One of Morocco's most important cultural centres, Marrakech is nicknamed the 'Red City' after the crimson colour of its ramparts, houses and monuments. An oasis in a desert-like landscape, this historic city attracts a fashionable crowd of winter sun seekers together with fashionistas, hedonists and idealists, who travel in search of adventure amidst its Souks, Chic Bars, Guest Houses/Riads and Artefacts.
A Guide tour of the city with Intrepid Travel doesn’t just help you to find your bearings, but also enhances your stay in this fascinating and beguiling destination.The tour unravels the mysteries of Marrakech as it takes in places of interest including the Medina, museums, the imposing Koutoubia Mosque and an old boy’s 12th century boarding school. When it comes to shopping, a Guide tour knew exactly where to go to, starting with a very high end department store that sold furnishings, jewellery and lovely ornaments indigenous to Morocco. And, of course the Souk is an absolute must. It’s a real experience and once you work your way passed the outskirts – where the cheaper touristy shops are – and into the old traditional part, it’s a different story.The Souk is laid out in labyrinth-style streets according to fashions, so there are the streets selling slippers, the street of spices and so on, but it would be very easy to get lost. In fact, a Guide tour help several bemused travellers find their way out, so a Guide is worth every penny! you will become mesmerised by craftsmen who skilfully turned all manner of things into the most beautiful handcrafted items. Leather-workers making hand-sewn bags, slippers and purses and wallets, metal workers transforming copper and tin into decorative lanterns, pots and trays, and wool for carpets and clothing being dyed traditionally using fruits and vegetables in hot vats.
Once you’ve explored the city, I recommend taking the High Atlas Mountains excursion which is a peaceful contrast to the hustle and bustle of Marrakech. In North Africa there’s greatest mountain range, you will see how lush and varied Morocco is and how poor and untouched by commerciality it is in some parts. There are plenty of opportunities to stop and take photos of the landscape. The trip also includes lunch at the stunning hotel, Kasbah Tamadot or Kasbah of Toubkal where good food and service was accompanied by more beautiful views.
Morocco’s weather adds to its charms, attracting visitors year-round. The winters are bright and crisp, autumn sees the best produce hitting the markets, spring sees the Atlas Mountains covered with flowers and the red-hot summers can be offset with visits to the breezy, sandy coast.
