Best of Marrakech: Guided Bahia Palace & Ben Youssef Medrasa Tour

4.5 (10 reviews) Marrakech, Morocco
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Duration3h - 4h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish, French
Group sizeUp to 12 travelers

Overview

Meet at the Koutoubia mosque, a Moorish 12th century wonder, for an intro to better understand the city's origins & layout.

Walk to the Jewish Mellah and visit the Bahia Palace; city's most famous sight once home to the kingdom's grand vizir & his harem. Free time to stroll in the gardens, riads & reception rooms & enjoy ornate fountains, zellij mosaics, stucco arabesques & carved cedar gates and ceilings.

We'll explore authentic neighborhoods & visit the Ben Youssef Medersa, masterpiece of Arabo-Islamic art. Tour the Maghreb's largest Islamic college during the 1500s; its majestic patio, student rooms, prayer hall & ablutions room. Exchange about local muslim practice & history.

Then head to the original handicrafts souk to see the skilled artisans at work, learn about their materials & techniques. Stop at the colorful spices square for photos & discovery of local beauty and cuisine secrets. Finish at Jamaa El Fna, city's UNESCO world heritage site to experience exotic street arts!

Options

Small Group Half Day Tour

Small group tour : Join a small group (max 12 persons) with a tour guide.

PRIVATE Half Day Tour

Personalised : To meet your individual requirements.
At your leisure: Possibility to slightly adapt the itinerary depending on your interests.
Tour for a private party/group: Reserved with a private guide, only for you.

What's included

  • Skip the line tickets & guided tour of Bahia Palace + Medersa Ben Youssef.
  • Services of a friendly & knowledgeable licensed tour guide (English/French Speaking)
  • 2 small or 1 large per person
  • Tips and gratuities

What to expect

  1. Koutoubia Mosque
    20m
    Introduction to Marrakech & visit its most symbolic monument, standing on a sacred site that dates back to the 12th century (visit from the outside only/limited access) and discovery of the foundations of the city from the 11th century (see Marrakech's first road and defensive gate).
  2. Mellah
    20m
    Discover the Jewish quarter and learn more about Morocco's Jewish heritage. Walk through the colourful spice markets.
  3. Bahia Palace
    1h · Admission ticket included
    Complete tour of the only real palace open to visitors. Wander throughout its residential riads and official function areas. Discover the decorative arts, learn about the legends behind their origins as well as the impact on modern Moroccan culture/society.
  4. Medina of Marrakesh
    Pass by
    Walk through the most authentic souks and neighborhoods of the old city
  5. Medersa Ben Youssef
    45m · Admission ticket included
    Visit this religious site, Marrakech's 16th-century Coranic school (medersa or madrasa) unique with its Arabo-Islamic style patio, the holy prayer hall, ablutions hall, and rooms that once housed up to 900 students. Learn more about local Muslim practices as well as the traditional education system.
  6. Souk Semmarine
    20m
    Walk through the old city (or medina's) most prestigious souk & greatest source of temptation. A showcase for the best local artisans and most skilled craftsmen. See where many renown international artists and designers have been coming for decades to awaken their inspiration.
  7. Jemaa el-Fnaa
    15m
    End at Marrakesh's UNESCO World Heritage site unique for its oral & immaterial culture personified by street artists such as storytellers, folk troops & many more.
  8. Place Des Epices
    20m
    Discover the trendy and most colorful square of the souks. Climb up a private terrace for a view of the old city labyrinth.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meet at the little white mausoleum dome sitting at the foot of the Koutoubia Mosque tower. Located on the Mohamed 5th Boulevard. Your tour guide wearing an official badge with a red & green ribbon will be waiting for your at the reserved/scheduled time.

End point

Finish at the Jamaa El Fnaa Square, to experience this unique UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Humanity site. A vibrant space that represents a concentration of popular Moroccan cultural traditions performed through musical, religious and artistic expressions.

Additional information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.5 (10)
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Operated by Marrakech Lifestyle · Booked through Viator
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