Gardens of Marrakech

Marrakech is an intoxicating destination for all the senses, and the city and its surroundings are also home to a number of remarkable gardens. In the company of expert horticulturist Kirsty Fergusson, we shall explore some of the finest – from the famous Jardins Majorelle created by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge, to several private gardens which are not normally open to the public, as well as a day in the magnificent Atlas Mountains. Late Spring and early Autumn are perfect for enjoying some warm Moroccan sunshine.

ITINERARY

• DAY 1 - FLIGHT & TRANSFER TO HOTEL
  We fly to Marrakech and transfer to our hotel, the 4 star Jardins’ de la Medina, 15 minutes walk from Djemaa El Fna square. Facilities include a restaurant, hammam and an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by tall palm trees and exotic plants (for our October tour we stay at the 5 star Hotel Jnane Tamsna).

• DAY 2 - THE MEDINA & LE JARDIN SECRET
  Today we begin with a walking tour of the Medina. We will walk through a maze of narrow colourful streets, visiting the traditional market quarters of Marrakech. We will then visit Le Jardin Secret – a hidden garden in the heart of the old city before stopping for lunch at Café Arabe.

• DAY 3 - BAHIA ROYAL PALACE
  This morning we visit the Bahia Royal Palace and its courtyard gardens. Built in the late 19th century, the sprawling palace is comprised of 150 rooms all richly decorated in traditional Moroccan style. We will also visit the Dar Si Said museum which houses a beautiful collection of folk art from the nearby Berber villages.

• DAY 4 - THE ATLAS MOUNTAINS
  Our day trip to the foothills of the Atlas Mountains includes a visit to the gardens at Hotel La Roseraie, where we pause for lunch. Before returning to Marrakech we will stop at Sir Richard Branson’s magnificent Kasbah Tamadot for sundowners on the terrace and a private tour of the gardens.

• DAY 5 - JARDIN MAJORELLE, MUSÉE YVES SANT LAURENT & JNANE TAMSNA
  We visit Jardin Majorelle that was famously rescued from dereliction by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé, now a splendid combination of careful planting and bold colour.We are also fortunate to be able to visit the adjoining garden of the Villa Oasis, where this celebrated couple lived. We then visit the stunning new Musée Yves Saint Laurent.

• DAY 6 - ANDRE HELLER GARDEN AND NECTAROME
  Travelling outside the city again, we head to the Andre Heller garden first, where there will be time to enjoy a traditional mint tea in the café. We then continue to ‘Nectarome,’ a botanical garden which produces natural aromatic oils.

• DAY 7 - THIEMANN CACTUS NURSERY
  This morning we visit the Thiemann Cactus Nursery. We will be met by Magde Thiemann who will give us an introduction to this extraordinary collection, created by her father in the 1960s.

• DAY 8 - RETURN FLIGHT HOME
  We drive to Marrakech airport for our flight home.

Included Hotels

Jardins De La Medina 4* Deluxe - Marrakech, Morocco

The discreet entrance door and reception hall give no clue to the delightful courtyard gardens of this charming, privately owned hotel. Created by combining a number of private houses, the architect has taken great trouble to preserve the character of the original buildings.