Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech was the longest stop on the Morocco leg — nearly a week in total — and it was an experience of two halves: the final days of the group tour, and then some quieter days with Mum and Dad who flew in to meet me.
Sunday 5th October
We drove about four hours from Aït Ben Haddou, arriving in Marrakech in the afternoon. A few people from the group went off for a traditional hammam and massage, but Luis, Dan and I decided we’d rather walk around and explore. We quickly realised it was too hot for aimless wandering, so we sat down for a mint tea instead. Jim was already set up at the Chesterfield, an English pub, so we met up with him there before heading into the Medina in the evening. We sampled snacks from the stalls, had a meal together, and at the end of the night I managed to spot and scare off a pickpocket who’d been eyeing Jim. All in a day’s work.
Monday 6th October
The last full day of the tour, and we packed it in. After breakfast we visited the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, and the Secret Garden — three very different but equally impressive sites. The Bahia Palace in particular was stunning, with its intricate tilework and tranquil courtyards. After a rooftop lunch overlooking the Medina we had some downtime in the afternoon, which was welcome after ten days of non-stop activity.
In the evening I went to a wine bar with Phil and a few others, then the whole group had a farewell dinner at Le Kilim. It was a great way to finish the tour off with what had been an excellent bunch of people. We finished the night with a cocktail at a nearby bar.
Tuesday 7th October
The tour officially finished. I went out for a healthy breakfast — feeling the cumulative effects of a week and a half of tagine and wine — then said goodbye to Ghislane, our guide, and moved to Riad Julia. The riad was gorgeous, a proper traditional Moroccan guesthouse tucked away in the Medina with a courtyard and rooftop terrace.
I took it easy for the rest of the day. Walked around, got a haircut in the Medina, had a nap, then went out for dinner with Jim, Luis, Andrea and Doria. Even after the tour officially ends, you find the connections linger.
Wednesday – Friday, 8th – 10th October
Mum and Dad arrived, and it was nice to share Marrakech with them. The dynamic shifts when you go from a group tour to family time — the pace slows, the days become less structured, and there’s more room for wandering and sitting and just being.
Staying inside the Medina was an experience in itself. When it’s full throttle it really is a sensory overload — the sounds, the smells, the constant motion of people and motorbikes and donkeys in the narrow lanes. Exhausting, but in the best way.
We walked around, did some shopping, visited a library, and one day headed out of the Medina to the Gueliz neighbourhood and the art museum, which was a welcome change of pace. We had dinner at Dar Yacout, which was outrageously over the top — they served portion sizes suitable for six to a table of three. Far too much food, but quite the experience.
Saturday 11th October
Our last day. We checked out Jardin Majorelle, the stunning blue villa and garden that Yves Saint Laurent restored. Then the Berber Museum, a rooftop drink at La Pergola, and one final wander through Jemaa el-Fnaa — the main square that comes alive at night with food stalls, musicians, and performers.
The highlight of the Marrakech eating was probably the healthy breakfast spot we’d found tucked inside the Medina. After days of tagine and couscous, a bowl of fruit and granola hit differently.
We were all a bit tired from the Medina by the end, and the traffic, and the constant buzz. Marrakech was a fantastic cultural experience, but it’s the kind of place that demands something of you. By the time we boarded the plane to Madrid, we were ready for a bit more serenity.
