Morocco Travel Tour Guide

Abderrazzak Benchaabane Ethnobotanist & Marrakech Garden Designer, Your Morocco Travel Guid

2012-01-25T02:49:00.000-08:00

Jeanette Lowdon gets up close with Abderrazzak Benchaabane, an Ethnobotanist & Morocco's leading Garden Designer. On a chilly Saturday morning in winter Lowdon had the fortuitous opportunity to interview Abderrazzak Benchaabane at his private estate in the Palmeraie of Marrakech. The setting was Abderrazzak's expansive gardens and contemporary museum located on one-hectare within the luxurious Marrakech palmerie. Abderrazzak Benchaabane is a Marrakech legend. Quiet and soft spoken, this renowned Garden Designer, Ethnobotanist, Perfumer, Teacher, Photographer, Writer, Garden Restorer and Publisher has created a landmark place for himself within the world of the "red hamra" city. An academic who gained his doctorate in botanical ecology from Semlalia Faculty of Sciences at Marrakech's Cadi Ayyad University, Benchaabane is currently a Botany and Ecology professor at the University ofMarrakech.

Founder of the Jardins du Maroc Magazine (Gardens of Morocco) and the Festival Jardin’Art (Garden Art Festival) in Marrakech, Abderrazzak Benchaabane continues to have big dreams for his beloved Morocco. Both of which were created to give public awareness to the importance of the garden in life and for the education to the protection of their environment. His passion of giving back to Morocco and to teach the youth to respect and understand their land can be seen in his tireless efforts to create projects that educate and share his dream. "My passion is a spiritual project, not a business project," claims Benchaabane.

A gifted photographer, Benchaabane left the big city behind and traveled the Sahara along with other desert regions of the world to capture the intense emotions born out of the silence only the desert can evoke. Since 1981 Abderrazzak Benchaabane's photographs have been featured in many expositions and galleries throughout Morocco and Europe. His photographs have been recently published in a book called "Intimate Morocco" and are on permanent display at the museum. Through his black and white photographs, Benchaabane shares his inside view of his country, Morocco, through his eyes. Each image echoes his roots of Morocco, evoking emotion-induced feelings of the love he has with his country. Abderrazzak Benchaabane was approached in 1998 by Yves St. Laurent and Pierre Berger, the owners of the Majorelle Gardens in Marrakech, to survey the planting and to provide the Latin names of its plants. After cataloging 120 varieties of plants and careful inspection of the grounds Benchaabane then made a complete restoration of the gardens including a new system for irrigation and to honor its creator, Jacques Majorelle, Benchaabane added new varieties from Majorelle's chosen plant families raising the total varieties grown in the garden to 325. 10 years later the restoration was complete giving new life to the gardens. Benchaabane now acts as director of the charitable trust set up to protect the Majorelle Gardens.

Later in 2001 Yves St. Laurent requested Benchaabane to develop a perfume that represented the Majorelle Garden. As Benchaabane describes it, he went from "The Kingdom of Silence to the Kingdom of Fragrances." As a child he watched his mother teach his sisters the art of collecting, drying and preserving medicinal plants for traditional healing. His mother sometimes would say "the plants protect the body and move away the bad spirits." The plants his mother collected were being gathered in the ceremonial way accompanied by traditional singing, then dried and placed in glass bottles. Some were preserved in their powder form and others preserved in honey or olive oil. His mothers inspirations led him to write a book on Moroccan medicinal and aromatic plants of the High Atlas Mountains. The plant world his mother created intrigued him just as much as the souks in Marrakech. At the time the master herbalists and healers of traditional and medicinal medicine were in the Marrakech Medina. There one could find exotic spices, incense and resins from exotic countries and far off lands. Benchaabane's mentor in Botany taught him the role of the nose in the identification of plants, explaining that each plant has its own perfume. In the majority of Moroccan gardens roses and oranges are grown and in every home a mixture of exotic spices that are brought from Mecca. Sandalwood, amber and musk are used as an incense in Mosques and for special occasions such as festivals, marriages and childbirth. From here, the journey began to create "Jardin Majorelle" fragrance.

Benchaabane credits his knowledge and acumen for creating fragrances to Yves St. Laurent, Pierre Berger and Gilles Toledano. Later in 2001 seeing the success of Jardin Majorelle fragrance Yves St. Laurent encouraged Benchaabane to create his own perfume collection. His first fragrance in the collection called Soir de Marrakech is a blend of amber, musk, vanilla, patchouli, jasmine, orange and lemon flowers. Soir de Marrakech is the ultimate expression of life in Marrakech, says Benchaabane. His fragrance collection to date has now grown to 10. He describes the process as “ Pure joy in creating my perfumes, sharing my dreams, emotions and love in a bottle. Just another facet of sharing the art of life here in Morocco!" Once the restoration of Majorelle Gardens was completed Benchaabane decided to form the magazine Jardins Du Maroc to share his passions for the gardens of Morocco and around the world. The first issue published in 2005 was an immediate success. The magazine's primary objective is to introduce readers to the talents of Moroccan gardeners, landscapers, architects and to portray garden lovers, garden designers and artists. As the director and editor, the majority of the magazine contains contributions by him with features on both Moroccan gardens and gardens from around the world.

Benchaabane wanted to offer something to Moroccans who cannot afford to purchase the magazine or who read French therefore in 2007 he created the Jardin’Art festival in Marrakech (Garden of Art Festival). Jardin'Art festival is held each spring in Marrakech under the patronage of Morocco's King Mohammed VI. The Jardin'Art attracts an increasing number of visitors and participants each year.Jardin'Art aims to bring together artists,landscapers,landscape architects,garden designers and growers along with booths dedicated to environmental education and Eco-tourism. There are also temporary gardens built by the children from local schools which encourages them to represent in their designs the sort of environments that surround them. By educating the younger generations, Benchaabane hopes to accomplish his mission to link the preservation of nature and the planet.

Recently opened is the Musee de l’Art (Museum of Art of Living) in Marrakech. The museum was created to fill a gap in cultural activities and offer new ongoing exhibitions for Moroccans as well as tourists. The goal is to continue to use the museum space to create cultural programs for the residents in the Medina and visitors to balance out the cultural divide that the Medina of Marrakech currently faces. Benchaabane feels by offering the youth a place for concerts, meetings with writers, seminars on art and poets it will help open the gap for new talent among young Marrakechi's. Benchaabane's newest project combines art with nature at his Musee de la Palmeraie (Museum of the Palm). Since its opening in May 2011 the museum has attracted more than 3000 visitors worldwide. Located on a 150 year old restored French farm on one hectare outside the city of Marrakech is a museum and several majestic gardens. Musee de la Palmeraie is clearly dedicated to nature and art with its one-hundred year old mature palms, an Andalusian garden, a cactus garden, aquatic garden, perfumed rose garden, potager garden and sixty year old olive and orange orchards all dotted with local artisans sculptures and garden art.

For the Andalusian Garden he took the natural divide in the orchards and created a water feature. He says "the water is like a mirror, reflecting the lite to the museum". An Andalusian and Saharan shaded seating area are set amongst the rose gardens, orchards, and Mediterranean aquatic garden with its Koi fish. The Andalusian area with its tiled steps and the Sahara area with its earthen piste wall calls one to come, rest and contemplate the serenity of this magical place. The cactus garden was planted 10 years ago with 40 kinds of cactus from Morocco, South Africa, USA, South America and Mexico. All the locally grown cactus came from his mentor, a German engineer of Agriculture here in Morocco. Within the converted stables and piste buildings on the property Benchaabane houses his private collection "unknown" Moroccan artists from the 1970's, a workshop area for children, a private collection of his own photographs, paintings, photographs, calligraphy and sculptures along with the permanent collection of contemporary art from more than 50 Moroccan artists. One special photograph worth seeing is Le Maroc en Noir et Blanctaken in 1981 in Essaouira. In the museum boutique the money raised from the sales of books, some of them authored by him go to the childrens workshops that are held regularly at the museum for the nearby village children. The workshops are taught by artists and are free to the children. Benchaabane felt it was a way for the children to learn a craft near their home as some may not have the means to go the city for lessons. A project due to open in the near future is Benchaabane's Ourika Valley Ecology farm. He has completed the 30,000 palm planting plan. His dream is to plant and create a space for children to learn about an ecology farm. "Too many children are growing up in cities and don't know a farm. The 3 hectare farm will be a living museum with a kitchen garden and saffron garden. On the farm there is an old house and an an old traditional argan oil press". Asked what is the future for plant growers in Morocco: Benchaabane replied " The growers and designers are organizing themselves to introduce new varieties that have adapted to the climate changes using new technologies ". Fifteen years ago Benchaabane was the first one to introduce the dry garden to Morocco. Now he is teaching the growers what works best in a dry climate for garden design. When asked what is the future is of Moroccan gardens he replied, "It is highly related to the implication of the state and the people. The state are the owners of the gardens and the mayors and municipalities need to do two things to preserve gardens “to organize and take care of the gardens of Morocco" and "to educate the people on the value of plants - especially the new generation."

For more information about Abderrazzak Benchaabane & The Majorelle Gardens

Call Travel Exploration in the USA at 1 (800) 787-8806 or in Morocco 1 (212)618-88-26-81 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today. Abderrazzak Benchaabane, Abderrazzak Benchaabane Ethnobotanist, Abderrazzak Benchaabane Garden Designer, Jardins De Maroc, Majorelle Gardens, Palmeraie of Marrakech, Marrakech Garden Designer, Yves Saint Laurent, Soir De Marrakech, Morocco Tours, Morocco Travel, Travel Exploration, Travel to Morocco

Morocco Beach Holidays, Your Morocco Travel Guide

2012-01-24T05:28:00.000-08:00

Morocco is the perfect place to consider a beach holiday. Since Morocco is nestled between the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, you won’t have trouble finding a beautiful beach for your Morocco travel your vacation while taking in the local seafood fare. If you choose to relax by the tranquil Mediterranean shores, you are in store for unspoiled Moroccan beaches with dramatic scenery of rocky inlets and headlands. In comparison, the beaches by the 2000 mile turquoise lit Moroccan Atlantic shore are more popular as they are lined with pristine stretches of sand. You will surely be astounded by the sand dunes, mythical cliffs and bluffs when traveling to the seaside of Morocco. Four of the most popular Atlantic resorts for Moroccan travel are Agadir, Essaouira, and Mirleft El Jadida, all have stunning sandy beaches with a plethora of exciting things to see and do. Moulay Bousalam, a smaller beach with rolling sand dunes that resides within a fishing town on the Atlantic is a less touristic alternative then Agadir and Essouaira and is where many Moroccans from Fes travel for their vacations and own second homes.

Agadir

Argued to be one of the most beautiful seaside resorts to travel to in Morocco, a visit to Agadir is a memorable experience as it offers a glimpse of the Modern Maghreb. Agadir’s beach boasts a sparkling unpolluted crescent shaped shore that has retained a mountainous Kasbah backdrop even with the new seaside buildings that have sprung up in the past several years. The city is located on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean near the foot of the Atlas Mountains, just north of the point where the Souss River flows into the ocean.

Agadir is an important fishing and commercial port, the first sardine port in the world, (exporting cobalt, manganese, zinc and citrus). Because of its large buildings, wide roads, modern touristic hotels, and European-style cafes, Agadir is not a typical city of traditional Morocco, but it is a modern, busy and dynamic town. Agadir is famous for its seafood and agriculture.

Even though Agadir’s popularity continues to grow, it is possible to escape the crowds during Morocco's travel peak season (June - July) by visiting any one of the nearby beaches. Taghazout is only 19 km north of Agadir and a favorite of surfers.

After a few hours in the sun, there are several places to explore in Agadir. Maturer audiences have the option of renting horses, camels, or quad bikes to ride up the sand dunes. There are also numerous cafes with views of the sea that are wonderful to relax or people watch early in the morning or at sunset. Agadir is mellow and with its mix of new hotels, restaurants, shops and nights clubs it is an accessible place to travel to in Morocco for a vacation for singles, couples and families. Agadir also lays claim to one of the largest Marjane’s (the Moroccan equivalent of Target) in the country.

Essaouira Essaouira, formerly known as Mogador, is a city and tourist resort in western Morocco, on the Atlantic Coast. Archaelogical research shows that Essaouira has been occupied since prehistoric times. The bay at Essaouira is partially sheltered by the island of Mogador, making it a peaceful harbour protected against strong marine winds. The Medina of Essaouira is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an example of a late 18th century fortified town. Essaouira remains one of the top seaside Moroccan travel destinations for foreigners.

Referred to as the ‘windy city of Afrika’, the beaches of the 18th century French influenced Essaouria, are the most popular. The winds make it the ideal place to host windsurfing competitions and year round, you can spot people practicing the sport.

Essaouria attracts diverse crowds because it offers a range of activities to do. When traveling to Essaouira, shop in the famous Thuya wood carving shops, take in the panoramic sights by Skala du Port, embrace the cafe scene, or visit the nearby islands. History and cultural lovers will also enjoy exploring the Mellah, where up to 9000 Jews lived between 1875-1900 exporting goods like salt and jewelry to London. You can also spend an afternoon climbing 15th century ramparts that were once sea bastions and fortifications. During the 19th century, Essaouira was the only

part of port south of Tangier to trade with Europe.

Tourism to Essaouira has been of growing importance over the past ten years, supporting boutique hotels established in traditional Moroccan riads, within the old town's ramparts. The medina is home to many small arts and crafts businesses, notably cabinet making and 'thuya' wood carving (using roots of the Tetraclinis tree), both of which have been practiced in Essaouira for centuries. This beachside resort also has a fishing fleet and market. Essaouria offers a good range of cafes and restaurants near the ramparts with views of the sea. For lunch or dinner the best place to eat is at one of line of grills down at the port, an Essaouria institution, and cooking fish as fresh as can be.

Essaouira is also renowned for its kitesurfing and windsurfing, with the powerful trade wind blowing almost constantly onto the protected, almost waveless, bay. Several world-class clubs rent top-notch material on a weekly basis. Parasols tend to be used on the beach as a protection against the wind and the blowing sand. Camel excursions are available on the beach and into the desert band in the interior.

Essaouria makes claim to one of Morocco’s largest and most successful annual events held each June, The Gnawa World Music Festival. Traveling to Essaouira during this festival season is one of the best ways to see Morocco The festival attracts approximately 600,000 attendees each summer and provides a platform for exchanges and a meeting point of music and dialogue between foreign artists and the mystical Gnawa musicians. In this melting-pot of musical fusion, the Gnawa masters invite players of jazz, pop, rock and contemporary World Music to explore new avenues. Past performers at the Gnawa World Music Festival include the French-Algerian group Gnawa Diffusion, the Rajistani Romany group Musafir, Vietnamese guitarist Nguyen, American drummer Sangoma Everett, Cuban pianist Omar Sosa, KyMani Marley, Wayne Shorter, the National Orchestra of Barbès Trio Joubran, the English genius of bluesman Justin Adams, as well as the incredible Toumani Diabaté and the Korean traditional percussions of the Salmunori Group.

Mirleft

Mirleft is a fishing village South of Agadir between Tiznit and Sidi Ifni. The village of Mirleft acquired a robust reputation in Morocco for the quality of its white sand beaches, its almost inaccessible creeks between cliffs and ocean, or its sand dunes shaped by the wind of the desert. The taste of the sun, the crash of the oceanic waves, the immense areas of sand the tourist fond of seaside pleasures. The bank of Mirleft is a part of these unique places these lost small places that the best surfers advise in secret. Often impressive and especially regular waves in a wild and grand decoration. The warm hospitality of the people in Mirleft and the beautiful weather make it an ideal Morocco vacation spot.

Moulay Bousalam

If you want a lower key place to sunbathe when traveling to Morocco, yet still prefer to spend afternoons mingling with locals, Moulay Bousalam is the simple and charming choice. The town’s beach is different from most along the Atlantic shores because it is surrounded by cliffs, sand dunes and impacted by waves that can sometimes be dangerous. Year round, some Moroccans can be spotted making a pilgrimage to visit the remains of 10th century Egyptian, who the town was named after. This sleepy fishing town attracts the most visitors in July and August. Another point of interest is Merdja Zerga, a lagoon used as a space for herding wild sheep, cattle, and goats. People also visit this quaint beach town throughout the year for bird watching.

El Jadida

The region is well-known for the quality of its shad (cousin of the sardine) and of its seafood in general. Opposite the Bastion of the Angel, on the port of El Jadida, or along the boulevard de Suez, eating in any of the numerous restaurants will let you sample this while having an enjoyable time. If the premises are simple ones, their cooking is no less delicious. Here you will be able to sample grilled sea urchins, grilled sardines and other seafood, etc. Further to the south (76km), a visit to Oualidia is a must. This charming seaside resort is well known for its oysters. You can try them on the terrace of a restaurant or directly from the oyster beds in the lagoon where they are grown. You will also be able to hire a guide and a small boat. There is simply too much choice... The water is calm and perfect for swimming. The beach of the chic seaside resort of Sidi-Bouzid, 3km to the south, is magnificent and the current coming from the Canaries gives it a particular freshness. Haouzia is the name of Azemmour's attractive beach to the north. The Royal Golf Club is worth the trip: its course weaves through the middle of a eucalyptus forest.

For more information about Beach Holidays in Morocco

At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration in the USA at 1 (800) 787-8806 or in Morocco 1 (212)618-88-26-81 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today. Morocco Beach Holidays, Agadir Beach, Essaouira Beach, Moulay Bousalam Beach, El Jadida Beach, Merlift Beach, Sun Holidays, Camel Trekking Essaouira, Morocco Tours, Morocco Travel, Travel Exploration, Travel to Morocco

Casablanca Shore Excursions, Your Morocco Travel Guide

2012-01-23T07:49:00.001-08:00

When traveling to Morocco by cruise ship make sure to take advantage of your time at port by considering exploration of the region through a Casablanca shore excursion. Casablanca has much to offer for cruise critics who want to take a day off from their journey at sea. The best Casablanca shore excursions are those that offer cruise lovers a fun-filled day in and around Casablanca with a private English speaking driver and guide . Cruise ships that originate from the USA or Europe tend to give their passengers a full-day in Casablanca. Some cruise ships that dock in Casablanca stay overnight while other cruise ships that come to Morocco dock in Tangier or Agadir. Cruise ships such as the Fantasia and Queen Elizabeth often make Morocco as part of their stops and often give cruise passengers a full day in Casablanca to explore. Some Casablanca shore excursions worth considering are a Casablanca one-day tour, a Rabat one-day excursion, or an El Jadida one-day excursion. If time allows and the cruise ship you are arriving on from Casablanca is docking overnight at the Casablanca Port then it is good idea to consider a Marrakech overnight excursion as an option. A Marrakech one-day tour with an overnight option is a great adventure from Casablanca.

Casablanca Shore Excursions are the perfect opportunity to begin ones exploration of Morocco. The Best Casablanca Shore excursions are: Casablanca Shore Excursion: Full Day Tour - The Highlights of Casablanca

Casablanca is Morocco's largest city and a world-renowned center for trade. A Casablanca excursion or one-day tour begins with a visit of the Hassan II Mosque which sits on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and is one of the leading architectural splendors of Morocco and the largest mosque in the world. Next visit the central market, a massive kaleidoscope of colors and home to hundreds of stalls brimming with locally grown flowers, spices, vegetables, meats and all kinds of seafood as well as handicrafts. Continue to the New Medina of Casablanca and the Habous Quarter with its attractive Islamic architecture. Enjoy lunch at one of the international restaurants by Casa's port, the Corniche or Rick's Cafe- a famous Piano Bar run by an American and named after the Movie "Casblanca."Take time to photograph the impressive facade of the Royal Palace and cross the quarter on foot and its colorful Olive Market. Drive through the residential quarter of Anfa, where your guide will point out the residence in which a memorable and historical meeting was held during the Second World War, in 1943. This is the world's largest religious monument after Mecca and its minaret is the tallest. Continue your coastal drive to Sidi Abderrahman, built on an island-like rock. Last stop will be the Cathedral free time at Mohamed V's square for more photo opportunities or some shopping.

Optional: Casablanca Jewish Full Day Tour Visit Temple Beth-El, the Jewish Synagogue in Casablanca. Beth-El, is considered the center piece of a once vibrant Jewish community. Its stained glass windows and other artistic elements, is what attracts tourists to this synagogue. Visit the Jewish Museum in Casablanca.Next visit the old

Jewish Mellah of Casablanca. The Jewish Mellah of Casablanca is young by Moroccan standards, not much more than a century old. It assaults the senses in the evening, with a sea of women in brightly colored djellabas carrying and selling fruit and vegetables throughout the cramped, narrow streets. While Jews no longer live in the mellah, kosher butchers are found in the old market, next to other butchers selling horse meat. The Jewish cemetery in the mellah is open and quiet, with well-kept white stone markers in French, Hebrew and Spanish. Once a year, Casablancans celebrate a hiloula, or prayer festival, at the tomb of the Jewish saint, Eliahou. The 4,500 Casablancas Jews live outside the mellah in the European city, where they worship in over 30 synagogues, eat in kosher restaurants, entertain themselves in community centers, and attend Jewish schools and social service centers. Beth El is the largest synagogue and an important community center, seating 500 persons.

Rabat Shore Excursion: Full Day Tour - Imperial City of Rabat Begin your day with an approximately 1 1/2-hours drive to the diplomatic capital of Morocco, Rabat, rich in historical monuments and history. Option to stop en route to see the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. Arriving at the Mechouar Quarter, you'll admire the magnificent exterior of the Royal Palace. Continue to the archaeological Phoenician site of Kasbah of Chellah. Drive through the winding road overlooking the Bou Regreg River to the Hassan Tower & Mohamed V Mausoleum for an inside visit. The Hassan Tower is one of the prestigious architectural heritages of the Almohad dynasty. Enjoy lunch at El Borj Eddar, a seaside restaurant with views of Rabat or local Moroccan fare. Then continue on foot to the ancient medina and its colorful souks to arrive at the Kasbah of Oudaya. Tea and Pastries at Cafe Maure and then enjoy Oudaya with its white and blue houses that appear freshly painted. Visit the Andalusian Gardens of Kasbah Oudaya then return to Casablanca. Last stop if you did not visit the Hassan II Mosque in the morning is an opportunity to take photos of the Mosque and seaside Ain Diab

El Jadida Shore Excursion: A full day tour El Jadida's Portuguese Ramparts, Old Medina and Azemmour (Option to Extend Trip to Oualidia) El Jadida and Azemmour are seaside towns and their charm is innate from their Medinas and the warmth of the seaside community. El Jadida's narrow streets, beautiful buildings and gates combine a mixture of Portuguese, Arab, Andalusian and Berber architectural styles. A Full-day tour of El Jadida begins with a drive from the pier to Azemmour via the charming coastal road. Stop at the entrance of Azemmour for a panoramic view of this white-washed town on the banks of the Oum Rabiaa River. Next, drive to one of the town's main gates Sidi Makhfi. Enjoy a walk by foot through the Kasbah to reach a large square overlooking the river. Near the old square lies a synagogue which is witness to the coexistence of Moroccans and Jews living together. After the visit of El Jadida, head for the Portuguese town of Mazagan, now referred to as El Jadida to enjoy a Moroccan-style lunch of fresh fish paella with sea views. In the afternoon, visit the Portuguese cistern built by the ofiginal Portuguese settlers to serve as a water reservoir in the event of a prolonged siege. Enjoy a guided tour through the old Medina and stop for a panoramic view of the port and the Atlantic Ocean. On your return to Casablanca, stop at the Hassan II Mosque for photos.

Marrakech Overnight Shore Excursion: Magical 2 Days/ 1 Night in Marrakech or Full Day Marrakech Excursion From Casablanca DAY 1: Depart Casablanca for a three-hour drive to Marrakech. Along the way, your guide will tell you about the history and culture of this captivating "red hamra" city as you pass villages and small towns. The city of Marrakech unfolds at the foot of Morocco's Atlas Mountains. You will travel along boulevards lined with orange and jacaranda trees before checking in at charming Moroccan Riad or Hotel. Enjoy lunch at your Riad in front of tiled fountains and gardens or at your hotel surrounding the pool. Begin your exploration of Marrakech with site seeing of it's Majestic Majorelle Garden along with monuments and museums of great architectural splendor. Visit the 12th-century minaret of Koutoubia, the tallest and most famous landmark in Marrakech, and the Saadian tombs, where the Royal family of the Saadian dynasty is buried and the Bahia Palace. Walk through the ancient Medina with its colorful souks before arriving at the famous Djemaa el Fna square filled with fortune-tellers, magicians,monkeys as they mingle with Acrobats, snake charmers and popular singers. Djemaa El Fna is undoubtedly, the most exuberant marketplace in the world. Enjoy free time and then return to your Riad or Hotel in Marrakech. Depart for dinner at a traditional Moroccan restaurant or attend the Chez Ali Equestrian and Moroccan Music show under royal tents, with typical Moroccan folklore and fantasia. After the show, return to your Riad or Hotel, then spend the night in Marrakech.

DAY 2: Breakfast at your Riad. Continue site seeing and shopping in the old medina. Visit the Kisseria, Art Galleries and Wood workers. Lunch at Terraces D'Epices or Moroccan fare. There is an option to visit the new city of Gueliz for shopping and also the Menara Gardens. In the late afternoon depart Marrakech and head to Agadir to meet your ship. Relax and enjoy the views during the two-hour return drive to your ship in Agadir. A stop will be made en route to see the goats that climb in trees which is indigenous to Morocco. These goats are the producer of Argan nuts which are utilized in making Argan oil, butter, honey and cosmetics. Option to visit an Argan Cooperative run by women prior to arrival at your ship. For more information about Casablanca Shore Excursions or Casablanca one-day tours

At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration in the USA at 1 (800) 787-8806 or in Morocco 1 (212)618-88-26-81 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today. Casablanca Shore Excursions, Casablanca excursion, Rabat excursion, Marrakech excursion, El Jadida excursion, Cruise critics, Shore excursions, Morocco Tours, Morocco Travel, Travel Exploration, Travel to Morocco

Jewish Casablanca Tours, Your Morocco Travel Guide

2012-01-02T09:57:00.000-08:00

Casablanca offers a combination of Jewish Heritage and Jewish sites that can be seen on a Casablancaone-day tour or in context of a longer Morocco Imperial City tour. In almost every Moroccan city there is a Jewish presence that can be felt whether it be within the ancient Jewish cemeteries, synagogues, mellahs, or in monuments of Muslim rulers who historically maintained strong ties with the Jewish community. The synagogues, cemeteries, monuments and communal institutions located in the Imperial city and economic capital of Casablanca show how important the city has been to the Jewish community during the twentieth century. Some of the Jewish Heritage sites seen on a one-day Casablanca Jewish tour range from the Jewish Mellah to the Museum of Moroccan Judaism, a visit to a Jewish Synagogue, the Jewish cemetery with the option of a kosher lunch.

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The mellah of Casablanca is just about a century old. It peeks the senses with its sea of women in brightly colored djellabas carrying and selling fruit and vegetables throughout the tiny, narrow streets. While Jews no longer live in the mellah, kosher butchers can be found in the old market, next to other butchers selling horse meat. The Jewish cemetery in the mellah is open and quiet, with well-kept white stone markers in French, Hebrew and Spanish. Once a year, the Jews of Casablanca celebrate a hiloula, or prayer festival, at the tomb of the Jewish saint, Eliahou. Currently Casablanca has approximately 4,500 Jews who live outside the mellah in the new city, where they worship in over 30 synagogues, eat in kosher restaurants, entertain themselves in community centers, and attend Jewish schools and social service centers.

Temple Beth-El is the largest synagogue and an important community center in Casablanca, Morocco. While the city boasts 30 synagogues, Beth-El, is often considered the centerpiece of a once vibrant Jewish community. Its stained glass windows and other artistic elements, is what attracts tourists to this synagogue. The Museum of Moroccan Judaism of Casablanca is a museum of history and ethnography, created by the Jewish Community of Casablanca in 1997 with the support of the Foundation of Jewish-Moroccan Cultural Heritage. The Jewish Museum in Casablanca is tucked into a residential neighborhood and holds a treasure trove with it being the Arab region’s only Jewish Museum. It uses world-class standards of conservation for its national and international collections. The Museum of Moroccan Judaism presents religious, ethnographic and artistic objects that demonstrate the history, religion, traditions and daily life of Jews in the context of Moroccan civilization. The Museum, which covers an area of 700 square meters, is the first of its kind in the Arab world. It consists of:

A large multipurpose room, used for exhibitions of painting, photography and sculpture
Three other rooms, with windows containing exhibits on religious and family life (oil lamps, Torahs, Chanukah lamps, clothing, marriage contracts (ketubot) Torah covers… and exhibits on work life;
Two rooms displaying complete Moroccan synagogues;
A document library, a video library and a photo library.

The Museum offers guided visits, sponsors seminars and conferences on Jewish-Moroccan history and culture, and organizes video and slide presentations. On special request, it organizes group visits in Arabic, French, English or Spanish.

Museum of Moroccan Judaism: 81. rue chasseur Jules Gros, Casablanca-Oasis Director: Simon Levy Curator – Zhor Rehihil Telephone: (212) 22 9949 40 Fax: (212) 22 99 49 41 Open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 6 pm (and Sundays by appointment) Casablanca is also the home of the Hassan II Mosque, the second largest in the world. The Jewish community contributed to the construction of this mosque, which was inaugurated in 1994. Some Jews visit annually the Muslim shrine of Sidi Belyout, Casablanca's patron saint. Many Jews of Casablanca celebrate the hiloula of the saint Yahia Lakhdar in Ben Ahmed, about an hour south of Casablanca near the town of Settat.
Kosher Food in Casablanca: For kosher food while visiting Casablanca’s Jewish sites, dine at Cercle de L’Alliance. E.J.J Dairy or La Truffe Blanche.

Cercle de L’Alliance is one of the centers/buildings where Jews from Casablanca hang around. The bottom floor/lobby is where people sit around, smoke cigars or cigarettes and socialize. You will also find a small bar and a mid size restaurant on the same floor with great appetizers and outstanding food (Kabobs, Steaks, Hamburgers etc).
D.E.J. J. is a restaurant that primarily serves dairy, pizzas, salads and pastas. Meat is not served here.

La Truffe offers skewered chicken accompanied with sides of bread, salad, olives and pickles. It is the most reasonably priced kosher restaurant located in the downtown area of Casablanca across from the medina.

For more information about Jewish Casablanca Tours & Casablanca one-day tours

The Majorelle Gardens Marrakech, Your Morocco Tour Guide

2011-12-27T09:43:00.001-08:00

The Majorelle Garden in Marrakech, Morocco previously the Jardin Bou Saf, bears its name from its original creator, Jacques Majorelle, the French expatriate artist who was born in Nancy France in 1886. Jacques Majorelle was the son of the celebrated Art Nouveau furniture designer Louis Majorelle. In 1947 he opened his gardens to the public and during this time also painted a magnificent ceiling space at La Mamounia, a five-star hotel with gardens and the place where Alfred Hitchcock wrote, “The Birds.”

Jacques Majorelle studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Nancy in 1901 and later in 1919 he went to Marrakech, Morocco to recover from heart problems. He built the garden during those years using special color of blue which he used extensively in the garden that is named after him, Majorelle Blue. Jacques Majorelle returned to France in 1962 after a car incident and died later that year of complications from his injuries. As a collector of unique plants from five continents Jacque Majorelle left to Saint Laurent one of the more unique collections of flore and fauna of this era as well as a place of inspiration and contemplation. Even though Morocco is no longer under the French protectorate, this originally French creation is one of the most beloved areas in Morocco. The power of the blue Majorelle is long lived and permeates the essence of what it means to live and see color in Marrakech. When visiting it is important to take advantage of optimal morning light. The atmosphere of the Majorelle Gardens evokes a sense of peace in a garden designed, composed and colored like a painting. Moorish and Art Deco inspired structures with their bold color palettes are assembled among a vast, opulent array of exotic plants and trees collected from the far reaches of the world.

The courageous use of color, the famous Majorelle blue paint used in his architectural design enlivens the garden and acts as a strong backdrop to his plant collection of over 1800 types of cacti, 400 species of palms and other rare varieties of the time. This bold action revolutionized the way in which gardens were to be viewed. The blue pavilion with a raised island set amidst water lilies is the most famous photographed section of the garden. An elaborate system of water canals connect the planted areas and infuse the garden with its sight and sound. The contrasting effects of light and shadow are repeatedly played against each other capturing the harsh sunlight and transforming it into a tamed element that defies any known example. Majorelle’s greatest work of art is his garden. For information about the Majorelle Gardens or a Morocco Gardens Tour.

Travel Exploration Morocco Now Offering Garden Tours, Your Morocco Travel Guide

2011-12-21T06:19:00.000-08:00

Travel Exploration Morocco has a few new additions to our special tour offerings this 2012 season. The new tours are "Majestic Gardens of Morocco" and "Gardens of Marrakech", both offering extension options. The "Gardens of Morocco" tours offer an extension option to the Tarodaunt and Agadir region. What distinguishes Travel Exploration's new tours from others is that it specifically caters to garden enthusiasts, botanists and gardeners because it takes a true look at the majestic gardens of the Maghreb. The Gardens of Morocco tour takes visitors on a unique journey to the Imperial Cities of Morocco while giving them a taste of Islamic, Andalusian, Moorish, Art Deco and Sultans gardens. This tour also gives travelers a chance to connect with the local culture through discovering historic sites, museums, mosques, old cities and traditional cuisine. The Majestic Gardens of Morocco offers guests 10 days and 9 glorious nights whereby they can explore the sites and sounds of Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, Marrakech, the Ourika Valley and Ouirgane region.

The Majestic Gardens of Morocco tour begins in Casablanca at the stunning Hassan II Mosque which lies at the foot of the Atlantic ocean, then visitors continue the road to the exotic Sidi Bouknadal Garden outside of Rabat. Topped by afternoon sweets and mint tea at Cafe Maure. An evening at Sofitel Le Jardin Des Roses and a welcome dinner by candlelight in the gardens offers travelers a great way to start off their gardening vacation to the Morocco. Rabat holds its beauty with some of the most historic architecture in the country as well as gardens. Travelers on the Majestic Gardens of Morocco tour can also plan on visiting gardens in the medieval walled city (old medina) of Fes, a visit to the Imperial city of Meknes, the Roman ruins of Volubilis, After taking in the living museum of Fes the next stop will be the "red hamra" city of Marrakech, home to artists, writers and the chic. Marrakech's gardens are top notch and will be seen when light is at its best. Visits to the Majorelle Garden, La Mamounia Garden, the Koutoubia Gardens, the Bahia Palace and Gardens are just a few of the green spaces on this tour. A charming ending to the Majestic Gardens of Morocco tour includes a visit to Nectarome in the Ourika Valley, harmonizing foot baths, lunch at the Flower Power cafe and then an overnight at La Roseraie in Ouirgane.

10 full days and 9 nights of beautiful 5 Star garden Riads and Hotels, luxury transport, airport transfers, 14 excellent meals with a variety of traditional and contemporary Moroccan cuisine (breakfast daily at your Riad or Hotel, welcome dinner, lunch at a palace restaurant in Fes and farewell dinner), 4 Guided Historical Tours in the Imperial Cities, 8 Guided Garden Tours by a Botanist, Nurserymen and Herbalist, Garden & Monument Entrances Fees, plus exquisite sights, shopping time in the souks and a kelech horse and carriage ride in Marrakech.

Visit http/gardentoursmorocco.wordpress.com/majestic-gardens-of-morocco-tour/ to see the complete itinerary.

Majestic Gardens of Morocco, Gardens of Marrakech, Islamic Gardens, Andalusian Gardens, Art Deco Gardens, Moorish Gardens, Marrakech Garden Vacations, Morocco Garden Tours, Travel to Morocco, Travel Exploration

Kasbah Ouadida & Andalusian Gardens, Your Morocco Travel Guide

2011-12-21T05:11:00.000-08:00

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Kasbah Des Oudaia in Morocco also referred to as Kasbah Oudaya or Kasbah Udaya, is located at the mouth of the Bou Regreg river opposite of Salé. Kasbah Oudaia has been the citadel of the Alhmohads, Merinids and Andalusians in Rabat. Its location on a rocky outcrop high above the level of the river is an imposing site especially for the pirates of days gone by. Kasbah Oudaia was built during the reign of the Almohads. When the Almohads had captured Rabat and destroyed the kasbah of the Almoravids in the town, they began reconstructing it in AH 544 / AD 1150. They added a palace and a mosque and named it al-Mahdiyya, after their ancestor al-Mahdi Ibn Tumart. After the death of Yaqub-al-Mansur (AH 595 / AD 1199) the kasbah was deserted. Bab Oudaia is the principal gateway to the Kasbah – one of the most striking sights in Rabat and certainly one of the most beautiful external Moorish monuments. The gate was built by the Almohad Sultan, Yacoub al Mansour, in 1195. Its purpose was more ceremonial than defensive, designed for a grand entrance into the Kasbah and its souks and the nearby Sultan palace. The gate, massive as though it may appear at first inception, is not unusual in its size for an Almohad monument. It is striking for its harmony and the sheer simplicity and beauty of its decoration. The basic feature is the arch, composed of three different designs: the basic horseshoe, a check-and-shoulder design and finally a band of geometric ornamentation.

After passing through the grand door, ,Bab Oudaia, one will immediately reach an striking quarter, the Kasbah des Oudaias. The Kasbah is the original citadel of the Almohad, Merinid and subsequent Andalusian towns in Rabat. Here, you can see the Kasbah Mosque – the oldest mosque in the city, built around 1050 and subsequently rebuilt in the 18th century.

When you enter the grounds of Oudaia you immediately notice the Andalusian influence. Everything here reminds one of Spain, walls uniformly covered with lime, blue everywhere, the cobbled streets, the massive doors to colored moldings and wrought iron. The formal structured Andalusian style gardens are bordered with red hibiscus, hedges, morning glories, brugmansias, date palms and orange trees with a long harbored walkway covered in grape vines.

The Kasbah Oudaia stands out within a beautiful and quiet residential area surrounded by white and blue painted houses decorated with flowers. Kasbah Oudaia has become a haven for artists, attracted by the beauty of the site as much as by its soothing tranquility.

South of Bab Ouadaia, is the Palace Museum and Andalusian Gardens. The Palace was built in the seventeenth-century by Moulay Ismail, the first Almohad sultan to unify the country. Today, it showcases exhibits of Moroccan art and culture. A vast central patio gives access to private quarters and reception rooms containing the exhibits. There is a hall containing oriental rugs made in Rabat, an exhibition hall for musical instruments and a salon reserved for customs and rituals. The old palace grounds are occupied by the beautiful Andalusian Gardens. Although true to Andalusian traditions, with its flowering annuals and beds of shrubs, the gardens were actually constructed by the French in the twentieth-century. The gardens are a shady retreat, with a profusion of daturas, oleanders, orange, lemon and banana trees. When visiting Kasbah Ouadia, make sure to have tea and pastries at Café Maure set on the grounds of the Kasbah Oudaia with a majestic view of the river. For more information about Gardens Tours Morocco and Kasbah Oudaia Rabat Tours

Kasbah Ouadia, Andalusian Gardens, Rabat Tours, Palace Museum Rabat, Morocco Garden Vacation, Garden Tours Morocco, Travel Exploration

The Jnane Sbil Garden in Fes, Your Morocco Tour Guide

2011-12-18T04:33:00.000-08:00

Created in the 18th century by Sultan Moulay Abdallah, the Jnane Sbil Garden is a jewel of the Arab Andalusian tradition, extending over 7.5 hectares located in the heart of Fes. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious gardens in Fes, the ancient artistic and intellectual capital of Morocco. Because of its historical importance, great care was taken to restore this Fes garden to its original design and after four years of detailed restoration and renovation of the heirloom plants, the hydraulic systems and the famous waterwheel, the project was completed and re-opened in June 2010.

Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa, President of the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, continuing in the Foundation’s policy of historical park and garden preservation decided to rehabilitate Jnane Sbil in 2006. The park which surrounded by ramparts and the Borj has been faithfully restored to its origins with an update to its green space. The restoration of Jnane Sbil included the rehabilitation of heirloom plants and old hydraulic systems, fountains, water canals and windmills. The majestic central tree lined alley and the bamboo garden were also restored along with the Washington path being reconstructed. A fragrance garden in the southeast area, reminiscent of the Fes gardens that captivates visitors was also created. Buildings adjacent buildings to host the public, a refreshment area and restrooms were also included in the restoration. This project reinforces this city of Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage sites' cultural potential and its destiny as an international tourism destination, while benefitting the population.

For more information about Jnane Sbil Garden in Fes or a Fes Tour

Majestic Gardens of Morocco Tour, Your Morocco Travel Guide

2011-11-27T14:48:00.001-08:00

Discover the tradition and history of Moroccan Gardens on this nationally guided tour written by horticultural and garden enthusiasts for gardeners. Journey through the Morocco's most private and public green spaces and places. Great pleasure of the senses will be experienced on this exotic 10-Day tour that includes Morocco’s Imperial Cities and rural regions with a 4-Day extension option to the Gardens of Tarodaunt and the High Atlas Mountain green spaces of Imouzzer des Ida Outanane. The Gardens of Morocco Tour is an ideal way to connect with fellow gardeners from around the world. Discover ancient cities led by licensed historical guides and their gardens with expert Gardeners, Botanists, Nurserymen and Herbalists.

MAJESTIC GARDENS OF MOROCCO 10-DAY TOUR
Group Tours Available in Spring & Fall 2012:April 1^st – 10^th, 2012
May 8^th – 17^th, 2012
September 8^th – 17^th, 2012

GARDENS & PUBLIC GREEN SPACES VISITED ON THE TOUR Andalusian Gardens at Kasbah Oudaia & Exotic Gardens at Sidi Bouknadal in Rabat region Roman Ruins Garden at Volubilis Sultan Gardens at Jnane Sbil & Batha Garden - Museum in Fes Moorish and Art Deco Gardens at Majorelle in Marrakech Propagator Specialist & Native - Drought Tolerant Nurseries in Marrakech Historical Landmark Garden at La Mamounia in Marrakech Oasis Gardens at the Palmerie in Marrakech Harti Gardens & Cyber Park in Marrakech Marrakech Private Villa Garden Saffron Gardens in the Ourika Valley Herbal & Medicinal Gardens at Nectarome in the Ourika Valley Gardens at La Roserie in the Ouirgane region
Guest Rates: $5,075 - 4PAX (Shared Double) $4,600 - 6PAX (Shared Double) $4,250 - 6PAX (Shared Double) $3,995 - 10PAX (Shared Double) Single Supplement Rate: $1,350
Rates Include: Luxury Transport 5 Star Accommodations Licensed Historical Guided Tours in the Imperial Cities 8 Guided Garden Tours by a Botanist, Nurserymen and Herbalist, Garden & Monument Entrances Fees 14 Meals (Breakfast Daily at your Riad or Hotel, Welcome Dinner, Lunch at a Palace Style Riad in Fes and Farewell Dinner)

DAY 1: CASABLANCA – RABAT (Driving Time: 1 ½ Hours) ►Arrival in Casablanca. ►Visit theMosque of Hassan II. Casablanca is home to the Hassan II Mosque, designed by the French architect Michel Pinseau. It is situated on a promontory looking out to the Atlantic, which can be seen through a gigantic glass floor with room for 25,000 worshippers.Its minaret is the world's tallest at 210 meters. It is an enormous architectural masterpiece and the second largest religious building in the world. On Fridays, the Mosque of Hassan II is open to non-Muslims.The Mosque of Hassan II's promontory offers lovely views overlooking Casa in the residential Afna quarter. Visit Kasbah Oudaia & Andalusian Gardens: ►Tea and Pastries at Café Maure set on the grounds of the Kasbah Oudaia. ►Its location on a rocky outcrop high above the level of the river is an imposing site especially for the pirates of days gone by. When you enter the grounds of Oudaia you immediately notice the Andalusian influence. Everything here reminds one of Spain, walls uniformly covered with lime, blue everywhere, the cobbled streets, the massive doors to colored moldings and wrought iron. The formal structured Andalusian style gardens are bordered with red hibiscus, hedges, morning glories, brugmansias, date palms and orange trees with a long harbored walkway covered in grape vines. ►The Kasbah Oudaia is a beautiful and quiet residential area with its white and blue painted houses decorated with flowers. Kasbah Oudaia has become a haven for artists, attracted by the beauty of the site as much as by its soothing tranquility. ►Lunch by the sea at Borj Eddar in Rabat.

Visit Sidi Bouknadal Exotic Gardens ►In 1951, Marcel François, a French horticultural engineer acquired 4 acres of flat and exposed land in Sale, Morocco. Ten years later he opened to the public his childhood dream, Bouknadel Exotic Gardens, a horticultural and artistic achievement, listed among the wonders of nature and now classified as a national cultural heritage site since 2003. ►The gardens are a composition of exuberant creativity and technical ability. Francois, traveled all over the world collecting plants as far away as China, South Asia, the Savannah, Congo, Japan, Brazil and Polynesia. He then set about duplicating these gardens at Sidi Bouknadal by incorporating landscape, habitat and climate in his plant compositions. ►The gardens are divided into three areas: a reception area, horticultural production area and finally, by far the most impressive, the garden area. All through the garden there are secret passages, an aviary, waterfalls, swamps, pools, fountains, bridges and walkways to lead you through the various gardens. ►Welcome Dinner at a Sofitel Le Jardin Des Roses. ►Spend the night at Sofitel Le Jardin Des Roses in Rabat.

DAY 2: RABAT - MEKNES - VOLUBILIS (Driving Time: 3 Hours) ►Breakfast at your Hotel then take the road to Fes. En route to Fes visit the Imperial City of Meknes & the Roman Ruins and Gardens of Volubilis. ►Arrive in Meknes and begin your tour of Meknes at Bab Mansour. First we will pass through the triumphal arch. Standing at sixteen meters high with an eight meter long arch, the intricately patterned triumphal arch is argued to be the most beautiful in Morocco. Enter Place El-Hedime (Square of Ruins) which links the medina and the kasbah. The square is lined with modern residential buildings and a covered food souk (market). ►We will stop and visit the Musée Dar Jamaï, a museum showing modern Moroccan arts, woodwork, ceramics, carpets, costumes, jewelry and metalwork. The sophisticated building was once a palace incorporating a mosque, menzah (pavilion), courtyard, kitchen and hammam. ►Visit the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum and the former gardens of the Royal Palace. ►Among the most impressive elements of this imperial city is the grand gate named after the architect, El-Mansour, a Christian renegade who converted to Islam. The design of the gate plays with Almohad patterns. It has zellij mosaics of excellent quality. The marble columns were taken from the Roman ruins of Volubilis. ►Visit the Olive market which sprawls throughout the old souk and the main square. ►Lunch in Meknes at a restaurant in the old French city with excellent Moroccan cuisine and a variety of local wines produced within the region. ►Arrive in Volubilis for a visit. Once occupied by the Romans, Volubilis has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and gained international acclaim when Martin Scorsese made it a feature location for his film, The Last Temptation of Christ. ►Begin your visit by discovering the fascinating Roman ruins adorned with beautiful mosaics and colorful tiles depicting Roman mythology. The ruins are spread out across several green acres. The ruins reveal how the Roman Empire transformed the original Carthaginian settlement into a typical Roman city complete with mansions, a town center, a triumphal arc and temples devoted to the Roman gods. ►Enjoy tea at the small café that sits just below the Volubilis ruins before taking the road to Fes. ►Dinner in Fes at your Riad or Hotel in Fes.►Spend the night at a Moroccan traditional Riad or Hotel in Fes.

DAY 3: FES – JNANE SBIL GARDENS & BATHA MUSEUM & ANDALUSIAN GARDEN ►Breakfast at your Riad or Hotel in Fes. Visit Jnane Sbil Gardens: ►Jnane Sbil Gardens were originally created by the Sultan Moulay Abdallah. Jnane Sbil encompasses 7.5 hectares and is located in the heart of city. It is one of the oldest gardens in Fes. Because of its historical importance, great care was taken to restore the garden to its original design and after four years of detailed restoration and renovation of the heirloom plants, the hydraulic systems and the famous waterwheel, the project was completed and re-opened in June 2010. Batha Museum & Andalusian Garden ►Next visit the Batha Museum & Andalusian Gardens. The Musee Dar el-Batha offers up a great collection of pottery, leatherwork, wood, books and manuscripts from the nineteenth century centered around a green spacious courtyard. The Batha Andalusian Garden boasts a three-hundred year old Quercus Rotundifolia, Washington Fifera, Cycas Revolta and Moroccan fountains. ►The Batha Garden is a serene escape from the bustling medina in Fes. It is also utilized each June by the Fes Festival of Sacred World Music whereby various world music groups perform. ►Visit Palais Jamai Hotel which boasts the oldest example of Andalusian style gardens in Al Hambra Classical Axial lines. ►Lunch at Palais Dar Tazi, a traditional palace-style Riad. ►Relax at your Riad or Hotel. Shopping excursion option in the old city. ►Dinner at your Riad or Hotel or traditional Moroccan restaurant. ►Spend the night at a Moroccan traditional Riad or Hotel in Fes.

DAY 4: FES (GUIDED HISTORICAL TOUR) ►Breakfast at your Riad or Hotel in Fes. Discover Fes el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the old medina often referred to as a “live museum.” ►The 14^thCentury Palace Gates of the King - The Royal Palace in Fes is one of the oldest (14th Century) and largest in Morocco. ►Jewish Mellah - The Mellah is a Jewish quarter located in the old cities of Morocco with a walled boundary. The Fes Mellah is also walled and it has a fortified gateway. These Jewish quarters are located near the royal residencies which enabled its inhabitants to be protected from the wrath of the Muslim populace. The Fes Mellah was once solely inhabited by Jews. This was the first "Mellah" in Morocco and originated in 1438. In the early 14th century it was founded by the Merinids, beside Fes. In contrast with the young Mellah of Casablanca, the Mellah of Fes is over 650 years old. This picturesque neighborhood adjoins the royal palace, noted for its recently constructed bright brass doors. Jews took shelter in this palace during the 1912 pogrom. ► Jewish Cemetery & Tomb of Solica -The cemetery contains the tombs of more Jewish saints than any other cemetery in Morocco. One of the more important saints is Lalla Solica, who was killed for refusing to convert to Islam. Solica was born in Tangier in 1817. At the age of 16, she was courted by a Muslim man, but refused to marry him. To force her hand, the man went to the caid, the local government official. The man told the caid that Solica could not refuse his offer of marriage because she was no longer Jewish, having converted to Islam of her own free will. When called before the caid, she refused to acknowledge having converted. The Sultan called her to Fes, where she again denied her conversion. As a result, she was condemned to death for apostasy and killed in 1834. ►Rcife - Enter the medina from a “bab” or region of the old medina, Fes el Bali known as Rcife which is the heart of manufacturing of all Fassis goods. Cross the local fruit and vegetable market where you will witness the stalls of local traders and people buying their daily goods. ►Dyers souk of silk, wool and cotton - The dyers market, located along Rue de Teinturies, is the best place to see the dying vats which have been used for centuries to soak the skins of sheep, goat, cows and camels after they have their hair and flesh removed. You will see many tanned hides colored with natural pigments ranging from shades of brown, black, turquoise fuchsia, yellow and orange. ►Seffraine Square - Place el-Seffarine - this kisseria is the most important center for the production Fasiss style ceramics, brass-ware and silverware in Morocco. ►The Tannery - The Chourara or the Tanner’s Quarters is the most lively and picturesque souks in Fès. The Tanneries are often located near watercourses like the Wadi Fès and at a distance from residential areas due to the strongly unpleasant smells they produce. See the wide array of leather work, a tradition of Fes. ►Lunch at Restaurant Nejjarine in Fes located near the Nejjarine Square. ►Weavers Cooperative - Visit the Weavers Cooperative located in a residential neighborhood off a main shopping street. The workshop specializes in weaving the ﬁnest jellaba fabric, made of silk and wool threads imported from Italy. The shop also makes a quality jellaba fabric from locally spun, textured wool thread called hubba -sometimes referred to as couscous, because it’s nubby texture resembles Morocco's national semolina dish of the same name. Within the Fes Medina, we will visit the following Sacred Sites: ►The Bou Inania Medersa - The Madrasa Bou Inania is a madrasa founded in AD 1351–56 by Abu Inan Faris, who also founded the Madrasa Bou Inania in Meknes. It is widely acknowledged as a major example of Marinid architecture. "Bou Inania" comes from the first part of the sultan's name "Abou Inan". The madrasa functioned as both an educational institute and as a congregational mosque at the same time. It is the only madrasa in Fes which has a minaret. According to history, religious leaders of the Karaouine Mosque advised Abu Inan Faris to build this madrasa. It was the last madrasa to be built by the Marinides. The Marinid dynasty or Benemerine dynasty was a Zenata Berber dynasty of Morocco The madrasa became one of the most important religious places of Fes and Morocco, gaining the status of Grande Mosque. The madrasa was renovated in 18th century. ►Pottery & Zellij Tile Cooperative- A cooperative where old techniques of how zellij and pottery is made. Option to participate in making zellij tile or pottery making. Great for shopping for a purchase of fabulous pottery, zellij tiled tables, zellij fountains and more. ►Mausoleum - Zaouia Sidi Ahmed Tijani - The Zawiya of Sidi Ahmed al-Tijani contains the tomb of an 18th centry Sufi Shaykh, founder of the Tijaniyya order. The Zawiya presents a street facade highly ornamented with carved wood, stucco and glazed tile. ►University of Kairouine - Founded in 859, this university is one of the leading spiritual and educational centers of the Muslim world and is considered the oldest continuously operating institution of higher learning in the world. ►Mausolem - Zaouia Moulay Idriss - A zaouia (shrine) dedicated to and the tomb of Moulay Idriss II, who ruled Morocco from 807 to 828 and founded the city of Fès for the second time in 810. ►Nejjarine Square - This interesting square is dominated by the beautifully restored Nejjarine Wood Museum housed in an 18th-century funduq. There's also a superbly decorated wall fountain. Browse the shops before venturing into the carpenters' souk with its amazing array of glitzy wedding chairs. ►Cross the carpenter area go through the Attarine street filled with scents of Fes such as spices, oils. ►Dinner at a traditional Moroccan restaurant in the old city of Fes or Ville Nouvelle. ►Spend the night at a Moroccan traditional Riad or Hotel in Fes. DAY 5: FES - MARRAKECH (Driving Time: 6 1/2 Hours) ►Breakfast at your Riad or Hotel in Fes. Take the road to Marrakech. ►En route stop to see the view of Ifrane University and go for a short walk around the garden. Ifrane is nick named “Little Switzerland” of Morocco for it’s architecture, cedar forrest and winter ski resort options. Developed by the French during the protectorate era for their administration due to its Alpine climate, this Morrocan town has a remarkable European style, as if it were an Alpine village. Because of its elevation, the town experiences snow during the winter months and a cool climate during the summer. Ifrane is also the place where the lowest temperature was ever recorded in Africa. Animals to be found in the vicinity include the threatened Barbara Macaque. Among the local tree species are the native Atlas Cedar, Scrub oak and the introduced London plane. ►Enjoy coffee, tea and pastries in Ifrane at an outdoor cafe. ►Make a short stop in Zaouia Cheikh near the dam. This is one of the 30 damns that is scheduled to be built in Morocco by 2030. The idea originating with Hassan II to build one dam a year to irrigate the country is being carried on by the current King Mohammed VI. ►Lunch at Hotel Paris in Beni Mellal. ►Spend the night at a Moroccan Riad or Hotel in Marrakech with a garden setting.

DAY 6: MARRAKECH ►Breakfast in Marrakech at your Riad or Hotel Visit The Majorelle Gardens►Early rise. Start your visit at 8:00am in the Majorelle Gardens to take advantage of optimal morning light. The atmosphere of the Majorelle Gardens evokes a sense of peace in a garden designed, composed and colored like a painting. Moorish and Art Deco inspired structures with their bold color palettes are assembled among a vast, opulent array of exotic plants and trees collected from the far reaches of the world. The courageous use of color, the famous Majorelle blue paint used in his architectural design enlivens the garden and acts as a strong backdrop to his plant collection of over 1800 types of cacti, 400 species of palms and other rare varieties of the time. This bold action revolutionized the way in which gardens were to be viewed. The blue pavilion with a raised island set amidst water lilies is the most famous photographed section of the garden. An elaborate system of water canals connect the planted areas and infuse the garden with its sight and sound. The contrasting effects of light and shadow are repeatedly played against each other capturing the harsh sunlight and transforming it into a tamed element that defies any known example. Majorelle’s greatest work of art is his garden. Visit The El Bahia Palace & Gardens ►Then explore the El Bahia Palace and its eight-hectare gardens. The Bahia offers a perfect example of a palace garden and courtyards surrounded by grandiose architecture. The El Bahia Palace in Marrakech is also an excellent example of Eastern Architecture from the 19th century that represents trends and standards of the wealthy who lived at that time. It was built for Ahmed Ibn Moussa (or Ba Ahmed) between 1894 and 1900 in the Alawi style that was popular at the time. Craftsmen were brought from Fes to work on this monumental task which took approximately fifteen years to complete. It is said that the palace was built as a home for Ba Ahmed’s official concubines, and it has also been said that the importance or favor of each concubine increased along with the size of their bedroom. The name ‘Bahia’ means ‘palace of the beautiful.” There are 160 different rooms in the palace which are sprawled out in an open, rambling fashion. Decorations take the form of subtle stucco panels, zellij decorations, tiled floors, smooth arches, carved-cedar ceilings, shiny marble (tadlakt) finishes and zouak painted ceilings. ►Lunch in the old Medina of Marrakech and explore the souks. Visit La Mamounia Gardens ►Go by horse and carriage to La Mamounia’s Landmark Gardens. Tea and garden tour of La Mamounia Gardens (if available). Built in 1929 this famous historical landmark hotel and gardens in the center of Marrakech is cared for by 40 gardeners who two times a year plant 60,000 annuals to enhance the grounds as well as maintain the immaculately mowed grass under the citrus and olive orchards, desert garden, rose garden and tropical garden as well as the many fountains. The 200 year old avenue of olive trees leads one to the garden pavilion where you can soak in the peace and solitude with a cup of Moroccan mint tea. At the back of the 15 hectares gardens there is an herb and kitchen garden whose produce is used in the fresh daily menus. Along one side of the garden there are six meter high bougainvillea walls which when in bloom are breathtaking. ►End the day visiting the Harti Gardens and Cyber Park. Option to enjoy these public parks, shop in the old city souks or relax at your hotel. Visit The Harti Gardens ►The Harti Gardens is located in the new city of Gueliz and dates back to the Almoravid dynasty. Harti has an Olive Avenue, a Desert Cactus Garden and a Rose Garden that are all set among mature trees. This garden is a combination of a city center garden and park where young and old, families and couples come to enjoy its serene atmosphere. Visit Cyberpark ►Cyber Park is a beautiful 8-hectare park in the heart of Marrakechjust a five minute walk from Djemaa El Fna Square. Cyber Park was originally a food-producing park created in the 18th century by Prince Moulay Abdeslam. This expansive park appears traditional at the onset however when it’s flora and grounds are explored further, one discovers the ancient Moroccan trench irrigation method of its lemon and olive groves. These groves are set within the old medina walls. ►Spend the night at a Moroccan Riad or Hotel in Marrakech with a garden setting.

DAY 7: MARRAKECH ►Breakfast at your Riad or Hotel in Marrakech. ►Begin the day with a drive-through tour of the Marrakech Palmerie. Legend tells us; the reason for the Palmerie’s existence is that billions of seeds from the dates eaten and thrown away by the nomads traveling from the Sahara all came together at this particular place. The Palmerie’s oasis of 13,000 hectares with over 100,000 trees has been protected by law since 1929. For the Arabs, the palm tree is a symbol of life, the most generous of all trees as it gives shade to everyone except itself. The Phoenix Dactylifera (date palm) grows up to 30 meters high and can live up to 300 years. Every year 82,000 tons of dates are harvested from the Palmerie. Today the palm grove is mixed with exclusive private gardens with palatial villas. ►Next, visit MOB Nursery (Pepinere) in Marakech. The MOB Nuersery (Pepinere) has 12 hectares whose 70 gardeners maintain and produce ornamental and fruit trees, herbs, cactus, shrubs, annual, perennials in 4 large and 9 small greenhouses as well as in ground planting. They have on site 3 specialists in plant id, insect control and trees as well as designers. Their specialty is propagating, producing over 50,000 plants a year of over 1000 species. ►Visit a local Marrakech Villa Garden and enjoy late morning mint tea along with a traditional tea ceremony and Moroccan sweets. ►Lunch at Flower Power Café, a one of a kind wholly organic restaurant that offers home made dishes with salads, herbs and vegetables that are grown on site next to the café. The café is owned and run by a French expat Aurelia Tazi who moved to Morocco in 2004. Flower Power is her outlet for entertaining, creating and decorating for guests who have a passion for organic food in green spaces. The café is charming and furnished with flea market finds purchased from the Marrakech souk. ►Next take a tour of Casa Botanica Nursery located on the grounds of the Flower Power Café. Visit Casa Botanica ►The tour will be led by the director at Casa Botanica who has a masters in herbology and ethno- botany. Casa Botanica was created by Sadek Tazi a garden specialist for over fifteen years. He started the nursery in Casablanca where they still produce over 2000 species of plants by seed and propagation. Casa Botanica in Marrakech is a nursery specializing in drought resistant plants that have adapted to the harsh dry climate of Marrakech (continental Mediterranean) which is quite hot in the summer and can get very cold in the winter. The vast 3 acre collection of aloes, agaves, yuccas, cacti, succulents, trees, flowering shrubs, palms, bamboo, citrus trees, roses, hibiscus, Mediterranean plants, basins for propagation of aquatic plants and the test gardens flourish in the shade of giant colored nets 6 meters high, composed of threads of red, yellow, blue, green and silver, which protect plants from intense heat and other elements. Red- encourages flowers. Yellow- encourages leaf growth. Blue- stunts growth. ►Dinner at La Trattoria, an Italian restaurant hidden away in a verdant oasis. Trattoria is more then just a restaurant, it is a superb villa decorated in a mixture of 1920s and Moorish styles that has become a hot-spot in the center of Guéliz. ►Spend the night at a Moroccan Riad or Hotel in Marrakech with a garden setting.

DAY 8: MARRAKECH - OUIRGANE (Driving Time: 3 Hours) ►Breakfast at your Riad or Hotel in Marrakech. ►Start the day with a visit to the Ourika Valley region’s Plant Nursery’s. Nectarome Medicinal & Herbal Gardens ►Visit the Nectarome offers a wide range of activities that you can partake in from traditional breadmaking to Spa services and hearty meals. ►Guided tour of Nectarome Gardens. Nectarome specializes in the field of phyto aromatherapy and the distillation of aromatic plants that grow naturally in the wild or are organically cultivated. In the one hectare organic garden at the foot of the High Atlas Mountains in the Ourika Valley they grow more than 50 aromatic and medicinal plants for research, development and educational purposes. Based on Moroccan traditional medicine they off a wide line of wellness products made with pure and natural essential oils with all products made on the premises. With several areas to relax in the garden you can take in the fragrance of the many herbs or taste them in the traditional recipes prepared on site. ►Lunch at Nectarome and continue your afternoon visit of the Gardens with an option for Medicinal SPA treatments. Options Available at Nectarome: - Warm water and seasalt herbal footbaths - Argan Workshop – learning about the traditional pressing of Argan Oil - Henna Workshop – explanation of Henna culture in Morocco and application of henna design on feet and hands Visit the Saffron Gardens & Gardens ► Herbal Tea Tasting at the Saffron Gardens ►A Moroccan Doctor founded the Saffon Gardens, a six-hectare project to grow saffron and exotic fruit. The area surrounding the saffron fields is a working farm with French goats for milk and many species of plants and trees. The annual harvest by the local Berber women in the village yields only 5 kilos of saffron that is certified by the International Certification Lab in France. There is a small museum explaining the process of growing, harvesting, trimming and drying the saffron. ►Dinner & Spend the night at La Roseraie - a Cottage style Hotel surrounded by thousands of rose bushes in Ouirgane.

DAY 9: OUIRGANE- MARRAKECH (Driving Time: 2 Hours) ►Breakfast at La Roseraie Hotel & Gardens in Ouirgane. ►Explore the grounds of La Roserie, a working 60 acre farm and garden with a rich display of roses, mixed flower beds and fruit trees. Spend the afternoon in the gardens or take advantage of La Roseraie’s offerings that include horseback riding, trekking to Berber villages and an onsite Spa. ►Lunch in the garden at Hotel La Roseraie ►Departure in the late afternoon and return to Marrakech. Farewell dinner in Marrakech. ►Spend the night at a Moroccan Riad or Hotel in Marrakech with a garden setting.

DAY 10: CASABLANCA OR MARRAKECH DEPARTURE ►Breakfast in Marrakech at your Riad or Hotel. ►Early morning drive from Marrakech to Casablanca. Departures available also from Marrakech’s Menara Airport For more information about the Garden Tours Morocco

New Years Desert Tour, A Moroccan Safari, Your Morocco Travel Guide

2011-11-18T18:38:00.000-08:00

Journey on a New Years Desert Tour and participate in an authentic Moroccan Safari. A cross roads of civilization and a constant reminder of Berber tribalism, the Sahara Desert remains a luminous and authentic way to discover Morocco. Merzouga's Sahara Desert’s dusty, arid landscapes coupled with its starry blue skies offers up countless opportunities to camel trek, view regional flora and fauna, ancient fossils and nomad life while celebrating the New Year. Take a Private New Years Desert Tour or a Moroccan Safari into the Sahara's Erg Chebbi Dunes of Merzouga. Options for exploration on a New Years Desert tour includes a 3-Day Desert Tour Discovery, a 4-Day Desert Tour Exploration or 5-Day Moroccan Safari. On request, private New Years Desert Tours starting and ending in Marrakech, from Marrakech to Fes and Fes to Fes are available. Why visit the Sahara on a New Years Desert Tour?

“It is a unique sensation, and it has nothing to do with loneliness, for loneliness presupposes memory. Here, in this wholly mineral landscape lighted by stars like flares, even memory disappears; nothing is left but your own breathing and the sound of your heart beating."“Baptism of Solitude,” - Paul Bowlesdescribes the Sahara. New Year Desert Tour Dates - A Moroccan Safari 4 Days Marrakech New Years Desert Tour ▪ December 30th– 8:00am Departure from Marrakech and cross the High Atlas Mountain traveling through the Tizzin’ Tichka Pass. Stop to visit Kasbah Telouet, a local Argan Cooperative run by women. Arrive in Ouarzazate at sunset. Dinner and Overnight at a 4 Star Charming Riad with views of the Atlas Mountains. ▪ December 31st – 9:00am – Departure from your Riad to visit Skoura, the Amerdihl Kasbah. Take the valley of one thousand Kasbahs and the Skoura palmary through the Valley of Roses also known as El Kelaa Des Mgouna. Optino to have lunch in the Valley and then continue the road to Erfoud. Discover Erfoud, famous for fossils, the Sahara Desert town of Rissani. Continue the road to the Erg Chebbi Dunes. Sunset camel trek into the Sahara Desert. New Years Celebration at your bivouac camp deep in the Sahara Dunes under the midnight stars. ▪ January 1^st – 9:00am – Sunrise camel trek and breakfast in the Sahara. Discover its windy roads by 4x4. Take the road back to Ouarzazate. En route to Ouarzazate, go by Alnif and have lunch of couscous in a traditional Moroccan village with a Berber family or take the road through Tinerhir past the Todra Gorge and onto Ouarzaz.ate. Dinner and Overnight at a 4 Star Charming Riad in Ouarzazate with views of the Atlas Mountains. - January 2nd – 9:00am –Breakfast at your Riad. Visit the Oasis of Fint. Tea ceremony and fresh baked bread with Azziz. Continue the road to Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Go for a short hike and have Lunch with views of this ancient Kasbah. Continue the road through the Ounila Valley back to Marrakech.

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Languages of Morocco, Your Morocco Trvel Guide

2011-11-10T11:15:00.001-08:00

The Official Language of Morocco is Arabic “Darjia” and spoken by Most Moroccans. On part with Darija is Berber (Amazigh) and spoken by over 50% of Morocco's Population. Although Arabic is a language spoken by hundreds of millions of people in North Africa, the Middle East, and the Arabian Peninsula, the Arabic spoken in Morocco, called Darija, is different than in other Arabic speaking countries. When traveling to Morocco bringing along an English/ French - Arabic dictionary will make your Morocco Travel experience more enjoyable. The different dialects of spoken Arabic can best be compared to the range of dialects in the Chinese language. Pronunciations on words vary greatly as well. However, classically written Arabic, called Fossa, is standard and the same throughout the Arab world. The reason for this is because it is important that all Arabic speakers understand the Qur’an, which is written in Classical Arabic, Fossa. In recent decades, the spread of television and radio has increased Moroccans exposure to Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), adapted from standard written Arabic. It is not uncommon for a Moroccan person to be a mix of Berber, Arab, Spanish, Black and Jewish descent. As result, over two thirds of Moroccans use Moroccan Darja as their first language but may also speak one or more additional languages. The other one-third of Moroccans includes the Berber population who live in the mountains, in villages within the Middle-Atlas and within remote areas of Morocco. As a result Morocco’s population expansion more Berbers today live in larger cities and administrative centers such as Ouarzazate, Agadir and Marrakech. The majority of Berbers primary language is Berber (Amazaigh) and while the older generation in remote regions do not speak any Moroccan Darija the younger generation does.

Tifnagh is the name of the Berber alphabet. Over three hundred Berber dialects exist in Morocco. The main ones include Tarifit spoken among inhabitants of the Rif Mountains, Tamazight is used by Berbers in the Middle and High Atlas Mountains and Tashelhit is spoken by residents of the Anti-Atlas Mountains in central Morocco and Tuareg in the Sahara. Amazigh languages and traditions have prevailed in Morocco and the Berbers have recently reclaimed “Berber” as a unifying term. More then 60% of Moroccans now call themselves Amazigh or Berber and Berber languages are spoken by approximately 15 million Moroccans. With the backing of King Mohammad VI, who is part Berber himself, the ancient written Tifnagh alphabet has been revived as a national language and is now being taught in many schools. Within the next decade, Berber will be taught in public schools across Morocco along with English, the new accepted Lingua Franca of trade and tourism and Morocco. King Mohammed VI’s of Morocco’s address on March 9, 2011 included an announcement of a reform of the Constitution and acknowledging the plurality of the Moroccan identity, united and enriched with the diversity of its tributaries, at the heart of which lies Amazaigh, the common heritage of all Moroccans. On June 12, 2011, a constitutional reform project was handed to the King by a commission run by constitutionalist Abdelatif Mennouni, in which the clear recommendation was to recognize two official languages for Morocco, Tamazight and Arabic, and there was an official vote in an Organic Law at Parliament to define the stages and terms of an official use of the Amazigh language in teaching, the media, and administration. French is also commonly spoken among Berbers and Moroccans. With the exception of the most isolated children all Moroccans understand and can speak at least a little French. Although Arabic (Moroccan Darjia) is the national language and used for all formal proceedings in Morocco, international business is often conducted in French and many schools now teach in a mix of French and Arabic. Morocco’s distance from the Middle East and its history of close contact with European nations have created a spoken Arabic “Darija” that incorporates many French words and expressions. Morocco’s months of the year are in French and many street names and signs are written in both Arabic and French. Also, as most books in Morocco as written in French, and seldom translated into English, it is often difficult for non- French speaking westerners to find literature from or about Morocco. In addition to Arabic, Berber and French, it is also common to hear Spanish, German and most recently English in certain areas of Morocco. Until 1965, the Spanish controlled northern Moroccan cities such as Tetouan. Also, because northern Morocco is in such close proximity to Spain, Spanish is commonly spoken in Tangier. In Agadir, a beach resort destination attracting many Germans, German is spoken. Since the tourism industry is an important part of Morocco’s economy, English is closely linked and used by anyone working in the tourism or hotel industry, thus you should have little trouble traveling in Morocco. While not necessary, if you happen to speak Moroccan Darija, Arabic or French it will make your experience more enjoyable and rewarding. Just speaking a few words of Arabic or knowing a few words of the Berber region you plan to visit will make Moroccans immediately friendlier and impressed because your attempt implies a respect for their culture.

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Top 100 Places to Visit in Morocco, Your Morocco Travel Blog

2011-11-02T03:39:00.000-07:00

The Top 100 Places to see in Morocco is a list culled together and filled with Morocco’s best 100 sacred sites ranging from Mosques to Museums, Old cities to Kasbahs and natural wonders. Morocco’s greatest sites are those that any first time traveler to Morocco should consider exploring. This selection of MoroccoTop 100 Sites offers a defining view of the country’s important spaces and places that are of significant historical origin from the Northern Sea coast to the Sahara.

The Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca
Sacre Coeur Cathedral, Casablanca
Temple Beth El Synagogue, Casablanca
Museum of Moroccan Judaism, Casablanca
Kasbah Ouadia, Rabat
Hassan Tower, Rabat
Mausoleum of Mohamed V, Rabat
Necropolis of Chellah, Rabat
Royal Palace, Rabat
Roman Ruins Walili, Volubilis
Bab Boujoloud Gate, Fes
Bou Inania Medersa, Fes
Nejjarine Museum of Wood Arts and Crafts, Fes
Dar Batha Museum & Gardens, Fes
Jardin Jnan Sbil, Fes
Fes el-Bali Medina, Fes
Karaouine Mosque, Fes
Sahrij Medersa, Fes
Zaouia Moulay Idriss II, Fes
El Attarin Medersa, Fes
Aben Danan Synagogue, Fes
Jewish Cemetery, Fes
Tomb of Solica, Fes
Medersa es Seffraine, Fes
Medersa Cherratine, Fes
Medersa es Sahrija, Fes
Moulay Idris, Moulay Idriss
Tomb of Moulay Idriss, Moulay Idriss
Bab el-Khemis, Meknes
. Royal Stables & Agdal Reservoir, Meknes
El-Hedim Public Sqaure, Meknes
Bab Mansour Gate, Meknes
Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, Meknes
Palais Dar Jamai, Meknes
Erg Chebbi Dunes, Merzouga
Moulay Ali Cherif Mausoleum, Rissani
Royal Palace Gate, Erfoud
Maddid Ksar, Erfoud
Prehistoric Rock Paintings, Tazarine
Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, Ouarzazate
Oasis of Fint, Ouarzazate
Kasbah Taourirt, Ouarzazate
Kasbah Tifloultoute, Ouarzazate
Atlas Film Studios, Ouarzazate
CLA Film Studios, Ouarzazate
Lake El Mansour, Ouarzazate Region
Kasbah Telouet, Telouet
Amerdihl Kasbah, Skoura
Ait Ben Abou Kasbah, Skoura
Mount Mgoun & Valley of Nomads, Bouthgrar
Valley of Roses, El Kelaa Des Mgouna
Todra Gorge, Tinerhir
Dades Valley Gorge, Boumalne Dades Valley
Amzrou Jewish Quarter, Zagora
Zaouia Sidi Nacri, Zagora
Dunes of Tinfo, Zagora
Erg Chegaga Dunes, Chegaga
M’hamid Dunes, M’hamid
Djemaa El Fna Square, Marrakech
Marjorelle Gardens, Marrakech
Menara Gardens, Marrakech
Agdal Gardens, Marrakech
Bahia Palace, Marrakech
Ben Youssef Medersa, Marrakech
The Almoravid Joubba (Koubba el Baroudiyine), Marrakech
Masusoleum of Lalla Zohra, Marrakech
El Badi Palace, Marrakech
Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech
Museum of Marrakech, Marrakech
Tiskiwin Museum, Marrakech
The Mellah, Marrakech
Cedar Forrest, Ifrane
Gate of the Gnaoua (Bab Agnaou), Marrakech
Agafay Desert, Marrakech Region
Lake Takerkoust, Marrakech Region
Ouzoud Waterfalls, Cascades D’Ouzoud
Setti Fatma Falls, Ourika Valley
Toukbal Mountain, Imlil, Toukbal
Skala de la Ville, Essaouira
The Port, Essaouira
Orsen Welles Square, Essaouira
Cap Spartel, Tangier
Hercules Cave (Grottes d’Hercules), Tangier
Grande Mosque, Tangier
Grande Socco, Tangier
Mendoubia Gardens, Tangier
Place de France, Tangier
The Kasbah, Taniger
Kasbah Museum, Chefchaouen
Tetouan Medina, Tetouan
Valley of Birds, Agadir
The Old Kasbah, Agadir
Ancienne Talborjt, Agadir
Asiliah Ramparts, Asiliah
Palais de Raisuli, Asiliah
Church of San Bartolome
Oualidia Lagoon, Oualidia
Portuguese, Cistern, El Jadida
99. Ancient Ruins of Lixus, Larach
Palace of Caid Dahmane Takni, Goulimine

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Mustapha El Harchi, Essaouira’s Painter by Mouth, Your Morocco Travel Guide

2011-10-02T17:44:00.000-07:00

Once in a while we come across a person in our lives that allows us to understand the meaning of dignity. It is Mustapha El Harchi, a disabled painter by mouth from Morocco’s seaside artist colony of Essaouirathat serves as a reminder how self-dignity and self-preservation of the soul are free. I first met Mustapha El Harchi five years ago. I was strolling just past the wide entrance to Essaouira’s old medina and walked right past him. I did a double take, then circled back. It only took a glimpse of Mustapha painting by mouth for an immediate recollection of Jim Sheridan’s film “My Left Foot” staring Daniel Day-Lewis. Thus began a story of acknowledgement and friendship. Musapha El Harchi paints daily at his outdoor stall which consists of his wheel chair, a make shift easel, his paints and a carry bag of his things. He parks himself across from Taros restaurant and just around the corner from the Casa Villa, a famous Essaouira café known for the best espresso in town.

Each time the opportunity arose and I would return to Essaouira my first visit in the old medina would begin with visiting Mustapaha. I secretly admired his sense of dignity, calm and organization as he painted by mouth. I always make a point of telling Mustapha that a view of the Atlantic Ocean along with a daily routine of painting in the serene town is the truly a good life. Mustapha typically smiles agreeably with a laugh, while gesturing to the tourists and locals who pass by his creative make-shift art stall. Mustpaha and his paintings qualify top rate under a list of “what to see and do in Essaouira.” A visit with him is equally as rewarding if not more then a visit to other local galleries or even Orsen Wells Square.

Mustapha’s out door stall is meticulously filled with new, small works of naïve paintings ranging from seascapes to floral designs, and agricultural landscapes all available for a modest 20 Moroccan Dirhams. Over the years, I have collected many and often give them away sharing the story of the artist. I began collecting his pieces because I enjoyed the idea of contributing to Mustapha’s form of artistic expression. For years I wanted to photograph Mustapha El Harchi and I also thought about making a short film. On my last trip to Essaouira in September 2011 we agreed that it would be a nice idea if I photographed him with the goal to share his story.

Mustapha and I also decided that allowing foreigners have a small piece of his work would be a nice way to remember both him and Essaouira. Our solution was to give everyone who embarks on a tour with Travel Exploration a gift - a hand painted post card by Mustapha El Harachi, painter by mouth.

Mustapha El Harchi can be reached at the address listed below. If you’re visiting Essaouira, make sure to stop by and see him. He is fond of art books and collects them as inspiration for his works. To make a donation you can send him an art book of flowers, rural landscapes and still paintings. He would be very grateful indeed.

Mustapha El Harchi B.P. 1370 CP: 44100 Essaouira, Maroc Telephone: +212-669787367

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Fantasia In Marrakech At Chez Ali, Your Morocco Travel Guide

2011-10-02T04:15:00.000-07:00

Fantasia in Marrakech at Chez Ali is a spectacular way to see Marrakech by night. This Equestrian dinner and Moroccan music show in the Palmerie of Marrakech, Morocco an homage and touristic replication of the traditional Meknes Fantasia. At Chez Ali in Marrakech, a Moroccan dinner is served with a traditional starter of Harira, with a main course of Mechoui and couscous, all under caidal "tents". The dinner is complimented by Berber folklore and a wide range of musical styles from Berber groups, Chabbi musicians, Moroccan Rap and Gnaoua. Attendees will see jugglers. the flying carpet, belly dancing and finally the Fantasia show.

Originating from the region of Meknes Morocco, Fantasia is a war ceremony that consists of opposing groups of horsemen, each representing the best rides of its tribe. The performance is inspired from historical wartime attacks of Berber and desert knights. Today, Fantasia is considered as a cultural art and a form of martial art; it also symbolizes a strong relationship between the man and the horse, as well as an attachment to tradition. Each region in Morocco has one or several fantasia groups, called serba, totaling thousands of horse riders nationwide. Performances are usually during local seasonal, cultural or religious festivals, also called mousseum, which translates to “season” in Arabic. This traditionalequestrian performance practiced during cultural festivals in Morocco. Fantasia is not the original name as the actual traditional term used is "Game of gunpowder".

Fantasia in its pure form consists of a group of horse riders, wearing traditional clothes and charging along a straight path at the same speed so as to form a line, at the end of the ride (about two hundred meters) all riders fire into the sky using old gunpowder guns. The difficulty of the performance is synchronization during the acceleration and especially during firing so that one single shot is heard. The horse is referred to as fantasia horse.

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Casablanca Day Trips, Tours & Excursions, Your Morocco Tour Guide

2011-09-12T16:11:00.000-07:00

Casablanca is Morocco’s leading port second to Tangier and home of the famous Hassan II Mosque. This seaside city with a long winding corniche is a great starting point for Casablanca Trips & Tours. Located on the Atlantic Ocean Casablanca is situated in a place that is perfect for short tours that include Rabat, Marrakech, Fes Chefchaouen and the Rif Mountains region.

Tailor made excursions from Casablanca in a private car with an English, multi-lingual speaking driver are the best way to see Morocco. Morocco day trips from Casablanca include Marrakech and Rabat. Morocco tours from Casablanca include Imperial City tours to Fes, Marrakech and Meknes alongside options to visit the Sahara region in a 4x4 for camel trekking to the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga.

Casablanca’s port and its airport hub easily enable Moroccan travelers easy access to Morocco day trips and tours. Casablanca’s history is equally as interesting.

The area which is today Casablanca was settled by Berbers in the 7th century BC. It was used as a port by the Phoenicians and later the Romans. Its ancient name was “Anfa” and known as a small independent kingdom. During the 14th century, under the Merinids, Anfa rose as an important port. In the early 15th century, the town became an independent state once again, and emerged as a safe harbor for pirates and privateers, leading to it being targeted by the Portuguese, who destroyed the town in 1468. The Portuguese used the ruins of Anfa to build a military fortress in 1515. The town that grew up around it was called "Casa Branca", meaning "white house" in Portuguese.

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Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration at 1 (800) 787-8806 or 1 (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

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Morocco Bead & Jewelry Tour, Treasure Hunt & Shop the Souks of Marrakech, Essaouira & Ouarzazate, Morocco Tour Guide

2011-09-11T10:30:00.000-07:00

A Moroccan Bead & Jewelry Adventure hosted by Sarah Corbett

April 16^th – 29^th, 2012 - Marrakech - Essaouira -Tarodaunt - Ouarzazte

Discover the History of Moroccan Jewelry, Morocco's leading Imperial city, the Magnificent South. Shop the Souks of Marrakech, Essaouira and Ouarzazate on this unique journey with fellow jewelry collectors and bead lovers. We will begin this Moroccan Bead & Jewelry Adventure in Marrakech where you will discover ancient trade beads, collector’s jewels along with a visit to the Tiskiwin Museum. Complimented by a visit to the Majorelle Gardens your Marrakech Bead & Jewely Adventure is a luxury and enjoyable travel opportunity and great way to discover this “red hamra” city. We will then travel to seaside Essaouira, the region of the Argan tree and explore its old medina for precious amber while dining seaside. Next our journey will continue onward towards Tarodaunt, considered the mini Marrakech where you will participate in the Bead making process and watch ancient traditions. Last stop is Ouarzazate, the home of great silver traders and fabulous shops near the lovely Kasbah Taourirt where you will discover trade beads and treasures.

ITINERARY

APRIL 16th: MARRAKECH ARRIVALS - AIRPORT TRANSFER Airport arrivals in Marrakech. Transfer to Riad. All to meet up at Riad Palais Sebban by 3:00pm. Visit the Tiskiwin Museum, a private museum dedicated to popular arts & crafts, styled as a beautiful Spanish-Moroccan house, next door to Dar Si Said palace, a smaller version of the Bahia.Tiskiwin Museum Lecture: You will have a first hand viewing of the Tiskiwin and listen to a one-hour lecture and exploration of its history, be shown its private bead and jewelry collection. Afternoon treasure hunting. Welcome Evening - Appetizers & Drinks at Riad Palais Sebban. A chance to meet your fellow travelers and an overview of the route and the jewels we may find. A display of Tuareg pieces of jewelry with a Tuareg trader on hand to explain the styles and symbolism of the jewelry. Spend the night at a 4 Star Charming Riad in Marrakech.

APRIL 17th: MARRAKECH (9:00am - 2:30pm OPTIONAL - GUIDED HALF- DAY HISTORICAL TOUR & TREASURE HUNTING) Breakfast at your Riad. Begin your one-day Historical Tour of Marrakech. Your introduction to Marrakech will begin in the new city, we will navigate our way to French, Gueliz and head to the Majorelle Gardens, a magical and lush small garden estate designed by Jacque Majorelle and maintained by Yves Saint Laurent. The Majorelle Garden is filled with colorful walkways, ponds, cactus and plants as well as a beautiful shop with hand-made goods. On our return to your hotel, we will pass by the La Mammounia Hotel Garden (where Alfred Hitchcock wrote the famous film The Birds). Visit the 19th Century Bahia Palace, originally built for Si Moussa, a former slave who became King Moulay Hassan's chamberlain. The palace holds a courtyard and riads decorated with and the most beautiful carved stucco, Arabic architecture. Next visit the 16th Century Saadian Tombs and El Mansour mosque. Marrakech is a city of underground channels built by the architects from Cordoba, Spain to provide water for the town and Palmery. Next visit the old, Medina, the old quarter of the Marrakech. From here we will explore this historically charming area by foot. In Djemma el Fna, you will visit the famous 12th century Koutouba Mosque and its influential minaret. Afternoon treasure hunting in the Souks of Marrakech. Spend the night at a 4 Star Charming Riad in Marrakech.
APRIL 18th: MARRAKECH - ESSAOUIRA (12:30pm -2:30pm OPTIONAL - Half-Day Guided Historical Tour) (Driving Time: 2 1/2 Hours) Breakfast at your Riad in Marrakech.Departure for Essaouira in the morning. Take the road to visit the seaside port of Essaouira. The journey to this former Portuguese ﬁshing village offers up only a few roadside towns and the occasional Berber village. In the ’60s and ’70s, Essaouira was a pitstop on the hippie trek from Marrakesh. Jimi Hendrix made the pilgrimage, as did Bob Marley and Cat Stevens. Essaouira was the inspiration for Hendrix’s song “Castles Made of Sand.” Witness the Argan goats in trees nestling in to eat away at the Argan nuts which are typically used in making Argan Oil, Butter and Cosmetics. Arrive in Essaouira. Check into your Hotel. Take a half-day Historical Tour. Have lunch at the fish-grill cafes, with wooden tables and benches laid out overlooking the sea. The journey to this former Portuguese fishing village offers up only a few roadside towns and the occasional Berber village. In the ’60s and ’70s, Essaouira was a pitstop on the hippie trek from Marrakesh. Jimi Hendrix made the pilgrimage, as did Bob Marley and Cat Stevens. Essaouira was the inspiration for Hendrix’s song “Castles Made of Sand”. Visit this sea-side medieval town that boasts lovely white-washed and blue-shuttered houses, colonnades, thuya wood workshops, art galleries and mouthwatering seafood. Once called Mogador by European sailors and traders, Essaouria is known for its annual Gnaoua Music Festival that attracts 300,000+ people in June. It also has an expansive beach for surfing called Plage de Safi. Take a stroll along the town’s sunlit pedestrian main square, Place Prince Moulay el Hassan and the Skala du Port, the fishing harbor, offers breathtaking views of the Portuguese ramparts. Explore the ramparts and the spice and jewelry souks of the medina. The medina of Essaouira(formerly "Mogador") is a UNESCO World Heritage listed city, as an example of a late-18th centuryfortified town. After your historical tour, continue treasure hunting in Essaouira. Spend the night at a 4 Star Charming Riad in Essaouira.

APRIL 19th: ESSAOUIRA Rise, breakfast at your Hotel. Bead & Jewelry Hunting in Essaouira: Take time out in Essaouira’s old medina to visit the jewelry shops that specialize in antique Venetian beads, Berber Silver, Amber and Copal. Dinner Recommendations: Taros or El Mer, Essaouira’s top eats with sea views and fresh fish. Spend the night at a 4 Star charming Riad in Essaouira.

APRIL 20th: ESSAOUIRA - TAROUDANT (Driving Time: 6 Hours) Rise, have breakfast at your Riad in Essaouira, then take the road to Tarodaunt. Dinner and Spend the night at a charming Riad in Taroudant.

APRIL 21st: TAROUDANT Rise, have breakfast at your Riad in Tarodaunt. Shop the Souks of Tarodaunt. Taroudant is a Moroccan city located in the Souss Valley in the southern part of the country. It is situated east from Agadir on the road to Ouarzazate and South from Marrakech. It has the feel of a small fortified market town on some caravan route. It is also known for its local crafts like jewelry and carpets. Taroudant is often referred to as the "Grandmother of Marrakech" because it is a scaled down, slowed down town that resembles Marrakech with its surrounding ramparts. Unlike Marrakech, Taroudant contains almost the whole city within its walls. Visit the old medinas’ ramparts with a guided two-hour tour then spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the souk of Taradount and treasure hunting in its shops that are filled with antique silver, beads and shaded alleys occupied by gentle craftsman and shop owners. Dinner and Spend the night at a charming Riad in Taroudant.

APRIL 22nd TAROUDANT Rise, have breakfast at your Riad in Taradount then take the road to spend an entire day watching the Bead-making Process, rare demonstrations of Bead-making traditions. Lunch during your Bead-Making workshop. View The Bead-Making Process: View the bead-making process detail at the workshop where you can create your own jewelry from the beads that you have seen produced that day - which will be yours to keep as a souvenir of your visit. There will be access to a wide selection of beads available. Bead Demonstration Of Rare Bead-making Traditions. During your workshop you will have the opportunity to witness a demo of three different styles of bead making. Bead making enthusiasts will enjoy this demonstration as it will enable them to view how old traditions are still be practiced, produced and carried on in Morocco. Some of these traditions include utilizing couscous and other original Moroccan traditions to create beads. Travel Exploration Morocco was the first agency to record this “rare” bead-making process and your group will be second to experience it first hand. There will be an opportunity to also purchase beads and special silver and other Moroccan Jewelry during your Bead Making Workshop in Taroudant Lunch in Taroudant at La Valla, a local restaurant in Taradount or at the Bead-Making workshop. After lunch continue Moroccan Bead and Jewelry Treasure Hunting or return to your Riad to relax for the evening. Dinner and Spend the night at a charming Riad in Taroudant.

APRIL 23rd: TAROUDAUNT - TAZNAGHT- OUARZAZATE Breakfast at your Riad. Then take the road to Ouarzazate. En route to Ouarazate, you will stop at the Taliouine Saffron Cooperative. Taliouine is the traditional area of cultivation of saffron in Morocco and has been for hundreds of years. The Taliouine Souktana cooperative is on the road to Taroudant, in the village of Taliouine, in the heart of Sirwa Mountains. The Taliouine Cooperative sells only a truly biological saffron, cultivated according the traditional ways, with natural fertilizers . The mountains dry climate is ideal for such a culture. After visiting the Taliouine Saffron Cooperative , continue the road to Ouarzazate. Dinner and Spend the night at a charming Riad in Ouarzazate.

APRIL 24th: OUARZAZATE (MORNING JEWELRY SHOPPING & VISIT OF THE ATLAS FILM STUDIO OR OPTIONAL AFTERNOON VISIT OF OUARZAZATE) Rise early, breakfast at your Riad and then spend the morning jewelry shopping in Ouarzazate. Lunch near Kasbah Taourirt. Discover treasure hunting in this calm, oasis of Southern Morocco that was originally an administrative center during the French Protectuate. Discover jewelry just outside Kasbah Taouirt and in the old market alongside the smells of Berber Amber and Musk. Have a walk across from the antique jewelry shops and option to visit Kasbah Taourirt. Kasbah Taorirt was built by the Glaoui. Its location was strategic for trading routes and in the 1930’s when the Glaoui ruled the South it was then one of Morocco’s largest Kasbahs. Explore its nooks and crannies and discover some local female painters who sell their art inside as well as the many quality silver shops just steps outside the Kasbah. In the afternoon, visit the Atlas Film Studios. The Atlas Film Studios studios are flanked by Holly-wood style Egyptian figures and cover 30,000 sq m of desert. David Lean filmed Lawrence of Arabiaat The Atlas Film Studios in the early 1960’s. Since then many famous directors have followed in his footsteps to exploit the magnificent scenery. International blockbusters shot here in recent years include: the French version of Cleopatra, Bertolucci’s Sheltering Sky, Scorsese’sKundun, Gillies MacKannon’s Hideous Kinky, Ridley Scott’s Gladiator, Black Hawke Down, Oliver Stone’s Alexander The Great, Ridley Scott’s Kingdom of Heaven, and Penelope Cruz’s Sahara. Most of the filming takes place in the desert in the south however you can view the Tibetan monastery featured in Scorese’s Kundan and an Egyptian temple from Cleopatra. This ends your Morocco Travel experience. Dinner & Spend the night at a charming Riad in Ouarzazate.

APRIL 25th: OUARZAZATE (JEWELRY SHOPPING) Rise early, breakfast at your Riad and then take the road to visit the Ouarzazate region and its famous Kasbahs. Jewelry Shopping and Explore Ouarzazate. Dinner at La Kasbah Des Sables in Ouarzazate. Le Kasbah Des Sables is a gastronomic experience with a menu that combines the cuisine of Fes, Meknes, Tangier, Arab and Berber with first class fare. This restaurant offers a museum- quality atmosphere as its’ decor has been hand stitched together and is filled with Berber, Morocco traditional furniture and art that was hand crafted by local artisans in the Ouarzazate region. Each section of the restaurant offers an intimate environment and the opportunity to eat on tables that are hand painted and adorned with silver fibulas, Amber and other regional jewels. Spend the night at a 4 star charming Riad in Ouarzazate.

APRIL 26th: OPTION EXCURSION TO THE VALLEY OF ROSES - VALLEY OF NOMADS - DADES VALLEY OR RELAX AT THE RIAD OR CONTINUE JEWELRY SHOPPING (Driving Time: 2 1/2 Hours)Breakfast at your Riad. Take the road to visit Bouthgrar, the Valley of Nomads and the Dades Valley. En route visit Kasbah Amerdihl in Skoura and it’s one thousand Kasbahs and palmary. Begin your visit at the breakthtaking Valley of Nomads. Located in Bouthgrar is the Valley of Nomads, a beautiful 10 kilometer valley where Nomads live in caves that are surrounded by Mount Mgoun. Mount Mgoun is the second highest mountain in Morocco and boasts extraordinery views. Have tea with a Nomad family. See first hand where they make their own carpets and co exist in Bouthgrar with other Nomad families. Your journey will then take you through the Dades Valley which covers 125 km between Ouarzazate andBoumalne du Dadès in the High Atlas Mountains. Once you reach Boumalne at first sight you notice the limestone cliffs with uniquely shaped erosions and superb scenery and the valley’s pise (windy roads). Driving along you will pass flower filled fields, fertile fields, riverbanks and several fortified ksours. At the bottom of Gorge of Boumalne Dadès there are ruined hilltop Kasbahs and valley floor gardens. Lunch will be served at a nearby guesthouse that offers local Moroccan fare and a panoramic view. Relax and sip mint tea while gazing at the impressive valley view. Dinner & Spend the night at a 4 star charming Riad in Ouarzazate.

APRIL 27th: OUARZAZATE - MARRAKECH Rise, have breakfast at your Riad and then take the road to Marrakech. “See Ouarzazate and die” are feelings often expressed by Moroccans with regards to this magical city that is the door to the Sahara desert. Located just four hours from Marrakech, Ouarzazate is the main Berber city in the south known for its spectacular sunsets and dramatic mountain and desert scenery. Surrounded by breathtaking valleys, Ouarzazate was once crossing point for African traders seeking to reach northern cities in Morocco and Europe. During the French period, Ouarzazate expanded considerably as a garrison town and became the administrative centre of the Zagora region. Ouarzazate became famous when it’s nearby Kasbah; Ait Benhaddou appeared in the 1962 film Lawrence of Arabia. Then take the road to Ait Benhaddou. Located 32 km from Ouarzazate lies the picturesque village. Aït Benhaddou of Aït Benhaddou is situated in Souss-Massa-Dra on a hill along the Ouarzazate river.. Lawrence of Arabia was filmed here and Orson Welles used it as a location for Sodome and Gomorrah; and for Jesus of Nazareth the whole lower part of the village was rebuilt. In recent years more controlled restoration has been carried out under UNESCO auspices. Aït Benhaddou is one of many locations in this region used for shooting Hollywood films. Aït Benhaddou which once served as the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech in present-day Morocco. Most of the town's inhabitants now live in a more modern village at the other side of the river; ten families however still live within the ksar. Your guide will lead you on a private tour through this Berber village of towered and crenulated Kasbahs that once guarded the lucrative caravan route through the Atlas Mountains. Explore the Kasbahs by foot with the option to ride a donkey across a river. During your journey to Marrakech you will also pass the olive groves of the Oued Zat, as you ascend onto the Tizi-N-Tichka Pass Road. Built by the French in the 1920’s, the Tizi-N-Tichka Pass can be described as having mountainous barriers, Mediterranean and oceanic influences and desert borders. long the route you will see panoramic viewsof the High Atlas Mountains as well as sights of fertile valleys, blue and red colored pise villages and other striking mineral environments. En route stop for lunch and visit the Argan Cooperative where Argan Oil, Butter and Cosmetics are made with the Argan nut by hand as Berber women crack the nuts and the grind them one by one. Have a complimentary tasting. This cooperative is run entirely by women. Lunch in the village of Tadart. Arrive in Marrakech. Evening Free. Spend the night at a 4 star charming Riad in Marrakech.

APRIL 28th: MARRAKECH (JEWELRY SHOPPING & EXPLORATION) Rise early, breakfast at your Riad. Free Day to Shop the Souks of Marrakech for the special Moroccan Beads and Jewelry you missed out on the first time around. Sarah Corbett is available by arrangement for morning shopping guidance. Jewelry & Treasures of Marrakech Viewing:Evening viewing at a celebrated Jewelry store in the Spice markets of Marrakech. Enjoy a two- hour viewing of fabulous beads, jewels and local silver pieces available for purchase and historical discussion about the origin and meaning of these pieces. Spend the night at a 4 Star charming Riad in Marrakech Marrakech.

APRIL 29th: MARRAKECH MENARA AIRPORT DEPARTURES: Breakfast at your Riad. Departure from Marrakech’s Menara Airport. Airport transfers from Marrakech.

TRIP DETAILS:

Cost Per Person:  $4,325 USA /2,675 GBP / 3,030 EUROS

Single Supplement: $950 USA /652GBP /579 EUROS

Includes: Accommodations (shared rooms or single room supplement option), 14 breakfasts, 6 dinners (20 meals total) (alcohol not included), private transport, local transport fees, entrance fees for sites on tour, guide fees, workshop tuition, tips.

Not Included: Airfare, some meals, alcoholic beverages. Payment Terms: $500 deposit to hold spot; balance due 90 days prior to start of Morocco Bead & Jewelry Tour

Morocco Recommended Reading Music & Films, Your Morocco Travel Guide

2011-08-15T21:13:00.000-07:00

Edith Wharton said, "To visit Morocco is still like turning the pages of some illuminated Persian manuscript all embroidered with bright shapes and subtle lines.” A cold country with a hot sun, Morocco has witnessed a changing of the guards during the past thirteen years as King Mohammed VI has moved the country and its people forward. As a tourist destination Morocco once held its visitors captive with compelling stories which let them to travel North of Fes to Tangier and to Marrakesh. The Beatniks and hippies made their way to Morocco enchanted by what they read and heard about Paul Bowles, Mohammed Chokri, Allen Ginsberg and Yves Saint Laurent. The Morocco files began and this majestic and soulful country became the hidden jewel of North Africa.

A trip to Morocco offers travelers everything from fine French - Moroccan cuisine to Sahara Desert camel treks, Atlas Mountain hikes, visits to Nomads that live in caves, Berber villages, magnificent gorges, the expansive Draa Valley and hot air ballon rides over Marrakech. There's nothing unattainable on a trip to Morocco. Every person visiting needs a Morocco recommended reading, music and film list before departing on a trip to the great Maghreb. For those who are interested in exploring the real Morocco before they arrive Alecia Cohen, Morocco Travel Specialist, has hand picked a list of her favorites. Great reads range from Moroccan history to fiction and non-fiction along with Morocco's best design and decor choices. A overview of Moroccan music and films shot in Morocco is also included for those who want to explore deeper.

MOROCCO READING LIST (Available on Amazon.com & Barnes & Noble.com) HISTORY (Available on Amazon.com & Barnes & Noble.com)

Morocco That Was – By Water Harris
Morocco Since 1830 – By C.R. Pennell
Lords of the Atlas: The Rise and Fall of the House of Glaoua – By Gavin Maxwell
The Conquest of Morocco – By Douglass Porch

FICTION & NON- FICTION

Culture & Customs in Morocco – By Raphael Njoku
In Morocco – By Edith Wharton
In Arabian Nights: A Caravan of Moroccan Dreams – By Tahir Shah
The Caliph’s House: A Year in Casablanca – By Tahir Shah
The Spiders House – By Paul Bowles
The Sheltering Sky – By Paul Bowles (Book & Film)
Let It Come Down – By Paul Bowles
The Last Storytellers: Tales from the Heart of Morocco – By Richard Hamilton
Their Heads are Green & Their Hands are Blue – By Paul Bowles
Dreams of Trespass: Tales of A Harem – By Fatima Mernissi
Berber Odes: Poetry from the Mountains of Morocco – By Michael Peyron
The Hamadsha: A Studio of Moroccan Ethnopsychiatry
A House in Fes – By Susannah Clarke
Marrakesh: Through Writers’ Eyes – Edited by Barnaby Rogers and Rose Baring

DESIGN & DÉCOR

Living in Morocco: (German Edition) – By Barbara Stoeltie
Moroccan Interiors – By Lisa Lovatt-Smith
Living in Morocco from Casablanca to Marrakesh – By Lisl Dennis and Landt Dennis
New Moroccan Style: The Art of Sensual Living – By Susan Sully
Moroccan Textile Embroidery – By Isabelle Denamur
Berber Carpets of Morocco. The Symbols. Origina and Meaning By Bruno Barbatti
Imazighen: The Vanishing Traditions of Berber Women – By Margaret Courtney-Clarke and Geraldine Brooks

MOROCCAN MUSIC (Available on Amazon.com or I-Tunes Apple Store)

Andalusian Music from Fes By Abdelkrim Rais
Andalusian Music from Tangier By Cheik Ahmed Zaitouni
Jilala: Sufi Trance Music from Morocco By Jilala
Music of Islam 5: Aissaoua Sufi Ceremony By Music of Islam
Under the Moroccan Sky – Various Artists
B’ismillah – Fes Festival of World Music
Berber Blues By Cherifa
The Master Musicians of Jajouka Featuring Bachir Attar
The Master Musicians of Jajouka – Jajouka Between the Mountains
Baptism of Solitude – By Paul Bowles and Bill Laswell (Spoken Word)
Arabic Groove – Putumayo World Music
Rough Guide to North African Café
Rough Guide to Arabic Café
Gift of the Gnaoua – Hassan Hakmoun & Adam Rudolph
Berber Music from the High Atlas & Anti-Atlas

FILMS SHOT IN MOROCCO

Othell0 (Orson Welles)
Flight to Tangier (Charles Marquis Warren)
The Man Who Knew Too Much, starring (James Stewart)
Lawrence of Arabia, starred Peter O'Toole, Omar Sharif
The Jewel of the Nile directed by Lewis Teague, starred Michael Douglas
Kundun directed by Martin Scorsese
Hideous Kinky (Marrakech Express
Gladiator, directed by Ridley cott, starred Russell Crowe
Rules of Engagement, directed by William Friedkin, starred Tommy Lee Jones, Samuel L. Jackson and Guy Pearce
Black Hawk Down, directed by Ridley Scott
Kingdom of Heaven, directed by Ridley Scott
The Bourne Ultimatum directed by Paul Greengrass
Body of Lies directed by Ridley Scott, starred Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe
Of Gods and Men directed by Xavier Beavois
Sex and the City 2 directed by Michael Patrick King
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, directed by Mike Newell
Inception, directed by Christopher Nolan

For more information about Morocco Travel and Recommended Books, Music & Film

For more information about Travel and Tours to Morocco plus highlights on Moroccan culture visitMorocco’s Imperial Cities, Seaside Resorts,Sahara Desert, Berber villages, A Taste of Morocco, Magical Kasbahs, Ruins & Waterfalls, Absolute Morocco, The Best ofMarrakech, Fes, and Ouarzazate

Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration at 1 (800) 787-8806 or 1 (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today. Morocco Recommended Reading, Morocco Books, Morocco Music, Morocco Films, Films shot in Morocco, Lords of the Atlas,Othell0 (Orson Welles), Flight to Tangier , The Man Who Knew Too Much, Lawrence of Arabia, Peter O'Toole, Omar Sharif, The Jewel of the Nile, Michael Douglas, Hideous Kinky (Marrakech Express, Gladiator, directed by Ridley cott, starred Russell Crowe, Black Hawk Down, Ridley Scott, Sex and the City 2, Prince of Persia, Walter Harris, Edith Wharton, In Morocco, In Arabian Nights, A Caravan of Moroccan Dreams, The Caliphs House, The Spiders House, The Sheltering Sky, Paul Bowles, Tahir Shah, Dreams of Trespass: Tales of A Harem, Fatima Mernissi, Morocco Holidays, Morocco Travel, Travel Exploration, Travel to Morocco

La Mamounia Hotel, a Marrakech Institution of Luxury & Flair, Your Morocco Travel Guide

2011-08-12T07:38:00.000-07:00

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La Mamounia is a legendary property in Marrarkech, Morocco that radiates with class, tradition and beauty. It is said that stepping into Le Mamounia is akin to a setting of 1001 Arabian Nights. La Mamounia Hotel is a Marrakech institution of Luxury and Flair. Originally the Marrakech palace of a crown prince ofMorocco it was converted by the French administration into a hotel in 1923. Named for its 200-year old gardens, which were given as an 18th century wedding gift to Prince Moulay Mamoun by his father, the gardens cover nearly 20 acres and display an incredible variety of flowers and trees.

La Mamounia was designed in 1922 by the architects Prost and Marchisio. They combined traditional Moroccan designs with the popular Art Deco look of the 1920's. Winston Churchill called it, "the most lovely spot in the whole world." He spent many winters at La Mamounia painting the Atlas Mountains and surrounding countryside. It earned its fame from the day it opened and is considered one of Morocco'smost famous hotels. Situated on the edge of the walls of the old city of Marrakech La Mamounia is where Alfred Hitchcock wrote the movie “The Birds.” Churchill painted from his balcony and declared it “loveliest spot on earth.” Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt came to La Mamounia when they met for theCasablanca Conference in 1943, and were said to have grappled with their responsibilities from the roof of the hotel while gazing out at the snow-covered mountains and terra cotta walls of the old city. The suite where Churchill often stayed was renamed in his honor. Other politicians who have enjoyed stays at the hotel include Ronnie and Nancy Reagan, Charles de Gaulle, and Nelson Mandela.

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During the 1900’s, an era known for early travel in Morocco La Mamounia garnered attention for not just being a hotel but a way of life, where a small exclusive community of ex-pats, colonial rulers and adventurers would sip Scotch in the hotel's gardens. The most recent renovation by French Designer Jacques Garcia began in 2006 and took 3 years to complete. Garcia married his fondness for detail using velvet upholstery in jewel-like hues, dramatic color and romantic low lighting to compliment the Moroccan sun along with black and white tiled courtyard. The results are a flawless redesigned hotel that has kept the flavor, charm and architecture of the historical Mamounia with addition of a Moroccan modern flavor.

La Mamounia offers top end services from four elegant restaurants with top cuisine to stunning lounges, a luxury spa, heated pool and on site shopping options of high end goods.

Restaurants La Mamounia Le Morocain – serving Moroccan local cuisine Le Francais - French cuisine, Chef Jean-Pierre Vigato Don Alfonso's L'Italien – Italian cuisine Le Pavillion – International cuisine

Bars & Lounges Le Bar Pavilion de la Piscine - designed in tribute to the Menara basin Le Bar Churchill - named after its most famous guest, Winston Churchill Le Bar Italien - beautiful outdoor terrace and international wine list Le Bar Marocain – rooftop lounge

Facilities Outdoor ozone heated swimming pool set amongst the Mamounia's lovely gardens Two clay tennis courts A fitness pavillion Large spa offering a wide range of treatments Three championship golf courses Riding stables – outside the property

Accommodation at La Mamounia: The Riads Three Riads set amongst the heart of La Mamounia's wonderful gardens, each having 700 sq. meters of space to provide 3 bedrooms with excellent bathrooms, a large dining room and private pool on a terrace.

Superior suites Seven Signature suites each individually themed with original and unique Moroccan-style décor - The Churchill, The Majorelle, Koutoubia, Baldaquin, Marquetrie and The Al Mamoun.

Suites The Suites (64 in total) have views over the elaborate gardens, the Atlas Mountains or the Koutoubia mosque. There is a large lounge, and king size beds in the bedrooms. An executive suite offers a terrace and bathroom with separate shower and bath. The Moroccan suites have been decorated by local artisans. Four Prestige suites on the middle floors look over the gardens, their 100 sq. meters include 2 living rooms with dining and seating areas and a walk-in wardrobe.

13 Classic Rooms Comfortable and located between ground and first floor, looking over the city and gardens. 19 Superior rooms on the second to fourth floors display vibrant colors of Moroccan styling and look over the Hivernage. Deluxe rooms (104) are decorated with wood, leather, stucco and moucharabieh and have views of the Koutobia, park or the Atlas Mountains.

For more information about La Mamounia or a Marrakech Tour For more information about Travel and Tours to Morocco plus highlights on Moroccan culture visit Morocco’s Imperial Cities, Seaside Resorts,Sahara Desert, Berber villages, A Taste of Morocco, Magical Kasbahs, Ruins & Waterfalls,Absolute Morocco, The Best ofMarrakech, Fes, and Ouarzazate

Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration at 1 (800) 787-8806 or 1 (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

La Mamounia Hotel, La Mamounia, Marrakech, Marrakech tour, Alfred Hitchcock, Franklin D. Roosevelt, The Birds, Jacques Garcia, French designer, Morocco Travel, Arabian nights, Art Deco, Atlas Mountains, Casablanca Conference, Charles de Gaulle, Nelson Mandela.Hivernage, Atlas Mountains, Travel Exploration, Travel to Morocco

Tourist Attractions in Rabat Morocco, What to see and do in Rabat, Your Morocco Travel Guide

2011-08-11T10:02:00.000-07:00

Rabat is located on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the Bou Regreg River. On the facing shore of the river lies Sale, Rabat's bedroom comunity. Tourism and the presence of all foreign embassies in Morocco serve to make Rabat the second most important city in the country after the larger and more economically significant Casablanca. There are a variety of historic tourist attractions in Rabat such as kasbahs, beautiful domes, minarets, wide avenues and green spaces which make for a fascinating half-day or full day Rabat tour.

Tourist Attractions in Rabat Morocco, What to See & Do:

Bab Oudia Bab Oudia is the principal gateway to the Kasbah and one of the most striking sites in Rabat. Bab Oudia is considered one of the most beautiful Moorish monuments. The gate was built by the Almohad Sultan, Yacoub al Mansour, in 1195. Its purpose was more ceremonial than defensive, designed for a grand entrance into the Kasbah and its souks and the nearby Sultan palace. It is striking for its harmony and the sheer simplicity and beauty of its decoration. The basic feature is the arch, composed of three different designs: the basic horseshoe, a check-and-shoulder design and finally a band of geometric ornamentation.

Kasbah Des Oudaias Kasbah Des Oudaias has been the citadel of the Alhmohads, Merinids and Andalusians in Rabat. You can visit the Kasbah Mosque, the oldest mosque in the city, built in 1050 and subsequently rebuilt in the 18th century. Below is a seventeenth-century semaphore station called the platforme. Several forts are built below and around the platforme to protect the town from corsair fleets.

The Palace Museum & Andalusian Gardens The Palace Museum is a seventeenth-century Almohad Palace, now housing the museum of Moroccan Art & Culture. The Palace was built in the seventeenth-century by Moulay Ismail, the first Almohad sultan to unify the country. Today, it showcases interesting exhibits of Moroccan art and culture. A vast central patio gives access to private quarters and reception rooms containing the exhibits. There is a hall containing oriental rugs made in Rabat, an exhibition hall for musical instruments and a salon reserved for customs and rituals. The Andalusian Gardens in Rabat is a beautiful French- constructed garden occupying the old Palace grounds in Kasbah Ouadia. True to Andalusian traditions with its flowering annuals and beds of shrubs these gardens make for a lovely afternoon walk in any Morocco travel season. The gardens were constructed by the French in the twentieth-century and are a delightful shady retreat, with a profusion of daturas, oleanders, orange, lemon and banana trees.

The Hassan Mosque & Hassan Tower The Hassan Mosque is Rabat's most famous landmark and of of the most ambitious of all the Alhmoad architectural sites. Sultan Yacoub al Mansour begun construction of this enormous minaret in 1195, with the intention of reaching 60 meters marking the highest in the Muslim World. This ambitious mosque was abandoned when al Mansour died with the minaret, still standing today, at 40 meters. The adjacent mosque was destroyed by an earthquake and only a few re-erected pillars stand today. Some of the pillars that are the most magnificent are Roman ruins that were moved from the area of Volubilis to the exterior of the mosque. The minaret is a majestic sight that dominates every view of the capital.

Mohammed V Mausoleum Mohammed V Mausolem: A modern monument built in traditional Moroccan style where both father and grandfather of the present King of Morocco are buried. Built after Moroccan independence, this is one of the most prestigious modern monuments in Morocco that was created in traditional Moroccan style. The mausoleum is richly decorated with elaborate zellij mosaics and spiralling designs. Non-Muslim visitors are allowed to visit the mausoleum and see the tomb of Mohammed V, carved in white onyx, from a gallery above.

Almohad Walls Bab Rouah is an Almohad wall that runs all the way from the Kasbah Oudia to the Royal Palace in Rabat. Monumental in size and harmonious in both its design and or facing the Hassan Tower. Inside, the gate has three domed chambers used as a defensive structure. Exhibitions are held there and are open to the public.

Kasbah Chellah Kasbah Chellah is a large walled and towered enclosure, the site of an ancient Roman city and a Merinid necropolis. Chellah is one of the most beautiful and peaceful Moroccan ruins, the site of an ancient Roman city and a Merenid necropolis. A large walled and towered enclosure, the site seems like a Medina. The site served first as a thriving Roman port and city, known as Sala Colonia. From the main gate, making you way through a path diagonally is a viewing platform which overlooks the main Roman ruins. The ruins are from 200BC onwards and include a forum, a temple and a craftsmen’s quarter.

Archaeological Museum The most important in Morocco, tracing back to the history of the country from the bronze age. Here a portrait head of Juba II, Berber King of Numidia is displayed. The Archaeological Museum in Rabat is the most important archaeological museum in Morocco. The museum gives a fascinating account of the rich Moroccan history dating back 35,000 years to the Stone Age. The highlight of the collections is a Roman-era bronzers called the Salle des Bronzes. It displays ceramics and artefacts mainly from Volubilis (near Meknes) and a few pieces from Chellah and Lixus. Do not miss the portrait heads of Cato the Younger and Juba II – Berber king of Numidia. For more information about an Rabat Tour For more information about Travel and Tours to Morocco plus highlights on Moroccan culture visit Morocco’s Imperial Cities, Seaside Resorts,Sahara Desert, Berber villages, A Taste of Morocco,Magical Kasbahs, Ruins & Waterfalls, Absolute Morocco, The Best ofMarrakech, Fes, and Ouarzazate

Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you.At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration at 1 (800) 787-8806 or 1 (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

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Casablanca Site seeing Tours, Your Morocco Travel Guide

2011-08-10T10:47:00.000-07:00

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Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city as well as the its chief port. As the biggest city in Morocco,Casablanca is the primary place where cruise ships dock. A Casablanca site seeing tour is the best way to spend the day ashore when arriving on a cruise. Many Holland America Cruises and Oceania Cruises dock in Casablanca overnight or for the day. With 24 hours in Casablanca there's a lot to see and do. A site seeing excursion that offers a little taste of Morocco is the perfect way to get to know this fascinating city who made its name in the 1940's film "Casablanca." There are various types of site seeingCasablanca tours that can be arranged:

Casablanca Architectural Tour: A Casablanca Architectural Tour includes visiting the Hassan II Mosque, Saint Catherine’s Church and the Art Deco District along with other architectural interests. The option of having lunch in Rick’s Café, an architectural haven in Casablanca is available.

Casablanca Jewish Heritage Tour: A Casablanca Jewish Heritage Tour includes visiting the Jewish Museum in Casablanca, the Jewish Synagogue, and the old Jewish Mellah in the medina. The option of a kosher Jewish lunch is also available.

Casablanca Site seeing Tour: A Casablanca Site seeing Tour includes visiting Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque, Parks, the Art Deco Distrcit and other fascintating sites and monuments. Lunch at Casablanca’s seaside corniche is the best way to top off the visit.

For more information about an Casablanca Tour

For more information about Travel and Tours to Morocco plus highlights on Moroccan culture visitMorocco’s Imperial Cities, Seaside Resorts,Sahara Desert, Berber villages, A Taste of Morocco, Magical Kasbahs, Ruins & Waterfalls, Absolute Morocco, The Best ofMarrakech, Fes, and Ouarzazate

Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration at 1 (800) 787-8806 or 1 (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today. Casablanca tours, Casablanca site seeing tours, Casablanca Architectural tour, Casablanca Jewish Heritage Tour, Casablanca, Holland America Cruises, Oceania Cruses, Hassan II Mosque, Jewish Museum Casablanca, Art Deco District Casablanca, Rick’s Cafe, Corniche, Casablanca Port, 24 Hours in Casablanca 1940's film, Morocco Holidays, Morocco Travel, Travel Exploration, Travel to Morocco

24 Hours in Essaouira, What to See, Where to Eat & What to Do, Your Morocco Travel Guide

2011-08-09T10:02:00.000-07:00

With only 24 hours in Essaouira there is much to see and do in this simply spectacular seaside artist colony. Essaouira offers a wide array of sites and sounds that can fill the pallet of any Moroccan traveler regardless of age. The small coastal town of Essaouira is popular with surfers and has a hippy, laid-back feel – perfect for those who want to spend more time relaxing than bartering. In the ’60s and ’70s,Essaouira was a pitstop on the hippie trek from Marrakesh. Jimi Hendrix made the pilgrimage, as did Bob Marley and Cat Stevens. Essaouira boasts lovely white-washed and blue-shuttered houses, colonnades, thuya wood workshops, art galleries and mouthwatering seafood.

WHERE TO STAY

Madada Mogador feels like someone's home, albeit that of a chic Parisian. Each morning breakfast is served on the riad's large terrace overlooking the beach.

Villa Maroc is an achingly hip Riad and was the first hotel to make riad accommodation popular. Enjoy a laid back stay in the best location, incredible views of the sea or book for dinner and eat mouthwatering Moroccan dishes in one of the cozy candle-lit nooks

Palais Des Ramparts is a charming Riad in the heart of the old medina that offers spectacular views, a hammam along with comfortable rooms for reasonable prices. The staff is accommodating and you cannot beat it's location.

Heure Bleue Palais is the most glamorous address in town (and has been since Jimi Hendrix stayed there). It has a rooftop pool and terrace with views of the harbour, an extensive library and beautiful bar, plus a private screening room.

WHERE TO EAT

The fish stalls at the port are an essential Essaourian experience. Pick from the catches of the day – anything from sardines to sea urchins – then watch as it's grilled, before eating it with salad and fresh bread. You are guaranteed the fresh catch of the day plus an enormous variety of fish from lobster, shrimp. crab, sea bass, sea brim, scallops, octopus, calamari and local fish as well. All fish is served with the option of being grilled or fried along with salad and bread. This is a must for fish lovers who relish dining by the sea while watching their food being made.

Elizir is a well-known haunt, where the décor is retro – with 1970s design classics and knick-knacks galore – the atmosphere is relaxed and a Leonard Cohen soundtrack plays away in the background. With its stylistic modern- Moroccan cuisine and décor, Elizer is sure to leave you with a most memorable dining experience during your stay in Essaouira. The menu consists of everything from a camel tagine to home-made pasta via organic kitchen and the catch of the day. Elizer has a fireplace perfect for winter and a roof terrace for summer.

Chez Sam offers stunning views of the sea and is just a ten-minute walk towards the end of the seaport inEssaouira. This restaurant offers excellent seafood for the value. They are one of the more reasonably prices seafood restaurants in this seaside artist colony. The staff is very friendly and they offer wine to compliment the variety of kinds of seafood served. Chez Sam has both an upstairs area to dine which enables guests to enjoy the views of the sea.

Le Sirocco is a well-established Franco-Moroccan restaurant in Essaouira. It is a reliable favorite of returning tourists and local expats alike. Prices are a bit higher than most other restaurants in town, but well worth it. The owners are French and the food is simply delicious. Le Sirocco offers the standard Moroccan fare in addition to specialties such as dark chocolate molten cake and excellent fish dishes.

Le Chalet De La Plage is an upscale beachfront institution in Essaouira that has some of the best seafood in town. Built entirely of wood in 1893, the restaurant is in its fourth family of proprietors, the Jeannots, and the dark, maritime-theme interior is adorned with pictures and mementos of a past guest list that includes a French president and Hollywood movie stars. Diners feast on items from a French-language menu that offers Oualidia oysters, shrimp, calamari, lobster, and a wide selection of line fish. There's also a small choice of other meats, soups and salads, three-course set menus, and Chez Jeannot's suggestions du jour. A well-stocked bar is complimented by a select wine list, chosen by local vintner Charles Melia.

WHAT TO DRINK

Head to Taros, near the port, for live music and drinks on the terrace. At night the place is full of visiting surfers and a hippy crowd. Le Patio is a dark, atmospheric Moroccan restaurant with a great bar. If you do stay for dinner, the tajines are delicious.

WHAT TO DO

Madada Mogador runs popular cookery courses at which you can master the art of the tajine, as well as pastillas and couscous. It starts with a guided tour of the spice market, and at the end of the day you share a feast of everything the class has made Ask your Morocco travel agent to arrange a camel ride across the sand dunes – a guide will take you as far as you want to go for about $35.00 each, including taxis to and from the hotel.

WHERE TO SHOP

The souks of Essaouira may be smaller than those in Marrakech, but they still provide an interesting experience. The pace is much slower and the bartering isn't quite so aggressive. Look out for the ceramics and rugs, which are particularly beautiful. Seek out the hidden jewels such as art galleries and nouvelle French owned boutiques that sell artistically interesting wears.

SPA Head to Azur spa for a luxurious take on the traditional hammam. You can choose whether to focus your treatment on toning, detoxing or slimming For more information about an Essaouira Tour For more information about Travel and Tours to Morocco plus highlights on Moroccan culture visit Morocco’s Imperial Cities, Seaside Resorts,Sahara Desert, Berber villages, A Taste of Morocco, Magical Kasbahs, Ruins & Waterfalls,Absolute Morocco, The Best of Marrakech, Fes, and Ouarzazate

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24 Hours in Marrakech, Travel Tips On What To See & Where to Eat, Morocco Travel Guide

2011-07-03T09:59:00.000-07:00

If you're traveling to Morocco and only have 24 Hours in Marrakech then visiting Marrakech’s lush gardens, spectacular palaces, historical sites, the hippest shops and eating at the hot spots are a must. In 24 hours you can see the best of Marrakesh knowing exactly what places to visit, sites to see and where to eat. Start your a one-day Marrakech tour around the “red hamra” city bright an early with a visit to the Majorelle Gardens. Next, head to the Koutoubia Mosque and then to the El Bahia Palace. The breathtaking architecture of the El Bahia Palace offers an excellent architecture lesson as it was once home to a harem and has some of the best Moroccan painted ceilings, ceramics and a wonderful garden. Continue your walk through the medina visiting the Kisseria. Discover colorful baboosh (shoes), caftans (traditional Moroccan clothing), pottery and other local Marrakesh crafts. Learn the art of the bargain. Shop the souks of Marrakech and their vast labyrinth of narrow streets. In the center of the old Marrakesh medina you will see artisans making rugs on looms and hammering away creating iron lanterns. Make sure to stock up on spices, buy silver jewelry and cactus silk scarves.

If you’re not quiet sure how to navigate the souks of Marrakech then bring along Susan Simon’s,Shopping in Marrakech which will persuade even the non-shopper to head out for a day in the souks. It’s colorful photographs and insights are not to be missed.

After your saunter through Marrakech’s souks, you will be left with great thirst and a pallet that is ready for an afternoon dining experience in the old city. Wander over to the Djemaa El Fna Square and enjoy a freshly squeezed orange juice at one of the orange juice stands. Haggle for a bit to get the best price for some dates and nuts, a great snack in the square. Then head to the Moussaine for some Berber jewelry and silver shopping and then onto an old narrow street that will take you down back into the Spice Market or back to the center square.

Dine at one of the local restaurants in the old medina of Marrakesh such as Le Terrasses des Spices or Earth Café where you can dine under the Marrakech sun or in a tiny nook within the old city with delightful food and views. Now it’s time to head to the new town of Gueliz. Popular during the French Protectorate and now a place that an mélange of foreigners and well do to Moroccans live, Gueliz is a hot spot for some of the more Modern Moroccan shopping choices. Visit Rue de la Libertie or Rue de Mauritanie where you can shop for the most up to date contemporary modern Moroccan goods. Make sure to stop at one of the local cafes in Gueliz for a café nus-nus (half coffee, half milk) or mint tea along with a French pastry. Some top shops to visit and places to explore:

#1: Kaiki: Hand made artistic gifts ranging from Berber dolls, to hand painted tea glasses and dishes, embroidered goods and jewelry

#2: Intensite Nomade: Trendy caftans

#3: Attika Chaussures - well made women’s and men’s shoes, fashionable, all ages

#4: Scenes de Lin: Hand embroidered Linens

#5: Place Vendome: Beautiful leather goods for men and women, high quality, fashionable

#6: L'Orientaliste: Moroccan pottery, tea glasses, prints, paintings, lanterns and much more

#7: Darkoum: Three levels of African and Indian furnishings, fabrics, carpets, and artifacts. An interior design paradise featuring Moroccan, Indian and Pakistani merchandise.

#8: Jeff de Bruges: The best chocolates in town

#9: Al Jawda: Coffee, tea and pastries

#10: Tin Mel: Antique carpets and furniture.

Complete your mini shopping excursion to Gueliz, then head to Hammam Ziani where you can have a traditional Moroccan scrub, a massage with rose or orange oil and a fully body mask for just under $40.00 USA/ 35 Euros. After a visit at Hammam Ziani, watch the sunset in the old medina for an early evening drink at Café Arabe. Enjoy drinks and appetizers then prepare yourself for a Moroccan feast at Le Marrakech or Le Comptoir Darna where you are guaranteed a great dinner accompanied by belly dancing.

Dine the night away until just before mid night, then head to Djemaa El Fna Square where you can see an old medieval style carnival take place with snake charmers, acrobats and monkeys. Have your fortune told and get your hands hennaed in the old square that is the heartbeat of Marrakesh. End your 24 hours in Marrakesh with a horse and buggy ride across Rue Mohammed VI late in the night. Watch the stars and think about when you’ll return for your next Morocco tour adventure. For more information about a Marrakech Tour For more information about Travel and Tours to Morocco plus highlights on Moroccan culture visit Morocco’s Imperial Cities, Seaside Resorts,Sahara Desert, Berber villages, A Taste of Morocco, Magical Kasbahs, Ruins & Waterfalls, Absolute Morocco, The Best of Marrakech, Fes, and Ouarzazate

Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration at 1 (800) 787-8806 or 1 (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today. 24 Hours in Marrakech, 24 Hours in Marrakech, Marrakech Travel Tips, What to See in Marrakech, Where to Eat in Marrakech, El Bahia Palace Marrakesh, El Bahia Palace, Majorelle Gardens, Cafe Arabe, Terasses Des Spices, Marrakech, Marrakesh, Gueliz, Gueliz shopping, Kisseria, Djemaa El Fna Square, Le Marrakechi, Le Comptoir, Henna, Morocco Holidays, Morocco Travel, Travel Exploration, Travel to Morocco

24 Hours in Fes, Travel Tips On What To See & Where to Eat, Morocco Travel Guide

2011-06-27T13:42:00.000-07:00

If you're traveling in Morocco and only have 24 Hours in Fes then it's important to know what to see and where to eat. Morocco Travel guide books such as Lonely Planet, Frommers and Rough Guides can be the perfect travel companion for those who desire to see and do the status quo in Fes however first hand experience from a foreigner living in Morocco can offer more off the beat experiences. When starting a 24 hour spin around the old medina, Fes El Bali, you can brave it alone or higher a local, expert Fes historical guide. Either way a Fes tour can be fulfilling in this ancient city which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you brave it alone to discover what's behind the ancient medina walls of Fes, these travel tips of what to see and where to eat will make it worthwhile.

Enter here, the Bab Boujloud Gate- The Blue Gate of Fes which will take you on an unforgettable journey of historical and spiritual sites along with great eats.

24 Hours in Fes, Travel Tips On What To See & Where to Eat: Sites to Visit in Fes:
1. The Medersa Bou Inania: An (Islamic school) founded by Abu Inan Faris that is highly decorated from floor to ceiling. The medersa is one of the few religious places in Morocco that is accessible to non-Islamic tourists. 2. Kairaouine Mosque: Morocco's second largest mosque was built by Fatima in 857. The Kairaouine Mosque became the home of the West's first university and the world's foremost center of learning at the beginning of the second millennium 3. University of Al-Karaouine: Founded in 859, this university is one of the leading spiritual and educational centers of the Muslim world and is considered the oldest continuously operating institution of higher learning in the world. 4. Zaouia Moulay Idriss II: A zaouia (shrine) dedicated to and the tomb of Moulay Idriss II, who ruled Morocco from 807 to 828 and founded the city of Fès for the second time in 810. This is one of the most spiritual sites in Fes and in fact in all of Morocco. A walk just outside the mosque, zaouia entrance evokes feelings of ancient times and watching men and women pile in for prayer is magical. 5. Dar Batha: A Hispano-Moorish palace dating from the end of the 19th century that houses admirable collections of traditional art from Fès. Dar Batha boasts a wonderful Andalusian garden with hanging fruit trees and the Fes Festival even uses this wonderful place as a music venue each June. 6. Weavers Cooperative: The Weavers Cooperative is located in a residential neighborhood off a main shopping street. Theworkshop specializes in weaving the ﬁnest jellaba fabric, made of silk and wool threads imported from Italy. The shop also makes a qualityjellaba fabric from locally spun, textured wool thread called hubba –sometimes referred to as couscous,because it’s nubby texture resembles Morocco's national semolina dish of the same name. 7. Tanneries:The Chourara or the Tanner’s Quarters is the most lively and picturesque souks in Fès. The Tanneries are often located near watercourses like the Wadi Fès and at a distance from residential areas due to the strongly unpleasant smells they produce. Make sure to ask for mint when you enter to mask the smell. 8. Carpet Demonstration: Antique and Modern Carpets is one of the places in Fès el Bali where you can see a Berber carpet demonstration. You will be offered mint tea and follow your guide up a coil of stairs to a small area to watch carpets being made by young girls who come from the mountains to show tourists how Berber carpets are made. Make sure to negotiate before you buy.

9. Potter's Cooperative: A visit to the Potter's Cooperative is a must. Also known as Place el-Seffarine, this kisseria is the most important center for the production Fasiss style ceramics, brass-ware and silverware in Morocco. If you have more then 24 hours in Fes then consider taking a zellij or pottery making workshop. 10. Outdoor Spice Markets: Visit an outdoor spice market where loads of fabulous spices can be purchased from spice merchants. From Cumin to Saffron to Ras El Hanout for great prices. The Fes spice market is fun to shop at and spices also make for great gifts. 10. Jewish Mellah: Explore its ancient history and small streets that garner it’s charm alongside an old synagogue and the burial site of a famous Jewish woman who was executed because she refused to bow to Islam. Visit the Mellah’s white washed cemetery which is one of the most beautiful in the world. The first official mellah was established in the city of Fes in 1438. In the first half of the 14th century, the Merinides founded, alongside Fes, the town of Hims, which was initially allocated to the archers and the Christian militia. In 1438 the Jews were driven from the old part of Fes to Hims, which had been built on a site known as al-Mallah, "the saline area". Ultimately, the term came to designate Jewish quarters in other Moroccan cities.

Shopping in Fes: From tile work to pottery to the Kisseria's filed with wonderful colored Baboosh slippers, Fes is the place to get your shopping on. Don't miss out on the high quality leather goods, Moroccan baboosh and other hand made pieces unique to Fes. Where To Eat in Fes:

CAFE CLOCK Café Clock ticks to the rhythms to multiplying metronomes. Mike Richardson, the man behind Clock’s mechanics restored a 250 year old courtyard house and brought to Fes a cultural zone that many are desperate to set their watches to. This eclectic café-cum-restaurant offers delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner. Stop for tea and scrumptious homemade cakes (especially the lemon tart) on the roof terrace with its stunning view of the Bou Inania minaret, browse in the book exchange and view the art-filled walls. Try the crunchy salads, camel burgers or fresh fish. Cafe Clock also boasts a wonderful cooking school. If time allows consider taking a cooking class. Either way don't forget to have a latte there if you're visiting in winter and if you're a vegetarian, try their chickpea burger.
Address: 7 Derb el-Margana The Medina Phone: 061-183-264
RESTAURANT NEJARINE Restaurant Nejarine: Opened in 2006, Jalil Laghmri's restaurant is the perfect spot for an authentic Moroccan feast in the medina for lunch or for dinner. As the name suggests, this 100-year-old building is located just steps from the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts. Guests can dine in either a covered courtyard of Fassi zellij and intricately carved and painted cedar, or in any of the three large salons surrounding the courtyard, furnished with Moroccan-style lounges and silk cushions. The four-course meals include a delicious meze of Moroccan salads, tagines, or chicken or pigeonpastilla, accompanied with couscous and followed by fresh fruits and mint tea. For a breath of fresh air, head up to the rooftop terrace for a fantastic medina view. Classy ambience and great food!
Address: Nejarine, Medina Phone: 06-25-90-52
FES EST GESTES- SALON DE TEA This tea house, restaurant and art gallery offers a charming place to relax for lunch, brunch or dinner in their garden, salon or library. Set in a colonial house and garden, Fes Est Gestes hosts cultural events, exhibitions of painters and events concerts throughout the years. The staff is attentive and the service good. There is a range of several course dinners offered along with a la carte. This is also the perfect place for tea and biscuits / cookies while exploring the medina, Fes El Bali with a historical guide or on your own. Address: 39 Arsat El Hamoumi - Zita Phone: 0535-638-532 For more information about a Fes Tour For more information about Travel and Tours to Morocco plus highlights on Moroccan culture visit Morocco’s Imperial Cities, Seaside Resorts,Sahara Desert, Berber villages, A Taste of Morocco, Magical Kasbahs, Ruins & Waterfalls, Absolute Morocco, The Best of Marrakech, Fes, and Ouarzazate

Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration at 1 (800) 787-8806 or 1 (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today. 24 Hours in Fes, Fes Travel Tips, What to See in Fes, Where to Eat in Fes, Kairouine Mosque Fes, Tanneries Fes, Carpet shop Fes, Pottery workshop Fes, Cafe Clock, Cafe Clock Fes Cooking Class, Fes UNESCO World Heritage site, Fes el Bali, Zaouia Moulay Idriss Fes, Jewish Mellah Fes, Fes, Morocco Holidays, Morocco Travel, Travel Exploration, Travel to Morocco

Timitar Festival Agadir 8th Edition 2011, Your Morocco Travel Guide

2011-06-26T13:45:00.001-07:00

The Timitar Festival is held annually in Agadir, Morocco typically during the month of June or July. The 8^thEdition of the Timitar Festival held this June 22^nd – 25^th, 2011 was the perfect morocco travel opportunity for those wanting to escape seaside as Timitar featured some of Morocco’s most admired artists, Hamid Inerzaf, Rayssa Naima, Rayssa Kabira, Bderrahim Souiri, Funk Atlas, Imazzalen, Ahwach Foum Lacen and Daoudia. Timitar also showcased International artists alongside its wide range of Moroccan musicians such as Lebanese superstar Najwa Karam, Malian greats Amadou & Mariam, Goran Bregovic from Serbia and Registan from Uzbekistan. Each stage at the Timitar Festival was filled to the rim with people and filed in as having excellent weather.

Local Moroccans who live in the Agadir region attended the festival both wooed and welcomed their favorites such as Hamid Inerzaf and Lebanese songstress Najwa Karam. Many came out to just see the Amazaigh singers and the Gnaoua troupe while others preferred the international appearances of artists.

Timitar features over 40 artists annually each year and there is an estimate of 300,000+ in attendance that includes mostly Moroccans with some foreigners. Timitar is unique for the fact it typically showcases traditional and modern Amazaigh “Berber music” alongside international artists from around the world. Considered today as one of the biggest festivals in the country, Timitar provides its audience with an event well rooted in and actively working towards promoting Souss Massa Drâa culture.

The district council of Agadir Under Massa Draâ initiated the Timitar Festival with the goal to set up a cultural project for the meeting between Amazigh artists and world musicians. The President of the festival is the agricultural tycoon Aziz Akhenouch. What defines Timitar from other music festivals in Morocco is its special focus on Amazigh culture. Its permanent theme is “signs and cultures” and Timitar lives up to this tag by including performances by traditional and modern Moroccan musicians alongside those of contemporary international artists. Each year the Festival Timitar honors artists coming from all over the world including Africa, South America, Europe and the Middle East in order to offer the Agadir audience the best of numerous works in Amazigh traditional music, modern music from the Maghreb and elsewhere, rap, jazz and hip hop.

Since its creation, Timitar has become a key meeting point, both on artistic and cultural levels. As part of Timitar, the Timitar OFF program, which consists of a colloquium and workshops on Deejaying and Veejaying practices for young people, emphasizes Amazigh culture and world music. The majority ofBerbers, also referred to as Amazigh, went unrecognized in North Africa until the mid-‘90’s when they pressed the King publicly for their cultural traditions to be respected and honored. Today not only is the Amazaigh culture recognized but as of June 2011 the language of Tamazight (also referred to as Berber) has been voted in and approved by King Mohammed VI as Morocco’s second language along side Arabic. June 2011 marks the 8^th Edition of the Timitar Festival Festival. Staged in three open-air venues throughout Agadir, music can be enjoyed at the central Place al Amar, Place Bijaouane and the Théâtre de Verdure.
For more information about the Timitar Festival or Agadir Tours For more information about Travel and Tours to Morocco plus highlights on Moroccan culture visit Morocco’s Imperial Cities, Seaside Resorts,Sahara Desert, Berber villages, A Taste of Morocco, Magical Kasbahs, Ruins & Waterfalls, Absolute Morocco, The Best of Marrakech, Fes, and Ouarzazate

Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel.We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration at 1 (800) 787-8806 or 1 (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

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Moroccan Door Knockers & Hands of Fatima, Your Morocco Travel Guide

2011-06-24T17:34:00.001-07:00

Moroccan door knockers can be found throughout Morocco and are palm-shaped. Door knockers inMorocco are a symbol of protection for the home as they are typically designed in the shape of the "hand of fatima" (Khamsa, Chamsa or Hamsa) and made of solid brass, cast iron or wood by a skilled artisan. Each door knocker that I've seen during my travels in the Magreb's old cities of Marrakech, Essaouira orFes have either been oxidized by the artist or they have developed a fabulous, aged green patina. The patinas are typically in various shades of green and are similar to those found on the statue of liberty in the New York harbor and on on ancient buildings in Europe. The green patina that forms on the chamsa Moroccan door knockers is natural and they resist corrosion which accounts for why they have remained on some of Morocco's most extraordinary doors for centuries. The Islamic alternate name of the hand of fatima commemorating Fatima Zahra who was the Prophet Muhammed's daughter. The Jews renamed the Hamsa "Miriam’s hand," referring to Miriam, the sister of Aaron and Moses so as not to name it after the daughter of the prophet of Islam. It is a sort of “protection of the hand” or “The hand of God“.

The five fingers that appear on a Moroccan door knocker or a Khamsa refer to the five books of the Torah to Jews, the Five Pillars of Islam for Sunni Muslims, five or any person who, by the mantle for the Shiites. five fingers on the five books of the Torah to Jews, the Five Pillars of Islam for Sunni Muslims, five or any person who, by the mantle for the Shiites. The symbolism of May, (fifth month in the year) at a later stage, bearing in mind that the results of archaeological excavations recalls the Khamsa there are two religions. The fingers of a Khamsa may point up or down. Many Jews believe that the five fingers of the hamsa hand remind its wearer to use their five senses to praise God. In Islamic tradition the Hand of Fatima while used for represents God, divine power, providence and generosity.

For more information about Moroccan Door Knockers or a Marrakech Tour For more information about Travel and Tours to Morocco plus highlights on Moroccan culture visit Morocco’s Imperial Cities, Seaside Resorts,Sahara Desert, Berber villages, A Taste of Morocco, Magical Kasbahs, Ruins & Waterfalls, Absolute Morocco, The Best of Marrakech, Fes, and Ouarzazate

Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel.We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration at 1 (800) 787-8806 or 1 (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today. Moroccan Door knockers, Hand of Fatima, Hamsa, Khamsa, Chamsa, Essaouira Door knocker, Marrakech door knocker, Five fingered Hamsa, Marrakech, Fes, Essaouira, Morocco Holidays, Morocco Travel, Travel Exploration, Travel to Morocco

Moroccan Doors of Essaouira, Your Morocco Travel Guide

2011-06-22T10:23:00.001-07:00

The magic of Morocco is found in many places and one of them is in the hand painted doors of Essaouira. To travel inside Morocco is to visit this vast country one door at a time. Moroccan doors in Essaouira are ordained with Moorish style motifs, chamsa door knockers and painted in a variety of hues such as in Majorelle blue and canary yellow. Doors in Morocco are a gateway to another world and bare emblem of history along with the secret lives in a Moroccan home. Made of wood, metal and plaster Moroccan doors are a photographers dream as they make for the perfect subject matter.

Many of the designs on Moroccan doors' geometrical Moorish and Jewish motifs evoke centuries of history. Moroccans of both Muslim and Jewish decent have lived peacefully together for decades therefore cities like Essaouira, Fes and Marrakech have hallmarks on their doors that range from unique patterns to Jewish stars and are often dated. The doors of Morocco bare both the Moorish and Jewish influence and this can be found especially in Morocco's Jewish mellahs.

Essaouira has a long and rich history which dates back to the 16th century when it was discovered by the Portuguese who named it "Mogador." The Berber name "Mogador" means wall, a reference to the fortress walls that originally enclosed the city. Essaouira was built during the 18th century. Mohammed III decided to oriented the Kingdom of Morocco for change and trade with Europe andchose Mogador as the key location. One of his objectives was to establish a harbour at the closest possible point from the Imperial city of Marrakech. The other was to cut off trade from Agadir in the south. This resulted in the inahabitants of Agadir being forced to relocate to Essaouira.
For 12 years, Mohammed III oversaw a French engineer, Theodore Cornut and several other European architects who built the fortress and city along modern lines. Originally called "Souira," the small fortress, then became "Es-Saouira", the beautifully designed." Part of those designs remain today in the architecture of the doors found in the old medina.

Moroccan architecture is an eclectic, even cosmopolitan cultural blend that reflects its long and rich history. Morocco’s indigenous people are the Berbers, who farmed the land from at least 2000 BC. Subsequent rulers and invaders included Arabians, the Spanish, the Portuguese and in recent, colonial times, French occupiers. Morocco was declared a French protectorate in 1912, the same year as the painted Henry Matisse came to the Maghreb.

The Hispano-Moorish architectural style of Morocco's doors originated in Spain (in Andalusia), and was taken across the Straits of Gibraltar to Morocco at the behest of the ruling Berber Almoravid dynasty. The Almoravids sent Spanish artisans to Morocco, where they introduced the graceful arches and lofty domes that, along with white walls and green stucco roofs, have become hallmarks of the Hispano-Moorish style. As a result of people being smaller centuries ago doors were smaller and alleyways narrower. Many of the homes in the medinas (old cities) are over 1,000 years old, and a world of history can be found behind each door.
For more information about the doors of Essaouira in Morocco and Essaouira tours
For more information about Travel and Tours to Morocco plus highlights on Moroccan culture visit Morocco’s Imperial Cities, Seaside Resorts,Sahara Desert, Berber villages, A Taste of Morocco, Magical Kasbahs, Ruins & Waterfalls, Absolute Morocco, The Best of Marrakech, Fes, and Ouarzazate
Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel.We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration at 1 (800) 787-8806 or 1 (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.
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Morocco's Trade Bead & Jewelry Treasure Hunting Tour, Your Morocco Travel Guide

2011-06-18T05:13:00.001-07:00

Morocco's Treasure Hunting Tour of North African Silver Jewelry & Trade Beads is on the calendar for Spring 2011. Come Travel to Morocco and enjoy fourteen days of sheer jewelry bliss. Save your Morocco tour dates: September 16th - 29th, 2011. Bead your Way Through Morocco is a Moroccan Jewelry & Trade Bead Treasure Hunting Tour created by Travel Exploration Morocco and hosted by Sarah Corbett, a Tribal Jewelry Expert. Travel Exploration Morocco is a New York and Ouarzazate based Travel Agency and the first to offer this customized Moroccan Jewelry & Trade Bead Tour to Morocco with a Tribal Jewelry Expert. Bead Your Way Through Morocco will take Moroccan antique, trade bead enthusiasts and Moroccan jewelry collectors through a variety on a unique adventure. All jewelry and bead enthusiasts will about the origins of Moroccan Berber, Arab, Sarahwei and Tuareg jewelry, treasure hunt for antique Moroccan silver and trade beads plus newly made pieces. On the Moroccan Treasure Hunting tour your journey includes special opportunities such as taking a Bead making workshop in the city of Tarodaunt, learning the ancient trade routes of beads, a historical overview of Moroccan jewelry and having a first hand expert on hand to help you understand the jewelry you purchase.

Morocco's Trade Bead and Treasure Hunting tour offers accommodations at Moroccan Riads and the opportunity to experience their fine cuisine. During the Moroccan Treasure Hunting tour enthusiasts will stay at a restored Palace Riad in Marrakech, a peaceful spiraling Riad with views of the sea in Essaouira, a tranquil property in Tarodaunt with bungalows that is surrounded by lush gardens and a modern, Moroccan Kasbah in Ouarzazate with views of the Atlas Mountains. Other options on this once in a life time Moroccan jewelry tour include a visit to Jacque Majorelle's magnificent gardens in Marrakech, the old medina in Essaouira and it's Portuguese ramparts. A visit to the the Valley of Nomads nestled under the Mgoun mountains and the Dades Gorge are also part of this unique program. Book Today! Call 1800-787-8806 or info@travel-exploration.com Don't miss a bead!

MOROCCAN TREASURE HUNTING TOUR PROGRAM - SEPTEMBER 16th - 29th, 2011

SEPTEMBER 16th: MARRAKECH ARRIVALS - AIRPORT TRANSFER

►Airport arrivals in Marrakech. Transfer to Riad Palais Sebban. ►All to meet up at Riad Palais Sebban by 3:00pm. ►Visit the Tiskiwin Museum, a private museum dedicated to popular arts & crafts, styled as a beautiful Spanish-Moroccan house, next door to Dar Si Said palace, a smaller version of the Bahia. ►Tiskiwin Museum Lecture: You will have a first hand viewing of the Tiskiwin and listen to a one-hour lecture and exploration of its history, be shown its private bead and jewelry collection. ►Afternoon treasure hunting. ►Welcome Evening - Appetizers & Drinks at Riad Palais Sebban. A chance to meet your fellow travelers and an overview of the route and the jewels we may find. A display of Tuareg pieces of jewelry with a Tuareg trader on hand to explain the styles and symbolism of the jewelry. ►Spend the night at Riad Palais Sebban.

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SEPTEMBER 17th: MARRAKECH (9:00am - 2:30pm OPTIONAL - GUIDED HALF- DAY HISTORICAL TOUR & TREASURE HUNTING)

►Breakfast at your Riad. Begin your one-day Historical Tour of Marrakech. ►Your introduction to Marrakech will begin in the new city, we will navigate our way to French, Gueliz and head to the Majorelle Gardens, a magical and lush small garden estate designed by Jacque Majorelle and maintained by Yves Saint Laurent. The Majorelle Garden is filled with colorful walkways, ponds, cactus and plants as well as a beautiful shop with hand-made goods. On our return to your hotel, we will pass by the La Mammounia Hotel Garden (where Alfred Hitchcock wrote the famous film The Birds). ►Visit the 19th Century Bahia Palace, originally built for Si Moussa, a former slave who became King Moulay Hassan's chamberlain. The palace holds a courtyard and riads decorated with and the most beautiful carved stucco, Arabic architecture. Next visit the 16th Century Saadian Tombs and El Mansour mosque. Marrakech is a city of underground channels built by the architects from Cordoba, Spain to provide water for the town and Palmery. ►Next visit the old, Medina, the old quarter of the Marrakech. From here we will explore this historically charming area by foot. In Djemma el Fna, you will visit the famous 12th century Koutouba Mosque and its influential minaret. ►Afternoon treasure hunting in the Souks of Marrakech. ►Spend the night at Riad Palais Sebban.

SEPTEMBER 18th: MARRAKECH - ESSAOUIRA (12:30pm -2:30pm OPTIONAL - Half-Day Guided Historical Tour) (Driving Time: 2 1/2 Hours)

►Breakfast at your Riad in Marrakech. ►Departure for Essaouira in the morning. Take the road to visit the seaside port of Essaouira. The journey to this former Portuguese ﬁshing village offers up only a few roadside towns and the occasional Berber village. In the ’60s and ’70s, Essaouira was a pitstop on the hippie trek from Marrakesh. Jimi Hendrix made the pilgrimage, as did Bob Marley and Cat Stevens. Essaouira was the inspiration for Hendrix’s song “Castles Made of Sand.” ►Witness the Argan goats in trees nestling in to eat away at the Argan nuts which are typically used in making Argan Oil, Butter and Cosmetics. ►Arrive in Essaouira. Check into your Hotel. Take a half-day Historical Tour. ► Have lunch at the fish-grill cafes, with wooden tables and benches laid out overlooking the sea. ► The journey to this former Portuguese fishing village offers up only a few roadside towns and the occasional Berber village. In the ’60s and ’70s, Essaouira was a pitstop on the hippie trek from Marrakesh. Jimi Hendrix made the pilgrimage, as did Bob Marley and Cat Stevens. Essaouira was the inspiration for Hendrix’s song “Castles Made of Sand”. Visit this sea-side medieval town that boasts lovely white-washed and blue-shuttered houses, colonnades, thuya wood workshops, art galleries and mouthwatering seafood. Once called Mogador by European sailors and traders, Essaouria is known for its annual Gnaoua Music Festival that attracts 300,000+ people in June. It also has an expansive beach for surfing called Plage de Safi. Take a stroll along the town’s sunlit pedestrian main square, Place Prince Moulay el Hassan and the Skala du Port, the fishing harbor, offers breathtaking views of the Portuguese ramparts. Explore the ramparts and the spice and jewelry souks of the medina. The medina of Essaouira (formerly "Mogador") is a UNESCO World Heritage listed city, as an example of a late-18th century fortified town. ► After your historical tour, continue treasure hunting in Essaouira. ►Dinner Recommendations: Taros or El Mer, Essaouira’s top eats with sea views and fresh fish. ►Spend the night at Palais Des Ramparts in Essaouira.

SEPTEMBER 19th: ESSAOUIRA

▶Rise, breakfast at your Hotel. ▶Bead & Jewelry Hunting in Essaouira: Take time out in Essaouira’s old medina to visit the jewelry shops that specialize in antique Venetian beads, Berber Silver, Amber and Copal. ►Dinner Recommendations: Taros or El Mer, Essaouira’s top eats with sea views and fresh fish. ►Spend the night at Palais Des Ramparts in Essaouira. SEPTEMBER 20th: ESSAOUIRA - TAROUDANT (Driving Time: 6 Hours) ►Rise, have breakfast at your Riad in Essaouira, then take the road to Tarodaunt. ►Dinner and Spend the night at Riad Zitoune Taroudant. SEPTEMBER 21st: TAROUDANT►Rise, have breakfast at your Riad in Tarodaunt. ►Shop the Souks of Tarodaunt. ►Taroudant is a Moroccan city located in the Souss Valley in the southern part of the country. It is situated east from Agadir on the road to Ouarzazate and south from Marrakech. It has the feel of a small fortified market town on some caravan route. It is also known for its local crafts like jewelry and carpets Taroudant is often referred to as the "Grandmother of Marrakech" because it is a scaled down, slowed down town that resembles Marrakech with its surrounding ramparts. Unlike Marrakech, Taroudant contains almost the whole city within its walls. ►Visit the old medinas’ ramparts with a guided two-hour tour then spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the souk of Taradount and treasure hunting in its shops that are filled with antique silver, beads and shaded alleys occupied by gentle craftsman and shop owners. ►Dinner and Spend the night at Riad Zitoune Taroudant.

SEPTEMBER 20th: ESSAOUIRA - TAROUDANT

(Driving Time: 6 Hours)

►Rise, have breakfast at your Riad in Essaouira, then take the road to Tarodaunt.

►Dinner and Spend the night at Riad Zitoune Taroudant.

SEPTEMBER 21st: TAROUDANT

►Rise, have breakfast at your Riad in Tarodaunt.

►Shop the Souks of Tarodaunt.

►Taroudant is a Moroccan city located in the Souss Valley in the southern part of the country. It is situated east from Agadir on the road to Ouarzazate and south from Marrakech. It has the feel of a small fortified market town on some caravan route. It is also known for its local crafts like jewelry and carpets Taroudant is often referred to as the "Grandmother of Marrakech" because it is a scaled down, slowed down town that resembles Marrakech with its surrounding ramparts. Unlike Marrakech, Taroudant contains almost the whole city within its walls.

►Visit the old medinas’ ramparts with a guided two-hour tour then spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the souk of Taradount and treasure hunting in its shops that are filled with antique silver, beads and shaded alleys occupied by gentle craftsman and shop owners.

►Dinner and Spend the night at Riad Zitoune Taroudant.

SEPTEMBER 22nd TAROUDANT

►Rise, have breakfast at your Riad in Taradount then take the road to spend an entire day watching the Bead-making Process, rare demonstrations of Bead-making traditions. Lunch during your Bead-Making workshop. ►View The Bead-Making Process: View the bead-making process detail at the workshop where you can create your own jewelry from the beads that you have seen produced that day - which will be yours to keep as a souvenir of your visit. There will be access to a wide selection of beads available. ►Bead Demonstration Of Rare Bead-making Traditions: During your workshop you will have the opportunity to witness a demo of three different styles of bead making. Bead making enthusiasts will enjoy this demonstration as it will enable them to view how old traditions are still be practiced, produced and carried on in Morocco. Some of these traditions include utilizing couscous and other original Moroccan traditions to create beads. Travel Exploration Morocco was the first agency to record this “rare” bead-making process and your group will be second to experience it first hand. ►There will be an opportunity to also purchase beads and special silver and other Moroccan Jewelry during your Bead Making Workshop in Taroudant. ►Lunch in Taroudant at La Valla, a local restaurant in Taradount or at the Bead-Making workshop. After lunch continue Moroccan Bead and Jewelry Treasure Hunting or return to your Riad to relax for the evening. ►Dinner and Spend the night at Riad Zitoune Taroudant.

SEPTEMBER 23rd: TAROUDAUNT - TAZNAGHT- OUARZAZATE

►Breakfast at your Riad. Then take the road to Ouarzazate. ►En route to Ouarazate, you will stop at the Taliouine Saffron Cooperative. Taliouine is the traditional area of cultivation of saffron in Morocco and has been for hundreds of years. The Taliouine Souktana cooperative is on the road to Taroudant, in the village of Taliouine, in the heart of Sirwa Mountains. The Taliouine Cooperative sells only a truly biological saffron, cultivated according the traditional ways, with natural fertilizers . The mountains dry climate is ideal for such a culture. ►After visiting the Taliouine Saffron Cooperative , continue the road to Ouarzazate. ►Dinner and Spend the night at Riad Dar Chamaa in Ouarzazate.

SEPTEMBER 24th: OUARZAZATE (MORNING JEWELRY SHOPPING & VISIT OF THE ATLAS FILM STUDIO OR OPTIONAL AFTERNOON VISIT OF OUARZAZATE)

►Rise early, breakfast at your Riad and then spend the morning jewelry shopping in Ouarzazate. Lunch near Kasbah Taourirt. ►Discover treasure hunting in this calm, oasis of Southern Morocco that was originally an administrative center during the French Protectuate. Discover jewelry just outside Kasbah Taouirt and in the old market alongside the smells of Berber Amber and Musk. ►Have a walk across from the antique jewelry shops and option to visit Kasbah Taourirt. Kasbah Taorirt was built by the Glaoui. Its location was strategic for trading routes and in the 1930’s when the Glaoui ruled the South it was then one of Morocco’s largest Kasbahs. Explore its nooks and crannies and discover some local female painters who sell their art inside as well as the many quality silver shops just steps outside the Kasbah. ►In the afternoon, visit the Atlas Film Studios. The Atlas Film Studios studios are flanked by Holly-wood style Egyptian figures and cover 30,000 sq m of desert.David Lean filmed Lawrence of Arabiaat The Atlas Film Studios in the early 1960’s. Since then many famous directors have followed in his footsteps to exploit the magnificent scenery. International blockbusters shot here in recent years include: the French version of Cleopatra, Bertolucci’s Sheltering Sky, Scorsese’s Kundun,Gillies MacKannon’s Hideous Kinky, Ridley Scott’s Gladiator, Black Hawke Down, Oliver Stone’s Alexander The Great, Ridley Scott’s Kingdom of Heaven, and Penelope Cruz’s Sahara. Most of the filming takes place in the desert in the south however you can view the Tibetan monastery featured in Scorese’s Kundan and an Egyptian temple from Cleopatra. This ends your Morocco Travel experience. ►Dinner & Spend the night at Riad Dar Chamaa.

SEPTEMBER 25th: OUARZAZATE (JEWELRY SHOPPING)

►Rise early, breakfast at your Riad and then take the road to visit the Ouarzazate region and its famous Kasbahs.Jewelry Shopping and Explore Ouarzazate. ►Dinner at La Kasbah Des Sables in Ouarzazate. Le Kasbah Des Sables is a gastronomic experience with a menu that combines the cuisine of Fes, Meknes, Tangier, Arab and Berber with first class fare. This restaurant offers a museum- quality atmosphere as its’ decor has been hand stitched together and is filled with Berber, Morocco traditional furniture and art that was hand crafted by local artisans in the Ouarzazate region. Each section of the restaurant offers an intimate environment and the opportunity to eat on tables that are hand painted and adorned with silver fibulas, Amber and other regional jewels. ►Spend the night at Riad Dar Chamaa.

SEPTEMBER 26th: OPTION EXCURSION TO THE VALLEY OF ROSES - VALLEY OF NOMADS - DADES VALLEY OR RELAX AT THE RIAD OR CONTINUE JEWELRY SHOPPING (Driving Time: 2 1/2 Hours)

►Breakfast at your Riad. Take the road to visit Bouthgrar, the Valley of Nomads and the Dades Valley. En route visit Kasbah Amerdihl in Skoura and it’s one thousand Kasbahs and palmary. ►Begin your visit at the breakthtaking Valley of Nomads. Located in Bouthgrar is the Valley of Nomads, a beautiful 10 kilometer valley where Nomads live in caves that are surrounded by Mount Mgoun. Mount Mgoun is the second highest mountain in Morocco and boasts extraordinery views. Have tea with a Nomad family. See first hand where they make their own carpets and co exist in Bouthgrar with other Nomad families. ►Your journey will then take you through theDades Valley which covers 125 km between Ouarzazate and Boumalne du Dadès in the High Atlas Mountains. ►Once you reach Boumalne at first sight you notice the limestone cliffs with uniquely shaped erosions and superb scenery and the valley’s pise (windy roads). Driving along you will pass flower filled fields, fertile fields, riverbanks and several fortified ksours. At the bottom of Gorge of Boumalne Dadès there are ruined hilltop Kasbahs and valley floor gardens. ►Lunch will be served at a nearby guesthouse that offers local Moroccan fare and a panoramic view. Relax and sip mint tea while gazing at the impressive valley view. ►Dinner & Spend the night at Riad Dar Chamaa.

SEPTEMBER 27th: OUARZAZATE - MARRAKECH

►Rise, have breakfast at your Riad and then take the road to Marrakech. ►“See Ouarzazate and die” are feelings often expressed by Moroccans with regards to this magical city that is the door to the Sahara Desert. Located just four hours from Marrakech, Ouarzazate is the main Berber city in the south known for its spectacular sunsets and dramatic mountain and desert scenery. Surrounded by breathtaking valleys, Ouarzazate was once crossing point for African traders seeking to reach northern cities in Morocco and Europe. During the French period, Ouarzazate expanded considerably as a garrison town and became the administrative centre of the Zagora region. Ouarzazate became famous when it’s nearby Kasbah; Ait Benhaddou appeared in the 1962 filmLawrence of Arabia. ► Then take the road to Ait Benhaddou. Located 32 km from Ouarzazate lies the picturesque village. Aït Benhaddou of Aït Benhaddou is situated in Sous-massa Draon a hill along theOuarzazate River. Lawrence of Arabia was filmed here and Orson Welles used it as a location for Sodome and Gomorrah; and for Jesus of Nazareth the whole lower part of the village was rebuilt. In recent years more controlled restoration has been carried out under UNESCO auspices. Aït Benhaddou is one of many locations in this region used for shooting Hollywood films. Aït Benhaddou which once served as the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech in present-day Morocco. Most of the town's inhabitants now live in a more modern village at the other side of the river; ten families however still live within the ksar. Your guide will lead you on a private tour through this Berber village of towered and crenulated Kasbahs that once guarded the lucrative caravan route through the Atlas Mountains. Explore the Kasbahs by foot with the option to ride a donkey across a river. Aït Benhaddou which once served as the former caravan route between the Sahara andMarrakech in present-day Morocco. Most of the town's inhabitants now live in a more modern village at the other side of the river; ten families however still live within the ksar. Enjoy lunch at a Kasbah that overlooks Ait Benhaddou. Next, visit Kasbah Taouirirt. Kasbah Taorirt was built by the Glaoui. Its location was strategic for trading routes and in the 1930’s when the Glaoui ruled the South it was then one of Morocco’s largest Kasbahs. Explore Kasbah Taouirirt’s nooks and crannies and discover some local female painters who sell their art inside as well as the many quality silver shops just steps outside the Kasbah. ►During your journey toMarrakech you will also pass the olive groves of the Oued Zat, as you ascend onto the Tizi-N-Tichka PassRoad. Built by the French in the 1920’s, the Tizi-N-Tichka Pass can be described as having mountainous barriers, Mediterranean and oceanic influences and desert borders. long the route you will see panoramic views of the High Atlas Mountains as well as sights of fertile valleys, blue and red colored pise villages and other striking mineral environments. ►En route stop for lunch and visit the Argan Cooperative where Argan Oil, Butter and Cosmetics are made with the Argan nut by hand as Berber women crack the nuts and the grind them one by one. Have a complimentary tasting. This cooperative is run entirely by women. Lunch in the village of Tadart. ►Arrive in Marrakech. Evening Free. ►Spend the night at Riad Palais Sebban in Marrakech.

SEPTEMBER 28th: MARRAKECH (JEWELRY SHOPPING & EXPLORATION)

►Rise early, breakfast at your Riad. Free Day to Shop the Souks of Marrakech for the special Moroccan Beads and Jewelry you missed out on the first time around. ►Sarah Corbett is available by arrangement for morning shopping guidance. ►Jewelry & Treasures of Marrakech Viewing: Evening viewing at a celebrated Jewelry store in the Spice markets of Marrakech. Enjoy a two- hour viewing of fabulous beads, jewels and local silver pieces available for purchase and historical discussion about the origin and meaning of these pieces. ►Spend the night at Riad Palais Sebban in Marrakech.

SEPTEMBER 29th: MARRAKECH MENARA AIRPORT DEPARTURES:

▶Breakfast at your Riad. Departure from Marrakech’s Menara Airport.

▶ALL AIRPORT DEPARTURES from Riad Palais Sebban

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COST PER PERSON: $4,325 USA /2,675 GBP / 3,030 EUROS

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $950 USA /652GBP /579 EUROS

Sarah Corbett, North African Jewelry Expert & Bead Tour Host Treasure Hunting in Agdz

For more information about Morocco's Treasure Hunting Tour of North African Silver Jewelry & Trade Beads For more information about Travel and Tours to Morocco plus highlights on Moroccan culture visit Morocco’s Imperial Cities, Seaside Resorts,Sahara Desert, Berber villages, A Taste of Morocco, Magical Kasbahs, Ruins & Waterfalls, Absolute Morocco, The Best of Marrakech, Fes, and Ouarzazate

Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel.We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration at 1 (800) 787-8806 or 1 (917)703-2078 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today. Moroccan jewelry, Trade beads, Berber jewelry, Tuareg jewelry, Saharwei jewelry, antique Moroccan silver, silver jewelry, Customized Bead making tours, Ethnic jewelry, Ethnic jewelry tours, Moroccan amber, Moroccan beads, Moroccan copal, Moroccan fibula, Tuareg silver crosses, Sarah Corbett, Vivid Trading, Moroccan jewelry shopping, Morocco Holidays, Morocco Travel, Travel Exploration, Travel to Morocco

Argan Oil & Goats in Trees, Your Morocco Travel Guide

2011-06-16T08:42:00.000-07:00

The first time I visited Morocco, I saw postcards that featured goats perched in Argan trees. Sure, I thought, this is a gag. Surely they must have either tied stuffed goats to branches or retouched photos. So the first time I visited Argan Country, near Essaouira and Agadir, boy, was I surprised. There were real goats in the trees! Munching away! I soon found out that was going on. The goats were exclusively found in argan trees.

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Argan is a relative of the olive, and the goats were eating the argan fruit. Argan is grown exclusively in the southwest region of Morocco. It is difficult to cultivate and as a result, wild trees are treasured. Argan oil is prized in Morocco and recently has been discovered by the West. It has been used for centuries for cooking and cosmetics. The oil is extracted from the kernel of the pits.

There are many women’s cooperatives in the region that help poor women with employment and educate their children as well. It is fascinating to see how experienced “crackers” take the small pit (imagine an olive pit), set it against a large stone and with another small stone, cracks the pit open in one try. I’ve tried it and got a bloody thumb as my reward! Then the kernels are ground into a past with the oil running out. You can see this is a very tedious and time-consuming procedure that accounts for the high price of argan products.

The gustatory oil is delicious with a nutty, smoky flavor (due to roasting). It is used as a finishing oil for salads or fish or as a bread dip. According to Wikipedia, Argan oil is exceptionally rich in natural tocopherols (vitamin E), rich in phenols and phenolic acid, rich in carotenes, rich in squalene, rich in essential fatty acids, 80% unsaturated fatty acids and depending on extraction method more resistant to oxidation than olive oil.

I love argan oil and always have a jar or two in my refrigerator where it keeps indefinitely.

The cosmetic industry uses argan oil in hair products all sorts of skin care products and lotions. It is often scented with rose, jasmin, or almond extracts. Unroasted oil is used traditionally as a treatment for skin ailments such as excema.

Now that I have visited the region many times, I am still delighted when we come across goats in trees and always stop to take pictures. You would too!

By Freya Ellinwood, Morocco Travel Writer

For more information about Argan Oil and visiting an Argan Cooperative on a Morocco Tour

For more information about Travel and Tours to Morocco plus highlights on Moroccan culture visit Morocco’s Imperial Cities, Seaside Resorts,Sahara Desert, Berber villages, A Taste of Morocco, Magical Kasbahs, Ruins & Waterfalls, Absolute Morocco, The Best of Marrakech, Fes, and Ouarzazate

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Moroccan Food & A Menu for Moroccan Appetite, Your Morocco Tour Guide

2011-06-15T17:01:00.000-07:00

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Moroccan food is considered some of the best in the world. The easiest way to discover the true flavors ofMoroccan cuisine are to take a Moroccan cooking class or explore various restaurants in Morocco's Imperial Cities such as Marrakech, Fes, Rabat or Essaouira on a Morocco tour. Another way to discover authentic Moroccan cuisine is to dine with a local family in a Berber Village. Berber villages are known for their unique fare as result that their main staples in making Moroccan traditional cuisine such as couscous are grown locally in their fields alongside special herbs which allows for amazingly tasteful food. Moroccan recipes such as baking bread by fire and a tajine on starlit night can be learning on a Sahara desert tour to the Erg Chebbi Dunes of Merzouga whereby your camel trekking guide takes you off on a journey into the vast dunes to a Sahara camp at sunset to learn the secrets of the Sahara. To fully enjoy a Moroccan meal one must arrive with an empty stomach and then fully prepare themselves for a three or four-course Moroccan feast. As the French proverb says, "Appetite comes with eating; the more one has, the more one would have" so make sure to visit Morocco with an open palate and a big appetite!

This menu and choice will give you a real taste of Moroccan food. Many variations are available.

Lamb Chops/Lamb burgers/Steak, Pork Chops/ Chicken Thighs
Carrot Salad
Couscous with raisins
Macerated Oranges

Lamb Chops/Lamb burgers/Steak, Pork Chops/ Chicken Thighs Season the meat with salt, pepper, cumin and a touch of cinnamon (or salt pepper and ras al hanout, if you have it). If you can let is sit in the refrigerator for an hour or so, do so. Bring the meat to room temp (20 min) before cooking as desired.

Carrot Salad Cook cleaned and sliced carrots as usual (in small amount of cold water, bring to the boil, simmer until tender, appr. 6-8 minutes). Drain. In bowl add carrots, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, lemon juice or vinegar, salt, pepper, olive oil and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve warm or at room temp.

Couscous with Raisins Cook couscous with small handful raisins according to package. Fluff with fork. Add lemon juice, cooked chickpeas (from the can), chopped herbs such as cilantro, parsley or mint, salt & pepper to taste. Serve hot or room temp.

Macerated Oranges Peel oranges. Either slice or segment (supreme) oranges in a bowl. Add cinnamon, sugar or honey and ½ teaspoon rose or orange flower water. Let stand in refrigerator one hour. Taste and adjust seasonings.

Happy Cooking!

By Freya Ellinwood, Morocco Travel Writer

For more information about Moroccan Food and Recipes or a Morocco Tour For more information about Travel and Tours to Morocco plus highlights on Moroccan culture visit Morocco’s Imperial Cities, Seaside Resorts,Sahara Desert, Berber villages, A Taste of Morocco, Magical Kasbahs, Ruins & Waterfalls, Absolute Morocco, The Best of Marrakech, Fes, and Ouarzazate

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