OTHER HOT SUMMER MOROCCO IDEAS
VINEYARD TRIP
Morocco is an Islamic country, but away from the major northern cities it is fairly relaxed about most things, wine included. In the hills of Meknes in northern Morocco there are acres upon acres of vineyards, and 35m bottles of wine are produced a year. Wine-lovers can now take a four-day tour, which includes a visit to Roslane Chateau to see production and of course to sample the local produce. Also included are tours of Meknes, once one of the greatest cities in the world, the Roman ruins of Volubilis and Fez.
From £800 pp including return flights from London, four nights’ B&B at Dar Anebar (a sumptuous riad in Fez with a rooftop terrace and large suites), and private transfers. Excursions mentioned above at extra cost, but likely to be additional £200 per person. Accommodation can also be in Meknes if desired. Call 0845 026 4588, see: www.realmorocco.com.
CULINARY MOROCCO
The chef Alain Bennouna single-handedly invented nouvelle Moroccan food when he opened his restaurant Zitoune in Manhattan in 2001, and now you can enjoy a tour of the country with the Marrakesh-born chef. This seven-day tour starts in Marrakesh’s famous Djemaa el Fna, and you will be shown how to make tagine stews, birwats (filled pastry triangles), b’stilla (pigeon and almond pie), and have a bash at haggling with the best in the world as you buy your ingredients.
The trip then moves on the the Berber village of Ouirgane, and a day in the coastal town of Essaouira, famous for its fish. The seven-day experience, departing 25 September, costs £1,205 pp (two sharing), including flights (with Atlas Blue, Gatwick), six nights’ B&B in riad, transport, cookery classes and services of Alain, culinary shopping, entry fees, both excursions with lunch, and a local guide in Marrakesh. Call 0845 026 4588,
see: www.realmorocco.com.
SOUKS PHOTOGRAPHY
One thing that’s a must if you are travelling to Morocco is the souks. One way of making sure that the experience is unforgettable is to take your own snaps of these vibrant, colourful markets. Bespoke holiday company Black Tomato offer a trip which includes a day’s photography tuition around the souks of Marrakesh and three nights in the city’s Maison MK luxury hotel. This is followed by four nights at the Kasbah Bab Ourika, a beautiful (and very tranquil) spot 35 miles outside Marrakesh with unbeatable views of the Atlas mountains.
From £1,399 per person based on two sharing. This includes international flights, transfers, B&B accommodation, a one-day photography course in Marrakesh and a guided walk around the Ourika Valley. Call Black Tomato on 020 7426 9894, see: www.blacktomato.co.uk.
GREEN CITY BREAK
For those who enjoy going green when they travel, Les Borjs de la Kasbah is an option in Marrakesh. Located in the Kasbah area of the old medina, it’s somewhere between a riad and a traditional hotel. It is one of the only Moroccan hotels with an environmental policy – it supports animal charities, uses food and spa products grown at an organic farm outside Marrakesh, uses solar power, recycles water and employs only local staff.
Run by Mike Bruce-Mitford, former MD of VFB Holidays, it prides itself on its food, spa and large pool.
Prices start at £90 per night for a double, with private suites also available. Call: 00 212 524 38 11 01, see: www.lesborjsdelakasbah.com.
SOFITEL FEZ
One of the gems of Morocco is Fez, which in the middle ages was one of the great cities of the world, and indeed entering the market is like stepping back in time, with donkeys wandering through and ancient men drinking tea.
Those looking for a luxurious stay should consider the Palais Jamai. Located in the very heart of the imperial city and overlooking the medina, it was the 19th century residence of the Grand Vizier Jamai. Converted into a hotel in the 1930s, it recently had a refurbishment. It is perfectly placed to explore the city, with views across the old town and out to the mountains.
It has an Andalucian-style garden, three restaurants serving French food and another, the Al Fassia, which serves local cuisine.
Price start from £146 (including tax) per night based on two people sharing a Superior Room on a room-only basis for travel in 2009. See: www.sofitel.com.