Made In Marrakech Shopping Tour: Secrets of the Medina
Marrakech, Morocco
From USD 35.55
Office phone number: +212 611 186 188
Made In Marrakech Shopping Tour: Secrets of the Medina
Marrakech, Morocco
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Moroccan shopping doesn’t have to be a mystery — all you really need to master the medina is a local to show you how it’s done! Visit hidden stalls, shop for real-deal souvenirs like leather, lamps, shoes, carpets, spices, and argan oil, and learn to haggle like a true Marrakech insider. Bonus: we’ve even scored a few exclusive discounts just for this tour.
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Highlights
- Unravel the labyrinth of souks in the Marrakech medina
- Visit secret shopping spots away from the tourist trail that you would never be able to find on your own
- Meet local artisans and learn about their traditional craft methods
- Get access to exclusive price discounts and learn how to haggle in Arabic
- Take a break with some Berber tea and snacks at a local café
Local Impact: How you taking this tour will benefit the local community:
- Visit the iconic Henna Café, who make food for good. The money we spend in the Cafe is donated to a local women’s project.
- All the stores and foodie spots we visit are 100% owned and run by locals, ensuring that local people benefit from tourism to their city. So any inclusions on the tour and additional purchases you make will directly benefit the local community
- We support the conservation of old craft-making traditions that are particular to Morocco by introducing you to talented local artisans who are keeping these techniques alive.
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Schedule details
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Meeting point:
Outside Café France in Djemaa El-Fna Square
- Find the exact meeting point with what3words:
- Starting time: 2.00 PM
- Ending point:
Dar El Bacha
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, shopping map, shopping discounts, free delivery of bulky goods to your hotel, afternoon tea
Exclusions: Shipping costs of your goods to your home country (most of our artisans are experienced with shipping bulky goods and can arrange this for you), additional food and drink or items of a personal nature, tips and gratuities for your guide
The famed medina of Marrakech is a shopper’s paradise, but with literally thousands of shops packed into a maze of small alleyways, it can be an overwhelming experience — even for locals!
To help you make the most of the medina, we’ll take you to the best shops, where local artisans are crafting and selling unique wares — no lousy souvenirs on this tour! You’ll meet with artists who are specialists in their fields and learn about their family businesses and their work, and feel the passion for what they do.
Because we know no two shoppers want the same things, we’ll ask the group at the start of the tour which items they’re most interested in finding. From there, we’ll create a customised itinerary that best suits the group. We will aim to visit at least 5 artisans, which could include:
- A local leather shop where you can find Moroccan-style carpet bags, leather handbags, and jackets
- A jeweller specialising in silver and beadwork from the far reaches of Morocco
- A local herbalist where you can find spices and argan oil
- Our favourite carpet shop in Marrakech, which offers fixed prices (a rarity in Morocco!) and even a special discount for Urban Adventures travellers
- A local artisan who makes his own range of leather shoes, including Moroccan slippers, and who can also make tailor-made shoes for you within 48 hours
- Exclusive access to a wholesaler of homewares/souvenirs deep in the medina
- Ladies’ fashion outlets, including a sumptuous caftan shop and a silk scarf vendor
- A wondrous lamp shop that sells a variety of high-quality filigree
- A veritable Aladdin’s cave of locally sourced homewares and furniture frequented by local riad owners and Hollywood movie stars
We’ll also provide you with a shopping map, so that even after the tour finishes, you can still seek out all our favourite secret shops during your stay in Marrakech.
As you browse, your guide will teach you the art of bargaining. Learning a few key Arabic words and phrases can make a big difference during your shopping adventures!
Along the way, we’ll also visit a few street workshops where local craftsmen practice their trades. Watch a master ceramic tile-maker at work and stop into a filigree workshop where those famous Moroccan lamps are created.
We’ll finish off the afternoon with a rest stop in the delightful Henna Café, where you’ll get to try local sweets and try Berber tea. Best of all, it’s food for good: proceeds from the commissions of your tour go to a local women’s project jointly funded by Urban Adventures and Henna Café.
Want to shop solo? We also offer this tour as a private tour, customised to match your own shopping desires!
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, shopping map, shopping discounts, free delivery of bulky goods to your hotel, afternoon tea
Exclusions: Shipping costs of your goods to your home country (most of our artisans are experienced with shipping bulky goods and can arrange this for you), additional food and drink or items of a personal nature, tips and gratuities for your guide
Dress standard: Morocco is considered by many to be a liberal Muslim country. For example, many Moroccan women do not wear headscarves, but you may still find that Morocco is very conservative compared to what you’re used to at home. Therefore, please dress accordingly. As a general guideline, your shoulders, chest, and knees should be covered at all times. Wearing shorts (for both men and women) or low-cut tops, or showing your midriff, is not recommended. Lightweight, sleeved shirts, trousers, and skirts are respectful and will keep you cool in the heat.
Your Trip: For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Child Policy: Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking. Children below the age of 6 are not permitted on this tour.
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Local contact
Office phone number: +212 611 186 188
Email address: info@marrakechurbanadventures.com
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