MOROCCO

Welcome to the beautiful country of Morocco, it's fabulous for a weekend break in Marrakech, Fes or Casablanca. But further afield Straits of Gibraltar and the Mediterranean Sea in the north, the Sahara desert and Atlantic coast in the South, the Kingdom of Morocco is a place full of eternal surprises.

If you're fed up of faceless shopping malls, this is the place for you ! The soukhs are great fun, full of clothes, leatherware is such a bargain, as well as lanterns, ceramics and rugs from Morocco's Berber heritage. In fact choice is what this stunning country is all about, whether in shopping, location - in the desert, oases, cities, mountains or by the sea - or accommodation with world class luxury hotels, stylish riads, boutique hideaways or great value resort hotels.

MARRAKECH - exotic & ancient.

In an oasis of date palms, beyond which the views of florious snowcapped Atlas Mountains dominate the skyline, the magical city of Marrakech is a city of labyrinthine alleyways, secluded palaces, museums, mosques and markets. Its soukhs are famous for their dazzling variety of spices that assault the senses, berber rugs and fine quality leather work. There is some of the best variety of shopping you will see any where in the world but this is just the tip of the iceberg with so much more to see and do. Marrakech is now extremely fashionable, enjoy a wonderfully relaxed environment and a unique ambience whether just for a weekend or a longer stay.

Marrakech would not be the city it is today without the spectacle of The Medina. We recommend that any trip to the city includes a visit to Djemma El Fna and a cool drink from one of the many roof top cafes where some of the best views can be enjoyed. Djemma El Fna (Place of the Dead) is the focal point - a huge square in the heart of the Medina filled with acrobats, drummers, musicians, dancers and storytellers, the whole place comes alive at sunset. North of the square the Soukhs are renowned for their variety of wares.

There are many beautiful gardens in Marrakech, a welcoming retreat after the hussle of Medina life. The Menara Gardens, Yves Saint Laurent's Le Jardin Majorelle in the Ville Nouvelle and Jardin de l'Agadals. Or why not visit the Koutoubia Mosque, Palais de la Bahia or the Saadian tombs.

This city plays host to a breathtaking selection of restaurants. Try the full Marrakechi dining experience in all its six course splender - after harira soup or a selection of salads you will be served a "yellow" dish, possibley chicken m'qualli, couscous, pstilla (filo pastry pie with pigeon, egg and almonds) or possibly steamed lamb. For dessert jaouhara, fried filo pastry with cream. Booking for Friday night is essential as dining out in the abundance of superb restaurants has become a pastime for both residents and visitors alike.

FEZ & MEKNES - tradition and culture.

In one of the most fascinating regions, Central Morocco is home to the Imperial Cities of Maknes - the smaller and quieter, which contrasts the larger Fes. The two beautiful cities await discovery, antique arabesque furniture line the soukhs, grand palace restaurants offer the finest cuisine in breathtaking venues, and steeped in history incredible sights create magnificent spectacles.

Fes is the spritiual and cultural centre of Morocco, the most ancient of the Imperial Cities, it was the first capital of the Kingdom in 808AD, it became the capital again in the 13th century under the Merinides and once more in the 19th century. A mass of buildings created in a basin like geography the labyrinthine alley ways of the medina form the UNESCO world heritage site Fes El-Bali, the oldest medina in Morocco. Lively cafes provide welcome spots to people watch whilst enjoying a mint tea and a pipe ! Fes is a city of enourmous contrasts with unrivalled splendour and immense authenticity.

Meknes in the heart of the countryside is a beautiful city built by the Sultan Moulay Ismail who during his reign built palaces,mosques, gardens and the massive ramparts that encompass the medina. Today Meknes is an Imperial City which a contrast to those on the well trodden tourist tracks.

 

OUARZAZATE & THE SAHARA - desert experiences.

Ouarzazate, the capital of the South is easily reached from Marrakech. A good base for exploring the Kasbah Trail and the surrounding sub Saharan region including the Dades Valley, the road of the Thousand Kasbahs' and the Todra Gorge.

The collection of Kasb ahs at Ait Benhaddou is the finest preserved in Morocco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site it is also one of the most photographed and filmed locations in the country. Featuring in the movies Jesus of Nazareth, The Last Temptation of Christ and more recently the Mummy. Overlooking a river facilitated by the residents, this historical backfrop contrasts the modernityh left behind in Marrakech.

The Kasbah Trail, a magical journey through palm groves and kasbah filled oases. Driving north east of Ouarzazate the beautiful Dades Valley opens at the large oasis at Skoura. Traversing the natural boundary of the Atlas mountains and the Sahara, this breathtaking routs is amongs the most rewarding Morocco offers. May brings many highlights including the harvest of 700 hundred tons of rose petals in El Kelaa des M'gouna (the valley or roses) to produce a rather heady rosewater.

To the south is the Draa Valley, a sub Saharan Desert interfupted by the green date palm oases. The road from the desert towns of Erfoud to Zagora a five hour drive completge the Ouarzazate-Erfoud-Zagora triangle, a fascinating drive of high peaks, rivers of sand, gorges and Kasbahs. In the spring the majest of regional scenery is celebrated by many Berber festivals.

 

TAROUDANT & THE ATLAS - an area of great natural beauty.

The Atlas, North Africa's highest mountain range stretches 600 miles diagonally across Morocco and is renowned for the beauty of its remote snow capped mountains and deep gorges. Covered in snow from November to April there are a surprising number of ski resorts only 60 miles from Marrakech !

Trekking is a popular past time in the Atlas, enjoying mountains that climb to almost 14,000 feet. One of the most popular treks starts from the village of Imlil climbing the heights of Jebel Toubkal. Other treks include that of Morocco's most popular ski resort Oukaimeden and the Azilal and M'goun Massif, climbing from the valley Ait Bougmez one of the most beautiful in the region.

Taroudant shares the same ochre hues as Marrakech and is often referred to as the small Marrakech. Unlike its larger twin, Taroudant doesn't have a Ville Nouvelle or new town. The Berber town is a small treasure set agains the back drop of the High Atlas, it is a good base for trekking or exploring the westger or Anti Atlas.

 

 

 

AGADIR - Morocco's largest beach resort.

Once a traditional Moroccon town Agadir was completely rebuilt as a result of a devastating earthquake in 1960. Today a modern resort, Agadir's beach is home to a variety of watersports, horse and camel riding and of course relaxation.

A lively resort with many bars and restaurants and a great deal of entertainment, although Agadir also offers a quieter district for those in search of relaxation. Resort style hotels provide, amongst many facilities a se3lction of restaurants, bars, sporting equipment and plenty of space in which to relax.

Just south of Agadir where the Souss river flows to the Atlantic, estuarine mud flats are home to a staggering number of birds including greater flamingo, cormorants and little egrets, bald ibis (winter months) and black winged stilts. The road south is the easiest though you can also take the hour long beach walk. The migratory periods of February to April and September to November off the best sightings.