Your best Marrakech ideas?

knightstyle

So we have booked a week in Marrakech starting in a week.
Need to spend time unwinding/reading in hotel but would like a day or two out on trips. Which ones should we go for? Is it best to book through the hotel or travel company, Tui?

waamo

Some hotels run free coaches to the popular tourist spots. Unless you want to go to the Atlas Mountains or the such like I wouldn’t pay the travel company.

knightstyle

Yes, we were thinking of a trip up to the mountains.

waamo

knightstyle wrote: »

Yes, we were thinking of a trip up to the mountains.

It’s very touristy. Personally I would go to the souk and try haggling for some decent leather goods. Moroccan leather goods are very good and haggling there is an experience. It is taken very seriously.

In saying that the TUi trip to the mountains isn’t bad and you could get a good deal from the rep. Which hotel are you in?

knightstyle

Thanks, we are in Sensimar Medina Gardens on All inclusive. Don't expect the Ritz as we got a very good late deal. Just want to chill out for a week.

Voyager2002

Just to share an experience from a few years ago...

I went with my disabled father; he wanted a trip to the mountains and of course the tour rep in the hotel would have been happy to sell an excursion. However, he found a local travel agent near to the main market square and since it was very much cheaper than buying from the rep he decided to go with them. In the event the local tour company were excellent: we were the only passengers and they provided a comfortable mini-van with English-speaking guide as well as the driver.

knightstyle

Thanks, we will look for them, was that the Jemma el-Fnaa square?
An other question, can I buy a sim card for cheap calls/texts to and from Morocco? We have a Toggle but that does not cover Morocco.

Bodders11

We did this: http://www.moroccoattractivetours.com
It was fantastic. Our tour guide Mostafa was brilliant.

Definitely visit the square (mind the snakes and monkeys, but try the orange juice) and the souks

dawyldthing

essaouira Is worth a day trip? We went on the local bus which was an experience, you just go that square mentioned above and go through to the booking office bit. plus I'd look at prices there before you buy in Marrakech - you will be shocked at the difference. We bought a lovely wooden elephant from someone there for a fantastic price.

Oh and if any 'guides' offer to show you through the souks I'd politely refuse or they will want a lot of money to essentially walk you through. We went on a horse and carriage in the main square in Marrakech which was really enjoyable