Posts Tagged ‘Majorelle Gardens’

12 Things To To in Morocco, Travel Bucket list

Wednesday, March 15th, 2017
Moroccan Covered Markets, Marrakech

Moroccan Covered Markets, Marrakech

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Morocco is an an exotic vacation destination. This North African country offers a rich variety of activities whether your interested in  architecture, history, the arts, food, outdoor adventure sports or relaxation. There are a wealth of things to do for families on a vacation, couples traveling alone and also for independent visitors who tend to shy away from organized and private tours. With so many options it’s hard to choose. Moroccan Guide books claim they know the Top 10 Best Things to Do in Morocco as do the variety of Morocco travel bloggers out there. Moroccan Tour Packages sometimes can equally be adept as they don’t offer the off the beat activities that can make for the most memorable vacation. As natives of Morocco and the founders of Morocco Travel Blog, we offer intrepid travelers the idea Travelers Guide of Where to Eat, Shop and What to Do.

As natives of Morocco and the founders of Morocco Travel Blog, we offer intrepid travelers the ideal Travelers Guide of Where to Eat, Shop and What to Do. Our  list of 12 Things to do in Morocco guarantee an authentic Moroccan travel experience.

12 Things to Do – Quintessentially that have made our 2017 Bucketlist and are guaranteed to satisfy your wanderlust.

Fes Souks Tasting Tour

Fes Souks Tasting Tour

 

1. Souk Tasting, Fes Food Tour in the historic Fes medina. Old world delicacies at your fingertips when you embark on a food tour.  Try traditional Moroccan street food including dried meats, milawi, harsha, briwats, spicy sardines, spicy potato cakes, soups, olives and more. Taste an array of delicious wild honeys, discuss their flavors and health-giving properties and find out why honey is so important in Moroccan cooking and Islamic culture.

2.Glamping in the Sahara Desert’s Erg Chebbi Dunes. Go on a Desert Adventure and Overnight in a  Luxury Desert Camp  in sand dunes far away from the touristic areas. Arabian Nights Dinner fireside is served as Berber drummers serinade you. Not to be missed.

3. Marrakech Street Food, Exotic eats down Marrakech’s Tangia Alley. Evening exploration and the highlights of Marrakech Street Food Tasting. Sip Tea as the sunsets over Djemaa El Fna Square. On this exclusive guided tour you will make your way through the backstreets and sample two types of slow cooked lamb, Tangia (a Marrakech specialty, traditional Moroccan salads, a mixture of street food dishes such as a grilled sardine sandwich, merguez, or kefta, Moroccan soup and doughnuts, fresh fruit smoothies, Moroccan pastries, roasted sheep head (optional) and for the more adventurous spleen sandwiches.

4. Kicking back in Coastal Essaouira, Beach bumming it by the Sea. Stroll down the Portugese Ramparts in Old Mogador. View the picturesque seagulls as they fly across this historic old city making their way like a private chartered flight back towards the beach. Kick back and lay low with a glass of gris, visit the historic Essaouira medina or bum it by the seas. Essaouira is the first calling for those who want some R&R or a visit to Morocco and it’s also the perfect ending to a country wide private tour.

Wine & Cheese in Morocco

Wine & Cheese in Morocco

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Wine & Cheese Tasting in Ounara, Essaouira. Just eight kilometers from Essaouira sits one of Morocco’s finest wineries called Val d’Argan. This winery located in Ounara is the perfect pitstop en route to Essaouira on a one day excursion. The wine tasting can include a peppering of reds, rose, whites and Moroccan Gris, all consumed with local cheeses or the option of Moroccan lunch. After you’ve washed your pallet with some Moroccan wine, head to La Fromagerie for lunch. Owned by Souri native, Abderrazzak, La Fromagerie is a and farm to table restaurant with some of the best “cheese, cheese and more cheese.” The menu is prefixed unless you request a la carte. It consists of local organic wine and home made cheeses threaded through every dish served.

6. Sking in Ifrane, the little Switzerland of Morocco. A lesser known region in Morocco is Ifrane. Unlike any other town this small villagge is located in the Middle Atlas and is over 5,000 meters above sea level. Ifrane has a Swiss Alpine village feel to it and is the winter playground for wealthy Moroccans who are in search for winter and skiiing. Ifrane boasts lush, green cedear forrests in spring, summer and fall. Just outside are Berber villages and a Middle Atlas region that is rich agriculturally. The town also hosts students year round with it’s famed Al Akhawayn University. Ifrane is an hour from Fes, a UNESCO Heritage sites and serves as the perfect excursion in summer and for skiiing in winter.

7. Exploration of Morocco’s Covered Markets. Visit Spice Souks Craft makers. With centuries-old souks, authentic craftsmanship, and tiny workshops, the shopping scene offers both old and new. Moroccan crafts are a fundamental part of Moroccan life. There are covered markets to visit everywhere in Morocco from the historical medina’s to the rural country side. Local markets (souks) in the countryside take place on every day of the week. Each region of the country has a local souk that helps supply the population with good. Some are covered markets while others are completely open air. Covered Markets offer the best insiders experience for intrepid travelers who want to see first hand how Moroccans shop. The covered markets in the medina also house charming cooperatives, some of which are run by women that produce, wood, metal, copper, wool, linen, stone, embroidery and clay into distinctly Moroccan products that have been made for centuries. The covered markets offer a perfect opportunity to Shop the Souks of Morocco in style.

8. The Ultimate Hammam experience.  Discover a Moroccan bath house. A scrub with Moroccan salts and Rose water Massage is an essential part of any Morocco travel experience. Hammams have played an important role in Morocco serving as places of social gathering, ritual cleansing and with special customs attached to them. The majority of Moroccans visit a hammam at least once a week. Book a two hour appointment and request for both a Hammam and Massage combination option.  Be prepared to be well scrubbed (in a hot room) on both sides of your body with a rough flat glove called a kiis.  This is a culturally enriching experience.

Breadbaking with the Berbers

Breadbaking with the Berbers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. Bread baking with a Berber Family. Meet a local Berber family in the village of Ait Ouzzine nestled between the Sahro and Tamlalt Moutnains. Sip tea with the Berbers and bread bake on volcanic rock. Make a rare speciality bread of the region called Bourafin which is a century-old tradition of gathering brush and rocks, then baking the bread in open mountain, fresh air on age old historic volcanic rock. Walk in the green fields and see how the traditional Berbers live with their gardens of herbs, livestock, and henna plants.

10. A romantic Horse and Carriage ride through the ramparts of Marrakech. A fun way to visit the ramparts of Marrakech is through a Horse-drawn carriage. Through the red hamra city, visitors will see colored horse-drawn carriges in shades of chartruse, hot pink, lemon and orange. These carriges are referred to as calche’s. There’s nothing quite like taking a caleche ride in historic Marrakech medina as your driver summons the horse to turn down small alley’s, navigate the souks, weave between old world palaces and gardens, and then sprints along beside motorcycles and new card into the ville nouvelle (new city). At sunset or even on a rare, rainy evening a calche ride will bring back memories of another century and how travelers once navigated Marrakech.

11. Take a road trip and Wander the Blue Washed City of Chefchaouen. Located in Morocco’s Rif, this small city is often referred to as the hidden jewel of the North. Chefchaouen was founded in 1947 by Moorish exilesfrom Spain. Its blueglazed houses and buildings are a tradition that comes from the town’s former Jewish population. Wandering around this blue washed city is one of the top things to do on a visit to Morocco.  It offers an imaginary experience that makes you feel as if you are inside a magifcal story book from the 17th Century. Travelers can venture into the old Kasbah that faces the exterior of the city’s walls, shop for handcrafts, taste fresh goat cheese and observe locals doing daily chores.

12. Indulge in ancient history by visting the Berber Museum in Marrakech. The intense blue house and studio of French artist Jacques Majorelle is now the Majorelle Gardens and the Berber Musuem. While visiting the Majorelle Gardens, a stunning botanical garden that became the Moroccan retreat and sanctuary for French fashion designer Yves Saint-Laurent, is on everyone’s bucketlist we recommend highly not to miss the Berber Musuem. Formerly known as he Islamic Museum of Art, this new museum was renamed and launched with propert histoical provenance to honor the Berber people and their traditions. As the Berbers are the original inhabitants of Morocco and were driven in the mountains in te 7th Century by Arabs from Yemen, having as much of their history and costume on display pays a long standing homage essential to those discovering Moroccan history. With over 60o objects in the Berber Museum ranging from the Rif to the Sahara this offers vistors a compelling panorama on Berber culture. The renovation of the Berber Museum was carried out by Christophe Martin with museocologiest, Bjorn Dahlstrom. This is a must see piece of Marrakech for all travelers.

 For More Information about Things to do in Morocco 

Morocco’s Imperial Cities, Seaside Resorts,Sahara Desert,Berber villages, A Taste of Morocco, Magical Kasbahs, Ruins & Waterfalls, Absolute Morocco, The Best of Marrakech, Fes, and Ouarzazate

Discover The Best of Morocco - Travel Exploration
Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration at 1 (800) 787-8806 or + 1 (212) 618882681 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Things to Do in Marrakech, Gueliz: Shop, Art, Eat

Tuesday, April 12th, 2016

 

Maison Lab, Marrakesh

Maison Lab, Marrakesh

Most visitors to Marrakesh head straight to the medina and its old world souks for excitment. Those who are in the know make a b-line for the French “new town”, known to locals as Guéliz. Guéliz is home to the Yves Saint Laurent Majorlle Gardens, La Mamounia Hotel, where Alfred Hitchcock wrote “The Birds” along with some of Marrakech’s chic addresses for eating out, shopping and gallery hopping. Named as the leading travel destination in North Africa by Trip Advisor and now on many travelers bucketlist, Marrakesh lives up to its name with streetlined cafes on glorious boulevards dotted with palm trees, an outdoor flower market, beautiful parks with dry tolerant plants and some of the world’s most delcious street food. Marrakech also boasts annual cultural events such as the Art Biennalle, the Marrakesh Film Festival and has a host of action packed nightclubs,restuarants and hotels with appeal to both young and older travelers.

WHERE TO SHOP IN GUELIZ, MARRAKESH

MAISON LAB
Marrakech’s leading contemporary home design shop located in the heart of Guéliz. Created by acclaimed New York interior designer, Marin Raffone, maisonLAB brims with modern objects and furnishings that reflect Raffone’s appreciation for the places he calls home (New York City and Marrakech). The chic double-height space features objects culled from around the world: bed/bath and other linens, tabletop, kitchen and utility, office, travel and personal items. All items are custom designed using local artisans with a high level of sophistication. Address: 44 Rue Tarik Bnou Ziad, Magasin No. 1 Phone: +212 524 43 39 36

MOOR
Owned by fashion designer Yann Dobry of Akbar Delights in the medina, Moor features a selection of upscale Moroccan couture. Using the finest artisans and materials, Moor is known for its embroidered silk, cotton and linen tunics. The cool and calm colors throughout the shop create a relaxed shopping experience. Look up or even just on the walls – the décor, a selection of Moroccan home wares sourced from around the Kingdom, is also available!
Address: 7 Rue des Vieux Marrakchis , Guéliz 
Phone: +212-0524-45-82-74

LALLA
The boutique and workshop of French designer, Lalla is one of our favorite stops along Rue de la Liberte. Colourful leathers
and funky accents are used to create one of a kind functional women’s handbags in a variety of sizes and shapes. Fringed handbags for a day out line the selves alongside a carryall big enough to take to work and even for the weekend. The accessories here are also fabulous with our favorites being the colorful and textured necklaces, the perfect addition to any outfit. Address: 5 Rue de la Liberte, Gueliz 
Phone: +212-661-47-72-28

33 MAJORELLE

With two levels of design, fashion and accessories created by Moroccan and international designers, as well as the traditional Moroccan goodies like the green pottery from southern Morocco and a selection of funky babouche, this is the shop for trendy souvenirs and gifts. Like a high-end department store, new designers are exposed with the collectionc hanging regularly, giving this concept store the leading edge on the latest trends. A small gallery is attached and features a changing art exhibit. The location is perfect – across from Majorelle Gardens. 
Address: 33 Rue Yves Saint Laurent, Gueliz 
Phone: 212-524-31-41-95

Kechmara, Marrakesh

Kechmara, Marrakesh

WHERE TO EAT IN GUELIZ, MARRAKESH

KECHMARA
For restaurants with dishes diverging from traditional Moroccan cuisine, head to the Ville Nouvelle, where many establishments serve lighter fare. Kechmara offers tasty sandwiches and salads in a sleek white-and-chrome dining room with a rooftop terrace. Live music plays every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights, and the restaurant often hosts exhibits of art and photography.
Address: 3 De Rue La Libertie
Phone: 212-524-42-25-32

AL FASSIA
Once you pass the traditionally dressed doormen, this place is all-female and is run like a family kitchen. Set up by the well-known Chab family 20 years ago, this popular restaurant is now successfully managed by Myra Chab as a cooperative. A variety of Moroccan dishes are available, including specialties that require a day’s notice such as the dalaa mbakhra (steamed lamb shoulder) and chaâra medfouna (steamed vermicelli garnished with pigeon). The tagines and couscous here go against the grain in both ingredients and size. Chicken with caramelized pumpkin and lamb with eggplant are just two of the 13 tagine choices, and you’re served a portion that you might actually be able to finish. The desserts are delicious, so leave space for some seffa couscous in butter, sugar, milk, and cinnamon.
Address: Aguedal & Gueliz
Phone Gueliz: + 212-524-434-060

David Bloch Gallery, Marrakesh

David Bloch Gallery, Marrakesh

WHERE TO GALLERY HOP IN GUELIZ MARRAKESH

DAVID BLOCH GALLERY
A leading gallery in Mararkechs new town, Gueliz that features a wide range of contemporary art. This loft-style gallery show cases sculpture, paintings and photography. Some well known artists that have been featured at David Bloch Gallery are world renown photographer, Steven McCurry, Graffiti artist Vincent Abadie Hafez and Mohamed Boustane, painter of technique of Arabic lettering.
Address: Rue des Vieux Marrakechis Phone: +212-524457595

MATISSE GALLERY
Located in the charming Passage Ghandouri, this Marrakech well known and trendie gallery is named after Henry Matisse. The galllery features works by Mahi Binebine, and henna paintings evoking Berber baraka (blessings) by Farid Belkahia along with the Moroccan artists Nourredine Chater, Mohamed Melehi, Hassan Hajjaj and Hassan El Glaoui. The artists show cased at Matisse Gallery are a combination of young, old and new on the Moroccan art scene.
Address: 61 Rue de Yougoslavie, N° 43 Passage Ghandouri Phone: +212-524448326

GALLERIE 127
This gallery is for photographer lovers and a must visit. Gallerie 127 features the world of up-and-coming photographers that from Morocco and abroad. Owned and curated by Nathalie Locatelli, the gallery is wonderfully positioned on Mohammed V in central Gueliz. The loft-like space features wonderful architectural details and is located in an Art Deco building.
Address: 127, Avenue Mohammed V, 2ème étage Phone: +212-524432667

For more information about Things to do in Marrakech

Morocco’s Imperial Cities, Seaside Resorts,Sahara Desert,Berber villages, A Taste of Morocco, Magical Kasbahs, Ruins & Waterfalls, Absolute Morocco, The Best of Marrakech, Fes, and Ouarzazate

Discover The Best of Morocco - Travel Exploration
Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration at 1 (800) 787-8806 or + 1 (212) 618882681 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Marrakech Guided Tours, Private Site seeing Adventures

Monday, December 7th, 2015
Marrakech,Snowcapped Atlas Mountains

Marrakech,Snowcapped Atlas Mountains

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marrakech, a Berber city, located just outside the snow capped Atlas Mountains, has become one of the leading destinations for Morocco travelers during the past decade. Travelers from the USA, Europe, Russia and Brazil continue to place Marrakech on their bucket list. Marrakech is leading a style revolution for Moroccan travelers with it’s fabulous mix of of old world souks, monuments, mosques, Jewish Heritage Sites, Art Deco architecture, evening Food tours and upmarket Moroccan cuisine. The best way to discover Marrakech’s hidden jewels is to take  a private Marrakech Guided Tour.

A Marrakech Guided Day Tour will give you the opportunity to discover the main sites of Marrakech along with off the beat places. On a Guided Marrakech Site seeing Tour travelers will discover the interiors of the souks that are filled with bustling and delightful food markets, the local bread oven, artisan workshops, majestic gardens along with the glorious Ben Youssef Medersa. All sites are well appointed within Marrakech medina with the famous Majorelle Gardens just footsteps outside.

A Guided Site seeing Tour of Marrakech also includes an in depth visit to Marrakech’s historical Jewish quarters which consists of the Jewish Mellah, the Jewish Cemetery and the Marrakech Lazema Synagogue. On special request dinner with the Rabbi or Shabbat catered dinner can be arranged.

Djemaa El Fna at night

Djemaa El Fna at night

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guided Marrakech Day Tours all end with a visit to Djemma el Fna square just before sunset. Djemaa el Fna Square is best described as an L-shaped square that is a labyrinth of mazes. There are souks sprawling off the sides of crowed alleys that sell carpets, spices, metal and wood works and tourist trinkets. Locals also frequent the square where the evenings deliver storytellers, Gnaoua musicians and drummers, snake charmers, jugglers, acrobats and the evening food market. A typical Moroccan experience includes a visit to the evening food stalls grilling meat on braziers, smoking fish, and selling exotic Moroccan foods. If you want a quick treat you can try Morocco’s popular stewed snails. Grab a tooth pick and dig in. Feeling especially brave? Try some stuffed spleen or a sheep’s head showing the eyes. Wash it down with Khendenjal, a spicy nut-based aphrodisiac. With its wild and colorful characters, Djemaa el Fna will stop at nothing short of bedazzling and astounding you. At night, the air fills with aromatic smoke fumes lingering off the delicious delicacies sold in the streets and the sounds of Moroccan music.

Marrakech Guided Tour, Ben Youssef Medersa

Marrakech Guided Tour, Ben Youssef Medersa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marrakech Guided Tour City Highlights: Site seeing with a Marrakech Guide
The Yves Saint Laurent, Majorelle Gardens & Berber Museum
Koutoubia Mosque and Gardens
El Bahia Palace
Saadian Tombs
Ben Youssef Medersa
El Badi Palace
Museum of Photographie
Marrakech Museum
Djemaa el Fna Square
Marrakech Souks – Bread Oven, Local Hammam, Neighborhoods, Artisan Workshops, Spice Souks, Olive Market, Local Bucher and Fruit and Vegetable Sellers, Date Market, Main Kisseria
Jewish Mellah, Jewish Synagogue and Jewish Cemetery

For more information about A Private Cooking Vacation to Morocco

Morocco’s Imperial CitiesSeaside Resorts,Sahara Desert,Berber villagesA Taste of MoroccoMagical Kasbahs, Ruins & WaterfallsAbsolute Morocco, The Best of MarrakechFes, and Ouarzazate

Discover The Best of Morocco - Travel Exploration
Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We offer Private Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration at 1 (800) 787-8806 or + 1 (212) 618882681 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Marrakech Voted World’s Top Holiday Destination by Trip Advisor

Wednesday, March 25th, 2015
Djemaa El Fna at night

Djemaa El Fna at night

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The city of Marrakech has been voted the World’s Top Holiday Destination by Trip Advisor. Based upon travelers’ reviews compiled by Trip Advisor to choose the best world travel destination, Marrakech, Morocco came in on top in March 2015.

Marrakech is known as the “red city or Al Hamra,” a city in southwestern Morocco within the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Marrakech is the second largest city and administrative center in Morocco. Marrakech, guarantees an exciting holiday experience with it’s lively souks, majestic gardens, oriental palaces, markets, historic medina and Djemaa El Fan Square filled with snake charmers, entertainers and outdoor food stalls.

Marrakech is an hour from the High Atlas, three hours from the Atlantic Coast and five hours from the Sahara Desert region. Marrakech’s unique location makes it the premier city to visit on a Morocco Tour and also an ideal city for excursions for those travelers who want to take in the city for a week.

Some of the key hotspots not to be missed on a visit to Marrakech are the Majorelle Gardens, The Koutoubia Mosque, El Bahia Balance, Ben Youssef Medersa, the Saadian Tombs, the Spice Market and the ancient Jewish Mellah.

Followed by other vibrant cities such as Istanbul, Hanoi, Prague, London, England, Rome, Buenos Aires, Paris and Capetown Marrakech should be on every travelers bucket list.

For more information about Marrakech or a Marrakech Tour.

For more information about the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music Morocco’s Imperial CitiesSeaside Resorts,Sahara Desert,Berber villagesA Taste of MoroccoMagical Kasbahs, Ruins & WaterfallsAbsolute Morocco, The Best of MarrakechFes, and Ouarzazate

Discover The Best of Morocco - Travel Exploration
Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel.  We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration at 1 (800) 787-8806 or + 1 (212) 618882681 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Trip Advisor Names Marrakech Leading Vacation Destination, Traveler’s Choice Awards

Monday, April 14th, 2014

Marrakech Atlas Mountain Views

The “Red Hamra” City of Marrakech was ranked as the sixth leading vacation destination by Trip Advisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards for 2014. Marrakech has risen to the top of Trip Advisor’s sixth annual destination list just behind the Czech Republic, rising thirteen spots from 2013. This magical city is surrounded by the Atlas Mountains, Berber villages, magnificent waterfalls and maintains it’s enchanting beauty with unique flora and fauna that is in full bloom year round.

Marrakech is two hours from Africa’s second highest Mountain, Djebel Toubkal, where Moroccan travelers can hike and ski during most seasons. Marrakech is also just a few hours from the seaside town of Essaouira, Imperial Rabat, Casablanca, and the Berber seacoast region of Agadir. Marrakech is located a few hours from the Cascades D’Ouzoud waterfalls and four hours from Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Ouarzazate region. With its prime location, Marrakech is the prefect city to visit on a private tour or for a sun holiday.

 

La Maison Arabe, Morocccan Classical Riad

La Maison Arabe, Morocccan Classical Riad

Marrakech has also been earmarked as the ideal vacation hub by major media outlets such as New York Times and Travel & Leisure. The city easily awes travelers with its temperate climate. Home to Muslim and Jewish Heritage historical sites, delightful Moroccan restaurants, up market well appointed accommodations and lush gardens, Marrakech has a reputation for being a city of romance and as well as a shoppers paradise.

Yves Saint Laurent must have felt the same. He made Marrakech his second home in the 1970’s, then purchased and restored the Jardin Majorelle in 1980, known today as the Majorelle Gardens. The Majorelle Gardens is a perfect rendition of an exotic garden with cactus, palm trees, bamboo, coconut palms, thujas, weeping willows, carob trees, jasmine, agaves, white water lilies, datura, cypress, bougainvilleas, and ferns. Majorelle was once a hidden gem yet today it has become the trendy place visited by most tourists who come to Marrakech. Moroccan travelers not only have the gardens to enjoy but also a charming book store with unique titles and prints, a colorful gift shop and a small green café. The Majorelle Gardens also lays claim to Morocco’s only Islamic & Berber Museum with an mini wing devoted Amazaigh Jewelry and traditional rural crafted pieces.

British film director Alfred Hitchcock during the shooting of his movie 'The Birds'.

Marrakech has a history of attracting artists, writers, new world explorers and film makers – those in transit searching for place in Morocco to call home. As a temporary residence for many of the past, Marrakech’s La Mamounia is where Alfred Hitchcock  “The Birds” and Winston Churchill had his own suite. Marrakech has been on the bucket list of the elite, hippies and government figures since the 18th Century. Turn the page and nothing’s quite changed yet.

Original Marrakechi folk came from the “Bled,” Arab and Berber villages – and remained in the medina for several centuries. Some of Morocco’s richest men and families once resided in the Marrakech medina that over time has become the most sought after medina in Morocco for business and pleasure alike.

Since 1995 Europeans and upwardly mobile Moroccans have aggressively restored and built elaborate, luxury Riads and modest Guest houses in the Marrakech medina to accommodate world travelers. Today the Marrakech medina, while popular among foreign travelers, has a large population of locals that still live there whose heritage dates back to the 16th Century and before.

The charm of Marrakech’s Ville Nouvelle  (new town) Gueliz and Hivernage is long standing. With the click clack sound that runs along the alleys made by horse drawn carriages, the grand palm lined Avenue Mohammed VI reminiscent of the Champs Elysées in Paris, flower budding sides streets with cafes serving up espresso and croissants, some claim Marrakech is “Land of God.”

“Land of God” originates from the Berber (Amazigh) words mr (n) akush yet others say that the towns name refers to “county of sons of Kush.” Old Marrakech however set the stage for trade given it was once the siting of some of Morocco’s largest caravans. Caravans passed through Marrakech and the exterior region from the South trading dates, sugar, livestock and more.

For many the town of Marrakech may be referred to as the “Land of God” or the home of the “Laughing People” yet for those who have made this city their longtime home, we will simply settle on – “Kech.”

For More Information about Marrakech Travel

Morocco’s Imperial CitiesSeaside Resorts,Sahara Desert,Berber villagesA Taste of MoroccoMagical Kasbahs, Ruins & WaterfallsAbsolute Morocco, The Best of MarrakechFes, and Ouarzazate

Discover The Best of Morocco - Travel Exploration
Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel.  We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration at 1 (800) 787-8806 or + 1 (212) 618882681 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

 

Best Books on Moroccan Decor, Your Morocco Tour Guide

Sunday, October 13th, 2013

World Design by Herbert Ypma

The French designer Yves Saint Laurent remarked of Marrakech that “This city leads me to color.” Morocco has fascinated many designers with its wealth of color and diversity of islamic design for the last century.  The color in Morocco’s bright zellij tiles, woodwork, silver jewelry and cedar hand-crafted ceilings blend effortlessly with modern interior design. Morocco’s winding medina street scenes, colorful souks, majestic gardens and palaces provide the perfect inspiration to adorn a home.

There are many fine coffee table books that reveal the hidden beauty of Moroccan décor and the various ways in which the novice can create their own interiors using Moroccan products and motifs. Some of the best books on Moroccan decor are:

Moroccan Interiors by Lisa Lovatt-Smith  – This book explores the diversity of contemporary modern design  in Morocco, contrasting the simplicity of  the rural environment with the ornamental Andalusian style of Morocco’s Imperial Cities. The variety of styles and the immediacy of colors of modern Moroccan design has won it its place in international interior design.

Marrakesh by Design, Maryam Montague

Marrakesh by Design  by Maryam Montague – Marayam Montague writes an award winning blog “ My Marrakesh” and has her own magnificent home and guest house Peacock Pavilions, in Marrakesh. In  Marrakesh by Design she advises  the reader about how to create their own Moroccan inspired interiors  blending elements of decorated tiles, colored walls and sculptured ceilings and the Andalusian ideals of ornamental gardens and fountains.  The well illustrated book, Marrakesh by Design, shows the reader how villas and riads in Marrakech have created their own modern day interiors. Montague discusses ideas and projects that people can use while decorating their homes.

Montague also advises her readers on how treasures bought in the souks of Marrakesh can be incorporated into the modern home and used to inspire distinct Moroccan character. Moreover she explains why certain design features have predominated in Moroccan homes. The book is also an introduction into Morocco’s diverse culture and history and its impact on style. The book has splendid photographs making it a stylish coffee table book for the home.

Morocco Modern-World Design by Herbert Ypma – This is an innovative visual resource book for all interested in interior design for the home. Herbert Ypma  follows the origins of Morocco’s greatest creative  traditions and craftsmanship. She conveys has contemporary designers continue to us these ancient skills fusing the traditional and the modern. The book is lavishly illustrated with 171 color photographs .

The Villas & Riads of Morocco, Corinne-Verner

The Villas and Riads of Morocco by Corinne Verner – The Villas and Riads of Morocco showcases palatial residences in Fes and Eassouira, riads in Marrakesh and converted kasbahs. With more than 200 photographs, this book reveals the treasures of Moroccan design. It features the fusion  of new concepts  with the highest quality materials including  luxurious Berber carpets, Rabati textiles, marble, along with intricate carvings and mosaics. The book offers an overview of the cultural history of Moroccan riads and palaces with their centrally placed courtyard gardens.

Morocco Design Decor by Philippe Saharoff & Francesca Torre – This is a small coffee table book is packed with authentic Moroccan interiors many of them typical of modern designs widely used in Marrakesh. There is excellent detail on commonly used features  such as zellij tiles, painted wood and lanterns. This is the perfect practical guide for Moroccan home decor.

Morocco – Mark Luscombe & Dominic Bradbury  – Published by Conran this is a good all round introduction to contemporary and traditional elements in Moroccan architecture and design from country houses to modern restored medina houses.

Living in Morocco: Design from Casablanca to Marrakesh by Lisl Dennis and Landt Dennis – Living in Morocco  covers the work of ancient  Moroccan craftsmenship which has been adapted to modern designs with exciting images of  ceilings, courtyards and tiled walls. The authors include information about the blue and white painted walls of  Chefchaouen in the north and the Kasbah’s and souk’s of the South. They also cover the history of Marrakesh’s iconic La Mamounia hotel and the deep blue of Yves Saint Laurent’s walls in the Majorelle Gardens. The book is lavishly illustrated with photos of the interiors of houses and  Moroccan arts and crafts.

Written by Colin Kilkelly

For More Information Books on Moroccan Decor or a Morocco Tour

Morocco’s Imperial CitiesSeaside Resorts,Sahara Desert,Berber villagesA Taste of MoroccoMagical Kasbahs, Ruins & WaterfallsAbsolute Morocco, The Best of MarrakechFes, and Ouarzazate

Discover The Best of Morocco - Travel Exploration
Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel.  We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration at 1 (800) 787-8806 or + 1 (212) 618882681 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Morocco Just For Women Tour, Your Morocco Travel Guide

Friday, February 10th, 2012

Henna Hands - Just for Women

Imagine the opportunity to Roam Like Royalty Through Morocco’s Imperial Cities and Sacred Spaces with fellow women travelers. Touring Morocco with women who you could connect with and share lifetime memorable experiences with is a stand-out opportunity. If this sounds like something appealing as a Morocco single woman traveler then Travel Exploration’s Morocco Just For Women Tour is the perfect 2012 travel program.

 

Bellydancing, Marrakech

Morocco Just For Women – Roam Like Royalty Through Morocco’s Imperial Cities was created for women by women to experience the wonders that Morocco offers. The Morocco Just For Women Tour will visit breathtaking architectural sites in Marrakech and Fes, majestic palaces in Rabat, glorious houses of worship and opulent gardens. Attending the Morocco Just For Women Tour offers on site visits to see traditional Moroccan crafts being made by local artisans and shopping in the dazzling array of Morocco’s marketplaces. On the Morocco Just For Women Tour, all women travelers will enjoy exquisite cuisine and elegant accommodations throughout this magical voyage.

Included in the Morocco Just For Women itinerary is a henna party and a ceramics workshop in Fes, an exotic cooking workshop in two Imperial Cities and a Hot Air Balloon ride over Marrakech’s Atlas Mountains. To top the itinerary the Morocco Just For Women program also includes Camel Trekking in the Palmeraie of Marrakech, Spa time, visits at women’s cooperatives, a wine tasting in Essaouira and more. The Morocco Just For Women Tour Group will rise and overnight at charming Riads & boutique hotels as they intimately discover the best of Morocco.

Fes Medina, Embroidery

Morocco is one of the ancient intersections of civilization. Boldly situated on the far northwestern corner of Africa, its expansive shoreline stretches from the Atlantic through the Strait of Gibraltar to the Mediterranean. The cultural diversity of contemporary Morocco reflects its historic vantage point as a gateway to Europe and the world.  Morocco’s heritage offers visitors an encounter with an exotic society and its customs, an incomparable cuisine,  and a shopper’s paradise of magnificent markets.

Cooking Workshop, Morocco Just For Women Tour

Morocco Just For Women Tour Highlights:

  • Embroidery Lessons in Fes
  • Traditional Cooking Workshops Of Local Cuisine in Fes & Marrakech
  • Henna Party & Gastronomic Dinner in Fes
  • Spa indulgence in Marrakech
  • Hot Air Balloon over the High Atlas
  • Yves St. Laurent’s Majorelle Garden in Marrakech
  • Shopping at charming Moroccan boutiques and cooperatives
  • Bellydancing Lessons in Marrakech
  • Wine & Cheese Tasting in Essaouira
  • Pastry & Argan Cooperative Visits

For more information about a Morocco Just For Women Tour & Morocco Tours

Discover The Best of Morocco - Travel Exploration

Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration in the USA at 1 (800) 787-8806 or in Morocco 1 (212)618-88-26-81 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Abderrazzak Benchaabane Ethnobotanist & Marrakech Garden Designer, Your Morocco Travel Guide

Wednesday, January 25th, 2012

Abderrazal Benchaabane, Ethnobotanist & Garden Designer

Jeanette Lowdon gets up close with Abderrazzak Benchaabane, an Ethnobotanist & Morocco’s leading Garden Designer.  On a chilly Saturday morning in winter Lowdon had the fortuitous opportunity to  interview Abderrazzak Benchaabane at his private estate in the Palmeraie of Marrakech. The setting was Abderrazzak’s expansive gardens and contemporary museum located on one-hectare within the luxurious Marrakech palmerie.

Abderrazzak Benchaabane is a Marrakech legend. Quiet and soft spoken, this renowned Garden Designer, Ethnobotanist, Perfumer, Teacher, Photographer, Writer, Garden Restorer and Publisher has created a landmark place for himself within the world of the “red hamra” city. An academic who gained his doctorate in botanical ecology from Semlalia Faculty of Sciences at Marrakech’s Cadi Ayyad University, Benchaabane is currently a Botany and Ecology professor at the University of Marrakech.

Jardins Du Maroc Magazine

Founder of the Jardins du Maroc Magazine (Gardens of Morocco) and the Festival Jardin’Art (Garden Art Festival) in Marrakech, Abderrazzak Benchaabane continues to have big dreams for his beloved Morocco. Both of which were created to give public awareness to the importance of the garden in life and for the education to the protection of their environment. His passion of giving back to Morocco and to teach the youth to respect and understand their land can be seen in his tireless efforts to create projects that educate and share his dream. “My passion is a spiritual project, not a business project,” claims Benchaabane.

Abderrazak''s Intimate Maroc

A gifted photographer, Benchaabane left the big city behind and traveled the Sahara along with other desert regions of the world to capture the intense emotions born out of the silence only the desert can evoke. Since 1981 Abderrazzak Benchaabane’s photographs have been featured in many expositions and galleries throughout Morocco and Europe. His photographs have been recently published in a book called “Intimate Morocco” and are on permanent display at the museum. Through his black and white photographs, Benchaabane shares his inside view of his country, Morocco, through his eyes. Each image echoes his roots of Morocco, evoking emotion-induced feelings of the love he has with his country.

Abderrazzak Benchaabane was approached in 1998 by Yves St. Laurent and Pierre Berger, the owners of the Majorelle Gardens in Marrakech, to survey the planting and to provide the Latin names of its plants. After cataloging 120 varieties of plants and careful inspection of the grounds Benchaabane then made a complete restoration of the gardens including a new system for irrigation and to honor its creator, Jacques Majorelle, Benchaabane added new varieties from Majorelle’s chosen plant families raising the total varieties grown in the garden to 325. 10 years later the restoration was complete giving new life to the gardens. Benchaabane now acts as director of the charitable trust set up to protect the Majorelle Gardens.

Abderrazak Benchaabane, Creator of Perfume

Later in 2001 Yves St. Laurent requested  Benchaabane to develop a perfume that represented the Majorelle Garden. As Benchaabane  describes it, he went from “The Kingdom of Silence to the Kingdom of Fragrances.” As a child he watched his mother teach his sisters the art of collecting, drying and preserving medicinal plants for traditional healing.  His mother sometimes would say “the plants protect the body and move away the bad spirits.”

The plants his mother collected were being gathered in the ceremonial way accompanied by traditional singing, then dried and placed in glass bottles. Some were preserved in their powder form and others preserved in honey or olive oil.  His mothers inspirations led him to write a book on Moroccan medicinal and aromatic plants of the High Atlas Mountains.

The plant world his mother created intrigued him just as much as the souks in Marrakech. At the time the master herbalists and healers of traditional and medicinal medicine were in the Marrakech Medina. There one could find exotic spices, incense and resins from exotic countries and far off lands. Benchaabane’s mentor in Botany taught him the role of the nose in the identification of plants, explaining that each plant has its own perfume.

In the majority of Moroccan gardens roses and oranges are grown and in every home a mixture of exotic spices that are brought from Mecca. Sandalwood, amber and musk are used as an incense in Mosques and for special occasions such as festivals, marriages and childbirth. From here, the journey began to create “Jardin Majorelle” fragrance.

Abderrazak Benchaabane, Creator of Soir De Marrakech

Benchaabane credits his knowledge and acumen for creating fragrances to Yves St. Laurent, Pierre Berger and Gilles Toledano.  Later in 2001 seeing the success of Jardin Majorelle fragrance Yves St. Laurent encouraged Benchaabane to create his own perfume collection. His first fragrance in the collection called Soir de Marrakech is a blend of amber, musk, vanilla, patchouli, jasmine, orange and lemon flowers. Soir de Marrakech is the ultimate expression of life in Marrakech, says Benchaabane. His fragrance collection to date has now grown to 10. He describes the process as “ Pure joy in creating my perfumes, sharing my dreams, emotions and love in a bottle.  Just another facet of sharing the art of life here in Morocco!”

Once the restoration of Majorelle Gardens was completed Benchaabane decided to form the magazine Jardins Du Maroc to share his passions for the gardens of Morocco and around the world. The first issue published in 2005 was an immediate success. The magazine’s primary objective is to introduce readers to the talents of Moroccan gardeners, landscapers, architects and to portray garden lovers, garden designers and artists. As the director and editor, the majority of the magazine contains contributions by him with features on both Moroccan gardens and gardens from around the world.

Festival Jardin'Art

Benchaabane wanted to offer something to Moroccans who cannot afford to purchase the magazine or who read French therefore in 2007 he created the Jardin’Art festival in Marrakech (Garden of Art Festival). Jardin’Art festival is held each spring in Marrakech under the patronage of Morocco’s King Mohammed VI. The Jardin’Art attracts an increasing number of visitors and participants each year. Jardin’Art aims to bring together artists,landscapers,landscape architects,garden designers and growers along with booths dedicated to environmental education and Eco-tourism. There are also temporary gardens built by the children from local schools which encourages them to represent in their designs the sort of environments that surround them. By educating the younger generations, Benchaabane hopes to accomplish his mission to link the preservation of nature and the planet.

Musee de l’Art Marrakech

Recently opened is the Musee de l’Art (Museum of Art of Living) in Marrakech. The museum was created to fill a gap in cultural activities and offer new ongoing exhibitions for Moroccans as well as tourists. The goal is to continue to use the museum space to create cultural programs for the residents in the Medina and visitors to balance out the cultural divide that the Medina of Marrakech currently faces. Benchaabane feels by offering the youth a place for concerts, meetings with writers, seminars on art and poets it will help open the gap for new talent among young Marrakechi’s.

Benchaabane’s newest project combines art with nature at his Musee de la Palmeraie (Museum of the Palm). Since its opening in May 2011 the museum has attracted more than 3000 visitors worldwide. Located on a 150 year old restored French farm on one hectare outside the city of Marrakech is a museum and several majestic gardens. Musee de la Palmeraie is clearly dedicated to nature and art with its one-hundred year old mature palms, an Andalusian garden, a cactus garden, aquatic garden, perfumed rose garden, potager garden and sixty year old olive and orange orchards all dotted with local artisans sculptures and garden art.

Abderrazak Benchaabane, Palmeraie Gardens Marrakech

For the Andalusian Garden he took the natural divide in the orchards and created a water feature. He says “the water is like a mirror, reflecting the lite to the museum”. An Andalusian and Saharan shaded seating area are set amongst the rose gardens, orchards, and Mediterranean aquatic garden with its Koi fish. The Andalusian area with its tiled steps and the Sahara area with its earthen piste wall calls one to come, rest and contemplate the serenity of this magical place.

The cactus garden was planted 10 years ago with 40 kinds of cactus from Morocco, South Africa, USA, South America and Mexico.  All the locally grown cactus came from his mentor, a German engineer of Agriculture here in Morocco.

Within the converted stables and piste buildings on the property Benchaabane houses his private collection “unknown” Moroccan artists from the 1970’s, a workshop area for children, a private collection of his own photographs, paintings, photographs, calligraphy and sculptures along with the permanent collection of contemporary art from more than 50 Moroccan artists. One special photograph worth seeing is Le Maroc en Noir et Blanc taken in 1981 in Essaouira.

In the museum boutique the money raised from the sales of books, some of them authored by him go to the childrens workshops that are held regularly at the museum for the nearby village children. The workshops are taught by artists and are free to the children. Benchaabane felt it was a way for the children to learn a craft near their home as some may not have the means to go the city for lessons.

A project due to open in the near future is Benchaabane’s Ourika Valley Ecology farm. He has completed the 30,000 palm planting plan. His dream is to plant and create a space for children to learn about an ecology farm. “Too many children are growing up in cities and don’t know a farm. The 3 hectare farm will be a living museum with a kitchen garden and saffron garden. On the farm there is an old house and an an old traditional argan oil press”.

Asked what is the future for plant growers in Morocco: Benchaabane replied ” The growers and designers are organizing themselves to introduce new varieties that have adapted to the climate changes using new technologies “. Fifteen years ago Benchaabane was the first one to introduce the dry garden to Morocco. Now he is teaching the growers what works best in a dry climate for garden design.

When asked what is the future is of Moroccan gardens he replied, “It is highly related to the implication of the state and the people. The state are the owners of the gardens and the mayors and municipalities need to do two things to preserve gardens “to organize and take care of the gardens of Morocco” and “to educate the people on the value of plants – especially the new generation.”

For more information about Abderrazzak Benchaabane & The Majorelle Gardens 

Discover The Best of Morocco - Travel Exploration

Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration in the USA at 1 (800) 787-8806 or in Morocco 1 (212)618-88-26-81 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Abderrazzak Benchaabane, Abderrazzak Benchaabane Ethnobotanist, Abderrazzak Benchaabane Garden Designer, Jardins De Maroc, Majorelle Gardens, Palmeraie of Marrakech, Marrakech Garden Designer, Yves Saint Laurent, Soir De Marrakech, Morocco Tours, Morocco Travel, Travel Exploration, Travel to Morocco

The Majorelle Gardens in Marrakech, Your Morocco Tour Guide

Tuesday, December 27th, 2011

Majorelle Gardens, Cactus Gardens

The Majorelle Garden in Marrakech, Morocco previously the Jardin Bou Saf, bears its name from its original creator, Jacques Majorelle, the French expatriate artist who was born in Nancy France in 1886. Jacques Majorelle was the son of the celebrated Art Nouveau furniture designer Louis Majorelle. In 1947 he opened his gardens to the public and during this time also painted a magnificent ceiling space at La Mamounia, a five-star hotel with gardens and the place where Alfred Hitchcock wrote, “The Birds.”

Jacque Majorelle, Designer & Founder, Majorelle Gardens

Jacques Majorelle studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Nancy in 1901 and later in 1919 he went to Marrakech, Morocco to recover from heart problems. He built the garden during those years using special color of blue which he used extensively in the garden that is named after him, Majorelle Blue. Jacques Majorelle returned to France in 1962 after a car incident and died later that year of complications from his injuries. As a collector of unique plants from five continents Jacque Majorelle left to Saint Laurent one of the more unique collections of flore and fauna of this era as well as a place of inspiration and contemplation. Even though Morocco is no longer under the French protectorate, this originally French creation is one of the most beloved areas in Morocco.

The power of the blue Majorelle is long lived and permeates the essence of what it means to live and see color in Marrakech.

When visiting it is important to take advantage of optimal morning light. The atmosphere of the Majorelle Gardens evokes a sense of peace in a garden designed, composed and colored like a painting. Moorish and Art Deco inspired structures with their bold color palettes are assembled among a vast, opulent array of exotic plants and trees collected from the far reaches of the world.

Nenuphar Flower, Majorelle Gardens

The courageous use of color, the famous Majorelle blue paint used in his architectural design enlivens the garden and acts as a strong backdrop to his plant collection of over 1800 types of cacti, 400 species of palms and other rare varieties of the time. This bold action revolutionized the way in which gardens were to be viewed. The blue pavilion with a raised island set amidst water lilies is the most famous photographed section of the garden. An elaborate system of water canals connect the planted areas and infuse the garden with its sight and sound. The contrasting effects of light and shadow are repeatedly played against each other capturing the harsh sunlight and transforming it into a tamed element that defies any known example. Majorelle’s greatest work of art is his garden.

For information about the Majorelle Gardens or a Morocco Gardens Tour.

Discover The Best of Morocco - Travel Exploration

Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration in the USA at 1 (800) 787-8806 or in Morocco 1 (212)618-88-26-81 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Majorelle Gardens, Jacques Majorelle, Garden Tours Marrakech, Garden Tours Morocco, Morocco Garden Vacations, Morocco Tours, Morocco Travel, Travel Exploration, Travel to Morocco

24 Hours in Marrakech, Travel Tips On What To See & Where to Eat, Morocco Travel Guide

Sunday, July 3rd, 2011

Mosque of Koutoubia & Tomb of Koubba Lalla Zohra, Marrakech

If you’re traveling to Morocco and only have 24 Hours in Marrakech then visiting Marrakech’s lush gardens, spectacular palaces, historical sites, the hippest shops and eating at the hot spots are a must.  In 24 hours you can see the best of Marrakesh knowing exactly what places to visit, sites to see and where to eat. Start your a one-day Marrakech tour around the “red hamra” city bright an early with a visit to the Majorelle Gardens. Next, head to the Koutoubia Mosque and then to the El Bahia Palace. The breathtaking architecture of the El Bahia Palace offers an excellent architecture lesson as it was once home to a harem and has some of the best Moroccan painted ceilings, ceramics and a wonderful garden. Continue your walk through the medina visiting the Kisseria.

Discover colorful baboosh (shoes), caftans (traditional Moroccan clothing), pottery and other local Marrakesh crafts. Learn the art of the bargain. Shop the souks of Marrakech and their vast labyrinth of narrow streets. In the center of the old Marrakesh medina you will see artisans making rugs on looms and hammering away creating iron lanterns. Make sure to stock up on spices, buy silver jewelry and cactus silk scarves.

Shopping Marrakech, Susan Simon

If you’re not quiet sure how to navigate the souks of Marrakech then bring along Susan Simon’s, Shopping in Marrakech which will persuade even the non-shopper to head out for a day in the souks. It’s colorful photographs and insights are not to be missed.

Jewelry Shop, Marrakech

After your saunter through Marrakech’s souks, you will be left with great thirst and a pallet that is ready for an afternoon dining experience in the old city. Wander over to the Djemaa El Fna Square and enjoy a freshly squeezed orange juice at one of the orange juice stands. Haggle for a bit to get the best price for some dates and nuts, a great snack in the square. Then head to the Moussaine for some Berber jewelry and silver shopping and then onto an old narrow street that will take you down back into the Spice Market or back to the center square.

Terraces Des Spices, Marrakech

Dine at one of the local restaurants in the old medina of Marrakesh such as Le Terrasses des Spices or Earth Café where you can dine under the Marrakech sun or in a tiny nook within the old city with delightful food and views.

Now it’s time to head to the new town of Gueliz. Popular during the French Protectorate and now a place that an mélange of foreigners and well do to Moroccans live, Gueliz is a hot spot for some of the more Modern Moroccan shopping choices. Visit Rue de la Libertie or Rue de Mauritanie where you can shop for the most up to date contemporary modern Moroccan goods. Make sure to stop at one of the local cafes in Gueliz for a café nus-nus (half coffee, half milk) or mint tea along with a French pastry.

Some top shops to visit and places to explore:

#1: Kaiki: Hand made artistic gifts ranging from Berber dolls, to hand painted tea glasses and dishes, embroidered goods and jewelry

#2: Intensite Nomade: Trendy caftans

#3: Attika Chaussures – well made women’s and men’s shoes, fashionable, all ages

#4: Scenes de Lin: Hand embroidered Linens

#5: Place Vendome: Beautiful leather goods for men and women, high quality, fashionable

#6: L’Orientaliste: Moroccan pottery, tea glasses, prints, paintings, lanterns and much more

#7: Darkoum: Three levels of African and Indian furnishings, fabrics, carpets, and artifacts. An interior design paradise featuring Moroccan, Indian and Pakistani merchandise.

#8: Jeff de Bruges: The best chocolates in town

#9: Al Jawda: Coffee, tea and pastries

#10: Tin Mel: Antique carpets and furniture

Hammam Ziani, Marrakech

Complete your mini shopping excursion to Gueliz, then head to Hammam Ziani where you can have a traditional Moroccan scrub, a massage with rose or orange oil and a fully body mask for just under $40.00 USA/ 35 Euros.

After a visit at Hammam Ziani, watch the sunset in the old medina for an early evening drink at Café Arabe. Enjoy drinks and appetizers then prepare yourself for a Moroccan feast at Le Marrakech or Le Comptoir Darna where you are guaranteed a great dinner accompanied by belly dancing.

Djemaa El Fna Square, Marrakech

Dine the night away until just before mid night, then head to Djemaa El Fna Square where you can see an old medieval style carnival take place with snake charmers, acrobats and monkeys. Have your fortune told and get your hands hennaed in the old square that is the heartbeat of Marrakesh.

End your 24 hours in Marrakesh with a horse and buggy ride across Rue Mohammed VI late in the night.  Watch the stars and think about when you’ll return for your next Morocco tour adventure.

For more information about a Marrakech Tour

For more information about Travel and Tours to Morocco plus highlights on Moroccan culture visit Morocco’s Imperial CitiesSeaside Resorts,Sahara DesertBerber villagesA Taste of MoroccoMagical Kasbahs, Ruins & WaterfallsAbsolute Morocco, The Best of MarrakechFes, and Ouarzazate

Discover The Best of Morocco - Travel ExplorationTravel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration at 1 (800) 787-8806 or 1 (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

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