Two Day Best Of Marrakech From Casablanca, Hotel Not Included

Two Day Best Of Marrakech From Casablanca, Hotel Not Included Photo #1 of 2 Photo copyright ShoreTrips.com.

Overview

A walk through the history of the red city!

For guests lucky enough to have two days to visit the Kingdom of Morocco, this two day tour will provide a more in-depth exploration of the Ochre City of Marrakech. Called the Ochre City in reference to the burnt-orange walls of the old medina, Marrakech is originally named from the indigenous Berber words meaning ‘Land of God’, which should be some indication of the beauty and importance of this Imperial City.

Start day 1 in Casablanca, where you will be picked up from your port of arrival. Hop in the vehicle, and drive the 3 hours inland towards Marrakech. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch in the swanky Gueliz neighborhood. We suggest Le Grande Cafe de la Poste, the circa-1920s post office turned chic cafe and bistro overlooking the Place du 16 November.

Spend this afternoon exploring Yves Saint Laurent's corner of the city: the beautiful Majorelle Gardens, the fabulously curated Berber cultural museum and the newly opened Yves Saint Laurent Museum. Next, spend some time in the medina at the iconic Koutoubia Mosque. The Mosque’s minaret is considered to Marrakech what the Eiffel Tower is considered to Paris - not to be missed. Stretch your legs with a stroll through the Mosque’s gardens and plaza, then enter the heart of town: the bustling Djeme Lefna Square. Find performers of every kind, including musicians from across the country, henna artists, and snake charmers. Try a famous Marrakech orange juice, the best in the world, and sample some savory street snacks.

Relax and enjoy some time at your beautiful, traditional Moroccan riad: sure to be an architectural highlight of your time in Marrakech. Once rested and ready, enjoy the Ochre City’s nightlife with a culinary adventure of a dinner and live Moroccan music and belly dancing.

Begin your second day at the Bahia Palace, located along the northern edge of the traditional Jewish Quarter. The Palace consists of a collection of historic homes combined into a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture, complete with beautiful arabesques and typical zellij tilework. Explore the maze of intricate salons and courtyards while learning about the interesting lives of its previous inhabitants. Continue on to visit the Saadian Tombs, dating as far back as the 1500s, the Golden Age of Marrakech. This beautiful open courtyard surrounded by impressive mausoleums is one of very few remainders of the Saadian Dynasty, and was only re-discovered in the early 1900s. Historically a burial site for the ruling class, be sure to ask your guide to translate the poetic epitaphs engraved on the tombs.

Continue visiting the medina, with the lovely Madrasa Ben Youssef and the winding alleyways of the famed souk lining the infamous Djema Lefna Square. The Madrasa Ben Youssef is a beautiful example of Moroccan traditional koranic schools, which were at one time absolute staples in the local community. This site, in particular, is one of the most important monuments in Morocco, and in turn, in Marrakech. ‘Ben Youssef’ is a name that may sound familiar after a day visiting Morocco, as he was the head of the Marinids during their rule of the Kingdom. Following the Madrasa, navigate Marrakech’s souk, the traditional market place. Learn about traditional handicrafts, and see artisans creating their products right in front of you.

Take a break at this point to enjoy a traditional Moroccan lunch in the medina. Weather permitting, settle in a local rooftop restaurant and see Marrakech from a new perspective. Marrakech is particularly known for roof-top living, so be sure to look around and notice life in the skies. We suggest trying a typical tagine meal, complete with Moroccan salad, plenty of fresh bread and typical cinnamon-orange desert. End your meal with a piping hot mint-tea, just like the locals. After lunch, head back toward Casablanca to reboard your ship, having made the most of your short time in the Kingdom of Morocco.

- Entrance fees are included in the tour cost.
- Dinner is included on day 1. Lunch is included on day 2.
- You will be returned to your cruise pier by approximately 5 PM on day 2.

- A hotel is not included in this package. If you are interested in hotel recommendations, contact ShoreTrips.
- If you are interested in hiking on day 2, there is an option for a more active itinerary. Contact ShoreTrips if you are interested.

Days offered: 7 days a week

Departures:

• 08:00 AM, duration: 36 hours Tour duration is approximate.