Our Cultural Tour to Morocco!
We set off on an impressive panorama drive towards UNESCO Fez via Beni Mellal and strolled through the verdant Jardin de Ain Asserdoun with its roaring water cascades. If you’ve a longing for a Henna tattoo, now was your chance. They looked amazing when done. Then we immersed ourselves in the Atlas Mountains, visiting Ifrane at an altitude of 1,700 metres. We’d left snow in the UK and were now looking at the last of the snow in Morocco. Along the way, the roadside and views were something else with grape vines, olive trees, cedars, eucalyptus and snow!
Then we arrived in Fez where we wandered the spectacular medinas, a unique labyrinth of narrow alleyways and one of the largest old quarters in the world dating back to the 14th century. On the way we visited the Royal Palace of Fez with its shimmering golden gates. On our journey from Fez at the Borj Fortress, the views over the city were breath-taking. We then arrived in Volubilis, a Roman excavation site and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lastly, we visited a carpet weaving factory which just blew your mind. I wanted to buy every single carpet, they were just so beautiful.
It was onwards with our journey to Meknès then Rabat. Behind the high walls lies Meknès another royal city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We visited the very impressive Sultan Moulay Ismail Mausoleum and got to admire the stucco and mosaics. Directly in front of the Mausoleum is the Bab El Mansour City Gate. It’s a site to behold that’s for sure!
We headed towards Rabat, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the third royal city. We strolled to the Royal Palace of Rabat taking in the Hassan Tower and the Mohammed V Mausoleum.
The following day we visited Casablanca to see the Hassan ll Mosque. It really takes your breath away! The minaret soars 200 metres into the sky. The mosque is one of the largest in the world and offers space for over 10,000 worshipers. The enormity and workmanship that took place in the construction is a site to behold. The chandeliers, what can I say. We then had a walk to discover the Mohammed V Square on our own.
In the afternoon we set off back to Marrakesh, a UNESCO Site and our fourth royal city where we visited the Koutoubia Mosque, one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. The following day we went on a Magical Marrakesh Guided City Tour to the Sultan’s Palace and along the city walls as far as the magical market square. This was after we’d been on a horse-drawn carriage ride, that I forgot to mention. I’d never been in one and all I can say is I’m glad I did. The market square was alive with the sound of the flute snake charmers, fortune-tellers, faith healers, fire-eaters and theatrical shows, you name it, it was there! From here it was the Medina in the Old Town through the famous Bab Agnaou City Gate, a UNESCO Site. Lastly, we got taken to visit a jewellery and leather factory. An experience I’ll never forget.
Lastly our final day on our cultural tour was upon us and we visited the beautiful coastal town of Essaouira again another UNESCO Site. Adorned with white houses with blue shutters in the Old Town. You could quite easily think you were in Santorini! For lunch we got to taste the freshest fish ever and then walk along the wall of the famous Portuguese “Scala de la Kasbah Fortress” to enjoy the view of the glittering sea. Simply a magical day!
It was then time to spend a week relaxing by the side of a heated swimming pool with a drink in hand, in the sun, with jaw dropping views in the distance of the Atlas Mountains covered in snow! I’ll never forget that vista or Morocco!