Once the focal point of a great empire, the Red City of Marrakech is a rich tapestry of glittering souks and shimmying belly dancers, billowing hookahs and exotic spices. Spectacularly framed by the snow-dusted peaks of the High Atlas Mountains at the crossroads of the swirling Sahara sands, this is an intoxicating, captivating city. Tangled within the ochre-coloured Medina walls lies a web of cobbled streets which open out on to the world-famous Jema-el-Fna square. This pulsating carnival of bustle stretches through the alluring alleyways, where all kinds of interesting items are on sale. Listen for the hypnotic mantra of snake charmer's flutes or the melodic wail of muezzins calling people to prayer. A visit to the many souks is a must. Away from the hive of activity lie the tranquil Jardin Majorelle and Menara gardens, and the Koutoubia Mosque and Saadian Tombs are some of the sights that siply have be explored.