Marrakech and the medina

Ancient and contemporary gardens: Visit the 12th century Agdal or Menara gardens for a walking tour of the basins, plantations and water conduits that played a key role in the urban ecology of Marrakech for centuries. Explore the interior patio gardens - called riads - that are experiencing a renaissance in the medina. Later, explore the Palmeraie to learn about the ecology of the date palm groves and the khettara irrigation system. Begin or finish the day at the Majorelle Garden, restored by Yves Saint Laurent.

A riad in the Bahia Palace
Cultural and ecological heritage of the Marrakech Medina: In a walking tour of the Medina, explore the cultural and ecological history of Marrakech, long known as the garden city of North Africa. Follow a pathway designed by the Austrian-based ARCH Foundation, exploring cultural heritage projects such as the restored Cherb ou Chouf Fountain and the Mouassine Fountain. Visit sites of the ARCH-GDF ‘Regreening the Medina’ project, including the daliyas (grapevine arbors) of the Souk El Loghzel and the vegetable garden of the Ibn Abi Sofra primary school.
The Mouassine mosque ablutions

Historical monuments and pathways of the Marrakech Medina: Visit the Medina by foot, discovering how Marrakech has evolved through ten centuries. Begin the morning at the Place Djemaa El Fna, traditional meeting place of peasants and traders from the rural hinterland of Marrakech, and a center of Moroccan magic, music and storytelling. Then trace the history of the city by exploring a series of monuments, choosing among the Koutoubia Mosque Minaret, Ben Youssef Medersa (Koranic university), Saadian Tombs, Dar Si Said Museum of Moroccan Crafts and the Palais El Badi (to see the restored Koutoubia Minaret).

Detail of carved plasterwork
Spices, herbs, oils and fruits: In a walking tour of the Mellah and Medina souks, discover the variety of spices that flavor Moroccan cuisine, the medicinal herbs used by traditional healers, and the unique fruits and oils of southern Morocco. Gain a connoisseur’s appreciation of the quality of ingredients, learning to identify true saffron and argan oil, and to tell the difference between the many varieties of local dates. Visit a spice merchant in Souk Loghzel to observe the making of ras-el-hanout, the traditional mixture of  spices and herbs that is used in many Moroccan dishes (tagines). At the end of the tour, pass by Bab Fteuh to choose fresh aromatic herbs that will be blended in Moroccan mint tea when you arrive at Ryad Tamsna.
Grains and spices in the Marrakech souk
Modern design and traditional crafts in Marrakech: Experience contemporary style in Marrakech by visiting restored private riads, the traditional Hispano-Moorish courtyard homes of the medina. Explore a diversity of trends that are inspired by Moroccan vernacular design,  including Gustavian-Moorish, Zen, flamboyant bohemian and contemporary masterpiece. Gain insights into Moroccan material culture by visiting the Dar Si Said Museum of Moroccan Arts and Crafts and the Maison Tiskiwine. Finish the day with tea at the 16th century Dar Charifa, the oldest restored house in the Medina.
Interior patio of Ryad Tamsna