It's often more interesting to peek in to souqs where local wares are being produced, than to be taken to yet another carpet shop by your guide. If you get lost, just ask for directions back to the Djemma el Fna.
 Majorelle Gardens and the Museum of Islamic ArtIn the 1920's, French artists Jacques and Louis Majorelle created a stunning garden in the middle of Marrakech's new town. The Majorelle Gardens are filled with color, plants of all shapes and sizes, flowers, fish ponds and perhaps the most pleasing aspect, tranquility. The designer Yves Saint Laurent owns the gardens and built himself a house on the property. The building that gets most of the attention is the bright blue and yellow building the Marjorelles used as their studio and which now houses the Museum of Islamic Art. This small museum includes some good examples of Moroccan tribal art, carpets, jeweler, and pottery. The gardens and museum are open daily with a 2 hour lunch break from 12-2pm.
Saadian Tombs were built in the late 16th century. The Saadian dynasty ruled much of Southern Morocco during the 16th and 17th centuries. Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour created these tombs for himself and his family and 66 of them are buried here. The tombs were sealed up in the 17th century but were re-discovered in 1917. Consequently they are beautifully preserved and the intricate mosaic is stunning. Despite being situated in the heart of the somewhat old town (Medina), the tombs are surrounded by a nice peaceful garden. The tombs are open daily except Tuesdays. It's advisable to get there early and avoid the tour groups.
Palais Dar Si Said (Museum of Moroccan Arts), Ali ben Youssef Medersa and Mosque consist of a palace and museum in one and well worth a visit. The palace is opulent and beautiful in itself with a lovely courtyard where you can relax and take pictures. The museum's displays well laid out include jewelries, costumes, ceramics, daggers and other artifacts. The museum is open daily with a couple of hours break for lunch. The Medersa was built in the 16th century by the Saadians and could house up to 900 religious students. The architecture is beautifully preserved and you can explore the tiny rooms where the students used to live. The mosque is adjacent to the Medersa.
El Bahia Palace is a wonderful example of the best of Moroccan architecture. There's lots of detail, arches, light, engravings and it was built as a harem's residence, which makes it even more interesting. The palace is open daily with a break for lunch although it is closed when the royal family visits.

Walking the streets of old Kasbah des Oudaias one notices the stark contrast between the white wash walls of the city’s architecture the golden sand floor and the brilliant blue sky above, This coupled with the aroma of spices, fresh produce and bread baked by street vendors transports one to a different time to a world less complex and hurried, where simplicity is key.  Free from the worries of the Western World locals exude tranquility even in these chaotic marketplaces, leaving the Western visitor in an almost meditative mind state. North West of Marrakech on the Atlantic coast is the city of Rabat the prestigious capitol city home to many of the nation’s finest government buildings palaces and ministries. The city was built atop the ruins of the ancient Roman town of Sale.

" Rabat is a unique place home to a culturally diverse population consisting of Europeans, Arabs and Africans from all across the continent. "

  A population which revels in the warm balmy ocean air nightly, sipping mint tea while enjoying exotic dishes and live music.  By day they migrate to the beaches and relax in the shade of palm tree grottos celebrating and content with their simple, yet fulfilling lives.  Families will welcome you into their home, offer a meal and invite you to dine with them family style, lounging on rugs eating from a communal serving platter.  It is their ability to balance life in a city of industry and international trade while maintaining the relaxed demeanor of a southern European that makes the people of Rabat so special.
So you have a little information about Morocco. You're now thinking about the possibility of taking that vacation. There's the question of booking affordable priced tickets. You need a lot of time to prepare for the trip. Get your tickets 3 to 4 months ahead of time if you can wing it, shoot for an earlier purchase to get in on the better deals. Tickets should include your airline and lodging reservations for the riads such as the La Maison Arabe, Riad Kniza or hotels Le Meridien, Sheraton, Sofitel, or the La Mamounia which Winston Churchill described as "the most beautiful place in the world". Before booking a trip, contact the Department of Tourism of that country for more information.  

And with that said, enjoy your Trip to Morocco!!

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