Archive for the ‘Morocco Tours’ Category

Marrakech Saints and Zaouias, Your Morocco Tour Guide

Monday, December 9th, 2013

Marrakech Seven Saints

Marrakech has seven patron saints who were Sufi mystics and Islamic scholars who are said to look after the city and each has a zaouia which is a mausoleum where pilgrims and those wishing for the help of the Saint or Sidi can pray at his tomb. The larger zaouias in Marrakech have mosques and they are charitable religious foundations who care for the sick, blind and crippled as well as orphans or the old and infirm. The spirit of charity is an important part of the role of the saints who were Sufi mystics and pilgrims give donations to the Zaouia. The concept of the Marrakech seven saints in Morocco predates Christianity and Islam and Cueta (or Sebta meaning seven),Jebel Hadid and Fez all have seven saints.

The Alaouite Sultan Moulay Ismail (1672-1727) requested the Sufi scholar Abu Ali al Hassan to organize the Ziara or pilgrimage of the seven saints  along more orthodox lines and establish or refurbish the zaouias.

This was to raise the spiritual level of Marrakech as a pilgrimage centre. At the time groups of Sufi mystics had begun to play an important role in jihad or the struggle against the Portuguese and Spanish and the bid to unify Morocco after tribal and dynastic struggles.  Moulay Ismail also wanted to ensure the orthodoxy of the devotions to saints. The cult of saints in Morocco has always been a subject of  some controversy and unease in certain quarters  as according to strict Islamic doctrine prayers should only be directed to Allah.  However Morocco’s Malekite rite has its own variations and Sufism is well established.

The saints who were selected were Sidi Youssef Ben Ali, Cadi Ayad Sidi Bel Abbes (Marrakech’s most revered saint),Sidi Ben Slimane el Jazouli ,Sidi Abd el Azziz,Sidi el Gheswani and Sidi es Soheyli  and Sidi Abdelaziz Tebbaa . This is the order in which the Ziara or pilgrimage is conducted. Only two of the saints were born in Marrakech, Sidi Youssef Ben Ali and Sidi Abdelaziz Tebbaa .

Marrakech Bel Abbes Zaouia

The Zaouia of of Sidi Bel Abbes is the largest in the Medina.  Born in Sebta (Ceuta) in 1145 Sidi Bel Abbes came to Marrakech as a youngman having pursued religious studies from an early age. He settled in a cave on a hill near a source of water and became a hermit. He lived there for 40 years without ever entering the city but became famous as a preacher. Sultan  Yacoub El Mansour persuaded him to move into the city and provided him with a house and a madrassa where he could teach. He cared for the poor especially the crippled and the blind and the Zaouia carries on the work today. Sidi Bel Abbes died in 1205. The  Zaouia  of Sidi Bel Abbes is located 100m north of the Bab Taghzout. Non believers cannot enter but it is possible to catch glimpses of the large complex and its mosque.

Sidi Mohammed bin Suleiman Al Jazouli pursued his religious studies in Fez. He played a leading role in the Sufi brotherhoods who conducted jihad against the Portuguese and Spanish and he attracted thousands of devotees. He died in 1465 at Jazoula near Essaouira   His body was transferred to Marrakech. He is the author of the famous collection of prayers called Dala’il al- Khairat ( the paths of benefits ). This is a renowned work of Sufi mysticism. The Jazouli Zaouia was redesigned in the 18th Century and lies north of the Medina, near the Dar el Bacha.

Sidi Suheil  was born near Malaga and is known for his Sufi poetry and openness to new ideas at a time of strong religious orthodoxy. He was brought from Spain by Yacoub El Mansour. He wrote two masterpieces on the proper names of prophets mentioned in the Koran and a biography of Sidna Mohammed. He died in Marrakech in 1186. He is buried near Bab Rob . Students with memory problems are said to pray at his tomb.

Sidi Cadi Ayyad came from Ceuta or Sebta. He was the most famous scholar in Granada of the  Malikite rite in the Muslim West . With the advent of the Almoravids , he was  exiled in Tadla before moving to  Marrakech where he lived until his death in 1149. His book ” Al- Chifaa ” is renowned. He is buried in an old marabout near Bab Aylen.  Marrakech’s university is named after him.

Sidi Ben Abdallah El  Ghazouani  came from the Berber Ghomara tribe. He consolidated the Sufi revival initiated by Sidi Ben Slimane el Jazouli. After pursuing his studies in Fez and Granada ,he moved to Marrakech to complete his training under Sidi Abdelaziz Tabaa . He was imprisoned by the Wattasids and sent to Fez but he returned to Marrakech. He founded a Zaouia and died in 1528. He was buried near the Mouassine mosque.

Sidi Sidi Abdelaziz  Tebaa was a silk merchant in Fes who  became attracted to the spiritual life. He moved to Marrakech and was the chief disciple of Sidi Ben Slimane  el Jazouli and spread  Sufi  ethics  amongst the trade guilds in Marrakech  establishing an important link which remains to this day. He was buried near the Ben Youssef Mosque in 1508.

Sidi Youssef Ben Ali was of Yemeni origin, he was a brilliant student of Sheikh Ben Asfour in Marrakech. He suffered from leprosy and lived in the leper colony in Bab Aghmat. He was renowned for his patience and humility despite his suffering. He died in 1196. His mausoleum was built by the Saadian Sultan Moulay Abdallah . His  Zaouia  is located opposite Bab Aghmat . He  often recited a  poem : ” God dispels concerns, God spreads the light, God protects the weak God always forgives and everywhere God will not abandon you .”

The Seven Saints of Marrakech occupy an important place in the history, life and culture of the city. The seven towers built in 2005 at Bab Doukkala are in memory of the Seven Saints.

For More Information on Marrakech Saints and Zaouias

Morocco’s Imperial CitiesSeaside Resorts,Sahara Desert,Berber villagesA Taste of MoroccoMagical Kasbahs, Ruins & WaterfallsAbsolute Morocco, The Best of MarrakechFes, and Ouarzazate

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

Travel Exploration Launches Culinary Trips to Morocco

Friday, November 15th, 2013

Moroccan Royal Couscous

Morocco has an exceptional history of cuisine with  long standing reputation and allure for the Western traveler. Being at the crossroads of many civilizations Morocco is a mélange of Arab, Berber, Moorish, French, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean African, Iberian, and Jewish influences. Keeping up to date with new travel trends, Travel Exploration has launched a Culinary Trip to Morocco for food enthusiasts. Morocco is a key destination for foodies, adventure travelers and those who wish to explore an untouched country that is full of culinary surprise and old world culture.

Travel Exploration’s first Culinary Trip is scheduled for May 2014 and will enable travelers to experience a cultural tour whiling eating there way through Morocco’s ancient medinas, taking two of the country’s top Morocco cooking workshops and to saunter the old medina of Imperial Fez on an unforgettable Fez Food Tour. Travel Exploration’s Culinary Trip to Morocco offers a chance to discover traditional dishes in the Imperial Cities such as bastilla and couscous, bake bread bread with the Berbers in Southern Morocco and exotic eats in Marrakch’s Djemaa El Fna Square.  Travel Exploration’s first Culinary adventure to Morocco will take place over the course of 11 Days.

FOR A MOROCCO CULINARY TRIP ITINERARY EMAIL: alecia@travel-exploration.com

DATES OF TOURS 2014:
May 15th 2014 / September 15th

PRICES FOR MOROCCO CULINARY:
$5,150 single, $3,950 double occupancy
All prices are per person. Maximum of 10 people in group.

PRICES INCLUDE: Accommodations at Charming Moroccan Riads and Boutique Hotels in 4/5 Star Category, two meals per day, all cooking workshops, food tours, guided historical tours, wine tasting, and ground transportation in comfort luxury vehicle. Airfare is not included.

For More Information on  Travel Exploration’s Culinary Trip to Morocco 

Morocco’s Imperial CitiesSeaside Resorts,Sahara Desert,Berber villagesA Taste of MoroccoMagical Kasbahs, Ruins & WaterfallsAbsolute Morocco, The Best of MarrakechFes, and Ouarzazate

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

 

Rabat and Salé, Your Morocco Tour Guide

Saturday, October 12th, 2013

Avenue Hassan II, Rabat

Rabat, the capital of Morocco retains a charming  relaxed atmosphere  in the center despite its 1.2 million population. Magnificent tall palm trees stretch down the main Avenue Hassan II passing the main station and the red Parliament building opposite the well known and classically Art Deco  Balima Hotel. Balima Hotel in Rabat was used to be the premier hotel year ago  with locals and tourists sitting in the open air café area. Cafes and patisseries are abound in Rabat like most other Moroccan cities. International five star hotels  now include the Sofitel Jardin De Roses, Golden Tulip, La Tour Hassan and the Dawliz. Rabat is also home to several charming Riads with private gardens and courtyards such as Villa Mandarine, Riad Kalaa and Riad Art.

Rabat is also a university city with the famous Mohammed V University, as well as being the centre of government with ministries in the ministers’ quarter and the modern suburb of Rabat Agdal. The Ville Nouvelle has a 1930’s feel with its shops lining the streets. The towering spires of the Saint Peter’s  functioning Roman Catholic Cathedral also adorn the city center.

Rabat is still an important center for textiles and shirts are good value. However change has come to the Moroccan capital. The tram system is now fully functional and It has become an important offshore center and it is the headquarters of Maroc Telecom the main telecommunications company.

It was recently awarded second place in “Top Travel Destinations of 2013” by CNN. It has also recently been named as a UNESCO world Heritage site. A new world class yachting marina catering for 248 yachts has been created on the banks of the Bouregreg river near neighboring  Salé.  A new bridge spans the river between the two cities. A major new tourism development program backed with substantial Gulf investment is boosting Rabat and Salé’s tourism appeal. Rabat is a noted green city with extensive forests. The Royal Dar Es Salam golf club is a world class course and there are good opportunities for riding.

There are a number of historic sites which have always drawn tourists to Rabat. The medina is smaller and less complicated than Fez or Marrakech but is still a place for good deals especially carpets and leather goods. There are picturesque views of the old harbor and battlements.

The city walls and gates surround the centre and the Royal Palace grounds called Mechaour which you can sometimes enter, though you have to keep to the main pathway. It reminds you that this is a Royal capital too.

The Chellah  Necropolis  is an historical ruin outside the main gates . It is a national treasure which was in existence in Phoenician, Carthaginian and Roman times as the port of Sala Colonia but it was ruined in the tenth century and thereafter used by the Merinid dynasty as a necropolis. The Roman ruins of Sala Colonia have been excavated. It is one of the most striking ruins in Morocco with its Merenid  built walls and towers. From the Chellah there is an amazing view across The Bouregreg  river with Salé  and the rolling countryside beyond.

Bab Ouadia, Rabat

The Kasbah of the Oudaias  is the original site of the rabat or fort which gave the capital its name where the Sultan’s forces were stationed to keep rebellious Berber tribes under control. It was built by the Almohads and its walls are 10 ft thick and 30ft high. The Oudaias were an Arabic tribe that entered Morocco in the 13th century and served  the Sultan. The grand Bab Oudaia  gate with its decorative arches leading  in to the Kasbah was built by Sultan Yacoub el Mansour. Rabat became home to Arab and Jewish refugees from Spain and the white washed Andalusian houses  bear witness to this. The La Jamaa el Atiq mosque was founded by The Almohad leader Abdl Moumen in 1150 and is the oldest mosque in the city. There is also the Oudaia Palace museum dating from 1694 and the Andalusian garden. The museum displays traditional ceramic designs and has period furnishings in the apartments. There is also an impressive collection of Moroccan handicrafts including costumes, jewelry, pottery and tribal musical instruments and a replica of a Berber nomad tent.

Written by Colin Kilkelly

For More Information about a Rabat Tour

Morocco’s Imperial CitiesSeaside Resorts,Sahara Desert,Berber villagesA Taste of MoroccoMagical Kasbahs, Ruins & WaterfallsAbsolute Morocco, The Best of MarrakechFes, and Ouarzazate

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

Colorful Chefchaouen, Morocco’s Idyllic Escape, Your Morocco Tour Guide

Friday, October 11th, 2013

Chefchaouen, Blue and White Washed City

Chefchaouen lies inland from Tangier and Tetouan. Chefchaouen is a unique Moroccan city known for its blue and white washed medina walls that surround it. Filled with old world charm, a walk through Chefchaouen’s blue alleys  evokes being in a magical story book, similar to Aladdin and the magic lamp from One Thousand and One Nights. An early morning stroll through Chefchaouen’s  winding streets is a great to discover this Riffian town famous for fresh goat cheese, local crafts and peaceful setting.

Chefchaouen was originally a small fortress town founded by Moulay Ali Ben Moussa Ben Rached El Alami to resist the Portuguese expansion in Morocco. Built up by Jewish and Muslim occupants in 1471 Chefchaouen served as a refuge for those who fled Andalusia following the Reconquista led by the Catholic King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella.

When Spanish troops occupied Chefchaouen, or Chaouen,as the locals call it, in 1920 as part of the Spanish Protectorate in the north of Morocco, they found the population still speaking an archaic form of Catalan which they had brought with them centuries before. It was a closed city to Europeans until 1920 and was only visited in disguise at the risk of a european’s life. Charles de Foucauld and Walter Harris were amongst only 3 foreign visitors. Chefchaouen was returned to Morocco on its achieving independence in 1956.

Chefchaouen’s medina is a delightfully picturesque maze of streets and derbs leading to the Outa el-Hammam square and the restored kasbah. The grand 15th century Tarik Ben Ziad mosque has an octagonal minaret which was inspired by the Torre de Oro in Seville. It is part of the Andalusian influence on architecture found in the kasbah and its gardens in the heart of the medina. There is also a ruined Spanish replica of a mosque.

Chefchaouen Artisan

Chefchaouen’s main square in the medina is lined with cafes, craftsman, artists and weavers. Tourists can also visit the Kasbah near Plaza Outa el Hammam and the museum in the medina. Chefchaouen’s Kasbah was built by the legendary ruler Moulay Ismail and is surrounded by gardens. Inside the Kasbah, there is also a museum containing antique weapons, musical instruments, berber artifacts and photographs of the old medina. The town boasts a number of excellent restaurants as well as some many charming Moroccan Riads and boutique hotels.

Morocco travelers can visit souks where they can find local products which are special to the region such as woven wool garments and blankets ,carpets, djellabahs, wooden furniture, pottery and artifacts .

View of Chefchaouen

View of Chefchaouen

The area around Chefchaouen is a hashish and cannabis growing region as it is the only crop that can be grown in the mountainous region. This may also partly account for the relaxed ambiance and you may well be offered some of the local product but smoking cannabis remains illegal, so tourists must avoid it as Moroccan laws are very strict and the penalties severe.

The name “Chaouen” refers to the mountain which dominates the town and is said to resemble the horns of a goat. Climbing one of the surrounding mountains and trekking in the hills is a popular excursion. You can visit the Talassemtane Park and climb the region’s highest mountain Jebel Lakraa at 2,159 meters or visit the Bouhachem Park. For the adventurous there is the Kef Toghobeit Cave, nearly four kilometres long and over 700 metres deep, one of the deepest caves in Africa. There is also the Achkour cascade (waterfalls) and a natural bridge called locally “the Bridge of God” to visit.

Chefchaouen is a delightful and relaxing excursion from Fes and also a great place to visit on a Morocco tour en route from Rabat to Fes.

For More Information about a Chefchaouen Tour

Morocco’s Imperial CitiesSeaside Resorts,Sahara Desert,Berber villagesA Taste of MoroccoMagical Kasbahs, Ruins & WaterfallsAbsolute Morocco, The Best of MarrakechFes, and Ouarzazate

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

 

 

 

The Tissa Horse Festival, Your Morocco Guide

Wednesday, August 14th, 2013

Tissa Horse Festival, Fes

During the year, the small town of Tissa,on the edge of the Rif region, in the province of Taounate, is a quiet rural community, tucked away in the hills of the Moroccan countryside, fifty kilometers away from Fez. From 8-13 October 2013, the town will be transformed, as it is each year, in to one of the premier horse festivals in Morocco.

The culture and tradition of horses and horsemanship is deeply rooted and widespread in Morocco. The Fantasia or Tborida are contested by competing teams dressed in colorful traditional gandouras and djellabas, charging the full length a field only pulling up at the last minute whilst firing their djezail flintlocks with a thunderous explosion. The Tborida teams led by a ma’alem, or teacher,form up Into a single line and at the signal begin the charge. In the closing stages they must rotate their djezails with one arm at full gallop before pulling up and firing.

They are assessed by the judges for horsemanship, maintaining their line during the charge and successfully pulling up at the end. The horses are trained to do this, but even so, riding at full gallop with the reins in one hand and the djezail in the other is an impressive feat of horsemanship. Very rarely a horse may run on after the halt. To stand in front of the charge even though it is behind a barrier is to sense something of the fear these riders inspired in the enemy. The firing of the djezails is very loud and the smoke billows in the air,along with the occasional wad from one of the djezails dropping to earth.

The French Romantic painte, Eugène Delacroix, immortalized the Moroccan tribal horseman riding into battle following his first visit to North Africa in the 1830’s and the son of the Pasha of Marrakech, Hassan El Glaoui, famous for his paintings of Moroccan riders and horses once remarked that his father who died in 1956, went to war on horseback.

The large tent city erected for the festival also provides traditional music and dancing as well as displaying artifacts, ceramics and jewelry and providing food and drink. The festival is an important event for the local economy and has been held in Tissa since medieval times. It coincides with the mouassem of a local saint, Sidi Muhammad ben Lahcen who lived in the 15th century.

Like all good horse shows the different breeds of horses are the subject of close attention; pure bred Arabian stallions, Barbary mares and Arab-Berber horses are bought and sold. To bring the Horse Festival of Tissa to a close, there is a huge parade in the stadium. The international horse show at El Jadida under the patronage of King Mohammed VI has done much to reintroduce the Barb horse , which has great strength and endurance , back into international breeding circles.

Tissa has a great reputation as a horse show with a fair, sometimes a circus, a huge bazaar, and finally the official folklore of the region “Hayti”. It is visited by 4,000 spectators each year and is a great opportunity to enjoy an important regional event and mix with the locals and Moroccans who have brought their horses from all over the country. Moroccans living abroad in France, Spain and Italy also participate in festivals such as Tissa.
Tissa was garrisoned by the French during the protectorate because it was on the way to Fes and has an upper Tissa on the hill with a church and other buildings and lower Tissa lies at the bottom of the hill.

For More Information about a Marrakech Riads or a Marrakech Tour

Morocco’s Imperial CitiesSeaside Resorts,Sahara Desert,Berber villagesA Taste of MoroccoMagical Kasbahs, Ruins & WaterfallsAbsolute Morocco, The Best of MarrakechFes, and Ouarzazate

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

Travel Exploration Morocco, Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence 2013

Friday, July 12th, 2013

Trip Advisor Award of Excellence 2013

Travel Exploration Morocco Private Tours is a winner of the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence aware for 2013. The Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence Award is a testament to Travel Exploration’s High Standards and Service provided for Morocco Private Tours and Morocco Day Tours. Travel Exploration Morocco earned exceptional traveller ratings over the past year. The Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence honors businesses that consistently earn top ratings from Trip Advisor travelers.

The Trip Advisor award which is given to the most exceptional performers in Trip Advisor’s global business community, is a significant achievement deserving recognition of both travelers and staff.  Travel Exploration Morocco is a full service travel agency with offices in New York, Marrakech and Ouarzazate. The owner of Travel Exploration is a former magazine publisher, music business executive who established Travel Exploration Morocco Private Tours to show travelers the best of Morocco.

Discover Morocco with Travel Exploration on a tailor made private tour. We offer mid-range and luxury options. You will travel to Morocco and visit Arabo Andalous architectural sites in the Imperial Cities, majestic palaces, glorious houses of worship, opulent gardens and a breathtaking Sahara desert. You will taste Moroccan hospitality in Berber Villages and enjoy exquisite cuisine and elegant accommodations. Our team of expert, licensed Multi-lingual guides and drivers will set in motion a memorable journey. As a member of the American Association of Travel Agents we take pride in our impeccable service and reputation. We donate 5% of all proceeds to Berber Villages.

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

Morocco’s Imperial CitiesSeaside Resorts,Sahara Desert,Berber villagesA Taste of MoroccoMagical Kasbahs, Ruins & WaterfallsAbsolute Morocco, The Best of MarrakechFes, and Ouarzazate

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

Almond Briouats are made by folding almond paste flavored with orange flower water and cinnamon within warqa dough. The pastries are fried and then soaked briefly in honey.  Cheese briouats are foiled with cream cheese filling. Herbs or hot peppers can be added for more flavor.

Pianist Pnina Becher, A Classical Morocco Tour, 4 Imperial Cities, 4 Wine Tasting Events, 4 Sonatas

Saturday, June 16th, 2012

Pnina Becher On Piano

Journey across Morocco with Bach, Scarlatti & Chopin – Piano Reserva With Pnina Becher. Join Pnina Bechers A Moroccan Musical Soire Spring 2013. Travel Morocco’s Imperial Cities, Feast on Sumptuous Cuisine & Indulge in 4 Wine Tasting Events  while listening to Musical Soirées in unprecedented and charming Moroccan settings.

A Moroccan Musical Soirée is a 10 Days/ 9 Nights Morocco Tour designed for the sophisticated, cultured traveler drawn to discover exotic cities.  Accompanied by evenings of charmed and powerful classical music performances and four wine tasting events this boutique Morocco Journey offers a once in a lifetime experience.  This unique Morocco Tour created by Travel Exploration Morocco and Aviv Productions takes Classical Music out of its traditional context.

 

Kasbah, Marrakech La Maison Arabe

March 3rd – 12th, 2013: A Musical Moroccan Soire Tour Itinerary 

Your very private party in Morocco awaits you
A spiced infused night cap…..Milk and pettit-fours…..Hot chocolate a la Morocco and fragrant bed time tea.

Reserve Space Today. Call 1800-787-8806 or +212-618-88-26-81

 

Rick's Cafe, Casablanca

March 3rd: Casablanca Arrival & Historical Tour
Arrival at Casablanca Mohammed V Airport Early AM. Start your day with a visit to Casablanca’s Sacred Sites.
►Visit the Mosque of Hassan II.
►Next visit Casablanca’s Cathédrale Sacré-Coeur.
►Lunch in Casablanca seaside by the corniche.
►Visit the Museum of Moroccan Judaism.
►Dinner at Rick’s Cafe  (Wine Not Included.)
Spend the night at the 5 Star Hotel in Casablanca.
(Breakfast & Dinner Included.)

MARCH 4th:  Casablanca – Guided Meknes Historical Tour – Volubilis Guided Historical Tour – Fes
(Driving Time: 2 Hours)

►Breakfast at your Hotel in Casablanca. Then take the road to Meknes.
►Begin your visit at the 18th Century Meknes Palace built by Sultan Mohammed Ben Abdallah.
►Enter Place El-Hedime (Square of Ruins) which links the medina and the kasbah.
►Visit the Musée Dar Jamaï, a museum showing modern Moroccan arts, woodwork, ceramics, carpets, costumes, jewelryand metalwork.
►Explore the Bou Inania Medersa’s beautiful Koranic school established by the Merinids in the 14th century. Visit the Grand Mosque, the Thursday Gate (Bab El-Khemis) and Horse Stables.
►Lunch in Meknes. Visit a Winery in Meknes.
►Then take the road to explore the breathtaking archaeological site of Volubilis (Walili).
►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.
►Enjoy tea at the small café that sits just below the Volubilis ruins. Next explore the open-air museum with remains of altars, sculptural fragments and colorful mosaics. Take the road to Fes.
Spend the night at the 5 Star Luxury Riad in Fes.
(Breakfast Included. Lunch & Dinner Not Included.)

 

Piano, Riad Fes

March 5th: Fes Guided Historical Tour (Jewish Heritage Sites of Fes & UNESCO Monuments)
►Breakfast at your Riad in Fes.
►Visit 14th Century Palace Gates of the King and The Royal Palace in Fes.
►Jewish Mellah –  The Mellah is a Jewish quarter located in the old cities of Morocco with a walled boundary.
►Ibn Danan Jewish Synagogue
►Jewish Cemetery & Tomb of Solica
►Walk through one of the oldest and most beautiful preserved Jewish streets in Morocco from the time of the inquisition.
►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.
►Dyers souk of silk, wool and cotton
►Seffraine Square – Place el-Seffarine
►The Tannery
► Lunch at a Traditional Moroccan Restaurant  in Fes- 5 Course Meal
► The Bou Inania Medersa
► Pottery & Zellij Tile Cooperative
►Dinner at your Riad or one of Fes Best Restaurants

Domenico Scarlatti

PERFORMANCE 1 -PIANO RESERVA: A SCARLATTI SOIREE, PART I
Music by Domenico Scarlatti Part I – Wine Tasting Event & Appetizers 

Dinner in Fes. Your Riad or one of Fes Best Restaurants.
►Spend the night at the 5 Star Luxury Riad in Fes.
(Breakfast Included. Lunch & Dinner Not Included.)

Jnane Sbil Gardens, Fes

March 6th: Fes  – Jnan S’bil Gardens – Sidi Harazam – Moulay Yacoub Or Private Jewish Heritage Tour
►Rise, have breakfast at your Riad. Stroll the Jnan S’bil Gardens.
►Visit the Fes Pottery Cooperative where you can view how the Fasis pottery and zellij tile are made by hand.
►Afternoon Free. Sidi Harzaem or Moulay Yacoub Spa Visit Option.

PERFORMANCE 2 -PIANO RESERVA: A SCARLATTI SOIREE, PART II
Music by Domenico Scarlatti Part II – Wine Tasting Event & Appetizers

Dinner in Fes. Your Riad or one of Fes Best Restaurants.
►Spend the night at the 5 Star Luxury Riad in Fes.
(Breakfast Included. Lunch & Dinner Not Included.)

March 7th: Fes – Ifrane – Azro – Beni Mellal –
►Breakfast at your Riad.
►En route to Marrakech visit Ifrane, “little Switzerland.” Tea and Pastries surrounded by Moroccan architecture and orange grooves.
►Lunch in Beni Mellal.
►Continue the road and arrive in Marrakech in the early evening.
►Check into your Riad that is centrally located, explore the Djemma El Fna Square on your own.
Dinner in Marrakech. Your Riad or one of Marrakech Best Restaurants.
►Spend the night at the 5 Star Luxury Riad in Marrakech.
(Breakfast Included. Lunch & Dinner Not Included.)

 

Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech

March 8th: Marrakech Guided Historical Tour
►Breakfast at your Riad. Visit the following sites during a Marrakech Guided Historical Tour.
The Majorelle Gardens – The Majorelle Garden is a twelve acre botanical garden. Previously the Jardin Bou Saf, it bears its name from its original creator, Jacques Majorelle, the French expatriate artist who was born in Nancy France in 1886. The garden has been open to the public since 1947. Since 1980 the garden has been owned by Yves Saint- Laurent and Pierre Berge.
►The Koutoubia Mosque and Gardens – The largest mosque in Marrakech, Morocco.  The name is derived from the Arabic al-Koutoubiyyin for librarian, since it used to be surrounded by sellers of manuscripts. It is considered the ultimate structure of its kind.
►The Saadian Tombs – The Saadian tombs in Marrakech date back from the time of the sultan Ahmad al -Mansur. The tombs were only recently discovered (in 1917) and were restored by the Beaux-arts service.
►El Bahia Palace – The El Bahia Palace in Marrakech is a beautiful building and an excellent example of Eastern Architecture from the 19th century that represents trends and standards of the wealthy who lived at that time.
►The Jewish Mellah – Founded in 1558 by Moulay Abdallah, the Mellah district was designated as the Jewish quarter in Marrakech. At the time of the Spanish religious wars, Jewish refugees were escaping the country, and were offered this little piece of security by the Sultan.
►The Old Spice Market – The Rahba Kedima is a colorful market filled with a wide array of spices from Cumin, Cinnamon, Saffron, Dried Pepper and more.
Maison Tiskiwin Musuem –  This museum belonged to Mr. Bert Flint who was a collector of local Marrakech art. The museum is open to the public and the travelers and exhibits basket works, jewelry, textiles and many other things. An excellent compilation of Moroccan art and artifacts is housed in the Maison Tiskiwin museum.
Dinner in Marrakech. Your Riad or one of Marrakech Best Restaurants.
►Spend the night at the 5 Star Luxury Riad in Marrakech.
(Breakfast Included. Lunch & Dinner Not Included.)

March 9th: Marrakech Guided Garden Visit or Cooking Class Option
►Rise, have breakfast at your Riad
►Morning Option: Attend a cooking lesson using Moroccan Spices & Moroccan Tajine  from 10:00am – 2:00pm.
►Visit Marrakech’s Menara Gardens. Have a leisurely walk through the gardens. The Menara Gardens are located to the west of Marrakech at the gates of the Atlas Mountains.

►Next, head to The Mamounia Hotel & Gardens for Tea & Lunch. La Mamounia is where Alfred Hitchcock wrote the movie “The Birds.”
►After lunch at La Mamounia spend the day exploring Marrakech on your own or with your guide shopping in the Djemma.

J.S. Bach

PERFORMANCE 3 -PIANO RESERVA: A LATE NIGHT CAP WITH J.S. BACH – PART III
Music by J.S. Bach – Spiced infused night cap, milk and pettit-fours…Hot Chocolate a la Morocco and fragrant bedtime tea.
Dinner in Marrakech. Your Riad or one of Marrakech Best Restaurants.
►Spend the night at the 5 Star Luxury Riad in Marrakech.
(Breakfast Included. Lunch & Dinner Not Included.)

March 10th: Marrakech – Ourika Valley Excursion
►Breakfast at your Riad. Explore Marrakech on your own or visit the Ourika Valley’s Setti Fatima’s Seven Waterfalls. ►Take a day off from the “red hamra” city and head southeast of Marrakech. Visit the Souk Tnine de L’orika, the gateway to the pleasant Ourika Valley.
►The souk, located near a picturesque zaouia with a rock drop background, has the largest souk of the valley every Monday. Your driver will stop and browse at local crafts and other Moroccan treasures.
►Visit the Setti Fatma 7 Waterfalls, a favorite weekend resort of many Marrakshis that is appreciated for its beautiful streams and falls. Hike in Ourika.
►Have lunch near the Setti Fatma Cascades in a traditional Moroccan restaurant or have a picnic near the lake.

Chopin

PERFORMANCE 4 -PIANO RESERVA: A CHOPIN SOIREE – PART IV
Music by Chopin – Wine Tasting & Appetizers 

Dinner in Marrakech. Your Riad or one of Marrakech Best Restaurants.
►Spend the night at the 5 Star Luxury Riad in Marrakech.
(Breakfast Included. Lunch & Dinner Not Included.)

 

Seaside Essaouira

MARCH 11th: Marrakech – Essaouira Guided Historical Tour
► Rise, breakfast at your Riad. Then take the road to visit the seaside port of Essaouira.
►The journey to this former Portuguese fishing village offers up only a few roadside towns and the occasional Berber village.
►In the ’60s and ’70s, Essaouira was a pitstop on the hippie trek from Marrakesh. Jimi Hendrix made the pilgrimage, as did Bob Marley and Cat Stevens. Essaouira was the inspiration for Hendrix’s song “Castles Made of Sand”.
► Visit this sea-side medieval town that boasts lovely white-washed and blue-shuttered houses, colonnades, thuya wood workshops, art galleries and mouthwatering seafood.
► Take a stroll along the town’s sunlit pedestrian main square, Place Prince Moulay el Hassan and the Skala du Port, the fishing harbor, offers breathtaking views of the Portuguese ramparts.
►Explore the ramparts and the spice and jewelry souks of the medina. Your guide will take you to the old Jewish Mellah and explain the entire history of Essaouira.
► The medina of Essaouira (formerly “Mogador”) is a UNESCO World Heritage listed city, as an example of a late-18th century fortified town.
► Have lunch at the fish-grill cafes, with wooden tables and benches laid out overlooking the sea.
► After lunch visit Orson Welles’ Square and memorial, designed by Samir Mustapha, one of the towns artists, which pays homage to Orson Welles filming of Othello in Essouaria. 
Dinner in Marrakech. Your Riad or one of Marrakech Best Restaurants.
►Spend the night at the 5 Star Luxury Riad in Marrakech.
(Breakfast Included. Lunch & Dinner Not Included.)

MARCH 12th: Marrakech – Casablanca Deprature
►Breakfast at your Riad, then take the road to Casablanca. Departure from Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport.

Included: A Moroccan Tour – A Musical Morocan Soire

Private Driver For 10 Days – Mercedes Luxury Minibus
Licensed National, English Speaking Historical Guide For Your Entire Tour In: Casablanca, Fes, Volubilis, Meknes, Marrakech, Essaouira
Appetizers, Wine & Piano Provided at Riad Fes in Main Salon (2 Nights)
Appetizers, Wine & Piano Provided by La Maison Arabe at Kasbah
(2 Nights)
Wine for Performances: Varied Red/ Wine/ Moroccan
9 Nights in 5 Star – Luxury Moroccan Riads & Hotels: 1 Night at 5 Star Hotel Casablanca, 3 Nights at Luxury Moroccan Riad in Fes, 5 Nights at Luxury Moroccan Riad in Marrakech
Museum & Monument Entrance Fees

MEALS: 10 Total: Gourmet Buffet Breakfast at your Riad Everyday, Welcome Dinner at Rick’s Café in Casablanca , Appetizers to Accompany all performances, Breakfast & Tea Time at La Maison Arabe

Not Included:
Lunch & Dinner (except where noted)
Beverages (bottled water, soda, alcohol)
Gratuity to Your Driver/ Guide
Services on days or evenings at leisure

Program Subject to Change based upon Availability & Artistic Preferences 

Reserve Space Today. Call 1800-787-8806 or +212-618-88-26-81

For More Information About Travel and Tours to Morocco plus highlights on Moroccan culture visit Morocco’s Imperial CitiesSeaside Resorts,Sahara DesertBerber villagesA Taste of MoroccoMagical Kasbahs, Ruins & WaterfallsAbsolute Morocco, The Best of MarrakechFes, and Ouarzazate

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 (212) 618882681and let’s book a tour to Morocco for you today.

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Morocco Tours For Women, Your Morocco Travel Guide

Sunday, March 18th, 2012

Fes Henna Party, Morocco Just For Women Tour

Morocco is a woman’s paradise for culture, food and magnificent markets. Want to discover Morocco’s Sacred Spaces, Imperial Cities, Ancient Kasbahs and Berber villages with other likeminded women? Visit Morocco! Join our Just for Women Tours or let us create a tailor-made group journey of your own. Cook, bellydance, trek the Sahara and attend a henna party. Travel Exploration’s Morocco tours for women offer a combination of luxury and adventure. Trip prices to Morocco include a FREE cooking class or balloon ride over the Atlas Mountains.

Your trip leader our Just for Women Tour will be a MoroccoTravel Specialist who has lived and traveled in Morocco for 12+ years. Morocco Tours for Women offer a greater way to discover Morocco through their unique and up close experiences with the people and the culture. Morocco Tours for Women also enable group and single travelers to visit Morocco anytime of year and with any budget. Luxury and adventure are affordable with Travel Exploration’s Just for Women Morocco Tour.

Women Painting, Fes, Morocco

Roam Like Royalty Through Morocco’s Imperial Cities was created for women by women to experience the wonders that Morocco offers. We’ll visit breathtaking architectural sites, majestic palaces, glorious houses of worship, opulent gardens, see traditional Moroccan crafts being made by local artisans, and shop a dazzling array of unique and enticing marketplaces. And we’ll enjoy exquisite cuisine and elegant accommodations all along the way of this magical voyage. Included in the Just For Women itinerary is a henna party and a ceramics workshop in Fes, an exotic cooking workshop in two Imperial Cities, a Hot Air Balloon ride over Marrakech’s Atlas Mountains, Camel Trekking in the Palmeraie of Marrakech, Spa time, Visits at women’s cooperatives, a wine tasting and more. Our group will rise and overnight at charming Riads & boutique hotels.

Cooking Class, Fes

MOROCCO TOURS FOR WOMEN: 10 DAYS/ 9 NIGHTS  (MOROCCO JUST FOR WOMEN BY WOMEN)

Day 1: Casablanca: Visit the Hassan II Mosque, Kasbah Ouadia, Tea & Pastries at Cafe Maure, the Royal Palace & Hassan Tower. Lunch in Rabat by the sea. Visit the Kasbah of Chellah. Welcome Dinner. Overnight at a charming Riad in Fes with opulent gardens, tile work fit for a queen.

Day 2: Fes:Visit the Sacred Tomb of Solica, the Weavers Cooperative. Workshops at the Women’s Embroidery Cooperative and Pottery Cooperative in Fes. Site seeing with a private expert guide of Fes. Lunch at the tiled Nejjarine Riad Palace. Overnight in Fes.

Day 3: Fes: Traditional Fes Cooking Class, Learn how to make a three-course meal, dine on it for lunch. Henna party. Dinner at Le Maison Bleue in Fes. Overnight in Fes.

Day 4: Fes t0 Marrakech: Visit Fes, Immozer, Azro and Beni Mellal. Stop to see the Cedar Forrest, the Barbary Monkeys. Tea & Pastries in Ifrane. Welcome Dinner upon arrival in Marrakech. Overnight in a luxurious Riad with an interior palmerie in the heart of the Marrakech medina.

Al Fassia, Marrakech

Day 5: Marrakech: Visit Marrakech’s most spectacular gardens, shop the souks. Site seeing with a private, expert guide at the Bahia Palace, Museum of Marrakech the Spice Market and gallery visits. Dinner at Al Fassia, a restaurant owned and run by women. Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 6: Marrakech: Marrakech cooking class option – local cuisine of Marrakech. Visit the Mosque of Koutoubia’s Gardens. Shopping and exploration in the new town of Gueliz, Marrakech. Dinner with a Marrakechi family or at the colonial revival charming restaurant, Cafe La Poste. Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 7: Marrakech: Marrakech Ballooning over the Atlas Mountains.1 Hour flight in front of the High Atlas Mountains. Souvenir flight certificate. Traditional breakfast served in a tent. Visit to a local Berber House.Landrover excursion. Camel ride in the Palmerie of Marrakech. Afternoon Spa time for a gromage and massage.

Day 8: Marrakech – Essaouira:  Visit Essaouira. En route take time out to explore a local Argan cooperative to see how Argan oil, Argan butter and cosmetics are made from the Argan nut. Wine & Cheese tasting in the countryside of Essaouira. Dinner by the sea. Overnight at a charming Riad in Essaouira with spectacular seaside views.

Day 9: Essaouira:  Visit Essaouira with a private guided tour. Explore the old mellah, ancient doors and their brass and hand carved knockers. Visit a Moroccan Patisserie Cooperative run by women that referred to Association Feminine de Bienfaisance el Khier. AFBK is an organization providing help for women and children with social difficulties. Return to Marrakech at sunset. Farewell Dinner. Overnight in Marrakech.

Day 10: Marrakech- Casablanca: Marrakech & Casablanca Departures.

Baking Bread with the Berbers, Sahara Region

Sahara & Berber Village Extension Option Morocco Tours For Women:Extend the tour for a visit of Morocco’s Sahara Desert & Berber Villages. Continue the Morocco Tour for Women with exploration of ancient Kasbahs, hiking in and around the Todra Gorge, bake bread with the Berbers, Sunset Camel Trek & Overnight in a bivaouc in the Sahara Desert. Visit a Nomad family. Discover Morocco’s deep south.

INCLUDED: Private Luxury Transport, Accommodations at 4 Star Riads & Boutique Hotels, Gourmet Breakfast Daily, National Historical & Local Licensed Expert Guides, Henna Party in Fes, Pottery Workshop in Fes, Cooking Workshop in Fes and Cooking Workshop in Marrakech, Hot Air Balloon Over the Atlas , Bellydancing Lessons, Wine & Cheese Tasting in Essaouira Winery, Museum & Monument Fees.
CHARMING 4/5 STAR ACCOMMODATIONS: Fes: Riad Fes, Riad Myra or Riad Laaroussa, Marrakech: Le Jardin De La Medina, Riad Palais Sebban. Essouira: Riad Palais Des Ramparts, Villa Du Maroc.
NOT INCLUDED:  Lunch & Dinner Daily (Except where noted in Tour Program), Beverages, Services on days or time at leisure, Gratuity.
For more information about a Morocco Just For Women Tour & Morocco 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.

Moroccan Seffa Medfouna Recipe, Your Morocco Travel Guide

Monday, February 6th, 2012

Moroccan Seffa Dish

Seffa Medfouna is a famous Moroccan dish. When traveling to Morocco for a Cooking Vacation or to take a Moroccan Cooking Workshop Seffa Medfouna is one of the options that Moroccan travelers can learn to make.

Seffa Medfouna is made with crushed or fried almonds, cinnamon, raisins, fine vermicelli noodles and powdered sugar. Seffa Medfouna is typically served in Morocco before a meal. This light and tasty dish of Seffa Medfouna can also be made with beldi chicken, lamb or beef. When served with meat this traditional Moroccan dish can be used as a meal. Seffa Medfouna is made slightly different in each region of Morocco and its ingredients vary also by season.

Seffa Medfouna is a Moroccan favorite with some of the best found at Ines Guest House located in Tingerhir not far from the mouth of the Todra Gorge region of Southern Morocco.

Ingredients To Make Seffa Medfouna:
– 1 kg of fine vermicelli noodles
– 1/2 Moroccan cooking oil
– salt to taste
– water
– 150g of raisins
– 2 table spoons of butter
– 100g pouched, friend or crushed almonds
– powdered sugar
– cinnamon

How To Make Seffa Medfouna:

Step #1:  Boil 2 litres of water, with lemon juice, added into a large saucepan.

Step #2: Place fine vermicelli noodles into flat and large plate, with oil. Transfer them into a couscous steamer and cooking over moderate heat for approximately 20 minutes.

Step #3: Remove steamer and place the fine vermicelli noddles into a large place. Spray with 1 glass of salted water, mix well and run hands through to remove any knots that were created. For the second time, place the vermicelli noodles into a steamer. Repeat until the vermicelli noodles are completely cooked.

Step #4: Clean and rinse raisins. Add raisins to vermicelli prior to last steaming and cooking step.

Step #5: Place vermicelli into a flat large, round dish. Add two table spoons of butter, let it melt and mix.

Step 6: Scatter crushed or fried almonds, cinnamon and powered sugar on top of dish.

Moroccan Seffa Medfouna

Moroccan Seffa Medfouna is easy to make and can be learned at a cooking workshop on a  Moroccan Vacation or  at home on your own.

For more information about a Morocco Cooking Vacation or Making Seffa Medfouna

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.

 

Beat the Heat in Morocco, Top Ten Morocco Travel Tips For Summer, Your Morocco Travel Guide

Monday, June 7th, 2010

Men at Sunrise Wearing Djellabas

1. Adopt a Moroccan schedule To Beat the Heat in Morocco During Summer & Other Seasons. Take advantage of the cool early morning hours in Morocco in Summer by taking a mid-moring snack and a late lunch about 1:00 PM. Take a nap in your air-conditioned hotel room or traditional Moroccan Riad, or a dip in the pool. Around 4 PM, have a snack, and head out again around 4:30-5:00 PM. You won’t miss much, because Moroccans tend to lie low during this same time. Enjoy yourself until dark, then head off for dinner around 8-9:00 PM. Take advantage of the Moroccan night life during the cool evening hours if you’re staying in Imperial cities such as Marrakech, Essaouira or Casablanca, all which boast varied restaurants with Moroccan and International cuisine along with entertainment.

2. When going out in the morning during your Morocco Travel experience, make sure to apply sunscreen and consider wearing a hat (or hat alternative) and sunglasses (protects your eyes against cataracts).

3. If you find yourself out and about, getting overheated and exhausted, use your water bottle to wet down your face, neck, hairline, and even the top of your t-shirt or dress in the upper back, shoulder, and neck areas. You can even splash some water on your arms if necessary.

Don’t worry about looking silly–it’s far better to take care of your health when traveling in Summer in Morocco. Even though you might not see them, plenty of Moroccans (especially men, or women when in their own homes) wet down their entire head and neck under a faucet if they feel severely overheated.

Under these circumstances, try also to get to a shaded area and sit down for a little while, even if you have to ask someone in a shop or elsewhere if you may use their stool to sit on. Most are more than happy to oblige if they see you need help.

4. Drink PLENTY of water. Doctors on the Moroccan radio have advised that this is the best way to avoid serious problems. (The objective is to keep your blood thin through drinking, because dehydration is what actually leads to strokes or heart attacks in the heat.)

5. If you are not on a salt-restricted diet, enjoy the Moroccan olives! Ask your guide to take you on a visit to the olive souk, where you can purchase several varieties of olives (which don’t need to be refrigerated in your hotel room). Enjoy these at your leisure. While a bit of salt is quite helpful in preventing heat stroke in extremely hot weather, salt tablets are quite unnecesary if you like olives!

Olive souk in Morocco

6. If possible, doctors suggest spending at least a couple of hours per day in an air-conditioned location. Even short periods will give your body a break. If you are unable to do so, don’t feel shy about wetting yourself down. Your clothes will easily dry in 20-30 minutes.

In addition to your Riad or hotel in Morocco, air-conditioning is becoming more available now in some larger stores (supermarkets and malls). These make a cooler place you can go for a break.

Fresh produce displayed inside an air-conditioned Acima Supermarket in Marrakesh

7. When stopping at small shops or cafés, they often DO have cold drinks. But sometimes you have to especially ASK for them. If they hand you an unopened bottle or can which is not cold, it never hurts to aks for one that is cold. Sometimes they only give them to the people who ASK. Moroccans nearly ALWAYS ask!

8. If you should ever find yourself in an out-of-the-way place that is just unbearable at night, one trick to help with this situation is to travel with a cheap (thin) bath towel. (Even a large hand towel will do.) These can be easily purchased at any local souk. Wet it down, wring it out, and lay it on top of your body in the bed. If you have a fan to lie in front of, it will offer instant relief. If you don’t have a fan, wave it back and forth in the air a few times; when you lay it on your body, it will feel cold. This can give you some much-needed relief.

9. Remember the locals are better acclimated to the heat of summer and cold of winter, because their bodies have a chance to adjust gradually throughout the year. If you spend a long time in Morocco, especially without air conditioning (or heat in winter), your body will adjust, too. But most tourists are not here long enough for that to happen. Most fly right in to the summer heat, are only here a short time, and need to be careful by following the above suggestions.

If you should ever need a doctor, generally your hotel desk or tour guide can help find you one quickly, who even speaks some English.

10. Low-lying and coastal regions (northern and western coasts) of Morocco, such as Agadir, Casablanca, Rabat, and Tangier often have moderate temperatures with humidity, but less of both than is found in the American South, or American East Coast. Marrakesh, Fes, Ouarzazate, and other inland cities or southern areas tend to have dry, to very dry, heat, which is far easier to tolerate than humid heat.

So, to sum up, in very hot weather, avoid going out between 1 PM and 4 PM. Rest in air-conditioning, if possible. Drink plenty of water, and don’t hesitate to ask someone for a stool or chair to rest on if you become exhausted. If you become overheated together with exhaustion, soak your head and shoulders in water —put your health before appearances.

For more information about a Morocco Travel Tips

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

Discover The Best of Morocco - Travel Exploration

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

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