Marrakech is arguably the best imperial city to
visit. Called the Red City on account of the original clay colour
of the houses. Once on the hippy trail as the song confirms but
not on the itinerary of the backpacker and discerning traveller
alike. The Djemaa el Fna square is one of today’s tourist
marvels.
The city was founded a thousand years ago under
the Almoravid dynasty but was destroyed and rebuilt in the 12th
century by the Almohads, who built the Koutoubia Mosque and landmark
minaret.
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| Marrakesh Market Water Carrier |
Djemaa el Fna
See contemporary life in this market place. Acrobats, jugglers,
storytellers, fire-eaters, snake charmers, fortunetellers. This
is where Marrakech converges. Wander around and be amazed. It gets
more crowded at dusk when the best photos can be taken. Take a drink
in one of the rooftop cafés that overlook the square. Sit
on a wood bench and take in the atmosphere, smoke and smells of
this exotic place.
Souk
North of the Djemaa el Fna square, you can wander through the maze
of craftsmen and little shops. Each neighbourhood has its own trade,
spices and handicrafts.
Koutoubia Mosque
The Minaret is a landmark that towers over the town. It is one of
three built by Sultan Yacoub el Manour. The others are in Rabat
and Seville, where it is now known as the Giralda.
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| Moroccan Slippers |
El Bahia Palace
This grand palace was once the gardened residence of a grand Vizier.
The ornamentation, in traditional style, is suitably splendid everywhere.
Dar Si Said Museum
Built by two brothers, this palace houses a museum of Moroccan art,
with a large collection of Berber artefacts, jewellery, costumes,
pottery and carpets.
Saadian Tombs
This is the elegant 16th century necropolis of the rulers of the
Saadian dynasty. Demolished by Sultan Moulay Ismail, it was rediscovered
in the 20th century. The amazing architectural detail includes beautifully
vaulted ceilings. A royal pantehon of a distant age, it contains
the tombs of Sultans and princes.
Menora Garden
One of Morocco's most famous and enduring sights. The iconic rectangular
pool irrigates ancient olive groves, while the pavilions near it
were added in the 19th century.
 Agdal
Gardens
400 acres of citrus and orange groves, with a boating lake at the
centre, which feeds irrigation channels for the surrounding orchards.
Oasis Aiea
On the northern side of Marrakesh there is a huge palm grove with
over 200,000 palm trees. Developments of luxury villas are now slowly
encroaching on this area.
 Discover the multiple facets of Marrakech with a stroll in the labyrinth of the narrow streets of the Medina amongst its famous Souks. Immerse yourself in times of old with visits to the most beautiful palaces and monuments of Marrakech including Bahia Palace.
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Looking to hire a car? Quickly trawl the competitive rates from Car Trawler
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Car rental travel may be the best form of transportation to Andalucia if you don't have a rigid schedule and are prepared to test your defensive driving skills on Spain's speedy highways. Although a little more expensive than bus travel, car rentals allow the greatest amount of flexibility for sight seeing along the way and visiting many historical, old towns you would have otherwise missed. Have a good trip!
Train
Train to Casablanca
Airport
International Airport. Direct flights to London, Paris, and Frankfurt.
New York (once a week). Frequent flights to Casablanca.
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