Waking to our first adhan, the Islamic call to prayer, the muezzin's emotive call conjures visions of magic carpets and spice-scented medinas. Located at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is an eclectic mix of centuries-old architectural styles. The fabled ochre city was founded over 1,000 years ago during the Almoravid dynasty, and still beats to an age-old rhythm. Famed for its outstanding artisanship, the city has boomed as one of Africa's key hubs for contemporary art, architecture, and design. After breakfast, we meet our born-and-bred Moroccan guides whose passion for their homeland is infectious. This morning, we explore the city's main attractions, including the Almohad wonders of the Koutoubia Mosque, the geometric zellij (mosaics), and intricate cedarwood of the former Koranic college, Ben Youssef Medersa, and one of Marrakech's oldest surviving buildings - the mausoleum of Almoravid Koubba. We discover bustling souks (Arabic for market or stall), walk through a maze of laneways and covered markets bursting with energy, and stop by the Spice Square, where everything from herbs, spices, snakeskins, and chameleons have been sold for centuries. Our morning is completed by our first taste of Morocco as we lunch at the popular Ksar El Hamra restaurant, before continuing to Le Jardin Secret. This eclectic space dates to the Saadi dynasty, for which Marrakech was its capital more than 400 years ago. Rebuilt in the 19th century at the behest of an influential kaid from the Atlas Mountains who came into possession of the land, Le Jardin Secret has been the home of some of Morocco's and Marrakech's most important political figures. We discover its gardens and stately buildings, which are outstanding examples of Islamic art and architecture, before returning to our hotel for you to enjoy some free time. No day in Marrakech is complete without a visit to the fabled Djema el-Fna Square. Here, we are immersed in the captivating energy of this mythical square, one of the world's great spectacles, where for centuries locals have gathered to watch storytellers, magicians, and performers. The city's residents spill out to eat at its street food stalls and revel in the entertainment on offer. If you want to meet an authentic snake charmer, feel the pulse of the Gnawa drums or be mesmerized by circus-style entertainers, Djema el-Fna is the place to be. Our evening continues when we indulge in a Moroccan feast, while belly dancers and traditional troops entertain us, introducing us to 'Moor than a Myth'. Accommodation: Movenpick Marrakech (or similar) ...
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