Egypt, Dubai, Morocco & Arabia 2013 - Travel Club Elite

82 morocco marr akech
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Marrakech
A bustling and energetic city, bursting at the seams with culture, exotic
aromas and charming locals, Marrakech takes away all sense of direction,
and replaces it with intrigue and enchantment.
Walk along the winding covered streets and alleyways in the old historic
district of Medina to discover an abundance of souks, wander through the
architectural and historical sites that line the city such as the Saadian
Tombs and the Koutoubia Minaret, or head into the heart of Marrakech,
where paths are dominated by street vendors, snake charmers, soothsayers
and food stalls, whilst visions of stunning mosques and
mountainous backdrops complete this magical city.
city guide
Marr akech & beyond
Marrakech’s stylish Menara airport
enjoys a futuristic décor,
ergonomically designed with a
strong use of solar-powered energy.
A journey of less than 15 minutes
to the main city of Medina, Menara
connects to most major European
cities, as well as a number of
domestic airports within Morocco.
k uoni plus
On p84-95 you will find our
selection of fabulous Marrakech
hotels which are all located in the
city’s hottest locations. Many of
these hotels also feature special
offers for Kuoni customers,
including Bonus Nights,
Honeymoon offers and Earlybird
Saver discounts. Please call or see
www.kuoni.co.uk for details.
getting around
Once in Medina, getting around
the city can easily be done on
foot. However, a myriad of
transportation facilities are readily
available. Whether you travel with
the locals on the Citybus, or tour
the greatest landmarks on board
the familiar double-deckers, this is
a great way to see the city. For
shorter journeys, mustard-coloured
petit taxis are plentiful and should
cost between Dh5-Dh15 (35p-£1)
for trips within the city. To avoid
any surprises, make sure the
meter is at zero (by day) and
Dh2.40 (by night) before your
journey begins!
For a taste of tradition, climb onto
a Caleche (horse drawn cart) for a
delightful voyage across town,
and remember to agree a price
before you board.
where to go
Medina’s bustling Djemaa el-Fna is
the perfect way to experience the
energetic culture that surrounds
Marrakech. Lose all sense of
direction as local vendors intrigue
you with captivating aromas of
locally produced spices, allow
yourself to be bamboozled by the
lines of snake charmers that send
their reptiles into a hypnotic trance,
whilst juggling acrobats circle,
failing to break concentration.
Marrakech also enjoys an endless
labyrinth of covered markets, lining
the many winding streets and
alleyways of the city. Here, you can
buy myriad leather goods, potions
for the sick, the love-struck, those
with rent issues and much more,
and of course the ubiquitous
Moroccan ‘magic’ carpet rugs.
wHAT TO DO
Visit the Saadian Tombs, dating
back from the era of sultan Ahmad
al-Mansur. These intricately
decorated and beautifully preserved
tombs were re-discovered in 1917
and are a popular attraction in
Marrakech. Embark on a two-hour
journey into the Atlas Mountains,
and follow the trail down into the
charming town of Imil to enjoy
stunning views of the surrounding
snow-capped peaks.
Sip a delightful cup of mint tea in
one of the city’s many rooftop
cafés and watch the world go by in
the bustling centre below, or
contemplate beneath the 12th
Century Koutoubia Minaret,
surrounded by fascinating myths
and legends that lie with the
design of this recently
refurbished mosque.
eating out
Dining in Marrakech will take you
on a journey of colours, spices and
aromas that create the delicious
and world-famous Moroccan
cuisine. Street food is the most
Safi/Tikida Gardens
GUELIZ
Meknès
LA MAISON ARABE
ANGSANA RIAD DAR ZAOUIA
GOLDEN TULIP FARAH
Mosque & Medersa
Sidi bel Abbes
RIAD & DAR AMINA
RIAD DAR DONAB
MOUASSINE MEDINA
ANGSANA RIAD SI SAID
Djemma El Fna
SOFITEL MARRAKECH PALAIS IMPERIAL
SOFITEL MARRAKECH LOUNGE & SPA
LE MERIDIEN N'FIS LA SULTANA MARRAKECH
Royal Palace
BERRIMA
ANGSANA RIAD LYDINES
FOUR SEASONS MARRAKECH
popular way to taste authentic
dishes, and contrary to popular
opinion, is not just for tourist
consumption as it is a fast and
convenient source for locals too!
Popular delights include piping
hot snails, grilled sausages, and
traditional soups such as harira,
containing such ingredients as
lamb or beef with red lentils,
vegetables and fried aubergines.
Vegetarian cuisine isn’t easy to
come by, and you may have to
stick to the ubiquitous tagine avec
legumes. Restaurants and cafés
are also plentiful in Marrakech,
but be aware that some
restauranteurs will place dishes
that you haven’t ordered in front
of you, but will charge if eaten!
MARRAKECH
Royal & Amelkis
Golf Courses
LES JARDINS DE LA KOUTOUBIA
LES JARDINS DE LA MEDINA
Airport Taroudant VILLA MAKASSAR