Posts Tagged ‘Travel to Morocco’

Jewish Casablanca Tours, Your Morocco Travel Guide

Monday, January 2nd, 2012

Moroccan Jewish Fiddler, Casablanca

Casablanca offers a combination of Jewish Heritage and Jewish sites that can be seen on a Casablanca one-day tour or in context of a longer Morocco Imperial City tour. In almost every Moroccan city there is a Jewish presence that can be felt whether it be within the ancient Jewish cemeteries, synagogues, mellahs, or in monuments of Muslim rulers who historically maintained strong ties with the Jewish community.

The synagogues, cemeteries, monuments and communal institutions located in the Imperial city and economic capital of Casablanca show how important the city has been to the Jewish community during the twentieth century. Some of the Jewish Heritage sites seen on a one-day Casablanca Jewish tour range from the Jewish Mellah to the Museum of Moroccan Judaism, a visit to a Jewish Synagogue, the Jewish cemetery with the option of a kosher lunch.

Jewish Cemetery, Casablanca

The mellah of Casablanca is just about a century old. It peeks the senses with its sea of women in brightly colored djellabas carrying and selling fruit and vegetables throughout the tiny, narrow streets.  While Jews no longer live in the mellah, kosher butchers can be found in the old market, next to other butchers selling horse meat.

The Jewish cemetery in the mellah is open and quiet, with well-kept white stone markers in French, Hebrew and Spanish. Once a year, the Jews of Casablanca celebrate a hiloula, or prayer festival, at the tomb of the Jewish saint, Eliahou.

Currently Casablanca has approximately 4,500 Jews who live outside the mellah in the new city, where they worship in over 30 synagogues, eat in kosher restaurants, entertain themselves in community centers, and attend Jewish schools and social service centers.

Jewish Synagogue, Casablanca

Temple Beth-El is the largest synagogue and an important community center in Casablanca, Morocco. While the city boasts 30 synagogues, Beth-El, is often considered the centerpiece of a once vibrant Jewish community. Its stained glass windows and other artistic elements, is what attracts tourists to this synagogue.

The Museum of Moroccan Judaism of Casablanca is a museum of history and ethnography, created by the Jewish Community of Casablanca in 1997 with the support of the Foundation of Jewish-Moroccan Cultural Heritage. The Jewish Museum in Casablanca is tucked into a residential neighborhood and holds a treasure trove with it being the Arab region’s only Jewish Museum. It uses world-class standards of conservation for its national and international collections. The Museum of Moroccan Judaism presents religious, ethnographic and artistic objects that demonstrate the history, religion, traditions and daily life of Jews in the context of Moroccan civilization.

The Museum, which covers an area of 700 square meters, is the first of its kind in the Arab world. It consists of:

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

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

Museum of Moroccan Judaism: 81. rue chasseur Jules Gros, Casablanca-Oasis

Director: Simon Levy
Curator – Zhor Rehihil
Telephone:  (212) 22 9949 40
Fax: (212) 22 99 49 41
Open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 6 pm (and Sundays by appointment)

Casablanca is also the home of the Hassan II Mosque, the second largest in the world. The Jewish community contributed to the construction of this mosque, which was inaugurated in 1994. Some Jews visit annually the Muslim shrine of Sidi Belyout, Casablanca’s patron saint. Many Jews of Casablanca celebrate the hiloula of the saint Yahia Lakhdar in Ben Ahmed, about an hour south of Casablanca near the town of Settat.

Kosher Food in Casablanca: For kosher food while visiting Casablanca’s Jewish sites, dine at Cercle de L’Alliance. E.J.J Dairy or La Truffe Blanche.

Cercle de L’Alliance is one of the centers/buildings where Jews from Casablanca hang around. The bottom floor/lobby is where people sit around, smoke cigars or cigarettes and socialize. You will also find a small bar and a mid size restaurant on the same floor with great appetizers and outstanding food (Kabobs, Steaks, Hamburgers etc).

D.E.J. J. is a restaurant that primarily serves dairy, pizzas, salads and pastas. Meat is not served here.

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

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

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 in the USA at 1 (800) 787-8806 or in Morocco 1 (212)618-88-26-81 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Jewish Casablanca Tours, Jewish Heritage Casablanca, Jewish Museum Casablanca, Museum of Moroccan Judaism, Casablanca Jewish Mellah, Casablanca Jewish Cemetery, Casablanca Kosher Restaurants, Morocco Tours, Morocco Travel, Travel Exploration, Travel to Morocco

The Majorelle Gardens in Marrakech, Your Morocco Tour Guide

Tuesday, December 27th, 2011

Majorelle Gardens, Cactus Gardens

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

Jacque Majorelle, Designer & Founder, Majorelle Gardens

Jacques Majorelle studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Nancy in 1901 and later in 1919 he went to Marrakech, Morocco to recover from heart problems. He built the garden during those years using special color of blue which he used extensively in the garden that is named after him, Majorelle Blue. Jacques Majorelle returned to France in 1962 after a car incident and died later that year of complications from his injuries. As a collector of unique plants from five continents Jacque Majorelle left to Saint Laurent one of the more unique collections of flore and fauna of this era as well as a place of inspiration and contemplation. Even though Morocco is no longer under the French protectorate, this originally French creation is one of the most beloved areas in Morocco.

The power of the blue Majorelle is long lived and permeates the essence of what it means to live and see color in Marrakech.

When visiting it is important to take advantage of optimal morning light. The atmosphere of the Majorelle Gardens evokes a sense of peace in a garden designed, composed and colored like a painting. Moorish and Art Deco inspired structures with their bold color palettes are assembled among a vast, opulent array of exotic plants and trees collected from the far reaches of the world.

Nenuphar Flower, Majorelle Gardens

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

For information about the Majorelle Gardens or a Morocco Gardens Tour.

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 in the USA at 1 (800) 787-8806 or in Morocco 1 (212)618-88-26-81 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Majorelle Gardens, Jacques Majorelle, Garden Tours Marrakech, Garden Tours Morocco, Morocco Garden Vacations, Morocco Tours, Morocco Travel, Travel Exploration, Travel to Morocco

Travel Exploration Morocco Now Offering Gardens of Morocco Tour, Your Morocco Tour Guide

Wednesday, December 21st, 2011

Islamic Garden Morocco

Travel Exploration Morocco has a few new additions to our special tour offerings this 2012 season. The new tours are “Majestic Gardens of Morocco” and “Gardens of  Marrakech”, both offering extension options. The “Gardens of Morocco” tours offer an extension option to the Tarodaunt and Agadir region. What distinguishes Travel Exploration’s new tours from others is that it specifically caters to garden enthusiasts, botanists and gardeners because it takes a true look at the majestic gardens of the Maghreb.

The Gardens of Morocco tour takes visitors on a unique journey to the Imperial Cities of Morocco while giving them a taste of Islamic, Andalusian, Moorish, Art Deco and Sultans gardens. This tour also gives travelers a chance to connect with the local culture through discovering historic sites, museums, mosques, old cities and traditional cuisine.

The Majestic Gardens of Morocco offers guests 10 days and 9 glorious nights whereby they can explore the sites and sounds of Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, Marrakech, the Ourika Valley and Ouirgane region.

Agdal Gardens, Marrakech

The Majestic Gardens of Morocco tour begins in Casablanca at the stunning Hassan II Mosque which lies at the foot of the Atlantic ocean, then visitors continue the road to the exotic Sidi Bouknadal Garden outside of Rabat. Topped by afternoon sweets and mint tea at Cafe Maure. An evening at Sofitel Le Jardin Des Roses and a welcome dinner by candlelight in the gardens offers travelers a great way to start off their gardening vacation to the Morocco.  Rabat holds its beauty with some of the most historic architecture in the country as well as gardens.

Travelers on the Majestic Gardens of Morocco tour can also plan on visiting gardens in the medieval walled city (old medina) of Fes, a visit to the Imperial city of Meknes, the Roman ruins of Volubilis, After taking in the living museum of Fes the next stop will be the “red hamra” city of Marrakech, home to artists, writers and the chic. Marrakech’s gardens are top notch and will be seen when light is at its best. Visits to the Majorelle Garden, La Mamounia Garden, the Koutoubia Gardens, the Bahia Palace and Gardens are just a few of the green spaces on this tour.

A charming ending to the Majestic Gardens of Morocco tour includes a visit to Nectarome in the Ourika Valley, harmonizing foot baths, lunch at the Flower Power cafe and then an overnight at La Roseraie in Ouirgane.

Kelech Horse & Carriage, Marrakech

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

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

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 in the USA at 1 (800) 787-8806 or in Morocco 1 (212)618-88-26-81 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

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The Jnane Sbil Garden in Fes, Your Morocco Tour Guide

Sunday, December 18th, 2011

Jnane Sbil Gardens, Fes

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

Jnane Sbil Gardens, Entrance, Fes

Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa, President of the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, continuing in the Foundation’s policy of historical park and garden preservation decided to rehabilitate Jnane Sbil in 2006. The park which surrounded by ramparts and the Borj has been faithfully restored to its origins with an update to its green space.

The restoration of Jnane Sbil included the rehabilitation of heirloom plants and old hydraulic systems, fountains, water canals and windmills. The majestic central tree lined alley and the bamboo garden were also restored along with the Washington path being reconstructed. A fragrance garden in the southeast area, reminiscent of the Fes gardens that captivates visitors was also created. Buildings adjacent buildings to host the public, a refreshment area and restrooms were also included in the restoration.

This project reinforces this city of Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage sites’ cultural potential and its destiny as an international tourism destination, while benefitting the population.

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

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 in the USA at 1 (800) 787-8806 or in Morocco 1 (212)618-88-26-81 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

 

Majestic Gardens of Morocco Tour, Your Morocco Travel Guide

Sunday, November 27th, 2011

Majorelle Gardens, Marrakech

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

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

Jnan Sbil Gardens and Fountain Fes

GARDENS & PUBLIC GREEN SPACES VISITED ON THE TOUR
Andalusian Gardens at Kasbah Oudaia &  Exotic Gardens at Sidi Bouknadal in Rabat region
Roman Ruins Garden at Volubilis
Sultan Gardens at Jnane Sbil & Batha Garden – Museum in Fes
Moorish and Art Deco Gardens at Majorelle in Marrakech
Propagator Specialist & Native – Drought Tolerant Nurseries in Marrakech
Historical Landmark Garden at La Mamounia in Marrakech
Oasis Gardens at the Palmerie in Marrakech
Harti Gardens & Cyber Park in Marrakech
Marrakech Private Villa Garden
Saffron Gardens in the Ourika Valley
Herbal & Medicinal Gardens at Nectarome in the Ourika Valley
Gardens at La Roserie in the Ouirgane region

Guest Rates:
$5,075 – 4PAX (Shared Double)
$4,600 – 6PAX (Shared Double)
$4,250 – 8PAX (Shared Double)
$3,995 – 10PAX (Shared Double)
Single Supplement Rate: $1,350

Rates Include:
Luxury Transport
5 Star Accommodations
Licensed Historical Guided Tours in the Imperial Cities
8 Guided Garden Tours by a Botanist, Nurserymen and Herbalist, Garden & Monument Entrances Fees
14 Meals (Breakfast Daily at your Riad or Hotel,  Welcome Dinner, Lunch at a Palace Style Riad in Fes and Farewell Dinner)

Kasbah Oudia Garden, Rabat

DAY 1: CASABLANCA – RABAT   (Driving Time: 1 ½ Hours)
►Arrival in Casablanca.

►Visit the Mosque of Hassan II. Casablanca is home to the Hassan II Mosque, designed by the French architect Michel Pinseau. It is situated on a promontory looking out to the Atlantic, which can be seen through a gigantic glass floor with room for 25,000 worshippers.Its minaret is the world’s tallest at 210 meters. It is an enormous architectural masterpiece and the second largest religious building in the world. On Fridays, the Mosque of Hassan II is open to non-Muslims.The Mosque of Hassan II’s promontory offers lovely views overlooking Casa in the residential Afna quarter.

Visit Kasbah Oudaia & Andalusian Gardens:
►Tea and Pastries at Café Maure set on the grounds of the Kasbah Oudaia.

►Its location on a rocky outcrop high above the level of the river is an imposing site especially for the pirates of days gone by. When you enter the grounds of Oudaia you immediately notice the Andalusian influence. Everything here reminds one of Spain, walls uniformly covered with lime, blue everywhere, the cobbled streets, the massive doors to colored moldings and wrought iron. The formal structured Andalusian style gardens are bordered with red hibiscus, hedges, morning glories, brugmansias, date palms and orange trees with a long harbored walkway covered in grape vines.

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

►Lunch by the sea at Borj Eddar in Rabat.

Polynesian Garden, Sidi Bouknadal, Rabat Region

Visit Sidi Bouknadal Exotic Gardens
►In 1951, Marcel François, a French horticultural engineer acquired 4 acres of flat and exposed land in Sale, Morocco. Ten years later he opened to the public his childhood dream, Bouknadel Exotic Gardens, a horticultural and artistic achievement, listed among the wonders of nature and now classified as a national cultural heritage site since 2003.

►The gardens are a composition of exuberant creativity and technical ability. Francois, traveled all over the world collecting plants as far away as China, South Asia, the Savannah, Congo, Japan, Brazil and Polynesia. He then set about duplicating these gardens at Sidi Bouknadal by incorporating landscape, habitat and climate in his plant compositions.

►The gardens are divided into three areas: a reception area, horticultural production area and finally, by far the most impressive, the garden area. All through the garden there are secret passages, an aviary, waterfalls, swamps, pools, fountains, bridges and walkways to lead you through the various gardens.

►Welcome Dinner at a Sofitel Le Jardin Des Roses.

Spend the night at Sofitel Le Jardin Des Roses in Rabat. 

Volubilis Roman Ruin Gardens

DAY 2: RABAT – MEKNES  – VOLUBILIS (Driving Time: 3 Hours)
►Breakfast at your Hotel then take the road to Fes. En route to Fes visit the Imperial City of Meknes & the Roman Ruins and Gardens of Volubilis.

►Arrive in Meknes and begin your tour of Meknes at Bab Mansour. First we will pass through the triumphal arch. Standing at sixteen meters high with an eight meter long arch, the intricately patterned triumphal arch is argued to be the most beautiful in Morocco. Enter Place El-Hedime (Square of Ruins) which links the medina and the kasbah. The square is lined with modern residential buildings and a covered food souk (market).

►We will stop and visit the Musée Dar Jamaï, a museum showing modern Moroccan arts, woodwork, ceramics, carpets, costumes, jewelry and metalwork. The sophisticated building was once a palace incorporating a mosque, menzah (pavilion), courtyard, kitchen and hammam.

►Visit the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum and the former gardens of the Royal Palace.

►Among the most impressive elements of this imperial city is the grand gate named after the architect, El-Mansour, a Christian renegade who converted to Islam. The design of the gate plays with Almohad patterns. It has zellij mosaics of excellent quality. The marble columns were taken from the Roman ruins of Volubilis.

►Visit the Olive market which sprawls throughout the old souk and the main square.

►Lunch in Meknes at a restaurant in the old French city with excellent Moroccan cuisine and a variety of local wines produced within the region.

►Arrive in Volubilis for a visit. Once occupied by the Romans, Volubilis has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and gained international acclaim when Martin Scorsese made it a feature location for his film, The Last Temptation of Christ.

►Begin your visit by discovering the fascinating Roman ruins adorned with beautiful mosaics and colorful tiles depicting Roman mythology. The ruins are spread out across several green acres. The ruins reveal how the Roman Empire transformed the original Carthaginian settlement into a typical Roman city complete with mansions, a town center, a triumphal arc and temples devoted to the Roman gods.

►Enjoy tea at the small café that sits just below the Volubilis ruins before taking the road to Fes.

►Dinner in Fes at your Riad or Hotel in Fes.

►Spend the night at a Moroccan traditional Riad or Hotel in Fes.

Andalusian Style Garden, Batha Museum Fes

DAY 3: FES – JNANE SBIL GARDENS & BATHA MUSEUM & ANDALUSIAN GARDEN
►Breakfast at your Riad or Hotel in Fes.

Visit Jnane Sbil Gardens:

►Jnane Sbil Gardens were originally created by the Sultan Moulay Abdallah. Jnane Sbil encompasses 7.5 hectares and is located in the heart of city. It is one of the oldest gardens in Fes. Because of its historical importance, great care was taken to restore the garden to its original design and after four years of detailed restoration and renovation of the heirloom plants, the hydraulic systems and the famous waterwheel, the project was completed and re-opened in June 2010.

Batha Museum & Andalusian Garden
►Next visit the Batha Museum & Andalusian Gardens.  The Musee Dar el-Batha offers up a great collection of pottery, leatherwork, wood, books and manuscripts from the nineteenth century centered around a green spacious courtyard. The Batha Andalusian Garden boasts a three-hundred year old Quercus Rotundifolia, Washington Fifera, Cycas Revolta and Moroccan fountains.

►The Batha Garden is a serene escape from the bustling medina in Fes. It is also utilized each June by the Fes Festival of Sacred World Music whereby various world music groups perform.

►Visit Palais Jamai Hotel which boasts the oldest example of Andalusian style gardens in Al Hambra Classical Axial lines.

►Lunch at Palais Dar Tazi, a traditional palace-style Riad.

►Relax at your Riad or Hotel. Shopping excursion option in the old city.

►Dinner at your Riad or Hotel or traditional Moroccan restaurant.

►Spend the night at a Moroccan traditional Riad or Hotel in Fes.

Fes Medina View, Fes El Bali- UNESCO World Heritage Site

DAY 4: FES (GUIDED HISTORICAL TOUR)
►Breakfast at your Riad or Hotel in Fes. Discover Fes el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the old medina often referred to as a “live museum.”

►The 14th Century Palace Gates of the King – The Royal Palace in Fes is one of the oldest (14th Century) and largest in Morocco.

►Jewish Mellah –  The Mellah is a Jewish quarter located in the old cities of Morocco with a walled boundary. The Fes Mellah is also walled and it has a fortified gateway. These Jewish quarters are located near the royal residencies which enabled its inhabitants to be protected from the wrath of the Muslim populace. The Fes Mellah was once solely inhabited by Jews. This was the first “Mellah” in Morocco and originated in 1438. In the early 14th century it was founded by the Merinids, beside Fes.  In contrast with the young Mellah of Casablanca, the Mellah of Fes is over 650 years old. This picturesque neighborhood adjoins the royal palace, noted for its recently constructed bright brass doors. Jews took shelter in this palace during the 1912 pogrom.

► Jewish Cemetery & Tomb of Solica -The cemetery contains the tombs of more Jewish saints than any other cemetery in Morocco. One of the more important saints is Lalla Solica, who was killed for refusing to convert to Islam.  Solica was born in Tangier in 1817. At the age of 16, she was courted by a Muslim man, but refused to marry him. To force her hand, the man went to the caid, the local government official.  The man told the caid that Solica could not refuse his offer of marriage because she was no longer Jewish, having converted to Islam of her own free will. When called before the caid, she refused to acknowledge having converted. The Sultan called her to Fes, where she again denied her conversion.  As a result, she was condemned to death for apostasy and killed in 1834.

►Rcife – Enter the medina from a “bab” or region of the old medina, Fes el Bali known as Rcife which is the heart of manufacturing of all Fassis goods. Cross the local fruit and vegetable market where you will witness the stalls of local traders and people buying their daily goods.

►Dyers souk of silk, wool and cotton – The dyers market, located along Rue de Teinturies, is the best place to see the dying vats which have been used for centuries to soak the skins of sheep, goat, cows and camels after they have their hair and flesh removed. You will see many tanned hides colored with natural pigments ranging from shades of brown, black, turquoise fuchsia, yellow and orange.

►Seffraine Square – Place el-Seffarine – this kisseria is the most important center for the production Fasiss style ceramics, brass-ware and silverware in Morocco.

►The Tannery – The Chourara or the Tanner’s Quarters is the most lively and picturesque souks in Fès. The Tanneries are often located near watercourses like the Wadi Fès and at a distance from residential areas due to the strongly unpleasant smells they produce. See the wide array of leather work, a tradition of Fes.

►Lunch at Restaurant Nejjarine in Fes located near the Nejjarine Square.

►Weavers Cooperative  – Visit the Weavers Cooperative  located in a residential neighborhood off a main shopping street. The workshop specializes in weaving the finest jellaba fabric, made of silk and wool threads imported from Italy. The shop also makes a quality jellaba fabric from locally spun, textured wool thread called hubba -sometimes referred to as couscous, because it’s nubby texture resembles Morocco’s national semolina dish of the same name.

Within the Fes Medina, we will visit the following Sacred Sites:   

►The Bou Inania Medersa – The Madrasa Bou Inania  is a madrasa founded in AD 1351–56 by Abu Inan Faris, who also founded the Madrasa Bou Inania  in Meknes. It is widely acknowledged as a major example of Marinid architecture. “Bou Inania” comes from the first part of the sultan’s name “Abou Inan”. The madrasa functioned as both an educational institute and as a congregational mosque at the same time. It is the only madrasa in Fes which has a minaret. According to history, religious leaders of the Karaouine Mosque advised Abu Inan Faris to build this madrasa. It was the last madrasa to be built by the Marinides. The Marinid dynasty or Benemerine dynasty was a Zenata Berber dynasty of Morocco The madrasa became one of the most important religious places of Fes and Morocco, gaining the status of Grande Mosque. The madrasa was renovated in 18th century.

►Pottery & Zellij Tile Cooperative- A cooperative where old techniques of how zellij and pottery is made. Option to participate in making zellij tile or pottery making. Great for shopping for a purchase of fabulous pottery, zellij tiled tables, zellij fountains and more.

►Mausoleum – Zaouia Sidi Ahmed Tijani – The Zawiya of Sidi Ahmed al-Tijani contains the tomb of an 18th centry Sufi Shaykh, founder of the Tijaniyya order. The Zawiya presents a street facade highly ornamented with carved wood, stucco and glazed tile.

►University of Kairouine – Founded in 859, this university is one of the leading spiritual and educational centers of the Muslim world and is considered the oldest continuously operating institution of higher learning in the world.

►Mausolem  – Zaouia Moulay Idriss –  A zaouia (shrine) dedicated to and the tomb of Moulay Idriss II, who ruled Morocco from 807 to 828 and founded the city of Fès for the second time in 810.

►Nejjarine Square – This interesting square is dominated by the beautifully restored Nejjarine Wood Museum housed in an 18th-century funduq. There’s also a superbly decorated wall fountain. Browse the shops before venturing into the carpenters’ souk with its amazing array of glitzy wedding chairs.

►Cross the carpenter area go through the Attarine street filled with scents of Fes such as spices, oils.

►Dinner at a traditional Moroccan restaurant in the old city of  Fes or Ville Nouvelle.

►Spend the night at a Moroccan traditional Riad or Hotel in Fes.

DAY 5: FES – MARRAKECH (Driving Time: 6 1/2 Hours)
►Breakfast at your Riad or Hotel in Fes. Take the road to Marrakech.

►En route stop to see the view of Ifrane University and go for a short walk around the garden. Ifrane is nick named “Little Switzerland” of Morocco for it’s architecture, cedar forrest and winter ski resort options. Developed by the French during the protectorate era for their administration due to its Alpine climate, this Morrocan town has a remarkable European style, as if it were an Alpine village. Because of its elevation, the town experiences snow during the winter months and a cool climate during the summer. Ifrane is also the place where the lowest temperature was ever recorded in Africa. Animals to be found in the vicinity include the threatened Barbara Macaque. Among the local tree species are the native Atlas Cedar, Scrub oak and the introduced London plane.

►Enjoy coffee, tea and pastries in Ifrane at an outdoor cafe.

►Make a short stop in Zaouia Cheikh near the dam.  This is one of the 30 damns that is scheduled to be built in Morocco by 2030. The idea originating with Hassan II to build one dam a year to irrigate the country is being carried on by the current King Mohammed VI.

►Lunch at Hotel Paris in Beni Mellal.

Spend the night at a Moroccan Riad or Hotel in Marrakech with a garden setting.

La Mamounia Gardens, Marrakech

DAY 6: MARRAKECH
►Breakfast in Marrakech at your Riad or Hotel

Visit The Majorelle Gardens
►Early rise. Start your visit at 8:00am in the Majorelle Gardens to take advantage of optimal morning light. The atmosphere of the Majorelle Gardens evokes a sense of peace in a garden designed, composed and colored like a painting. Moorish and Art Deco inspired structures with their bold color palettes are assembled among a vast, opulent array of exotic plants and trees collected from the far reaches of the world. The courageous use of color, the famous Majorelle blue paint used in his architectural design enlivens the garden and acts as a strong backdrop to his plant collection of over 1800 types of cacti, 400 species of palms and other rare varieties of the time. This bold action revolutionized the way in which gardens were to be viewed. The blue pavilion with a raised island set amidst water lilies is the most famous photographed section of the garden. An elaborate system of water canals connect the planted areas and infuse the garden with its sight and sound. The contrasting effects of light and shadow are repeatedly played against each other capturing the harsh sunlight and transforming it into a tamed element that defies any known example. Majorelle’s greatest work of art is his garden.

Visit The El Bahia Palace & Gardens
►Then explore the El Bahia Palace and its eight-hectare gardens.  The Bahia offers a perfect example of a palace garden and courtyards surrounded by grandiose architecture. The El Bahia Palace in Marrakech is also an excellent example of Eastern Architecture from the 19th century that represents trends and standards of the wealthy who lived at that time. It was built for Ahmed Ibn Moussa (or Ba Ahmed) between 1894 and 1900 in the Alawi style that was popular at the time. Craftsmen were brought from Fes to work on this monumental task which took approximately fifteen years to complete. It is said that the palace was built as a home for Ba Ahmed’s official concubines, and it has also been said that the importance or favor of each concubine increased along with the size of their bedroom. The name ‘Bahia’ means ‘palace of the beautiful.” There are 160 different rooms in the palace which are sprawled out in an open, rambling fashion. Decorations take the form of subtle stucco panels, zellij decorations, tiled floors, smooth arches, carved-cedar ceilings, shiny marble (tadlakt) finishes and zouak painted ceilings.

►Lunch in the old Medina of Marrakech and explore the souks.

Visit La Mamounia Gardens
►Go by horse and carriage to La Mamounia’s Landmark Gardens. Tea and garden tour of La Mamounia Gardens (if available). Built in 1929 this famous historical landmark hotel and gardens in the center of Marrakech is cared for by 40 gardeners who two times a year plant 60,000 annuals to enhance the grounds as well as maintain the immaculately mowed grass under the citrus and olive orchards, desert garden, rose garden and tropical garden as well as the many fountains. The 200 year old avenue of olive trees leads one to the garden pavilion where you can soak in the peace and solitude with a cup of Moroccan mint tea. At the back of the 15 hectares gardens there is an herb and kitchen garden whose produce is used in the fresh daily menus.  Along one side of the garden there are six meter high bougainvillea walls which when in bloom are breathtaking.

►End the day visiting the Harti Gardens and Cyber Park. Option to enjoy these public parks, shop in the old city souks or relax at your hotel.

Visit The Harti Gardens
►The Harti Gardens is located in the new city of Gueliz and dates back to the Almoravid dynasty. Harti has an Olive Avenue, a Desert Cactus Garden and a Rose Garden that are all set among mature trees. This garden is a combination of a city center garden and park where young and old, families and couples come to enjoy its serene atmosphere.

Visit Cyberpark
►Cyber Park is a beautiful 8-hectare park in the heart of Marrakech just a five minute walk from Djemaa El Fna Square. Cyber Park was originally a food-producing park created in the 18th century by Prince Moulay Abdeslam. This expansive park appears traditional at the onset however when it’s flora and grounds are explored further, one discovers the ancient Moroccan trench irrigation method of its lemon and olive groves. These groves are set within the old medina walls.

Spend the night at a Moroccan Riad or Hotel in Marrakech with a garden setting.

Mob Greenhouse, Marrakech

DAY 7: MARRAKECH
►Breakfast at your Riad or Hotel in Marrakech.

►Begin the day with a drive-through tour of the Marrakech Palmerie. Legend tells us; the reason for the Palmerie’s existence is that billions of seeds from the dates eaten and thrown away by the nomads traveling from the Sahara all came together at this particular place. The Palmerie’s oasis of 13,000 hectares with over 100,000 trees has been protected by law since 1929. For the Arabs, the palm tree is a symbol of life, the most generous of all trees as it gives shade to everyone except itself.  The Phoenix Dactylifera (date palm) grows up to 30 meters high and can live up to 300 years. Every year 82,000 tons of dates are harvested from the Palmerie. Today the palm grove is mixed with exclusive private gardens with palatial villas.

►Next, visit MOB Nursery (Pepinere) in Marakech. The MOB Nuersery (Pepinere) has 12 hectares whose 70 gardeners maintain and produce ornamental and fruit trees, herbs, cactus, shrubs, annual, perennials in 4 large and 9 small greenhouses as well as in ground planting. They have on site 3 specialists in plant id, insect control and trees as well as designers. Their specialty is propagating, producing over 50,000 plants a year of over 1000 species.

►Visit a local Marrakech Villa Garden and enjoy late morning mint tea along with a traditional tea ceremony and Moroccan sweets.

►Lunch at Flower Power Café, a one of a kind wholly organic restaurant that offers home made dishes with salads, herbs and vegetables that are grown on site next to the café. The café is owned and run by a French expat Aurelia Tazi who moved to Morocco in 2004. Flower Power is her outlet for entertaining, creating and decorating for guests who have a passion for organic food in green spaces. The café is charming and furnished with flea market finds purchased from the Marrakech souk.

►Next take a tour of Casa Botanica Nursery located on the grounds of the Flower Power Café.

Visit Casa Botanica
►The tour will be led by the director at Casa Botanica who has a masters in herbology and ethno- botany.  Casa Botanica was created by Sadek Tazi a garden specialist for over fifteen years. He started the nursery in Casablanca where they still produce over 2000 species of plants by seed and propagation. Casa Botanica in Marrakech is a nursery specializing in drought resistant plants that have adapted to the harsh dry climate of Marrakech (continental Mediterranean) which is quite hot in the summer and can get very cold in the winter. The vast 3 acre collection of aloes, agaves, yuccas, cacti, succulents, trees, flowering shrubs, palms, bamboo, citrus trees, roses, hibiscus, Mediterranean plants, basins for propagation of aquatic plants and the test gardens flourish in the shade of giant colored nets 6 meters high, composed of threads of red, yellow, blue, green and silver, which protect plants from intense heat and other elements. Red- encourages flowers. Yellow- encourages leaf growth. Blue- stunts growth.

►Dinner at La Trattoria, an Italian restaurant hidden away in a verdant oasis. Trattoria is more then just a restaurant, it is a superb villa decorated in a mixture of 1920s and Moorish styles that has become a hot-spot in the center of Guéliz.

Spend the night at a Moroccan Riad or Hotel in Marrakech with a garden setting.

Nectarome Footbath, Ourika Valley

DAY 8: MARRAKECH – OUIRGANE (Driving Time: 3 Hours)
►Breakfast at your Riad or Hotel in Marrakech.

►Start the day with a visit to the Ourika Valley region’s Plant Nursery’s.

Nectarome Medicinal & Herbal Gardens

►Visit the Nectarome offers a wide range of activities that you can partake in from traditional breadmaking to Spa services and hearty meals.

►Guided tour of Nectarome Gardens. Nectarome specializes in the field of phyto aromatherapy and the distillation of aromatic plants that grow naturally in the wild or are organically cultivated. In the one hectare organic garden at the foot of the High Atlas Mountains in the Ourika Valley they grow more than 50 aromatic and medicinal plants for research, development and educational purposes. Based on Moroccan traditional medicine they off a wide line of wellness products made with pure and natural essential oils with all products made on the premises. With several areas to relax in the garden you can take in the fragrance of the many herbs or taste them in the traditional recipes prepared on site.

►Lunch at Nectarome and continue your afternoon visit of the Gardens with an option for Medicinal SPA treatments.

Options Available at Nectarome:

–  Warm water and seasalt herbal footbaths
–  Argan Workshop – learning about the traditional pressing of Argan Oil
–  Henna Workshop – explanation of Henna culture in Morocco and application of henna design on feet and hands

Visit the Saffron Gardens & Gardens
► Herbal Tea Tasting at the Saffron Gardens

►A Moroccan Doctor founded the Saffon Gardens, a six-hectare project to grow saffron and exotic fruit. The area surrounding the saffron fields is a working farm with French goats for milk and many species of plants and trees.  The annual harvest by the local Berber women in the village yields only 5 kilos of saffron that is certified by the International Certification Lab in France. There is a small museum explaining the process of growing, harvesting, trimming and drying the saffron.

Dinner & Spend the night at La Roseraie – a Cottage style Hotel surrounded by thousands of rose bushes in Ouirgane. 

La Rosaerie Hotel & Gardens, Ouirgane

DAY 9:  OUIRGANE- MARRAKECH (Driving Time: 2 Hours)
►Breakfast at La Roseraie Hotel & Gardens in Ouirgane.

►Explore the grounds of La Roserie, a working 60 acre farm and garden with a rich display of roses, mixed flower beds and fruit trees. Spend the afternoon in the gardens or take advantage of La Roseraie’s offerings that include horseback riding, trekking to Berber villages and an onsite Spa.

►Lunch in the garden at Hotel La Roseraie

►Departure in the late afternoon and return to Marrakech. Farewell dinner in Marrakech.

Spend the night at a Moroccan Riad or Hotel in Marrakech with a garden setting.

DAY 10: CASABLANCA OR MARRAKECH DEPARTURE
►Breakfast in Marrakech at your Riad or Hotel.

►Early morning drive from Marrakech to Casablanca. Departures available also from Marrakech’s Menara Airport

For more information about the Garden Tours Morocco 

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 in the USA at 1 (800) 787-8806 or in Morocco 1 (212)618-88-26-81 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

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

Saturday, November 19th, 2011

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 1st – 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.

Discover The Best of Morocco - Travel ExplorationTravel 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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Languages of Morocco, Your Morocco Travel Guide

Thursday, November 10th, 2011

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.

For more information about the Languages of Morocco 
Discover The Best of Morocco - Travel ExplorationTravel 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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Top 100 Places To Visit in Morocco, Your Morocco Travel Blog

Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011

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
Discover The Best of Morocco - Travel ExplorationTravel 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, Your Morocco Travel Guide

Sunday, October 2nd, 2011

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

Discover The Best of Morocco - Travel ExplorationTravel 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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Fantasia in Marrakech at Chez Ali, Your Morocco Travel Guide

Sunday, October 2nd, 2011

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.

Discover The Best of Morocco - Travel ExplorationTravel 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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