Combined Marrakesh and Essaouira Tour

KOUTOUBIA

Over time, the Koutoubia mosque has become an emblem of Marrakesh. Its construction was decided in 1158 by the sultan Almohades Abdel Moumen soon after his conquest of Marrakech. It was completed in 1199 with the construction of its famous minaret ordered by the sultan's grandson, Yacoub el-Mansour. Koutoubia, literally the "Booksellers' Mosque" in Arab, is named after the large number of sellers of books and manuscripts that set up their stalls in the immediate vicinity of the building from the 12th-13th century.

Koutoubia occupies the square of a former Almohavide palace and was built further to the destruction of a first mosque that did not face Mecca. This jewel hispano-moorish art is made up of 16 outlying naves and one larger central nave. Its luxurious decoration, inspired by Almoravide, is enhanced by a certain sobriety.

Koutoubia's minaret went on to inspire the architects of the Giralda of Seville and the Hassan Tower of Rabat. This square tower in finely-worked dressed stone is 77 metres tall, including its lantern. An internal stairway enables to climb up to halls covered with domes, and to the top. The upper façades of the Koutoubia minaret are decorated with ceramic tiles forming different patterns on each side.

MEDERSA BENYOUSSEF

This medersa (coran school) is not one of the most beautiful, but is the biggest one in the Maghreb, with capacity for more than 900 students. It has a great patio at the center with a fountain where the students used to work. You can visit the students rooms upstairs.

PALAIS BAHIA

The Bahia Palace of Marrakech was constructed within the Qasba of Marrakech between 1894 and 1900 for Ahmed Ibn Moussa (known as Ba Ahmed), the son of the grand vizier of the Alawid ruler Muhammad IV b. 'Abd al-Rahman (r. 1859-1873).

The palace was designed by the architect Muhammad al-Mekki of Marrakech and is set within extensive gardens. Its large, rambling plan includes a mosque in additionto several tiled courts surrounded by lavishly decorated reception halls and private quarters.

The palace's decorative program consists of carved stucco, carved and painted woodwork, and glazed ceramic tile. These elements visually connect the palace to themes and techniques adapted from the Nasrid palace architecture of Spain and elaborated in Moroccan architecture.

DJEMAA EL FNA SQUARE AND SOUKS

Visit of the souks and the old medina, as well as the famous Jemaa El Fna Square.

It must be underlined that this square is considered a universal heritage, under the protection of UNESCO. The Jemaa El Fna Square, situated on The edge of the souks and lined by numerous booths, is a vast esplanade, Alive in the morning with the sellers of fruit and spices, the water carriers loaded with their leather water bottles and metal cups, the basket-makers, the barbers and many others. But in the afternoon, it is transformed with dancers, musicians, story-tellers, snake-charmers defining their "halqa", an imaginary circle blessed by the saints, all giving their show.

Essaouira is a remarkable fortified walled city built in the late 18^th century.  You will have time to explore the medina, Sqala of the Kasbah which was an artillery defence area and has superb views of the medina and sea and of course the 10 km beach. Take time out to watch locals craft boats in the Moroccan tradition. We recommend visiting the Essaouira harbour as the fishermen return with fresh catches in their colourful boats. Enjoy the catch of the day and return to the city centre by way of the Bab El Marsa Gatet.

Day 1: Arrival at Marrakech airport
- Private transfer to the riad
- Dinner and overnight at the riad

Day 2 Marrakech
- Day at leisure
- Dinner and overnight at the riad

Day 3: Marrakech/Essaouira
- Deliver of the self drive A/C vehicle (fuel not included) hired for 4 days
- Free lunch on route
- Dinner and overnight at the riad

Day 4: Essaouira
- Day at leisure
- Dinner and overnight at the riad

Day 5: Essaouira
- Free lunch on route
- Dinner and overnight at the riad

Day 6: Essaouira/Marrakech
- Day at leisure
- Dinner and overnight at the riad

Day 7: Marrakech
-Day at leisure
-Dinner and overnight at the 4-star hotel

Day 8: Departure

Dinner and overnight at the 4* hotel

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