Tourist vs. Traveler vs. OTBP
Experiences
Tourist Sights- As you travel you will inevitably visit a lot of these sights, like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland, these are what is known as tourist sights. The are generally catered to tourists, overcrowded, overpriced, and sell a lot of junk souvenirs, but they are generally fun, and usually a 'must do once' kind of sight.
Traveler Experiences- Taking in a Opera at the Opera House in Paris, Visiting the Coptic Museum in Ufra Turkey, or Visiting the tiny town of Civita di Bagnoregio in Italy. These sights are visited exponentially less, and give a better sense and feeling of the culture or history, you will have done things most travelers have not done, and without someone selling you t-shirts at every corner.
Off the Beaten Path Experiences= Finding that little special Cafe in France outside the tourist zones to call your own, visiting the Cave of Abraham in Turkey where foreign travelers are an extreme rarity, or renting the National Irish Heritage Museum for your group overnight and having it all to yourselves. These experiences give a pure One World life travel and will always be memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Tourist Sights on this Journey
As you will be spending several days in Marrakesh you will need to spend some time filling in the hours of the day between walking the souks, and eating and drinking at the local street food tables and cafes. Depending on what your group decides and the time constraints, you will be given the opportunity to visit some of these top attractions of the beautiful city:
Bahia Palace- a 19th century palace with a dazzling display of Moroccan artisan work combining zellige tiles, painted ceilings, and ornate wrought-iron features showcasing the opulent lives of those high up in the sultan's favor at that time.
The Saadian Tombs- This 16th-century burial ground is home to 66 members of the Saadian dynasty, which ruled over Marrakesh between 1524 and 1668. The tombs here include that of the ruler Al-Mansour, his successors, and their closest family members. It's a rambling, atmospheric place, with the mausoleums set amid a rather overgrown garden.
The Mnebhi Palace- A palace which was originally the residence of Mehdi Mnebhi (a minister in Morocco's government) but was later home to Pasha Thami Glaoui, ruler of Marrakesh. The architecture is a harmonious blend of local North African form with Portuguese elements, and features an extremely impressive central courtyard area complete with a lavish chandelier. This palace is now home to the Musee de Marrakech, which has an eclectic collection ranging from contemporary art to Qur'anic inscriptions, with local ceramic work, textiles, and coins thrown in for good measure.
Badi Palace- The ruins of Al-Mansour's once grand palace are one of the kasbah area's most atmospheric sights. The Saadian ruler built the opulent palace, with pavilions set amid a mammoth garden of reflective pools, during his triumphant reign, but it was plundered and destroyed soon after. Now the sparse remnants of mosaic-tiled floors, ruined pavilions, and the high enclosing walls are all that remain.
Koutoubia Mosque- The towering minaret of Koutoubia Mosque is the symbol of Marrakech. Constructed from red bricks and sandstone, the outside of the mosque features many ornamental details. Turquoise tiling, plasterwork, calligraphy, arches and fountains are a few of the mosque’s attractive features. Unfortunately non-muslins are not allowed to enter for religious purposes, but the outside is beautiful.
Horse drawn Carriage ride- A relaxing and slightly bumpy hour long carriage ride throughout the Medina.
Le Jardin Secret- is opened its doors to the public for the first time in its history just a few years ago. The origins of the complex date back to the Saadian Dynasty, more than four hundred years ago. Rebuilt in the mid-Nineteenth century at the behest of an influential kaid of the Atlas Mountains, Le Jardin Secret has been the home of some of Morocco and Marrakech’s most important political figures.
Travel and OTBP Experiences
Traveler experiences in Morocco are aplenty, you will be able to see things that will amaze and bring you wonders more than the normal museums and other tourist guidebook sights. Note, The Medina, the Souks, and Djemma el Fna are highly touristic visited sights, however they hold such amazement and wonder they are Tourist and traveler sights at the same time.
The Medina- The medina is Marrakech’s old city. It’s enclosed by 19-kilometers of pink walls built around 1122. Until just over 100 years ago, the whole city lived within these walls. This is where your Riad is located and you will be spending the majority of your time in Marrakesh as they have many cafes and street food stalls.
Djemma el Fna- The main square of the Medina, this is a circus of epic proportions, many street food stalls, rooftop cafe terraces, restaurants, wandering salesmen, and street entertainers during the day, and at night much of the plaza turns into Tented Street Food cafes, with as much liveliness and fun as the day. Smoke and delicious smells rising from grills, to dozens of hawkers selling their cafes through various menus. It can be very overwhelming, but worth the experience. Spend the day and evening strolling around soaking up the square’s theatrics. Both the entertainers themselves and the shrill of excitement from tourists add to the carnival atmosphere of the square. Listen to storytellers recant the heritage of ancient Berber tribes. Watch magicians extract oohs and aahs from attentive kids. Enjoy the grace and energy of dancers silhouetted by the glare of naked lightbulbs. Have an ailment that needs attending to? No problem, Jemaa el Fna is also a hot spot for traditional medicines. Got a tooth that’s bothering you? A local medicine man can extract it on the spot at very competitive rates. Snake charmers perform to crowds of tourists and kids use Barbary Apes as photo props.
The Souks- The bazaar is a maze consisting of multiple small stalls and shops, sometimes covered alleyways sometimes open air, the individual souks are areas split up for specialty stalls of the same products. Spices, shoes, leather, lanterns, etc..., part of the fun of these souks is getting lost and discovering treasures to take home. Haggling is part of the culture here, so never settle on the 1st price, practice your skills here, and reduce your price by 30%-90% off the original asking price.
Hammams- A traditional bath house that is part of the very culture of many Arabic countries. Here you will bathe and apply various bath soaps and a masseurs will give you an intense exfoliation of the skin and usually stretch your muscles to relax the tenseness. This is an experience that is not for everyone, but is encouraged that you experience it at least once. Some people love them, for others it's too intense.
Sahara Desert Camp- This will be after several 5 hour drive days, with some wonderous OTBP sights and experiences. you will driven to the desert in a 4x4 vehicle, stay in a traditional tent in the desert, with meals.
Other OTBP experiences- As stated there are several Off the beaten path very special experiences on the road trip, ancient Kasbahs, Amazigh villages, as well as specific experiences, catered to the group members, etc... but the details will be left as a surprise for your Journey.
Experiences
Tourist Sights- As you travel you will inevitably visit a lot of these sights, like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland, these are what is known as tourist sights. The are generally catered to tourists, overcrowded, overpriced, and sell a lot of junk souvenirs, but they are generally fun, and usually a 'must do once' kind of sight.
Traveler Experiences- Taking in a Opera at the Opera House in Paris, Visiting the Coptic Museum in Ufra Turkey, or Visiting the tiny town of Civita di Bagnoregio in Italy. These sights are visited exponentially less, and give a better sense and feeling of the culture or history, you will have done things most travelers have not done, and without someone selling you t-shirts at every corner.
Off the Beaten Path Experiences= Finding that little special Cafe in France outside the tourist zones to call your own, visiting the Cave of Abraham in Turkey where foreign travelers are an extreme rarity, or renting the National Irish Heritage Museum for your group overnight and having it all to yourselves. These experiences give a pure One World life travel and will always be memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Tourist Sights on this Journey
As you will be spending several days in Marrakesh you will need to spend some time filling in the hours of the day between walking the souks, and eating and drinking at the local street food tables and cafes. Depending on what your group decides and the time constraints, you will be given the opportunity to visit some of these top attractions of the beautiful city:
Bahia Palace- a 19th century palace with a dazzling display of Moroccan artisan work combining zellige tiles, painted ceilings, and ornate wrought-iron features showcasing the opulent lives of those high up in the sultan's favor at that time.
The Saadian Tombs- This 16th-century burial ground is home to 66 members of the Saadian dynasty, which ruled over Marrakesh between 1524 and 1668. The tombs here include that of the ruler Al-Mansour, his successors, and their closest family members. It's a rambling, atmospheric place, with the mausoleums set amid a rather overgrown garden.
The Mnebhi Palace- A palace which was originally the residence of Mehdi Mnebhi (a minister in Morocco's government) but was later home to Pasha Thami Glaoui, ruler of Marrakesh. The architecture is a harmonious blend of local North African form with Portuguese elements, and features an extremely impressive central courtyard area complete with a lavish chandelier. This palace is now home to the Musee de Marrakech, which has an eclectic collection ranging from contemporary art to Qur'anic inscriptions, with local ceramic work, textiles, and coins thrown in for good measure.
Badi Palace- The ruins of Al-Mansour's once grand palace are one of the kasbah area's most atmospheric sights. The Saadian ruler built the opulent palace, with pavilions set amid a mammoth garden of reflective pools, during his triumphant reign, but it was plundered and destroyed soon after. Now the sparse remnants of mosaic-tiled floors, ruined pavilions, and the high enclosing walls are all that remain.
Koutoubia Mosque- The towering minaret of Koutoubia Mosque is the symbol of Marrakech. Constructed from red bricks and sandstone, the outside of the mosque features many ornamental details. Turquoise tiling, plasterwork, calligraphy, arches and fountains are a few of the mosque’s attractive features. Unfortunately non-muslins are not allowed to enter for religious purposes, but the outside is beautiful.
Horse drawn Carriage ride- A relaxing and slightly bumpy hour long carriage ride throughout the Medina.
Le Jardin Secret- is opened its doors to the public for the first time in its history just a few years ago. The origins of the complex date back to the Saadian Dynasty, more than four hundred years ago. Rebuilt in the mid-Nineteenth century at the behest of an influential kaid of the Atlas Mountains, Le Jardin Secret has been the home of some of Morocco and Marrakech’s most important political figures.
Travel and OTBP Experiences
Traveler experiences in Morocco are aplenty, you will be able to see things that will amaze and bring you wonders more than the normal museums and other tourist guidebook sights. Note, The Medina, the Souks, and Djemma el Fna are highly touristic visited sights, however they hold such amazement and wonder they are Tourist and traveler sights at the same time.
The Medina- The medina is Marrakech’s old city. It’s enclosed by 19-kilometers of pink walls built around 1122. Until just over 100 years ago, the whole city lived within these walls. This is where your Riad is located and you will be spending the majority of your time in Marrakesh as they have many cafes and street food stalls.
Djemma el Fna- The main square of the Medina, this is a circus of epic proportions, many street food stalls, rooftop cafe terraces, restaurants, wandering salesmen, and street entertainers during the day, and at night much of the plaza turns into Tented Street Food cafes, with as much liveliness and fun as the day. Smoke and delicious smells rising from grills, to dozens of hawkers selling their cafes through various menus. It can be very overwhelming, but worth the experience. Spend the day and evening strolling around soaking up the square’s theatrics. Both the entertainers themselves and the shrill of excitement from tourists add to the carnival atmosphere of the square. Listen to storytellers recant the heritage of ancient Berber tribes. Watch magicians extract oohs and aahs from attentive kids. Enjoy the grace and energy of dancers silhouetted by the glare of naked lightbulbs. Have an ailment that needs attending to? No problem, Jemaa el Fna is also a hot spot for traditional medicines. Got a tooth that’s bothering you? A local medicine man can extract it on the spot at very competitive rates. Snake charmers perform to crowds of tourists and kids use Barbary Apes as photo props.
The Souks- The bazaar is a maze consisting of multiple small stalls and shops, sometimes covered alleyways sometimes open air, the individual souks are areas split up for specialty stalls of the same products. Spices, shoes, leather, lanterns, etc..., part of the fun of these souks is getting lost and discovering treasures to take home. Haggling is part of the culture here, so never settle on the 1st price, practice your skills here, and reduce your price by 30%-90% off the original asking price.
Hammams- A traditional bath house that is part of the very culture of many Arabic countries. Here you will bathe and apply various bath soaps and a masseurs will give you an intense exfoliation of the skin and usually stretch your muscles to relax the tenseness. This is an experience that is not for everyone, but is encouraged that you experience it at least once. Some people love them, for others it's too intense.
Sahara Desert Camp- This will be after several 5 hour drive days, with some wonderous OTBP sights and experiences. you will driven to the desert in a 4x4 vehicle, stay in a traditional tent in the desert, with meals.
Other OTBP experiences- As stated there are several Off the beaten path very special experiences on the road trip, ancient Kasbahs, Amazigh villages, as well as specific experiences, catered to the group members, etc... but the details will be left as a surprise for your Journey.
