Marrakech, Morocco

• More about your oliver guide: Beth Sheffner Scheer
• Trip type: Group getaway, City, Desert, Mountains
• Activity level: moderate
• Ideal length of trip: 10 days; longer if you want to spend more time in desert.

to & from

Best routes to Marrakech are through Paris or Frankfurt.

Where to Stay

Highly recommend staying in the “Medina” which is the old part of the city. The Riad Kniza is the oldest family run riad in Marrakech. It was wonderful in terms of service and the rooms are incredible.
*Riads were once the estates of the wealthiest citizens, merchants, and courtiers.

• Highly recommend heading to the desert for 1-2 nights. This is where you can ride camels and "glamp" Lots of luxury camps to choose from. I loved: https://www.scarabeocamp.com
• Spent one night in the Atlas Mountains/Kasbah Bab Ourika which is recommended before you head into the craziness of Marrakech. Definitely get a "hamman" which takes place in a Moroccan bath house. You will be steamed, soaked, scrubbed, and come out sparkly clean.

Where to Eat and Drink

Breakfast in Morocco is incredible. Yogurt, breads, eggs, cakes, olives.. cereal. We rarely ate lunch. The famous lamb that is baked underground is a MUST. Watch “Somebody feed Phil” on Netflix (Marrakech episode) before you go.

• Check out the Royal Mansour for drinks or dinner. It is owned by the King of Morocco and pretty incredible. It is not located in the Medina -- it has more of an international feel vs. a true Moroccan hotel.
• The "night market" is a great place to get dinner. Go with a guide and have him/her take you to their top 5 places. The juice places are incredible.

What to Do

We had the most amazing tour guide named: Noura El Kacimi. Her email is: moroccoprivateexpert@gmail.com
T: 212661192793. She can help you with everything — daily tours, drivers, activities, shopping.

• Shopping in the "souk" (Arab Marketplace) is a must do but not for the faint of heart. Go with a guide. They will help you haggle and take you to the best places.
• My favorite store was The Pajama Shop. Souk Semmarine Rbaiya No. 18. I should have bought 5 pairs.
• The French Chic industrial area is a must stop shopping day. Great housewares and clothing. Leather goods.
• Chabi Chic #97 of 315 Shopping in Marrakech
• Some Slow Concept- Great furniture store
• We took a cooking class at a hotel: https://www.cenizaro.com/lamaisonarabe/marrakech and made tagine for lunch. Highly recommend if you are interested in cooking.
• The "Night Market" is a must see. This is where you see snake charmers, donkeys, etc.

inside scoop

Exchange money at French banks vs. Moroccan banks. Better exchange rate.
Negotiation is acceptable (with the exception of food). Your guides should be able to help you get the best deal.

• The upscale stores will ship anything you buy. I received things 7 days later after arriving home. Do not attempt to carry breakables home.
• You will be haggled at the souk. Just be polite and say no.
• Morocco is a Muslim country. Dress appropriately (no bare shoulders or arms). You hear the call to prayer several times during the day and it is beautiful.
• YSL Museum and Jardin Majorelle are fantastic.
• Eat everything. The food is incredible. I ate lots of things from carts and never got sick. Best to bring stomach meds in case. Stay hydrated if you are there when it is hot.
• Take a cultural class - there is no much to learn about the culture. We took a class from a 20 something at Cafe Clock and it was great. So much to learn and helps you understand and appreciate your surroundings.
• ** This trip was planned by Cultivate Travels -- Barbara Rees, the founder, creates incredible travel experiences. www.cultivatetravels.com

skip it

The tanneries. Smells terrible and just all around disgusting.

What to Pack

Long skirts and dresses for women. Comfortable shoes. Pack light because the shopping is great. Birkenstocks were my every day and night shoe. Sneakers great for day.

• It gets chilly at night if you are in the mountains or desert. Bring a light puffer. My Herno jacket goes everywhere with me.