Marrakech: Bahia & Badi Palaces & Saadian Tombs Guided Tour

Marrakech’s historic medina is a captivating blend of architectural wonders and cultural richness. This guided tour offers an immersive exploration of the city’s iconic Bahia Palace, the majestic ruins of the Grand Badi Palace, and the intricate Saadian Tombs. With a knowledgeable local guide leading the way, visitors can skip the crowds and dive into the heart of Marrakech’s history, uncovering the stories behind these remarkable sites. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this tour promises to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the city’s enduring legacy.

Good To Know

• This 3-hour guided walking tour takes visitors through Marrakech’s historic medina to explore the Bahia Palace, Badi Palace, and Saadian Tombs.

• The tour provides insights into the city’s captivating history and architecture from a knowledgeable local guide, while skipping crowds and long ticket lines.

• The tour price starts from £37.41 per person and includes entrance fees, bottled water, and a small group size for a personalized experience.

• Visitors are recommended to wear comfortable shoes, have cash for entrance fees (100 DHS per monument), and make advance reservations due to the tour’s popularity.

• The meeting point is located at the Hotel Restaurant Café de France in Jamaa el-Fna, with options to reach it by taxi, ride-hailing, or public transportation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The guided walking tour takes visitors through Marrakech’s historic medina, allowing them to explore the city’s renowned Bahia Palace, Badi Palace, and optional Saadian Tombs.

The tour lasts 3 hours and is limited to a small group of up to 10 participants. Guests can skip the crowds and long ticket lines, gaining insights into the city’s history and architecture from a local guide.

The tour includes entrance fees, but excludes hotel pickup/drop-off, food, drinks, and tips. Reservations are highly recommended, as the tour is likely to sell out.

Cancellations made up to 24 hours in advance qualify for a full refund.

Pricing and Inclusions

The price for this guided tour starts from £37.41 per person.

The tour includes a knowledgeable guide, bottled water, and entrance fees to the Bahia Palace, Badi Palace, and optional Saadian Tombs. These entrance fees cost 100 DHS per person, per monument.

However, the tour doesn’t include hotel pickup/drop-off, food, drinks, or tips. Participants will meet the group in front of Hôtel Restaurant Café de France, located in Jamaa el-Fna, Rue des Banques, Marrakech.

With a small group size limited to 10 people, this tour offers an intimate experience and the convenience of skipping long ticket lines.

Highlights and Experience

Skipping crowds and long ticket lines, this guided tour offers insights into Marrakech’s captivating history and architecture from a knowledgeable local guide.

Explore the impressive ruins of Sultan Ahmed El Mansour’s 16th-century Grand Badi Palace, once deemed the 8th wonder of the world.

Discover the magnificent Bahia Palace, constructed in the late 19th century over six years by skilled artisans.

Optionally, visit the Saadian Tombs, a hidden gem rediscovered in 1917, featuring 66 tombs within the enclosure and 100 more outside the gardens.

This immersive experience provides a deeper understanding of Marrakech’s rich cultural heritage and architectural wonders.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Customers have overwhelmingly praised this guided tour, with an impressive overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 655 reviews.

The tour guide receives high marks, earning a 4.8 out of 5 rating. Reviewers highlight the guide’s vast knowledge and ability to provide enriching insights into the city’s history and architecture.

Value for money and overall service are rated 4 out of 5. Positive feedback emphasizes the tour’s ability to skip crowds and long ticket lines, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the palaces and tombs without hassle.

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What to Expect

A guided walking tour of Marrakech’s historic medina provides visitors an immersive experience, allowing them to explore the city’s renowned landmarks at a leisurely pace.

The 3-hour tour takes guests to the opulent Bahia Palace, the grand ruins of the 16th-century Badi Palace, and the optional visit to the Saadian Tombs.

Along the way, a knowledgeable local guide offers insights into the city’s rich history and architecture. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and skip-the-line access allows for efficient exploration.

Comfortable shoes and cash for entrance fees are recommended. With limited availability, it’s advisable to reserve this tour in advance to secure a spot.

Itinerary and Stops

The guided walking tour takes visitors on an immersive journey through Marrakech’s captivating medina.

The itinerary includes:

1. Exploring the Bahia Palace, a 19th-century architectural marvel known for its intricate tilework, courtyards, and gardens.

2. Discovering the ruins of the 16th-century Grand Badi Palace, once considered the 8th wonder of the world.

3. Visiting the Saadian Tombs, a hidden gem featuring over 100 elaborately decorated tombs and gardens, rediscovered in 1917.

Throughout the 3-hour tour, the knowledgeable local guide provides insights into the city’s rich history and architecture, allowing visitors to skip the crowds and long ticket lines.

Tips for Visitors

To make the most of this guided tour, visitors should arrive prepared with comfortable shoes and cash on hand. The walking tour covers a lot of ground, so sturdy footwear is a must.

Bringing local currency, Moroccan dirhams (DHS), is recommended to cover the entrance fees of 100 DHS per person, per monument. While the tour includes a guide, water, and access to the sites, it doesn’t cover hotel pickup/drop-off, food, drinks, or tips.

Travelers should check the availability of start times and be aware that this popular tour is likely to sell out, so advance booking is advised. Following these simple tips will ensure a seamless and enjoyable Marrakech sightseeing experience.

Getting to the Meeting Point

Reaching the meeting point in front of Hôtel Restaurant Café de France, located at Jamaa el-Fna, Rue des Banques, Marrakech, is straightforward.

The location is centrally situated in the heart of the medina, making it easily accessible from various parts of the city.

To get there, visitors can:

1. Take a taxi or ride-hailing service, as the meeting point is just a short drive from most major landmarks and hotels.
2. Navigate the winding streets of the medina on foot, as the meeting point is within walking distance from many accommodations and attractions.
3. Utilize the city’s public transportation system, such as the Marrakech tram, which has a stop near the meeting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Take Photographs Inside the Palaces and Tombs?

Photography is generally allowed inside the palaces and tombs, though visitors should check with their tour guide for any specific restrictions. Most sites permit photography without flash to preserve the historic structures.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is suitable for children. They’ll enjoy exploring the historic palaces and tombs, though some portions may be less engaging for younger kids. Parents should supervise their children throughout the 3-hour walking tour.

Are There Any Accessibility Options for Guests With Disabilities?

The tour may have limited accessibility options for guests with disabilities. It’s best to contact the tour operator in advance to inquire about specific accommodations, such as wheelchair accessibility or assistance for those with mobility challenges.

Can We Extend the Tour Duration or Customize the Itinerary?

Unfortunately, the tour duration and itinerary can’t be extended or customized. It’s a set 3-hour walking tour with a fixed route. However, travelers can book private tours or arrange additional activities separately to personalize their Marrakech experience.

Do We Need to Bring Our Own Water and Snacks?

The tour includes water, so there’s no need to bring your own. However, you may want to bring snacks if you’d like something extra during the 3-hour walking tour. The guide will provide insights and facilitate the experience.

The Sum Up

Enjoy Marrakech’s rich history and architectural wonders on this guided walking tour. Explore the stunning Bahia Palace, the majestic Grand Badi Palace, and the intricate Saadian Tombs, with a knowledgeable local guide providing insights and skipping the crowds. This intimate and informative experience offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover the city’s most notable landmarks.

You can check availability for your dates here: