| A pleasant culture shock awaits you as you arrive in | | | | destination as well as a major fishing port. Agadir |
| Morocco. It is as culturally rich as it is geographically | | | | boasts 300 days of sunshine and a huge supply of |
| diverse and cannot fail to impress. Visiting some of its | | | | hotel beds, reputedly a quarter of the total in Morocco. |
| towns and villages and experiencing the generosity of | | | | Rabat |
| its people will leave you hooked, as I was, by the | | | | Morocco's capital city is characteristically modern with |
| Arabic experience. | | | | wide, conservative boulevards, gardens and large |
| Fez | | | | blocks of flats. The king lives here in a beautiful palace |
| Fez is the bustling cultural and spiritual centre of | | | | surrounded by trees and flowers. |
| Morocco. | | | | Despite having a rich history dating back to 7th |
| The main attraction is the Medieval Medina in the | | | | century, Rabat is a far cry from the hectic backstreets |
| colourful old city, which has been continuously inhabited | | | | of Fez and Marrakech. However the old part of the |
| since the 10th century. It is busy with traditionally | | | | city has a Medina and a Kasbah. |
| dressed Moroccans, and rich with the noise of buying | | | | Rabat is located on the Atlantic coastal plain, opposite |
| and selling, veiled women going about their work and | | | | its twin city of Sale, and it is near some beautiful sandy |
| bell-ringing water sellers. | | | | beaches. |
| A guided tour is the easiest way to tackle the buzzing | | | | Rabat's Dar Es Salaam Golf Course is |
| hive that is traditional Fez, but if you are brave, you | | | | world-renowned. |
| can negotiate the tiny alleyways, too narrow for cars | | | | Kasbah des Oudaïas: A Kasbah is a "village |
| whilst risking getting lost and then haggling with a local | | | | within a city" and is a good place to take in the sights |
| to be guided back out! | | | | of the city. It is guarded by the impressive arched gate |
| The Tanneries: A visit to the souks will lead to a visit to | | | | built in 1195. The Palace and Andalucian gardens and |
| Fez's famous tanneries, where one of the oldest arts | | | | the terrace gives beautiful views from the Kasbah |
| in the world is practiced to produce the soft leather do | | | | mosque, over the river and sea. The Palace Museum |
| characteristic of Morocco. | | | | and gardens date back to the 17th century. The |
| You'll need a strong stomach for the smells given off | | | | museum houses Moroccan art such as Berber |
| during curing, while you look down on the fascinating | | | | jewellery, costumes and carpets. |
| tanners' yard and its impressive vats of different | | | | Citadel of Chellah: Located in the new town of Rabat, |
| coloured dyes and piles of skins. Open 9-6, admission | | | | the ruins of Chellah, once a Roman port, provide |
| free. | | | | interesting sightseeing. Just inside the gate are Roman |
| View Point: The best vantage point over the ancient | | | | ruins dating from 200 BC, which includes a forum, a |
| walled city is from the ruined Merenid Tombs on a | | | | temple and a craftsmens' quarter. |
| hilltop to the east of the city. From here you can see | | | | Hassan Mosque: You will see the towering 50 metre |
| the skyline with its profusion of satellite dishes, and a | | | | minaret of the Hassan Mosque from many parts of |
| general mass of palaces, green-roofed holy places, the | | | | the city. Each façade of the minaret is intricately |
| tanneries, as well as the adjacent Karaouine Mosque. | | | | patterned with different motifs on each face. |
| Moulay Idriss ll: In the depths of the old city sits the | | | | Mausoleum of Mohammed V: The mausoleum was |
| shrine that houses the remains of the founder of the | | | | inaugurated in 1967. Located opposite the Hassan |
| city of Fez, Moulay Idriss II. It is one of the holiest | | | | Mosque, it is one of the great monuments of modern |
| buildings in the city. Non-Muslims may not enter, but you | | | | Morocco. The deceased king lies in a white onyx tomb, |
| can glimpse inside to see the saint's tomb, which is | | | | surrounded by royal guards, while and hundreds of |
| receives constant devotional visits from groups of | | | | Moroccans pay homage each day. |
| women who burn candles and incense. | | | | The Medina: This medina was created by Muslim |
| Marrakech | | | | Andalucian refugees from Badajoz, Spain. It was |
| Walking through the alleyways and souks of | | | | essentially the first "seed" of the city until the arrival of |
| Marrakech, particularly in the Medina of the old city, it is | | | | the French in 1912 who began creating the new town. |
| easy to believe you have been transported back in | | | | Archeology Museum: Here you can find a collection of |
| time to the "Arabian Nights". | | | | Roman bronze figures, dating from the first and |
| It is this enchanting mood that brings thousands of | | | | second centuries and recovered from Volubilis. Also |
| sightseers to the most visited of Moroccan cities. | | | | other artifacts from Phoenician, Carthagian and Roman |
| The Medina is characterized by much noise, hustle and | | | | settlements throughout Morocco are to be viewed |
| bustle with tradesmen and craftsmen going about their | | | | here. Open 9.00-11.30 and 2.30-5.30, closed Tuesdays. |
| daily tasks of cloth dying, copper beating or leather | | | | Around Rabat |
| working, as well as herbalists, perfumers and slipper | | | | Volubilis: Located between Rabat and Fez, it was built |
| makers. | | | | on top of a previous Carthaginian city and dates back |
| Snow-covered peaks of the High Atlas Mountains | | | | to around the 3rd century BC, being a centre of |
| form a beautiful backdrop for the city, although they | | | | Roman administration in Africa. Volubilis was inhabited |
| are often hidden by the heat haze. | | | | until the 18th century, when it was carelessly |
| Djemaa el-Fna: In the heart of the Medina. It is an | | | | demolished to provide building materials for the palaces |
| irregular 'square' and a hub of action where tourists | | | | of Moulay Ismail in Meknes. This meant a great deal of |
| flock to soak up the busy atmosphere. Tourism, | | | | Morocco's Roman architectural heritage was lost. |
| though, has not spoilt, but rather added to the complete | | | | However, today the ruins include some well-preserved |
| picture. | | | | columns, a basilica, a triumphal arch and about 30 high |
| Marrakesh has a modern side with its luxury hotels, | | | | beautiful mosaics. |
| banks and streets bursting with motor scooters, while it | | | | Casablanca: This is a huge, busy European style port |
| blends effortlessly with the past of the old city. | | | | city and has attracted much immigration from the |
| Marrakech was founded in 1062 by Youssef bin | | | | Moroccan countryside. People are modern with little |
| Tachfine of the Almoravide dynasty, and his son | | | | sign of traditional dress or modesty. The old town is |
| perfected the city by bringing in architects and | | | | small but similar to all the other bazaars found in |
| Andalucian craftsmen from Córdoba to build | | | | Morocco. The impressive Hassan ll Mosque is the 3rd |
| palaces, baths, mosques and a subterranean water | | | | largest religious monument in the World, with fantastic |
| system. The city walls were raised from the red mud | | | | views over the Atlantic Ocean. |
| from the plains. | | | | Temara: Lies on the coast, some 13Km from Rabat. It |
| Horse drawn carriages: Known as calèches, are | | | | is a favourite weekend spot for city dwellers. Temara |
| one of the best ways to view the city when you are | | | | has a sandy beach, along with many hotels, nightclubs, |
| not on foot exploring in the Medina. | | | | restaurants, a zoo and other leisure facilities to |
| Koutoubia Mosque: This is the city's main landmark and | | | | entertain visitors. |
| the 69 metre high minaret towers over the labyrinth of | | | | Tangier |
| streets and markets in the Medina. The red stone | | | | Tangier was once a playground for the rich and |
| mosque was first built in 1147 but it was knocked down | | | | famous seeking a fashionable café culture as |
| and rebuilt in 1199 because it was had not been built | | | | well as a tax haven. When Spain relinquished Tangier |
| correctly aligned with Mecca. The mosque is large | | | | back to Morocco in 1960, its duty-free status went |
| enough for thousands to pray in. | | | | with it, along with the fashionable crowd. The decayed |
| Djemaa el-Fna: This large town square translated as | | | | grandeur of today still has much to offer and slowly |
| "Square fo the Dead". The square offers a colourful | | | | Tangier is regaining its splendor as an attractive tourist |
| scene and is a magnet performing artists, snake | | | | destination. |
| charmers, musicians, storytellers and healers, all vying | | | | Grand Socco: Socco means Souk in Spanish and it is |
| for attention. Passing tradesmen offer anything from | | | | named so due to its Spanish heritage. A Souk is a |
| boiled snails, vegetable soup and kebabs to fresh | | | | market to us and is an interesting place to watch |
| orange juice. There are many cafés here from | | | | passing Rif people in colourful costumes selling |
| which to watch the busy scene, and from where you | | | | vegetables and fresh mint. It begins at a busting square |
| may then visit the souks to find some shade from the | | | | and the medina is entered from the square, through a |
| searing Moroccan sun. | | | | large arched entrance. |
| Dar Si Saïd Museum: The Museum is housed in | | | | American Lagation Museum: is located in the middle of |
| a palace on the Riad Ezzitoun El Jadid and shows the | | | | the medina. It is an American cultural centre, museum |
| arts, crafts and culture of the Berber people, including | | | | and conference venue, as well as a library. The |
| displays of some Moorish cedar wood furniture, | | | | museum is housed in the American Embassy, built in |
| elaborate door and window frames and artefacts | | | | 1777 when Morocco became the first power to |
| from every day life in the Sahara desert. Open | | | | recognize the USA as an independent country! |
| 8.30-11.45 and 2.30-5.45 except Tuesdays. Admission | | | | Kasbah: dates back to the 17th century and it is |
| Dh20 | | | | interesting to wonder through its little alleyways, patios |
| Saadian Tombs: Built in the late 16th century, this | | | | and hidden terraces. The Kasbah Mosque boasts an |
| beautiful necropolis has 66 lavishly decorated indoor | | | | unusual octagonal minaret. |
| tombs. The central mausoleum has a high vaulted roof | | | | Sultan's Gardens, Rue Riad Sultan, just north of the |
| which is exceptionally ornate, including carved cedar | | | | Kasbah Mosque, are a pleasant place to visit and |
| panels and Italian marble columns. Open 9.00-11.45 and | | | | watch the local craftsmen at work while sipping mint |
| 2.30-5.50 except Tuesdays. Admission Dh15 | | | | tea and enjoying views across the Straits of Gibraltar |
| Around Marrakesh | | | | to Tarifa on the Spanish coast, only 14.5 Km away. |
| Oukaimeden: A ski resort in the desert with camels | | | | Dar el Makhzen: This is a 17th century palace |
| instead of ski lifts! Yes, thick snow envelops the Jabal | | | | containing and impressive collection of art from all |
| Oukaimeden mountain peak during the winter months | | | | regions of Morocco. |
| (usually January and February) and it is just a 46-mile | | | | Forbes Museum: This is located in the Marshan Villa |
| (74km) drive from Marrakech. The town can be | | | | district, about 20 minutes walk from the medina. The |
| reached by taxi or car and is well equipped for skiers | | | | museum is the former palace of United States |
| seeking restaurants, ski equipment hire, and | | | | multi-millionaire and media magnate, Malcolm Forbes. |
| comfortable hotels within a stunning alpine setting. | | | | The house is open to the public and houses Forbes' |
| Ouirgane: A village in the foothills of the Atlas | | | | collection of 8,000 miniature soldiers! |
| Mountains about 1 ½ hour's drive from Marrakesh. | | | | Chefchaouen |
| It is a popular place to visit, where summers are cooler | | | | Chefchaouen was first settled by Spanish Muslim |
| and winters are less harsh. The Berber villages are | | | | refugees in the middle-ages and has retained its |
| enchanting whilst set in forests with wild flowers, | | | | distinctive Spanish character. It is just an hour's drive |
| including the famous rose gardens, fruit trees and | | | | from Tangier in the Rif mountains. |
| streams cascading from the High Atlas. | | | | The medina is beautiful and bustling with craftsmen |
| Essaouira: This popular resort town dates from the | | | | working diligently and tradesmen selling the usual fare |
| 18th century, and is easily reached by bus from | | | | of carpets, leather goods, pottery and copper utensils. |
| Marrakech. The town is surrounded by a fortified wall | | | | The Great Mosque, in the middle of the medina dates |
| and faces the sea. The beach is a wide, stunning | | | | to the 17th century sits on a picturesque square with |
| stretch with pretty whitewashed houses, boat-builders' | | | | restaurants and cafes. |
| workshops and art galleries. Visitors come for the | | | | Asilah |
| laid-back atmosphere and the high wind that makes it | | | | Located south of Tangier, Asilah is a very poplular |
| a very popular centre for wind- and kite-surfing. | | | | seaside resort, famous for its nearby Paradise Beach. |
| Essaouira is also famous for its wood carving tradition, | | | | Paradise Beach is a short taxi or a fun horse and cart |
| mainly using local, fragrant Thuya wood. The harbour is | | | | ride from the village and is famous for its enormous |
| a hive of activity at all times, particularly during the daily | | | | expanse of unspoilt white, sandy beach. |
| fish auction, attracting as many onlookers as buyers | | | | Despite growing numbers of visitors, Asilah has |
| and sellers. | | | | retained its relaxing atmosphere. Asilah is known as |
| Agadir: Is a major seaside resort south of Marrakech. It | | | | the Artists' Village and here you can find many locally |
| is new and modern with magnificent sandy beaches. | | | | painted canvases adorning the souks of its 15th |
| Its "newness" is largely due to an uncharacteristic | | | | century medina. The town is small enough to explore |
| earthquake that shook the town in 1961, and it has now | | | | on foot or by donkey cart and is renowned for its |
| been re-modelled as a popular package holiday | | | | great seafood restaurants. |