Live like a King in Marrakech

With so many fine tailor made holidays to Morocco available, you will have a wealth of options to choose from if you plan to visit. By making the right choices you will experience some of the very finest places and activities in North Africa or, indeed, the world. To make sure your journey really is one fit for a King make sure to include the following in your itinerary;

The Old Souk & the Djemaa el Fna

Marrakech is home to the largest Souk, or traditional market, in Morocco and it is here that you will find the choicest and most intriguing cultural items for sale. There seem to be an almost limitless diversity of curios to browse, and the Souk itself is large enough to warrant hours of wandering between the brightly coloured stalls. If something takes your fancy in this wondrous bazaar (as it inevitably will), remember that the quoted price will be wildy optimistic on the part of the salesman and, far from being an insult, is an invitation to enjoy the art of haggling. Stepping out of the Souk, you will come upon the festive Djemaa el Fna, the central square of Marrakech and filled with all forms of entertainment, from story-tellers to dancing-boys to snake charmers. No luxury holidays are complete without an evening spent enjoying the diversions of this famous place.

Real Moroccan Cuisine

Marrakech the perfect place to try real Moroccan cuisine. For those with an adventurous palate the real treats include the delectable pastille, or sweet pigeon pie, filled with a succulent vegetable purée and the particularly flavoursome dessert of strawberries wrapped in wafer-thin pastry and rolled in ground almonds. If you don’t have time to make it to one of the city’s many restaurants, do still make sure to try as many local dishes as you can. You will often not have far to go as many of the luxury hotels have excellent restaurants on site.

Royal Golf de Marrakech

At the foot of the Atlas mountains lies the famed Royal golf course of Marrakech. Fringed by cypress, eucalyptus, palm, olive, orange and apricot trees, these links are as respected for their beauty as their design. With a Caddy being a mandatory requirement and even tailor made holidays available based solely around the course, the Royal Golf has established itself as an exclusive experience that touches the very heights of luxury.

Jardin Majorelle

Also built in the grand days of the 1920’s are the delicate Majorelle Gardens. Tinged with verdant greens and ceramics of cobalt blue there are few finer examples of North African horticulture. Open to the public since 1947, one does not have to be a king to feel like one in this ornate and teeming place.

5-Star Treatment

Marrakech is home to some of the finest luxury hotels in the world. Boasting a cultured mélange of styles, Morocco incorporates the generosity of Arab hospitality with the very pinnacle of local cuisine and, of course, international facilities. The most luxurious of the choices provide a level of service unrivalled anywhere in the world and spa facilities that have rightfully earned a grand reputation.

By: Jane Wilkinson

Marrakech for Your Senses

Marrakech for Your Senses By George Giurickovic

We would like to suggest you a trip to Marrakech, Morocco for the simple reason that we help a convention there and we did find it a very interesting place to visit if you’re up for some ’emotional inputs’ overdose. The ‘Great Imperial City’ is surely a great mix of sleepy infusions of meant tea, tasty spices and incenses tha spice up the air and of course great tasting food of the best moroccan gastronomy. The city of Marrakech is a assault to the senses in the middle of incredible old buildings that seem made out of colorful silk in a frame of sand of the ‘old good times’ of the imperial ‘belle epoque’.

If you do choose to go there, the first place that you’ll visit will be most probable the big square ‘Jeema-el-Fna’ that has inspired many many movies, including the well known Casablanca (that -yes- was not filmed in Casablanca but in Marrakech, the real cultural exotic capital of Morocco). Jeema-el-Fna is just a short stroll south of the main ‘suk’ (traditional, labyrinth style market); the square seems to come directly out of a painting and it is full of visual experiences that hardly could be found anywhere else in the world, including snake trainers, silver merchants and much much more. We would suggest to use Jeema-el-Fna as a starting point to explore the fascinating city center of Marrakech and in particular the main ‘suk’. The everchanging main suk is a melting pot of different misterious sounds, chants and also lovely odours and incredible colors that we’ve never seen around in the US (apart of paint stores).

You will find that in the main suk haggling is in fact art and you will soon have fun in the process + you will grab incredible deals on high quality goods. In the main market textiles hanging down from the ceiling of small rustic shops to dry might seem quite odd, but surely are goodlooking. The Medina of Marrakech (the old walled city center) is the oldest and the most big of Morocco and sometimes looks like a colorful maze ready to be explored for new enchanting experiences to be discovered and tasted. Old buildings are so elaborate and detailed that it looks like they’re made of carved wood.

In the Medina itself more than 300.000 people live and work making it a crowded but peaceful place where to observe life ‘flow’. A visit to Marrakech is not complete without a visit to the Koutoubia tower and the gardens of Agdal.

If you’ve got some time on your side we would like to suggest that you visit (tours or cars are easy to find) the nearby Atlas Mountains and of course the beginning of the Sahara desert, in fact Marrakech is the perfect base if you wish to explore one of the most interesting and beautiful area of Morocco and still be able to take advantage of modern comforts and high standards in Marrakech hotels.

If you want to read the full guide of Morocco and Marrakech by Rough Guides Ltd. for free please go to http://www.travelton.com/destinationguides.htm Thanks for reading.

http://www.travelton.com Hotel Reservations – Hotel Deals, lowest rates guaranteed, flights, car rental, activities, free destination guides, resources, tools and more.

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Morocco: Marriage of Old and New

Morocco: Marriage of Old and New By Vivian Gilbert Zabel

Anyone desiring an adventure in a foreign land should consider Morocco in northwest Africa. The marriage of old and new gives depth and interest to a visit.

The vista from the water appears as if from the Arabian Nights with sand dunes casting shadows in the moonlight as the ocean laps on the white beaches. Ancient towns drowse in the African sun as robed men and women travel by foot, by donkey, or by car. Europeans and Americans pass by in late model vehicles. Morocco’s combination of the most modern life with the most ancient of entities fascinates, interests, and excites me as I travel.

The sun causes the city to shine like a pearl nestled by the Atlantic. Casablanca (which means white house), the gateway to Morocco, meets the eyes first in this place of adventure and beauty. From the contemporary, busy harbor to the center of the city, swarm multicolored, diversely dressed people. A flock of bright-hued, short-skirted girls with long hair flying clack by in their chunky heels. Behind glides a somber group of burnoosed Fatima faces veiled and mysterious. A young Frenchman, in the latest style, saunters by a beggar in robe and dirt. A half-naked toddler, all dark eyes and watery sores, stares at another child dressed in clean clothes riding in a stroller.

In the midst of the metropolis, I visit moderately tall high-rise buildings and many of the latest stores. Then after a short walk or ride in any direction, I discover lovely old villas arrayed in yellows, reds, blues, greens — all flowers and plants. Tucked in here and pushed in there, dirty and cramped stores attract my attention. A little farther away stand shacks of straw, cardboard, mud, or tin, where misery, filth, and poverty of unbelievable depth live. The contrast between the rich being so rich and the poor being so poor shocks me.

When I leave the city, a modern ribbon of asphalt runs into fog-wrapped foothills. Along the roadside, a native man upon his donkey rides before the less-than-animal woman trudging behind. A dark-faced man with a smile-flash of white tries to take all the road with one small bicycle. A European whizzes by in a bug-like car; a limousine, chauffeur driven, majestically rolls past bearing a powerful sheik.

In towns or cities, such as Marrakech, easily accessed commercial areas provide for business needs. Behind low walls, villas or modest homes line wide boulevards. Along narrow winding streets that cars cannot maneuver, doors from windowless houses open directly onto the roadway. The dwellings abut each other, closely packed side by side. Children run chasing and kicking a ball, as veiled women return from market carrying the day’s needs in net bags or in bundles upon their heads.

Beyond the town boundaries, a donkey and a camel yoked together plow a field. The camel will not cooperate; the donkey has to turn him. In the field next door, an American-made tractor does the work in much less time.

Here and there small settlements break the skyline with most of the huts made of wood, mud, or tin; the out-buildings, of straw. Occasionally a more affluent home of stone, built around an open courtyard, appears. Little beauty such as flowers or trees brighten the outside of the drab humble home.

In Morocco exist the wealthy and the indigent; but even more evident are the modern and the ancient ways. The rich, the poor, the old, and the new bring a flavor of enchantment to a country of Arabian Night mystery.

Vivian Gilbert Zabel taught English, composition, and creative writing for twenty-five years, honing her skills as she studied and taught. She is an author on http://www.Writing.Com/, a site for Writers, and her portfolio is http://www.Writing.Com/authors/vzabel. Her books, Hidden Lies and Other Storied and Walking the Earth , can be found through Barnes and Noble or Amazon.com.

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Morocco Vacations

Morocco Vacations By Mansi Aggarwal

Morocco is a place where sand embraces the sea and snow. The charismatic beauty of the place is such that it lures visitors from around the world. The southern coast of Morocco converges in the Western Sahara whereas its northern sides are enveloped by the bedazzling snow capped Atlas Mountains. The Atlas Mountains not just add to the scenic splendor of the place but also safeguard it against its hostile neighbor, Algeria. The area between the mountains and Moroccos Atlantic coast is covered with fertile plains. Beautiful gorges venturing into the sand and stony wastes of Sahara desert can be witnessed at the edge of the Anti Atlas.

Morocco cities are places worth visiting. Perhaps the oldest city of this place is Fes. Fes is also known as the heart of morocco. The medina of Fes el-Bali or Old Fes is one of the largest living medieval cities in the world today. The magnificent gates and walls here add to the grandeur of the place. The Moroccan city of Marrakesh is known for its rich culture and heritage. Marrakesh is the former capital of morocco. Today the city is famous for its vibrant markets and festivals. To keep its visitors especially children busy the city presents a plethora of activities by magicians, snake charmers, acrobats etc. Spring and autumn seasons are ideal to explore this wonderful city. The city of Rabat displays a perfect confluence of historical events and contemporary developments. The ambience of this city is Islamic as well as European in nature.

Other pulls of morocco include Ait Benhaddou, the most exotic and best-preserved kasbahs in the entire Atlas area. It is one amongst the coveted place for film shootings. The beautiful Central Medina is a huge square in the medina that is the backdrop for one of the worlds greatest spectacles. From open-air food stalls to storytellers, snake charmers and musicians here you will find every source of entertainment. Be it any time of the year the Hasan II Mosque, the worlds third biggest religious monument is seldom left unvisited. The exterior of the mosque bears a French design while its interior is dedicated to the Moroccan style. If you want to see the largest and the well-kept Roman ruins in morocco then Volubilis is the place you need to hit. The origins of Volubilis can be traced back to 2nd and 3rd centuries AD though excavations reveal that Carthaginian traders discovered the site.

The month of May is swarming with Muslims because of the Mousseum of sid Mohammed Ma al-Ainin festival. This is an occasion to see the blue people i.e Tuareg nomads of Sahara. Also popularly known is the National folklore Festival of Marrakesh. It is a ten-day event that is attended by dancers, musician and other entertainers from all the corners of the city. November is the month of celebration of Independence Day in Morocco.

Mansi aggarwal writes about morocco vacations. Learn more at http://www.offtomorocco.com

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Travel to Morocco for Exciting Holidays Abroad

Travel to Morocco for Exciting Holidays Abroad By Martin Kleis

Morocco is a wonderful Country with some majestic mountain ranges, great coastline and some of the most intriguing Cities on the Continent. Many travellers end up in the Country to sample life in the famous Cities of Casablanca, Marrakech and Rabat and most are not disappointed by what they find. The people are very friendly as well and the infrastructure is very good for the region and it is getting better with the current Government aiming to increase tourist numbers to the Country.

The best time to visit Morocco is during the spring and autumn when it is cooler and more comfortable. The summer can be a good time to visit the coastal areas, but the interior of the country will be uncomfortably hot. The winter can get quite cold in the north though the further south you go, the days will get warmer, however, night time will still be chilly.

Health wise – There is a small risk from Malaria in the extreme south of the Country, but many do not believe it is worth the effort of taking anti-malarial medication. Consult your doctor before coming to this conclusion, it is better to be safe than sorry! Altitude sickness can occur in the mountains and you should be prepared for this. The medical services in Morocco are average and serious injuries and illness may lead to evacuation by air to Spain.

Visas and Documents – Most visitors to Morocco will be able to visit the Country without a visa and be able to stay for up to three months on arrival. Israeli citizens will have to apply for a month long visa before departure. If you are coming from a country or region that is affected by yellow fever or cholera you will need to prove that you have been vaccinated, most clinics or doctors issue certificates with the vaccination.

Cost – Morocco is relatively inexpensive to travel around, though the popular tourist destinations like Casablanca and Marrakech will be slightly more expensive. A budget of $25 a day should suffice, if you are not bothered about eating in restaurants and dont mind staying in guesthouses. Travel around the country is good value, but you should be careful when dealing with taxi drivers, especially in tourist hotspots.

The Sights – There are so many things to see and experience in this wonderful Country and the fact is that you will not have the time to visit them all and all though this is a shame, remember it is important to enjoy this visit and that you can visit again in the future. Obviously, some of the most well known attractions of the Country are some of the best with the Imperial Cities of Fez, Meknes, Marrakech and Casablanca, all amazing destinations with plenty to do and see. Walking through the bazaars and backstreets has got to be one of the

highlights of visiting Morocco – Morocco also has some splendid hiking opportunities, with the most popular being the High Atlas with the impressive Jebel Toubkal. What should be remembered is that there are alternatives to this popular destination, with the Anti Atlas to the south and the rarely visited and wilder Rif Mountains near Tangiers and Chefchaouen.

The mighty ruins of Volubulis are the largest Roman remains in Morocco and it is now a World Heritage listed site. It is one of many ruins across the north of the Country, but none are in the magnitude of this site which lies close to Meknes.

While some may not consider it a highlight, travelling down the Western Sahara to Mauritania is an adventure and a must for many overland travellers making their way to West Africa. It may be an uncomfortable ride, but think of all the fabulous anecdotes you can tell your friends.

For further travel resources, including travel articles and guides on many beautifull locations, why not visit http://www.travelllama.com you can also enter our complimentary travel draw.

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Marrakech Morocco – The pearl of the south!

When you hear people talking about traveling to Morocco, you are going to hear a lot of people talking about traveling to Marrakech. This is an area in Morocco that is sometimes called the Red City or Pearl of Morocco. . Possible origins of this cities name are thought to come from the Tamazight word mur akuch, which means the Land of God. The area is populated by more than a million people, and once you get there you will see why. This area is stunning and one of the most visited places in all of Morocco.

Marrakech is such a beautiful place to stay when you are in Morocco, because it’s near the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. However, another reason why people come to Marrakech is to check out their market. In fact, this area has one of the busiest market squares in all of Africa, and it’s called Djemaa el Fna. While you and your family tour this market place, you are going to see things like story tellers and acrobats. Another thing that is found all over this market place is water sellers, which is a big thing in Africa.

While you are there you are going to notice that Marrakech is comprised of two different cities. The old fortified city, as well as a newer modern city that sits just adjacent to the old one. Both of these areas are great to visit. However, most people tend to stay in the newer city, because of the upgraded hotels. Keep in mind that while you are there, you will want to go check out the old city as well. Here you are going to learn things about Marrakech that you never knew. In the newer city, you will find the Menara International Airport.

Most of the tourists that come to this area usually head from Marrakech to the valley of the Ourika River in the Atlas Mountains. This is an amazing site to see, and a must do for all first timers. Another very popular place would be the Draa River in the south near the Sahara desert. This is a well known place, and people tend to like to go there. However, a must see would be the Waterfalls of Beni Mellal. This is a site that tons of people forget to check out, but you will not want to miss it. This is something that your whole family is going to want to see. It’s not everyday you get to go see a waterfall in Africa. So while you are there, you might as well make the most out of it.

Marrakech is a great area in Morocco and a must see. It’s the perfect spot to rent a hotel, because you can get to other attractions very easily from Marrakech. So the next time you are looking for a place to stay in Morocco, you might as well go to Marrakech .With more food and fun than you can possibly see and sample in one trip, you are going to want to come back to do it all again. This is a city that is fun for people of all ages.

By: Morocco Tour Writer

The City Of Casablanca

Casablanca is a city in western Morocco, which is know to be the capital of Great Casablanca region. In Spanish, the word Casablanca means ?White House?. The city has a population of nearly 3.1 million, and this city is known to be the largest city in Morocco. Casablanca has its chief port and its one of the world?s largest artificial ports. Many tend to think that Casablanca is the capital of Morocco but this is false! The capital of Morocco is Rabat. It?s an interesting fact to know that Casablanca is the sixth largest city in Africa. All sorts of modern economy sectors and industries are basically located in and around Casablanca and have many international industries based in Morocco.

Since the 7 th century, the city of Casablanca is been occupied by the Berbers, which had a small kingdom called Anfa which was once ruled by the Arab Muslim. Later Portuguese came over to occupy the city to set up their military base; however in 1755 the Portuguese completely abandoned the city due to the earthquake which shattered the city. Later during the 19th century, the city?s population slowly grew and it became an important wool supplier as the textile industry started to flourish. By 1860 there were nearly 5000 occupants and by 1880 the population touched 10,000. In the year 1907, the French tried to build a railway near the city?s major port, however the occupants of the city objected and they has to attack the French troops, but the French was able to control the city of Casablanca. Very soon the city became anti-French and there were terrorist attacks.

There are some important things that you need to know about Casablanca: Today?s proper city population of Casablanca is about 3,312,000 and the metro are has a population has a population of 3,744,000. The city is located at 17 meters, 55 feet and has a time zone of 0 hours, Coordinated Universal Time. The night life in Casablanca is good, filled with discos, where you can drink and enjoy the Moroccan music and watch belly dancing. Shopping in Morocco is fun but you need to learn how to bargain! Try to be the first customer in the morning especially on Mondays, remember that the first price of the good is costlier than the final price! It?s better to avoid speaking in English, try speaking either in French and Spanish. Never say them that the price of the goods seems to be attractive, if you think you satisfied with the price of the commodity give the shop owner a small gift like a cigarette!

About the author:
Ronvictor is a Copywriter of Morocco Holidays.He written many articles in various topics such as Cultural Tour,Morocco Holidays . For more information visit: http://www.experienceittours.com. Contact him at ron.seocopywriter@gmail.com

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All about Morocco Tours

Kingdom of Morocco is situated in North Africa with coast in the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Moroccan coast further comprise of a connection to the Strait of Gibraltar, a body of water, which divides Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean. The Strait of Gibraltar divides Morocco from Spain that is to the north. Morocco as well shares borders a longing with Algeria. In size, Morocco is to some extent smaller than the state of California, United States. Archeologists have established that the land of contemporary Morocco has been occupied for at least 10,000 years. This has been deep-rooted by leftovers from a Caspian civilization, which have been found.

The Morocco government is a de jure legal kingdom. Even though there is a chosen parliament in the government, the King of Morocco carries huge powers. In fact, he can soften the present government at determination if he so chooses. In late Moroccan law, political parties and other groups that resist the government are legal. Several of them have shaped and are actually active. There is discussed over whether Western Sahara, an extremely thinly populated territory, must be under the control of Morocco or not. Since a cessation of hostilities that was sponsored by the UN in 1991, Morocco and the Polisario Front have separate manage over the region. Morocco, however, controls a bigger part of it.

Although Morocco is situated in Africa, it is the only nation on the continent, which is not a member of the African Union. However, it does have many biased and political affiliations. Morocco is also associated with Francophonie Organization of the Islamic Conference, the Mediterranean Dialogue Group, and other Arab League. It is also a friend of the United States even though it is not a member of NATO.

Morocco has an extremely appealing traditional history and has developed an interesting bookish community. In the 1950s and 1960s, the country became a well-liked destination and imaginative haven for many writers. Some famous writers who came or took up house in Morocco are Tennessee Williams, William S. Burroughs, and Paul Bowles. Since then, Moroccan literature has prospered. Having a Morocco tour or a Sahara tour could be an outstanding trip for anybody.

About the author:
Ronvictor is a Copywriter of Cultural Tours.He written many articles in various topics such as Morocco Holidays,Tour Morocco . For more information visit: http://www.experienceittours.com. Contact him at ron.seocopywriter@gmail.com

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Morocco Vacations

Morocco is a place where sand embraces the sea and snow. The charismatic beauty of the place is such that it lures visitors from around the world. The southern coast of Morocco converges in the Western Sahara whereas its northern sides are enveloped by the bedazzling snow capped Atlas Mountains. The Atlas Mountains not just add to the scenic splendor of the place but also safeguard it against its hostile neighbor, Algeria. The area between the mountains and Morocco?s Atlantic coast is covered with fertile plains. Beautiful gorges venturing into the sand and stony wastes of Sahara desert can be witnessed at the edge of the Anti Atlas.

Morocco cities are places worth visiting. Perhaps the oldest city of this place is Fes. Fes is also known as the heart of morocco. The medina of Fes el-Bali or Old Fes is one of the largest living medieval cities in the world today. The magnificent gates and walls here add to the grandeur of the place. The Moroccan city of Marrakesh is known for its rich culture and heritage. Marrakesh is the former capital of morocco. Today the city is famous for its vibrant markets and festivals. To keep its visitors especially children busy the city presents a plethora of activities by magicians, snake charmers, acrobats etc. Spring and autumn seasons are ideal to explore this wonderful city. The city of Rabat displays a perfect confluence of historical events and contemporary developments. The ambience of this city is Islamic as well as European in nature.

Other pulls of morocco include Ait Benhaddou, the most exotic and best-preserved kasbahs in the entire Atlas area. It is one amongst the coveted place for film shootings. The beautiful Central Medina is a huge square in the medina that is the backdrop for one of the world?s greatest spectacles. From open-air food stalls to storytellers, snake charmers and musicians here you will find every source of entertainment. Be it any time of the year the Hasan II Mosque, the world?s third biggest religious monument is seldom left unvisited. The exterior of the mosque bears a French design while its interior is dedicated to the Moroccan style. If you want to see the largest and the well-kept Roman ruins in morocco then Volubilis is the place you need to hit. The origins of Volubilis can be traced back to 2nd and 3rd centuries AD though excavations reveal that Carthaginian traders discovered the site.

The month of May is swarming with Muslims because of the Mousseum of sid Mohammed Ma al-Ainin festival. This is an occasion to see the ?blue people? i.e Tuareg nomads of Sahara. Also popularly known is the National folklore Festival of Marrakesh. It is a ten-day event that is attended by dancers, musician and other entertainers from all the corners of the city. November is the month of celebration of Independence Day in Morocco.

About the author:
Mansi gupta writes about morocco vacations. Learn more at http://www.offtomorocco.com

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The Swim from Europe to Africa

Another preparatory action was to acclimate to the cold water that I expected in the strait. I trained in Lake Erie as often as possible. In the late spring and early summer, the temperatures in Lake Erie are similar to those in the Strait of Gibraltar in September, around 60 to 65 degrees F. As the summer weather slowly warmed Lake Erie, I sought out other methods to get used to the cold water. As many English Channel swimmer do, I did not use hot water for the 90 days prior to the swim. I took baths in cold tap water with ice cubes added. I held the ice in my hands and forced myself to stay in for at least 30 minutes. I shivered and shivered some more, sometimes for 20 minutes afterwards. One weekend Donata and I ventured to Lake Huron, north of Detroit, for colder water temperatures. The water in July in Lake Huron was in the high 60’s, just a little colder than Lake Erie. Finally, 2 weeks before the swim, I traveled to Cape Code Massachusetts to test out my cold water preparation. The water was very cold – 57 F. At first I could only stay in for a couple of minutes. But then I thought about what was really happening when I felt cold and got out in only a few minutes. I began to watch what was really happening to my body. I was in no danger – it was just cold. That weekend I built up to several one hour swims. The acclimating in Cape Code was a great success. If I could withstand an hour in 57 degrees, I could certainly withstand 65 for five hours in the strait. Now with confidence in the cold water, I really felt that I had addressed all the variables that were under my control. I was truly prepared and confident.