Magical Marrakech Overnight Journey (Single Accommodations)
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Port
Casablanca, Morocco
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All,68
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$2510
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
2 Days/1 Night
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Meals Included
Meals included
Medina of Marrakesh
Founded in 1070–72 by the Almoravids, Marrakesh remained a political, economic and cultural centre for a long period. Its influence was felt throughout the western Muslim world, from North Africa to Andalusia. It has several impressive monuments dating from that period: the Koutoubiya Mosque, the Kasbah, the battlements, monumental doors, gardens, etc. Later architectural jewels include the Bandiâ Palace, the Ben Youssef Madrasa, the Saadian Tombs, several great residences and Place Jamaâ El Fna, a veritable open-air theatre.
Day 1 (L/D)Marrakech is more than just a city -- it is a pearl polished by its own rich history, and its tradition of hospitality has for centuries been known to welcome visitors. Nestled in the foothills of the snowcapped Atlas Mountains, the city is divided into two distinct parts -- the medina (Old Town) and the modern European gueliz (New Town).
A scenic road trip from Casablanca brings you to Marrakech. Watch for the Koutoubia Minaret -- a 12th-century Moorish monument.
The famous Bahia Palace was built in 1880 by the great Sidi Moussa and is a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture. It shows you how the privileged of this Imperial city lived during the 19th century. The use of marble, stucco and mosaics predominates in the apartments, opening on to courtyards filled with fountains and plant life.
Find yourself (or lose yourself) in the labyrinth of souks (markets) that is the Old Town. Textiles, clothing, handicrafts, colorful alleys, small squares and a bewildering array of stalls and ateliers devoted to specific crafts make up this really fascinating part of town.
Head to Jemaa al-Fnaa Square to mingle with soothsayers, acrobats, snake charmers and water-sellers. Enjoy Moroccan tea in this open space that has become the beating heart of Marrakech.
Overnight at Les Jardins de La Koutoubia OR Similar
Day 2 (B/L)
Enjoy a short walk through the Majorelle Gardens -- home to the late Yves Saint Laurent. Today, his gardens house a collection of plants from the four corners of the earth, flourishing among elegant ornamental lakes and an Art Deco villa. Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé fell in love with the colors and culture of Marrakech. They resided here for what they described as some of the most beautiful years of their lives.
Nearby is the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, where the most precious YSL works are gathered. This 43,000-square-foot building, inspired by contemporary and Moroccan architecture, was designed by a Paris-based firm. Blues and greens dominate one side of the entrance hall, reds and tangerines the other. The museum showcases more than 5,000 dresses and 15,000 haute couture accessories.
Another impressive building in Marrakech is the Dar El Bacha Museum -- among the most beautiful palaces of the ocher city. Built in the early 20th century, Dar El Bacha was the residence of Thami El Glaoui -- Pasha of Marrakech in 1912.
Return Casablanca by road and re-board the ship.
Please note: Travel time to Marrakech is 3 ½ hours each way. This tour is non-refundable after booking or waitlisting. Waitlisted requests are cleared in the order received and are subject to the tour's cancellation policy. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. Modest attire is required; knees, shoulders and midriffs must be covered. Please err on the side of conservatism with your attire. You must remove your shoes before entering the mosque(s).
Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses; wear biodegradable sunscreen. Bring bottled water. Do not to take photos of military personnel without their consent. Mind your belongings, particularly at points of interest or crowded places. All meals are included unless specifically noted otherwise.Important: It is solely each guest's responsibility to obtain (before traveling) any visas, vaccinations or tourist cards that are required for participating in Mid-Cruise Adventures or Overnight Journeys, unless noted otherwise in the description. Please be aware that you may need a visa for any and/or all countries that you will depart from and travel through as part of your Mid-Cruise Adventure or Overnight Journey, and for the country in which you will re-join the ship. Your travel agent can assist you with your visa needs. If you require further assistance, Seabourn's preferred visa service is CIBTvisas. Residents of the USA and Canada phone: 866-935-8472; or email: seabourn@cibtvisas.com. CIBTvisas' phone numbers and email addresses for residents of Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom can be found on our website. Applications and additional information can be downloaded from the CIBTvisas website at https://CIBTvisas.com/seabourn. You must advise CIBTvisas of your Mid-Cruise Adventures or Overnight Journeys, as the visa requirements for these vacation enhancements may vary from those required for your cruise.