Historical Marrakech City Tour
Overview
Five hours across a thousand years of Marrakech, from the Almohad minaret of the Koutoubia to the French boulevards of Gueliz. The circuit takes in the Bahia Palace, the old Jewish quarter, the ceremonial gate at Bab Agnaou and a long stretch in Jemaa el-Fnaa, and opens with a short escorted camel ride out in the palm groves. A registered historian leads the whole route.
Highlights
- A short escorted camel ride in the Palmeraie to open the day
- The Koutoubia minaret, Bab Agnaou and the walled UNESCO medina
- Painted cedar ceilings and zellij courtyards at the Bahia Palace
- A full ninety minutes in Jemaa el-Fnaa
- A registered historian guide throughout, in four languages
- Morning or afternoon starts at 9am and 2pm
Full Description
La Palmeraie
The day opens in the palm groves north of the city with a short escorted camel ride. Handlers walk alongside the whole way, so no experience is required. Admission included.
Duration: 45 minutes
Jardin Majorelle
The vehicle slows at the cobalt-blue walls of the Majorelle garden for photographs from the street. Entry is not part of this itinerary.
Duration: Pass by
Koutoubia Mosque
The 12th-century Almohad minaret that set the template for towers from Rabat to Seville. A short stop for photographs from the gardens. Free admission.
Duration: 10 min
Bahia Palace
A 19th-century vizier's palace of painted cedar ceilings, zellij courtyards and shaded gardens. Tickets are bought at the door.
Duration: 20 min
Mellah
The old Jewish quarter, laid out in 1557, with tight lanes, balconied houses and the Lazama Synagogue at its heart. Free admission.
Duration: 10 min
Bab Agnaou
The ceremonial gate into the royal kasbah, carved in sandstone by the Almohads in the 12th century, and still the handsomest doorway in the walls. Admission included.
Duration: 10 min
Jemaa el-Fnaa
An hour and a half in the great square, long enough for fresh orange juice, the snake charmers and a terrace view over the whole circus. Admission included.
Duration: 90 min
Souk Semmarine
The main covered market street, hung with lanterns and stacked with slippers, spices and woven goods. Your guide handles the introductions. Admission included.
Duration: 20 min
Medina of Marrakesh
A short walk into the walled old town, where the alleys narrow and everyday life takes over from the visitor route. Admission included.
Duration: 10 min
Le Jardin Secret
A restored riad garden hidden behind a plain medina wall, with water channels, palms and a quiet pavilion. Entry is paid separately.
Duration: 15 min
Gueliz and Hivernage
The French-built new town of wide boulevards, galleries and pavement cafes, a useful counterweight to the medina. Admission included.
Duration: 10 min
Inclusions:
- Registered historian tour guide
- Air-conditioned car or minivan transport
- Bottled mineral water
- Camel ride experience
Exclusions:
- Personal expenses
- Monument entrance fees (pay-as-you-go)
- Gratuities (recommended)
- Instant confirmation by email with voucher
- Printed or mobile voucher accepted
- Check your spam folder if the confirmation email does not arrive
- Free date change up to 12 hours before departure
- No cancellation fee if cancelled 24 hours or more before pickup
- 100% cancellation fee if cancelled within 24 hours of scheduled pickup
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
- No refund for cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time.
- Changes requested less than 24 hours before the start time cannot be accepted.
- Times are local. Experiences cancelled for poor weather are refunded in full or rescheduled.