Off we go to Morocco first stop Agadir, a seaside city which we thought would be a pleasant break before heading into the bigger cities. After researching a nice coastal stay we decided on Agadir. Booked a hotel near the water which was very comfortable with a great view. We were greeted with Moroccan tea and biscuits at the front desk, delicious! After a few days and some long walks along the water we decided this probably wasn't the pick of the seaside resort towns. A city a little further north Essaouira was probably a better choice. We spoke to a few people who had been there and it sounded more inviting. Plus a little hindsight research confirmed that. It gave us time to work on our Moroccan itinerary and book our next leg.
Marrakesh was our next stop, we caught a bus and enjoyed the countryside with Argan trees as far as you could see for the entire trip. A taxi ride and we were greeted by our host at the Airbnb just outside the walls of the Medina it was a sprawling gated apartment complex. It didn't have a big supermarket for shopping only the small markets with basic needs. A couple of small restaurants that served good fare and we always had one of the many cats as a dinner buddy. We were able to catch the local bus at the front gate to the entrance of the Medina, which we visited a couple of times. It was a confronting experience, constantly bombarded by the sellers, if you can deal with that it is a great experience. Getting lost is also part of the experience and we did that too. Within the Medina was a small museum containing antiquities and contemporary art a great space to stroll around. We also enjoyed a lunch from a roof top restaurant with views over the center of the Medina.
During our stay we found two interesting day trips, the first was to the Imlil Valley in the Atlas mountains. First stop a camel ride. We walked through three mountain villages a stop at a Argan oil co-op to watch the traditional process of oil extraction and the obligatory purchase of oil. A fabulous lunch on a rooftop terrace with beautiful views of the snow capped mountains, a great day. The second trip was up and over the Atlas mountains to Ait Benhaddou an ancient city with a few families still living there and maintaining the city, it has been used in many movies over the years. And the town of Ouarzate. Not forgetting the Berber rug makers, so tempting and the Berber music on the radio as we drove along, really grew on us.
Our final day was spent walking around downtown Marrakesh, all the streets beautifully lined with orange trees tempting you to pick the fruit as you walked along. Lastly visiting Jardin Majorelle a beautiful botanic garden oasis and home to the late Jacques Majorelle. Very special.
Our final day was spent walking around downtown Marrakesh, all the streets beautifully lined with orange trees tempting you to pick the fruit as you walked along. Lastly visiting Jardin Majorelle a beautiful botanic garden oasis and home to the late Jacques Majorelle. Very special.
Back in five minutes
After Marakesh where do you go? Fez of course. We caught the train for about a six hour long journey. Had good train buddies who were from Jersey and we exchanged travel experiences, which made the trip go by quicker. Arrived at our accommodation inside the Medina, our host met us and walked us to the Riad, so afraid of getting lost, had to take it slowly and remember landmarks. It was a lovely Riad with everything we needed and a great roof top terrace. The Fez Medina is similar to Marrakesh only quite steep and no central square.
Out of Fez you can visit the Roman archaeological site at Volubilis and we decided we needn't book a trip and could do it on our own so off we went via taxi, train and bus not in that order, with a travel book from our Riad. Our first Roman ruin didn't disappoint, just amazing.
The next must do and highly encouraged by one of our daughters was Chefchaouen. Leaving Fez by bus we drove through the very scenic Rif mountains and arrived into the blue painted town in overcast weather threatening rain. After a taxi ride up into the town we were met by our host, we climbed up stairs and down alley's to our blue front door.
Most of our stay was cold and rainy and we spent more time than we wanted in doors however that time is never wasted as we are always researching and planning ahead. The day before we left we had an afternoon of clear weather and went for a walk up into the hills. Farewell Chefchaouen another bus ride to Tangier and a fast train to Casablanca, as in 320km per hour. A day of sightseeing in Casablanca took us to the Hassan II Mosque where we took the tour through this enormous opulent building. Lastly lunch at Ricks Cafe a perfect finish.
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