Extra Day in Marrakesh

Arrive in Marrakesh and get settled into your boutique inn, tucked into a quiet space in the Old City, inside the medina walls. Hidden behind an unmarked door, Riad Siwan is a traditional Marrakesh courtyard house, oriented inward around a small garden and fountain, a soothing counterpoint to the energetic pulse of the city beyond. Take time to unwind after your long travels, perhaps enjoying a dip in the rooftop plunge pool or relaxing with a book in a shaded alcove. Or step outside for a brief introduction to the surrounding streets as the medina marks the transition toward evening. As daylight fades, the call to prayer carries across rooftops, momentarily stilling the rapid commercial pace of life in the markets. Tonight, gather for a casual welcome dinner featuring classic Moroccan dishes and mint tea, a simple, ubiquitous drink that embodies the hospitality Moroccan culture is known for.

With essential guidance and insight from you local guide, spend the day immersed in the old city of Marrakesh, moving through the walled medina that has been a center of commerce, politics and culture for centuries. Founded in 1070–72 by the Almoravids, Marrakesh's influence was felt throughout the western Muslim world, from North Africa to Andalusia. Several of its most impressive monuments date from that period: the Koutoubiya Mosque, the Kasbah, the battlements, monumental doors and exquisite gardens. Later architectural jewels include the Bahia Palace, with its stunning painted wood ceilings, sculpted stucco and zellij tilework; the 16th-century Ben Youssef Madrasa, an important center of Koranic learning; the Saadian Tombs, a 16th-century royal necropolis housing the remains of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur and his dynasty and featuring lavish Italian marble, intricate stucco, and carved cedar wood; and Place Jemaa el-Fnaa, the central square at the heart of the city that is a veritable open-air theater. Weave through the souks where artisans, merchants and residents conduct business on a daily basis. Enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your riad for a quiet break. This evening, meet your fellow guests at our full-group welcome dinner, the kick-off event for our Heart of Morocco adventure ahead.