Koningssteden & Sahara: Marokko in alle pracht

About the destination: Even though Rabat is Morocco’s political and administrative capital, it is not a common touristic destination, but to discover Morocco’s essence it is a must to visit this imperial city. Located on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg, Rabat is a city where tradition and modernity go hand in hand. Often regarded as dull by its big brother down the coast, Rabat has embraced modernity and it is developing a cosmopolitan atmosphere of its own. The truth is that the capital is more laid-back, pleasant and more provincial than Casablanca, but far less messy and frantic. Rabat has a long and rich history, and has had many influences from Phoenicians, Romans and Carthaginians to French and Arabic, and the city has plenty of monuments to show for it. Its Old Town, the quiet medina, was declared World Heritage Site in 2012. Behind its red ochre walls, the Old City preserves all the country’s traditions alive, with plenty of Moroccan craft shops and traditional tea houses. The fortified gates, its colourful magical white and blue walls and spectacular views of the ocean are a good enough reason to explore every inch in its streets. The beautiful enclosed Chellah, a peaceful complex of tombs and Roman ruins, is located in Rabat’s urban twin, Salé, 2km away from the capital’s city centre. Along Mohamed V avenue, embroider with palm trees, visitors will find the Parliament, the Al Sunna mosque, the Essais Garden and the majestic Royal Palace. An independent art scene is blossoming in the capital and there is an ongoing proliferation of galleries and spaces for visual arts. After a long day enjoying the town’s wide cultural offer, visitors should head to Agdal, the trendiest district of Rabat. Artists, hipsters and students alike crowd its cafes and restaurants. This modern coastal city, blessed by a Mediterranean climate, is lively, cheerful and safe. Rabat means refuge in Arabic, and it may not be a coincidence since this city offers visitors culture, stunning architecture, tradition and modernity all of it away from the all-inclusive crowd that swell other parts of the country.

About the destination: Mequinez, also known as Meknes, is a city in Morocco that is rich in history and culture. It is located in the northern part of the country and is a popular destination for tourists who want to experience the authentic Moroccan lifestyle. One of the main attractions of Mequinez is the historic Medina, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Medina is a maze of narrow streets and alleys that are home to traditional Moroccan houses, souks, and artisan workshops. Visitors can explore the Medina and discover the rich history and culture of the city. Another popular attraction in Mequinez is the Royal Stables, which were built in the 17th century. The stables are home to the famous Barbary horses, which are known for their strength and agility. Visitors can watch the horses being trained and learn about the history of the stables. Mequinez is also known for its beautiful gardens and parks, such as the Jardin Lahboul and the Bou Inania Medersa. These parks offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and are a great place to relax and unwind. Finally, visitors to Mequinez should not miss the opportunity to try the local cuisine. The city is known for its delicious Moroccan dishes, such as tagine, couscous, and harira. There are many restaurants and cafes throughout the city that serve these traditional dishes, as well as international cuisine. Overall, Mequinez is a must-visit destination for those who want to experience the authentic Moroccan lifestyle. With its rich history, beautiful parks, and delicious cuisine, it is sure to leave visitors with unforgettable memories.

About the destination: Fez is the definition of magic, a cauldron of beautiful charms that’s been simmering since medieval times. The city has almost everything Morocco has to offer; the ringing hammers on sheets of brass, the squawks of chicken strolling all around, perpetual voices of endless talks, the deep voices of prayers passed on from a minaret to another, young women balancing trays of rolled dough on their heads, crowds of people in the narrowest of streets, the enticing aromas of brochettes on open grills, the sweet scent of cedar shavings and freshly cut mint leaves. The life size maze that is the medina, old city, is the largest and most difficult to navigate in Morocco; sometimes it's even easier to simply lose yourself in the hustle and bustle of the various markets. Entering the medina through Bab Boujeloud, bear left immediately onto shop-lines, bamboo-shaded rue Talaa Kebira. Nearby to the left is the grain market, while further along is the entrance to Bou Inania madersap the finest Qur’anic university in Morocco. Built under the Merinid Dinasty in the 14th century its beautifully carved white plaster walls and mihrab remain in remarkably good conditions. The Zaouia de Moulay Idriss contains the tomb of Molay Idriss II, who made Fez the capital of Morcco in 808. The cedarwood portal is decorated with faded geometric patterns. Close by is the 14th century Al-Attarine Madrasa. Behind the superb bronze door lie intricately carved plaster walls topped by a cedarwood mantle and a splendid fountain. Other worthwhile places in Fez are the viewpoints to the north of the city or most parts of Fes el Jedid, with the Royal Palace, the Jewish Quarter and the Museum Dar al Batha. Once the capital of the country, today Fez is Morocco’s third largest city but is considered the country’s religious, cultural and intellectual centre. Located between the Riff and the Middle Atlas Mountains, the city is made up of Fes El Bali, the old city, and Fes El Jedid, the New city. The King of Morocco’s wife, Princess Lalla Salma, was born in Fez which has made this medieval city even more popular.

About the destination: Ouzoud Falls is the collective name for several waterfalls that empty into the El-Abid River's gorge. This popular tourism destination is located near the Middle Atlas village of Tanaghmeilt, in the province of Azilal, 150 km northeast of Marrakech, Morocco. 'Ouzoud' means "the act of grinding grain" in Berber. This seems to be confirmed by the frequent mills in the region. The bottom of the falls is accessible through a shaded path of olive trees. At the summit of the falls, there are a dozen old small mills that are still in use. One can also follow a narrow and difficult track leading to the road of Beni Mellal. While descending the gorges from the "wadi el-Abid" in a canyon sometimes one does not distinguish the bottom which is nearly 600 metres down. It is the most visited site of the region. In the vicinity, green valleys, mills, orchards and a superb circuit of the gorges of the El-Abid River are found. Many local and national associations lead projects to protect and preserve the site.

About the destination: Gateway to the desert and the south, Marrakech is overwhelming like no other imperial city of Morocco. Its reddish-pink streets and alleys are full of sounds, sights, smells and life. The mid-summer heat is enough to prostrate most tourists. The best times to explore Marrakech are early morning, early evening, and winter, during winter temperatures are mild, but fall significantly at night, due to the cold air from the High Atlas. The Djemaa El-Fna, Assembly of the Dead, is anything but what its name suggests. A hot and crowded market by day, the Djemaa really gets rolling at sunset when the entertainers invade. This chaotic outdoor circus offers a microcosms of Morocco at its most exotic. The huge audience clusters in tight circles around the diverse cast of performers. Almost every tour of Marrakech begins at the 12th century Koutoubia Mosque, with its magnificent minaret presiding over the Djemaa. The minaret, crowned by a lantern of three golden spheres, is the oldest and purest surviving example of the architecture of the Almohads. The city’s two most breathtaking monuments date from the 16th century. Feast your eyes and cool off at the ornate Ben Youssef Madrassa, the largest Qur’anic school in North Africa. Even more lavish are the dazzling Saadian Tombs, modelled upon the interior of the Alhambra in Granada. The view from the terrace at the Badi Palace, now in ruins, is majestic. Close by we find the 19th century Bahia Palace. It is an ornate and beautiful palace with restful fountained gardens. To escape from the relentless midday sun, wander in the lush Menara Gardens and lounge in the charming lakeside pavilion. Marrakech is noisy, busy, dusty and chaotic. It is a visual and sensory banquet of colour, diverse cultures, architecture and design. Marrakech delivers an exotic and exciting taste of Africa and the best part is that it is only a few hours away from Europe by plane.