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Guide
RACHID BOUSSALEM 
Rachid BOUSSALEM
MOROCCO   

Private Non-Shopping Tours in Marrakech
Welcome to Marrakech: ‘Al Hamra’ – the Red City.


Vibrant and cosmopolitan, Marrakech is rich in culture, history and tradition. Within the bustling alleyways and secret quarters of the Medina (Old City) you might imagine yourself transported to the enchanted world of One Thousand and One Nights.

Our private tours give you an insight into the real Marrakech and its environs. We go beyond the usual tourist trails to show you the ancient heart of the Medina where generations of Marrakechis still live and work. Ours are ‘insider’ tours.
We bring the past alive and introduce you to the authentic Marrakech of today sharing with you our in-depth knowledge of its history and politics as well as the local customs and characters of this fascinating city.



About the guide
Activities
Cultural tour guide
Speaking languages
English, French, Japanese, Arabic
Activity started in
2006
Car
YES
Air conditioned : YES
Baby seat : YES
Interests centers
-
Diploma, references, agreements
I was born in a Berber village in the Atlas Mountains near Marrakech. During my childhood I lived for a short while in different parts of Morocco and as an adult I worked abroad.
I have returned to Marrakech, my favourite city, to make my home with my wife and young family.
I have worked at and managed some of Marrakech’s and Morocco’s most beautiful luxury resorts as well as those in Dubai.
As a professional in the tourist industry I realised how much I enjoyed meeting people from diverse countries, learning about their experiences and exciting them about my own culture and history.
Today I am a licensed professional private guide. I have a degree in modern literature and in 2011 was awarded a diploma in Sustainable Tourism from the University of Aix-Marseille. Sustainable tourism is very important to me and influences how I plan and operate my tours.
Tours are offered in English, French, Arabic and Japanese. I pride myself on being a Marrakech specialist: someone who truly understands the historical, cultural and political significance of the city, its sights and its people.
Welcome to our wonderful city!
Rachid BOUSSALEM
Services
Tailor-made tours Fixed date tours Car Culture Ecology Excursion / trekking Mountain 
Tailor-made tours, Fixed date tours, Car, Culture, Ecology, Excursion / trekking, Mountain
Contact
Contact - Get a quote
Web site : http://www.visit-marrakech-medina.com
Address : Marrakech MOROCCO
Mobile : 00212611408244
Tours

Guided tour #1: Walking Tour of the Medina

Duration : 1 day
Walking Tour of The Medina


Overview

This special tour guides you through eleven centuries of Marrakech history and takes you deep into the heart of the Medina to discover its eleventh century foundations.

Our walk begins in the vastDjemaa el Fna Sqaure which from the late afternoon onwards becomes a kaleidoscope of all humanity: acrobats and snake charmers, story tellers and dancers, magicians and musicians set against the smoking braziers of hundreds of food stalls. In the morning it is quiet but late in the afternoon the bustle will have already begun.

We’ll look at the landmark koutoubia Mosque, symbol of Marrakech, and consider its significance - and those of the ruins beside it.

We will then make our way towards the sixteenth century Mellah, the Jewish Quarter, which until the second half of the twentieth century was an important and thriving centre. You will learn to recognise the differences between Jewish and Muslim architecture and identify signs of its rich Jewish heritage.

The next stop is the beautifulBahia Palace with its decorative stucco panels, elaborate tiled floors, cooling fountains and pretty gardens.

Weaving our way through winding alleyways we will begin to leave the usual tourist trail behind us as we make for the ancient souks, or workshops. Here in the narrow labyrinthine alleyways amid the sounds, sights and smells of this artisan quarter you will feel as if you are stepping back in time.

We will see where the workers stop for lunch and the fruit and vegetable market where the locals pick up their daily provisions. And as we meander back to the Square we will stop to peer into courtyards and unearth their secrets. Maybe we shall also meet en route some of the colourful characters that bring the Medina to life. There is just so much to discover.

During our tour we will make a brief stop so you can refresh yourself with a traditional mint tea, a Moroccan coffee or perhaps a freshly squeezed orange juice.

Please note that we have a policy of not taking our clients to shops and shopping outlets. The busy tour itineraries focus solely on the history and culture of Marrakech. You are of course welcome to shop in the markets and souks once the tour is finished!


Family Friendly

Probably best suited to older children (6 - 8years plus) as there is a substantial amount of walking and the alleyways are often busy and narrow. Please also bear in mind the heat especially in the summer.


Practicalities

This Tour lasts three hours and begin at 9am. Or 3pm.

Maximum number per tour is four.
You will be met at your centrally located hotel or riad by your guide or given instructions about where to meet at an easy to access location in the Medina.

What's included:


-- Services of your tour guide

-- Bahia Palace entrance fees

-- Refreshments during the tour

-- Pick-up/Drop off for centrally located hotels (not provided for Riads)


We suggest you wear comfortable walking shoes as the routes are often uneven. We also suggest that you dress modestly and appropriately and have sunscreen and a hat. If it is hot please bring a bottle of water although this can be purchased en route.

Activities, services on this tour:
Tailor-made tours Fixed date tours Culture Fair tourism
Tailor-made tours, Fixed date tours, Culture, Fair tourism

Guided tour #2: The High Atlas Responsible Tour

Duration : 1 day
The High Atlas Responsible Tour

Overview

Escape from the mayhem of Marrakech to the serenity of the High Atlas.
With its flower filled pastures, lush forested slopes and crystal clear air it is truly a green paradise. Here the silence is broken only by the sound of birdsong and the gurgling of the mountain streams.

Having been born and bred into Berber culture I want to give you a real taste of Berber life: an opportunity few tourists get to experience.

Our tour takes in regions with stunning scenery and hidden villages before arriving in the most beautiful region in the High Atlas. You will visit local Berber homes to discover how they live, cook and tend their livestock.You can enjoy a simple but authentic lunch of a vegetarian / delicious Tagine scooped up by freshly baked bread in a BERBER HOUSE of a hidden village . The mules are included in this tour so as to go up the hills, have lunch and bring you back after lunch.

By taking only small groups of people (two or four guests) and providing an immersive experience enabling you to engage directly with local tribes’ people, we aim to embrace the principles of Sustainable Tourism. If you wish you can bring inexpensive pens or pencils to give to the local children. Please don’t give them money as this will just discourage them from going to school.

As this is a highly personal tour you are welcome to stop whenever you wish to take photos.

Our High Atlas Responsible tour offers something of interest for everyone: an opportunity to experience real life with real people in the real Morocco.


Practicalities

Tour lasts eight hours. Maximum number per tour is four.


You will be collected from your hotel at 09.00 hrs and will arrive back around 17.00hrs.

-- Transport is in a fully air conditioned, non-smoking vehicle with your English speaking driver

-- Refreshments, cool towels and a Fruit Basket.

-- Lunch is included

We suggest you wear sturdy walking shoes as surfaces may be uneven and rough. Also remember that temperatures may be significantly lower in the hills.

Activities, services on this tour:
Tailor-made tours Fixed date tours Car Family / Children Culture Fair tourism Ecology Excursion / trekking Mountain Climbing
Tailor-made tours, Fixed date tours, Car, Family / Children, Culture, Fair tourism, Ecology, Excursion / trekking, Mountain, Climbing

Guided tour #3: Ourika Valley & Waterfalls

Duration : 1 day
Ourika Valley & Waterfalls

Overview

A trip to the Ourika Valley is a great escape from the heat and noise of Marrakech.One of the most beautiful valleys of the High Atlas, where small typical Berber villages have nested. Ourika Valley offers picturesque landscape about 30 Km from Marrakech.

Having been born and bred into Berber culture I want to give you a real taste of Berber life: an opportunity few tourists get to experience.

You can enjoy a simple but authentic lunch of a vegetarian / delicious Tagine scooped up by freshly baked bread in a Resto en route (payable direct). A visit to the famous Setti-Fatma WATERFALLS is included in this tour before having lunch.

By taking only small groups of people (two or four guests) and providing an immersive experience enabling you to engage directly with local tribes' people, we aim to embrace the principles of Sustainable Tourism. If you wish you can bring inexpensive pens or pencils to give to the local children. Please don't give them money as this will just discourage them from going to school.

As this is a highly personal tour you are welcome to stop whenever you wish to take photos.


Practicalities

Tour lasts eight hours. Maximum number per tour is four.


You will be collected from your hotel at 09.00 hrs and will arrive back around 17.00hrs.

-- Transport is in a fully air conditioned, non-smoking vehicle with your English speaking driver

-- Refreshments, cool towels and a Fruit Basket.


We suggest you wear sturdy walking shoes as surfaces may be uneven and rough. Also remember that temperatures may be significantly lower in the hills.

Activities, services on this tour:
Tailor-made tours Fixed date tours Family / Children Culture Fair tourism Ecology Camel Excursion / trekking Climbing
Tailor-made tours, Fixed date tours, Family / Children, Culture, Fair tourism, Ecology, Camel, Excursion / trekking, Climbing

Guided tour #4: Eco Tour

Duration : 1 day
Eco Tour




Explore the botanical treasures of Marrakech.

This tour will take you to visit Majorelle and Menara Gardens.

Your first stop will be the Majorelle Garden. Designed by expatriate French artist Jacques Majorelle. Now restored to its former glory by Yves Saint-Laurent, these botanic gardens are now a haven of peace in city of chaos. The garden has a huge variety of cacti and other flora.

From the Majorelle Gardens ride towards the Menara Gardens. Made up primarily of olive groves, a rectangular pool stands at the centre of the groves, reflecting the stunning Atlas Mountains in the background.

Head towards the Agdal Gardens. The 12th century Agdal Gardens, stretching south of the Medina.

Head back towards the ramparts and view the famous gates with an impressive length of more than 10 km, the city ramparts are among the main attractions of Marrakech. Well-preserved with a height ranging from 8 to 10 meters, ten gates pierce the wall as entry points. Several of these have been the model for other Moroccan cities as well.


Practicalities

Tour last about 3hours 30minutes and begin at 9am. Or 2 :30pm.

Maximum number per tour is four.

Groups, Please abstain

You will be met at your centrally located hotel or riad by your guide. Transport is in a fully air conditioned, non-smoking vehicle as well as Refreshments, cool towels and a Fruit Basket. , or from Djemaa el Fna Square if it’s a combined tour with the Walking Tour of the Medina, after having lunch in the Square.
We suggest that you dress modestly and appropriately and have sunscreen and a hat. Refreshments and cool towels will be provided for you en route.
Your tour ends with a drop-off at your hotel or the closest drop-off point in Marrakech.

Please note that on combining The Walking Tour of the Medina in the morning with the Eco Tour in the afternoon you will have lunch included (for free) in the total price.

Activities, services on this tour:
Tailor-made tours Fixed date tours Car Family / Children Culture Fair tourism Ecology Excursion / trekking
Tailor-made tours, Fixed date tours, Car, Family / Children, Culture, Fair tourism, Ecology, Excursion / trekking
Location
Click on the links to locate positions
marketguide
marketWalking Tour of the Medina marketThe High Atlas Responsible Tour marketOurika Valley & Waterfalls marketEco Tour