Jemaa el Fna Square Marrakech
The main square and market place in Marrakesh’s medina quarter is used by locals and tourists. The sheer number of shops is overwhelming! Every section of the souk has its own specialty, with alleys devoted to everything from spices and ironwork to the ingredients necessary for casting magic spells!

Fes 
Explore the tiny 9000 passageways of the old Medina with artisan workshops as active today as 100 years ago and strongly contribute to the city’s industrial economy. Trades such as metal and leather working, ceramics, silk, tapestries, and sculpting are still practiced in these workshops.

Ait Ben Haddou
A red mud-brick fortified village and UNESCO protected site this area is often recognized by movie enthusiasts with one of the best preserved Kasbahs in Morocco.

Merzouga
Spend the night in a luxurious Sahara Desert tented camp watching the desert colours change. Activities include camel riding, dune driving or hike up to the top of the dunes to watch sunrise and sunset.

Todra Gorge
Located in the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco the Todra gorge will take you through a series of high limestone river canyons in the eastern part of the High Atlas Mountain. The scenery here is simply spectacular as you wander past soaring rock walls and lush valleys.

While Morocco is a year round destination with a Mediterranean climate, it is important to remember the High Atlas can get very cold during the winter (Dec – Mar) and the summer heat (Jul – Aug) can be oppressive.

We recommend travelling between March and June when the temperature is comfortable for sightseeing while the clear skies are a bright blue.

I love Morocco! It offers such contrast. Casablanca on the Mediterranean coast is a large bustling metropolis and often a stop on Mediterranean cruises. The souk (market) here is well worth a visit. But for the most interesting cities in Morocco, head for my joint favourites Fez and Marrakesh.

The old town in Fez is like a step back in time. There are over 9000 streets and alleyways where cars and trucks are banned and “traffic” comes in the form of heavily laden mules that carry supplies in an out of this UNESCO world heritage listed site. The mule handlers call “balak…balak!” and it is best to get out of their way! Fez is divided into various sections depending on what is on sale. Lanterns in one area, spices in another or leather goods elsewhere – allow lots of time or better go with a guide as it is really easy to get lost in the maze!

Wandering Marrakesh is both fascinating and fun and I highly recommend sipping some mint tea in the late afternoon from one of the balconies overlooking Djemaa el-Fna Square. Below you is a timeless scene made up of snake charmers, tooth-pullers, scribes, water-sellers and any number of other vendors plying their wares. Make sure you also look around the beautiful garden owned by Yves Saint Laurent in Marrakesh. There is also an excellent evening dinner and show at the fort called Chez Ali which ends with an unbelievable display of Arab horsemanship – I can be a little sceptical of this type of performance but was hugely impressed.

If you have the opportunity and the budget, stay in a Riad in Marrakesh. They are wonderful and an authentic style of hotel – there are some excellent choices in the old town. The rural roads in Morocco are all but deserted and generally of a very good standard. Drive from Marrakesh past the rosewater producing area of Morocco and over the High Atlas Mountains to Ouarzazate or Erfoud situated on the fringe of the Sahara desert. The views of sunset over the dunes are fantastic and if you are a little adventurous, stay as I did in a comfortable Bedouin camp overnight. These people will make you feel so welcome. Elsewhere you may encounter friendly Berber tribesmen and take some tea with a Tuareg ‘Blueman’ as you drive past verdant date palm fringed oases on your way to the Todra Gorge.

Shopping is one of the pleasures in Morocco. Leather goods, beaten copper, ceramics, weavings and woven carpets are especially good buys. Be prepared to barter, keep it good natured and be a little firm with the salesmen and you will return with some great souvenirs from a fabulous country.

Chris Lyons, Director

Currency Moroccan Dirham

Language Arabic, French and English is widely spoken.

Why we love it With a fascinating blend of Arab, Islamic, Berber, African and European influences, Morocco is blessed with spectacular landscapes, magnificent snow-capped mountains, lush river valleys, vast tracts of desert, labyrintine walled medieval cities and Berber fortresses. Combine this with a wealth of beautiful handicrafts, traditional riads and exotic and fragrant cuisine, Morocco surely has something for everyone.

Weather With freezing winters in the High Atlas and scorching summers, Morocco is best visited in the spring (Mar – May) and Autumn (Sep – Nov).

Social customs & quirks When Moroccans greet each other they take their time and converse about their families, friends, and other general topics before broaching the matter at hand. Handshakes are the customary greeting between individuals of the same sex. If visiting a local home, a small gift like sweet pastries, nuts, figs, dates or flowers are offered to the hostess.

Festivals & events There are many festivals celebrated throughout the country. Most popular are the harvest festivals for cherries, figs, dates, olives, honey and roses. There are also many celebrations of music, food, ceramics and culture. The horsemanship festivals at Tissa (near Fes) in Sept and Meknes in Oct allow local hosemen to showcase their animals and prove their prowess. As a muslim country, Ramadan is also celebrated with a month of fasting during daylight hours culminating in the Eid.

Health* Currently there are no compulsory vaccinations are required for Morocco.

Notes *Please be aware that Health information is subject to change at any time and you should always double check these requirements at the time of booking and before travel.