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Koutoubia mosque in the morning surrounded by palm tree, Marrakesh, Morocco

Marrakech Monuments Tour — Koutoubia, Bahia Palace & Saadian Tombs

Tour Ref :	MWT02
Duration :	3 to 4 hours (half day)
Tour Type :	Private walking tour
Tour start :	Your riad or hotel in Marrakech
Tour end :	Back at your riad, or Jemaa el-Fnaa
Sites :	Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs
Price :	From 40 EUR per person (monument entry fees not included)
Languages :	English

Overview

The three great monuments of Marrakech, on foot

This half day walk covers the Koutoubia minaret, the Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs three of the most important historic landmarks in the city, and three that make sense together. They sit within walking distance of each other, so the morning is spent looking at them rather than moving between them.

Your guide explains what you are actually looking at: why the Saadian Tombs were sealed behind a wall for two centuries, what the Bahia’s courtyards were built for, and how the Koutoubia set the pattern for minarets from here to Seville.

Entry fees for the Bahia Palace and Saadian Tombs are paid at each site on the day. Bring cash in dirhams the ticket desks do not take cards.

Walking tour itinerary

Meeting point Your guide meets you at your riad or hotel in Marrakech. If your riad is deep inside the medina and hard to find, we agree a nearby landmark when you book.

Koutoubia Mosque We begin at the twelfth century Almohad minaret, seventy-seven metres tall and the model for the Giralda in Seville. The interior is closed to non-Muslims; we walk the gardens while your guide sets out the founding of the city and how to read the architecture you will see for the rest of the morning.

Bahia Palace A ten minute walk east. Nineteenth century, built for a grand vizier and his household, and named after one of his wives. Painted cedar ceilings, tiled courtyards and the marble riad garden. Your guide explains how the household actually lived here, which makes the room layout suddenly make sense.

Saadian Tombs A short walk on, beside the Kasbah Mosque. Sealed behind a wall in the seventeenth century by Moulay Ismail and not rediscovered until 1917. The Hall of Twelve Columns, in Carrara marble and cedar, is the finest surviving Saadian interior in Morocco. It is small, so we time the visit to avoid the coach groups.

Finish We walk you back to your riad, or leave you at Jemaa el-Fnaa if you would rather carry on into the souks.

Good to know

Entry fees for Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs are not included and are paid at each site. Budget roughly(Bahia Palace 100 MAD, Saadian Tombs 100 MAD) 200 MAD per person for both. Bring cash ticket desks do not take cards.
The Koutoubia interior is closed to non-Muslims. We visit the exterior and gardens.
Shoulders and knees should be covered at religious sites.
Around three hours on foot, at a relaxed pace. Comfortable shoes matter the medina is uneven underfoot.
The Saadian Tombs are busiest in the middle of the day. A morning start avoids the worst of it.
Monument opening hours vary and some close on public and religious holidays. The running order may change to suit.

BOOK TOUR

Departure & Return Location :

What's Included:

Licensed local guide (English speaking)
3 to 4 hour guided walking tour
Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace and Saadian Tombs
Pick-up and drop-off at your riad or hotel
Private tour — your group only