Sights and sounds of Morocco

JOURNEY BACK IN TIME

Fez El Jedid is a different part of the old city built in the 14th century. This was a rich period in the history of Morocco as people of different origins, religions and cultures came to settle in the country either from Europe, the Middle East or from sub Saharan Africa. This cultural visit begins in the most beautifully built Jewish quarter which stands next to the 14th century Royal palace.

This is the famous Mellah, where you see old Spanish-Moorish architecture and the Jewish cemetery where the tombs go back to the early history of Fes. Visit the synagogue of Aben Danan, and learn about the history of Judaism. Then walk into the historical gardens of Jnan Sbil to the Royal Palace - the oldest museum of Moroccan traditional arts. Finally drive out of the city to visit a pottery making village.

fr £29pp

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HATS OFF TO FEZ

Fez is the oldest royal city in Morocco. Founded in the 9th century, it is said to be the most complete medieval city of the Arab world as it has preserved all its ancient aspects and way of life. You take a guided tour stopping at food and spice markets, handicraft quarters, auction squares and colourful stores. You also visit a school and artisan workshops and discover the secrets of their ancestral arts.

In the afternoon visit the royal palace built in the late 19th century as a summer residence for the king Hassan where you see the central four parts garden and the museum of Fez traditional arts. From there continue to new Fez to discover what used to be the largest Jewish quarter in Morocco. Walk inside this interesting quarter to see the jewellery market and visit one of the 17th century synagogues.

fr £92pp

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The Coast with the Most

Essaouira is a charming fortified town with remains of a 16th century Portuguese fort and a complete Medina of the mid-18th century. The town has played a major role over the centuries as a caravan trade market, linking Morocco with sub-Saharan Africa and as an international trading seaport linking Morocco with Europe and the rest of the world.

You start your drive from Marrakech to the Atlantic coast, crossing the Argantree forest where you visit a co-operative of women making Moroccan oil from the Argan fruit kernels. Enter Essaouira through one of the old gates and explore the streets, markets and artisans workshops. Later climb up to the Portuguese fort then visit the fishing harbour where you can have lunch. Then take a stroll along the beach before the journey back.

fr £121pp

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IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE ROMANS

Drive across the Saiss plain to Meknes, a medieval city rebuilt by the king, Moulay Ismail, in the 17th century to become his capital. Being one of the Imperial cities of Morocco, Meknes has lots of monuments and you see the granary and stables next to a huge reservoir, the mausoleum, Bab El Mansour gate, the most beautiful in North Africa, and walk to El Hdim square with its food market and museum.

In the afternoon, drive north towards the mountains of Zerhoun to visit Moulay Idriss, the holiest town for the Muslims in Morocco, where the first king is buried. After that, start a walking visit of Volubilis, the Roman capital of Morocco built more than 2,000 years ago, where you can admire one of the most beautiful collections of mosaics. Then drive back to Fes via the village of Zgouta through more scenic countryside.

fr £121pp

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Soar Above the Desert

This amazing adventure offers you an unforgettable and safe experience as you soar above the Moroccan landscape. Weather conditions permitting, you leave before sunrise to the open beautiful countryside north of the oasis of Marrakech. Watch the balloon preparation and inflation before you board and then go where the wind takes you for a memorable hour's flight.

Enjoy the views as you fly over villages and stunning desert like landscapes. In the meantime your highly qualified pilot is constantly in radio contact with the retrieve crew who are following your progress in 4X4 vehicles. After landing you will be invited for a traditional breakfast in a local home of one of the Berber
villages you flew above. After this wonderful experience you are taken back to your hotel.

fr £198pp

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See All the City Sights

There is no better way to see the real Marrakech than on this full day tour. This 900 year old city has been a gateway to the Sahara desert and a major caravan centre where traders and travellers from different parts of the world would meet. Marrakesh has a rich history and an ancestral tradition of hospitality. Start your discovery tour from the 12th century archaeological site of the Koutoubia mosque.

Take Bab Agnaou gate to visit the historical Saadian Tombs and walk through the 12th century Kasbah with its food market, bakeries and narrow alleyways. Visit the Bahia palace and discover the intricate work done by the local artisans. Take a stroll inside the Jewish quarter and stop every now and then to haggle over the price of different items in the Souks and end your tour at the UNESCO world heritage site of Jemaa El Fna.

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SHIPS OF THE DESERT

While holidaying in Morocco it is well worth taking this amusing family oriented excursion to discover the area of Essaouira . . . as well as learning to ride a camel. Make sure you have your camera at hand to get memorable pictures as each person comes to grips with balancing on the backs of these 'ships of the desert' before starting the tour.

You are taken on an easy loop out on the beaten paths seeing all the fauna and the flora along the Atlantic coast and meet shepherds and local fishermen. This is a very slow and peaceful excursion in the company of these docile animals and the good supervision and care of our local guide who will help you discover this beautiful region of his home country.

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The Secret Life of the City

On this popular tour you have an exciting exploration of the hidden side of the old city of Marrakech. Begin by walking through one of the historical gates to the old Medina and discover the medieval way of life of its inhabitants as you stroll around this colourful area. Then visit the 16th century Ben Youssef theological school which is considered the highlight of the Moroccan architecture in Marrakech.

Later stop at a sumptuous Moorish palace that was once the home of a Moroccan minister until the end of the 19th century. See the archaeological site of the Almoravid dome which is the oldest monument in
Marrakech dating back to the early 12th century then discover the hidden quarters where the artisans have their workshops and make all sorts of local crafts which make great souvenirs.

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GET YOUR TASTE BUDS TINGLING

This culinary exploration is led by a Dada and an English speaking guide. A Dada is a lady who specialises in private Moroccan traditional cooking and practices at wedding ceremonies and other important family events. Walk inside the old Medina and stop at one of the traditional bakeries, see the furnace that heats the local public steam bath and where locals bring stewed lamb or beef called "Tangia”, to be slow cooked in the ashes.

You then explore food markets to learn about the herbs and spices used in Moroccan cooking and enjoy a Marrakech herbal tea on one of the roof terraces. Then at the main square of Jemaa El Fna you can stroll around the stalls before going to the former home of the French designer Pierre Balmain, which is now run as an upscale restaurant, where you learn more about cooking from the chef Moha, who is a celebrity in Morocco

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DAYS IN THE MARKET

This is a delightful walking tour inside the colourful Souks in the Medina of Marrakech. You will be treated to a feast for your senses as you taste some local produce, smell the fragrance of the spices and oils, touch the texture of the beautiful fabrics, haggle over the prices, enjoy the hustle and bustle and listen to the sounds of everyday life in this world of its own.

You are taken to heart of the markets to see different alleys, quarters and the bright colours of the stores. With the help of your guide, you can talk to the crafts people to learn more about their skills. You also visit one of the many herbalist stores in the Souk and learn about the spices and their use in the Moroccan cuisine. End the walk at Jemaa El Fna square to hear Berber musicians and see snake charmers.

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