Quality Morocco travel destinations and Marrakech excursions

Excellent Marrakech desert tours and Morocco attractions? For first time visitors to Marrakech, a great way of getting to grips with this magical city is on a half day guided highlights walking tour of its World Heritage listed medina. The rich history of Marrakech is reflected in its numerous attractions and the wealth of monuments, mosques, museums and palaces this city offers. The minaret of Koutoubia Mosque is the landmark and emblem of the city and a good start point for a day of sightseeing. Other important quarters within the old city ramparts include Kasbah and Mellah (the Jewish quarter), both in the south and close to the Royal Palaces. Popular attractions include the Saadien Tombs, Palais Badia, the 16th century ruins of the Badi Palace and the Dar Si Said Museum (Museum of Moroccan Arts). Just north of the souks are the Musee de Marrakech, the impressive Ben Youssef Medersa and the Koubba Ba’ Adyin – the remains of an Almoravid mosque built in 1106. Dinner is included today. Read even more info at Marrakech desert tours.

The charming mountain village of Imlil, 57 kilometers south of Marrakesh, is the starting point for excursions into Toubkal National Park. It’s a chilled-out kind of place that provides respite if you’ve been amid the Marrakesh hustle for a while and are seeking some peace and quiet. The village is also home to a rather impressively restored kasbah (fortress), which is a great place to come for a coffee or tea and take in the rural mountain scenery. The structure is now one of the town’s best hotels and played a starring role in the Martin Scorsese film Kundun.

The tallest mountain in Morocco, Jbel Toubkal stands at 4,167-metres high. Part of the High Atlas Mountains, it attracts adventure travellers, hikers, and lovers of the great outdoors. The mountain’s peak provides sweeping vistas and the surrounding national park is filled with interesting wildlife. Koutoubia Mosque is the symbol of Marrakesh, an impressive jewel in an already spectacular crown. Although non-Muslims aren’t allowed inside the building you can admire the tall minaret from the outside, feast your eyes on the ornate decorative details, and stroll through the leafy gardens.

Another stunning place to visit in Morocco on your next visit is the Dades Valley. This valley runs between the Jebel Sarhro and High Altas mountain ranges and is frequently visited by Globetrotters as it offers spectacular views of the surrounding area. Don’t forget to head to Todra Gorge for the best experience. This is amongst the best places to visit in Morocco.

Essaouira is a relaxed fishing port, protected by a natural bay. It was formerly known, by the 16th century Portuguese as Mogador. The present city of Essaouira was only built during the 18th century to increase trade exchanges with the European powers. Nowadays, Essaouira is renowned for its kitesurfing and windsurfing, with the powerful trade wind blowing almost constantly onto the protected bay. Parasols tend to be used on the beach as a protection against the wind and the blowing sand. The medina of Essaouira is home to many small arts and crafts businesses, notably cabinet making and wood-carving.

Top rated Marrakech excursions : Morocco’s number one Roman ruin is a feast for history lovers, with a clutch of remarkable mosaics still interred where they were unearthed. This site is also full of tumbled columns and temple remnants, standing as reminders that even the greatest empires eventually crumble. The hilltop location allows the ruins to lord over the surrounding countryside, adding to the romantic ambience of lost glory. Head up through the ruins to the Capitol and Forum to feast on the views. This tourist attraction can easily be visited as a day trip from either Meknes or Fes.