Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Welcome to  mesmerizing  Morocco – a country distinguished by its Berber, Arabian & European cultural influences.

Arrive in the port city of Casablanca - one of the largest financial centers on the African continent & immortalised in countless movies.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in and provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next day.

Check-in at the hotel & relax.

Casablanca is a port city & commercial hub in western Morocco, fronting the Atlantic Ocean. Though not as atmospheric as other Moroccan cities, Casablanca is the best representation of the modern nation. It is the largest city in Morocco & also the largest city in the Maghreb, as well as one of the most important cities in Africa, both economically & demographically. Casablanca is Morocco's chief port & one of the largest financial centers on the continent and is considered the economic & business center of Morocco, although the national political capital is Rabat. The leading Moroccan companies & international corporations doing business in the country have their headquarters & main industrial facilities in Casablanca.

The Port of Casablanca is one of the largest artificial ports in the world & the second largest port of North Africa, after Tangier and is also the primary naval base for the Royal Moroccan Navy. This is where young Moroccans come to seek their fortunes & where money is being made as business & the creative industries prosper.

The city's French colonial legacy is seen in its handsome Mauresque buildings in the downtown area, which meld French-colonial European art deco design & traditional Moorish Moroccan style.

Visitors who spend time there, in the Quartier Habous & in the beachside suburb of Ain Diab, are sure to get into the local swing of things & realise that this old pirate lair is looking towards the future, embracing the European-flavored urban sophistication that has underpinned life here for the past century.

The number of construction projects currently under way here is simply extraordinary - major re-developments include those at Place Mohammed V and the Parc de la Ligue Arabe & new public buildings include the Grand Theatre de Casablanca. Standing partly over the water, the enormous Hassan II Mosque, completed in 1993, has a 210m minaret topped with lasers directed toward Mecca.

Balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration or optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions and / or make arrangements).

And if you are the more adventurous, independent sort of traveller who wants to go beyond what is 'pretty', this is North African big city life in all its grit & glory, with its cultural diversity (there are immigrants here from many other parts of Africa), and its many neighbourhoods of vibrant day & night life.

Morning, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 08.00 pm & proceed for an 8 hour sightseeing tour of the city.

Round up Casablanca’s sights in a full day city tour with a knowledgeable commentary to shed light on the landmarks. Learn more about Islam, which is a good introduction to the start of your trip as the knowledgeable Tour-guide will give you a fascinating insight into Moroccan / Muslim life - everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask!

Frist stop will be the majestic Hassan II Mosque - largest mosque in Morocco, the second largest in Africa & the 5^th largest in the world which can hold 25,000 worshippers. Built to commemorate the former Kings 60^th birthday & completed in 1993, it was designed by Michel Pinseau & built by Bouygues, with beautiful turquoise tile work, a retractable roof & its minaret is the world's tallest at 210 metres.

Continue on to the Place of the United Nations (Place de France), a small, traditional walled area built on a hill overlooking the city which was developed by the French architect & urban planner Henri Prost in 1915 and served as a link between the old Medina & the new city center. With its arches of golden stones, housed in the heart of the White City, it shows 70 years of “chic” architecture with its wide avenues & beautiful flower gardens.  Walk through the Medina’s   central market & the district Habbous, that have maintained their authenticity.

Visit the Villa des Arts housed in a pretty 1934 Art Deco villa & you will be impressed by its beautiful garden. The oldest private Museum of the city, the Villa retains a rich collection of over 800 works & regularly presents temporary exhibitions of Moroccan & foreign artists.

See a former Roman Catholic Casablanca Cathedral (Cathedral of the Sacred Heart), a structure of Gothic art & art deco mix constructed in 1930 & housed in the middle of the park of the Arab League. The cathedral ceased its religious function in 1956, after the independence of Morocco.

Marking the busiest entrance to the old medina, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in downtown Casablanca - the 20 meters high Clock Tower,   informing the time to all passers-by.  The current Tower is a 1993 reproduction of the original 1911 structure, which fell into disrepair & was dismantled around 1950.

Then, visit the Museum of Moroccan Judaism which opened its door for the first time in 1977. The only Jewish museum in the Arabic-speaking world, this institution is set in an attractive garden villa that once functioned as a Jewish orphanage. It traces the 2000-year history of Jews in Morocco, focusing on Casablanca's Jewish community (most of the country's Jews live here). The Museum offers a historical & ethnographic opening on Moroccan Jewish community. The thoughtfully curated & well-labelled collection includes ornate clothing, traditional tools & ritual objects. Photographs usually feature in the temporary exhibition space, and there's a reconstructed 1930s synagogue from Larache in an adjoining room.

Drive by Mahkama du Pacha - a Hispanic-Moorish building comprising of more than 60 ornate rooms with delicately carved wooden ceilings & stuccoes & intricate wrought-iron railings as well as beautifully-tiled floors.

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You will also stop at the bar at the Hotel Hyatt Regency, famous as a location for many Hollywood films starring Humphrey Bogart & Ingrid Bergman for a final coffee break.

Last stop will be the Corniche - a neighborhood on the ocean, west of the Hassan II Mosque. Decades ago, it was a thriving resort area - hotels lining the ocean side of the Boulevard de la Corniche & nightclubs lining the other side and it is almost disorienting how much it resembles the New Jersey Shore.  Along the Boulevard de l'Ocean Atlantique are many newer, fancier hotels. The Corniche is also home to many western fast food chains. A new western-style movie theater can also be found here, but the best option is to walk up and down the street, resting at one of the many ocean-view cafes.

The sightseeing concludes.

You can return to the hotel or continue exploring the area (on your own).

Balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration or optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions and / or make arrangements).

And if you are the more adventurous, independent sort of traveller who wants to go beyond what is 'pretty', this is North African big city life in all its grit and glory, with its cultural diversity (there are immigrants here from many other parts of Africa), and its many neighbourhoods of vibrant day & night life.

Dinner tonight would be in a beautiful, traditional Moroccan restaurant.

Return to the hotel.

Early morning, meet The Journeys Driver / Rep & depart for Fez.

On arrival, Check-in at the hotel & relax.

Fez is a imperial Moroccan city often referred to as the country’s cultural capital. The city has been called the "Mecca of the West" & the "Athens of Africa," a nickname it shares with Cyrene in Libya.

Casablanca might be your first impression of Morocco, but don't be fooled, it is a stark contrast to what you are about to experience in the UNESCO World Heritage listed medieval city of Fes.

Although Fez lost its influence at the beginning of the 19^th century, it remains a supremely self-confident city whose cultural & spiritual lineage beguiles visitors. Something of the medieval remains in the world’s largest largest urban pedestrian zones (car-free urban areas) where donkeys cart goods down the warren of alleyways & while there are still ruinous pockets, government efforts to restore the city are showing results.

Fez was founded under the Idrisid rule during the 8^th - 9^th century & it consisted of two autonomous & competing settlements. The migration of 2000 Arab families in the early 9^th century gave the nascent city its Arabic character.

After the downfall of the Idrisid dynasty, several empires came & went until the 11^th century when the Almoravid Sultan Yusuf ibn Tashfin united the two settlements & rebuilt the city, which became today's Fes el Bali quarter.

Under the Almoravid rule, the city gained the reputation for the religious scholarship & mercantile activity. Fez was expanded during the Almohad rule & became the largest city in the world during 1170-1180 with the estimated population of 200,000.

Fez reached its zenith in the Marinid-era, regaining the status as the capital & in its heyday, Fez attracted scholars & philosophers, mathematicians & lawyers, astronomers & theologians. Craftsmen built them houses & palaces, kings endowed mosques & madrasas (religious schools) and merchants offered exotic wares from the silk roads & sub-Saharan trade routes. These buildings were considered the hallmarks of Moorish & Moroccan architectural styles & some have survived up until today.

Marinid sultans also founded Fes Jdid quarter, where newer palaces & gardens were established. During this time, the Jewish population of the city grew as well, with the Mellah (Jewish quarter) attracting the Jewish migrants from other North African regions.

After the overthrow of the Marinid dynasty, the city largely declined and replaced by Marrakesh for political and cultural influence, but remained as the capital under the Wattasids & modern Morocco until 1912.

Today, the city largely consists of two walled old medina quarters, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Fes el Bali & Fes Jdid with medieval Marinid architecture, vibrant souks & old-world atmosphere and modern urban area of Ville Nouvelle constructed during the French colonial era.  The Medina is home to religious schools such as the 14^th century Bou Inania & Al Attarine, both decorated with elaborate cedar carvings & ornate tile work.

Fez has the oldest continuously functioning university in the world - University of Al Quaraouiyine founded in 859. It is also the location of the 11^th century Chouara Tannery, one of the oldest tanneries in the world.

Some 90,000 people still live in the Fez medina. It can seem like it’s in a state of perpetual pandemonium; some visitors fall instantly in love & others recoil in horror. But its charms are many. Seemingly blind alleys lead to squares with exquisite fountains & streets bursting with aromatic food stands, rooftops unveil a sea of minarets & stooped doorways reveal tireless artisans. 

Balance of the day is at leisure.

You might try to go for a short walk in the maze-like alleyways of the souq and watch the sun set from a fantastic vantage point over this amazing old city.  

Morning, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 08.00 pm & embark on an exciting 4 hour experience to explore this mesmerizing city.

Start with the Palais Royale & feel the Royalty at Morocco's most stunning palace. The entrance - the mighty Golden Gates - an stunning example of modern restoration, will leave you imagining about the magnificent architectural details & how grand is the inside of the palace. As the 80 hectares of palace grounds are not open to the public. Visitors must be satisfied with viewing its imposing brass doors, surrounded by fine zellige (colourful geometric mosaic tilework) & carved cedar wood. Note the lemon trees to one side - the Tour-guides are prone to plucking the fruit to demonstrate the juice’s astringent cleaning properties on the palace gates.  

Not far from the royal palace is the walled Fez Jewish Quarter in Fez El Jdid established in the 14^th century & considered the oldest of the Jewish Quarters in Morocco, a refuge for Jews, thus creating a mellah, analogous to the European ghetto. The records suggest the move was orchestrated to offer the Jews greater protection & they repaid the favour of the sultan with their loyalty during conflict. Around 250,000 Jews once lived here, but now only a handful remain in Fez - all in the ville nouvelle. Their old houses remain, with their open balconies looking onto the streets a marked contrast to Muslim styles. Enjoy a stroll & marvel at its ornate balconies & windows. 

Continue to Bab Boujeloud, commonly known as the “Blue Gate,” which serves as the principle entrance to the old Medina in Fez. Its glittering mosaic tiles & grand archway have made it one of Morocco’s most famed gateways. When you stroll beneath the famous blue gate of Bab Boujeloud, you are seemingly transported 1,000 years back in time. The bustling cafes & outdoor markets quickly give way to quiet narrow streets. Enjoy an impressive panoramic view of the old medina of Fez. Don't forget your cameras! Here, visit a pottery co-operative that highlights the art of Moroccan pottery & handmade tile through workshops & witness the entire process.

Be impressed by the University of Al-Karaouine that was founded in 859 AD established by an incredible woman, Fatima al-Fihria, a Lady who had fled her country of Tunisia for the kingdom of Morocco.  It is considered by UNESCO as the oldest continuously operating degree-awarding university in the world. The University features beautiful Andalusian ornamental details & its libraries have several extremely valuable documents written on gazelle parchment.

But along the way, you will stop to visit the Shrine of Moulay Idriss II, the patron saint & founder of the city of Fez, who ruled Morocco from 807 to 828 & is considered the main founder of the city & of the first Moroccan Islamic state.

The whitewashed town of national importance - Moulay Idriss sits astride two green hills in a cradle of mountains amidst a picturesque setting, a pretty historic core & is one of the country’s most important pilgrimage sites, thanks to the tomb of the city's founder.

Moulay Idriss’ holy status kept it closed to non-Muslims until 1912 & it wasn't until 2005 that non-Muslims were allowed to stay overnight in the town. Its previous inaccessibility has helped protect the town's peaceful way of life & those who do stay are invariably charmed.

We then take a walk through the souq (market), a maze of narrow alleyways crammed with shops selling all sorts of treasures. The souq bulges with beautiful handmade crafts (copper & brass stained glass lamps, carpets, colourful spices, leather bags…). Haggling is all part of the fun & games to get the price down too. There is time to shop along the way, because let's face it, you won't be able to resist it!

The sightseeing ends & you will be transferred to the hotel or you can continue exploring the area (on your own).

Balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration or optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions and / or make arrangements).

Early morning, set off for the Sahara desert, stopping along the way in Ifrane, a "Swiss-style" town built by the French in the 30s.

Pass through the dramatic Ziz Valley & watch the landscape changes several times till you finally reach the edge of the Sahara.

Reach Merzouga & Check-in at a beautiful Kasbah-style hotel made of mud, with a backdrop of huge golden dunes.  

If you think of a sandy desert, Merzouga area is your answer. It is a small village in southeastern Morocco known for its proximity to the majestic Erg Chebbi sand dunes rising above the twin villages of Merzouga & Hassi Labied which form an intriguing point in the otherwise flat & rocky desert that marks out the Moroccan portion of the Sahara Desert. Legend has it that when a wealthy family refused hospitality to a poor woman & her son, God was offended & buried them under Erg Chebbi,

Merzouga has the largest natural underground body of water in Morocco Near the dunes of Erg Chebbi there are some other known villages: Hassilabied, Tanamoust, Takoujt, Khamlia, Tisserdmine.

In high season, coaches & convoys of 4WDs churn up huge dust clouds as they race across the hammada in time for sunset camel rides & camping in the dream desert destination. Hotels flank the western fringes of the dunes - although there is no denying the spectacular dune views from rooms & terraces.

Balance of the day is at leisure.

Overnight.  B L D

Morning enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the edge of the Sahara desert.

The pace of life is slower out here under the hot sun & somehow the nothingness is mesmerizing. Out in the desert you feel a million miles from anywhere.

Later, Check-out & depart for a full day excursion on a little desert adventure by four-wheel drive out into the Sahara, visiting local nomads to see how they live in this harsh environment.

You will get a real feel for desert life & just how intense it is. Hear a local group playing traditional "gnawa" music in a local Tuareg village - the ancestors of these black musicians were left here after the slave -trade ended and have developed their own style of music & dance.

Enjoy a traditional Berber lunch & a bit of shopping for traditional Berber artifacts before heading back to a Desert Camp where you will stay tonight (your luggage would have been transferred to the Camp).

But another adventure is waiting to be experienced.

While many people think of camels when they think of Morocco, it can come as a surprise to find that camels are typically only found close to the desert areas

Once at the Tented Camp, as the sun sets in the distance, you will mount your camel for a serene ride out into the Sahara for an hour.

Come back to the Camp & enjoy a tasty dinner as the Tour-guide prepares a tasty tajine. 

Tonight you will experience a Saharan sunset & spend the night under the stars - sweet dreams are sure to be had!

The sunrise will gently wake you. Visitors who are keen can climb the high dune next to the Camp to watch the sun rise over the endless sands.

Local Berber children of the desert will come by with handmade trinkets for sale.

Get on the camels for the ride back to the mud hotel, where a hearty breakfast & showers await (room for day use).

Shortly after, depart for Boumalne Dade.

Check-in at the hotel.

Located at the edge of a desert plateau, the hillside town of Boumalne Dades which leads into stunning Dades Gorge, is considered one of the most attractive Moroccan touristic cities for many reasons.

Boumalne Dades is famous for its beautiful & charming landscapes, as well as its idyllic gorges. One can visit an area aptly named as the “monkeys’ fingers.” a long maze of big rocks & intricate lanes.

Most of its residents, like those of the Dades Valley, are Amazigh Berber people. Tribes in Boumalne have different unknown origins, according to oral histories passed down from generation to generation.  There are tribes of black people, white people, Ait Atta & so on. No one knows which tribe was the first to settle down in Dades, each tribe has its own attitude & version of events.

However, it is believed that the first dwelling in Dades was before the building of the Jewish Tiylit Castle which is located along the right bank of the Dades River. Jews were one of the oldest people who lived in several places in south-east Morocco & had considerable numbers until the 1950s, when most Jewish people started leaving to live in Israel.

Boumalne Dades is a space where every scene could easily inspire an artistic masterpiece. The manner of building throughout the whole region seems to be done in an artistic way & people made sure that they decorated their houses with cultural symbols that are often found in the Tifinagh alphabets or traditional old symbols that go back to the era of Christianity or Judaism in the southeast of the Kingdom.

The traditional adobe houses of southeast Morocco in general & the Kasbahs of Boumalne Dades in particular are just amazing. They become cold in the summer & warm in the winter, which is a distinct building feature. Additionally, Boumalne Dades belongs to what is known as the “one thousand roads of Kasbahs.”

Women in Boumalne dress in a colorful and artistic style. They wear Tisbnay, T’ichtat & so on. Yet because of modernism & globalization, young men & women started following the worldly fashion style in the last few decades & they consequently tend to only wear traditional clothes for weddings & local celebrations.

The gorges of Dades is a space of high mountains & there is a curly road that snakes around the area. However, discovering the place on foot & taking souvenir pictures is a nice experience amidst the pure & virgin nature.

Another interesting aspect is the traditional music style of Boumalne Dades known as ‘Ahidous’. Players form two separate rows, for men & women. It is played often in weddings & local celebrations and a means through which many social purposes are achieved, such as the courtship between young men & women. However, in terms of music, nowadays the youth of Dades are oriented to activist singing in which they use modern instruments such as the guitar. They sing about poverty, identity, social & political problems. But, they stay loyal to the traditional music as well.

To sum up, it is worth mentioning the availability of the modern & traditional hotel structures in Boumalne Dades. These high quality places to stay, coupled with reliable transportation services, facilitate the discovery of the attractive city and its surrounding areas

Balance of the day is at leisure.

Early morning, Check-out & depart for Ait Benhaddou, driving through the spectacular Dades Gorge, full of incredible rock formations in beautiful coloured sandstone.   

Pass through the Vallee des Roses, one of the most attractive features of Boumalne Dades & Kelaa Megouna, both cities sharing the same culture, language, history & connected by a 30 km street, which is believed to be the second longest streets in Africa. 

During Spring, the whole region is colored with the beauty of the pink flowers of the Dades valley, which seems to like a bottle containing the purest of smells. Exotic products are made here, from the Damascus Rose. Maybe you still have some room in your bag for some rose water, rose oil, or some beautiful hand-creams etc.

Tourists all over the world prefer visiting the region during this season, which peaks in the months of April & May when the Rose Festival takes place at Kelaa Megouna & encourages visitors discover the culture & traditions of both cities.

Continue on to Ouarzazate, (Morocco's answer to Hollywood) where Gladiator & the Mummy, amongst others, were filmed, for lunch, perhaps in a local friend’s home if she is available!  

Strategically located Ouarzazate has gotten by largely on its wits instead of its looks.

For centuries, people from the Atlas, Draa & Dades Valleys converged to do business at Ouarzazate’s sprawling Taourirt Kasbah & a modern garrison town was established here in the 1920s to oversee France’s colonial interests.

The movie business gradually took off in Ouarzazate after the French protectorate left in the 1950s & ‘Ouallywood’ movie studios have built quite a resume providing convincingly exotic backdrops for movies supposedly set in Tibet, ancient Rome, Somalia & Egypt.

Since King Mohammed VI started visiting here & fixing up the roads, Ouarzazate has been developing quickly with vast new residential areas marked out to the south of town along with new condo-hotel complexes, a spacious pedestrian plaza & well-stocked supermarkets. With scores of agencies offering bikes, motorbikes & camels, this is an ideal launching pad for mountains, desert & gorges.

Enjoy lunch here before driving on.

Reach Ait Benhaddou, one of the oldest & best preserved Kasbahs in Morocco. A Kasbah is an old mud-walled castle, with beautifully decorated mud turrets.

Check-in at the hotel which has a fine view of the old Kasbah.

UNESCO World Heritage listed Ait Benhaddou is a traditional Mud Brick city on the edge of the High Atlas Mountains along the former caravan route between the Sahara & Marrakech. With the help of some Hollywood touch-ups, the red mudbrick Ksar seems frozen in time, still resembling its days in the 11^th century as an Almoravid caravanserai.  Most citizens live in more modern dwellings in a village on the other side of the river, although there are some families still living in the ancient village.

Once inside the Ksar you can only walk or climb. There are two main entrances into the Ksar, one can be reached by new bridge. To reach the second, it is necessary to cross the river using the stepping stones (in dry season the river is completely dry). The Granary at the top of the hill is impressive and well worth the effort to get up there, though be careful of any little 'entrepreneurs' eager to help you climb to the top level inside the granary (they wait till your back is turned before quickly dissembling their makeshift bridge which you used to climb up and it is not until you throw down some baksheesh that they will let you climb down again)

The Mausoleum of Ben-Haddou is at the base of the hill on the opposite side to the town. There are several shops within the town that sell souvenirs from all over the Sahara, particularly prevalent are Models of the Ksar and wooden artifacts from the Dogon people in Mali. There is a very friendly carpet shop in the newer part of town near the post office.

It is featured in many films, mostly as a replacement for Jerusalem. Movie buffs may recognise it from Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth (for which much of Ait Benhaddou was rebuilt), Jewel of the Nile (note the Egyptian towers) and Gladiator.

A less retouched Kasbah can be found north along the tarmac, not far from Ait Benhaddou - the Tamdaght kasbah, a crumbling Glaoui fortification topped by storks’ nests.

Balance of the evening is at leisure to explore independently. Stroll around.

Early morning, depart for Marrakesh, driving through the scenic mountains, with a lot of photo stops on the way.

Reach Marrakesh by afternoon & Check-in at the hotel. 

On arrival, Check-in at the hotel & relax.

Prepare for your senses to be slapped. Marrakesh's heady sights & sounds will dazzle, frazzle & enchant.

Artisan Heritage| Faith & Culture|The Medina| Souq Shopping

With its busy markets, tangled streets heady with the scent of fragrant spices, steamy bath houses & dusty-pink buildings, Marrakech is an intensely compelling city. It was described by Winston Churchill as the "Paris of the Sahara" & one can certainly understand why upon seeing its grandiose architecture, immense beauty & vibrant history.

Marrakesh is possibly the most important of Morocco's four former imperial cities and now a major economic center & home to mosques, palaces & gardens. Marrakesh is a city steeped in ancient artistry that continues to thrive, kept alive by the modern craftspeople of the souqs & the contemporary art & design scene of the ville nouvelle.

The region has been inhabited by Berber farmers since Neolithic times, but the actual city was founded in 1062, by Abu Bakr ibn Umar, chieftain & cousin of Almoravid king Yusuf ibn Tashfin. In the 12^th century, the Almoravids built many madrasas (Koranic schools) & mosques in Marrakesh that bear Andalusian influences.

The red walls of the city, built by Ali ibn Yusuf in 1122 – 1123 & various buildings constructed in red sandstone during this period, have given the city the nickname of the "Red City" or "Ochre City". Marrakesh grew rapidly & established itself as a cultural, religious & trading centre for the Maghreb & sub-Saharan Africa;

After a period of decline, the city was surpassed by Fez, but in the early 16^th century, Marrakesh again became the capital of the kingdom. The city regained its pre-eminence under wealthy Saadian sultans Abu Abdallah al-Qaim & Ahmad al-Mansur, who embellished the city with sumptuous palaces such as the El Badi Palace (in 1578) & restored many ruined monuments.

Beginning in the 17^th century, the city became popular among Sufi pilgrims for Morocco's seven patron saints, who are entombed here. In 1912 the French Protectorate in Morocco was established & T'hami El Glaoui became Pasha of Marrakesh & held this position nearly throughout the duration of the protectorate until the role was dissolved upon independence of Morocco & the re-establishment of the monarchy in 1956.

Like many Moroccan cities, Marrakesh comprises of an old fortified city packed with vendors & their stalls (the Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site), bordered by modern neighbourhoods, the most prominent of which is Gueliz.

The medina is a densely packed, walled medieval city dating to the Berber Empire, with mazelike alleys where thriving souks (marketplaces) sell traditional textiles, pottery & jewelry. A symbol of the city, and visible for miles, is the Moorish minaret of 12^th century Koutoubia Mosque.

It has the largest traditional market (souk) in Morocco, with some 18 souks selling wares ranging from traditional Berber carpets to modern consumer electronics. Crafts employ a significant percentage of the population, who primarily sell their products to tourists.

A vibrant city where east meets west - from the traditional old souq in the medina to the modern shops French patisseries, you will find this place fascinating.

Think of the medina's souqs as a shopping mall, but laid out according to a labyrinthine medieval-era plan. Whether you want to spice up your pantry with North African flavours or buy a carpet to add Moroccan-wow to your house, this magpie's nest of treasures is manna for shop-till-you-drop fanatics. The main market streets are Souq Semmarine & Souq El Kebir. If you see something you really like there, fine - but understand prices will be higher. Smaller souqs & souqs dedicated to artisan workshops such as Souq Haddadine (Blacksmith’s Souq), where you can buy direct from the producer, generally have the best deals.

You will understand how religion permeates the rhythms of daily life when you hear the sonorous call to prayer echo out from the mosques. As an old imperial capital, Marrakesh is home to some beautiful examples of Islamic architecture, most impressively the Ali Ben Youssef Madarsa & the Koutoubia minaret. The city also holds on to a heritage of the other religious communities that once helped it become a vibrant caravan town.

Marrakesh is particularly popular with the French & numerous French celebrities own property in the city.

It is one of North Africa’s largest centres of wildlife trade, despite the illegality of much of this trade & this trade can be found in the medina & adjacent squares. Tortoises are particularly popular for sale as pets but Barbary macaques & snakes can also be seen.

Marrakesh has several universities and schools, including Cadi Ayyad University. A number of Moroccan football clubs are located here and it also hosts World Touring Car Championship, Auto GP and FIA Formula Two Championship races.

Bahia Palace & the Dar Si Said are a riot of tilework & intricate floral painted-wood ceilings, the Saadian Tombs are enriched by an opulent bounty of marble, while the Musee de Mouassine & Musee de Marrakech are a showcase of swirling stucco & carved-wood design.

After relaxing for an hour, visit the souq to buy scrubbing gloves & Moroccan soap "savon noir" for the ‘hammam’ bath tomorrow, after the hike

Evening, accompanied by the Tour-guide, proceed for dinner at Jamaa El Fna.

The iconic and chaotic square is the hub of the Marrakesh Medina. By day the busy market place is filled with spice traders, orange juice stalls, snake charmers, medicine men & performing monkeys.

By night it undergoes a complete transformation to an open air dining market & the aroma of local foods entice customers to dine on, among other things, the Moroccan stable tagine, while groups of locals sing songs & tell stories while crowds gather around. The Square is a hive of live street entertainment every evening - there are belly dancers, acrobats, storytellers, musicians, buskers & much more to keep you amused for hours.

Follow the locals for the tastiest dishes & when you find a stall you want to dine at, grab a seat on the benches & get ready to eat!

Probably more appealing for female visitors, there are numerous women at Djemaa el Fna who will decorate your hands, arms, feet & legs with an intricate temporary henna tattoo. The dye eventually fades away, leaving you with no permanent skin patterns. Choose your design & relax as the women skillfully apply the henna to your skin. Be sure, however to only use brown henna; black henna can cause allergic reactions & chemical burns.

Morning, depart for Atlas Mountains, driving along Ourika gorge passing through flat, red desert & entering the lush, green Atlas Mountains.  

One of Morocco's most naturally beautiful regions, the Atlas Mountains reward their visitors with a stunning combination of valleys, summits & traditional villages clinging to mountainsides. You will experience magnificent views & enjoy meeting local people along the trail.

The Atlas mountain chain stretches across North Africa through Algeria, Tunisia & Morocco. The mountains formed over millions of years, gaining their present-day shape when the African continent collided with the Iberian peninsula, in what is known as a convergent plate boundary.

There are many villages high up in the mountains.  Imlil is the highest village of the High Atlas mountain. Terraces are notched into Jebel Toubkal's base & tender shoots sprout from vegetable plots. Cherry & apple orchards line whispering mountain creeks, which suddenly burst into waterfalls on exposed rock faces. The dreaded Glaoui Kasbah du Toubkal is now an upscale, eco-friendly hotel.

Footpaths wind gently upward to the Berber hamlet of Tamatert, wedged snugly between two stern rock faces. A trail zigzags among low-slung houses made of pise (clay mixed with straw), a sheep on a nearby rooftop bleats a neighbourly hello.

From here, goats & trekkers climb onto Jebel Toubkal's hunched shoulders, which are freckled with pine trees planted in a reforestation initiative. A closer look reveals flowering shrubs lining the rugged passes. Knowledgeable local guides point out wild herbs: verbena, mint, rosemary, marjoram, sage, thyme & absinthe which serve medicinal purposes passed down by Berber families through generations".

Throughout the day, take in the mountains’ beautiful scenery: terraced gardens that climb steep hillsides, tumbling waterfalls & an alpine Kasbah. .

The challenging but rewarding hikes are taken at a leisurely pace, allowing plenty of time to catch your breath, then the chance to lose it all over again while admiring the stunning views. Take your time on the hike, stopping along the way for photos & a lunch break.

After driving for an hour, up to Moulay Brahim Gorges. arrive at a main trailhead with streams & paths branching out in all directions,

Here, you will leave the vehicle & the Tour-guide will load the donkeys with your overnight bags & embark on a 4 hour hike, passing through many Berber hamlets Ait mizan, Targa & Imoula. in the spectacular mountain landscapes.

Enroute, you  will stop in Tamatert to enjoy lunch with the Berber family in their home & marvel at the view of ancient irrigated terraced fields of barley, corn & vegetables, surrounded by cherry & walnut trees.

Continue for another 30 minutes to arrive in the isolated Berber village of Ait Souka, where will be welcomed with mint tea by the family with whom you will stay tonight.

It will be a real cultural experience as you stay with the family in their home up in the mountains. You get to see how they survive up in the mountains using age-old traditions. Conditions are rustic in the home as you enjoy a home cooked dinner & spend the night like a local.

Morning, walk down to Azroul to see visit the waterfalls, then begin your return trip down the other side of the valley to Taourirt where you will board the vehicle for the drive back to Marrakech.

Reach the hotel by afternoon & Check-in.

Later, get ready for an authentic Moroccan spa experiences - a Berber Massage & a ritual bath (included) in the famous Hammam.

Head out to one of the local neighbourhood "hammam" - a traditional communal bath house.

For the uninitiated a Moroccan hammam is a traditional middle-eastern bathing & cleansing ritual going from hot to cold: it can vary across Hammams but typically involves a hot steam room, a scrub & finally cold water immersion.

Many riads & hotels have their own hammams in-house, as do Marrakesh spas; some accommodate couples. Public hammams are a greener option than private ones, since less water & fuel is required per person to get squeaky clean.

Moroccan hammams are part of many Moroccans' daily life. The hammam, also known as the Turkish hamam or Turkish bath, is the Middle Eastern variant of a steam bath, which can be categorized as a wet relative of the sauna.

This Moroccan massage was primarily intended for the Berber populations from long ago. The ancient Berbers were a nomadic people who were constantly on their feet, moving from place to place. So logically, the traditional Moroccan Berber massage begins with a long rub of your feet & legs while in a bowl of warm water.

You will enjoy the southern Moroccan version of mint tea while relaxing.  The massage then continues with a deep muscle massage of your entire body. This intense experience was meant to increase blood circulation after hours of walking in this area of very hot summers & very cold winters. The whole massage experience is done using traditional Argan oils that protect & nourish your skin.

For most Moroccans, the hammam is more than a day at the spa & is usually a weekly traditional bathing & cleansing ritual in a steam room and is considered a social activity in villages & towns, with men, women & children all participate.

Thanks to the vigourous scrubbing & rubbing, the age old traditional full-body cleansing ritual of Moroccans is done to clean, whiten & soften the skin, improve blood circulation which helps the body to reduce water retention, detoxify, relax tired nerves & muscles, aid in healing & much more.

Men must wear bottoms. Ladies can wear underwear or a bathing suit, or sometimes you will be given a disposable pair of underwear to put on. Once you are suitably dressed, put on your robe & go meet your hammam attendant.

Bring your community hammam kit - a full change of clothing, savon beldi (a blackish looking soap made with olive oil), a kess, your own regular soap & shampoo, water bucket & a small cup or bucket for scooping water, a small foldable plastic mat for the floor, razor, towel, flip-flops, facewash & any other toiletries you use when bathing.

If anyone want to splurge, they can go in for a full massage (optional - extra payment). It combines traditional kessa on top of a hot stone & a relaxing massage. The masseur soaps up the body & rubs it with the traditional Arab glove (kessa) & red grape soap, getting rid of dead skin cells & activating proper blood flow.

You will be scrubbed by the bathhouse attendants, with the locally made natural products (olive oil soap etc) till you are squeaky clean - guaranteed to come out feeling like a new born baby!

Come back to the hotel.

Balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration or optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions and / or make arrangements).

Overnight.  B L D

Marrakesh is a city that sums up all of Morocco's exotic North African charm. The city's name provided the root for the name of the country itself, spelling out this town's importance through the ages. Within the hustle of the medina, you will find the city's main points of interest in a dizzying meld of ancient and new. Just soaking up the atmosphere here tops the things to do list, with snake charmers & smooth shop touts both competing for your attention amid a noisy, colorful bustle that encapsulates Morocco's vibrant soul.

For shoppers, this city is famous as a frenzied hub for bargain hunting. For history loving tourists, the many museums & monuments are some of the country's sightseeing must-dos. And for those who just want to dive into local culture, the medina offers Moroccan life in all its hectic glory.

Morning, at 09.00 am, meet the knowledgeable Tour-guide in the Lobby & embark on an exciting 8 hour experience to uncover the mystery of Marrakesh's enchanting souks & sights.

First stop will be at the Ben Youssef Madrasa Koranic school (Islamic school of learning) built in 1565 by the Saadians. It is the largest theological college in Morocco. The warrens of rooms (with student cells that once were home to 900 pupils) are clustered around small internal courtyards in typical Islamic architecture style, but the main internal courtyard is the real highlight here. The fine zellige tiling, stalactite ceilings, cedar-wood detailing & Kufic inscriptions used as decoration across the courtyard's interior make this madarsa one of Morocco's most beautiful buildings & a star medina attraction.

Walk to Koutoubia Mosque, built in 1162, Marrakesh's most famous landmark with its striking, 70 meter    tall minaret visible for miles in every direction. The mosque was & is one of the great achievements of Almohad architecture. Local Marrakesh legend tells that when first built, the muezzin (man who calls the faithful to pray) for this mosque had to be blind as the minaret was so tall that it overlooked the ruler's harem. Non-Muslims are not allowed into the mosque itself.

Then, see the 16^th century burial ground - home to 66 members of the Saadian dynasty, which ruled over Marrakesh between 1524 & 1668. The Tombs here include that of the ruler Al-Mansour, his successors & their closest family members. It is a rambling, atmospheric place, with the mausoleums set amid a rather overgrown garden. In particular, the main Mausoleum (where Moulay Yazid is buried) has a fine surviving mihrab (prayer niche). The Saadian Tombs were walled up by their Alawite successors & were only rediscovered in the early 20^th century.

Spend time in Djemaa El Fna (assembly place of the nobodies) - the fantastic large square at the entry to the medina which is the center of Marrakesh life. It is a vibrant hub of bric-a-brac stalls, musicians, storytellers, fortune-tellers & snake charmers that never seems to rest. Here, the entire spectrum of Moroccan life enfolds before you. If being down among the thrum becomes too much, it is also easy to escape to one of the many surrounding rooftop cafes & restaurants where you can survey the crazy scene from above.

Next, marvel at the opulent decor of the magnificent Bahia Palace built in the late 19^th century as the residence of the Grand Vizier Bou Ahmed, who served Sultan Moulay al-Hassan I. The interior decoration is a dazzling display of zellige tiles, painted ceilings & ornate wrought-iron features showcasing the opulent lives of those high up in the sultan's favor at that time. The massive marble grand courtyard & opulent salons of the haram area are the two main attractions, while the lush internal courtyard of the grand riad, with its banana-leaf plants & citrus trees, is a tranquil respite from the city.

Continue on to see another landmark - Badi Palace. The ruins of Al-Mansour's once grand palace are one of the kasbah area's most atmospheric sights. The Saadian ruler built the opulent palace, with pavilions set amid a mammoth garden of reflective pools, during his triumphant reign, but it was plundered & destroyed soon after. Now the sparse remnants of mosaic-tiled floors, ruined pavilions, and the high enclosing walls are all that remain. There are excellent views across the medina from the top of the walls, where storks have also built their nests.

After viewing the palace, head to the Mellah - the old Jewish quarter of Marrakesh, established in the 16^th century & now populated mainly by Muslims. The small synagogue here has been nicely restored & can be visited, as can the vast Jewish cemetery.

For many visitors, Marrakesh's labyrinthine Medina (old city) district is the town's star attraction. The narrow alleyways are a kaleidoscope of colors, scents & sounds, and bound to be the sightseeing highlight of your trip. As well as simply wandering (& getting lost) amid the bustling maze, there are myriad shopping opportunities, where you can put your haggling hat on & barter to your heart's content.

Shoppers shouldn't miss the Babouche (shoe) Souk, Chouari (carpenter's) Souk, El-Attarine (perfume & spice) Souk & the Cherratine (leather) Souk. Just west of the main souk area, at the end of Rue Bab Debbagh, you will find Marrakesh's tanneries, where animal skins are still dyed the old-fashioned way.

The sightseeing comes to an end.

You will be transferred to the hotel or you can continue to explore (on your own).

Balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration or optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestions and / or make arrangements).

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 07.00 am & depart for the Atlantic Coast for  a full day 12 hour excursion to visit the white-washed town of Essaouira..

It is the coastal wind - the beautifully named alizee, or taros in Berber - that has allowed Essaouira to retain its traditional culture & character..

Bright and breezy Essaouira, on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, is an enchanting, laid-back alternative to the frenetic melting-pot of Marrakesh.

The town’s name means “little picture” in Arabic, and it is a painter’s dream location, with a vibrant blue & white “medina” _{(inner walled city),} enclosed by fairy-tale, sand-coloured ramparts and imposing stone gates (“Babs”). Beyond the colourful port, rolling waves and a wide buttery beach stretching for miles complete the canvas.

Bright & breezy port & resort city of Essaouira, located on the crossroads on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, between two tribes the Arab Chiadma to the north & the Haha Berbers in the south, is an enchanting, laid-back alternative to the frenetic melting-pot of Marrakesh. Add Gnawa to that, who came originally from further south in Africa & the Europeans, and you get a rich cultural mix.

The town’s name means “little picture” in Arabic, and it is a painter’s dream location, with a vibrant blue & white “medina” (inner walled city), enclosed by fairy-tale, sand-coloured ramparts & imposing stone gates (“Babs”)..The medina is protected by 18^th century seafront ramparts called the Skala de la Kasbah, which were designed by European engineers. Old brass cannons line the walls & there are ocean views & allows it to retain its traditional culture & character.  

The bustling medina is much easier to navigate than you would imagine. A series of linked streets forms a central spine leading directly from the northern gate, Bab Doukkala, to the main square of Place Moulay Hassan, by the waterfront. Tiny passageways & pungent souks splay outwards like fish-bones

Beyond the colourful port, rolling waves & a wide buttery beach stretching for miles complete the canvas For most of the year, the wind blows so hard here that relaxing on the beach is impossible, meaning that the town is bypassed by the hordes of beach tourists who descend on other Atlantic Coast destinations in summer.

Known as the ‘Wind City of Africa’ where strong "Alizée" trade winds make the city’s crescent beach popular for surfing, windsurfing & kitesurfing but the majority of visitors come here to wander through the spice-scented lanes & palm-lined avenues of the fortified medina, browse the many art galleries & boutiques, relax in some of the country's best hotels & watch fishing nets being mended & traditional boats being constructed in the hugely atmospheric port.

A living museum itself, Essaouira is short of conventional museums. However, Musee Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah in a former pasha’s residence on Rue Laalouj, has fascinating sepia photos & a collection of old weapons, jewellery & traditional guembri lutes.

Essaouira has a special, laid-back feeling & you will enjoy some time out here, strolling through the labyrinth of alleyways, discovering interesting little shops, cafes & crafts.

After a short ‘guided’ orientation walk, you are free to browse around the market, visit the port, watch the world pass by sitting in a chic cafe & watching the musicians & acrobats from a table while savouring the best ice cream in town. Weave your way to the right to explore the medina’s arty Kasbah area.

Ready for a break from shopping? Follow the seagulls down to Essaouira’s port for a straight-from-the-sea lunch at one of the Gargottes, a run of blue & white stalls that serve freshly caught fish cooked over charcoal. Select the fish yourselves & they cook it for you. Work off your fishy feast with a walk along the Skala du Port ramparts, which command story-book views over the harbour & town

Tunnel into the warren of souks - a sense-swamping riot of mint leaves, squawking chickens, traffic-light peppers & pyramids of ras el hanout seasoning. Go across the street to the former grain market for a nous-nous (half espresso, half steamed milk) in a peaceful, umbrella-shaded cafe.

Or stroll on the beach. Or soak up the sunset & watch djellabah-clad traders wheel their barrows filled with fish across the cobblestones.

Essaouira has a special, laid-back feeling & you will enjoy some time out here, strolling through the labyrinth of alleyways, discovering interesting little shops, cafes & crafts.

Finally, it is time to return to Marrakesh.

Reach the hotel by late evening.

Balance of the evening free.

Having spent so much time eating fabulous Moroccan food, you will no doubt want to learn the secrets behind it!

Today, get ready for another exciting adventure. Expand your culinary repertoire at a _{4 hour} Moroccan Cooking experience at a home.

You will be met by the Host & proceed to the souk to practice your newly-learned Arabic phrases as you haggle & purchase fresh herbs & vegetables.

Proceed to the Host’s home where you will learn about Moroccan cuisine during the interactive & immersive cooking class. She will school you on Moroccan culinary traditions, weaving in fascinating facts about spices, ingredients & kitchen practices while helping you prepare a meal with individual assignments like chopping, slicing, juicing, stuffing, kneading, peeling, tasting. There is one dish almost guaranteed to appear on any Marrakesh menu: tagine, a mix of stewed meat, vegetables, fruits & spices.  

You will help the Host to prepare 2 or 3 more traditional dishes, such as zalouk (eggplant salad), couscous, or taktouka (a tomato & roasted pepper dip).

Finally, it is time to enjoy the fruits of your labour. Sit down & feast on the dishes you helped prepare. Get personalized tips & pointers from a chef on more Moroccan classics, including breads & tagines.

Return to the hotel.

Balance of the day is at leisure or for optional activities (we will be happy to offer suggestions & arrange). 

You might want to visit the famous Leather Tanneries.

From the tanneries to the stalls, leather is a hot commodity in Marrakesh and beautiful leather products adorn almost every souk in the city. If bags are you weakness, prepare to return with a lighter wallet: the selection is the best we’ve seen on our travels & it is hard to resist temptation! Counteract the first price with an offer between one third and one half and haggle your way to a final price from there!

Note that the quality of the leather varies widely in the souks as the bags can be treated in different ways in the tannery. A strong smell of urine can be common but the smell does fade with time so persevere!

Like all good things, the journey to the enchanting Morocco comes to an end but we are hopeful you will visit again.

Check-out of the hotel by 12:00 noon (we will request the hotel to allow the use of the hotel facilities & to leave the luggage at the Bell Desk). 

In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Terminal? - Marrakesh Menara Airportt, for your onward journey.  B

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