Excellent Marrakech excursions and Morocco destinations? On arrival in Marrakech you will be met at Menara airport and transferred to Riad Africa, your accommodation in the heart of Marrakech medina. With palaces and palm groves, rose gardens, and a backdrop of the snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is the capital of the Moroccan South, a cultural crossroads and keeper of tradition and folklore. After time to settle in the famous souks of Marrakech offer an intoxicating passage to Africa’s most famous meeting place – the huge medieval square of Place Djemaa el Fna. Tonight a tasty home-cooked Moroccan dinner can be enjoyed in Riad Africa’s roof terrace restaurant. See additional details on Marrakech desert tours.
This magnificent peacock of a palace was built in the late 19th century as the residence of the Grand Vizier Bou Ahmed, who served Sultan Moulay al-Hassan I. The interior decoration is a dazzling display of zellige tiles, painted ceilings, and ornate wrought-iron features showcasing the opulent lives of those high up in the sultan’s favor at that time. The massive marble grand courtyard and opulent salons of the haram area are the two main attractions, while the lush internal courtyard of the grand riad, with its banana-leaf plants and citrus trees, is a tranquil respite from the city.
The main square in Marrakesh, Djemaa el-Fna is known for its carnival-like ambience. Especially lively in the evenings, fortune tellers, musicians, henna artists, dancers, and people wearing traditional outfits are among the sights to see. The smells of cooking waft through the air and visitors can try an array of Moroccan street food. During the day, highlights include market stalls with a colourful array of wares, snake charmers, and monkeys. A stunning palace in Marrakesh, Bahia Palace dates back to the late 19th century. The large complex has many rooms, as well as gardens and courtyards. With a name that means “Brilliance”, it’s little surprise to find marvellous decorative details on the walls, ceilings, floors, and doors all throughout the former palace.
Tucked between the High Atlas Mountains and the gorgeous Sahara Desert, Tinghir is Morocco’s crown jewel that sits snugly in the center of the Todra Valley and is probably the best place in Morocco for couples. Unlike other places in this country, Tinghir happens to be an old French town which has now turned into a sprawling city entertaining tourists with splendid flower gardens, Kasbahs, and rustic narrow streets. It’s also every hiker’s favorite city in Morocco since it provides amazing views of the entire city and surrounding hills after a hike up to the 18th Century Glaoui Palace ruins sitting at a considerable elevation.
Todra Gorge is situated on the remote east side of the High Atlas Mountains. Both the Todra and neighboring Dades Rivers have carved out cliff-sided canyons through the mountains. The final 600 meters of the Todra Gorge are the most spectacular as the canyon narrows to a flat stony track as little as 10 meters (33 ft) wide in places with sheer and smooth rock walls up to 160 meters (525 ft) high on each side.
High quality Marrakech excursions : While much of Morocco’s mountain scenery is craggy peaks surrounded by palm groves and arid plains, the Rif Mountains provide some lush green relief. For hikers, bikers, and day walkers, this is a good opportunity to head out into nature with plenty of trails for both advanced trekkers and those just wanting a short easy walk. Both Tetouan and Chefchaouen are the main bases from which to launch yourself out on a Rif Mountains adventure. Check out the trekking trails of Talassemtane National Park for its cedar and fir forest-covered mountain slopes and spectacular gorges and valleys to make the most of this region’s natural beauty.