EXCURSION

- Fez

Fez, ancient Moroccan city, is a dynamic religious centre and the cultural capital which contains the most prestigious mosques and Medrasas (schools) of the kingdom. The Hispano-Moorish style of the city has been enriched throughout years of history by various artistic and architectural styles belonging to several dynasties.
Behind the sobriety of the city walls and gates, Fez enjoys beautiful patios and luxurious houses. The Riyads and the palaces are an invitation to dreamy moments. The valleys are lively and contain all sorts of craftsmanship shops.

 Rich in historical background, this visit will enable you to appreciate the Saint city of Muslim Moroccans, Moulay Idriss, the relics of the Roman city Volubilis (i.e. morning glory) and at last the prestigious past of Meknes being the third Imperial city in Morocco.

Rabat is the kingdom capital and headquarters of the government. It is a pretty city containing an important archeological heritage originating from the 8th century BC. Chellah is a romantic solitary cemetery where Merenide Sultans rest and the sculpted minaret of Hassan Tower are incursion in history which ends at the façade of the Royal Palace.

Chaouen, or Chefchaouen in Berber, is one of the most beautiful cities in Rif the mountainous massif which is the last rampart before the Mediterranean and the Iberian Peninsula. Chefchaouen is known by its Medina of shady alleys, whitewashed houses with blue turquoise doors, wrought iron windows and tile covered roofs. The souks are decorated with their traditionally dressed inhabitants toing and froing in their straw hats.

Established in 790 by Moulay Idriss, fez is the religious, intellectual and artistic Moroccan metropolis. Cradle of a millennium monarchy, Fez was for a long period the capital of the Cherifian empire. It has preserved its historical background and its role as an Islamic city intact for years.
Fez is a network of winding alleys that can hardly be unraveled. Movement, noise, shouting, smell of tanned leather, delicate aroma of oriental perfumes, barbecues, sweet pastry all this is the imperial city.

Fez offers a visit to the heart of the Moroccan soul and to nicest thing even built: Dar Batha Museum. It is a Hispano-Moorish palace accommodating wonderful traditional art productions.
Gates visit would enable you to contemplate the traditional Islamic architecture, gates of the Royal Palace, Bab Echorfa et Bab Boujloud built by the Almohade in XIII century.
A stop at the Borj Sud offers a panoramic view on the ancient city.
The visit of the Merinides tombs is appreciated by the romantic especially at sunset time.

Sefrou, the white city located at 800 m altitude, is an appealing site on the borders of Fez and the Atlas chains. Sefrou's location enables it to be an important agricultural site where the Cherry Festival is celebrated every June.
Climbing the olive grove of Kandar foothills, you arrive to Bhalil, the ancient village originating from the Christian era and known for its troglodytes.

Azrou, a Berber village at 1250 m altitude, is named after a volcanic rock at the entrance of the town. The village has preserved its authenticity thanks to the houses architecture, craftsmanship, Berber carpets and carpentry.
Not father than this, it the climate helps, you have the possibility of visiting the cedar forest and experience the freedom of senses.
Part of the discoveries of this region is the small town of Ifran. So different from the rest of Morocco that we name it �little Switzerland�.

Imagine yourself lost in one of the vast alleys of Fez Medina, then you find by chance a wooden door and you get suddenly transported by the genie of Aladin's lamp into a palace. An unforgettable flamboyant evening.

Casablanca

A modern city and the trade capital of Morocco. Casablanca ( named in Arabic: Dar El Beida) is a magnificent mix and contrast of modernism and tradition which shocks and astounds all visitors.

Rabat; capital of Morocco, is the symbol the durability of the kingdom. Located at the mouth of the river Bouregreg, Rabat accommodated the Royal Palace of his majesty King Mohamed VI. It is the headquarters of the government, parliament, ministries and administrations. It was also the first universities city in the country.
It is a nice city that contains an important archaeological heritage originating from 12 th century. Another incursion in time arises from the solitary and romantic Chellah where the Merenide monarchs rest to the beautifully sculpted Hassan Tour.
Bab er-Rouah, the gate of winds, is the most beautiful and magnificent monument giving direct access to the Hassan Tour and the famous tomb of the late king Mohamed V who fulfilled Morocco's independence.

El Jadida ou Mazagon is an old Portuguese city located on the Atlantic ocean at 90 kilometres from Casablanca. El Jadida is considered the best shelter place along the coast for Portuguese who left by 1769. It is famous for its citadel, ramparts, bastions, tanks and its port as starting point of cruises to India and Brazil.
Towards the south, the blue lagoon of Oualidia is located. It is a wild scenery characterised by several small island that can be visited only in small boats.

A modern city and the trade capital of Morocco. Casablanca is a magnificent mix and contrast of modernism and tradition which shocks and astounds all visitors. It is the largest metropolitan city in the Maghreb that is characterised by elegant building, great avenues and special architectural arts merging modern and Moorish styles featured in belvederes, domes and columns, etc.
The booming cosmopolitan city is now characterised on the sea side by Hassan II mosque of 200 metres minaret dominating the whole city and its surroundings. Erect on the ocean, the mosque resembles a divine nave whose beauty been made by the love of people. It is an everlasting monument and the work of craftsmen including plasterers, sculptors, etc.

Marrakech

Ancient city of the kingdom that had the privilege of giving its name to Morocco. Marrakech is indeed the heart of the Berber south. Its Medina was previously famous for being an inevitable passage for caravans for rest and lucrative trade exchange.
Marrakech mesmerises every visitor with its magic, ochre colours, ramparts, Medina, etc. Marrakech ramparts are a continuous funfair. This sumptuous oasis is surrounded by palm groves hidden in snowy mountains and offering therefore the most beautiful scenery to be seen.
After lunch with Folklore in one of the Medina's restaurant, the visit continues to Bahia Palace and Djemma El Fna place, the heart of Marrakech and the compulsory passage to the alleys of the Red city souks.

You will discover the mysterious Palaces, the authentic monuments, the Medersa , the magic alleys and the souks of Marrakech Medina. You will also taste the unforgettable flavor of a Moroccan meal in a typical Medina restaurant.

The hidden places of Marrakech Medina, its labyrinths and its alleys will unfold upfront just for the pleasure of your eyes. Riad, private museum, caravan seraglios, traditional oven, public fountains. All these jewels of Marrakech deserve the detour

Discover the cultural and artistic aspects of Marrakech by visiting Ben Youssef Medersa. Dive in the inhabitants day life by wandering in the narrow alleys of the Medina and its souks (markets). And finally steep yourself in the magic Jemâa El Fna place, the everlasting scene of all sorts of shows.

It is so romantic to go for a ride by horse carriage under the stars of Marrakech night. This ballad will enable you to discover the arterial roads of the modern area of Marrakech as well as the animation in Jemaa el Fna place.

It is a one and thousands night scenery in a tent animated with dancers, feat riders, powder of arms

Hidden at the heart of the Medina, the Riad offers a special gastronomic experience. The atmosphere is nice, the service is personalized and the food is refined. All your requests fulfilled to make this traditional event unforgettable.

The extraordinary garden of Trenet could have been the Majorelle garden. Abandoned after the death of the painter, this peaceful heaver was both and restored by Yves Saint-Laurent. It is now famous all over the world. A ballad in horse carriage along the ramparts with the Atlas as a backdrop, the shade of olive grove around Agdal garden, and the charm of Menera basin.

Ouarzazate

At the intersection of Daraa and Dadès valleys, Ouarzazate the garrison city was built in 1928. It is a recent serene city dominated mainly by ancient Kasbahs of the Glaoui Pacha. The city is also equipped with the biggest cinema studios in Morocco which are used by international production houses. Ouarzazate is the ideal start point to discover the south oasis and kasbahs.

Departure to the magnificent Skoura palm grove, perfectly integrated in greenery landscape and kasbahs all in a peaceful atmosphere. A stroll around the area is an opportunity to discover the secrets of some fortresses such as the sundial sculpted on the walls of the Amerhidil Kasbah.

It is a rocky track leading to the hill of Jbel Tagagdalt and the oasis valley and village of Fint. Afterwards comes a promenade in the gardens and an invitation to taste green tea in one of the villages to discover the ancestral life style of residents.

Stroll till Ksar Aït Ben Haddou, the most beautifully maintained castle in Morocco which has been used as part of grandiose décor in several films. It was previously built as the case for all old castle for protection against enemies and bad weather. It was established upon a hill and the visit requires physical fitness to cover all the castle. Otherwise, you can always contemplate the castle from the terrace while tasting green tea.

Located at a rocky hill in the middle of a river and a palm grove, Tifoultout was in the past one of several strongholds of the Glaoui and still belonging the late Pacha's family who organises for certain special occasions animated parties. Taourit is another famous residences of the ancient Pacha of Marrakech. These orchard crenelated block towers overlook the centre of Ouarzazate and offers an impressive view on the dam El Mansour Eddahbi.

The gorge of Dadès is situated in a fall of red rocks and kasbahs perched on top of a hill and surrounded by a great landscape that is worth to be seen. The gorges of Todra are totally different from those of Dadès but equally spectacular with its steep walls which seems to narrow towards the river bed and is therefore the favourite climbing ground. Then comes the small but active town of Tinerhir famous for its large scale and sumptuous palm groves.
NB: The excursion Dadès & Todra Gorges cannot be done by coaches.

The route is integrated in Tifernine hill at the extreme east of the Anti-Atlas in the middle of an inorganic landscape of black glossy rocks and dizzy heights. The descent towards Draa valley is highly impressive. Not far from Zagora hill, the red market town of Tamgroute is located. It is an old religious centre having a an exceptional Zaouia library of the most precious ancient manuscripts and green pottery for which the region is known. After lunch in Zagora, return to Ouarzazate through river Draà bends; a fertile green ribbon in the middle of arid landscape and ochre Kasbahs & castles that shed a pompous aspect to the surroundings.

After few kilometres of normal road, the track becomes rough and rocky, winding and steep. The landscape is yet exceptionally wild and beautiful strewed with colourful villages among which Telouët: the last residence of Pacha Glaoui that is still remarkably maintained. R eturn to the height of Tichka at 2260 m

The Améthystes tracks are an interesting path to discover the most picturesque landscape of south Morocco. Departure in the morning by Land Rover towards the mountains and the impressive pre-Sahara scenery . Arrival at the village of Taliouine, then Tiggert where you have the opportunity to taste the Moroccan green tea. Discovery of the surroundings riding mules in search for precious rocks.
Return to the village Tiggert and lunch at a local house. Afternoon, stroll in the village and the green fields contrasting with the arid mountains.
The scenery is lined with several castles surrounded with vegetation and neighbouring ochre Kasbahs.

Agadir One of the best bays in the world

Agadir is the last oasis before the south desert. It is a sunny city famous for its mild climate, golf courses, seawater therapy centres, modern hotels and night life. Agadir is one of the most desired holidays destination gathering both ocean beaches and green mountains.

Somewhere in “legends' valley", we can stop the course of time by entering into the fortified Tassila kasbah. Typical cookery and dance on Berber rhythms around wood fire.

At just 80 Km from Agadir, rise Taroudant's ochre walls. This former Saadian capital enables you, more than any other city, to understand the historic and proud Morocco which preserves its intimacy behind red-earth walls.

A pleasant drive to the foot of the Higher Atlas by the road which passes through the gorges of the affluent river of the Assif Tamrhakht. All along you will see majestuous palmtrees overlooked by rammed-clay villages. Further down the village of Immouzer ; sometimes during rainy winters, you may discover waterfalls and also natural pools located in the cavity of the rocks.

A nice drive, in Agadir first and then in its neighborhood, will allow you to discover the harbour, the very beautiful view of the bay from the kasbah heights. Then through the large avenues of the city, and after a short stop at Amazigh museum, you will leave the urban part of Agadir. Next stopover: Inezgane, a bustling village where Berbers of the Souss region come to do some good business.

This escape in the Berber country offers some hours of total change of Scenery. Visit of the Bigoudine souk on Saturday, walk possible by crossing the river up to Tazarine to taste, in an inhabitant’s house, a typically Berber breakfast and then visit its traditional house with its oil press.

Red walls with the Atlas mountains in the backdrop, the lengendary Jemâa El Fnaa square, the souks, the Saadian Tombs, the Bahia Palace, the Menara gardens… a lunch in the medina will fullfill your pleasant journey in this mythical city of Morocco, a real feast for senses!…

Former Phoenician trading port, baptized “Mogador” by the Portuguese, the “well drawn" city is a unique citadel, cradle of artists of all kinds, fishing port and a market with an intensive activity, cabinets makers sculpting perfumed or precious woods : thuya wood, cedar, ebony… an unforgettable cultural melting pot!

Incursion in the heart of the Anti-Atlas region to discover Tafraoute, whose palm grove is surrounded by a strange and grandiose rose-granit mountainous cirque. Don’t forget your camera!

Right on the Anti Atlas slopes' feet, you will discover the big palm grove of Tiout and enjoy a berber lunch in a local house.
The afternoon will be dedicated to the discovery of Taroudant, very old Saadian capital with its ramparts ; in addition to the Kasbah and the former Pasha’s palace the charm of the souks is translated here in the remarkable work of the craftsmen who shape wood, copper and above all silver…

In the south of Agadir, Massa's valley spreads out its greenery ribbon reaching the seashore, in front of an infinite beach like a desert bordering the ocean. The road continues by tracks through Berber villages and the Anti- Atlas foothills.

Orange groves, banana groves, oasis, “little Sahara"'s sandy dunes, all follow as a perfect illustration of the richness and variety of Souss Massa's landscapes. Meeting with Berber people and discovery of their culture all along the road till reaching the heart of Tiznit ramparts.

Drive to the foot of the Higher-Atlas to discover a landscape which is, by turns, hard and voluptuous : first of all the olive trees, the almond trees, then the arid mountains which show the whole range of colours between ocher and red, to reach finally the fresh Immouzer valley through a narrow mule track ; During the day, visit of a hundred years old traditional house.

Via the road of Marrakech, you will reach the hills dominating Abdelmoumen's dam and the Atlas view points. You will have the opportunity of discovering the Ida Ou Tanane Berber's life, a life which is bounded to the freak rhythms of nature. You will also enjoy a magnificent variety of mountain landscape. Lunch at Immouzer and return by another road.

Through the villages of the first Atlas foothills, this short journey will lead you from Imi Mikki to the mountains and will give you the opportunity of discovering the remote and yet nearest regions to the city together with their inhabitants way of life. Leaving the track near the Madrague a renowned surfers' spot.

Tangier

Tangier is unique in its style compared to other cities of Morocco. It is famous for its international port and an unavoidable point of access to Europe. Tangier, entitled the pearl of the north, is rich by its cultural mix which has inspired several famous artists.

The city tour involves Trangier and its surroundings as well as Spartel Cape at the extreme North-West of Africa and Hercules Caves which are associated with the legend of Hercules being the one separated Africa from Europe. From this point of Africa you can have an exceptional view of the Strait of Gibraltar and the Atlantic ocean. The visit includes also the Kasbah district next to the port, the old Medina with its craftsmanship shops and a magnificent minaret o verlooking the sea. You will also have the opportunity to pass by the Grand Socco and the Mendoubia park accommodating dragon skeleton dating from ancient centuries. Little farther , there is the Petit Socco where a multitude of small hotels which previously accommodated famous artists and writers such us Matisse, Camille Saint Saens, Paul Bowles

Tetouan is a famous craftsmanship centre in North Morocco. It is a nice town of Andalusia style that seduces visitors by its meanderings, valleys, serenity and its special ambiance. If it were not for its mountainous character, Tetouan would have been another Fez. Its museums, its Mellah and craftsmanship schools evoke a rich past.

Excursion begins first with El Had Souk which opens every Sunday; It is an opportunity to see an amalgam of colourful products and merchants.
Then the visit continues towards Asilah, an ancient Phoenician town which nowadays the town of fishermen. It is surrounded by crenelated ramparts, tick high walls, towers and bastions of Andalusia style. Asilah organises yearly the most important cultural festival in Morocco which is an occasion gathering international artists, writers and painters who leave their prints and sample of their works on the town walls.

Chaouen, or Chefchaouen as in Berber language, is one of the most beautiful towns of the Rif mountains. It is a mountains massif and the last rampart before the Mediterranean and the Iberian Peninsula. It is famous for its shady valleys Medina, its white houses with blues doors and wrought iron windows and tile roofs. The local markets of Chaouen are animated with traditionally dressed habitants and colourful goods beautifully displayed.
Chaoun offers to visitors the charm of a city which has preserve the Arab-Andalusia art and traditions.

An excursions away from off the beaten track in the heart of the Rif mountains. Steep mountains of granite and clay of amethyst colours, ochre, grey, white and purple. The nature has left its marks in mountains, plateaux and valleys. The scenery is rich in pine forests, flower fields, rivers, resins, laurels, fig-trees, fresh mint, coriander, parsley, etc. The route itself is magnificent decorated by a multitude of villages perched on top of steep rocky hills.
The Rifains; are mountain dwellers who are keen on preserving their traditional life style. Throughout the way you can see them waving at passers by while busy working in the field protected by their pompon hats.

Fantasia is an equestrian entertainment of Arab knights. It is an forgettable show to which all Morocco visitors should attend.
Departure by coaches from the hotel to Ahlan Village where the Fantasia takes place. Sangria is offered first while knights are getting prepared for a ride on sandy soil.
You will taste in tents a Moroccan dinner. Entertainment continues during dinner with snake charmers, Berber folklore and belly dancers.