Marrakech full-day guided city tour
Marrakech full-day guided city tour
Highlight of the tour:
Koutoubia Mosque – Marrakech’s largest mosque, built in 1147, a stunning landmark that inspired the Giralda of Seville and Hassan Tower in Rabat.
Bab Agnaou Gate – The most beautiful of Marrakech’s 19 gates, dating back to the 12th century, once serving as the grand entrance to the Caliphal Kasbah.
Bahia Palace – A breathtaking 19th-century palace with intricate marquetry, painted wood, and a stunning Italian Carrara marble courtyard.
Jemaa El Fnaa Square – The beating heart of Marrakech, filled with snake charmers, storytellers, and vibrant street life by day, transforming into a lively food market at night.
Semmarine Souks – A maze of colorful markets where you can experience Berber and Arab culture, browse spices, leather goods, and handcrafted treasures.
Ben Youssef Madrasa – Once the largest Koranic school in Morocco, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture with intricate designs and rich history.
Majorelle garden & Yves Saint Laurent Museum – The perfect finale, a serene botanical garden designed by Jacques Majorelle, later owned by Yves Saint Laurent, with an adjacent museum showcasing his iconic work.
This itinerary flows seamlessly through Marrakech’s historical and cultural gems, ending with a peaceful retreat at Jardin Majorelle.
Pickup time will be at 9:30 AM, and your city tour will begin at the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, the largest and most important mosque in Marrakech. Founded in 1147 during the reign of the Almohad dynasty, the Koutoubia is a masterpiece of Moorish architecture and a defining landmark of the city. Its elegant 77-meter (253-foot) minaret has not only shaped the skyline of Marrakech but also served as inspiration for other famous structures, such as the Giralda in Seville, Spain, and the Hassan Tower in Rabat, Morocco’s capital.
By law, no building in Marrakech is allowed to be taller than the Koutoubia’s minaret, preserving its dominance over the city’s skyline. Your guide will take you on a brief tour of the mosque’s exterior, sharing fascinating insights into its history, architectural features, and cultural significance.
We will make a stop in front of the renowned Bab Agnaou, widely considered the most magnificent of the 19 gates of the Medina of Marrakesh. Built in the 12th century by the Almohads dynasty, this historic gateway once served as the main entrance to the Caliphal Kasbah—a royal citadel that was the seat of power in the southern part of the city.
Unlike the Medina’s other gates, Bab Agnaou is uniquely made of blue-grey sandstone and adorned with intricate carvings and Kufic inscriptions, showcasing the elegance of Almohad artistry. Though weathered by time, its grand horseshoe arch and elaborate details remain a striking symbol of Marrakesh’s rich heritage. Flanked by two imposing cannons, it is not only one of the most impressive gates of the city but also of the entire country.
We will then visit the magnificent Bahia Palace, located next to the Jewish Quarter of Marrakesh. Its name, meaning "The Beautiful," perfectly reflects the palace’s grandeur. Spanning 8,000 square meters, it is celebrated for its breathtaking craftsmanship, featuring intricate marquetry, elaborate plasterwork, and exquisite zouak (painted wood). It remains one of the city’s most remarkable landmarks.
Built in the 1860s by Grand Vizier Si Moussa, the palace was later expanded by his son, Ba Ahmed, who transformed it into one of the most opulent residences of its time. A masterpiece of Moroccan and Andalusian architecture, the palace boasts serene courtyards, lush gardens, and finely decorated salons. While the Petit Riad and Grand Riad showcase exquisite marquetry and painted wood ceilings, the true highlight is the Cour d’Honneur—a vast 1,500-square-meter courtyard paved with Italian Carrara marble.
Originally spanning eight hectares with 150 rooms, only a portion of the palace is open to the public today.
Even so, its grand halls and tranquil courtyards offer a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Morocco’s 19th-century elite. Today, Bahia Palace continues to be a cultural landmark, occasionally hosting prestigious events that celebrate Morocco’s rich artistic and architectural heritage.
Take a stroll through the iconic Jemaa el-Fnaa square, the beating heart of Marrakech and a UNESCO-recognized cultural space. For centuries, this lively square has been a gathering place where traders, performers, and storytellers have brought the city to life. From sunrise to sunset, snake charmers, storytellers, women henna tattoo makers, acrobats, and musicians create an ever-changing spectacle, preserving traditions that date back to the days of the Almoravid dynasty.
As dusk falls, the square transforms into a vast open-air restaurant, where food stalls offer sizzling kebabs, fragrant tagines, and freshly squeezed orange juice, filling the air with irresistible aromas.
Beyond the square, immerse yourself in the labyrinthine souks of the Medina, where the essence of Moroccan craftsmanship thrives. Wander through the Semmarine Souk, a treasure trove of textiles, lanterns, and intricately woven carpets. Follow your guide through the maze of narrow alleyways, where Arab and Berber cultures blend in an explosion of color, sound, and tradition. Inhale the rich scents of exotic spices, sample a variety of olives, feel the soft touch of finely crafted leather, and admire the skilled artisans at work.
Whether you are looking for handcrafted souvenirs or simply soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, the markets of Marrakech promise an unforgettable sensory experience.
Behind the bustling souks, a visit is planned to the historic Ben Youssef Madrasa, a hidden gem in the heart of the Medina. Reaching it requires a long but rewarding walk through Marrakech’s winding alleys.
Once the largest Koranic school in the city, the madrasa now serves as a historical site, showcasing Morocco’s rich educational and artistic heritage. It was named after the neighboring Ben Youssef Mosque, originally founded in the 12th century by Almoravid Sultan Ali ibn Yusuf.
However, the madrasa itself was built in the 14th century and later renovated in the 16th century by the Saadian dynasty, transforming it into an architectural masterpiece.
For centuries, it was a thriving center of Islamic learning, housing up to 900 students.
It closed in 1960 but later reopened to the public, allowing visitors to admire its exquisite zellij tilework, carved cedarwood, and serene courtyard. Today, the Ben Youssef Madrasa stands as a testament to Morocco’s intellectual and artistic legacy.
Leave the Medina behind and drive to Gueliz, or La Nouvelle Ville, a vibrant district that contrasts with Marrakech’s old city. Your first stop is the iconic Majorelle Garden, a serene botanical retreat created by French artist Jacques Majorelle over nearly 40 years. This lush oasis is home to exotic plants from around the world, tranquil water features, and striking Art Deco architecture, including the Majorelle Blue villa designed by Paul Sinoir in the 1930s.
Adjacent to the garden, the Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts offers a fascinating glimpse into North Africa’s indigenous heritage. Its collection of intricate jewelry, textiles, and everyday objects highlights the remarkable craftsmanship and traditions of Berber culture.
Nearby, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum celebrates the visionary designer who found endless inspiration in Marrakech. The museum’s elegant galleries showcase some of his most famous haute couture creations, along with original sketches and personal memorabilia. The striking contemporary building also houses rotating exhibitions, a research library, and a stylish boutique featuring a curated selection of books, accessories, and design pieces.
Together, the Majorelle Garden, the Pierre Bergé Museum, and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum offer a perfect blend of nature, art, and fashion, making this a must-visit cultural experience in Marrakech.
After your visit, return to your Riad and unwind before heading out to enjoy a dinner reservation at a restaurant of your choice.
Included in your package:
Air-conditioned Luxury vehicle.
Professional English speaking driver.
Expert licensed official guide .
Hotel pick-up & Drop-off.
Mini bottled water offered throughout the tour.
Wet & dry tissues in your vehicle.
Not included:
Lunch.
Admission fee to monuments.
Gratuities.
