Morocco Tour Holidays
Just a few hours flight from the UK, Morocco feels like a world away. Enjoy the exotic sights, sounds and aromas of the souks of Marrakech, the amazing Djemma-el-fna square, home to snake-charmers, fortune-tellers, musicians and food stalls and the opulent El Bahia Palace, once the residence of the Grand Vizier. Discover the narrow alleyways, workshops and bazaars of the ancient medina in Fez, stroll along the harbour-side corniche in Casablanca, take in the sights of the bustling capital, Rabat, or relax in the charming seafront city of Essaouira. And if you want to explore this intriguing country further, head inland to the green valleys, snow-topped peaks and traditional Berber villages to be found in the magnificent Atlas Mountain range and experience the vastness of the Sahara Desert.
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Casablanca
Perhaps one of the most famous cities in Africa, Casablanca is a melting pot of different cultures and while much of it is modelled on Marseille - most notable in its wide avenues and public parks - you will also see numerous Moorish structures and the Hassan II Mosque, which is one of the largest such buildings in the world.
Make the most of your visit to Casablanca and visit the ancient quarter, which dates back to before the city was occupied by France, to see a range of historic architecture.
Marrakech
You can uncover plenty of culture and history during a holiday to Marrakech, also known as the Red City. Situated near the foot of the Atlas Mountains, it is perhaps best known for its labyrinth of small, winding alleys and streets that are lined with stalls and souks selling all manner of goods.
This is the ideal place to pick up souvenirs of your trip - although you should be prepared to haggle in order to get a good price - and by visiting the bustling Djemaa El Fna Square you can see everything from blanket weavers and rug merchants selling their wares to snake-charmers and fortune-tellers performing, before heading to one of the numerous rooftop cafes for a coffee.
Other attractions include the 19th-century Bahia Palace, Agdal Gardens and the Museum of Marrakech, which contains examples of traditional and contemporary art, as well as Berber, Jewish and Arab artefacts.
Fez
A cultural holiday in Morocco would not be complete without a trip to Fez. Not only is it home to the oldest continuously functioning university in the world - the University of Al-Karaouine, which was founded in 859 AD - but the old town district of Fes el Bali also has UNESCO World Heritage status and you can see the locals go about their lives in a traditional manner.
Visit the Andalusian and Karaoiune quarters of the city and you'll be able to pick up a range of locally produced handicrafts.
Atlas Mountains
Separating the Sahara from the Atlantic Ocean, Morocco's Atlas Mountains not only contain dramatic scenery, but also offers a glimpse into the country's rich history.
Travel through the Todgha Gorge and the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs and you'll get to see several of the famous fortified villages. Perhaps among the most fascinating of these is Tinerhir.
Encircled by palms and palmeries, this historic town high up in the mountain range provided refuge for Moroccan chieftains while the country was occupied by the French.
This is a great place to find out more about Berber culture - not only in the architecture of the buildings, but also by sampling traditional dishes and seeing the locals wear haik, a type of heavy cloak.
