With an exotic blend of Arab, Islamic, Berber, African and European influences, Morocco is blessed with spectacular landscapes, walled medieval cities and Berber fortresses.
Combined with a wealth of handicrafts, traditional riads and fragrant cuisine, it’s a destination with it all.
Experience the ritual of haggling in the market of Jemaa el Fna Square in Marrakech. Every alleyway has its own specialty, from spices to ironwork to all the necessary ingredients for casting magic spells! Leather goods, beaten copper, ceramics, and woven carpets are especially good buys.
Souvenirs secured, while away an afternoon sipping mint tea from a cafe balcony overlooking the square. Below is a timeless scene of snake charmers, tooth-pullers, scribes, water-sellers and any number of other vendors plying their wares.
The old town of Fes is a step back in time. Vehicles are banned from its over 9,000 streets and alleyways, and traffic comes in the form of heavily laden mules, their handlers yelling “balak… balak!” We recommend getting out of their way. Here, a guide can be invaluable, as it’s too easy to get lost in the maze!
The coastal port city of Essaouira has a lovely 18th-century medina, seafront ramparts with old brass cannons, and blue and white buildings similar to the vivid blues of the picturesque city of Chefchaouen in the mountainous north.
For spectacular scenery head for the Sahara Desert, and a luxury Bedouin-style camp. Visit date palm fringed oases and travel through the Todra Gorge into the High Atlas Mountains.
Whatever you wish for, Morocco will surely provide.
WHEN TO GO
While Morocco is a year-round destination, the High Atlas very cold in winter (Dec -Mar) and the summer heat (Jul-Aug) can be oppressive. Travel between March and June offers comfortable temperatures and clear blue skies.
HOW TO GO
World Journeys offer four- to five-star tailor-made itineraries inclusive of all transport and guided sightseeing, with well- located hotels and beautifully restored riads.
In Moroccan Style, eight days from Casablanca to the UNESCO sites of Meknes and Volubilis, Fes, the capital city of Rabat, and Marrakech.
The Desert to the Sea, 10 days from Casablanca to Rabat, Meknes and Volubilis, Fes, a luxury camp in the Merzouga Sands, Todra Gorge, the oasis town of Skoura, the ancient kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, Marrakech, and Essaouira.
Moroccan Heartbeat, 15-day women-only small group hosted tour including flights from NZ. Casablanca, Rabat, Chefchaouen, Volubilis, Fes, a luxury camp in the Merzouga Sands, Skoura, Ait Benhaddou, and Marrakech. Special experiences include a market tour, cooking class, photography walk, lunch with a local Berber family and more.
For details contact your travel agent or World Journeys on 0800 117311 worldjourneys.co.nz
