I have this goal in life which is to be able to set a foot in all the 7 continents of the world, and visiting Marrakech crossed out Africa in my list.
So why did I plan to visit Marrakech and not another European country?
Here are some of the reasons why:
1. Barcelona to Marrakech is only around 2 hours travel by plane. Airline tickets are really cheap if you buy them ahead of time. I got mine for 70€ only! (I had to treat myself since i just ended by temporary job in The Pink Peony last feb.)
2. The culture and the city structures and their hidden gems. Got a little bored with the touch of Europe structures so decided to opt for another experience.
3. I've been also curious about the taste of their food (since i never tried it before)
4. Because of their local products such as leather, carpets, herbs, and many more!
5. And getting lost in the small alleys of Marrakech is a must!
So here comes March and was really excited about this new adventure for 2018!
4 days 3 nights Itinerary in the Enchanting City of Marrakech
Day 1: ARRIVAL
During our flight, we were seated with a Spanish woman who seems to be a regular visitor in the city and really knows how things work there. She recommended us to just visit the city itself since it's really interesting and there's a lot to see and we were just staying there for 3 days.
And maybe we'll just do the day excursions the next time we visit the place with more days of stay.
This option left me with an empty itinerary, so we just opted to "enjoy the moment and get lost".
Arrived in the Menara International Airport about 13:00h and left the airport at 16:00h because waited for my friend, Dianne, who came all the way from London.
We got our taxi (airport - Riad Wardate Rita) for 150DH/around 15€
The taxi had to left us somewhere because the Riad was not accessible to it. We had to walk and ask locals where was our Riad.
Here comes a group of guys who started following us and lead us into small alleys. In short we got lost. We we're telling them that it was okay, that we can handle things but they didn't leave us anyway.
BEWARE OF THESE KIND OF SCAMS! I was aware of it since i also searched blogs about their trip to Morroco but it is inevitable because they keep on following you even though you're pushing them away.
When we reached the Riad they asked for tip. We just gave them 5 pounds but they wanted 20 pounds! That's crazy! Luckily, the manager of our Riad was able to talk with them.
Riad Wardate, welcomed us with their traditional tea. Later on we unpacked our things, rest a little bit and we searched for the night life of Morroco.
Day 2: CAMEL RIDE + CITY TOUR
We had the Camel 1h Ride in the morning to avoid the direct hit of the sun. It was 20 minutes away from the city centre. Kinda tiring at the middle so i recommend you to just do the 30 minutes ride.
Afterwards, they offered us again the traditional marrakesh tea.
We had our lunch around the city, went back to the riad to rest for a while then prepared ourselves for the city tour at 2:00 PM
Undiscovered alleys brought us to awesome places, with delicious food and unique products.
Was also able to visit some our the important tourist spots.
Jemma el-Fnaa or the Big Square
You'll see dancing cobras during daylight and food stalls during the night
El Badi Palace
Bahia Palace
and more local products along the way
After a long day of walking, we had dinner in Mama Africa. It was recommend by our tour guide and after tasting it, we understood why. Yummers!
Day 2: DIY TOUR (Majorelle Garden + Tanneries)
We had to get up early for Majorelle Garden to skip the long line. We were one of the first tourists to enter.
Tip: If you want to achieve a good photo in the Blue house, go in the first our to avoid a lot of tourists taking photo as well.
Achieved! LOL
We took a cab from the Garden going to Tanneries around 10 minutes only.
Entrance is free but, afterwards they men will follow you and ask for a tip. I don't really understand their system.
The guide will give you mint because the smell of the place is unpleasant.
Since we are adventurers, we followed the map to reach the Big square and had our delicious lunch.
We took the afternoon free for souvenir shopping, etc.
Day 4: Departure
You really have to go the airport early because the processing and lines are long. You still have to go the your designated desk even if you already checked in online. So better be there 2-3 before your flight to avoid stress!
Thank you Marrakech!
You were splendid!
Will come back again hopefully with longer days of stay and with the love of my life.
Expenses:
70€ RT BCN- RAK
less than 20€ for Taxi rides
50€ Accomodation (3 days 3 nights with free breakfast)
20€ City tour
20€ Palmeral tour (1h camel ride)
10-15€ per meal
50€ souvenirs
Tips:
TRY TO AVOID SCAMS!
Bring extra baggage allowance
Eat local food
Bring out your haggling power
Don't show to much skin if you don't want to get stared at
Enjoy the moment! Don't stuck yourself with your gadgets.
