Sunset Camel Trek, New Years Sahara Desert Tour

Journey on a New Years Desert Tour and participate in an authentic Moroccan Safari. A cross roads of civilization and a constant reminder of Berber tribalism, the  Sahara Desert remains a luminous and authentic way to discover Morocco. Merzouga’s Sahara Desert’s dusty, arid landscapes coupled with its starry blue skies offers up countless opportunities to camel trek, view regional flora and fauna, ancient fossils and nomad life while celebrating the New Year.

Take a Private New Years Desert Tour or a Moroccan Safari into the Sahara’s Erg Chebbi Dunes of Merzouga.  Options for exploration on a New Years Desert tour includes a 3-Day Desert Tour Discovery, a 4-Day Desert Tour Exploration or 5-Day Moroccan Safari. On request, private New Years Desert Tours starting and ending in Marrakech, from Marrakech to Fes and Fes to Fes are available.

Why visit the Sahara on a New Years Desert Tour?

Sahara Desert Bivouac, Merzouga

“It is a unique sensation, and it has nothing to do with loneliness, for loneliness presupposes memory. Here, in this wholly mineral landscape lighted by stars like flares, even memory disappears; nothing is left but your own breathing and the sound of your heart beating.”“Baptism of Solitude,” – Paul Bowles describes the Sahara.

New Year Desert Tour Dates – A Moroccan Safari

4 Days Marrakech New Years Desert Tour

 ▪   December 30th– 8:00am Departure from Marrakech and cross the High Atlas Mountain traveling through the Tizzin’ Tichka Pass. Stop to visit Kasbah Telouet, a local Argan Cooperative run by women. Arrive in Ouarzazate at sunset. Dinner and Overnight at a 4 Star Charming Riad with views of the Atlas Mountains.

▪  December 31st – 9:00am – Departure from your Riad to visit Skoura, the Amerdihl Kasbah. Take the valley of one thousand Kasbahs and the Skoura palmary through the Valley of Roses also known as El Kelaa Des Mgouna. Optino to have lunch in the Valley and then continue the road to Erfoud. Discover Erfoud, famous for fossils, the Sahara Desert town of Rissani. Continue the road to the Erg Chebbi Dunes. Sunset camel trek into the Sahara Desert. New Years Celebration at your bivouac camp deep in the Sahara Dunes under the midnight stars.

▪  January 1^st – 9:00am – Sunrise camel trek and breakfast in the Sahara. Discover its windy roads by 4×4. Take the road back to Ouarzazate. En route to Ouarzazate, go by Alnif and have lunch of couscous in a traditional Moroccan village with a Berber family or take the road through Tinerhir past the Todra Gorge and onto Ouarzaz.ate. Dinner and Overnight at a 4 Star Charming Riad in Ouarzazate with views of the Atlas Mountains.

- January 2nd – 9:00am – Breakfast at your Riad. Visit the Oasis of Fint. Tea ceremony and fresh baked bread with Azziz. Continue the road to Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Go for a short hike and have Lunch with views of this ancient Kasbah. Continue the road through the Ounila Valley back to Marrakech.

For more information about New Years Desert Tours to Merzouga 

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

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Bahia Palace Marrakech Koranic Blessing

The Official Language of Morocco is Arabic “Darjia” and spoken by Most Moroccans. On part with Darija is Berber (Amazigh) and spoken by over 50% of Morocco’s Population. Although Arabic is a language spoken by hundreds of millions of people in North Africa, the Middle East, and the Arabian Peninsula, the Arabic spoken in Morocco, called Darija, is different than in other Arabic speaking countries. When traveling to Morocco bringing along an English/ French – Arabic dictionary will make your Morocco Travel experience more enjoyable.

The different dialects of spoken Arabic can best be compared to the range of dialects in the Chinese language. Pronunciations on words vary greatly as well. However, classically written Arabic, called Fossa, is standard and the same throughout the Arab world. The reason for this is because it is important that all Arabic speakers understand the Qur’an, which is written in Classical Arabic, Fossa. In recent decades, the spread of television and radio has increased Moroccans exposure to Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), adapted from standard written Arabic.

It is not uncommon for a Moroccan person to be a mix of Berber, Arab, Spanish, Black and Jewish descent. As result, over two thirds of Moroccans use Moroccan Darja as their first language but may also speak one or more additional languages. The other one-third of Moroccans includes the Berber population who live in the mountains, in villages within the Middle-Atlas and within remote areas of Morocco. As a result Morocco’s population expansion more Berbers today live in larger cities and administrative centers such as Ouarzazate, Agadir and Marrakech. The majority of Berbers primary language is Berber (Amazaigh) and while the older generation in remote regions do not speak any Moroccan Darija the younger generation does.

Berber Alphabet Tifangh

Tifnagh is the name of the Berber alphabet. Over three hundred Berber dialects exist in Morocco. The main ones include Tarifit spoken among inhabitants of the Rif Mountains, Tamazight is used by Berbers in the Middle and High Atlas Mountains and Tashelhit is spoken by residents of the Anti-Atlas Mountains in central Morocco and Tuareg in the Sahara.

Amazigh languages and traditions have prevailed in Morocco and the Berbers have recently reclaimed “Berber” as a unifying term. More then 60% of Moroccans now call themselves Amazigh or Berber and Berber languages are spoken by approximately 15 million Moroccans. With the backing of King Mohammad VI, who is part Berber himself, the ancient written Tifnagh alphabet has been revived as a national language and is now being taught in many schools. Within the next decade, Berber will be taught in public schools across Morocco along with English, the new accepted Lingua Franca of trade and tourism and Morocco.

King Mohammed VI’s of Morocco’s address on March 9, 2011 included an announcement of a reform of the Constitution and acknowledging the plurality of the Moroccan identity, united and enriched with the diversity of its tributaries, at the heart of which lies Amazaigh, the common heritage of all Moroccans. On June 12, 2011, a constitutional reform project was handed to the King by a commission run by constitutionalist Abdelatif Mennouni, in which the clear recommendation was to recognize two official languages for Morocco, Tamazight and Arabic, and there was an official vote in an Organic Law at Parliament to define the stages and terms of an official use of the Amazigh language in teaching, the media, and administration.

French is also commonly spoken among Berbers and Moroccans. With the exception of the most isolated children all Moroccans understand and can speak at least a little French. Although Arabic (Moroccan Darjia) is the national language and used for all formal proceedings in Morocco, international business is often conducted in French and many schools now teach in a mix of French and Arabic.

Morocco’s distance from the Middle East and its history of close contact with European nations have created a spoken Arabic “Darija” that incorporates many French words and expressions. Morocco’s months of the year are in French and many street names and signs are written in both Arabic and French. Also, as most books in Morocco as written in French, and seldom translated into English, it is often difficult for non- French speaking westerners to find literature from or about Morocco.

In addition to Arabic, Berber and French, it is also common to hear Spanish, German and most recently English in certain areas of Morocco. Until 1965, the Spanish controlled northern Moroccan cities such as Tetouan. Also, because northern Morocco is in such close proximity to Spain, Spanish is commonly spoken in Tangier. In Agadir, a beach resort destination attracting many Germans, German is spoken.

Since the tourism industry is an important part of Morocco’s economy, English is closely linked and used by anyone working in the tourism or hotel industry, thus you should have little trouble traveling in Morocco. While not necessary, if you happen to speak Moroccan Darija, Arabic or French it will make your experience more enjoyable and rewarding. Just speaking a few words of Arabic or knowing a few words of the Berber region you plan to visit will make Moroccans immediately friendlier and impressed because your attempt implies a respect for their culture.

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

Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, Ouarzazate

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

1. The Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca
2. Sacre Coeur Cathedral, Casablanca
3. Temple Beth El Synagogue, Casablanca
4. Museum of Moroccan Judaism, Casablanca
5. Kasbah Ouadia, Rabat
6. Hassan Tower, Rabat
7. Mausoleum of Mohamed V, Rabat
8. Necropolis of Chellah, Rabat
9. Royal Palace, Rabat
10.  Roman Ruins Walili, Volubilis
11. Bab Boujoloud Gate, Fes
12. Bou Inania Medersa, Fes
13.  Nejjarine Museum of Wood Arts and Crafts, Fes
14. Dar Batha Museum & Gardens, Fes
15.  Jardin Jnan Sbil, Fes
16. Fes el-Bali Medina, Fes
17. Karaouine Mosque, Fes
18.  Sahrij Medersa, Fes
19. Zaouia Moulay Idriss II, Fes
20. El Attarin Medersa, Fes
21. Aben Danan Synagogue, Fes
22. Jewish Cemetery, Fes
23.  Tomb of Solica, Fes
24. Medersa es Seffraine, Fes
25. Medersa Cherratine, Fes
26. Medersa es Sahrija, Fes
27. Moulay Idris, Moulay Idriss
28. Tomb of Moulay Idriss, Moulay Idriss
29.  Bab el-Khemis, Meknes
30. . Royal Stables & Agdal Reservoir, Meknes
31. El-Hedim Public Sqaure, Meknes
32. Bab Mansour Gate, Meknes
33. Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, Meknes
34. Palais Dar Jamai, Meknes
35. Erg Chebbi Dunes, Merzouga
36. Moulay Ali Cherif Mausoleum, Rissani
37. Royal Palace Gate, Erfoud
38. Maddid Ksar, Erfoud
39. Prehistoric Rock Paintings, Tazarine
40. Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, Ouarzazate
41. Oasis of Fint, Ouarzazate
42. Kasbah Taourirt, Ouarzazate
43. Kasbah Tifloultoute, Ouarzazate
44. Atlas Film Studios, Ouarzazate
45. CLA Film Studios, Ouarzazate
46. Lake El Mansour, Ouarzazate Region
47. Kasbah Telouet, Telouet
48. Amerdihl Kasbah, Skoura
49. Ait Ben Abou Kasbah, Skoura
50. Mount Mgoun & Valley of Nomads, Bouthgrar
51. Valley of Roses, El Kelaa Des Mgouna
52. Todra Gorge, Tinerhir
53. Dades Valley Gorge, Boumalne Dades Valley
54. Amzrou Jewish Quarter, Zagora
55. Zaouia Sidi Nacri, Zagora
56. Dunes of Tinfo, Zagora
57. Erg Chegaga Dunes, Chegaga
58. M’hamid Dunes, M’hamid
59. Djemaa El Fna Square, Marrakech
60. Marjorelle Gardens, Marrakech
61. Menara Gardens, Marrakech
62. Agdal Gardens, Marrakech
63.  Bahia Palace, Marrakech
64. Ben Youssef Medersa, Marrakech
65.  The Almoravid Joubba (Koubba el Baroudiyine), Marrakech
66. Masusoleum of Lalla Zohra, Marrakech
67. El Badi Palace, Marrakech
68. Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech
69. Museum of Marrakech, Marrakech
70. Tiskiwin Museum, Marrakech
71. The Mellah, Marrakech
72. Cedar Forrest, Ifrane
73. Gate of the Gnaoua (Bab Agnaou), Marrakech
74. Agafay Desert, Marrakech Region
75. Lake Takerkoust, Marrakech Region
76. Ouzoud Waterfalls, Cascades D’Ouzoud
77. Setti Fatma Falls, Ourika Valley
78. Toukbal Mountain, Imlil, Toukbal
79. Skala de la Ville, Essaouira
80. The Port, Essaouira
81. Orsen Welles Square, Essaouira
82. Cap Spartel, Tangier
83. Hercules Cave (Grottes d’Hercules), Tangier
84. Grande Mosque, Tangier
85. Grande Socco, Tangier
86. Mendoubia Gardens, Tangier
87. Place de France, Tangier
88. The Kasbah, Taniger
89. Kasbah Museum, Chefchaouen
90. Tetouan Medina, Tetouan
91. Valley of Birds, Agadir
92. The Old Kasbah, Agadir
93. Ancienne Talborjt, Agadir
94. Asiliah Ramparts, Asiliah
95. Palais de Raisuli, Asiliah
96. Church of San Bartolome
97. Oualidia Lagoon, Oualidia
98. Portuguese, Cistern, El Jadida
99. 99. Ancient Ruins of Lixus, Larach
100. Palace of Caid Dahmane Takni, Goulimine

For more information about the Top 100 Places to See in Morocco 

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

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Mustapha El Harchi, Essaouira's Painter by Mouth

Once in a while we come across a person in our lives that allows us to understand the meaning of dignity. It is Mustapha El Harchi, a disabled painter by mouth from Morocco’s seaside artist colony of Essaouira that serves as a reminder how self-dignity and self-preservation of the soul are free.

I first met Mustapha El Harchi five years ago. I was strolling just past the wide entrance to Essaouira’s old medina and walked right past him. I did a double take, then circled back. It only took a glimpse of Mustapha painting by mouth for an immediate recollection of Jim Sheridan’s film “My Left Foot” staring Daniel Day-Lewis. Thus began a story of acknowledgement and friendship.

Musapha El Harchi paints daily at his outdoor stall which consists of his wheel chair, a make shift easel, his paints and a carry bag of his things.  He parks himself across from Taros restaurant and just around the corner from the Casa Villa, a famous Essaouira café known for the best espresso in town.

Mustapha El Harchi, Painter

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

Mustapha El Harchi Art stall Essaouira

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

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

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

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

For more information about Essaouira and Mustapha Harchi painter by mouth

Chez Ali Kasbah in Palmerie, Marrakech

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

Chez Ali Equestrian Horse Show, Marrakech

Originating from the region of Meknes Morocco, Fantasia is a war ceremony that consists of opposing groups of horsemen, each representing the best rides of its tribe. The performance is inspired from historical wartime attacks of Berber and desert knights. Today, Fantasia is considered as a cultural art and a form of martial art; it also symbolizes a strong relationship between the man and the horse, as well as an attachment to tradition.

Each region in Morocco has one or several fantasia groups, called serba, totaling thousands of horse riders nationwide. Performances are usually during local seasonal, cultural or religious festivals, also called mousseum, which translates to “season” in Arabic. This traditional equestrian performance practiced during cultural festivals in Morocco. Fantasia is not the original name as the actual traditional term used is “Game of gunpowder”.

Chez Ali Singers, Marrakech

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

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

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Casablanca Old Postcard of City Cinema

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

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

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

Casablanca Postcard of Old Mellah Rue De Captaine

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

Quick Links for Casablanca Day Trips, Tours and Excursions

Casablanca Tours
Casablanca to Rabat Tour
Casablanca to Marrakech Tour
Casablanca Sahara Tours and Camel Treks
Casablanca Imperial City Tours

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

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Moroccan Trade Beads

A Moroccan Bead & Jewelry Adventure hosted by Sarah Corbett 

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

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

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

APRIL 17th: MARRAKECH (9:00am – 2:30pm  OPTIONAL – GUIDED HALF- DAY HISTORICAL TOUR & TREASURE HUNTING)
Breakfast at your Riad. Begin your one-day Historical Tour of Marrakech. Your introduction to Marrakech will begin in the new city, we will navigate our way to French, Gueliz and head to the Majorelle Gardens, a magical and lush small garden estate designed by Jacque Majorelle and maintained by Yves Saint Laurent. The Majorelle Garden is filled with colorful walkways, ponds, cactus and plants as well as a beautiful shop with hand-made goods. On our return to your hotel, we will pass by the La Mammounia Hotel Garden (where Alfred Hitchcock wrote the famous film The Birds). Visit the 19th Century Bahia Palace, originally built for Si Moussa, a former slave who became King Moulay Hassan’s chamberlain. The palace holds a courtyard and riads decorated with and the most beautiful carved stucco, Arabic architecture. Next visit the 16th Century Saadian Tombs and El Mansour mosque. Marrakech is a city of underground channels built by the architects from Cordoba, Spain to provide water for the town and Palmery. Next visit the old, Medina, the old quarter of the Marrakech. From here we will explore this historically charming area by foot. In Djemma el Fna, you will visit the famous 12th century Koutouba Mosque and its influential minaret. Afternoon treasure hunting in the Souks of Marrakech. Spend the night at a 4 Star Charming Riad in Marrakech.

APRIL 18th: MARRAKECH – ESSAOUIRA  (12:30pm -2:30pm OPTIONAL – Half-Day Guided Historical Tour) (Driving Time: 2 1/2 Hours) Breakfast at your Riad in Marrakech.Departure for Essaouira in the morning.  Take the road to visit the seaside port of Essaouira. The journey to this former Portuguese fishing village offers up only a few roadside towns and the occasional Berber village. In the ’60s and ’70s, Essaouira was a pitstop on the hippie trek from Marrakesh. Jimi Hendrix made the pilgrimage, as did Bob Marley  and Cat Stevens. Essaouira was the inspiration for Hendrix’s song “Castles Made of Sand.” Witness the Argan goats in trees nestling in to eat away at the Argan nuts which are typically used in making Argan Oil, Butter and Cosmetics. Arrive in Essaouira. Check into your Hotel. Take a half-day Historical Tour. Have lunch at the fish-grill cafes, with wooden tables and benches laid out overlooking the sea. The journey to this former Portuguese fishing village offers up only a few roadside towns and the occasional Berber village. In the ’60s and ’70s, Essaouira was a pitstop on the hippie trek from Marrakesh. Jimi Hendrix made the pilgrimage, as did Bob Marley and Cat Stevens. Essaouira was the inspiration for Hendrix’s song “Castles Made of Sand”.  Visit this sea-side medieval town that boasts lovely white-washed and blue-shuttered houses, colonnades, thuya wood workshops, art galleries and mouthwatering seafood. Once called Mogador by European sailors and traders, Essaouria is known for its annual Gnaoua Music Festival that attracts 300,000+ people in June. It also has an expansive beach for surfing called Plage de Safi. Take a stroll along the town’s sunlit pedestrian main square, Place Prince Moulay el Hassan and the Skala du Port, the fishing harbor, offers breathtaking views of the Portuguese ramparts. Explore the ramparts and the spice and jewelry souks of the medina. The medina of Essaouira (formerly “Mogador”) is a UNESCO World Heritage listed city, as an example of a late-18th century fortified town. After your historical tour, continue treasure hunting in Essaouira. Spend the night at a 4 Star Charming Riad in Essaouira.

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

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

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

Moroccan Manuscript

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

The Sheltering Sky, By Paul Bowles

A trip to Morocco offers travelers everything from fine French – Moroccan cuisine to Sahara Desert camel treks, Atlas Mountain hikes, visits to Nomads that live in caves, Berber villages, magnificent gorges, the expansive Draa Valley  and hot air ballon rides over Marrakech. There’s nothing unattainable on a trip to Morocco. Every person visiting needs a Morocco recommended reading, music and film list before departing on a trip to the great Maghreb.

For those who are interested in exploring the real Morocco before they arrive Alecia Cohen, Morocco Travel Specialist, has hand picked a list of her favorites. Great reads range from Moroccan history to fiction and non-fiction along with Morocco’s best design and decor choices. A overview of Moroccan music and films shot in Morocco is also included for those who want to explore deeper.

The Caliphs House, By Tahir Shah

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

HISTORY  (Available on Amazon.com & Barnes & Noble.com)

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

FICTION & NON- FICTION  

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

Living in Morocco, By Barbara Stoeltie

DESIGN & DÉCOR 

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

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

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

FILMS SHOT IN MOROCCO

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

View of Rabat's Hassan Tower & Seaside

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

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

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

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

The Palace Museum & Andalusian Gardens
The Palace Museum is a seventeenth-century Almohad Palace, now housing the museum of Moroccan Art & Culture.  The Palace was built in the seventeenth-century by Moulay Ismail, the first Almohad sultan to unify the country. Today, it showcases interesting exhibits of Moroccan art and culture. A vast central patio gives access to private quarters and reception rooms containing the exhibits. There is a hall containing oriental rugs made in Rabat, an exhibition hall for musical instruments and a salon reserved for customs and rituals.

The Andalusian Gardens in Rabat is a beautiful French- constructed garden occupying the old Palace grounds in Kasbah Ouadia. True to Andalusian traditions with its flowering annuals and beds of shrubs these gardens make for a lovely afternoon walk in any Morocco travel season. The gardens were constructed by the French in the twentieth-century and are a delightful shady retreat, with a profusion of daturas, oleanders, orange, lemon and banana trees.

Hassan Tower, Rabat

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

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

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

Roman Ruins of Chellah, Rabat

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

Archaeological Museum
The most important in Morocco, tracing back to the history of the country from the bronze age. Here a portrait head of Juba II, Berber King of Numidia is displayed. The Archaeological Museum in Rabat is the most important archaeological museum in Morocco. The museum gives a fascinating account of the rich Moroccan history dating back 35,000 years to the Stone Age. The highlight of the collections is a Roman-era bronzers called the Salle des Bronzes. It displays ceramics and artefacts mainly from Volubilis (near Meknes) and a few pieces from Chellah and Lixus. Do not miss the portrait heads of Cato the Younger and Juba II – Berber king of Numidia.

For more information about an Rabat Tour

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

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

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Casablanca, Arial View of Port & City

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

There are various types of site seeing Casablanca tours that can be arranged:

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

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

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

For more information about an Casablanca Tour

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

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

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