Only separated from Europe by the Strait of Gibraltar, Morocco close still provides the scenery: only separated from Europe by medinas and souks animated mingling vibrant colors, the scent of spices, beautiful mosques, the pretty seaside villages, snow-capped High Atlas and the desert to infinity in the Sahara ... Morocco is a country particularly spoiled!
The most western Maghreb, sharing a Atlantic and Mediterranean coastal country, the Kingdom of Morocco is a tourist destination that many followers.
Moroccan stops
The country is mostly mountainous, with the famous Atlas Mountains that rises inland. At the foot of these mountains to the ocean, on the fertile plains and coastal shores, many cities have thrived through the centuries: Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier, Fez, Meknes, Essaouira, etc ... all desirable holiday destinations.
Casablanca, the largest city in Morocco attracts visitors for its Great Mosque Hassan II, the second largest mosque in the world. But most travelers do not last forever in Casablanca, modern and bustling city, yet she proves a reflection of contemporary Morocco.
Many prefers Marrakech, more picturesque with bustling souks and an old town full of remarkable historical sites (the Saadian Tombs, the remains of El Badi Palace, Koutoubia Mosque) ... simply a must. If you go to Marrakech, a trip to the Ourika Valley is one of the great classics.
Fez is another beautiful imperial city where you can get lost in a maze of medieval streets. Do not miss to visit Meknes, a city often called the "Versailles of Morocco" because of its great beauty.
Beyond the mountains, from Ouarzazate, are already forming the first dunes of the Sahara desert. A trip to Morocco would be complete without an expedition in the desert by camel, 4x4 or on foot, operators abound.
Cooking and culinary
Moroccan cuisine is renowned, with dishes with very diverse influences, Mediterranean, African and Arab. The most famous dishes are of course couscous and tagine, accompanied by meat and vegetables simmered for hours in a clay pot. Restaurants offer dozens of variations, chicken tagine with lemon and olives, lamb or beef with honey, fish or shrimp in a spicy tomato sauce.
A popular Berber contribution to Moroccan cuisine is the Kaliya, a mixture of lamb, tomatoes, peppers and onions served with couscous or bread. Moroccans often choose to begin their meal with a bowl of harira (Moroccan soup), a delicious soup made with lentils, chickpeas, lamb, tomatoes and vegetable broth. Soups also serve breakfast, the Bissara, a thick soup made from split peas and olive that can be found in the morning near the markets and medinas oil.
Unfortunately as a tourist, especially if you have a limited budget, you can choose between a handful of dishes that seem to have the monopoly on restaurant menus ... Outside the big cities you will find few restaurants Moroccan, Moroccans usually eat at the restaurant but not at home, your choices will be limited to restaurants of international cuisine.
All inclusive holidays to Morocco
Premier tourist destination, numerous all-inclusive vacations are offered to Morocco throughout the year. The big advantage of course, lies in the attractive of these stays and especially if you decided to leave out of the tourist season prices.
Another advantage is the ease of organization: stay at least included the flight and accommodation, sometimes with extra activities, a circuit, etc.
Both are classics stay in Marrakech in a large resort hotel in the Palmeraie (the tourist area), or week to week with a resort hotel again but on the waterfront, with the program beaches, water sports , golf, etc.
Before you book the first time come, it is better to learn about the situation and the actual quality of the hotel included: all addresses are far from being argued in Morocco, a hotel offering poor benefits could ruin part of the trip, better to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Then it is true that the all-inclusive hotels are always similar: a large modern complex with pools, equipment and everything is entertainment, a kids club, etc. Some appreciate others hate! Nothing like it is true, with the authentic riad in the medina.
Everything is provided 'turnkey', but these formulas do not leave much room for improvisation. Of course, nothing prevents to organize yourself a trip just to get out of the tourist atmosphere of the resort hotel.
Useful Information
Morocco, culture and tradition
The most represented religion in Morocco is Islam. It is the official religion, but it coexists especially with Judaism and Christianity. The day is punctuated by the five calls to prayer. Religious life follows the Muslim calendar: it began in 622, when Muhammad left Mecca to settle in Medina.
By against civilian life is set to the Gregorian calendar. Unlike other Muslim countries, the weekend consists of Saturday and Sunday, Friday is not a holiday.
Key Events in Morocco
May do not miss the craft festival Zagora, a city near the desert of the Sahara. Artisans from all over Morocco gather to show their products: wood carving, silver jewelry, hand-woven silks, hammocks, embroidery, pottery.
During the same period, near Ouarzazate, Kelaa M'gouna held the feast of the Rose, a period marked by day folk dances, songs and local craft shows.
Also in May another interesting festival is the Honey Festival in the Agadir region, you can find Argana the largest collective beehive in the world.
In October the festival takes place in the horse Tissa, near Fez, on this occasion hundreds of riders dressed in their finest clothes come together to present their horses.
In September another festival dedicated to the horse takes place in Meknes.
Hotels in Morocco: the corners to sleep
The hotel portfolio is important in Morocco, all budgets should include a, the star at the 5 star hotel 1, to inns, riads or rest houses. Stays usually include breakfast, and many include full board.
Outside the cities be sure to stay in a traditional inn, a kasbah, a house built of unbaked clay. In general, excellent service and the prices are very reasonable. Finally in the desert, many operators will offer to stay in traditional nomadic tents.
In tourist cities, the medina (old town) is home to small boutique hotels located in old renovated riads traditional houses, they often have a nice garden (patio) and a roof terrace.
Advice for travelers going to Morocco
Morocco is a safe country, however, with its share of problems and enquiquinements.
Women in particular will experience almost constant harassment if they travel alone, an ultra-classic style dress is a must.
In tourist areas, men and women will face hordes of street vendors and touts very sticky, decline politely and firmly.
Also pay attention to your belongings in crowded places and possibly make a copy of your passport.
Finally be aware that homosexuality is illegal in Morocco and is punishable by three years in prison.
Morocco is a destination relatively competitive in the air. To get the best deal on your airline ticket to Morocco, it is best to opt for a comparison as Easyvoyage / thefts or Illicotravel. Royal Air Morocco (http://www.royalairmaroc.com) is the official company.
Nightlife in Morocco?
Although Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country, it is possible to find alcohol in hotel restaurants, in alcohol shops reserved for foreign as well as in bars with tinted windows reserved for men or club chic and expensive.
Climate and geography
The climate of Morocco is divided into two distinct climates: Mediterranean and Atlantic, its long coastline gives both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean.
If you fancy Morocco as a country of dunes, arid and desert you'll be surprised, regions along the coast are particularly lush and suitable for all kinds of crops. Winters are mild and wet while summers are hot and dry.
Inside the country, the climate varies with altitude. It can get very hot as it can get very cold.
In the pre-Saharan Morocco climate is desert, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees during the day.
Identity card
Official languages: Arabic, Berber
Other languages: French, Spanish
Capital: Rabat
Economic capital Casablanca
Form of government: Constitutional monarchy
Population:> 31M hab
Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
All times are UTC: 0 or 1 in summer
Calling code: +212
useful links
Office of the Moroccan tourism www.visitmorocco.com
Site of the Moroccan Ministry of Tourism: www.tourisme.gov.ma
Tours and itineraries in Morocco
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Morocco is one of the most popular destinations for French tourists, so you can choose between many tours and holidays in Morocco. For one week you will find classic tracks from 500 euros, circuits outside the box or in the most prestigious hotels trails are a bit more expensive. The two most conventional circuits are in Morocco Imperial Cities and southern Morocco. The tour of the imperial cities generally include, with some variations, Marrakech, Fes, Meknes, Rabat and Casablanca. These tours usually include a lot of hits, walks in the imperial cities, in the souks, food and folklore shows. The circuits in the South of Morocco generally include, with variations, visits from Agadir and Ouarzazate High Atlas, desert, oases, palm groves (eg you will Zagora Tazzarine Alnif, Erfoud , Jorf Tinerir ...). Many circuits, generally more than a week, combines the imperial cities (or some imperial cities) and southern Morocco. If you want to move at least concentrate on Marrakech Morocco Area (Essaouirra, Ouarzazate, Agadir ...). You can also go in the north of Morocco, from Tangier. Northern Morocco is less known and more surprising for travelers, in fact you will see the landscapes of plains and mountains or palm rub oak forests. You can choose from tours off the beaten exclusively in the desert or in the High Atlas (including Treks) paths, edge circuits sea, nature in northern Morocco ..... The lazing on the beach and sea will find happiness along the entire coast, including Agadir or Essaouira (including windsurfing).
source : cityzeum
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