| MarrakechThe rose-hued city of Marrakech is a city of the senses - one is beckoned by the alluring scents and brilliant colors of the spice markets, the entrancing sounds of the musicians, the rich folds of carpets, delectable foods, the motions of the acrobats, intertwining geometries of the zellij tile, its perfumed gardens shimmering in the still waters of reflecting pools. Morocco is the gateway to the High Atlas, whose snow-capped peaks are visible year-round, and the southernmost of the four Imperial Cities, once the capital of the Saadien dynasty. This unique city is perhaps the most fascinating in Morocco. It is the point where the Arab culture of the cities meets the Berber culture of the mountain villages; where the weary sub-Saharan traders (carrying gold, salt and slaves) would ply their wares to the merchants who would then bring them to Europe. Marrakech is perhaps the most touristic city in Morocco (and has been since the days of Winston Churchill and Edith Wharton). The heartbeat of Marrakech is the Djemaa el Fnaa - a square unlike any other in the world. Originally
a traders' square, it functions as the public face of this city. It especially comes alive in the evening. In addition to dozens of food and juice stalls, the square becomes populated with story tellers surrounded by enraptured listeners, snake charmers, sellers of herbal medicinal potions, musicians, acrobats, you-name-it all in a riot of entertainment. Also within the square can be found scribes, to pen letters for those who cannot write, barbers and tooth-pullers. Among the delights of Marrakech are its plentiful and outstanding restaurants. Most famous among them is Yacout - known for its exquisite design and atmosphere as well as its legendary Moroccan cuisine. Our clients receive lists of the other outstanding restaurants - including some lovely French restaurants. You will not go hungry in Marrakech. The monuments of Marrakech range from the well-known, such as the Koutoubia Minaret - famous throughout the world as one of the world's great minarets and as the "sister" to the Giralda in Seville; to the less-known tropical gardens of French painter Jacques Majorelle (now owned by Yves St. Laurent) to private museums. And, even if you are not a shopper, the temptation of the lavish souks is too much for most people to bear. Marrakech's proximity to the High Atlas makes it an ideal base for excursions into the mountains and to the Sahara desert beyond. We offer a full range of excursions into the Atlas, including trekking, skiing, horseback riding and camping. We also fascinating excursions into the Sahara. Marrakech is also the starting point of the most spectacular drive in Morocco - the drive through the Tizn Test of the High Atlas.
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Known as the Jewel of the South cultural collage of Berber, Arab and African influences Famous for the rich diversity and quality of Berber carpets, as well as for leather work including slippers sewn in the ancient tradition
Attractions:
Bab El Khemis, Bab Debbagh, Bab Aylen, Bab Aghmat, Bab Ahmar, Agdal Garden, Bab Er Rob, Mamounia Hotel, Koutoubia Mosque, Bab, Agnaou, El Mansour Mosque, Saadian tombs, Ali ben Youssef Medersa and Mosque, El Badii Palace, El Bahia Palace, the souks, Royal Golf Club of Marrakesh, Dar Si Said Museum of Arts, Majorelle Museum and Gardens, Menara, Bert Flint Museum, Palmeraie
| CasablancaIf you come to Casablanca in search of Rick's Café or Bogart, you may be disappointed.
Yet, Casa - as the locals call it - has much to offer as the city most influenced by the French and a showcase for their architecture and urban design. Although it now suffers from overcrowding, traffic and pollution, it is Morocco's most cosmopolitan city and features some outstanding restaurants.
Yet its most impressive sight is also its most recent: the largest mosque in the world outside of Mecca.
Symbolically located at the westernmost point in the Muslim world, the Mosque Hassan II is dramatically perched over the Atlantic Ocean. Visible from all over the city, its statistics are overwhelming: its minaret is over 60 stories high (and will soon be crowned by a laser pointing in the direction of Mecca). The Basilica of St. Peter's in Rome can fit inside its hand-crafted marble walls. The mosque holds 20,000 worshipers under a retractable roof and a staggering 100,000 when
the courtyard is used for prayer.
Completed only a few years ago by His Majesty Hassan II, the buildings of the forecourt (a religious university and a library) are still under construction.
Eventually, a grand avenue will extend from the courtyard to the center of the city.
Its brilliant siting not only makes for dramatic architecture, but reflects the Koranic verse "Allah has his throne on the water"
A few miles away is the island of marabout Sidi Abder Rahman. Holy men (designated by the title "Sidi") are venerated in death in Morocco; their tombs become holy places to which pilgrims flock in search of certain blessings. In the case of this tomb, women who are unable to conceive come here for stays of up to one week. Around his tomb, on this rock outcropping, a series of pilgrims' quarters have sprung up. Non-Muslims are welcome on this island; women are especially welcome.
For lovers of architecture, Casablanca offers fine work by French architects who built their careers in Morocco. They created an architecture known as "Mooresque" which fused Moroccan design with the latest French styles. The most compelling examples are the public buildings which surround Place Mohamed V.
Equally fascinating is the New Medina - also known as the Habous Quarter - an attempt by French architects to create a 20th century kasbah.
Casablanca also contains some outstanding examples of International Style (high modern) and Art Deco architecture - including beautiful villas in the neighborhood of Moulay Youssef near the American Consulate.
After all, the French thought they were here to stay.
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The economic center of Morocco
Largest city in North Africa (over 4 million people)
Most modern city in Morocco
Morocco´s largest Port
Renown for its fascinating array of eclectic architecture
Home to the third largest mosque in the world (the Hassan II)
Site of the historic1943 Anfa conference
Perhaps most famous for the Humphrey Bogart movie of its namesake
Known for its leather work and Medioun carpets
Attractions:
Hassan II Mosque, New and Old Medinas, The Corniche, Place Nations Unis, Boulevard Mohammed V, Rue Prince Moulay Abdallah, Hyatt Regency Casablanca Theme Bar, Mohammedia Royal Golf Club, Anfa Royal Golf Club
| EssaouiraSituated along the Atlantic coast of Morocco, Essaouira is a beautiful, quiet town, founded in the 16th century as a trading post for the Portuguese. Fortified with ramparts and patina-bronze cannons, the city's white-washed buildings are trimmed in the brilliant azure blue of its skies. It is the ideal place to relax and to stroll among woodshops and art galleries, boat builders and sardine fishermen. Among the souks worth visiting are the Marche d'Epices (spice market) and Souk des Bijoutiers (jewelers' markets), which was once dominated by Essaouira's Jewish community. After exploring the old city and artisan shops, head down to the port to indulge in the freshest seafood, or to the beach for camel rides or world-class wind surfing. The town has always been a magnet for artists and musicians. Orson Wells was one of the first international personalities to be lured by Essaouria's charm; in 1949, he spent several months here filming scenes for Othello . Two decades later, Essaouira became an important stop on the hippie trail;
both Cat Stevens and Jimmy Hendrix spent evenings strumming guitars along bonfires on the beach, an inspiration for Hendrix's “Castles Made of Sand.” Since 1998, Essaouira has hosted the annual festival of Gnaoua Music , an enchanting tribal music popular throughout Morocco and beyond.
Whether you're seeking sunshine or a salt-swept dose of history, Essaouira is an ideal destination for a relaxing day, overnight, or longer in one of the town's charming boutique hotels. Be sure to keep an eye out en route for goats climbing trees in search of argan nuts.
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The home of a large community of artists (known for ´naive´, ´tribal´, and ´trance´ art
An important center of Moroccan handicrafts, particularly for woodwork
Known as Morocco´s most romantic city
Receives donations from UNESCO for site restorations (ramparts, Portuguese Church, etc)
The site of an important festival that brings folkloric troupes from the Tamanar region
Attractions:
The best way to explore Essaouira is perhaps by taking a walk along the fascinating 18th century Portuguese ramparts. The port, built in 1769, is particularly bustling with its beautifully colored fishing boats and nets piled up on the quayside. The Medina becoming a vibrating commercial center offers a magnificent look at both Moroccan and Portuguese architecture from jewelry workshops, woodworking shops to Moorish cafes. The Mellah, the old Jewish quarter bordered by a market stretching to Bab Doukkala is also known for Jewish´ gold and silversmiths. The Ethnological museum features a collection of items portraying ritual life of Essaouira (musical instruments, carpets from different parts of Morocco, wood-carving techniques and motifs etc...). The art galleries such as ´Gallerie d´Art Frederic Damgaard´ and ´Espace Othello Art Gallery display magnificent work by local and international painters and sculptors.
| RabatHistoric Highlights:
the first settlement on this territory dates back to 3rd century BC. Later the Phoenicians and the Carthaginians used it as a port of call. In the 10th century loyalist Muslim warriors built a ribat (fortified monastery) here. It was founded in the 12th century by Yacoub el-Mansour, the great Almohad conqueror who built over three miles of fortifications of which two gates still stand today. With the collapse of the Almohad dynasty came the decline of Rabat. In 1250 the Merinds abandoned Rabat and made Fes the new capitol. The Cosair Republic of the Bou Regreg was established in 1627 and came to an end in 1818. The Alaouite sultan, Moulay Rachid, and subsequently Moulay Ismail are recognized for squelching the flagrant piracy in the area and promoting prosperous foreign trade. In 1912 when Morocco became a French Protectorate, Rabat was made the capitol once again.
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Capitol of Morocco since 1912
Second Largest City after Casablanca
Home to some of the most important historical sites in the Kingdom
Famous for its rich embroidery and luxurious carpets
Attractions:
The Medina, Rue Souika, Rue Des Consuls, Kasbah of the Oudayas, Hassan Tower, Chellah, Archaeological Museum, Oudaias Museum, Natural Science Museum, Postal Museum, Royal Palace, Mohammed V Mausoleum, Dar Es Salim Royal Golf Club, Andalous gardens
| MeknesOne of the kingdom's imperial cities, Meknes was founded in the 11th century and was chosen by Moulay Ismaïl in 1672 as capital of his empire. The city's unity of style lends it undeniable charm, enhanced still further by the beauty of the surrounding countryside. Moulay Ismaïl's creation was to be much talked of in the East and in Europe, most especially at the French court of King Louis XIV. The period was one of the high points in the city's rich history.
As well as its fabulous monuments, such as Dar El Makhzen palace, the Sidi Saïd mosque, Bab El Berdaine, Bab El Khémis, Bab El Mansour, Bab Jemaâ En Nouar, the Moulay Ismaïl Mausoleum and the Kouba El Khayatine, Meknes offers impressive views of the Agdal basin.
Not far from Meknes, the Roman city of Volubilis is an unforgettable treat for the tourist.
The city is surrounded by 2,5 kilometers of ramparts, entered by six gates.
It was a thriving settlement until the 4th century, and fine mosaics, sculptures and kitchenware can be seen there. The city's architectural splendor gives ample proof of its rich past.
27 kilomètres from Meknes lies the holy city of Moulay Idriss, harboring the sanctuary of the founder of the Idrissid dynasty. A yearly pilgrimage is made to the city in August and September, a great gathering of the region's multitude of tribes come to celebrate in solemn and meditative manner the moussem dedicated to the Saint of the city.
Visitors return from Meknes as if awakening from a dream-one might have been making use of the famous Time Machine. But one will never forget the skill of its goldsmiths, the dexterity of its merchants, the workmanship of its wood sculptors and the friendly hubbub of its souks.
An historic city whose splendor attracted architects, engineers and artists, Meknes and its surroundings have remained unchanged for centuries. At sunset the Imperial city glows as the ramparts reflect the fading light. You can relax in the cool of its lush gardens. Or you can lose yourself in history at Moulya Idriss, by the tomb of the founder of the first Arab dynasty and among the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Volubilis.
Consult the website of Meknes city: http://www.aim.net.ma/meknes
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Designated the Versailles of North Africa
Less touristy, more provincial and slower paced than Fes
Surrounded by enchanting countryside
Famous for its wood, metal and mosaic craftsmanship
Attractions:
Moulay Ismail Mausoleum, Bab al-Mansour, Jamai Palace Museum of Moroccan Arts, the Medina, Bab Jedid, Habs Kara, the souks, Bou Inania Medersa, Palais des Idrissides, the nearby ancient Roman city of Volubilis, Meknes Royal Golf Club
| Agadir360 days of Sunshine a year
One of newly independent Morocco's greatest challenges must surely have been the reconstruction of a city totally destroyed by the earthquake of February 1960. The will and determination of a young King, Hassan II, on the throne for scarcely a year, gave reality to the hopes of an entire nation in seeing Agadir reborn form the ashes.
These days it is a fine modern city with a host of excellent hotels, wide avenues, gardens in bright bloom, a magnificent port and a first-rate airport-and, above all, a splendid beach stretching for six kilometers, the air scented by pine, eucalyptus and tamarisk.
Agadir's reputation as a beach resort has spread worldwide. From a cliff-road flanking the hill, the Old Kasbah, dating from the 16th century, overlooks the azure spread of the ocean, the verdant valleys of the Great Souss and the majestic slopes of the Anti-Atlas. Agadir is not only the kingdom's main fishing-port, it is also its first holiday haven, and the city is very much organized around seeing to the comfort of its
visitors. Bathed in sunshine the whole year round, the city offers facilities for sailing, wind surfing, horse-riding, tennis, golf and a host of other sports activities. Those in search of the quiet life may simply lounge in the shade of a eucalyptus, sipping a fresh fruit cocktail.
Perched between the mountainous regions of the Anti-Atlas and the western extreme of the High Atlas, Agadir is a departure point for a variety of marvelous excursions.
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Warm, pleasant climate
Known as the Nice of Morocco
The most important fishing port in the Kingdom
Home to superb seafood restaurants
The destination for leisure, water sports and recreation
Attractions:
Deep sea fishing, surfing, wind surfing, scuba diving, Valley Des Oiseaux, The Kasbah, Musee Municipal, Royal Palace, Agadir Royal Golf Club, The Dunes Golf Club, tennis, nearby La Medina d'Agadir, Souss Massa National Park and Estuary
| OuarzazateA city risen from the bowels of the earth, in the midst of the desert in the south of the kingdom, a breath-taking and elusively varied setting. Burning sands, snowy peaks, palm groves and verdant oases, lofty ksours, walled villages and sumptuous Kasbahs the idyllic wonder of a town from another age.
Ouarzazate is a city where different cultures and artistic traditions meet, point of departure for the oases. It stands at the crossroads between the Drâa valley-which reaches as far as Agadir-the Dadès which cuts through the High Atlas-and the Ziz, which feeds Tafilalet's vast stretches of palm grove before vanishing into the sands of Taouz. A pair of magnificent Kasbahs dazzle the visitor with their beauty-Taourirt and Aït Ben Haddou, 30 kilometers from town itself Such is the reputation of these two architectural marvels that they were chosen as locations for films such as "Lawrence of Arabia" and "The Sheltering Sky". And, crowing glory, UNESCO has included the two kasbahs in its world heritage programme. One can rest a while in one of
Ouarzazate's luxury hotels before venturing into the desert. A wealth of wonders are on hand to delight the tourist.
One is held spellbound by Kelâa of M'Gouna, the valley's finest rose gardens, by the ancient Kasbah of El Glaoui, perched upon its mighty crag, by the Dadès gorge- a vast block of limestone cleft in two by some giant's sword.
The Ziz valley punctuates the road to the desert. The Oued Ziz, fringed with towering palms from which arise the ksours and the sublime kasbah of lfri, forms a dazzling spread of emerald green. Then, stretching away from the gates of Erfoud, the desert rules in all its naked splendor.
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Exceptional climate
Known as Morocco´s Hollywood
Scenes from Bertulucci´s The Sheltering Sky, Spielberg´s The Gladiators, The Last temptation of Christ, and Lawrence of Arabia were shot in and around this area Renowned for its Berber ceramic work and fine carpet making
Locale of abundant fresh produce
Attractions:
Kasbah Taourirt, Ouarzazate Royal Golf Club, souk, nearby Ait- Benhaddou, surrounding Valleys and High Atlas Mountains
| TaroudantVast ramparts surround this Berber market town that was once the most important trading center south of Marrakech and is still the largest town in the fertile Sousse Valley. Taroudant is a good place to get away from the tourist scene; few of the mass-market busloads make it here.
Taroudant, immediately south of the High Atlas, contains two of the most unique accommodations in Morocco: Palais Salam is a former palace that was converted into a hotel. Built around a series of gardens, courtyards and fountains, this is a truly charming place to unwind and relax. The new wing (slightly more expensive) is superior and has its own private pool.
The exclusive accommodations at Gazelle d'Or are considered by many to be the finest in Africa and among the finest in the world. The main stone building was built as a hunting lodge by a French nobleman in the early part of the century. Guests reside in small fieldstone cottages spread throughout the extensive grounds. Each cottage has a hearth and a small private terrace. The grounds have lovely gardens, tennis
courts and horseback riding. The food (mostly French) is considered by some to be the best in Morocco.
Taroudant has two souks: an Arab souk, which is especially known for its jewelry and African limestone sculptures, and a Berber market with fresh vegetables and exotic spices. Taroudant is quite a good place for shopping. The prices are generally lower than those in Marrakech, the storeowners more relaxed and it is easy to bargain.
Not far from Taroudant, the oases of Tioute and Freija have nice kasbahs and Tioute now has a little café overlooking the oasis. Perhaps the most unusual site in the area is an adobe synagogue with Hebrew prayers are painted on its earthen walls. Highlights:
In the 11th century, Taroudant served as the capital of a small kingdom and was annexed by the Almoravids in 1056 before it became independent under the Almohads. The town was then destroyed by the Merinids in 1306. In the 16th century, Taroudant became a prosperous caravan center under the leadership of Mohammed Sheikh who also used it as a military base against the Portuguese. During the 17th century, Taroudant fell in the hands of the kingdom of Tazeroualt, thus, becoming a key target for the Alaouite sultan´s military campaigns and later as a stronghold for resistance against the French army between 1912 and 1913. During that same period, Taroudant was destroyed on several occasions by way of reprisal. Nevertheless, Taroudant reserves a warm welcome to its visitors.
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Known as ´little Marrakesh´
Commonly associated as the town of the ´Blue Men´. Most women wear a flowing indigo veil
Attractions:
Five gates built in the ramparts of the town that lead to the medina. Place Assarag Square is a busy center for local residents and tourists entertained by various cafes in the evening. From there, take a walk to the jewelry center where you can find traditional silver jewelry sold by the weight, species, and leather goods.
| TangierAn international ´whitewashed´ gateway of unique flavor
Historic Highlights:
Tangier is a legendary city that was marked by the domination of the early Phoenicians, Berbers, Romans, Arabs and Europeans because of its strategic geographic position at the juncture of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Tangier served as a strategic location for Arab invasion of North Africa during the 8th century. It was ruled by the Idrissids before it fell into the hands of the Ommayads of Cordoba and afterwards became part of the Moroccan kingdoms. In the 15th century, Tangier became the site of a very prosperous trade center with Venice, Marseilles and Genoa. Between the 15th and 16th centuries, Tangier was captured by the Portuguese and the Spanish and in 1684, the Moroccans regained full control of Tangier. In the next 200 years, Tangier came again under the influence of the Europeans.
In 1912, under the French protectorate, the future of Tangier was still a matter of controversy. On December 18 1923, Tangier was declared an international zone controlled by eight countries. Finally, as the move to unite Morocco intensified under the leadership of King Mohammed V during World War II, Tangier was finally restored to Morocco after its independence in 1956.
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The home for world famous artists such as Jacques Majorelle, Henri Matisse, Eugene Delacroix and Kees Van Dongen and well known authors such as Paul Bowles
A famous tourist center that attracts millions of visitors each year
An important crossing point for Moroccans returning from Europe
The site of world renown cuisine
Attractions:
The Grand Socco (an open market place where merchants and peasant women sell goods) was renamed ´Place du 9 Avril 1947´ to commemorate the historic speech of King Mohammed V for Moroccan independence.
The Petit Socco, the south gate of the old town bordered by cafes and old residences.
The Great Mosque, built by Sultan Moulay Ismail to commemorate the withdrawal of English forces at the end of the 17th century. Rue de la Marine, the medina´s busiest alley.
The American legation which represents the US government´s first overseas acquisition and the only historical monument the US has owned since the American declaration of independence.
The American legation is also a site that features the history of US-Moroccan relations since 1777 and includes a correspondence between George Washington and Mohamed III.
The Kasbah that serves as Tangier´s Museum of Moroccan Arts features jewelry, carpets, silks and ceramics.
The Marshan or the Forbes Museum features a collection of 115,000 military miniatures that include the world´s greatest battles such as the Battle of the Three Kings, Waterlo (1815), the Somme (1916) and Dien Bien Phu (1954). Boulevard Pasteur or Tangier´s new town which overlooks the media, the port, and the Straits of Gibraltar and features luxury shops and European style residential blocks. St Andrew Church 19th century Anglican Church, one of the purest vestiges of early days. |
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