Archive for the ‘Morocco Travel’ Category

9 Morocco Family Vacation Ideas

Thursday, April 18th, 2019

Ait Benhaddou Ksar, Ouarzazate

Morocco is the ideal destination for a summer vacation if you are searching for a one-of-a-kind travel experience for the entire family. If you are the household trip planner, then you have the option of embarking on a Morocco Family Tour  tailor-made to include exploration of various cities and region of the country along with family-friendly activities or to attempt a self-guided option by 4×4 on your own.

Morocco’s location at the northernmost point of Africa makes it an easy introduction into the African continent and its diverse climate allows travelers options to experience a range of activities year-round. It is possible to ski and head to the beach all in the same day. Our Summertime Travel Guide introduces 9 of the Best Vacation Ideas for Families.

Morocco has sixteen regions and is divided into sixty provinces. Each destination offers to inspire family-friendly touring activities ranging from food and market tours to cooking classes, handicraft design, hiking, trekking, camel trekking, quad riding, sand skiing, and a hot air balloon ride over the High Atlas. Morocco’s sandy beaches, blue jeweled coast, desert dunes, mountain ranges, and historic cities provide families traveling to Morocco an enriching experience.

Sahara Desert, Erg Chebbi Dunes, Merzouga

The 9 Best Morocco Family Vacation Ideas Perfect for Summer Travel

1. Sahara Desert Family Adventure

The Sahara Desert offers families an unforgettable outdoor adventure. Families who would like to visit the Sahara Desert are advised to start their journey from Marrakech and allow for a minimum of a 4-day timeframe. The ideal family road trip to the Sahara starting and ending in the city of Marrakech will allow for travel down south via the Tizi n’Tichkapassing the geologic region of the Ounila Valley.

The route to Morocco’s desert region is one of the most arresting with its panoramic views of the High Atlas, Berber villages and fertile valleys. A cinematographer’s dream, the earth-toned, rust-colored pise villages dot the landscape and create shadowlike images in the High Atlas. Families interested in sightseeing en route to the Sahara desert should not miss out on a visit to Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ait Benhaddou is coveted by film directors around the world. Exploring the Ksar of Ait Benhaddou, the Pacha Glaoui’s Kasbah of Telouet, and the Skoura palmeraie is part of a once in a lifetime family adventure to Morocco’s south. Also recommended for kids and film buffs are the CLA Studio and Cinema museum where sets from various movies such as Kundun and the Last Temptation of Christ are kept.

During your Sahara Desert Family Adventure, you will also pass through the Draa Valley, the Todra Gorge and make a local stop to have lunch with a Berber family. For family’s who are interested in intensive hiking and magnificent scenery extending your trip to 5 days and carving out time to visit the Dades Valley and Gorge is highly recommended.  A Just before you reach the Sahara there’s also the opportunity to visit the town of Rissani and learn how their local Berber pizza, called Madfouna is made. A final pitstop for tea at Khemlia’s Berber village where you can experience Gnaoua trance music in the heart of Merzouga is a must do activity perfect for the entire family.

A direct drive to the Sahara Desert from Marrakech exceeds 9 hours, therefore we recommend a family trip that is not less than 4 Days/ 3 Nights. A Sahara Desert Family Adventure can be broken up as to allow for overnight stays in Ouarzazate, the Skoura palmeraie and the long-awaited 1001 Arabian nights desert experience in a luxury camp.

Breadbaking, Ait Ouzzine Village

2. Ait Ouzzine Berber Village Discovery 

If departing from Marrakech, you can drive along the desert route connecting the Draa Valley (Tansikht) and Rissani and enter the region of N’kob and Aït Ouzzine where you discover a local Berber village and enjoy time with a local family. The peaceful village of Ait Ouzzine is inhabited by over 300 families living in historic kasbahs. Each family maintains its own wheat, alfalfa and henna fields, water wells, livestock, and gardens. During your visit of Ait Ouzzine Berber Village, you will also have the option to partake in cooking lessons on how to make a Berber tajine and learn to bake traditional mountain bread. Exploration of Ait Ouzzine’s green fields and to learn how the Berbers use their botanical gardens, livestock, and henna plants are just a hint of the unique experiences that await you.

Interested in experiencing a traditional Moroccan beauty treatment? Then have your hands and feet painted with henna by a local village artist; they will adorn your hair with saffron. Take your beauty experience a step further and participate in being doused with Berber perfume: musk, amber, and the village’s own spices are the classic ingredients. Your afternoon will end with mint tea, almonds, then return to your hotel Ouarzazate in time to catch the African yellow sunset.

Oaseria Watertheme Park Marrakech

3. Marrakech’s Oasiria Water Theme Park

Marrakech is well positioned for day trips and that makes it a favorite city to base yourself and explore Morocco, however, summertime is hot. Escape the Red City’s heat in Oasiria, an Aquatic Park located in the outskirts of Marrakech. Oasiria has numerous slides at varying speeds and lengths, perfect for both children and adults. There is also an on-site fitness club and Africa’s first aqua rock climbing wall where your fall is designed to drop you into a giant swimming pool. Post workout, stroll through Oaseria’s 10-hectare garden and explore olive tree orchards and 500 species of botanical and medicinal plants. For lunch or dinner choose between one of the four open terrace restaurants. The menus offer family friend options ranging from burgers to pizza along with salads and a local daily tajine.

Bird Watching, Oualidia

4. Coastal Bliss & Bird Watch in Oualidia at a Lagoon

A recommended 2-3 day excursion from Marrakech for families in search of coastal bliss and bird watching is the Oualidia lagoon. Oualidia is located between the beach town of El Jadida and fisherman’s port of Safi. The region of Oualidia is also an important ecological location and an excellent choice for serious bird watchers or nature lovers. Oualidia is loved by in-the-know expats and Moroccans for its natural beaches, marshes, and wetlands. Bird lovers can look forward to spotting curlews, flamingos, sandpipers, plovers, Little Grebe, Oystercatcher, the Black-winged Stilt, the Yellow-legged Seagull, Grey Plovern, the Greenshank Curle and other migrating birds. The area has a temperate year-round climate. The best time for bird watching is in spring or summer.

An added bonus of visiting Oualidia in the summertime is that it is an off the beaten track location. Summers are not as crowded compared to the other beach towns like Essaouira and El Jadida. Oualdida offers a low key, relaxing environment and is a great place to unwind with a book, hike along cliff paths and deserted grottoes, or kayak around the lagoon. Stay for an afternoon or spend the night at the on-site at the 5-star boutique hotel La Sultana Oualidia or Hippocampe Hotel. Regardless of if you are in town for a day or overnight, don’t miss out on dining at Ostrea II, a seafood restaurant that offers the region’s specialty, oysters, crab and lobster along with other local catch of the day.

Trekking, Dades Valley & Gorge

5. Trek across the Dades Valley & Gorge or Explore by Car

Morocco is a country with varied terrain. A trek across the Dades Valley & Gorge is recommended for active families who are fit and would like to experience rocky terrain along with spectacular geologic views. A trek throughout the region of the Dades Valley will take you through a region that boasts limestone cliffs with uniquely shaped erosions and superb scenery. Depending on the season you will trek across fertile fields, riverbanks and see several fortified ksours. At the bottom of Gorge of Boumalne Dadès there are ruined hilltop Kasbahs and valley floor gardens.

For families who want to explore the Dades Valley region by car, the start is in Ouarzazate.  This route will take families through Skoura, a 12th-century fertile oasis designed by lmohad Sultan Yacoub el-Mansour. It is lined with immense palm groves and offers great views of the Atlas Mountains and deserted landscapes, and you will see Todra Gorge, a gigantic rock famous for the ability to change colors without sunlight.

By car, you would continue passing through the Valley of Roses, also known for its annual rose festival. The first festival started when the French brought over the Damask rose. Nowadays there are Capp et Florale distillation factories laid out in the small Kasbah town, they manufacture the entire nations products of Eau de rose.  After shopping, the scenic road awaits you. Other highlights of the car trip into the Dades Gorge Valley include seeing the Dades River and Imini River; they flow from the High Atlas Mountains southeastward to Tagounit and from Tagounit mostly westwards to the Atlantic Ocean. There are also guest houses en route where you can eat and enjoy views of the Dades Gorge.

6. Excursion to Ait Ashok, Ourika Valley’s Hidden Berber Village

The Berber Village of Ait Ashok is the perfect day trip from Marrakech for families looking to hike and picnic. Ait Ashok is one of the top hiking and picnic destination for active families. The Ouirka Valley can get crowded with tourists during peak season, but the charming Berber village Ait Ashok, is a secret gem where a peaceful hike can be enjoyed year round. This secret paradise has unforgettable views of the Atlas Mountains and small farming villages. Trekkers can have lunch with a local Berber family in an auberge with views. Depending on the time of year, you will see harvests of walnuts, almonds, apples, and other fruits.

Craft Workshops, Fes

7. Craft making in Fes: Leatherwork, Bookbinding, Brass Design, Drum Making

Morocco’s souk culture will expand your definition of what it means to shop. All of Morocco’s imperial cities and even villages have souks specializing in something. Souks are sectioned off into quarters and you can buy everything from sheepskin, leather goods, groceries at the outdoor food market, exotic spices, rugs, textiles to make your own garments, essential oils at pharmacies and everything in between; the most famous souk is in Fes, the fourth largest of Morocco’s cities.

Visitors from around the world come to explore the labyrinth-like medina of Fes and witness the famous Dyer’s market, Tannery, and the Weaver’s Cooperative. All three areas have preserved the traditional methods of making their crafts. At the Dyer’s market, families can see the century-old vats that have been used to soak animal skins and produce luxury goods. The Tannery continues to produce some of the best leather work in Morocco, and the Weavers specialize in making the finest silk fabrics for Jellabas. Local purchases for the entire family can be made along with special orders if you are interested in leather jackets or other goods.

The art of Moroccan Craftmaking in Fes is available to families interested in participating in a workshop. Local craft making workshops offer 4-hour hands-on sessions whereby children can learn how to emboss leather, bookbinding, make a brass tray or an African drum. An example of a family friendly workshop highly recommended is to learn how to make a leather bound journal. This type of workshop will cover the techniques of crafting your very own Leather journal – complete with long stitches and a variety of Manila papers!  The workshop will guide you through the step-by-step technique to craft your own handmade leather journal with long stitches. Materials, such as leather, thread, paper, and others, will be provided on the day of the workshop. This workshop also provides techniques on chiseling and stamping on leather to create unique covers for sketches or notebooks.

8. Fes Festival of Sacred World Music

For the past twenty-four years, the Fes Festival of Sacred Music has contributed to maintaining a dialogue with the sacred through its most famous forum and highlighting of arts and music. The 10-day festival is held in mid-summer annually and aims to bring together scholars, artists, musicians, families, Moroccans, and visitors from abroad. With roots in spiritual values, the festival serves as an anchoring ground to teach people to learn to appreciate different cultures and communicate better with one another.

In addition to bringing attention to various cultures, the Fes Festival has been a wonderful tool in raising awareness for Moroccan culture. During the day, visitors can explore Fes’ medina, souk, and mosques or take part in seminars or round table discussions covering the festival theme. In the afternoon, evening, and late night, there are concerts given by performers arriving from every angle of the globe. These musicians help celebrate the musical spectrum of European classical, Sufi ritual songs, trance music, Arab-Andalusian rhythms, a Bulgarian orthodox choir, Hindustani chants, Celtic sacred music, Christian Gospel, Swedish chamber choir, Pakistani Qawwali incantations, Egyptian madhi odes, flamenco-style Christian saeta, ancient Indian gwalior chants and Turkish whirling dervishes.

Ever since its inception, this event has witnessed growing success. In 2001, the UNO declared the Festival as one of the most outstanding events that are contributing to the dialogue of civilizations.

The Blue City, Chefchaouen

9. Explore Chefchaouen, the Storybook Blue City

Exploring Morocco on a family adventure would not be complete without visiting the Storybook Blue City Chefchaouen. Set in the northernmost point of Morocco, Chefchaouen is in-between Tetouan – Morocco’s Little Jerusalem – and the Rif Mountains. Chefchaouen is famous for its blue-painted houses and local goat cheese. Historically, the town’s former population was Jewish. After the Spanish Reconquista of medieval times, many Jews sought refuge in this mountain city. Chefchaouen was also used as a fortress by Moulay Ali Ben Moussa Ben Rached El Alami to fight off the invading Portuguese who were entering Morocco from the North in 1920; the Spanish seized Chefchaouen to form part of Spanish Morocco. Families interested in Spanish history will enjoy learning about Andalucia’s connection with this part of Morocco.

Beyond Chefchaouen’s charming architecture, the town is ideal for a low key hike, to kick back and read a book, and shop for native handicrafts that are unique to this Northern Moroccan town. Chefchaouen offers a nice array of locally woven items such as wool blankets made with the regional colors of red, white and blue. You can also find local artisans who sell hand-painted furniture, local pottery made with terracotta and antique jewelry. Chefvhaouen’s name means “look at the horns”, referring to the shapes of the mountain tops that tower over the town and look like the two horns (chaoua) of a goat. Not surprisingly goats are in abundance in this area and the cheese native to Chefchaouen is said to be some of the tastiest in all of Morocco.

For more information about Popular Family Tours or  Things to do With Kids in Essaouira

How to Spend 24 Hours Discovering Tangier

Thursday, April 4th, 2019


Tangier, referred to as “The Bride of the North” has long been a romantic haven frequented by artists, beat poets and writers who arrived on North African shores from the 1920’s – 1960’s seeking an exotic adventure in this “international zone.”  Tangier’s allure during the 20th Century was its liberal lifestyle that allowed people to reinvent themselves. Tangier intern became a seductress: whereby booze, drugs and parties ruled during the free zone period. Notable visitors who came to this Moroccan enclave include Paul Bowles, Matisse, Malcolm Forbes, Pierre Loti, Van Dongen, Paul Morand, William Burroughs, Delacroix, and Van Dongen. Tangier was a place where people could rub shoulders with Truman Capote, Tennessee Williams and Gertrude Stein.

Although the Sultan of Morocco continued to have sovereignty over Tangier and the Moroccan people, the city developed a reputation famous for being a melting pot. Over a 32 year period, it became a city tolerant of all cultures, religions and lifestyles. Tangier continued to attract a host of prominent Europeans and American artists, writers, musicians, poets, billionaires, filmmakers and celebrities, all who produced art in its honor. In 1956, the city became part of the newly independent Kingdom of Morocco.

 

American Legation Museum, Tangier

One could easily spend a week in Tangier. If you only have 24 Hours in Tangier, the best way to navigate this white city and discover the Bride of the North can be found here.

8:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Morning Stroll along Boulevard Mohammed VI

Rise early and go for a stroll or jog along Boulevard Mohammed VI. From the Corniche Gardens, you can take in a wide view of the port and a magnificent view of the ancient city walls.; across from lookout point at Muraille de Tanger. Mohammed VI Boulevard is lined with Moroccan cafes that offer views of the Atlantic Coast’s turquoise blue waters. New on the block is the Tanja Marina Bay, a long strip perched with cafes and restaurants built near the port area. The French Cafe Paul and La Table du Marche are two options for breakfast perfect spots if you want something modern. If you prefer the tradition of a long-standing Tangier breakfast visit Cafe de Paris, once frequented by Paul Bowles, Jack Kerouac, William S. Burroughs, Allen Ginsberg, and Tennessee Williams. Other local options are Le Salon Bleu or Le Nebab located in the Kasbah.

Librairie des Colonnes, Tangier

10:00 AM: Soak Up Literature At Librairie des Colonnes

Morning inspiration can be found at the famous landmark bookshop Librairie des Colonnes with wonderful architecture. Librairie des Colonnes is a Tangier institution that offers a wide selection of books, with a healthy English language section. There are book readings, events and author signings that take place here weekly. Once a favorite stomping ground of the legendary Paul Bowles, Jean Genet, Samuel Becket, and William Burroughs, this one-of-a-kind bookshop should be on your bucket list.

11:00 AM: Visit the American Legion Museum

Your entry into the Tangier Kasbah will start at Cafe Seoul, a local coffee shop along Mohammed VI Avenue. The spot is located inside a row of buildings with architecture dating back to the French, Italian, and Portuguese periods. A short walk away is the American Legation Museum. The American Legation Museum in Tangier is the United States oldest diplomatic building in the world. It houses an extensive collection of artworks, maps, a library, and a research center specializing in North African and Arabic studies. There are also three rooms dedicated to Paul Bowles. Historically, the building is important because it was a gift to the United States from Sultan Moulay Slimane 150 years ago. Its interior is an interesting blend of early-nineteenth-century furnishings mixed with Moorish arches, fountains, gardens, ornate zellij tile work, and finely-crafted period photographs. During the Jacksonian period, many diplomats stayed at the Legation building when visiting Tangier. The institute often organizes book readings, musical concerts, and other events. The public is free to use the research facilities with advanced reservation. An interesting piece of history many visitors are surprised to learn is that Morocco was the first country to recognize the United States in 1777. Entrance to the museum is 20 Dirhams ($2.00)

12:00 PM: The Grand Socco & Cinema Rif

Not far from the American Legion Museum is the Grand Socco, a souq and the official entrance to the medina. The Grand Socco is filled with interesting historical mentions. It was once the home to the Mendoub, a representative of the Sultan.  At the top of the Grand Socco lies the Art Deco Cinema Rif Theatre which offers two main screens and plays mainstream and indie films with subtitles. Today the Cinema Rif also serves as a cultural center attracting students, writers, and curious travelers with its free WIFI, hot beverages, and art house coffee talk. On Thursdays and Sundays, the Grand Socco is also the spot to find the farmer’s market. Djebelli villagers come into the city from surrounding regions and bring fresh goat cheeses, organic fruits, vegetables, and farm fresh eggs.

Le Saveur de Poisson, Tangier

1:00 PM: Lunch at Le Saveur de Poisson

Located on the north hill of the Grand Socco is Le Saveur de Poisson one of Tangier’s most sought after restaurants that serves a mix of fresh seafood and unique homemade dishes infused with herbs. Graciously featured in Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown Series, Episode #5 on Tangier, is owner and chef, Chez Mohammed. Chez Mohammed heralds from the region of Al Hoceima in Morocco’s North. Bourdain chats up Mohammed and takes viewers through an unforgettable foodie journey in this episode. No reservations are accepted at Le Saveur. Arrive hungry and promptly as lunch service is at 1:00pm and dinner service at 7:00 pm daily. The menu is set at 200 Dirhams ($25.00 P/P) and varies based upon season. Chez Mohammed preps his special stews and juices in a small back room, the size of a closet, which can be frequented by visitors who dare to ask. A typical four-course meal includes Moroccan fresh baked bread, local olives, toasted nuts,  pomegranate, and raspberry fruit juice, followed by a fragrant white fish tagine, grilled sole served along shark skewers and for dessert fresh fruit topped with local honey, pine nuts and barley.

Las Chicas, Concept Store, Design & Fashion, Tangier

2:00 PM: Explore & Shop the Ancient Medina – The Kasbah

An essential part of any trip to Morocco is getting lost in the walled cities (historic medinas). The 14th-century medina in Tangier is a cornucopia of traditions self-contained by its 15th Century Portuguese walls. Its labyrinth of alleys run the entire city, each offering a glimpse of local life. Rue Sebou and Rue des Almohades are a shopper’s paradise for those interested in purchasing traditional Moroccan goods. They are filled with stalls selling artisanal goods such as leather, caftans, baboosh, silver teapots and glasses and sweets. To shop for modern goods, visit the streets around the Kasbah.

Design Concept stores such as La Chicas and Rumi 1436 offer a new take on Moorish Design. Las Chicas showcases Modern Moroccan fashion and decor offering a keen mix of cushions, lanterns infused Moroccan oil and tasseled goods. Rumi 1436 specializes in natural candles made with organic soy wax and Moroccan tea sets composed of silver and glassware.

For handmade luxury goods visit Laure Welfling’s Boho inspired boutique where you can find embroidered caftans, hand stitched and sequined overcoats. Their line of ready-to-wear for men and women has been created using a mixture of fabrics and styles with a luxurious and sophisticated fashion approach. Every year a collection of unique pieces, entirely handmade, is designed between Paris and Tangier.

Not to be missed for those looking to shop for a Berber carpet is Coin de L’Art Berber, which offers an extensive collection of rugs including those from the Middle and High Atlas regions, made by Saharan and southern Berber tribes. There is also a collection of doors, locks, windows, and boxes from southern Morocco and the Sahara.

4:00 PM: Tea Time at Cafe Hafa

At 4:00pm, make your way over to Cafe Hafa. It’s tea time at this multi-leveled blue walled cafe, where the best views of the Bay of Tangier can be found. Sip your Mint tea with camera in hand. Opened in 1921 Cafe Hafa retained its 1920’s style exterior decor. Beat Generation writers like Paul Bowles, William Burroughs and musicians like the Beatles and Rolling Stones frequented Cafe Hafa famous for serving Moroccan mint tea. It’s also the perfect place to light up and enjoy kif overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Today, Cafe Hafa is still popular with celebrities.

5:00 PM: Visit the Kasbah Museum

Next visit the Kasbah Museum. Formerly known as the Sultan’s Royal Palace of Dar El Makhzen, the Kasbah Museum focuses on the history of how Tangier is linked with Europe. It also displays archaeological artifacts from the Northern Morocco region. The permanent exhibition is divided into three parts, the seigneurial residence with garden and outbuildings (al-dar al-kabira), the first-floor apartment (dwirat qubbat sidi-al-bukhari) and the ceremonial room known as the treasure room (bit al-mal). Architectural characteristics of the residence include a large courtyard paved with zellij (small tiles), a water fountain, portico columns decorated with crescent moons, and zellij panels in the North and South wings. There are also two main rooms with trademark muqarnas (honeycomb-work) featured inside an ornate wooden dome with repetitive epigraphic and geometric motifs.

6:30 PM: Wind Down at Les Fils du Détroit

After a long day of exploration rest your feet at the 15m square musical home of Les Fils du Détroit.  The group is now managed by a local architect however has been rocking the Kasbah for over four decades. The native Moroccan men don’t ask for an entrance fee, rather they serve you mint tea and hold live jam sessions out of sheer pleasure. Listeners are in awe of how a violin, a Middle Eastern oud (borrowed from Andalusian music in Morocco,) and a darbouka, a single head drum, can blend together so well.

8:00 PM: Dinner at The Morocco Club

Set at the top of the Kasbah, The Morocco Club is a historic house turned restaurant and piano bar. It was built by Stuart Church and designed by Vincent Coppe and Oscar Badjii. All three men loved Tangier and left an artistic impact on the city. The restaurant, with its sophisticated charm and decor, looks like a scene you might find in the American series, Mad Men. The upstairs Piano Bar has served its international menu to talented artists like Jazz4Joy, Camélia Jordana, Donia Berriri and L-initiale trio; after dinner head downstairs to the cocktail bar and enjoy live music; the DJ plays into the late-night hours.

Where to Stay in Marrakech, Boutique & Chic 8 Top Riads

Sunday, May 13th, 2018
Ryad Dyor, Marrakech

Ryad Dyor, Marrakech

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moroccan Riads are the ideal place to stay when visiting Morocco. Tucked away from bustling city life, Riads serve as the perfect escape to read a book, enjoy a typical Moroccan meal, a sunset cocktail or simply decompress and take in the sights and sounds of an exotic setting. The majority of Boutique Riads in Morocco are centuries old and have been restored by talented Moroccan artisans. Each property differs with some having Andalusian, Moorish or Spanish architecture. The traditional décor, made up of intricate hand-made zellij tilework, tadelakt walled interiors and draped terraces offer an Arabian Nights sensibility.  With more then 1,000 traditional riad homes in Marrakech’s ancient medina, we’ve narrowed it down to the “Best 8 Marrakech Riads Marrakech Riads” that are well appointed with beautiful rooftop terraces, excellent cuisine and priced just right for almost any traveler who wants to splurge on a little bit of luxury.

Ryad Dyor
A luxury riad located in the Riad Larouss region of the medina. Owned by two designers, one Dutch and the other Spanish, this boutique hotel is a standout place to stay in the Marrakech. medina. Modern design meets Moroccan flair: a chic riad with lamplit courtyards, roof terrace and cool, understated décor. Ryad Dyor is converted from a pair of riads, whose 2 shady courts lead into each other, one with an ornately tiled fountain, the other with a rose-petalled splash pool. Copper lanterns, Balinese mirrors, egg-smooth tadelakt bathtubs surround guests. On the roof, under a loggia hung with gauzy textiles, the manager knows just when to offer cocktails or mint tea to guests lazing in the afternoon sunshine. The laid-back atmosphere – everyone is made to feel at home, nothing is too much trouble – will delight couples seeking both style and substance on a long weekend break or some post-trek pampering.
Property Amenities: Plunge pool, terrace, traditional hammam/spa, gourmet restaurant, wifi, laundry services
Driba Jdida, Sidi Ben Slimane, + 212-5243-75980

Riad De Tarabel
Riad de Tarabel is a luxurious boutique hotel in an old colonial mansion in the heart of the old medina of Marrakech. With ten rooms, including three suites this boutique property is a mixture of Colonial and French design. Riad de Tarabel was built in the 19thCentury and renovated in 2006. Each room is individually designed with true elegance that combines family heirlooms with contemporary pieces creating a French, colonial-feel. All of their Junior Suites have clawfoot baths and one has a fireplace. Some have open bath facilities.
Property Amenities: Rooftop plunge pool, Hammam, Dining area with restaurant, Wifi, Laundry
Derb Sraghna, Dar El Bahca, +212- 661-989782

Riad Tarabel, Marrakech

Riad Tarabel, Marrakech

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Riad 72
Wrapped around a central courtyard brimming with banana trees, Riad 72 is a chic, well-appointed riad in the Marrakech medina. The elegantly decorated salon has an intricately carved ceiling, and gently lit by beautiful copper lanterns. The courtyard is flanked with large banana trees. Featuring classic Moroccan furnishings with contemporary flair, this boutique property also has a cuisine menu with Ottlolenghi inspired recipes.
Property Amenities: Terraces, panoramic garden, traditional hammam/spa, restaurant, balconies, wifi, laundry services
72 Arset Azwel, Bab Doukkala, +05243-87629

Riad Idra
Riad Idra is an elegant, contemporary, Moroccan, riad located in the Dar El Bacha region of the Marrakech medina. Riad Idra is a luxurious cocoon shielded from the commotion of the ochre city and a well-hidden jewel. A house full of light the intimate courtyard offers an outlet to the world of sight and sound for a magical stay.
Property Amenities: Spa/Traditional Hammam, Rooftop terrace Wifi
105 Derb Tizougarine, Dar El Bacha, +212-5243-91776

Riad Jaaneman
An elegant boutique riad in the bohemian heart of the Marrakech medina Riad Jaaneman is a refined oasis of urbane flamboyance and sophistication. Just a stone’s throw away from the timeless bustle of the souks and the vibrant rhythms of the city, Jaaneman defined is classical style meets eclectic harmony. Originating from an Indian word that literally means ‘Soul of Me’, “Jaaneman”  translates into ‘My love’ or ‘darling’. With 5 originally decorated suites, each boasts cutting-edge design reminiscent of art deco and a feeling of the Orient. Luxurious bed linens and artisanal soaps are just a few of the luxury amenities travelers can anticipate.
Property Amenities: Spa/Traditional Hammam, Rooftop terrace, Wifi
12 Rue Dar Sraghna, Dar el Bacha, +212-5243-82164

Riad Dar Darma, Marrakech

Riad Dar Darma, Marrakech

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dar Darma

A haven of calm in the Marrakech, medina, Dar Darma has been awarded a place on the Conde Naste gold list of Hotel in 2017. This traditional riad of 6 Suites, Dar Darma offers privacy, traditional Moroccan hospitality in a relaxed, atmosphere. The terraces have sweeping views that stretch from the Medina rooftops and the Koutoubia Mosque to the Atlas Mountains. The shady lounges, the swimming pool and a little basin offer the perfect place to cool off in the hot summer months Darma’s Moroccan lounge, the hall of arches and the fireplace lounge looks out onto a shady patio and are ideal places to relax, read, listen to music and enjoy dishes made by their traditional Moroccan chef.
Property Amenities: Spa/Traditional Hammam, Dipping pool, Rooftop terrace, Wifi
11/12 Derb Tarik Sidi Bouharba, +212-5243-76657

Riad Joya
Crafted with care by Italian art director and owner, Umberto Branchini, Riad Joya provides a high-octane dose of Milanese chic amid the medina’s dusty lanes. Sumptuous suites, as well as a lovely plunge pool, and a cracking rooftop bar. Riad Joya is an elegant boutique hotel of timeless beauty and seductive atmosphere well appointed in the Marrakech medina.  The overall atmosphere is of an elegant private house where understated luxury fuses with eclectic style and bespoke service and attention.
Property Amenities: Spa/Traditional Hammam, Rooftop terrace, Wifi
Derb El Hammam,+ 212- 5243-91624/ +212-5 24 38 50 55  

Riad Dar Mo’Da

A charming boutique, riad, Dar Mo’da is located in the Mouassine, historic quarter of the Marrakech medina, just minutes from Djemma El Fna square. This traditional Moroccan home has been restored impeccably. Dar Mo’Da’s wall to wall, white, clean lines and cool atmosphere coupled with traditional Moroccan, Syrian and Italian designer pieces, make it a one-of-a-kind place to stay. Guests can relax in the welcoming courtyard featuring a dipping pool or in the adjacent lounges and dining room. Dar Mo’da has four exclusive suites whose décor combine the magic of the orient and the comforts of the west. The roof terrace offers breathtaking views of the city and nearby Koutoubia mosque with the backdrop of the Atlas mountains and beyond.
Property Amenities: Spa/Traditional Hammam, Dipping pool, Rooftop terrace, Wifi
182 rue el Moussine, Moussine+212- 524 442819 

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For More Information about Travel Exploration’s Boutique & Chic Marrakech Riads

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

Discover The Best of Morocco - Travel Exploration
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 (212) 618882681 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Historic Tangier, Jewish Heritage Tour, A Guided Port Excursion

Wednesday, April 18th, 2018
Tangier Jewish Heritage Tour, Nahon Synagogue

Tangier Jewish Heritage Tour, Nahon Synagogue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tangier the capital of the Tétouan Region has a rich Jewish history due to the historical presence of many civilizations and cultures that conquered this area from the 5th century BC. Visiting the Jewish Heritage sites of Tangier on a private one-day tour can serve as a rewarding way to discover Tangier and the Jewish History of Morocco. Whether you are visiting Tangier while at Port for a Shore Excursion or desire a Guided Experience from your hotel, there’s much to see in this cosmopolitan Moroccan city many often refer to as the “Bride of the North.”

Tangier Jewish Cemetery

Tangier Jewish Cemetery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Historic Tangier, Jewish Heritage Tour, A Guided Experience:

Tangier Arrival. Pick Up at Tangier Med Ferry Port, Airport or at your Hotel. On this On this Tangier Jewish Heritage Tour you will start your morning off visiting Tangier’s Jewish Sacred sites and then continue seeing the highlights of old Tangier. Visit the Moshe Nahon Synagogue in Tangier. Next Visit Chaar Rafael Synagogue. Chaar Rafael is one of the last surviving synagogues and remnants of Jewish Heritage in Tangier. Explore the Jewish Cemetery and the continue onwards to other non-Jewish sites.
Explore the vantage point of the Colline de Bella-Vista. Then, drive to see the Grand Socco, a popular nighttime square close to the Mosque of Sidi Bou Abib and the link between Ville Nouvelle and the medina. Visit the American Legation Museum, located in the oldest American consulate in continuous use. Next, visit the old medina, enter the medina at Rue Es-Siaghinie, the busiest part of this Roman medina lined with cafes and bazaars, a Spanish church, jewelers’ shops and an arts center displaying works depicting Tangier’s social history. Walk Petit Socco which was once the heart of the medina where businessmen and bankers frequented cafes, hotels, casinos and cabarets that have relocated to Ville Nouvelle.
Lunch Suggestions: El Morocco Club or Le Saveur du Poisson or Traditional Moroccan lunch in the city center
Explore the Caves of Hercules (Grottos) and Cap Spartel, a majestic part of Tangier and one not often seen by those passing through. In the late afternoon, take a break and experience Tangier’s cafe scene at the Cafe de Paris, a popular meeting place for Tangier residents, a former favorite of Paul Bowles and other famous foreigners.
Cafe Hafa, Tangier

Cafe Hafa, Tangier

End the tea at Cafe Hafa with a cup of steaming hot Mint Tea. Moroccan Cafe Hafa, is a white-washed restaurant with a terrace and gardens that overlook Gibraltar –perfect at sunset and a former writing spot for Paul Bowles.
Paul Bowles achieved critical and popular acclaim with the publication of his first novel The Sheltering Sky, in 1949 set in French North Africa. The Sheltering Sky was later filmed in 1990 by Bernardo Bertolucci. The film was shot in Morocco’s cities of Tangier and Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate. The Sheltering Sky tells a dangerous and erotic journey of an American artist couple, Port and Kit Mores, and their aimless travels through Africa in search of new experiences.
In 1947 Paul Bowles settled in Tangier, Morocco, and his wife, Jane Bowles followed in 1948. Paul Bowles produced numerous musical scores, four novels, more than sixty short stories, many travel pieces and dozens of translations of stories by Moroccan storytellers.
Transfer to the Port or your Hotel. Your Travel Exploration Tour ends here.

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

Discover The Best of Morocco - Travel Exploration
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 (212) 618882681 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Travel Exploration Morocco Private Tours, Trip Advisor Winner 2017

Saturday, January 13th, 2018
Visit Morocco With Travel Exploration Private Tours

Visit Morocco With Travel Exploration Private Tours

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TripAdvisor has awarded Travel Exploration Morocco Private Tours the 2017 Certificate of Excellence. This celebratory achievement is the result of Travel Exploration’s  exceptional reviews from Morocco travelers who have shared their experiences on TripAdvisor’s website. The Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence Award is a testament to Travel Exploration’s High Standards and Service provided for couples, family, and small groups tours who have visited Morocco with Travel Exploration.  The Travel Exploraiton Morocco Private Tours Certificate of Excellents awarded by Trip Advisor  is given annually to exceptional travel agents and Morocco tour operators. TripAdvisor places a spotlight on businesses that are focused on delivering great service to customers.

 

Travel Exploration specializes in private, hand curated tours to Morocco. The comapny also offers Jewish Heritage Private Tours to Morocco with Kosher Options along with Family Tours, Food & Cuisine Tours in addition to off the beat travel in Morocco’s great south. With offices in, Marrakech and Ouarzazate, the company offers on the ground full services inclusive of private, luxury transportation, local guided site seeing tours, stays at luxury riads and options for the active travelers.

Travel Exploration Morocco Private Tours, Alecia Cohen

Travel Exploration Morocco Private Tours, Alecia Cohen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Travel Exploration, Morocco Private Tours is femaled owned by Alecia Cohen,  a former magazine publisher, of Global Rhythm magazine and an executive who established Travel Exploration Morocco Private Tours with her Berber partner to show travelers the best of Morocco. Inspired by her passion for Morocco’s combination of natural wonders, Imperial cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and Berber villages, she delights in organizing comprehensive and personally curated original travel itineraries for cultured and educated travelers.

Mrs. Cohen  has lectured at the World Bank on Culture & Sustainable Development in Africa and has been featured in various print and television venues, including CNN Financial News, Entrepreneurial Edge, Crain’s, Entrepreneur, and The World.

Morocco's Great Kasbahs

Morocco’s Great Kasbahs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Travel Exploration is also proud to share that we have a not for profit company located in Morocco that offers 5% of our annual proceeds to Berber villages. Project Feed Morocco is a Not-for-profit charity organization that helps feed those in need within Southern Morocco’s Berber Villages & Nomad Families. To date Project Feed has been the charity arm of Travel Exploration. Travel Exploration began by donating 5% of our annual profits to Berber villages through supplying couscous, olive oil and sugar to those in need. To date we’ve fed over 1000 families.

With Travel Exploration Morocco Private Tours guests visit Arabo Andalous architectural sites in the Imperial Cities, majestic palaces, glorious houses of worship, opulent gardens and a breathtaking Sahara desert. You will taste Moroccan hospitality in Berber Villages and enjoy exquisite cuisine and elegant accommodations.

Our team of expert, licensed Multi-lingual guides and drivers will set in motion a memorable journey. As a member of the American Association of Travel Agents, Travel Exploration takes pride in our impeccable service and reputation. The company also donates 5% of all proceeds to Berber Villages through our charity Project Feed.

For More Information about Travel Exploration Morocco’s Private Tours to Morocco

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

Discover The Best of Morocco - Travel Exploration
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 (212) 618882681 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Essaouira’s 14th Annual Andalusian Music Festival

Sunday, October 29th, 2017
Essaouira Program Poster

Essaouira Program Poster

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Held yearly in October for the past 14 years, this year’s Andalusia-Atlantic festival is the 14th edition and takes place from Thursday October 26th – 29th, 2017 on the Coast of Morocco.

The Atlantic Andalusia Festival highlights the Andalusian musical heritage of the Spanish-Moroccan cradle. It is the perfect fall event for all music officiados and those with a penchant for the coastal town of Essaouira.

The Andalousia-Atlantic festival is one of three of Essaouira’s most important cultural events.  The Andalousia-Atlantic festival together with the Gnaoua Festival & World Music festival along with the Printemps Musicale festival make Essaouira one of Morocco’s liveliest places to visit.

The Andalusia-Atlantic festival pays homage to the shared Arabo-Andalusian heritage of Morocco and Spain.  As a coastal town on the Atlantic that has tourists visiting year round, Essaouira historically has been known for it’s openness, the arts and for it’s fresh seafood.

Often referred to as an artist colony with a strong alize, Essaouira boasts a wide variety of music festivals and artists both Moroccan and foreign who live there year round.

The Andalusia-Atlantic festival concerts are free free with limited seating. Seminars, discussions and workshops on various cultural subjects are held and offer a stimulating and engaging atmosphere for those interested in topics related to music and culture.

 

 

14th Annual Andalusian Festival

14th Annual Andalusian Festival

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Highlights of the 14th Andalusia-Atlantic festival is the 14th festival are, an opening concert featuring Abderrahim Souiri, and Rabbi Haim Louk, one of the leading icons of Judeo-Andalusian music. These two outstanding musicians will be accompanied by Mohamed Larbi Temsamani’s tetanus orchestra led by the great master Mohamed Amine El Akrami.

This series of 4-day concerts the concerts will also feature pieces of popular Moroccan repertoire, such as chaâbi, chgouri and melhoun revisited by Raymonde El Bidaouia, flamenco. Distinguished guest, Mercedes Ruiz, elected in 2015 flamenco star dancer in Spain will perform accompanied by her musicians and singers.

Another highlight of this edition is the unpublished duo of Rabbi David Menahem, a homecoming for him, and Palestinian singer Loubna Salama, who is coming to Morocco for the first time. Musicians from other regions of Eastern Europe will also be featured such as the Czech group Letajici Rabin, Yiddish, Klezmer and Gypsy music.

A Designers Guided Tour of Marrakech, Your Morocco Tour Guide

Saturday, September 16th, 2017
Marrakech Design Tour

Marrakech Design Tour

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marrakech has long been sought after by designers for its’ style, beauty and sophistication. A Designers Guided Tour of Marrakech is the is a must do activity for Interior Designers, Artists, Architects and Fashion Designers looking inspiration, sourcing and networking opportunities within the Marrakech design community. A Marrakech Design Tour will help lay the groundwork for design professionals who are interested in engaging with local artisans, Marrakech designers and sourcing Moroccan Handmade crafts.

There are a host of well known expat artists and creative types who have made their business or home in Marrakech and in Morocco. French artistic genius, Pierre Berge and Yves Saint Laurent did so in the 1960’s and the result is a collective of three incredible projects, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, the Majorelle Gardens and Berber Museum. Prolific writers such as Paul Bowles, William Burroughs made Tangier their home while French painters Eugene Delacroix and Henry Matisse also spent significant time there.

 

Yahya Marrakech Designer

Yahya Marrakech Designer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today there are a host of new designers on Marrakech’s doorstep who are paving the way in the contemporary design scene. From the latest design trends in Moroccan fashion to innovative Moroccan crafts local artists both expatriates and native Moroccans are making a name for themselves . Designer  wares can be seen at Pop Up Shops and Marrakech concept stores across the Marrakech Medina and the new town, Gueliz. There are a wealth of new carpet and weaving cooperatives, Moroccan owned, in rural regions to explore

Norya Ayron Marrakech Designer

Norya Ayron Marrakech Designer

The new town of Gueliz and it’s world-renowned Yves Saint Laurent Museum, the Majorelle Gardens and the Berber Museum are just a starting point for Interior Designers and Artists. Those who want to explore all that Marrakech has to offer should consider a Marrakech Design Tour led by a local.
On a Mararkech Design Tour, Interior Designers and Artists can visit Marrakech’s most sought after chic boutiques and concepts stores in Gueliz. This new town’s mix of Colonial and Historic, Art Deco architecture make it perfect for exploring.
Yves-Saint Laurent Museum Marrakech

Yves-Saint Laurent Museum Marrakech

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Things To Do On A Marrakech Design Tour Overview:

Explore the new city of Gueliz and it’s world-renowned Yves Saint Laurent Museum, the Majorelle Gardens and the Berber Museum.

Visit Marrakech’s most sought after chic boutiques and concepts stores in Gueliz.
Learn about Sidi Ghanem, the Marrakech Industrial zone, where contemporary artists and designers have their workshops and showrooms.
Sip mint tea and engage with Moroccan and International Designers who have made Marrakech’s, Historic Medina their home.
Take a road trip just 30 kilometers outside of Marrakech to a rural village where weaving and embroidery cooperatives are located.

For More Information about A Designers Guided Tour of Marrakech

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

Discover The Best of Morocco - Travel Exploration
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 (212) 618882681 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Top 10 Marrakech Lunch Spots, Your Morocco Tour Guide

Sunday, May 14th, 2017
Marrakech Restaurants, Perfect for Lunch

Marrakech Restaurants, Perfect for Lunch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marrakech is home to some of the most interesting restaurants in Morocco. From Moroccan Traditional Fare served streetside to Contemporary French cuisine served on Moroccan salon style seating, Italian Trattoria’s, local Crèperie’s by the dozen, Asian Fusion, Riad three-course dining along with a variety of eats in Djemaa El Fna Square. There’s some place for everyone to dine for lunch in Marrakech regardless of budget or taste.  There are so many Marrakech restaurants, new and old, that one could spend weeks dining out and just touch the surface of the local food scene. We’ve compiled a list of the Top 10 of the Best Lunch Spots in Marrakech that offer travelers a keen variety of cuisine from the Chic and Savory t0 the Hip and Traditional.

Top 10 of the Best Lunch Spots in Marrakech

Le Petit Conichon

A new address in Marrakech, this chic, Gueliz lunch spot is the place to go for those looking for aftternoon or evening bistro fare with a French touch. The lunch menu is offered on three courses, pre fixed with option to have a la carte. Waiters present the daily fare without printed menu or pricing. Decor is retro chic. Designer papered walls with zig zag blue and white floors lend to a crisp and unique dining environment. Try the crab and eggplant terraine coupled with seabass ceviche or baked fish with wild rice.

Address: 27 Rue Moulay Ali
Phone: +212-524421251

Le Petit Cornichon, Marrakech

Le Petit Cornichon, Marrakech

 

 

 

 

 

 

El Fenn
This well appointed trendy, Bo-Ho, Luxury boutique hotel in the Medina is the place to be seen in Marrakech. A Branson address and host to the ultra cool, visiting for lunch, a swim and a stop to explore their new home and fashion boutique guarantees an fun filled afternoon outing. The El Fenn terrace restaurant has views of the historic medina and a pre-fixed lunch menu is offered daily. The several-course menu always includes what’s in season. Typical dishes served for lunch are vegetarian salads accompanied by a variety of fresh breads, vegetarian quiche, grilled chicken or fish with a sorbet and lively garnish for desert. El Fenn’s lunch menu is one of the few in town that is perfect for those on who preefer a vegetarian and gluten free diet.

Address: Derb Moulay Abduallah Ben Hezzian
Phone: 
+212-52444210
 

Royal Mansour
An extraordinary dining experience of French, Moroccan gatronomy for discerning foodies. Built into the historic medina walls, this Marrakech luxurious hotel has become a landmark for those interested in classic elegance. The Royal Mansour chef’s table has one of Morocco’s best, created by renowned Michelin 3-star, French Chef Yannick Alleno. Starters, main courses and deserts are beauituflly presented and retain glorious flavors and spices of the Magherb.

Address: Rue Abou Abbas el sebti
Phone: +212-529808080

Amal Center, Marrakech Restaurant

Amal Center, Marrakech Restaurant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amal Center
For those looking to dine on local Moroccan fare in a cozy atmosphere look no further then the Amal Womens Center & Moroccan restaurant. This non-profit organization empowers disadvantaged women by training them in modern cuisine. Amal Center is the perfect go to place for afternoon lunch whether you want a simple tajine or several courses. You will be served a Moroccan traditional cuine by women with home made pastries to round out the meal. Amal Center also offers cooking workshops and is ideal for those who want to venture on a walk from their riad in the medina to discover the Ville Nouvelle (new town), Gueliz.

Address: Rue Allal Ben Ahmed
Phone: +212-524446896

La Familie
La Familie is a lush, laid back garden and patio restaurant that offers Mediteranean fusion style cuisine. Afternoon grazers who want a slow food experience or to curl up in a lounge chair and sip tea with a magazine in hand will feel comfortable at this boutique out door restaruant located in the heart of the Marrakech Medina. The lunch menu at La Familie changes daily basis – main courses include a variety of salads, home made pasta dishes with a side of couscous. There is also a variety of fruit juices offered. Everything on the menu is made  with organic, fresh produce. While the Muezzin call can be heard five times a day and break the calm at this little Oasis, it’s a must eat when in Marrakech during afternoons given it’s only open for lunch.

Address: 42 Riad Zitoun Jdid
Phone: +212-669041137

Cafe Clock, Marrakech

Cafe Clock, Marrakech

Cafe Clock
Cafe Clock is the resident cafe in the Marrakech Medina and the most sought after address for local Moroccans, expats and travelers who want to try a camel burger surrounded by local art. The Clock as locals call it is run by British, Expat, Mike Richards, known for his freindly character and as being  highly distinguised in the local community. Richards helped to bring back the Moroccan tradition of hikaya, story telling in Djemaa El Fna Square. Cafe Clock is accessible to locals and also offers weekly performances by local musicians. This highly original cultural centre offers a contemporary menu that features original dishes such as goat cheese, quiche, falafel and hummus with mint and carrot dressing along with grilled sandwiches, delicious cakes, tarts and a home made iced-mint green tea that is a must have. Don’t miss lunching at Cafe Clock in Marrakech. If you do, then make sure it’s included on your bucket list at in Fes or Chefchaouen.

Address: Derb Chtouka
Phone: +212- 524378367

 Kechburger

The perfect place for a quick, cheap lunch expereince in Marrakech for those longing to take a break from tajine and couscous when on vacation. For travelers who want to forgo a heavy tajine or French fare, a hearty burger is the perfect choice. Kech burger serves hamburgers, chicken and fish burgers with fries. A side of slaw is available on request. For fast food lovers this particular place beats the local McDonalds both burger and price wise.

Address: 39 Rue Mohammed el Beqal, Marrakech, Morocco
Phone: 0524448589

La Crèperie
A Marrakech landmark, owned by a Breton native that offers a delicious selection of crepes made with buckwheat garnished with a savory or sweet topping. Roquefort, Spinach or chorizo, or the emblematic butter-sugar and Nutella to the subtle variation of suzette oranges. Perfect for those with a savory or sweet tooth. Best crepes in town.
Address: Rue du Capitaine Arrigui
Phone: 
+212 661433272

Le Cantine Parisienne
French owned, this Marrakech chic bistro is headed by the young chef Faisal Zahraoui and deserves a big applause for his solid “Cantine.” A perfect lunch can be savored by choosing artichoke carpaccio, the dazzling veal medallion with porcini mushrooms and a chocolate delicacy for desert.

Address: Rue Ibn Hanabal
Phone: 212-524458565

L’Atlelier Cuisine

A must dining experience for travelers and expats looking for homemade organic cuisine perfect for lunch or early dinner before sunset. This petit restaurant, French owned with a Spanish chef,  has both outdoor and indoor seating with a view of the Hart Gardens. L’Atlelier s a wide serves array of hearty salads which can serve as a meal, along with organic chicken, meats such as lamb or duck and fish dishes not to mention many delicious deserts. Their three-course fixed price menu’s consist of salad, main and desert. One of the favored ones is Fava bean soup, Chicken confite with lemons and herbes, accompanied by lemon and ginger creme brulee for desert, topped off with an espresso and home made chocolate chip mini cookie. Don’t miss out on this local dining experience.

Address: 8 Rue Oued El Makhazine
Phone: 212–66194373

 For More Information about Marrakech Tours and Restaurants

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

Discover The Best of Morocco - Travel Exploration
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 (212) 618882681 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Five Places to Go in Casablanca, Morocco

Sunday, April 16th, 2017
Casablanca Sky Bar, Views of Hassan II Mosque

Casablanca Sky Bar, Views of Hassan II Mosque

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With its grand boulevards and famed historic Art Deco Architecture, Casablanca is a popular city with a cornacopia of things to see and do. Whether you are a Morocco traveler, an expat living abroad or a local looking for discovery and adventure, Casablanca’s breath of musuems, restaurants, hotels, nightclubs, boutiques, pop-up shops and art galleries gurantee fun and fullfillment for people of all ages. Casablanca is the largest spraweling city in the Maghreb and in Africa with a majestic palm lined corniche and a Coastal Port that rivals others in Africa. Casablanca is also one of the most liberal and progressive cities in Morocco. Travelers seeking a Casablanca One-Day Tour for site seeing can start out with our recommended Five Places to go in Casablanca.

Beama Jewish Museum. Casablanca

Beama Jewish Museum. Casablanca

 

 

 

 

 

 

Five Places to Go in Casablanca

The Museum of Moroccan Judaism

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.

Anfa & La Corniche
Founded by Berber fisherman in the 10th Century Anfa is the former name of Casablanca which underwent a change when the Portugese destroyed and rebuilt it, later calling the city Casa Branca. Today Anfa and the Cornice is a neighborood located on the Atlantic Ocean, West of the Hassan II Mosque. The palm lined corniche is perfect for travelers who want to have a coffee at a local cafe, people watch or stroll along the beachfront. In summer the Corniche is packed with local Moroccan family’s who are there for a fresh water swim or want to picnic with friends.

Habous Quarter, Casablanca Olive Market

Habous Quarter, Casablanca Olive Market

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Habous Quarter
The Habous Quarter is often referred to as the “new medina and was built in 1930’s by the French. For travelers looking to shop for handicrafts made in Morocco or to experience a local Olive Souk this is the place to do it on a one-day tour in Casablanca.

Villa Des Arts
Built in 1934, Villa Des Arts in Casablanca is part of the ONA Foundation created to promote the contemporary arts. It’s also one of the cities leading Art Deco historic buildings. Located near Parc De La Ligue Arabe this non profit museum features a wide array of contemporary Moroccan Artists.

Cocktails at Sky 28, The Kenzi Hotel Sky Bar
The Kenzi Tower Hotel is home to one of Casablanca’s best views at sunset. Their Sky 28 Bar boasts panoramic views of the Hassan II Mosque, the Corniche, Ana and the city center. Coctaials, Wine, Beer and horderves are available along with a gastronomic, French menu for those who are interested in dinner with a magnficent view of Casa at night.

 For More Information about Places to go in Casablanca

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

Discover The Best of Morocco - Travel Exploration
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 (212) 618882681 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

12 Things To To in Morocco, Travel Bucket list

Wednesday, March 15th, 2017
Moroccan Covered Markets, Marrakech

Moroccan Covered Markets, Marrakech

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Morocco is an an exotic vacation destination. This North African country offers a rich variety of activities whether your interested in  architecture, history, the arts, food, outdoor adventure sports or relaxation. There are a wealth of things to do for families on a vacation, couples traveling alone and also for independent visitors who tend to shy away from organized and private tours. With so many options it’s hard to choose. Moroccan Guide books claim they know the Top 10 Best Things to Do in Morocco as do the variety of Morocco travel bloggers out there. Moroccan Tour Packages sometimes can equally be adept as they don’t offer the off the beat activities that can make for the most memorable vacation. As natives of Morocco and the founders of Morocco Travel Blog, we offer intrepid travelers the idea Travelers Guide of Where to Eat, Shop and What to Do.

As natives of Morocco and the founders of Morocco Travel Blog, we offer intrepid travelers the ideal Travelers Guide of Where to Eat, Shop and What to Do. Our  list of 12 Things to do in Morocco guarantee an authentic Moroccan travel experience.

12 Things to Do – Quintessentially that have made our 2017 Bucketlist and are guaranteed to satisfy your wanderlust.

Fes Souks Tasting Tour

Fes Souks Tasting Tour

 

1. Souk Tasting, Fes Food Tour in the historic Fes medina. Old world delicacies at your fingertips when you embark on a food tour.  Try traditional Moroccan street food including dried meats, milawi, harsha, briwats, spicy sardines, spicy potato cakes, soups, olives and more. Taste an array of delicious wild honeys, discuss their flavors and health-giving properties and find out why honey is so important in Moroccan cooking and Islamic culture.

2.Glamping in the Sahara Desert’s Erg Chebbi Dunes. Go on a Desert Adventure and Overnight in a  Luxury Desert Camp  in sand dunes far away from the touristic areas. Arabian Nights Dinner fireside is served as Berber drummers serinade you. Not to be missed.

3. Marrakech Street Food, Exotic eats down Marrakech’s Tangia Alley. Evening exploration and the highlights of Marrakech Street Food Tasting. Sip Tea as the sunsets over Djemaa El Fna Square. On this exclusive guided tour you will make your way through the backstreets and sample two types of slow cooked lamb, Tangia (a Marrakech specialty, traditional Moroccan salads, a mixture of street food dishes such as a grilled sardine sandwich, merguez, or kefta, Moroccan soup and doughnuts, fresh fruit smoothies, Moroccan pastries, roasted sheep head (optional) and for the more adventurous spleen sandwiches.

4. Kicking back in Coastal Essaouira, Beach bumming it by the Sea. Stroll down the Portugese Ramparts in Old Mogador. View the picturesque seagulls as they fly across this historic old city making their way like a private chartered flight back towards the beach. Kick back and lay low with a glass of gris, visit the historic Essaouira medina or bum it by the seas. Essaouira is the first calling for those who want some R&R or a visit to Morocco and it’s also the perfect ending to a country wide private tour.

Wine & Cheese in Morocco

Wine & Cheese in Morocco

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Wine & Cheese Tasting in Ounara, Essaouira. Just eight kilometers from Essaouira sits one of Morocco’s finest wineries called Val d’Argan. This winery located in Ounara is the perfect pitstop en route to Essaouira on a one day excursion. The wine tasting can include a peppering of reds, rose, whites and Moroccan Gris, all consumed with local cheeses or the option of Moroccan lunch. After you’ve washed your pallet with some Moroccan wine, head to La Fromagerie for lunch. Owned by Souri native, Abderrazzak, La Fromagerie is a and farm to table restaurant with some of the best “cheese, cheese and more cheese.” The menu is prefixed unless you request a la carte. It consists of local organic wine and home made cheeses threaded through every dish served.

6. Sking in Ifrane, the little Switzerland of Morocco. A lesser known region in Morocco is Ifrane. Unlike any other town this small villagge is located in the Middle Atlas and is over 5,000 meters above sea level. Ifrane has a Swiss Alpine village feel to it and is the winter playground for wealthy Moroccans who are in search for winter and skiiing. Ifrane boasts lush, green cedear forrests in spring, summer and fall. Just outside are Berber villages and a Middle Atlas region that is rich agriculturally. The town also hosts students year round with it’s famed Al Akhawayn University. Ifrane is an hour from Fes, a UNESCO Heritage sites and serves as the perfect excursion in summer and for skiiing in winter.

7. Exploration of Morocco’s Covered Markets. Visit Spice Souks Craft makers. With centuries-old souks, authentic craftsmanship, and tiny workshops, the shopping scene offers both old and new. Moroccan crafts are a fundamental part of Moroccan life. There are covered markets to visit everywhere in Morocco from the historical medina’s to the rural country side. Local markets (souks) in the countryside take place on every day of the week. Each region of the country has a local souk that helps supply the population with good. Some are covered markets while others are completely open air. Covered Markets offer the best insiders experience for intrepid travelers who want to see first hand how Moroccans shop. The covered markets in the medina also house charming cooperatives, some of which are run by women that produce, wood, metal, copper, wool, linen, stone, embroidery and clay into distinctly Moroccan products that have been made for centuries. The covered markets offer a perfect opportunity to Shop the Souks of Morocco in style.

8. The Ultimate Hammam experience.  Discover a Moroccan bath house. A scrub with Moroccan salts and Rose water Massage is an essential part of any Morocco travel experience. Hammams have played an important role in Morocco serving as places of social gathering, ritual cleansing and with special customs attached to them. The majority of Moroccans visit a hammam at least once a week. Book a two hour appointment and request for both a Hammam and Massage combination option.  Be prepared to be well scrubbed (in a hot room) on both sides of your body with a rough flat glove called a kiis.  This is a culturally enriching experience.

Breadbaking with the Berbers

Breadbaking with the Berbers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. Bread baking with a Berber Family. Meet a local Berber family in the village of Ait Ouzzine nestled between the Sahro and Tamlalt Moutnains. Sip tea with the Berbers and bread bake on volcanic rock. Make a rare speciality bread of the region called Bourafin which is a century-old tradition of gathering brush and rocks, then baking the bread in open mountain, fresh air on age old historic volcanic rock. Walk in the green fields and see how the traditional Berbers live with their gardens of herbs, livestock, and henna plants.

10. A romantic Horse and Carriage ride through the ramparts of Marrakech. A fun way to visit the ramparts of Marrakech is through a Horse-drawn carriage. Through the red hamra city, visitors will see colored horse-drawn carriges in shades of chartruse, hot pink, lemon and orange. These carriges are referred to as calche’s. There’s nothing quite like taking a caleche ride in historic Marrakech medina as your driver summons the horse to turn down small alley’s, navigate the souks, weave between old world palaces and gardens, and then sprints along beside motorcycles and new card into the ville nouvelle (new city). At sunset or even on a rare, rainy evening a calche ride will bring back memories of another century and how travelers once navigated Marrakech.

11. Take a road trip and Wander the Blue Washed City of Chefchaouen. Located in Morocco’s Rif, this small city is often referred to as the hidden jewel of the North. Chefchaouen was founded in 1947 by Moorish exilesfrom Spain. Its blueglazed houses and buildings are a tradition that comes from the town’s former Jewish population. Wandering around this blue washed city is one of the top things to do on a visit to Morocco.  It offers an imaginary experience that makes you feel as if you are inside a magifcal story book from the 17th Century. Travelers can venture into the old Kasbah that faces the exterior of the city’s walls, shop for handcrafts, taste fresh goat cheese and observe locals doing daily chores.

12. Indulge in ancient history by visting the Berber Museum in Marrakech. The intense blue house and studio of French artist Jacques Majorelle is now the Majorelle Gardens and the Berber Musuem. While visiting the Majorelle Gardens, a stunning botanical garden that became the Moroccan retreat and sanctuary for French fashion designer Yves Saint-Laurent, is on everyone’s bucketlist we recommend highly not to miss the Berber Musuem. Formerly known as he Islamic Museum of Art, this new museum was renamed and launched with propert histoical provenance to honor the Berber people and their traditions. As the Berbers are the original inhabitants of Morocco and were driven in the mountains in te 7th Century by Arabs from Yemen, having as much of their history and costume on display pays a long standing homage essential to those discovering Moroccan history. With over 60o objects in the Berber Museum ranging from the Rif to the Sahara this offers vistors a compelling panorama on Berber culture. The renovation of the Berber Museum was carried out by Christophe Martin with museocologiest, Bjorn Dahlstrom. This is a must see piece of Marrakech for all travelers.

 For More Information about Things to do in Morocco 

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

Discover The Best of Morocco - Travel Exploration
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 (212) 618882681 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.