Excursion Enchanting marrakech tour at Casablanca

Experience one of the most vibrant and exotic cities in Morocco during this panoramic, full-day excursion to Marrakech, the Pink City.

Casablanca, High Atlas Mountains, Marrakech, Medina, Gueliz

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 3.5-hour drive to Marrakesh, with a comfort stop en route. Along the way, pass through the approximately 13,671-foot-high (about 4,167-metre-high) High Atlas Mountains (Grand Atlas Mountains). Nestled near the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is a pearl polished by a rich history, and its tradition of hospitality has for centuries been known to welcome visitors. Marrakech is divided into two distinct parts; the Medina, the Old City, and the new European modern district known as Gueliz (Ville Nouvelle). The Medina is full of intertwining, narrow passageways and local shops full of character. By contrast, Gueliz plays host to modern restaurants, fast food chains and big brand stores.

Koutoubia Mosque, Dar Si Said Museum

Upon arrival at Marrakesh, your first stop is at the Koutoubia Mosque, an icon of Marrakech. Koutoubia's minaret went on to inspire the architects of the Giralda of Seville and Hassan Tower of Rabat. This square tower of finely-worked dressed stone is approximately 252 feet (about 77 meters) tall, including its lantern. Built in the 12th century, the Koutoubia minaret is the most perfect Islamic religious structure in North Africa. This famous landmark dominates the local skyline, and can easily be spotted from all of Marrakech. Afterward, head to the Dar Si Said Museum. A large, palatial home built in the second-half of the 19th century, the museum is one of the most impressive buildings in Marrakech.

Moroccan Lunch, Bahia Palace, Horse-Carriage-Ride, Majorelle Gardens

Leaving the museum, proceed on-foot for a Moroccan lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, a visit is made to the late-19th-century Bahia Palace. The beauty of the Bahia Palace makes it a remarkable example of 19th-century Eastern architecture, and offers an accurate depiction of how the privileged lived during the 19th century in the Imperial city. The use of marble, stucco and mosaics predominates in the apartments, which open onto courtyards filled with fountains and plant life. Afterward, board a horse-carriage for the ride to the Majorelle Garden. Lovely, shaded grounds graced by exotic trees and plants combined with the appeal of the museum make Majorelle Garden a favourite destination for visitors and locals alike.

Jemaa el-Fnaa Square

Leaving the Gardens, your final stop is at bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, where a multitude of street-artists and stalls of dried fruit or freshly-pressed orange juice appear before you. The multitude of small restaurants that take over its centre starting in the early-evening contribute to the aroma of its surroundings. No one really knows how it came into being, but, over the years, this square has become the beating heart of Marrakech. Here, fire-eaters, mime artists, snake-charmers and street musicians perform at every turn. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 3.75-hour drive back to the pier, with a boxed dinner and comfort stop en route.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Casablanca, Marrakech, Koutoubia Mosque, Dar Si Said Museum, Moroccan Lunch, Bahia Palace, Horse-Carriage-Ride, Majorelle Gardens, Jemaa el-Fnaa Square

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking, at times over uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to embark/disembark the coach and horse-carriage. Walking at Jamaa el-Fnaa Square is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is recommended for guests in good physical condition. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with back and/or neck problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and local currency for purchases from the ship. Guests must be at least 12 years old to participate on this tour. Guests must be at least 21 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Guests weighing over 300 pounds (about 136 kilograms) cannot participate on this tour. Guests are prohibited from taking photos of military personnel without their consent. Guests are advised to mind their belongings at all times, particularly at tourist points-of-interest or crowded places. The distance between the pier and Marrakech is approximately 3.5 hours in each direction. The tour sequence may vary.