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General Information
It is impossible to fly for any shorter period of time and yet feel that you
have travelled so far from home. Morocco encapsulates the exoticism of far
more distant destinations. The towering Rif and Atlas Mountains, which form
the Kingdom's backbone, have proved an impenetrable barrier to successive
invaders, preserving the lifestyle and language of an indigenous Berber population
who, to this day, add a richness and depth to a culture unique in a country
so close to the Mediterranean.
Of all the countries in North Africa, the Kingdom of Morocco is geologically
the most diverse. It is a mountainous and surprisingly green country of outstanding
natural beauty where the dazzling peaks of the Atlas, hazy in the heat of summer,
snow-capped in winter, give way to the silent shifting sands of the Sahara
desert, and the gently undulating hills of Eucalyptus and Argana trees succumb
to long ribbons of golden sand on the Atlantic coast.
Climate
For Average
daily temperature chart go here
The climate, too, is delightfully different from northern Europe. Winter temperatures
are similar to those of the Canary Islands and all of Classic Collection Holidays'
Moroccan resorts make for a great winter break destination. Spring can start
from as early as January and the sustained sunshine and blue skies of autumn
extend through to late November and early December. In the winter months there
is rarely persistent or sustained rainfall. All in all Morocco offers the traveller
a consistently reliable winter sunshine record - particularly in the south.
Winter is very pleasant with daytime temperatures on average in the early 20s
- although quite cool in the evenings. Spring and autumn see temperatures in
the mid to late 20s, whilst in the height of summer the thermometer rarely
falls below 32.
Cuisine
The food of Morocco reflects the country's diverse cultural heritage. The Berber
influence remains strong with many of the `essential' Moroccan dishes such
as couscous, tajine (tasty stews) and harira (hearty soups) being Berber in
origin. The Bedouin Arabs introduced dates, milk, grain, bread and dried pasta.
The Moors brought Andalusian foods to the feast - nuts, fruits, herbs and oil.
Invading Arabs brought a wealth of spices from the East. Essentially Moroccan
cuisine is based around the staples of peppers, tomatoes, garlic, olives, eggs,
onions, couscous, chicken, lamb, pigeon, fish and a wealth of spices, fruits,
nuts and pastries both savoury and sweet. Marrakech offers some great Moroccan
dishes served in beautiful traditional restaurants. Essaouira has a number
of restaurants whose appearance belies the quality of the food available -
never judge a book by its cover! La Gazelle d'Or in Taroudant is renowned for
the excellence of its cuisine whilst Agadir has a huge number and variety of
restaurants with menus offering Italian, French, Mexican, Chinese, Thai and
Lebanese.
Morocco and Islam
Whenever you choose to visit this fascinating country you can rest assured
that the warm welcome offered to visitors is indicative of the easy-going and
friendly nature of the Moroccan people. Moroccan Arabic is the official language
and the three Berber languages are also recognised, French and English are
widely spoken and understood, particularly amongst the younger Moroccan population
Currency
The currency of Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham. As it is a closed currency
it cannot be purchased outside Morocco. The current exchange rate is approximately
16 Dirhams to the £1. Sterling cash and Travellers Cheques can be exchanged
at the airport on arrival or in the resort hotels. Cash point machines, although
increasing in number are still quite rare. Visa and MasterCard are the most
widely recognised and accepted credit cards.
Clothing
You'll need to be cool in the heat of the day but also respectful of the Muslim
religion, particularly in the souks of Marrakech, Taroudant and Essaouira covering
up from shoulder to just below the knee. Swimwear is acceptable only in close
proximity to a swimming pool or on the beach.
Tips
Owing to low levels of income tipping is customary and commonplace in Morocco.
Tips are readily accepted and gratefully received.
Map of
Morocco
Sightseeing from Marrakech
The Gardens of Marrakech
Spend a half day visiting the gardens of
Marrakech by horse-drawn carriage. The tour includes a visit to
the Menara gardens where one of the most famous sights of Marrakech,
the Saadian Pavilion overlooks the reservoir against the backdrop
of the Atlas mountains. Take in the Agdal Gardens en route to the
lush botanical Majaorelle Gardens privately owned by Yves St Laurent.
Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate
Cross the High Atlas Mountains over the Tizi N'Tichka pass and enjoy spectacular
scenic views of mountains and semi-desert terrain topped by kasbahs and adobe
homes before visiting the spectacular 11 th century Ait Ben Haddou kasbah
declared by UNESCO as a world heritage site and historical treasure.
Evening at Yacout
Take cocktails on the roof
top terrace overlooking the medina before enjoying a gala dinner
in the sumptuous interior of an ancient Moroccan Palace and one
of North Africa's most revered restaurants. Splendid rooms decorated
with antique chandeliers, fireplaces and stunning mosaics offer
an intimate atmosphere whilst ornate crystal, fine china and white
table linen strewn with rose petals complement a beautifully presented
traditional Moroccan feast.
Marrakech
Few cities in the world enjoy such a dramatic
setting and intoxicating atmosphere as Marrakech. Like some vast
Nomad camp, the tent-like rose-pink walls of the ancient city
sit low beneath the soaring peaks of the Atlas mountains. The
fronds of towering palm trees jostle for position above the medieval
ramparts where nesting storks colonise each vacant turret.
Marrakech has attracted visitors for centuries
and the Djemaa el Fna square is the focal point to which tribes and
travellers have been drawn since ancient times. Each day as the shadow
of the elegant Koutoubia minaret lengthens towards the Djemaa el
Fna square the carnival begins. An extraordinary collection of Berber
musicians, snake- charmers, fortune tellers, fire eaters and dancers
gather to entertain the ever shifting circles of mesmerised onlookers.
During the day you can wander for hours through
the seemingly infinite souks before retreating from the heady atmosphere
to the shaded tranquility of your hotel pool and gardens. Or head
for the terrace of a pavement cafe, enjoy a refreshing mint tea
whilst watching this uniquely colourful pageant.
Essaouira
Essaouira is undoubtedly the most charismatic of Morocco's coastal towns. Above
the medieval battlements of the medina the white-washed, blue-shuttered houses
look out over an arc of perfect golden sand towards the sea and bustling harbour.
Inside the city walls, the coastal breeze threads its way through a maze of
streets and alleyways, lightening the mood, as people go unhurriedly about
their daily business. Art galleries, antique shops, smart boutiques and serious
surf shacks (catering for the wind-surfing fraternity which is drawn to the
town) sit alongside market stalls, barbers and traditional workshops. As relaxing
as it is enchanting, Essaouira offers an easy-going and beguiling holiday experience.
Taroudant
One of the most original towns in Morocco, Taroudant is of Berber origins and
lies low in the immense and fertile plains of the Souss Valley. Within the
red-ochre rampart walls, punctuated with turrets, battlements and towering
palm trees, is contained a fascinating market where Berber life continues as
it has done for centuries in this medieval market town. Tourism might be incidental
to Taroudant but visitors will never find themselves anything but warmly welcomed.
Sightseeing from Agadir
Royal Marrakech (2 days)
The road from Agadir to Marrakech offers spectacular vistas at every turn.
Once in Marrakech lose your self in the sights and sounds of the labyrinth
souks before retiring to the sumptuous comfort of a 17th century Palace for
a traditional, Moroccan feast.
Essaouira
Travel along the coast from Agadir to the picturesque walled fishing village
of Essaouira. The ramparts of the old town formed the backdrop to Orson Wells'
film, Othello and have inspired numerous artists whose works are displayed
in the town's many art galleries. Haggle in the narrow streets where local
craftsmen sell thuya wood carvings, linen clothing and traditional jewellery,
or simply enjoy a breath of fresh air in this most relaxing and enchanting
Moroccan coastal town.
Immouzer
Climb the slopes of the High Atlas mountains, passing through spectacular gorges,
until you reach the tiny village of Immouzer, built at the source of a mountain
spring. The captivating scenery helped to inspire some of the songs of the
late Jimi Hendrix when he visited `Paradise Valley' during the 1970's.
Agadir
Although not typically Moroccan, Agadir, as Morocco's premier beach resort,
delivers all you could expect of a modern, well-planned resort offering a wonderful
year-round climate and ten kilometres of fine, golden sands neighbouring the
Atlantic ocean. A 16th century Kasbah stands guard over the modern port to
the north of the town. Gardens and parks separate the residential area from
the resort's many hotels which border tree-lined promenades, boulevards and
the beach. There are numerous restaurants, cafes, bars and nightclubs, as well
as a huge selection of shops and a small colourful souk. Sports lovers will
enjoy a wide variety of water sports and there
are three excellent golf courses nearby.
Car Hire
It is not recommend to hire a car iin Morocco.
We offer a selection of guided excursions which can be taken on
either a group or an individual basis. We can supply details of
our excursion programme and our resorts to assist you with arrangements
you travel in Morocco.
Sightseeing options>>
Accommodation enquiry here >>
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