Daytime Guest Program at MICCAI 2024
Organized by the MICCAI Society
The MICCAI Society is excited to be launching a new Daytime Guest Program for guests of registered delegates attending MICCAI 2024! This specially designed program will enable guests to meet and explore Marrakesh in a safe and structured program together.
Overview: Tour of Marrakesh Medina
The historic heart of Marrakesh, the Medina of Marrakesh is the first port of call for most visitors to the city. Known for its maze of souks, and a magnificent array of mosques and palaces, this is Marrakech’s most atmospheric district. We will be guided by Youssef Garmah who will take us on a tour of South Medina (Day 1) and North Medina (Day 2) and to visit the souks (Day 3) where guests will meet some craftsmen in their workshops.
DAY 1: South Medina of Marrakesh
Monday, October 7, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Day 1 of our tour program begins at the emblem of the city, the Koutoubia Mosque and its Minaret (the tallest building in the city) built in the 12th century.
Other stops will include:
- Bab Agnaou - the Royal entrance to oldest neighborhood called Kasbah (12th century)
- Saadian tombs (16th century)
- the former Jewish quarter, built in the 16th century by Sephardic Jews expelled from Spain and Portugal
- Bahia Palace, a stunning building whose name means "Palace of the favorite (19th century)
DAY 2: North Medina of Marrakesh
Tuesday, October 8, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Discover more highlights of the Medina of Marrakesh. Day 2 of our guided tour will be in the north Medina where you’ll visit historic and UNESCO heritage sites including:
- Dar El BashaMuseum or Pasha House (early 20th century), currently houses the Museum of Confluences; a beautiful example of Moroccan architecture
- Ben Youssef Madrasa (16th century) is one of the largest and the finest school in Morocco. The building is a masterpiece of Moorish design and decoration.
- Fondouk or Caravanserai, a former roadside inn since the 12th century, where travellers could rest and recover from the long journey.
- Jemaa el-Fna place, an open-air theatre which is protected by UNISCO as a protected world heritage site. For centuries this unique and extraordinary square has been the nerve centre of Marrakech.
DAY 3: The Souks of Marrakesh plus workshop tour
Wednesday, October 9, 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
The souks of Marrakech are among the most fascinating in the Maghreb (North African countries). Arranged according to the type of goods on offer, including food, drinks, jewellery, rugs, leather, art, clothing and everything in between.
We will also visit the workshops; a rare opportunity to meet the craftsmen and learn about their intricate work, the difference between real and fake plus all their products’ cultural secrets.
The tour will start from the back or hidden parts of the markets to make a few stops such as at the:
- Women rugs cooperative
- Leather (raw materials) + workshops
- Spices market (Alternative medicine)
- Blacksmith section
- Dyer's Souk (textiles, wool)
Meet our Tour Guide: Youssef Garmah
Youssef was born and raised in Marrakesh and has been an official tour guide since 2018. Before becoming a tour guide, Youssef was a Golf Pro and concierge at a local hotel. He has a deep knowledge of Morocco, its history, politics, customs and local traditions.
“You are more than welcome in Marrakesh! I will go the extra mile to make you admire the best Morocco has to offer.”
- Youssef Garmah