time to explore
One important tool on your trip is the Arrival app. It houses all your important information--flight times and boarding passes, your itinerary times and where to go, and a GPS that helps you find your way around. Most importantly, you have live support any time you need it, so the fear of exploring a foreign country is mitigated as much as possible.
Culture ....................................... 5 What is life like in Marrakesh? And how do you deal with all that sand... Lodging ...................................... 7 Where will you be staying? We think where you stay can be just as crucial as your plans to make the trip perfect! Food & Drink.............................. 9 One of our favorites--what can you eat and drink here? Itinerary ..................................... 11 We have a few special events planned for you...but lots of free time too! When to Go ................................ 13 Don’t make the mistake of going to Marrakech in July— find out when the best time is!
Steeped in history, Marrakech is an exotic blend of people, architecture, wonderful sights, sounds and cuisine. The ancient Medina is at the throbbing heart of Marrakech, housing a maze of alleyways, atmospheric neighbourhoods, historic places of interest and a plethora of eateries, shops and souks. Berbers remain the largest ethnic group in Marrakech and the whole of Morocco. Arabic is the main language, with French second. Many people in the city speak a third or fourth language, often including English.
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Religion
Islam is the official religion of Morocco and the majority of Moroccans are Muslims. This has a considerable effect on life in Marrakech and visitors are advised to respect the religious culture. Muslims are called to prayer 5 times a day – the call to prayer can be heard echoing through the city throughout the day, with the first call at dawn.
Dress Code
While Marrakech is relatively relaxed in tourist areas around dress code, there are some rules you are advised to follow simply out of respect. Despite the heat, don’t wander around in skimpy outfits, especially if you are a woman. Light floaty trousers and long-sleeved linen or light cotton blouses or shirts will keep you cool and covered in the summer heat.
You will be staying in a 300-year-old riad, or a traditional Moroccan home with multiple stories centered around an open-air courtyard with a fountain. Riads were once the estates of the wealthiest citizens, merchants, and courtiers. The building is shaped like a rectangle with different rooms on each side. Riads are a part of traveling to Morocco, and no visit to the country is complete without staying in one.
home sweet home
The central courtyard has a garden and serves as cool retreat, complete with a pool for a mid-afternoon dip. The courtyard in the middle is open from the top and is the house’s natural light source. The interior is an intimate blench of color, plush fabrics, beautiful furnishings, and handcrafted ceramics. Our riad is located in the heart of the old Marrakech medina, putting you right at the heart of city life, with easy access to shopping, restaurants, and cafes.
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When you think of Moroccan food, you think of flavor. It’s an assault on the senses in the best ways possible. Moroccan food is a mix of many influences. It’s a blend of Berber, Andalusian, and Mediterranean cuisines with hints of European and sub-Saharan influences.
Morocco produces a wide variety of Mediterranean fruits and vegetables. Wheat is the staple grain while common meats include beef, lamb, goat, mutton, chicken, and seafood.
Savory, sweet, and sour flavors figure prominently in many Moroccan dishes. They’re typically seasoned with preserved lemon, smen (fermented butter), argan oil, olive oil, dried fruits, herbs, and a multitude of different spices. Some of the most commonly used spices in Moroccan cooking include cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, saffron, nutmeg, paprika, ginger, anise, and fenugreek. Ras el hanout, a popular spice blend used in many Moroccan dishes, can be made with 25-40 different spices.
taste the adventure
Night and day, Moroccans are rehydrated by two popular drinks -- freshly squeezed orange juice and mint tea, the national drink. Both can be found in cafes and snak restaurants countrywide, and are an excellent pick-me-up for the tired, overheated traveler.
Moroccans are especially keen on their coffee, a legacy of the French occupation. No self-respecting Moroccan cafe would dare serve instant coffee, and coffee lovers can find fresh cappuccino, espresso, or coffee with milk just about anywhere.
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Day 1: Arrival
Take it slow today. Hang out around the riad, eat some good food, and explore this new country.
9:30 AM Arrive in Marrakech
12:30 PM Lunch
2 PM Explore the medina
7 PM Evening street food tour
Day 2: Jardin Majorelle
Jardin Majorelle is a beautiful botanical garden created in 1923 by French artist Jacques Majorelle.
9:30 AM Leave for Jardin Majorelle
11 AM Musee Yves Saint Laurent
3:30 PM Afternoon tea at the Royal Mansour
5 PM Return to riad
7 PM Djemma el Fna for sunset
Day 3: Saadian Tombs
Today we experience Marrakech’s history with the Saadian Tombs. This site consists of a series of mausoleums and sepulchers that hold the remains of important figures from the Saadi Dynasty, which ruled Morocco from 1549 to 1659.
9:30 AM Leave for Tombs
5 PM
7 PM
Return to Marrakesh
Dinner
Day 4: Marrakech
See all that Marrakesh has to offer.
9:30 AM
2 PM
4 PM
Bahia Palace
Dar Si Said (the Museum of Moroccan Arts)
Tea on the riad’s rooftop
On a trip with Arrival, we want the perfect combination of unique experiences and room for spontaneity. We haven’t planned out every second so you have downtime, or you can fill your free time with whatever you like--this booklet and our app have plenty of suggestions! Most importantly, we want this trip to work for you--so if there’s an item on our itinerary that you’re not digging, we can change it! Your itinerary will be on our app during your trip, with live support from us to fine-tune your plans at any time. Also, we encourage going off the beaten path-once you’re in Marrakesh, your time is your own! Follow our plans or not, it’s time for your perfect vacation.
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The best times to visit Marrakech are from March to May and between September and November. These shoulder seasons are known for their desirable weather (with average daytime temps in the low 70s to low 90s) and affordable hotel rates. Avoid visiting in the brutally hot summer when highs regularly top 100 degrees and the city sees a large influx of tourists and expats. The winter months offer temperatures in the low 40s to upper 60s but also see a spike in tourism, with visitors from colder climates flocking to the Red City in search of warmer temps. Be mindful of religious holidays, such as Ramadan and Christmas, as well as national holidays that follow the lunar calendar, which can affect every thing from public transportation to attraction hours to average room rates.
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