Overview
Discover Marrakech, the iconic Red City of Morocco, on a full-day guided excursion from Agadir. Known for its rich history, culture, and architecture, Marrakech was founded in 1071 by Sultan Youssef Ben Tachefine of the Almoravid dynasty.
Explore the historic Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its 19 km of red ramparts and vibrant souks. Admire the stunning palaces, mosques, and traditional Andalusian craftsmanship that make Marrakech a cultural gem.
The origin of the word “travel” is most likely lost to history. The term “travel” may originate from the Old French word travail, which means ‘work’. According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, the first known use of the word travel was in the 14th century.
Book This TourItinerary
- Departure from Agadir: 7:00 AM pickup from your hotel.
- Arrival in Marrakech: Approximately 10:30 AM.
- Historical Monuments Visit: Explore key sites such as:
- Jamaa El Fna Square
- Saadian Tombs
- Koutoubia Mosque
- Bahia Palace
The Saadian Tombs in Marrakech, Morocco, are a historic royal necropolis dating back to the Saadian dynasty, particularly the reign of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur (1578–1603). Located adjacent to the Kasbah Mosque within the city's Kasbah district, these tombs are renowned for their intricate decoration and historical significance.
The complex consists of two main sections, each containing several chambers. The most notable is the Chamber of the Twelve Columns, which houses the tomb of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur. This chamber is distinguished by its richly decorated cedar wood ceiling and walls adorned with geometric patterns and vegetal motifs in carved stucco. The tombs are marked by horizontal slabs of finely carved Carrara marble.
After the fall of the Saadian dynasty, the tombs were sealed off and remained forgotten until their rediscovery in 1917. Today, they stand as a testament to Morocco's rich history and are a significant attraction for visitors to Marrakech
The Bahia Palace, meaning "the brilliant" in Arabic, is a 19th-century palace located in Marrakech, Morocco. Construction began in the 1860s under Si Moussa, the grand vizier of Sultan Muhammad IV. His son, Ba Ahmed, expanded the palace between 1894 and 1900, aiming to create the most impressive palace of its time.
The palace features a vast complex with 150 rooms, including a harem section. It is renowned for its intricate design, with rooms organized around courtyards and gardens. The name "Bahia" reflects the beauty and brilliance of the palace, named after Ba Ahmed's favorite wife.
The Menara Gardens, established in the 12th century by the Almohad Caliph Abd al-Mu'min, are among Marrakech's most cherished landmarks. These expansive gardens feature extensive olive groves and a central reflecting pool, all set against the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains.
At the heart of the gardens stands the Pavilion of the Menara, a two-story structure with a pyramidal roof adorned with green tiles. The pavilion overlooks a large rectangular basin, measuring approximately 195 meters by 160 meters, which historically served as a reservoir for irrigating the surrounding orchards.
The water for the basin is supplied through a hydraulic system over 700 years old, channeling water from the nearby Atlas Mountains. This system exemplifies the advanced engineering techniques of the era.
The Koutoubia Mosque, also known as the "Mosque of the Booksellers" because it was once surrounded by manuscript traders, is one of Marrakech's most iconic religious landmarks.
Construction of the mosque began in 1147 during the reign of the Almohad caliph Abd al-Mu'min, after the Almohads took control of Marrakech. The architecture reflects the Almohad style, characterized by simple and clean decorative elements. The plan consists of a vast courtyard surrounded by arcades, with a prayer hall supported by 17 aisles. The central aisle is wider to emphasize the direction of prayer toward the mihrab.
The mosque's minaret stands at 77 meters tall and has a square shape, adorned with geometric patterns. It is believed to have inspired other monuments such as the Giralda in Seville and the Hassan Tower in Rabat.
The mosque was restored in 1990 to maintain its original architectural integrity. Today, it remains a symbol of Marrakech and a prime example of Islamic art in North Africa.
The Jardin Majorelle is a one-hectare (2.5-acre) botanical garden located in Marrakech, Morocco. Established in the 1920s by French painter Jacques Majorelle, the garden features approximately 300 plant species from around the world, including cacti, bougainvillea, and palm trees. A notable feature is the vibrant "Majorelle Blue," a shade of cobalt blue used extensively throughout the garden.
In 1980, fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé purchased the property, restoring the garden and villa. The site now includes the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech, showcasing the designer's work, and the Musée Pierre Bergé des Arts Berbères, dedicated to Berber art and culture.
The Jardin Majorelle remains a tranquil oasis amidst the bustling city, attracting nearly 600,000 visitors annually.
En 1980, le jardin, menacé par un projet immobilier, fut acquis et restauré par Yves Saint Laurent et Pierre Bergé. Aujourd'hui, le Jardin Majorelle est l'un des sites les plus visités du Maroc, attirant des centaines de milliers de visiteurs chaque année.
La Médersa Ben Youssef is a historic Islamic school located in Marrakech, Morocco. Established in the 14th century by the Marinid Sultan Abu Al-Hasan, it was later expanded and richly decorated by the Saadian Sultan Abdellah El-Ghalib in the 16th century.
The structure is organized around a central courtyard featuring a rectangular pool, exemplifying traditional Islamic architectural principles. The building is renowned for its intricate decorations, including zellige (mosaic tilework), stucco carvings, and cedar woodwork. The prayer hall, situated opposite the entrance, is distinguished by its three aisles supported by marble pillars and adorned with finely crafted arches.
Serving as a theological school, the madrasa accommodated up to 900 students in its 132 rooms. It remained a center of learning for over four centuries. Today, after restoration in the 1990s, it is open to the public, offering insights into Morocco's rich architectural heritage.
Jemaa el-Fna is a renowned public square located in the heart of Marrakech's Medina. Established in the 11th century by the Almoravid dynasty, it has evolved from a place of public justice to a vibrant cultural hub. Recognized as an UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985, the square pulsates with life, especially at night, attracting over a million visitors annually.
Historical Significance:
- 11th Century: Founded by the Almoravids, the square initially served as a public execution site.
- 16th Century: Transformed into a bustling commercial center, hosting military parades and public executions.
Cultural Vibrancy:
- Daytime: The square comes alive with street performers, including fire-eaters, henna artists, monkey trainers, snake charmers, and fortune tellers.
- Nighttime: Numerous food stalls emerge, offering a variety of traditional Moroccan cuisines, making it a gastronomic haven.
Culinary Delights:
Marrakech's rich culinary heritage is showcased in Jemaa el-Fna, where visitors can indulge in traditional dishes like tagine, couscous, and an array of local sweets. The food stalls provide a sensory journey, reflecting the city's blend of ancient Berber, Arab, and Andalusian traditions.
Cultural Importance:
The square is a microcosm of Morocco's diverse cultural tapestry, representing Arab, Berber, and Gnaoua influences. It epitomizes the country's rich oral storytelling tradition, with numerous storytellers captivating audiences with tales of legend and history.
Nearby Attractions:
- Koutoubia Mosque: A prominent landmark adjacent to the square, known for its impressive minaret.
- Souks: The surrounding markets offer a labyrinth of shops selling spices, textiles, jewelry, and handicrafts.
- Travel Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes each way (via motorway).
- Self-Guided Option: You can visit Marrakech on your own, exploring historical monuments by car in the morning. In the afternoon, enjoy free time at Jemaa el-Fna Square and the Souk, then return to Agadir around 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Additional Costs:
- Official Guide (starting from): €50 per group
- Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour: €30 for 2 hours
Entrance Fees for Historical Monuments in Marrakech:
- Saadian Tombs: €7 per person
- Bahia Palace: €10 per person
- Ben Youssef Madrasa: €5 per person
- Majorelle Garden: €17 per person (online booking recommended)
- Yves Saint Laurent Museum: €14 per person
- Majorelle Garden + Pierre Bergé Museum: €23 per person
- Majorelle Garden + Yves Saint Laurent Museum: €33 per person
- Koutoubia Mosque, Jemaa el-Fna Square, Souk, and Menara Gardens: Free entrance
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Driver
- escort
The Cost Excludes
- Beverages
- Lunch
- Entrance fees to historical monuments
- Official guide in Marrakech
FAQs
Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.
On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.
The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.
Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.
No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.
Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.
Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.
It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.
For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.
