Best rated Morocco travel packages and Marrakech excursions right now? From Marrakech medina it takes just under an hour to reach the Agafay Desert and Nkhila Lodge. As we leave the bright lights of the city behind and enter the rural province of Al Haouz, the landscape changes from olives groves to the rolling barren hills of the Agafay Desert. Eventually we leave the asphalt behind and follow desert tracks to reach Douar Nkhila village on the eastern edge of Agafay. Our final approach is spectacular: we twist around arid hillsides until reaching Nkhila Lodge, perched on stilts, with the High Atlas mountains looming in the distance. On arrival at camp we will be greeted with a refreshing glass of mint tea and briefed by our host. In the early evening there’s time for a camel ride to enjoy the setting sun over western Agafay. If camel riding is not your thing, there are several short scenic walks to enjoy. Tonight dinner will be served in your choice of location – either in the privacy of your tent, on the balcony, in the dining tent, or under an outside canopy-covered dining spot. Lunch and dinner is included today. Find extra information on Marrakech desert tours.
This 16th-century burial ground is home to 66 members of the Saadian dynasty, which ruled over Marrakesh between 1524 and 1668. The tombs here include that of the ruler Al-Mansour, his successors, and their closest family members. It’s a rambling, atmospheric place, with the mausoleums set amid a rather overgrown garden. In particular, the main mausoleum (where Moulay Yazid is buried) has a fine surviving mihrab (prayer niche). The Saadian Tombs were walled up by their Alawite successors and were only rediscovered in the early 20th century.
Bab el-Mansour, Meknes: One of the most beautiful monumental gates in the entire nation, Meknes’s Bab el-Mansour is adorned with striking tilework and decorative calligraphy. Built in the 1730s, it was the main gateway between the city’s old medina and the former royal capital. Colourful, active, atmospheric, and more than a little pungent, the tanneries of Fes let visitors see part of the ancient leatherwork processes. Watch as hard-working men treat and dye leather in large pits, using methods that have remained largely the same for several hundred years. There are several viewing areas, accessed through leather shops, from where you can watch the work in the Chaouwara Tanneries.
Set amidst the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen – also known as the blue city is a small town in a huge landscape. Amongst all the Morocco cities to visit, this one is popular for solo traveling and exploring the town’s famous blue and white painted houses. The people are also super friendly, so you will surely get to revel in some sweet hospitality here that makes this one of the top places to visit in Morocco. Don’t forget to check out the secluded and quiet Ras El Maa, one of the most fascinating and secret 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.
Best rated Marrakech excursions : Morocco’s most charming seaside town is laid-back Essaouira, an old hippie haunt of the 1970s that has lost none of its authenticity. The colorful fishing boats bobbing on the water, stately old shore-side fort walls, and twisty lanes of the old town make Essaouira a delight to discover. There’s a decent food scene here, with seafood an obvious mainstay on menus, and great café life. For those seeking more active sightseeing, there are also great walks along the beach to outlying villages, and surfing along the beach.