Marrakech Medina: In Depth History&Culture Half Day Tour Personalised Marrakech Medina-History&Culture Half Day Tour

Discover Marrakesh's legendary history & culture with an expert local guide. Visit includes tickets to the medina's most important monuments; Bahia Palace, Ben Youssef Medersa and Museum of Marrakesh.
Meet your guide at the Koutoubia Mosque for a short introduction & stroll around its gardens to understand the true origins of this legendary city. Discuss construction techniques used for this monumental 12th-century Moorish style mosque which served as a model for the Giralda of Seville. Visit from the outside only (limited access) and discovery of the 11th century foundations of the city. See Marrakech's first road and entrance gate.
Short walk to the Jewish Quarter (or Mellah) via it's famous spice market to learn about Morocco's Jewish heritage. Then we'll explore the colourful Bahia, country's most renown palace. This unique official residential palace was the home of the kingdom's effective ruler & his harem in the 1800s. We'll wander through the labyrinth of riads, gardens, patios, fountains, and reception rooms of this massive complex to see up close the intricate geometric patterns of zellije mosaics, carved stucco with Arabic inscriptions, and cedar ceilings and gates sculpted with ornate arabesques. Take time to discover the traditional decorative arts, decipher their significance and learn about the legends of a slave which rose to immense power in the early 19th century. We will also discuss the impact of this lifestyle on modern Moroccan society.
After that we'll cross the into the heart of the medina (or old city) through typical residential neighbourhoods and markets. Experience life far from the touristy areas where locals live & do their everyday shopping.
After that, guided tour of a jewel of Arabo-Islamic art; the Ben Youssef Medersa. This religious site open to the public was the Maghreb's largest Islamic college in the 1500s, it once housed up to 900 students. Time for photos and explanations about local Muslim practice & the traditional education system in the graceful courtyard. Visit the prayer hall, ablutions room and student's quarters.
Next, we'll head to the nearby Museum of Marrakech; enjoy the city's most elegant private palace... marvel at its breathtaking patio, guest house, salons, and baths. This 19th century palace was the home of a notable's family. Includes a rich exposition of rare Moroccan artefacts ranging from pottery, jewellery clothing/embroidery to modern art pieces & traditional weapons. This allows a rare glimpse into the refined lifestyle of wealthy and powerful elites. (Also known as Dar Mnebhi or Fondation Omar Benjelloun).
Continue through the authentic handicrafts souk to see the very skilled leather, bronze and copper craftsmen at work.
Then walk through the medina's most prestigious market; Souk Semarine. A showcase for the best local artisans.
See where many renown international artists and designers have been coming for decades to awaken their inspiration.
Finish at Jemaa el-Fnaa, a Unesco world heritage site famous for for it's oral and immaterial culture to better understand this unique square which is the beating heart of the old city, see the numerous exotic street artists...

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

Cancellation is not possible. If you cancel it anyway or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity and the money you paid will not be refunded.