Let's go back to the year 1147 with the The Koutoubia Mosque. The largest mosque in Marrakech. The minaret stands 77 m and you may recognize parts of it from your travels in Seville Spain. A great place to understand Marrakech and how it was settled.

Once we meet each other, we'll get to know more about Marrakech with a stroll through the old medina to the Bahia Palace. Immerse yourself in Morocco's imperial history as you explore this grandiose royal residence, built for the Grand Vizier Sultan Moulay El Hassan I. Explore the various rooms for the Sultans' family and haram. Dance in the inner courtyard with its wide open spaces, where courtiers met in days of large royal visits and enjoy the lush gardens of the interior courtyards. Next, take in the palace's feature fountains, gardens, extraordinary living quarters, and several shady courtyards which are closed to the public. Hear from your guide about the history of the grounds as you wander. Finally, enter the apartments of the Vizier's favorite concubine and the council chamber. Admire the illuminated cedarwood ceiling and tiled walls, then marvel at the expansive marbled central courtyard with its many fountains and zelliges.

Djemaa El Fna Square. Formally the center of meeting and trading wares in the days of traders and Sultans, this square is still the place where hundreds of locals meet every night to enjoy the storytellers, musicians, snake charmers, acrobats, jugglers and performers of each and every sort. Marvel at large space that transforms into an open air street food market every day. Truly the hub of Marrakech.

Close to the vast Djemaa El Fna, Souq Semmarine is a lively row of artisan shops. It is also a main tourist draw in the city. Beware that price is considerably higher for everything here. Entering from Jemaa el Fna Square to the opening of the Great Bazaar you have to take smaller alleys from right or left. We'll navigate these together and I'll provide tips on good bartering skills and how to spot the honest vendors.