Sahara tour. It’s a good alternative if you don’t have the time to drive all the way to the desert at Erg Chebbi and the Dades Valley. On the way to M’Hamid you’ll pass through the fertile Draa Valley. Finally you’ll travel into the sand dunes by camel and sleep in a traditional bedouin tent in the middle of the desert. A great follow up to the bustle of the city souks! Click here for a map of Morocco. |
Marrakech city tour: riad
