Welcome to Marrakech! As we explore the heart of the ‘Red City’ together, our journey begins at the Koutoubia Mosque, a true Hispano-Moresque masterpiece. Standing at 69 meters, this 12th-century tower served as the architectural inspiration for the Giralda in Seville. Look up at the four copper globes crowning the minaret; inside, a series of ramps allowed the muezzin to ride a horse all the way to the top balcony to deliver the call to prayer.
From the Koutoubia, a short walk brings us to the Saadian Tombs, a royal necropolis that remained a hidden secret until its rediscovery in 1917. Notice the pure architectural lines and delicate carvings that date back to the reign of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur in the late 1500s. It is a serene place of reflection, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful feats of Moroccan architecture.
Next, we step into the 19th-century luxury of the Bahia Palace. For seven years, a thousand master craftsmen from Fes worked tirelessly here to create a home for the wealthy Grand Vizier Ba Ahmed. As we walk through the sun-drenched central courtyard paved in marble and decorated with zelliges, you can almost feel the presence of the sultan’s favorite concubines in the surrounding private apartments.
To escape the city’s energy, we’ll head to the Menara Gardens, a vast 250-acre olive grove that has provided shade to locals since the 12th century. Standing by the edge of the central lake, you’ll see the small Saadian pavilion reflecting in the water, framed by the stunning, snow-covered peaks of the High Atlas Mountains. For a splash of color, we then visit the Majorelle Garden, where the vibrant ‘Majorelle Blue’ structures contrast with exotic cacti and lily ponds. This lush estate, originally designed by Jacques Majorelle, was later lovingly restored and maintained by Yves Saint Laurent.
Finally, we’ll end our day where the soul of the city truly lives: Djemaa El Fna. While this square is a quiet market for fruit and spices in the morning, it transforms as the sun sets. We will find ourselves surrounded by the hypnotic rhythms of Gnaoua dancers, the tales of traditional storytellers, and the spectacle of snake charmers and musicians—the same vibrant scene that has greeted travelers coming out of the mountains and the desert for centuries.
