Morocco private tours, Morocco travel, Imperial cities, Sahara desert tours Travel-Exploration Blog

Author Archive

A Complete Guide, Fes Festival World Sacred Music Program 2016

Friday, March 4th, 2016

Fes Festival 2016 Program

The Fes Festival of World Sacred Music will take place from May 6th – 14th this year in in the imperial city of Fes. The festival was founded in 1994 by the Moroccan scholar and philanthropist Faouzi Skali and was created to showcase major musical traditions of sacred, spiritual music and world music. The current Artistic Director is Alain Webber. Each year the Fes festival celebrates artists from Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Hindu and other faiths to perform together in a spirit of mutual respect and collaboration.

The Fes Festival is comprised of:
A four-day Forum called Rencontres de Fes under the rubric “Giving Soul to Globalisation” where politicians, social activists, academics and religious leaders come together in dialogue to discuss the urgent issues of our times. These include conflict resolution, climate change, urban renewal, social justice and much more. Intimate afternoon concerts at the Dar Batha Museum and its surrounding Andalusian gardens. Art and film exhibitions, poetry readings at the Dar Bartha Museum and other locations within Fes.

Sufi nights: Sufi Music rituals concerts that begin at midnight performed by Moroccan Sufi brotherhoods in the Dar Tazi gardens, in the heart of the Fes medina.

In the morning, visitors can take part in seminars or round table discussions covering topics related to the theme of the festival. By attending the discussion, you can gain extra insight into the meaning of the festival. In the afternoon, evening, and late at night, there are concerts given by performers arriving from every angle of the globe.

These musicians help celebrate all the cultures and religions of the world through a multiplicity of their songs and rituals. The musical spectrum heard includes early European classical, Sufi ritual songs and trance music, Arab-Andalusian rhythms, a Bulgarian orthodox choir, Hindustani chants, Celtic sacred music, Christian Gospel, Swedish chamber choir, Pakistani Qawwali incantations, Egyptian madhi odes, flamenco-style Christian saeta, ancient Indian gwalior chants and Turkish whirling dervishes. Traditionally, the festival’s most impressive afternoon concerts take place by the Dar Batha Museum, which is set amidst a beautiful Andalusian garden and has a backdrop of the Atlas Mountains. During the evening concerts are held at the Bab Makina and Palace Boujeloud.

After the last concert of the night is over, the medina is the place to head for a continuation of a once in a life time experience. Every evening at midnight, there are free “Sufi Nights”. These highly popular Sufi ritual trance performances are held at the Dar Tazi Palace gardens where Sufi brotherhoods like the Hamadcha, the Aissaoua and The Master Musicians of Jajouka perform while you relax on Berber rugs and sip mint tea.

Fes Festival World Sacred Music 2016

Fes Festival Program May 6th – 22nd, 2016

Friday, May 6th: Bab Al Makina – Opening Night Premier 21h00 A Sky full of Stars: International Premiere Women of myth and poetry from Sheherazade to the Queen of Sheba With women artists from Morocco, Mongolia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Ethiopia, India, Lebanon, Italy and Africa, with an oriental orchestra.

Saturday, May 7th: Jnan Sbil Garden 16:30 Sahar Mohammadi with Ingie Women’s Qanun Ensemble – Iran & Azerbaijan Sacred Persian song

Bab Al Makina: 21h00 Evening Concert Durbar: Indian Night Premiere Glory of Pricnessa nd in praise of the Gods, a dazzling musical engagement between some of India’s greatest Musicians

Boujloud Square: 22.00 Regional Choir of Fes | H-Kayne

Sunday, May 8th: Jnan Sbil Garden 16:30 Christine Salem- Renunion Maloya revisited

Bab Al Makina: 21h00 Evening Concert Divas of the World: Part I – Hindi Zahra, From France and Morocco & Part 2: Oumous Sangrari, from Mali

Boujloud Square: 22h00 Over Boys | Batoul Marouani

Monday, May 9th:

Jnan Sbil Garden 16:30 Officina Zoe- Italy Women’s songs of love, work and war with Maria Mazzotta (voice) and Maristella Martella (dance)

Night in the Medina Part 1: Homage to India, Evening Ragas Dary Adiyel 18:00 and 20h30 Rageshri Das and Ghazal Song from Kolkota, India

Sidki Mohamed Ben Youssef Cultural Complext: 19:h00 Shashank Subramaniam and Rakesh Chaurasia Masters of the Bansuri flute from Chennai and Mumbai, India

Boujloud Square: Mourad Bouriki/ Lamia Zaidi

Prefecture Hall, Batha The King of Ghosts: Premiere – India & Morocco, Cinema/ Concert Composed by Soumik Datta, Johannes Berauer and Cormac Byrne for the film Goopy Gaven Bagha Baven by Satyajit Ray (1929)

Tuesday, May 10th:

Jnan Sbil Garden 16:30 Hawniyaz: inspired by Kurdish, Persian and Azeri traditions With Aynur (song), Kayhan Kalhor (kamantche), Salman Gambarov (piano) and Cemîl Ǫoçgirî (multi-instrumentalist)

Night in the Medina Part 2: Dar Adiyel: 20h00 Yulduz Turdieva – Uzbekistan Shash-maqâm from Bukhara

Sidi Mohamed Ben Youssef Cultural Complex: 2h.00 Ensemble Dialogos – Bosnia and Herzogovina Heretic Angels: Popular Rituals and Beliefs

Prefecture Hall, Batha: 21.30 OY – Switzerland & Ghana Space Diaspora

Boujloud Square Participation of the French Institute in Fes: Buddha Bar | Omar Boutmazoukt

Sidi Mohamed Ben Youssef Cultural Complex, Parvathy Baul and Mehdi Nassouli – India and Morocco, Poetry of Wandering Mystics, from Bauls to Gnawas

Wednesday, May 11th:

Night in the Medina III 20.00 Sidi Mohamed Ben Youssef Cultural Complex
Lamar – Arab Songs from Palestine
21.30 Prefecture Hall, Batha (opposite the Batha Museum)
Farida Mohammad Ali – Iraq
The Voice of Maqâm

22.00 Boujloud Square
Najat Atabou | Embassy of Pakistan

23.00 Dar Adiyel
Ariana Vafadari – Iran and France
Gathas: Zoroastrian Song

Thursday, May 12th:

Jnan Sbil Garden – 16:h30 Agraw- Lalla Rquia Ouhmad Morocco Sacred Amazigh Song from Tiznit

Riad Dar Bensouda, Qettanine 18h00

Shaikh Hassan Dyck and Muhabbat Caravan Meditation with Sufi flavours

Bab Al Makina: 21h00 Evening Concert Istanbul – Fes: Premiere – Turkey & Morocco Mevlevi whirling dervishes with the Mohammed Briouel Andalous Orchestra

Boujloud Square Mahmoud Al Idrissi | Khalid Ali Orchestra

Friday, May 13th:

16.30 Jnan Sbil Garden – 16:h30 Virginia Rodrigues – Brazil. Celestial Voice

Bab Al Makina: 21h00 Evening Concert, Tribute to Oum Kaltoum – Egypt with the National Opera Orchestra of Cairo

Boujloud Square: 22h00 Reda Taliyani | Abdellah Yacoubi

Saturday, May 14th:

Jnan Sbil Garden – 16:h30
Yom – France
The Silence of Exodus with Yom, clarinet and composition Farid D, cello Claude Tchamitchian, double bass Bijan Chemirani, zarb, daf and bendir (percussion)

Bab Al Makina: 21h00 Evening Concert
Samira Saïd – Morocco, A Moroccan Singing Star

22.00 Boujloud Square
Marcel Khalife

For more information the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music of a Fes Tour

Morocco’s Imperial Cities, Seaside Resorts,Sahara Desert,Berber villages, A Taste of Morocco, Magical Kasbahs, Ruins & Waterfalls, Absolute Morocco, The Best of Marrakech, Fes, and Ouarzazate

Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration at 1 (800) 787-8806 or + 1 (212) 618882681 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Tags: Fes, Fes Festival, Fes Festival Program, Fes Tour, Moroccan Festivals & Holidays, Morocco Tours, Music Festivals, Sacred Music Festival, Things to do Fes
Posted in Morocco Travel | Comments Off on A Complete Guide, Fes Festival World Sacred Music Program 2016

Morocco Boutique Hotels, The Insiders Travel Guide

Wednesday, February 17th, 2016

Best Boutique Riads & Hotels, Marrakech

The best place to take it all in on a Morocco holiday is to stay at one of Morocco’s Best Boutique Hotels or styish romantic retreats. Our Insiders Travel Guide offers a snapshot of some of the best places to stay on a Morocco vacation. Boutique Hotels and Riads in Morocco are known for their elaborate courtyard gardens and intimate spaces. Lush with leafy green flora, dry tolerant plants and colorful fauna, Morocco’s boutique hotels are filled abound with rose petals and orange trees perfectly arranged and candy to the eyes. Each boutqiue riad and hotel differs with some having extraordinary Andalusian or Moorish, Spanish Architecture, hand carved marble fountains, elaborarate decor and traditional Moroccan tilework fit for a King or Queen. Morocco’s boutique hotels offer a wide range of design options for travelers ranging from very traditional to hip, chic modern and ultra contemporary.

Travelers to Morocco are guaranteed an Arabian Nights sensibility and to be taken back in time during their stay at a boutique hotel. Morocco’s boutique riads and hotels are where elegance is matched with Moroccan hospitality at its best. Morocco is the land of mint tea, sugary pastries and tajines, where the glorious Atlas Mountains provide a stunning backdrop for travelers visiting on a honeymoon, family adventure or private travel experience.

Best Boutique Riad Marrakech Terraces

Our Insiders Guide to Morocco’s Best Boutique Hotels and Riads offers a hand curated selection of places to stay. Our impressive list of Marrakech Riads, Fes Riads, Chefchaouen, Essaouira Riads, High Atlas luxury guest houses and the Great Southern Desert Camps are perfect for a sunset cocktail, a Moroccan meal and down time when vistiing Morocco.

Insiders Guide: Morocco’s Best Riads and Boutique Hotels, Where to Stay:

Where to Stay in Marrakech:

Riad Kniza is one of Marrakech’s most prized Riads and offers a captivating experience for travelers. Owned by a family of Moroccans for over 2 centuries this restored Riad boasts traditional décor with elegant Moroccan fabrics, Moorish architecture, open courtyards, a library, drawing room, a dipping pool and magnificently arranged rooftop terrace. From a warm welcome of mint tea and Moroccan pastries to rose petals and fresh flowers poignantly placed. Well attended by celebrities such as Bill Gates and Garry Kasparov, this un pretentious luxury Riad is the place to stay. Property Amenities: Hammam, Massage, Restaurant, Dipping Pool, Laundry Service, Wifi. We suggest dining on their rooftop terrace at least once.

La Maison Arabe is Marrakech’s first restaurants and original Riads is a leading boutique hotel with the essence of traditional Moroco meets old world Italy. La Maison Arabe has endured the test of time. This traditional boutique riad is ideally situated in the Marrakech medina. It offers a combination of stylish and intimate luxury with hotel amenities. La Maison Arabe has old world architecture and a romantic interior making it one of Morocco’s most sought out places to stay. Each room is uniquely decorated with antiques and ancient artwork, Moroccan carpets and a combination of local and imported fabrics. There is an elegant Piano Bar on site that sets the tone for a late afternoon or early evening aperitif. Property Amenities: Spa, Gym, Swimming Pool, Laundry Service, Wifi, Cooking Class. Try their luxurious massage or cooking class with a Dada Chef.

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

Best Boutique Riad Courtyard Garden, Marrakech

Riad Samarkand is a 19th century riad renovated by a Parisian couturier; with terraces, a small garden and oriental decor. This is a secret hideway frequeneted by those who are interested in staying in a peaceful place away from the souks with wide terraces and a laid back vibe. Property Amenities: Dipping pool, sun terrace, Hammam, Laundry, Wifi.

Riad Tzarra is a traditional riad close to the souks, located in a typical neighborhood in the Marrakech medina. Newly restored by the celebrated architect Christophe Simeon, Riad Tzarra offers guests discreet charm in a traditional environment and first class service in the very heart of Marrakech. Property Amenities: Spa / Traditional hammam, Dipping Pool, Wifi and Laundry services.

Best Boutique Riad Villa Rabat

Where to Stay in Rabat:

Villa Mandarine is a boutique garden hotel nestled in the heart of an orange grove on three hectares of land. Villa Mandarine perfectly marries comfort and hospitality. The property and garden filled with bouganvilla, succulents and other plantation offers a peaceful hideaway that is close proximity of Rabat’s city center. Property Amenities: Spa, Gym, Swimming Pool, Gardens, Fireplaces, Shaded terraces, Billard Room, Laundry Service, Wifi

Riad Kalaa is a boutique riad dating from the Almoravide dynasty that was built by the Ermir Ben Tachfine on the banks for the Bouregreg river. This well appointed charming Riad in Rabats historic district is just steps away from the ocean. Property Amenities: Dipping pool, Spa, Fireplaces, Shaded terraces, Laundry Service, Wifi

Riad L’Alcazar is a luxury boutique Riad with designer décor and grand elegance. This well appointed Riad is the perfect place to overnight during a visit to Rabat. With wonderful roof terrace and views of the medina charm awaits you. Property Amenities: Hammam, Terraces, Wifi

Best Boutique Hotel Fes, Luxury Amenities

Where to Stay in Fes:

Riad Fes is a Relais & Chateaux Property and the premiere luxury boutique hotel with class and authenticity in the heart of the historic medina in Fes. This charming, now sprawling Riad has been restored with impeccability and combines traditional Spanish Moorish architecture with Modern touches. The decor has been designed with inspiration of a serene atmosphere reminiscent of Arabian Nights by the owner who is an architect. A stay at Riad Fes will allow you to travel back in time and enjoy the splendor of the lifestyle of Fassi nobility. The garden offers moments of freshness under the shade of orange, lemon and bay trees. Property Amenities: Swimming Pool, Terraces & Panoramic Garden, Traditional Hammam/ Spa, Gourmet Restaurant, Wine bar, Wifi and Laundry services.

Palais Amani is a fourteen bedroomed opulent Riad in Fes that offers refined dining with magnficent views. This Art Deco influence riad with a melange of traditional and contemporary decor has a wonderful Moroccan salon, a library, rooftop bar, extensive terraces, a traditional hammam and spa and all of this close to the Golden triangle in the ancient medina in Fez. Property Amenities: Moroccan Salons, Terraces, Restaurant, Wine Bar, Traditional Moroccan Hammam, Garden, Wifi and Laundry services.

Best Boutique Riads Moorish Architecture

Dar Roumana, House of the Pomegranate, is one of the leading traditional boutique riads in the Fes. Framed by lush olive groves and the ancient ruins of the medina walls, Dar Roumana offers a richness and comfort typical of a traditional Fassi guesthouse. Relax with a book and a glass of Moroccan mint tea on the spacious sun-drenched roof terrace with a spectacular view of the entire medina and Atlas Mountains. After dinner prepared by their Cordon Bleu chef, retire to the library for a fire-side game of chess or choose a movie from our video and DVD collection. Each of Dar Roumana’s suites contains the work of local artisans: original mosaic tile floors, intricate carved plaster, rich cedar ceilings and doors, and hand-crafted furnishings. Property Amenities: Terraces & Panoramic Garden, Gourmet Moroccan and International cuisine, Laundry Services, Wifi

Karawan Riad is a sophisticated, luxury, boutique hotel of seven, chic suites that are set within a glorious 17th century home. Harmony is key at this magnificent courtyard property where the combination of texture, motif and artifacts create unique hand curated interiors. All seven suites have king sized beds, exquisite bed linens and writing desks. Trickling fountains are surrounded by flora and fauna for cozy dinners that of local Fassi cuisine offered up by Chef Outhmane’s and Chef Mahmoud. This boutique riad has the amenities of a hotel and design that sings the name of Archiectural Digest. Property Amenities: Rooftop Terrace, Restaurant, Wifi

Best Boutique Hotel in Skoura

Where to Stay in Skoura:

Les Jardins Des Skoura is unassuming converted farmhouse nestled in the Skoura palmeraie, not far from the High Atlas Mountains. Blissfully off the beaten track, Les Jardins Des Skoura is an oasis of stylish accommodation. It is set in huge gardens crammed with sunflowers, vines, and apricot, olive, and pomegranate trees. The Berber Chef offers a wonderful dining experience with farm to table cuisine using the organic incredienets made with olive oil produced on the Skoura palmerie. A must when consdiering a stay in Morocco’s Great South. Property Amenities: Swimming pool, Panoramic garden views of Skoura Palmeraie, Wifi

L’Ma Lodge is a boutique, chic guest house in the heart of the Skoura palmeraie owned by Vanessa and Xavier. It is named after from the Arabic word for water. A true Oasis in this verdant, green region, L’Ma Lodge is a hidden jewel perfect for honeymooners and those searching for an intimate stay in Skoura. Created from a traditionally built adobe house, complete with kasbahs, the main lodge is surrounded by an outdoor garden and glorious palms along with fruit trees and flowering plants. Meals combine Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine with local Berber speciality dishes. Property Amenities: Heated swimming pool, Restaurant, Fireplace, Wifi

Best Boutique Riad, Chefchaouen

Where to Stay in Chefchaouen:

Ryad Lina is an upmarket, elegant Riad centrally located in the blue washed city of Chefchaouen. It features several layers of rooftop terraces that offer magnficent views. There is an onsite spa, indoor private heated pool, hammam and Jacuzzi hot tub. Decorated in Chaouen and Riff decor this boutique hotel of suites is spacious and the perfect spot for an intimate and luxury stay. Property Amenities: Private Swimming Pool (Heated) Spa/ Hammam, Roof top Terrace, Traditional Moroccan cuisine, Lounge, Laundry Service, Wifi

Dar Eschaouen is situated in front of the medina near the River “Ras El Ma” this is one of the funkiest hotels in Chefchaouen. A blend of traditional Moroccan architecture and modern comforts Dar Eschaouen offers rooms and suites that are decorated in a Arabo-Hispanic flavor. Fully decked in bright colors, colors fabrics and furnished with paintings the local touches of Moroccan culture come alive. Property Amenities: Swimming Pool, Spa, Roof top Terrace, Restaurant, Lounge, Laundry Service, Wifi

Casa Perleta is a traditional Chaouen guesthouse tucked in a small corner not far from the Bab Souk entrance of the Medina. While the rooms are small they are comfortable and decorated with local textiles, paintings and furniture. There is a small roof top terrace that makes for a great place for reading a book. Property Amenities: Rooftop Terrace, Laundry service, Wifi

Dar Meziana is a charming B&B style riad is an example of the age-old traditional places to stay in the Chefchaouen. While a bit dated, Dar Meziana is an authentic Moroccan guesthouse filled with Chaouen furniture, paintings and a most artful décor. One could even refer to it as “this old house” with its wood interior and breakfast bar which serves up traditional tea and some of the best pastries in the town. Property Amenities: Rooftop Terrace, Wifi

Best Boutique Hotel, Essaouira

Where to Stay in Essaouira:

L’Heure Bleue Palais is a luxury boutique hotel that is built into the medina walls of the coastal town of Essaouira. An oasis of calm in laid-back Essaouira it serves as the ideal place to stay for those interested in luxury hotels. Dripping with heavy carvings, fabrics, lamps and wooden-shuttered windows, rooms are cavernous, and luxurious. Owned, by Andre Azult, the Jewish Secretary of the King, L’Heure Bleue is also ordtained with the hand carved Star of David which is configured richly across the entrance salon. Property Amenities: Spa Services, Traditional Hammam, Swimming Pool , Cinema Room, Rooftop Terrace, Bar, Gourmet Restaurant, Laundry Services, Wifi

Villa De L’O is a former almond storage depot is one of Essaouira’s most charming luxury boutique hotels. Hidden behind the medina walls and just across from the Portugese ramparts, this 18th century elegantly furnished traditional boutique riad offers colonial style elegance. Villa De L’O is decorated with Moroccan and European antiques. It has a wonderful French salon, caged birds that chirp, elaborate bathing areas in each room with sweeping views of the Atlantic from the roof terrace. Tea service on arrival with pastries is a must along with sunset cocktails with a sea view. The roof overlooks ramparts, souks and the Essaouira beach. Property Amenities: Rooftop Terrace, Restaurant, Laundry Services, Wifi

Where to Stay in the Sahara Desert:

Best Luxury Desert Camp, Sahara Glamping

Travel Exploration offers a Private Sahara Desert Luxury Camp that is well siutated southeast of the village of Merzouga in the heart of the Erg Chebbi Dunes. Located just one-hour drive from the city of Erfoud, this Luxury Desert camp is in the heart of the impressive sand dunes, away from the areas visited by tourists. The luxury tented camp consists of large bedroom tents and a big restaurant tent. The bedroom tents offer hotel room comfort and can comfortably accommodate a queen size bed, a spacious double bed, or three wide single beds. En suite facilities are comprised of a private washing area within each luxury tent. The restaurant tent has five tables, and offers traditional meals prepared by our chef, and served by candlelight with local Moroccan wines.

For more information about Where to Stay – Boutique Riads and Hotels in Morocco

Morocco’s Imperial Cities, Seaside Resorts,Sahara Desert,Berber villages, A Taste of Morocco, Magical Kasbahs, Ruins & Waterfalls, Absolute Morocco, The Best of Marrakech, Fes, and Ouarzazate

Tags: Essaouira Luxury Riads, Fes Luxury Riads, Marrakech Luxury Riads, Moroccan hotels, Moroccan Luxury Hotels, Moroccan Luxury Riads, Moroccan Riads, Sahara Desert Luxury Bivouac, Sahara Desert Luxury Guest House Seaside Resorts
Posted in Morocco Accommodations & Lodging | Comments Off on Morocco Boutique Hotels, The Insiders Travel Guide

The Moroccan Art Scene, Post Independence Moroccan Artists

Friday, January 15th, 2016

Hassan Hajjaj, Marrakech Artist

The Moroccan Contemporary Art Scene, post-independence, is much sought after and has gained popularity over the recent years given its varied mix of forward thinking and experimental painters, sculptors, fashion designers, and craftsmen. Morocco’s contemporary art scene had a boost with the opening of some significant public-funded and private galleries as well as some key exhibitions showcasing Moroccan modern art abroad. Although foreign and diaspora collectors have always been important, Nadia Echiguer, Director of UK-based art dealers, Moroccan Fine Art, explains the role of a developing economy in the promotion and sale of contemporary artwork in Morocco itself. “Before, only private and public institutions were buying artworks. The trend has changed as private Moroccan collectors are showing a keen interest in art,” thanks to a booming economy that has seen an increase in the size and the wealth of the Moroccan middle class.

Mohammed Melehi, Asiliah

Reflecting the increasing domestic interest in contemporary art, two large projects opened in Rabat and Marrakech. The MMVI Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art opened in Rabat, in October 2014 with an exhibition of over 400 works by more than 150 Moroccan artists, entitled “1914-2014: One hundred years of creation.” Over in Marrakech, seen by many as a more creative centre compared to Rabat, the Marrakech Museum for Photography and Visual Arts (MMP+) opened in September 2013 in temporary accommodation at the Badii Palace. A purpose-built venue designed by British architect Sir David Chipperfield is due to open in 2016, the same year as the 6th Marrakech Biennale (24 February – 8 May 2016).

Fatima Ettalbi, Essaouira Artists

Following Moroccan independence in 1956, many artists and intellectuals sought to claim a modern Moroccan cultural identity to banish the euro-centrism of the French colonial power or an orientalist over-emphasis on the naive or folkloric aspects of Moroccan art. At the same time, many artists could not and would not deny the influence of these more traditional arts and crafts on their work. As the swinging 60s drew on into the 1970s, despite the former colonial experience, there was much intellectual and artistic interchange between Morocco and Europe, in particular France. In addition, Moroccan artists exchanged ideas and philosophies with visiting Beat Poets (for example, in Tangiers) and international musicians and artists who passed through the country (including the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix and others). Slowly, however, Moroccan artists developed an “exploratory intuition” according to Moroccan philosopher El Jabri and a “modernity” in the Moroccan artistic experience was born.

Myriam Mourabit, Casablanca Artist

During the 1980s, these issues of collective identity became less evident as Moroccan artists gained the confidence to forge their own styles and open their horizons beyond questions of a Moroccan or Arab style. At the same time, they left behind occidental models and themes and began to explore their creativity as individuals. This desire to carve one’s own niche as an artist, one who happens to be Moroccan, characterized strongly the closing decades of the 20th century.

Today, at the start of the 21st century, many young Moroccan artists are experimenting with new twists on old techniques and traditions against the backdrop of greater use of modern communications technology. Key themes in this era reflect the realities of modern life for young Moroccans: immigration, globalization, urbanization and the cultural references of the past.

The Moroccan art scene has a number of key creative centers. Many artists have emerged from the large conurbations of Casablanca or Marrakech or the traditional heartland of Moroccan crafts, Fes. However, Tetouan – with its Institute of Fine Arts – and Essaouira – with its nexus of auto-didactic artists are two particular poles.

Written by Lynn Sheppard

Lynn Sheppard has lived in Essaouira, on Morocco’s Atlantic Coast for more than 2 years, supporting local non-profits, writing and becoming an expert on all things Swiri (ie. Essaouiran). She blogs at Maroc-phile.com and for other travel industry clients.

For more information about the Moroccan Art Scene or a Morocco Art Private Tour

Morocco’s Imperial Cities, Seaside Resorts,Sahara Desert,Berber villages, A Taste of Morocco, Magical Kasbahs, Ruins & Waterfalls, Absolute Morocco, The Best of Marrakech, Fes, and Ouarzazate

Tags: Art Morocco, Mohammed VI of Modern and Contemporary Art, Moroccan Art, Moroccan Artists, Moroccan Handicrafts, Moroccan Museums, Moroccan Painters, Moroccan Pottery, Moroccan Weavers, Museum of Moroccan Arts, Post Independence Art Morocco
Posted in Moroccan Arts & Entertainment | Comments Off on The Moroccan Art Scene, Post Independence Moroccan Artists

Five Signs You’ve Fallen in Love with Morocco

Wednesday, January 13th, 2016

Sahara Desert Morocco Travel

Morocco is a country a person can easily fall in love with, whether you’re on a travel adventure for a short trip or you’re lucky enough to stay longer. Morocco is an amazing country, no matter where you visit—bustling Marrakech, scenic Chefchaouen, historic Fez, the grand Sahara and all points in between. Beginning with the sights, sounds, tastes and the exotic scents, there’s plenty in Morocco to experience that you will not want to leave behind. From the Atlas Mountains to the Atlantic Coast and from the Great Sahara to Marrakech there are many things to see and do in Morocco.

Moroccan Market Places

Five Signs that you have fallen in love with Morocco are:

#1: The Magical Colors of Morocco that you just cannot seem to get out of your head: There’s color everywhere in Morocco. Wander through the busy medinas and markets places, and take in the kaleidoscopic array of goods for sale. Watch the sky turn countless shades of color during a desert sunset before it fades to a million stars at night under the Arabian sky. Get lost in the myriad of colors found in the patterns of Moroccan zellij tile that decorate Moroccan palaces and mosques. Take a trip to the blue washed city of Chefchaouen with its maze of tiny streets, hidden alleys, and indigo blue houses perched atop the old city. You’re sure to return home feeling as though everywhere else pales in comparison to a Morocco adventure.

Moroccan Food and Drink

#2: Your Moroccan cookbook has become your best friend. In Marrakech, Fes and other Moroccan cities, you are simply spoiled for choice when it comes to food. There are plenty of offerings from around the world. What really shines though is the Moroccan food and drink—from a warm bowl of B’ssara (a flavorful broad bean soup) at breakfast to sugary mint tea in the afternoon with freshly made Msemen, a Moroccan flatbread. You know that Moroccan food goes far beyond the popular couscous, but a good couscous dish never hurts to dine on either, particularly on Fridays, the Moroccan day of prayer.

Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca

#3: You can’t stop talking about the incredible experiences you had on your trip. Morocco has it all, from sandy deserts, rocky landscapes, and an impressive Atlas Mountains to sweeping Mediterranean beaches along with ancient cities. There are plenty of things to do in Morocco and you made a point of experiencing many of them. Whether you took a camel ride and camped out under the stars, did some trekking in the Atlas mountains, spent your time tanning on the beaches of Essaouira, visited a traditional Berber village or whatever else— you know your friends are jealous and with good reason. When you’re not regaling them with stories of your trip, you’re looking back through your photos for the ten-thousandth time to reminisce, trying to convince them to visit Morocco.

Ait Benhaddou Ksar, Ouarzazate Region

#4: You know there’s no place on earth that’s quite the same, as Morocco. Medieval Europe had its forts, but nothing quite like the ksars, or fortified cities, that you find in Southern Morocco. Aït Benhaddou is, the most famous ksar, having been featured in Game of Thrones, Gladiator among other blockbuster films and television series. There’s plenty of history throughout the country to immerse yourself in whether you are visiting on a family Morocco adventure, a honeymoon or with friends. Up close encounters such as having tea with Nomad families, in remote mountain regions, and the traveling by 4×4 through the Old Road of the Caravans evokes 1001 Arabian nights romantic fantasies of life on the road. From the old world marketplaces in small desert towns to the feeling of being in the middle of nowhere, one finds themselves steeped in a richness and depth of an old world culture. There’s no place on earth that’s quite like Morocco. Visit Morocco and you will never feel the same again!

#5: You’re already planning your return trip to Morocco. Chances are, that first trip you took to Morocco wasn’t enough and neither was the second, the third or the fourth. Maybe you’re still waking up to the phantom sound of prayer-calls before dawn or images of desert sky and sweeping Sahara sand dunes just will not leave your mind’s eye. Whatever it is, Morocco has pulled you in and now has a place in your heart.

Have you been to Morocco? What’s your favorite memory from your trip? Share your stories and tips in the Comments!

Written by Jess

Jess travel writer who loves global adventures. She has been traveling for close to a decade nd has no plans to stop anytime soon! Jess fell in love with Morocco from her first visit and hopes you will fall in love with the beautiful country too.

For more information about Things to do in Morocco

For those who have fallen in love with Morocco come Honeymoon in Morocco

Morocco’s Imperial Cities, Seaside Resorts,Sahara Desert,Berber villages, A Taste of Morocco, Magical Kasbahs, Ruins & Waterfalls, Absolute Morocco, The Best of Marrakech, Fes, and Ouarzazate

Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We provide Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration at 1 (800) 787-8806 or + 1 (212) 618882681 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Tags: Berber cuisine, Camel Trekking, Honeymoon in Morocco, Moroccan Couscous, Moroccan Handicrafts, Moroccan Kasbahs, Moroccan Souks, Sahara Desert, Things to do Morocco, Tours Berber Villages Tours, Tours to Morocco, Travel Exploration
Posted in Morocco Travel | Comments Off on Five Signs You’ve Fallen in Love with Morocco

Morocco Family Vacation, Kid Friendly Travel

Thursday, January 7th, 2016

Morocco Family Vacation, Sahara Desert Adventure, Photograph by Rusk Elatassi

Morocco is the perfect country to travel for families who are considering a place to visit for spring break. A Morocco family vacation during spring break guarantees a great adventure and an insightful cultural experience for families with children of all ages. Morocco is a kid friendly destination. Morocco’s expansive landscapes provide a wide array of adventure travel opportunities for families such as hiking, biking, trekking, camel trekking, zip lining, eating, surfing and swimming. Morocco’s temperate climate year-round makes it easy for families with a limited time frame who are traveling from the USA and Europe to reach. Morocco is just 7 1/2 hours from New York’s John F Kennedy Airport, a 3 1/2 hour Easy jet stretch from Paris and an 1 hour from Madrid via Iberia Airlines. Families in search of a child-friendly destination need to look no further then Morocco.

Morocco Family Vacation, Djemaa El Fna Square Waterman, Photograph by Rusk Elatassi

On a Morocco family vacation, parents can anticipate a jam-packed travel itinerary that includes a mix of site seeing in ancient cities, exploration of the souks and marketplaces, visiting magical gardens and UNESCO Heritage sites, seeing wild monkeys and barbary apes in Ifrane’s cedar forest, hiking across High Atlas Mountains and through Berber Villages, Sipping Tea with a Berber Family, participating in private family henna party and watching the snake charmers at sunset in Marrakech’s Djemaa el Fna Square. A Morocco family adventure vacation is not complete without traveling in a four-wheel drive across the Moroccan Sahara Desert and a 1001 Arabian Nights Morocco experience in the heart of the Erg Chebbi dunes at a traditional desert camp.

Perhaps one of the best surprises of all during a Morocco family vacation is the opportunity to enjoy stays at charming boutique riads that are well appointed in the old city bustling medinas with maze-like streets, colorful alley ways filled with craftsman, street food vendors, gardens, Islamic architecture, and terraces with dream-like city scapes.

The best time to travel to Morocco for a family vacation is March and April along with October, November, and December. Spring break, Easter holiday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are when Morocco’s weather is extremely temperate and local festivities and adventure tie in with school schedules.

Morocco Family Vacation, Marrakech Monkeys, Photograph by Rusk Elatassi

The 5 Best Adventure Activites on a Morocco Family Vacation are:

Family Vacation in Morocco – Adventure Tour Highlights

Zip line across the Atlas Mountains

Camel Trek in the Sahara Desert

Hot Air Balloon over Marrakech

Bread bake with a Berber family

Attend a traditional Fantasia Horse show in the Marrakech Palmeraie

For more information about the Family Vacations in Morocco and Family Adventure Tours

Morocco’s Imperial Cities, Seaside Resorts,Sahara Desert,Berber villages, A Taste of Morocco, Magical Kasbahs, Ruins & Waterfalls, Absolute Morocco, The Best of Marrakech, Fes, and Ouarzazate

Tags: Berber Villages, Camel Trekking, Canyoning, Erg Chebbi Dunes, FamilyTours Morocco Adventure Tours Morocco, Hot Air Balloon, Moroccan bread baking, Moroccan Henna Party, Morocco Holiday Activities, Morocco Vacations & Tours, Sahara Desert, Ziplining
Posted in Morocco Travel, Uncategorized | Comments Off on Morocco Family Vacation, Kid Friendly Travel

Morocco First Country to Recognize America, Your Morocco Tour Guide

Sunday, December 20th, 2015

Ibn Mohammed Ben Abdellah of Morocco

The Kingdom of Morocco became the first country in the world to recognize America as an independent nation on December 20^th, 1777. A year and a half after the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1786, United States Minister Thomas Barclay and Sidi Muhammad Ibn Abdullah, the Sultan of Morocco, penned a treaty of friendship. This treaty of friendship between American and Morocco is now lauded as the key longstanding agreement of peace that remains unbroken between the United States and another country. Morocco then became the first Arab, African and Muslim state to sign a treaty with the USA.

Morocco, America Treat of Friendship

The first piece of American real estate in Morocco and abroad was the Tangier American Legation Museum. Gifted to the USA by Sultan Moulay Sulliman in 1821, The Tangier American Legation Museum is the oldest diplomatic property in the world. This five-story mansion is registered as a national treasure of historic places and has an impressive collection of paintings along with a bookshop dedicated to Paul Bowles.

Tangier Legation Museum

In 1912, Morocco became a French protectorate. Certain portions of Morocco also came under Spanish control, including the province of Tangier. However, the United States did not recognize the French and Spanish protectorates until October 20, 1917, when Secretary of State Robert Lansing sent a letter formally acknowledging the protectorate to Jean Jules Jusserand, French Ambassador to the United States.

American Legation Museum, Black & White

The United States recognized Moroccan independence from French sovereignty on March 7, 1956, in a statement of congratulations regarding the Franco-Moroccan declaration of March 2, wherein France had recognized Moroccan independence.

As 2015 comes to an end we celebrate a historic time frame of 238 years of friendly relations between Morocco and the USA.

For more information about America and Morocco or a Taniger Tour

Morocco’s Imperial Cities, Seaside Resorts,Sahara Desert,Berber villages, A Taste of Morocco, Magical Kasbahs, Ruins & Waterfalls, Absolute Morocco, The Best of Marrakech, Fes, and Ouarzazate

Travel Exploration specializes in Morocco Travel. We offer Private Tours and travel opportunities to Morocco for the independent traveler and tailor-made tours for families and groups with a distinctly unique flavor. From Morocco’s Seven Imperial Cities, to the Magical Sahara Travel Exploration offers a captivating experience that will inspire you. At Travel Exploration we guarantee that you will discover the best of Morocco! Call Travel Exploration at 1 (800) 787-8806 or + 1 (212) 618882681 and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

Tags: American Legation Museum, Moroccan architecture, Moroccan history, Moroccan Monuments, Tangier Tours, Things to do in Tangier
Posted in Morocco Travel | Comments Off on Morocco First Country to Recognize America, Your Morocco Tour Guide

Marrakech Guided Tours, Private Site seeing Adventures

Monday, December 7th, 2015

Marrakech,Snowcapped Atlas Mountains

Marrakech, a Berber city, located just outside the snow capped Atlas Mountains, has become one of the leading destinations for Morocco travelers during the past decade. Travelers from the USA, Europe, Russia and Brazil continue to place Marrakech on their bucket list. Marrakech is leading a style revolution for Moroccan travelers with it’s fabulous mix of of old world souks, monuments, mosques, Jewish Heritage Sites, Art Deco architecture, evening Food tours and upmarket Moroccan cuisine. The best way to discover Marrakech’s hidden jewels is to take a private Marrakech Guided Tour.

A Marrakech Guided Day Tour will give you the opportunity to discover the main sites of Marrakech along with off the beat places. On a Guided Marrakech Site seeing Tour travelers will discover the interiors of the souks that are filled with bustling and delightful food markets, the local bread oven, artisan workshops, majestic gardens along with the glorious Ben Youssef Medersa. All sites are well appointed within Marrakech medina with the famous Majorelle Gardens just footsteps outside.

A Guided Site seeing Tour of Marrakech also includes an in depth visit to Marrakech’s historical Jewish quarters which consists of the Jewish Mellah, the Jewish Cemetery and the Marrakech Lazema Synagogue. On special request dinner with the Rabbi or Shabbat catered dinner can be arranged.

Djemaa El Fna at night

Guided Marrakech Day Tours all end with a visit to Djemma el Fna square just before sunset. Djemaa el Fna Square is best described as an L-shaped square that is a labyrinth of mazes. There are souks sprawling off the sides of crowed alleys that sell carpets, spices, metal and wood works and tourist trinkets. Locals also frequent the square where the evenings deliver storytellers, Gnaoua musicians and drummers, snake charmers, jugglers, acrobats and the evening food market. A typical Moroccan experience includes a visit to the evening food stalls grilling meat on braziers, smoking fish, and selling exotic Moroccan foods. If you want a quick treat you can try Morocco’s popular stewed snails. Grab a tooth pick and dig in. Feeling especially brave? Try some stuffed spleen or a sheep’s head showing the eyes. Wash it down with Khendenjal, a spicy nut-based aphrodisiac. With its wild and colorful characters, Djemaa el Fna will stop at nothing short of bedazzling and astounding you. At night, the air fills with aromatic smoke fumes lingering off the delicious delicacies sold in the streets and the sounds of Moroccan music.

Marrakech Guided Tour, Ben Youssef Medersa

Marrakech Guided Tour City Highlights: Site seeing with a Marrakech Guide
The Yves Saint Laurent, Majorelle Gardens & Berber Museum
Koutoubia Mosque and Gardens
El Bahia Palace
Saadian Tombs
Ben Youssef Medersa
El Badi Palace
Museum of Photographie
Marrakech Museum
Djemaa el Fna Square
Marrakech Souks – Bread Oven, Local Hammam, Neighborhoods, Artisan Workshops, Spice Souks, Olive Market, Local Bucher and Fruit and Vegetable Sellers, Date Market, Main Kisseria
Jewish Mellah, Jewish Synagogue and Jewish Cemetery

For more information about A Private Cooking Vacation to Morocco

Morocco’s Imperial Cities, Seaside Resorts,Sahara Desert,Berber villages, A Taste of Morocco, Magical Kasbahs, Ruins & Waterfalls, Absolute Morocco, The Best of Marrakech, Fes, and Ouarzazate

Tags: Artisan Workshops, Ben Youssef Medersa El Badi Palace, Djemaa El Fna Square, El Bahia Palace, Local Hammam, Majorelle Gardens, Mararkech Food Tour, Marrakech City Highlights, Marrakech Guided Tours, Marrakech Museum Djemaa el Fna Square, Marrakech Private Tours, Marrakech Site seeing Tours, Marrakech Souks, Marrakech Souks - Bread Oven, Marrakech Tour Guide, Museum of Photographie, Neighborhoods, Saadian Tombs, Spice Sou Jewish Mellah, Tours to Morocco, Travel Exploration
Posted in Morocco Travel | Comments Off on Marrakech Guided Tours, Private Site seeing Adventures

Moroccan Food Tour, A Private Cooking Vacation to Morocco

Friday, December 4th, 2015

Moroccan Tajine

From the populated ancient medinas in the Imperial Cities to the dusty Desert region to the great Southern rural villages, seaside towns and farm communities, a Travel Exploration Moroccan Food Tour delivers the perfect opportunities to discover the culture of food and art. The cooks in the royal kitchens of Fes, Meknes, Marrakech, Rabat and Tetouan refined Moroccan cuisine over the centuries and created the basis for what is known as Moroccan cuisine today. Moroccan cooking is enhanced with fruits, dried and fresh — apricots, dates, figs, and raisins, to name a few. Lemons preserved in a salt-lemon juice mixture bring a unique face to many Moroccan chicken and pigeon dishes. Nuts are prominent; pine nuts, almonds, and pistachios show up in all sorts of unexpected places. Moroccan sweets are rich and dense confections of cinnamon, almond, and fruit perfumes that are rolled in filo dough, soaked in honey, and stirred into puddings. Spices are used extensively in Moroccan food.

Journey across Morocco on a 10 Day Cooking Vacation to Morocco. Discover spectacular Trade Routes & Spice Markets, the world of Moroccan Street Food, Bake Bread with the Berbers and Make Your own Tajine at a Moroccan cookery class. A Taste of Morocco is a Culinary Food Tour Adventure for All Ages and Perfect for the Entire Family!

Moroccan Spices

Book a Tour or call (800) 787-8806). Let us be your Culinary Guide to Discovering Moroccan Cuisine.

A Taste of Morocco Food Tour – Trip Highlights

Fresh Grill at Casablanca’s Marche Centrale

Fes Food Tour – Souks Tasting Trails

Pastilla Making with a Daada Chef

Cooking Class in Marrakech

Breadbaking with the Berbers

Tasting Marrakech Food Tour in Djemaa El Fna Square

Fes Food Tour

A TASTE OF MOROCCO – 10 DAY ITINERARY:

DAY 1: CASABLANCA – FRESH GRILL AT THE PORT – FES

Pick up from Casablanca airport. Start your visit at the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world that stands besides the sea and boasts stunning views along with breathtaking arches and zellij tiled walls, floors and fountains. Lunch at Casablanca’s Marche Centrale.. A taste of Casablanca while you purchase fresh fish from the Market, then hand it over to the locals to cook up.Discover the Art Deco Architecture in Casablanca. Welcome Cocktail and Dinner at your Riad in Fes. Overnight at a Boutique Riad or Hotel in Fes.

DAY 2: FES – DISCOVER THE WORLD OF MOROCCAN STREET FOOD

Breakfast and early Rise. Begin your day by discovering the world of Moroccan streetfood in Fes. You will visit three different food souks allowing the chance to try traditional Moroccan street food including dried meats, milawi, harsha, briwats, spicy sardines, spicy potato cakes, soups, olives and more. At the honey souk we’re you’ll be able to taste an array of delicious wild honeys, discuss their flavors and health-giving properties and find out why honey is so important in Moroccan cooking and Islamic culture. Investigate traditional cooking methods by visiting a furnatchi where the water for the communal bath house ‘hammam’ is also heated, and a 400 year old ‘furan’ or communal oven and bakery. Discover the world of spices and their uses and the secrets of the male-oriented domain of the tea den under the guidance of a culinary leader and story-teller. Or learn to bake bread in the 400 year old community oven with the baker overseeing your hands-on efforts. Take your hot bread to the honey souk to try it with 8 artisanal wild honeys, aged butter or khlia, spicy dried beef. The Moroccan Culinary Experience The hands-on cooking classes take place right in the heart of a family house – the kitchen. This is a very intimate experience, staying in a villa with the family and being immersed into family life in Morocco. You’ll learn the intricacies of Moroccan cuisine and then of course savour your creations. Enjoy Moroccos’ Dar Batha Garden and Museum in the afternoon. Afternoon Tea at Les Jardin De Bierhn with views of this Andalusian Garden. Overnight at a Boutique Riad or Hotel in Fes.

Moroccan Bastillla

DAY 3: FES – PASTILLA (BASTILLA) OR PASTRY MAKING IN FES

Following breakfast, you will be taken you to the souk to shop for your first cooking class.During your first class you will see how ouarka (the dough used in b’steeya) is made and perhaps have time to buy a few spices to take home. Lunch to follow. Depart for a guided tour of Fes el Bali (Old Fes) to learn some of Fes’s history, tour the souks, see the mosques and medersas and visit the famous leather tanneries.

Within the old medina, we will the following historical sites:

Medersa Bou Inania: An (Islamic school) founded by Abu Inan Faris that is highly decorated fromﬂoor to ceiling. The medersa is one of the few religious places in Morocco that is accessible to non- Islamic tourists.

Kairaouine Mosque: Morocco’s second largest mosque. The Kairaouine Mosque became the home of the West’s ﬁrst university and the world’s foremost center of learning at the beginning of the second millennium.

Berber Carpet Demonstration:

The Famous Exhibition of Antique and Modern Carpets is one of the places in Fès el Bali where you can see a Berber carpet demonstration. You will be offered mint tea and follow your guide up a coil of stairs to a small area to watch carpets being made by young girls who come from the mountains to show tourists how Berber carpets are made

Shopping in the Medina: We will visit the baboosh souk where they sell beautiful hand made shoes, cafdans, pottery, local Fassis crafts and fabric Evening at Leisure. Overnight at a Boutique Riad or Hotel in Fes.

DAY 4: FES – IFRANE – AZRO – ERFOUD – MERZOUGA

Breakfast at your Riad. Take the road to Morocco’s Sahra Desert. En route stop in Ifrane for Pastries. Continue the road to Erfoud Camel Trek into the Moroccan Sahara Desert. Overnight at a Luxury Desert Camp in the Erg Chebbi Dunes of Merzouga.

DAY 5: MERZOUGA – RISSANI – AIT OUZZINE – NKOB

Breakfast in the Sahara Desert. Morning exploration. Take the road to the town of Rissani. Visit the local souk and then experience a lesson on making Madfouna. Madfouna is the local stuffed pizza indigenous of the Sahara region. Continue the road via Alnif to Ait Ouzzine. Overnight in a Boutique Kasbah Hotel in Nkob.

Marrakech Cooking Class

DAY 6: NKOB – BREAD BAKING OF TRADITIONAL MADFOUNA IN THE MOUNTAINS WITH THE BERBERS – OUARZAZATE.

Breakfast in Nkob. Visit Ait Ouzzine, a traditional Ait Atta Village nestiled in the Jebel Saghro and Atlas Mountains. Morning tea and greet the family. Then take the road into the mountains. Participate and learn how to make Bourafain, a traditional bread of the Berbers made in the mountains with volcanic rock. Bourafin consists of dough, secret spices, herbs and animal fat that is stuffed and combined into a bread that raises high and wide. Aït Ouzzine is a Berber village inhabited by over 300 families who live in beautifully painted crenulated kasbahs, with their own henna fields, water wells, livestock and gardens. This peaceful village is tucked away along an impressive desert route connecting the Draa Valley (Tansikht) and Rissani. Meet a local Berber family, partake in a cooking lesson of how to make traditional bread and a tajine. Explore and tour the village by foot. Walk in the green fields and see how the traditional Berbers live with their gardens of herbs, live stock, and henna plants.Explore the village. Henna Party with the Berbers. Take the road to Ouarzazate.Overnight in Boutique Riad or Hotel in Ouarzazate with Atlas Mountain Views.

DAY 7: OUARZAZATE – AIT BENHADDOU KASBAH – OLD ROAD OF CARAVANS – TELOUET – MARRAKECH.

Breakfast in Ouarzazate at your Riad. Visit the Oasis of Fint, then take the road to visit Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, Kasbah Telouet. Continue the road to Marrakech. En route stop at an Argan Cooperative. Tasting of Argan oil and Amlou. Lesson on how Amlous is made. Lunch in a local restaurant with cuisine made with Argan oil. Overnight at a Boutique Riad or Hotel in Marrakech.

DAY 8: MARRAKECH

Breakfast at your Riad. Start the day with a visit of the Majorelle Gardens, then explore Marrakech’s most important sites – the Bahia Palaces, Ben Youssef Medersa, Saadian Tombs. Mid-day discovery at the Koutoubia Mosque and its gardens. Lunch in the medina at Riad Monceau, a Riad with a leafy garden that specializes in haute Moroccan cuisine. Shop the souks of Marrkaehc. Explore Souk Semmarine and enjoy the Djemaa El Fna Square at dusk. Before heading back to your Riad, discover our Tasting Marrakech Food Tour which is a Medina food crawl across Djemaa El Fna SquareExotic eats of snail soup, sheep’s heads and more. Taste or watch. It’s all a food experience. Overnight at a Boutique Riad or Hotel in Marrakech in Marrakech.

DAY 9: MARRAKECH – COOKING CLASS – AFTERNOON AT LEISURE – INDULGE IN A MOROCCAN HAMMAM

10:00am – 14:30 (2:30opm) – Cooking Workshop The workshops are conducted by a dada (traditional Moroccan cook) or a chef from our Moroccan restaurant, and are held at the hotel. Small groups of maximum 10 participants work alongside a translator (Arabic/English/French), using easy-to-use modern equipment found in everyday kitchens. At the end of each workshop, participants dine on the meal they have prepared. At a typical half-day workshop, one learns to prepare an appetizer and a main dish, or a main dish and dessert.

Cooking Class Marrakech Overview:

Greeting and overview of Moroccan cuisine by an English speaking interpreter

Demonstration of how Moroccan bread is made

Visit a communal bread oven and hotel spice market

Work and cook at your own workstation alongside the Dades to prepare a delicious Moroccan meal

Moroccan Meal Description: Two Moroccan cooked salads, Chicken & Lemon Tajine with Preserved Lemons & Olives. Pastilla with Milk for Desert.

Participate in a Moroccan Tea Ceremony

Dine on the mouth-watering lunch that you have prepared

Option to add Moroccan wine pairings

Zaalook- Eggplant salad- (Starter)

First Course: Tagine beef and prunes

Second Course: Fish with chermoula (a marinade)

Dessert: Carrot orange dish

Mint tea

Menu 2

Seafood Bastilla – Pastry with seafood (Starter)

First Course: Chicken lemon

Second Course: Vegetarian couscous

Dessert: Gazelle horn and mint tea

And many more menus are available.

Spend the remainder of the evening at leisure (this is an opportunity to return to the souk to shop or perhaps to visit the local hammam). Overnight at a Boutique Riad or Hotel in Marrakech.

DAY 10: MARRAKECH – CASABLANCA DEPARTURE

Departure from Marrakech or Casablanca

For more information about A Private Cooking Vacation to Morocco

Morocco’s Imperial Cities, Seaside Resorts,Sahara Desert,Berber villages, A Taste of Morocco, Magical Kasbahs, Ruins & Waterfalls, Absolute Morocco, The Best of Marrakech, Fes, and Ouarzazate

Tags: Adventure Tours Morocco Food Tours, Moroccan bread baking, Moroccan Breads, Moroccan Couscous, Moroccan Henna Party, Moroccan salads, Moroccan Spices, Moroccan Tajines Moroccan Bastilla, Moroccan Tea Ceremony Sahara Desert, Vegetable Souks Morocco
Posted in Morocco Travel | Comments Off on Moroccan Food Tour, A Private Cooking Vacation to Morocco

Morocco, A Safe Place to Travel, Your Morocco Tour Guide

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2015

Morocco, A Safe Place to Travel

With its relative proximity to Europe and increasingly easy to access from international airports, Morocco has long attracted visitors from abroad. A large part of its charm is due to its historical significance as a cultural crossroads between Arabic, Middle-Eastern, African and European cultures and communities. Modern Morocco is developing fast and its cities rival any in Europe or North America for facilities, infrastructure and modern conveniences. In rural Morocco – in the plains, mountains and deserts – life continues as it has for centuries. This juxtaposition of traditional life and modernity, the familiar and the exotic, is as appealing today as when adventurers and discoverers passed through in bygone eras. Morocco is a safe place to travel and offers

The indigenous people of Morocco are the Berbers (also known as Amazigh, literally “free men”). They were the original inhabitants of the mountains and deserts. A little-known facet of Morocco’s history is where Berber and Jewish history and culture intertwine. There were several waves of Jewish immigration to North Africa, potentially beginning in the BCE period and certainly pre-dating the arrival of Islam from Arabia in the 7th century.

The result of such a long history of cohabitation and assimilation and integration of others’ cultural practices has created a modern Moroccan population which – at up to 50% Berber (the remainder being by large majority of Arab descent) is resilient to external shocks and reluctant to upset the balance of closely-knit communities.

As a result of this unique history and the careful political management by the constitutional monarch, King Mohammed VI, Morocco has not suffered the upheaval of Arab Spring-style uprisings, while its neighbors and allies have been shaken to the core. Tensions have been meticulously mitigated and complaints painstakingly investigated in order to avoid the social unrest which has rocked the region.

The modern monarch has also taken time to cultivate productive relationships with key Western powers. The relationship with the EU, including on some contentious issues such as immigration, trade and international security, is closer than it has ever been. The relationship with the USA is similar. Morocco was the first country to recognize US independence and – over 200 years later – Morocco remains a key ally in the strategic Middle East and North Africa region. These relationships and their importance to Moroccan economic and social stability are at least in part behind Morocco’s strenuous efforts to tackle international terrorism and religious extremism.

Keep Calm Travel to Morocco

Overall, Morocco is one of the safest countries in Africa or the Middle East and North Africa region. You will be welcomed with a smile and great hospitality by virtual strangers. Enjoy your trip!

For more information about Morocco, A Safe Place to Travel

Morocco’s Imperial Cities, Seaside Resorts,Sahara Desert,Berber villages, A Taste of Morocco, Magical Kasbahs, Ruins & Waterfalls, Absolute Morocco, The Best of Marrakech, Fes, and Ouarzazate

Tags: Adventure Tours Morocco, Amazaigh Culture, Berber Villages Tours, Imperial City Tours, Jewish Heritage Tours, Sahara Desert, Sahara Desert Tours, Tours to Morocco, Travel Exploration
Posted in Morocco Travels | Comments Off on Morocco, A Safe Place to Travel, Your Morocco Tour Guide

Fatima Mernissi, Moroccan Feminist & Author Dies at Age 75

Tuesday, December 1st, 2015

Fatima Mernissi, Feminist Moroccan Author

Fatima Mernessi, Muslim Feminist Author and native of Morocco passed away in Rabat on November 30th, 2015. Mernissi was born in Fes, Morocco in 1940 and became known as one of the Arab world’s leading literary authors who challenged the Islamic establishment by focusing on feminist issues along with human rights and democracy. A graduate of the Sorbonne University in Paris, her education was grounded in political science. Later she obtained her doctorate at Brandeis University. Mernissi was a pioneer of her time. She researched and analyzed Islamic thought and the relation of succession to the Prophet Mohammed. As an Islamic feminist her goal was to facilitate ideas and an open discussion about women challenging their traditional roles along with its relation to the West.

Mernissi returned to her native country of Morocco after receiving her doctorate and taught at the Faculté des Lettres on the subjects of sociology and psycosociology. She also worked on sociological research for UNESCO and the ILO. Deep comparisons between the East and West was the topic Fatima Mernissi focused on most. Various interpretations of Islam, the Koran and the deconstruction of Islamic ideology on women permeated her written works.

By questioning Islamic thought she attracted a following of young Muslim women and also Westerners. In 2003 she was awarded the Prince of Asturias Award which was established by Felipe Prince of Asturias to encourage and promote scientific, cultural and humanistic values that form part of mankind’s universal heritage.

Mernissi’s best known works are Beyond the Veil, The Veil and the Male Elite, A Feminist Interpretation of Islam and Dreams of Tresspass.

“Feminists, women and men alike: we stand on the shoulders of giants like Fatema Mernissi.” – Laila Lalami, Moroccan American Author

Recommended Reading – Books by Fatima Mernissi:

Beyond the Veil
The Veil and the Male Elite
Dreams of Tresspass
Tales of a Harem Girlhood
Women & Islam
Democracy & IslamSheherazade Goes West
The Forgotten Queens of Islam
Women’s Rebellion & Islamic Memory

For more information about Moroccan Books to Read, Authors and Fatima Mernissi

Morocco’s Imperial Cities, Seaside Resorts,Sahara Desert,Berber villages, A Taste of Morocco, Magical Kasbahs, Ruins & Waterfalls, Absolute Morocco, The Best of Marrakech, Fes, and Ouarzazate

Tags: Beyond the Veil, Fatima Mernissi, Feminist authors, Fes, Islamic thought, Islamic writers, Moroccan writers, Rabat, Travel Exploration
Posted in Morocco Travel | Comments Off on Fatima Mernissi, Moroccan Feminist & Author Dies at Age 75

Author Archive

A Complete Guide, Fes Festival World Sacred Music Program 2016

Morocco Boutique Hotels, The Insiders Travel Guide

The Moroccan Art Scene, Post Independence Moroccan Artists

Five Signs You’ve Fallen in Love with Morocco

Morocco Family Vacation, Kid Friendly Travel

Morocco First Country to Recognize America, Your Morocco Tour Guide

Marrakech Guided Tours, Private Site seeing Adventures

Moroccan Food Tour, A Private Cooking Vacation to Morocco

Morocco, A Safe Place to Travel, Your Morocco Tour Guide

Fatima Mernissi, Moroccan Feminist & Author Dies at Age 75

Pages

Archives

Categories