| The Pearl of the South, also known as the "Pink City" for the ochre color of its walls, Marrakech has long been host to international personalities and jet-setters, from Winston Churchill to Yves St Laurent. Since time immemorial, Marrakech has been an important crossroad of Arabic, Berber and Sudanese civilizations. The city itself was founded by a mysterious warrior from the Sahara, Yussef ben Tachfine over 900 years ago. Its wonderful dry climate, and its unequalled setting in the midst of a 3,500 acre palm grove at the foot of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains make it one of Morocco's most popular travel destinations. ![]()
| Numerous new hotels have been built in recent years, although the best-known is still the luxurious Mamounia Hotel, where Churchill used to spend his winters painting in the rose gardens. The city boast 2 casinos with gambling tables. Marrakech's main attraction remains the famed Djema el Fna Square with its snake charmers, story tellers and acrobats who perform daily around sunset. The cool, shaded medina houses dozens of handicrafts guilds from wool dyers to coppersmiths and spice vendors. Skiing in the Atlas, fishing and hunting are all available, in season, within a short drive. Every year in June, a national folklore festival is held inside the historic Bahia Palace. ![]() Djema el Fna Square, Saadian Tombs, Badia and Bahia palaces, Dar Si Said folk museum, Yves St Laurent (formerly Majorelle) exotic gardens, Menara reservoir and Agdal olive groves, carriage ride through the palm grove, Koutoubia minaret, royal palace, world-class cuisine in exclusive and superbly-appointed restaurants, lovely golf course, casinos and varied night life. Average temperature is 70F in winter and 90F to 100F in summer. Population tops 1 million |
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| M. 31. Grand tour of Marrakech. 3 hours | Includes Koutoubia minaret, olive groves, Saadian tombs, Bahia palace, medina, souks and Djema el Fna Square | ||||
| M.33. Historic sites, gardens, ramparts and tanners. 2 hours | Yves St Laurent gardens, palm grove, tanneries, royal palace, Agdal olive groves and Menara | ||||
| M. 310: Full day excursion to Oukaimeden ski resort. | Drive up the Atlas Mountains past dozens of Berber villages to the spectacular ski area. Lunch extra. | ||||
| M. 311. Half day excursion to mountain villages of Asni and Ouirgane | Beautiful drive into the Atlas Mountains with stop at Tahnaout country souk | ||||
| M. 312. Full day tour to Ourika Valley. 6 hours | See grandiose scenery and numerous mountains kasbahs along one of Morocco's most famous scenic roads. Lunch included. | ||||
| M. 314. Full day excursion via High Atlas pass to desert oasis of Ouarzazate. 12 hours. | Cross the Atlas Mountains past Berber villages to the oasis of Ouarzazate and the beginning of the Kasbah Trail. Visit ancient kasbahs (Berber strongholds) of Taourirt and Ait Ben Haddou. Lunch included. | ||||
| M. 315. Full day tour to ancient Portuguese port of Essaouira. 8 hours. | Drive through scenic countryside to the charming port of Essaouira (formerly Mogador) and visit old ramparts and town famed for is beautiful inlaid woodwork. Lunch included. | ||||
| M. 316. Full day tour to the kasbah of Telouet in the High Atlas Mountains. 7 hours. | Discover the lush High Atlas Mountain regions and this magnificent kasbah once home of the Pasha El Glaoui, the "Lord of the Atlas." Picnic lunch extra. | ||||
| M. 317. Full day tour to seaside resort of Agadir. | Agadir, Morocco's best-known beach resort, has acquired an international reputation for its miles of white, sandy beach and year-round warm climate. Lunch extra. | ||||
| M. 322. Two day tour to Taroudant, Agadir and Essaouira. |
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