Essential Marrakech: A Guided Medina History & Culture Tour

Meet your guide at the great Koutoubia mosque and stroll around the gardens as you learn about the early history of Marrakech. Visit the mosque from the outside and see the city's first road and entrance gate. Next, take a short walk into the Jewish quarter to learn about Morocco's Hebraic heritage. Stop at a the busy fresh produce market. Take time to explore the colorful Bahia Palace. Wander around the labyrinth of Andalusian style Riads, gardens, patios, fountains, and reception rooms. Admire the geometric patterns of zellij mosaics, carved stucco with Arabic inscriptions, cedar ceilings and gates sculpted with ornate arabesques. Afterwards, we'll head deep into the maze of old city's streets to see typical residential neighborhoods. Experience life far from the touristy areas where locals live and do their everyday shopping. Tour the Ben Youssef Medersa, a jewel of Arabo-Islamic art. Visit the prayer hall, ablutions room, and students' quarters. Learn about local Muslim practice and the traditional education system. Make our way through the hustle & bustle of the more authentic souks of the city. Stop to see workshops & skilled local craftsmen at work. Experience the intense activity organized by trade; leather, wood, silver, bronze, and copper as well as noble materials being auctioned off to the highest bidders. Continue for a discovery stop at the colorful spices square then the Semarine souk which has become a showcase for the best Moroccan artisans. Many renowned international artists and designers have been coming here for decades to awaken their inspirations. End at Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, the beating heart of Marrakech (a Unesco world heritage site of oral culture) filled with exotic street artists, games, and much more...