cresta-marrakech-header-665x181.jpg

Marrakech City Breaks

This rose-pink oasis city with its spectacular backdrop of snow capped Atlas Mountains captures the heart and imagination of everyone who visits. Pulsing with the beat of the drummers of the Djemma el Fna Square, it is a city alive with possibilities.

Insider's Tip

Ramadan. During the month of Ramadan a night-time festival atmosphere prevails (starting approx 19 Jul 2012). At this time Muslims fast during the day and feast at night. Some restaurants may be closed during the day.

Budapest city map

Your Accommodation

 



Map Ref. Hotel Rating Price
1 Le Meridien N'Fis *** Book from £63 per night
2 Les Jardins de la Koutoubia ***** Book from £66 per night
3 Angsana Riad Collection ***** Book from £57 per night

 



 

Must See

 

must see in marrakech

In the early evening, Djemaa el Fna the city's main square, comes alive with snake charmers, street entertainers and food sellers.

Ben Youssef, the largest Koranic school in Morocco rivals the Medersa in Fes..

Read more

Saadian Tombs are late 16th century mausoleums containing the graves of the Sultans and their families..

City Gates The gates and ramparts of this walled city can be best viewed by horse-drawn caleche.

Bahia Palace is a maze of corridors, passageways and elaborately-decorated chambers built by the Vizier Ba Ahmed Ben Moussa.


The Tanneries are colourful open-air vats used for tanning and dying leather.


 

Must Do

must do in marrakech

One of the greatest pleasures of Marrakech is to stroll through the souks, bargaining and people-watching. The medina and Djemaa el Fna change throughout the day so it's worth passing through at different times.

Escape from the noise and dust of the city in Yves Saint Laurent's celebrated Jardin Majorelle and visit the small museum.

Read more

Take a day trip up to the Atlas Mountains to see some of the most beautiful scenery.

Contemplate your reflection in the pools of the Agdal Gardens amid groves of oranges, olives and pomegranates..

Enjoy a cocktail in the bar of La Mamounia Hotel. This art deco palace was a favourite of Winston Churchill..

 

 

 

Food & Drink

food and drink in marrakech

Moroccan cuisine is rightly celebrated as one of the best in the world and Marrakech has numerous fine restaurants to choose from. Start with a bowl of steaming, spicy harira soup or unexpectedly delicious bastilla, a semi-sweet pigeon pie made with layers of filo pastry. For the main course, a chicken or lamb tagine with couscous is a must, while for dessert, a choice of small, nut-filled pastries will be offered and accompanied by a glass of sweet, green mint tea or a strong, thick coffee. Although it is a Muslim country, alcohol is widely available; look out for local wines, the best of which are red.

 

 

Shopping

shopping in marrakech

The souks of Marrakech are over-flowing with fantastic things to buy, from carpets and lamps to slippers, pottery, jewellery and leather goods. Particularly worth looking out for are beautiful thuya wood boxes, often inlaid with mother-of-pearl, brightly-coloured tagine pots, basketwork and kilim rugs. You will be expected to haggle, so never pay the first asked price, but if you feel hassled by a seller, simply walk away. There are fixed-price tourist shops outside the souks, if you'd rather not bargain.



 

Excursions

excursions in marrakechHistorical Marrakech

Discover a fascinating city, visit Koutoubia Mosque, the 16th century Saadian  tombs and the Bahia Palace.

Departs: daily in afternoon. Duration: 3-4 hours.
Adults by coach from £24 per person or private car from £30 per person (based on 2 adults sharing.

Read more

Ouarzazate
Pass through the Atlas Mountains and Tizi n' Tichka pass. See the famous film studios, Kasbahs and beautiful landscapes: desert plains, lush green valleys, vast palm tree forests, canyons, lakes and snowy peaks.

Departs: daily - private. Friday only by coach. Duration: 10-11 hours.
Adults by coach from £53 per person or private car from £100 per person (based on 2 adults sharing).

Ourika Valley
Discover the Berber market and traditions which are attended by local tribes. You will discover the splendid scenery, almond trees, admore the Jebel Toubkal, the highest mountain of Atlas.

Departs: daily in the morning. Duration: 3-4 hours
Adults by coach from £27 per person, or private car from £67 per person based on 2 adults sharing.

Essaouira
Located on a peninsula on the Atlantic shores, you will visit the ancient fishing port/ seaside resort of Mogador, where you will find a little fortress built in 1506 by the Portuguese, in later years this shelter became a favourite for pirates. And then onward to visit Medina, the Jewish district of Mellah, with ancient alleys and quaint shops selling traditional woodwork.

Departs: daily. Duration: 10 hours
Adults by coach from £36 per person or private car from £86 per person (based on 2 adults sharing).

Atlas Valley of Asni & Imlil by 4x4
Pass by the Red City walls and through the fertile valley of Asni, visit a small picturesque Berber village, continue high into the Atlas Mountains to your final destination, the marvellous Kasbah of Toubkal, with the option to travel the last 300m via foot or donkey. You will have time to explore and take in the most amazing Moroccan landscapes.

Departs: daily. Duration: 10 hours
Adults from £169 per person (based on 2 adults sharing).

Thomas Cook Home Page