Best of Marrakech: Guided Bahia Palace & Ben Youssef Medrasa Tour
Meet at the Koutoubia mosque, a Moorish 12th century wonder, for an intro to better understand the city's origins & layout.
Walk to the Jewish Mellah and visit the Bahia Palace; city's most famous sight once home to the kingdom's grand vizir & his harem. Free time to stroll in the gardens, riads & reception rooms & enjoy ornate fountains, zellij mosaics, stucco arabesques & carved cedar gates and ceilings.
We'll explore authentic neighborhoods & visit the Ben Youssef Medersa, masterpiece of Arabo-Islamic art. Tour the Maghreb's largest Islamic college during the 1500s; its majestic patio, student rooms, prayer hall & ablutions room. Exchange about local muslim practice & history.
Then head to the original handicrafts souk to see the skilled artisans at work, learn about their materials & techniques. Stop at the colorful spices square for photos & discovery of local beauty and cuisine secrets. Finish at Jamaa El Fna, city's UNESCO world heritage site to experience exotic street arts!
Options
PRIVATE Half Day Tour
Personalised : To meet your individual requirements.
At your leisure: Possibility to slightly adapt the itinerary depending on your interests.
Tour for a private party/group: Reserved with a private guide, only for you.
What's included in Best of Marrakech: Guided Bahia Palace & Ben Youssef Medrasa Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Koutoubia Mosque
Introduction to Marrakech & visit its most symbolic monument, standing on a sacred site that dates back to the 12th century (visit from the outside only/limited access) and discovery of the foundations of the city from the 11th century (see Marrakech's first road and defensive gate).
Mellah
Discover the Jewish quarter and learn more about Morocco's Jewish heritage. Walk through the colourful spice markets.
Bahia Palace
Complete tour of the only real palace open to visitors. Wander throughout its residential riads and official function areas. Discover the decorative arts, learn about the legends behind their origins as well as the impact on modern Moroccan culture/society.
Inclusions
- Skip the line tickets & guided tour of Bahia Palace + Medersa Ben Youssef.
- Services of a friendly & knowledgeable licensed tour guide (English/French Speaking)
- 2 small or 1 large per person
- Tips and gratuities
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- Meet at the little white mausoleum dome sitting at the foot of the Koutoubia Mosque tower. Located on the Mohamed 5th Boulevard. Your tour guide wearing an official badge with a red & green ribbon will be waiting for your at the reserved/scheduled time.
End Points
- Finish at the Jamaa El Fnaa Square, to experience this unique UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Humanity site. A vibrant space that represents a concentration of popular Moroccan cultural traditions performed through musical, religious and artistic expressions.
