Plan-It Morocco offers speciality and venturesome experiences that give an authentic look into the country’s captivating culture. For over a decade, the tourism company has delivered unconventional and customizable adventures to clients and they’ve become my go to tour operator in Morocco.
By: Heather Newgen
Marrakech is one of those places that’s been popping up in travel guides nonstop and making the “must see” list on every blogger’s site for awhile now. So on my third trip to Morocco I finally made it to the charming, but somewhat chaotic city. Over the years, Marrakech has grown to become one of the hottest destinations for travelers, partly thanks to the historic medina, which is a Unesco World Heritage site. There you will find everything from great restaurants, cultural sites, vendors selling anything you can imagine and randomness like snake charmers.
Photo by: Jenny Karakaya
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Morocco is such a magical magnificent country, however, it can also be challenging and puzzling to navigate, which is why I prefer to take tours. To fully enjoy its vibrant uniqueness I had two private guides from Plan-It Morocco, a company I’ve used before in Chefchaouen and Fez, show me around.
Marrakech Medina
Photo By: Jenny Karakaya
Their professionalism, attention to detail and customer service prompted me to contact them again when I knew I was going to Marrakesh. Plan-It Morocco has created a reputation for delivering creative excursions, events and tours to visitors by teaming up with quality guides and drivers who deliver unforgettable experiences, so I knew I was in for an incredible experience.
Marrakech Medina
My first Plan-It Morocco tour on this trip was to the Marrakech medina, which I recommend everyone do. While it’s safe for tourists and women to wander around the donkey trodden narrow alleys, it’s full on sensory overload, a bit overwhelming and there’s no way you won’t get lost. Yassine, my Plan-It Morocco guide, met me at the riad where I was staying and walked me through the confusing winding streets to the medina. Once we arrived, he effortlessly whipped his way around, taking us to places we never would have known about or found on our own.
Heater Newgen with Plant-It-Morroco guide Yassine Photo at the Bahia Palace in Marrakech by: Jenny Karakaya
Not only did Yassine lead us to cool vendors and beautiful landmarks like the Bahia Palace, he was really insightful and knowledgeable about the historical significance of the city. We had so much fun that I wanted to take another Plan-It Morocco tour with him, but unfortunately the timing didn’t work out. However, I know who to call the next time I’m in Marrakech!
Photo By: Jenny Karakaya
Marrakech Medina
Heather Newgen and Plant-It-Morocco Guide Yassine
Photo By: Jenny Karakaya
For my second tour, Plan-It Morocco suggested I see Marrakech in a less traditional way. So they set me up for their design tour, which was the perfect balance to the medina tour. Ibrahim Mouhib, the founder and designer of Fez-based accessories brand Mouhib was my fabulous guide, who I adored. He graciously spent an afternoon taking me to the city’s most stylish spots where I saw a completely different side to Marrakech that’s embraced a modern vibe.
Heather Newgen and Ibrahim Mouhibi in Marrakech at famed SOUFIANE ZARIB showroom
Photo By: Jenny Karakaya
We began the tour at Yahya’s private office where we learned more about the internationally famed decorative objects and lighting designer. It was amazing to see his designs, which maintain a traditional Moroccan flare, but have a contemporary edge, up close. His stunning high end products are featured and brilliantly displayed at palaces and upscale hotels like the Royal Mansour, that you have to visit.
Yahya Design
Photo By: Jenny Karakya
Next up, we went to the chic, yet affordable Kaftan Queen boutique, which is owned by Sarah Buchan, Yahya’s wife. She’s a colorful and sophisticated designer in her own right with an amazing talent for fashion. Her Moroccan brand uses, “traditional skills to produce modern pieces that can bring everything into the future a little bit,” she revealed. Her collections consist of eye-popping pieces that you can wear daily and dress up for evening events. “I think Marrakech in particular is one of the most creative places in the world. Everywhere you go, you see things that are made by people, not necessarily in Marrakech, but in the region, the carpets to the nearly everything you see is handmade. That doesn’t really exist in too many places in the world,” she said.
After exploring art galleries and other great shops, my Plan-It Morocco design tour ended at the Soufiane Zarib showroom, which is one of the most beautiful places in the city.
Heather Newgen at Soufiane Zarub's showroom in Marakech
Photo By: Jenny Karakya
Known for the outstanding craftsmanship on his Moroccan carpets, Zarib offers countless creative and vivid designs that are so stunning you can’t just buy one. This is the place to purchase a carpet and it’s where people like Ralph Lauren shop for the carpet of their dreams. Anyone is welcome to stop by the showroom, but you will need an appointment, so call in advance. In addition to the carpets, you can check out Mouhib’s accessories, which include the greatest throw rugs.
SOUFIANE ZARIB showroom
Photo By: Jenny Karakya
Plan-It Morocco once again made my North African holiday especially memorable and just when I thought I was done with Morocco, I now want to go back to experience more.
For additional information on Plan-It Morocco visit http://plan-it-morocco.com/