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Marrakech Morocco Tour

Marrakech Mosaic Tour: A One-Day Tailor Made Exploration of the Ochre City

An ultimate Marrakech Insiders Guided Experience to this Red Hamra City. Discover the YSL Gardens Complex, Berber Museum, Spice Souks, Historic Madrasas and Museums, Andalusian Gardens and the Lively Djemaa El Fna Square. Explore the Red City on a Marrakech Private Tour. Explore the Yves Saint Laurent Majorelle Gardens, the historic Spice Souks, Djemaa el Fna Square, Bahia Palace, Ben Youssef Medersa, the Saadian Tombs, Koutoubia Mosque and delightful alleys filled with traditional Moroccan crafts and cuisine. 

This fascinating and Marrakech Cultural Tour is perfect for first-time travelers to Marrakech interested in majestic gardens and palaces, mosques and holy places along with picturesque markets and spice souks.
Explore the Marrakech Design Scene with a tailored tour for enthusiasts and professionals, or discover the city's Jewish Heritage  through custom-arranged visits to significant sites. 
Marrakech Tour Highlights and Practical Information:
  • Duration: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM     
  • Inclusions:
    • Marrakech Old Medina & Sightseeing Tour
    • Luxury Morocco transport
    • Multilingual driver (English, Arabic, Berber, French)
    • Expert licensed Marrakech guide
  • Starting & Finishing Point: Your Riad or Hotel in Marrakech
Tour Highlights
  • Visit the Yves Saint Laurent Museums, the Majorelle Gardens & the Berber Museum
  • Explore the Bahia Palaces and the Old Spice Souk
  • Discover the historic Ben Youssef Medersa, the Saadian Tombs and the Koutoubia Mosque & Gardens
  • Optional: Visit Jewish Heritage Sites: Synagogues, Cemeteries & Stories of the Jewish Mellah
To embark on this unparalleled journey through Morocco's most captivating sites contact our dedicated team:
  • Book Here or Call (800) 787-8806
  • Email: alecia@travel-exploration.com
Detailed Itinerary
The Majorelle Gardens and YSL Museum
The Majorelle Garden, originally named Jardin Bou Saf, was created in 1923 by French painter Jacques Majorelle. Born in 1886 in Nancy, France, Majorelle was the son of celebrated Art Nouveau furniture designer Louis Majorelle. Jacques came to Marrakech in 1919 to recover from heart problems and fell in love with the city.
Over four decades, he transformed a small property into a magnificent botanical garden. In 1947, he opened the gardens to the public. The garden's most striking feature is the intense blue color, now known as Majorelle Blue, which Majorelle used extensively throughout the property.
In 1980, Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé purchased the garden to save it from being turned into a hotel complex. They restored it and lived in the Villa Oasis, Majorelle's former studio house. After Yves Saint Laurent's death in 2008, his ashes were scattered in the garden. The adjacent Yves Saint Laurent Museum, opened in 2017, is a testament to the designer's love for Marrakech and his influence on fashion.

The Berber Museum
Housed in the former painting studio of Jacques Majorelle, the Berber Museum opened in 2011. It showcases the rich cultural heritage of Morocco's indigenous Berber people, whose history in North Africa dates back over 9,000 years. The museum's collection includes over 600 artifacts, dating from the 18th century to the mid-20th century. These pieces offer insights into the diverse Berber culture, which has played a crucial role in shaping Morocco's history and identity.

Koutoubia Mosque and Gardens
The Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech's largest mosque, was built in the 12th century during the reign of the Almohad Caliph Yaqub al-Mansur (1184-1199). Its name comes from the Arabic al-Koutoubiyyin, meaning "bookseller," as the area was once home to many manuscript sellers.
The mosque's iconic minaret, standing 77 meters (253 feet) high, was the model for the Giralda of Seville and the Hassan Tower of Rabat. It features intricate carved stone work, pointed merlons, and distinctive copper globes at its peak. An interesting historical note: the current mosque was actually built to replace an earlier structure that had an incorrectly aligned mihrab (prayer niche). The remains of this original mosque were discovered during archaeological excavations in the 20th century.

El Bahia Palace
El Bahia Palace, meaning "Palace of the Beautiful" or "Palace of the Brilliant," was built in the late 19th century. Construction began in 1866 and took nearly 15 years to complete. The palace was commissioned by Si Moussa, grand vizier of Sultan Hassan I, and was later expanded by his son Ba Ahmed, who served as grand vizier to Sultan Abdelaziz. The palace is a prime example of Moroccan architecture from the Alaouite era. It showcases a blend of Islamic and Moroccan styles with some European influences, reflecting Morocco's increasing contact with Western powers during this period.
Covering an area of 8 hectares, the palace includes 150 rooms, multiple courtyards, and a 2-acre garden. Its intricate decorations were crafted by the finest artisans from Fez, showcasing the heights of Moroccan craftsmanship.

The Saadian Tombs
The Saadian Tombs date back to the time of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur (1578-1603), one of the most prominent rulers of the Saadian dynasty. The tombs were sealed up around 1672 by Alaouite Sultan Moulay Ismail, who sought to erase all traces of his predecessors. They were rediscovered in 1917 during a French aerial survey and subsequently restored. The mausoleum comprises the interments of about sixty members of the Saadi Dynasty, which ruled Morocco from 1549 to 1659. The tombs are renowned for their exquisite decoration, showcasing the pinnacle of Moroccan craft smanship from the Saadian period. The most impressive chamber is the Hall of Twelve Columns, which houses the tomb of Ahmad al-Mansur and his family. The room is adorned with intricate zellige tilework, carved cedar ceilings, and Italian Carrara marble columns.

Djemaa El Fna Square and the Souks
Djemaa El Fna, which roughly translates to "Assembly of the Dead," has been the heart of Marrakech since the city's founding in 1070-1072 by the Almoravid dynasty. The square has served many functions throughout its history: a place of public executions in the early days, a military parade ground, and now, a vibrant center of Moroccan culture and commerce.
In 2001, UNESCO declared the square a "Masterpiece of World Heritage," celebrating its role as a unique concentration of Moroccan cultural traditions performed through musical, religious, and artistic expressions.The surrounding souks have been centers of trade for centuries. The organization of the souks traditionally followed a specific pattern, with different sections dedicated to particular crafts or goods. This organization was overseen by guilds, which regulated quality and apprenticeship.
Some of the most famous souks include:
  • Souk Semmarine: The largest souk, known for its textiles and clothing
  • Souk Ableuh: Famous for its olives and preserved lemons
  • Souk Kchacha: Specializing in dried fruits and nuts
  • Souk Siyyaghin: The jewelers' souk
These ancient marketplaces continue to be vital centers of commerce and culture in Marrakech, offering a glimpse into traditions that have endured for centuries.
Optional Evening Extension: 
Marrakech Food Tour 
Embark on an authentic culinary adventure through the vibrant backstreets of Marrakech at sunset. This expertly curated Marrakech Food Tour offers a unique opportunity to savor local Moroccan delicacies and experience the city's rich gastronomic culture.
  • Explore hidden culinary gems in the medina
  • Sample a variety of traditional Moroccan dishes
  • Witness behind-the-scenes food production
  • Experience the lively atmosphere of Jemaa el-Fnaa square
As the sun sets over the Koutoubia Mosque, you'll begin your journey through Marrakech's flavorful landscape. Led by local food specialists, you'll discover:
  • Marrakchi Tangia (local meat specialty)
  • Two types of slow-cooked lamb
  • Traditional Moroccan salads and soups
  • Street food favorites (grilled sardine sandwich, merguez, kefta)
  • Fresh fruit smoothies and Moroccan pastries
  • Optional delicacies: roasted sheep head and spleen sandwiches
This tour is perfect for food enthusiasts and can be tailored for vegetarians upon request. Experience the magic of Marrakech through its cuisine.
Chez Ali Fantasia Show
Cap off your day with a spectacular evening at the Chez Ali Fantasia Show. This unique experience includes:
  • Traditional Moroccan dinner
  • Berber folklore performances
  • Music and dance shows
  • The thrilling Fantasia horse riding display
Marrakech's Top 10 Historic Sites Not to Miss
1. Majorelle Garden & The Museum of Islamic Art
2. The Mosque of Koutoubia, Koutoubia Gardens & Tomb of Lalla Zohra
3. The Bahia Palace
4. El Badi Palace
5. Ben Youssef Medersa
6. Musee de Marrakech and Almoravid Koubba
7. Marrakech Souks, Ramparts & Medina
8. Saadian Tombs
9. Musee Dar Si Said & Museum Tiskiwin
10. Menara Gardens & Agdal Gardens (Optional)

Day Trips from MarrakechFor those looking to explore beyond the city, consider these popular day trips:
  • Ourika Valley Tour: Escape to the tranquil beauty of the Atlas Mountains with a day trip to the Ourika Valley. Experience traditional Berber villages, stunning waterfalls, and lush landscapes, all while enjoying the cooler mountain air and breathtaking scenery.
  • Marrakech Design Tour: For those fascinated by Marrakech's vibrant design scene, consider our specialized Marrakech Design Tour.  Explore Marrakech's modern art scene at galleries like David Bloch Gallery and Galerie 127, showcasing works by emerging Moroccan artists who blend traditional motifs with contemporary styles. Visit the Artisan workshops of skilled craftsmen in the medina. Observe the creation of intricate zellige tilework, delicate metalwork, and vibrant textiles, understanding the techniques passed down through generations.
  • Essaouira Day Trip: Journey to the charming coastal town of Essaouira, known for its laid-back atmosphere, blue-shuttered houses, and rich history. Explore the UNESCO-listed medina, stroll along the picturesque harbor, and enjoy fresh seafood while soaking in the town's artistic vibe and maritime heritage.
Each of these excursions offers a unique perspective on Morocco's diverse landscapes and cultural heritage. Book your Marrakech Private Tour today and immerse yourself in the magic of the Red City!
 
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