MOROCCO 2021: Spicing it up

TRAVEL TO MOROCCO

OVERNIGHT FLIGHTS

CENTRAL MARKETS

After breakfast take a turn around the characterful Central Market, where fresh meat, fish, fruit and vegetable sellers call out their prices and local women bargain for their daily ingredients. Here you’ll discover an array of produce that makes up the building blocks of Moroccan cuisine – the grains, herbs and, of course, the spices. Look out for dishes like msmen (layered, grilled bread), khlea (a type of Moroccan preserved meat), bessara soup, or a variety of other options found amongst the stalls. Continue on to the sight that dominates the city – the vast Hassan II Mosque. Opened in 1993, and second only in size to the great mosque at Mecca, the huge building is part on land and part on sea, and in one area water can be seen through a glass floor. Leave Casablanca and travel north. Stop at the seaside city of Kenitra for lunch, then stretch your legs in the delightful fishing village of Asilah. Enclosed by Portuguese fortifications, white-and-blue washed houses give the town a very Mediterranean feel. Continue to Chefchaouen, arriving by early evening.

THE ROMANS AND FES

Descend from the hills and travel south through the center of the peninsula towards the sacred pilgrimage town of Moulay Idriss. From here it’s a short journey out to the World Heritage site of Volubilis. The remains of this Roman city make an undeniably impressive sight as they come into view on the edge of a long, high plateau. Take a tour around the arches, basilicas, and superb mosaics along the Decumanus Maximus, many of which remain intact. The reward for walking in the sun lies in a memorable lunch of traditional Roman recipes in the shadow of the ancient ruins. Recline on Moroccan Kilims and dine on locally-sourced ingredients, much like the Romans did a thousand years ago. Once forbidden to non-Muslims, your next stop at ancient Moulay Idriss offers a great insight into traditional Moroccan life. Here the faithful gather to pay homage at the tomb of Moulay Idriss I – the great-grandson of Mohammed and the man who brought Islam to Morocco. Perhaps sampling the famous nougat candy sold at street-side stalls and stop at an olive press and see how this golden unctuous liquid is extracted from the olives which grow in abundance around this region. Continue on to Fes, arriving by evening, the spiritual heart of Morocco. Perhaps seek out some Fassi specialties for dinner or enjoy a rooftop drink at your Riad. Watching the sun set over the medina while a dozen prayer calls vie for attention is an experience you'll likely remember.

THE HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS

Today, leave the intensity of the city behind for the simplicity of the High Atlas Mountains. Drive south, inland through a variety of spectacular scenery – fertile valleys, cedar and pine forests and barren, rocky landscapes – to the small town of Midelt. Midelt is a market town nestled in the high plains surrounding the Moulouya River, between the Middle and High Atlas mountain ranges. Join some local Berber women for an insight into the preparation of hand-rolled couscous. Find out how much more delicious it tastes after all that effort. After lunch, stretch your legs for a few hours on an easy hike in the nearby hills. Be prepared for some astonishing views of the Atlas Mountains, with snowy peaks almost touching the sky. Wander through plantations of apple trees on the way back to your accommodation for a relaxing evening.

M'GOUN

Continue your journey inland for toperson’s destination, M’goun. Your accommodation for the next two persons is at a charming family-run guest-house in an area known as the Valley of Roses. In the spring-time, this region is covered in flowers and forms a centre of Moroccan rose-water production. Dinner this evening will be a feast of mechoui - slowcooked lamb on the spit - lovingly prepared by our hosts.

ARGAN OIL COOPERATIVE

Travel to the Moroccan city of Marrakech, an exotic place where European modernity has meshed with ancient traditions. On the way, stop for lunch at the impressive Ait Benhaddouu. Perched on a hilltop and almost unchanged since the 11th century, Ait Benhaddou is one of Morocco's most iconic sites. Its grant kasbah is one of the most beautiful in Morocco and the fortified village is a fine example of clay architecture. If you think you recognise the place, you probably do, as the town has a long list of film and TV credits, including Lawrence of Arabia, Game of Thrones and Gladiator. On the way you will stop to visit an Argan Oil Cooperative, to learn a bit about this special oil, how it is naturally processed, and its multiple benifical uses. Arrive in Marrakech by late afternoon. On arrival, join a passionate local foodie for a true insider's guide to the medina and a tasting tour of the incredible Djemma el Fna. Smell and see the famous spice mix, ras el hanout, prepared fresh to order; drop past a traditional wood-fired bakery and watch the smoking stalls of the Djemma el Fna person market come to life. This is one of the largest public spaces in the world and unique to Marrakech. Snake-charmers, henna-painters, performers and storytellers share the square with a street food bazaar of stalls laden with Moroccan delicacies – it’s sure to be a memorable start to your time in this city

FAREWELL TO MOROCCO

Following breakfast, transport will take you to Casablanca for your departure flight.