Full-Day Group Trip to Marrakech from Agadir

We were picked up at our hotel by a minibus. The rep spoke very little English but was able to ask "You David?" which was pretty much all that was needed! The red brake warning light and the A.B.S. not working lights were permanently alight on the dashboard. we were not informed whether there would be additional pick up stops or not, but there were several. At the fourth hotel, the rep said "Bus behind." so we alighted and joined the 53 seater coach behind us. It was full by the time we departed. The coach was comfortable, but leg room was a little bit limited. The vehicle was single glazed and it was a cold morning, so the windows were constantly steamed up. (The windscreen as well. Partially because the guide had put his brief case above the demister vent.) The driver was very professional and knew exactly what he was doing. It appeared that we did not have any further pick ups, as we joined the French style Autoroute to our destination. The toll road was quiet, and most of the traffic observed were trucks. After an hours travelling, our guide finally spoke to us and ran through how the day would be planned, keeping to brief details and promising more before arrival. Two thirds of the way, we stopped at a motorway service station where there were free toilets that were reasonably clean. The prices for purchases were quite reasonable. We treated ourselves to some freshly squeezed orange juice. After three hours on the coach we arrived at Marrakesh. We split into two groups. 25 people in our English speaking party and 28 in the French speaking group. Directly opposite the drop off point was the cities principal Mosque, and the ruins of its predecessor. After photos, we crossed the main road and made our way on foot into the substantial area that is the Medina. Narrow streets and passage ways some of which were held up by building props after the damage caused by the earthquake a couple of years ago. This area has become a tourist attraction, but is great fun to explore. Our Guide had employed a 'shepherd' to make sure that none of the group strayed. He was known as Mohamed Al Cuscus, or Cuscus for short. He did a terrific job. The Souk or market buts onto the Medina and is extensive and a real maze of passage ways. Our Guide took us on a zigzag tour through the key areas before stopping at an establishment selling pharmaceutical and culinary products including argan oil, saffron and other herbs and spices. The group were offered seats in a salesroom at the back of the building where the owner of the store delivered a very entertaining sales pitch. Other members of his family brought samples around for us to try. Lunch was then offered at a roof top restaurant overlooking the rooves of the Medina. Service was good, the food was of reasonable quality but somewhat pricey. The Guide had informed us that there are many other restaurants and we did not have to eat at the one that was recommended. After lunch, we walked over to the Bahia Royal Palace on our own this took 15 minutes, paid the entrance fee and self guided ourselves around the part of the palace that is open to the public. It is quite a large number of rooms, but they are unfurnished and somewhat in need of restoration. That said, the mosaics and inlaid ceilings were exquisite. We would recommend visiting the palace. The whole attraction was teaming with hundreds of tourists. It is very popular. After the palace we walked to Jemaa el-Fnaa. This took us 20 minutes. We walked across this huge public Square, passed the multiplicity of squeezed juice stalls, the snake charmers and monkey handlers. We witnessed several gullible people being hoodwinked into having a snake put around their neck for a photo, They did not realise that they would then have to pay for the experience! After this, we boarded the coach for the journey back to Agadir. Several passengers were late. We stopped a third of the way back at the same service station we had visited on the way out. One of the late passengers from Marrakesh was late back again. Two thirds of the way back, a passenger asked for another toilet stop. We stopped at a service station. The habitually late passenger got off as well despite the guide asking people not too. We had to wait twenty minutes for her. We arrived back at our hotel at 9:40 pm which was lucky as our dinner service finished at 10:00 pm. In conclusion, the pick up process was haphazard and could be improved. It would have been appreciated if the Guide had told us what was planned as soon as the coach set off from Agadir. However, once he started to communicate with us, his historical knowledge and attention to detail was very good. We were very relieved to be able to arrive at our hotel in time for dinner. Just!

Great guide, quick transfer and good communication. Only thing- would depart from Marrakesch later than 5PM, maybe after sunset

Great trip, wish we had longer. Journey was smooth with a 20min comfort stop. Our guide (forgot his name) was lovely, very friendly and spoke English & French fluently. He gave some interesting commentary on the history of Marrakech as we travelled, as well as top tips to avoid being ripped off as tourists! He showed us through the alley ways of the medina, through the Souk, before stopping at a women's cooperative selling argan oil products. After this we went to lunch (some guests had lunch included), I didn't but for ease I stayed at the same restaurant - Votre Table. The beef tagine was amazing and my meal & soft drink came in at 180DH. After this we were shown the famous Jamaa El Fna square & we had 1.5hrs free time to explore before meeting for the coach back. I would have liked to have more time but considering its approx 3.5hrs drive each way, you can't really expect more in a 1 day trip. Be prepared to walk plenty (1.20mins before the first rest point, some of the older travellers hadnt expected this). A great bunch of fellow tourists on the trip so a lovely fun atmosphere. I was travelling solo and felt perfectly safe all day. The streer venders do approach you but if you say no they dont continue to hassle you. Overall a wonderful (yet tiring) day out.