Marrakech Guided Day Trip from Casablanca: Djemaa el-Fna Square and Bahia Palace

To start your day, you’ll be met by your guide either in the Racine district of downtown Casablanca, or at your centrally located hotel, according to which option you choose. Hop in the sedan, minivan or coach, depending on the size of your group, and relax on the 2.5-hour drive south toward Marrakech, a must-visit city in Morocco. On the way, you’ll pass through the lovely small towns of Berrechid, Settat, Benghrir and more.

When you arrive in Marrakech, your driver-guide will take you on a sightseeing tour of the city’s main sights, historic landmarks and cultural attractions. Start with a visit to the outside of the Koutoubia Mosque, most famous for its minaret towers. This is the largest mosque in Marrakech and while the mosque itself is closed to non-Muslims, you can still explore the grounds.

Continue to the Menara Gardens. Admire the pyramid-shaped pavilion against the Atlas Mountains as you learn about the history of this 12th-century site. Next, visit the beautifully decorated Saadian Tombs, which date back to the 15th century during the time of the sultan Ahmad al-Mansur.

You'll then head to the Bahia Palace and gardens. The name meaning ‘brilliance,’ this 19th-century palace was intended to be the greatest of its time, designed to capture the essence of the Islamic and Moroccan styles.

After lunch (own expense) take a stroll along Marrakech's narrow medieval streets, where the highlight of your afternoon awaits.

Reach Djemaa el-Fna Square, the main city square known for its open-air theater and non-stop entertainment. Here, you’ll see story tellers, singers, acrobats, snake-charmers, monkey-tamers and more. As you’ll learn from your driver-guide, this plaza was once the site of public executions around 1050 AD – hence its name, which translates to ‘assembly of the dead.’

After your time soaking up Djemaa el-Fna Square’s buzzing energy, it’s time to head back to Casablanca. After a relaxing, scenic 2.5-hour drive, you’ll arrive back in Casablanca at around 6pm.