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The Best of

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The Best of Morocco - - - Merzouga - Fes - - 10 Days / 9 Nights 0 Persons Date of Issue: 25 January 2021

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Introduction

Accommodation Destination Basis Duration

Imperial Casablanca Hotel & Spa Casablanca HB 1 Night

Wazo Apart-Hôtel Marrakesh HB 1 Night

Hôtel Club Hanane Ouarzazate HB 1 Night

La Belle Etoile Merzouga HB 1 Night

Hotel L'escale Fes HB 2 Nights

Kenzi Solazur Hotel Tangier HB 1 Night

Helnan Hotel & Spa Rabat HB 1 Night

Imperial Casablanca Hotel & Spa Casablanca HB 1 Night

Key HB: Half Board - Dinner, Bed and Breakfast B&B: Bed and Breakfast

Included • Welcome & assistance at Mohamed V airport • Accommodation at selected hotels or similar on half board basis • 8 Lunches at local restaurants as the program • Transportation with deluxe vehicle A/C with driver for the whole tour • 4x4 with driver to transfer to Merzouga and back to (05 pax per vehicle) • Camel ride to assist the sunrise in the magnificent Desert • All visits/photo stops as mentioned in the program • English speaking guide at disposal for the whole tour • A small bottle of water in the bus per person per day • Porterage of luggage at the airport and hotels • All taxes and services • Our full assistance

Excluded • Drinks at hotels and restaurants • Tips for guide and driver • Personal expenses & flights • Other services not mentioned above

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Day 1: Imperial Casablanca Hotel & Spa, Casablanca

Casablanca Fondly known by locals simply as ‘Casa', the capital of Morocco is the industrial, economic and cultural heart of this remarkable country, as well as its most cosmopolitan, liberal and progressive city. While most visitors overlook Casablanca in favour of Morocco’s more popular and exotic tourist areas, this sprawling metropolis has plenty to offer the discerning traveller and has many hidden historical and cultural gems just waiting to be discovered. The city is famous for its spectacular Art Deco and Moorish Revival architecture, constructed during the Colonial Period. Explore the Old Medina, a tiny, ancient, walled village; visit the impressive King Hassan II ; discover the ornate rooms, masterfully tiled floors and intricately carved wooden ceilings of the Hispanic-Moorish Mahkama du Pacha; or simply watch the world go by at one of the many ocean-view cafes along the waterfront boulevard.

Day Itinerary Marhaba !!

Arrival at Mohamed V airport of Casablanca, welcome and greetings by your English-speaking guide and transfer to Casablanca center, review the itinerary of the trip on the way.

Arrival at the hotel, welcome tea while doing the check-in. Dinner & overnight and get ready for a fantastic journey in this Amazing country!

Overnight: Imperial Casablanca Hotel & Spa Imperial Casablanca Hotel & Spa is situated on Boulevard Mohamed V and Angle Rue Azilal in Casablanca, Morocco. The accommodation offers a phone, toiletry set, LCD TV, Wi-Fi internet connection, air-conditioning, cradle, satellite TV, safe, mini-bar, office and hair dryer. Guests can enjoy features such as 24-hour reception, a library, self service computer, room service 24-hours a day, free parking, hairdresser, beauty treatments, laundry and dry cleaning services, two restaurants, baggage deposit, breakfast buffet, vehicle rental, 24-hour tea/coffee services and a foreign exchange office.

Basis Half Board - Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Included • Group arrival transfer from Mohammed V airport

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• Welcome & greetings by your English speaking guide • Welcome tea at the hotel

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Day 2: Wazo Apart-Hôtel, Marrakesh

Marrakesh Situated to the north of the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains and fringing the famed Sahara, the bustling UNESCO-listed city of Marrakesh is an enchanting travel destination in Morocco. It’s easy to lose all sense of time in Marrakech, with its maze of narrow alleyways scattered with donkey carts, snake charmers, castanetists, acrobats, story-tellers, dancers, water-sellers and potion vendors to entertain. If you don’t find all of these as you journey through the winding streets of the ‘Red City’, you will be sure to find them and much, much more at its famous markets. Marrakesh is home to the largest traditional Berber market in Morocco and one of the busiest squares in the world, known as Djemaa el Fna. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this square in the evening as it transforms into an enormous, open-air restaurant.

Day Itinerary Breakfast at the hotel, visit of the economic capital of the country: The central market, the Habous area, the Royal Palace (outside), the Mohamed V square, the residential area of , the corniche of Ain Diab the famous mosque Hassan II(outside).

Lunch at local restaurant and departure to Marrakech city known as The Red City. Arrival, check-in at the hotel, dinner, and overnight.

Overnight: Wazo Apart-Hôtel Wazo Apart-Hôtel is a collection of fully furnished apartments situated just outside the main city of Marrakesh. The interior is decorated with mosaic patterns and has a Morrocan colour scheme. Each apartment is fully equipped with a private bathroom and a well-stocked kitchen. Some rooms have pool views whilst others have garden views. The apartment hotel also features a stunning garden and a large pool. Guests may also get a massage at the spa for a fee.

Basis Half Board - Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Included Guided visit of Casablanca

Lunch at a local restaurant in Casablanca

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Day 3: Hôtel Club Hanane, Ouarzazate

Ouarzazate At the intersection of the Dades and Draa Valley lies the relaxed Moroccan town of Ouarzazate. Surrounded by some unbelievably picturesque terrain, the town is characterised by the red-glowing kasbah at Ait Ben Haddou, the snowcapped High Atlas Mountains, and the spectacular Sahara Desert with its rolling dunes, vast canyons and deep gorges. These exotic backdrops have served as the location for a slew of Hollywood movies which have turned this once sleepy town into Morocco’s version of Hollywood. The town is a popular stopover point for tourists on their way to the Sahara. Its palm-fringed boulevards are lined with grand palaces, bustling souks, old adobe buildings and film studios. Its an ideal location for hanging out at one of the many charming cafés, sampling some delicious local Moroccan cuisine and perhaps even spotting one of the many celebrities who frequent this fascinating North African city.

Day Itinerary Breakfast at the hotel visit of the second oldest imperial city after Fes. Known as the pearl of the south, founded by the Almoravids at the end of the XI century.

The historic visit includes the Koutoubia Mosque, the Menara gardens, and Care Eden.

Lunch in a typical restaurant. After lunch, departure to Ouarzazate, crossing the High Atlas Mountains and the pass of Tizi-n-Tichka (2260m). At panoramic viewpoints, there will opportunities to stop and take photos. Arrival the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, stop for a visit.

Late in the afternoon, arrival in Ouarzazate, check-in at the hotel, dinner, and overnight.

Overnight: Hôtel Club Hanane Hôtel Club Hanane offers accommodation located in the heart of Ouarzazate in Morocco. The hotel features comfortable and charming rooms which come equipped with air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, TVs with satellite channels, safety deposit boxes, telephones, wardrobes, hairdryers, and other conveniences. Traditional Moroccan and Asian cuisine can be enjoyed at the on-site restaurant. Other leisure facilities include a bar, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a game room, a fitness room, a sun terrace and a lovely garden.

Basis Half Board - Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Included Guided visit of Marrakech

Lunch at a local restaurant

Visit Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou

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Day 4: La Belle Etoile, Merzouga

Merzouga Situated on the edge of the Sahara Desert, close to the Algerian border, the small Moroccan village of Merzouga serves as the gateway to the Erg Chebbi, an expanse of impressive dune fields. Merzouga is a Moroccan desert dream destination for visitors who come here to explore the sensational surrounding landscape. This remote village provides an excellent base for visitors to explore the Erg Chebbi, which stretches twenty-eight kilometres from north to south and seven kilometres across. The area offers a fantastic selection of activities including: taking a camel safari through the desert; watching a magical sunrise of sunset over the rolling dunes; immersing yourself in traditional Moroccan culture in the heart of the village on a village tour; or visiting the seasonal salt lake of Dayet Srji, home to an array of desert and migratory birds. Don’t miss the golden 150-metre-tall Grande Dune de Merzouga, known to be the tallest dune of the Erg Chebbi.

Day Itinerary Breakfast at the hotel and visit the Cinema then transfer to to take lunch. Tinghir is a city in the region of Drâa-Tafilalet, south of the High Atlas, and north of the Little Atlas in southeastern Morocco. It is the capital of Tinghir Province. Its name originally referred to the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, but its area has expanded to encompass surrounding villages and refers to the entire oasis.

Travel to Merzouga desert. Arrival in the desert, transfer by car 4*4 to your hotel, and enjoy the Magical Sunset. Back to the camp and enjoy your dinner all-around the traditional music, fire camp, and the infinite stars in the desert sky !!

Overnight: La Belle Etoile La Belle Etoile offers a spectacular space, strategically located in the middle of the big dunes of the Erg Chebi Desert. It is especially attractive because of the organization of bivouacs of tents made of camel skin. Marvel at the spectacular sun at dawn and then at the warm colours of the sunset before experiencing a night in the desert, with its silence and magnificent starry sky. Thanks to La Belle Etoile, this great experience is possible.

Basis Half Board - Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Included 4X4 drive from Erfoud to Merzouga

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Lunch at a local restaurant

Dinner in the campfire

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Day 5: Hotel L'escale, Fes

Fes Morocco’s second-largest city and the country’s former capital, Fes (Fez) is an exotic mix of architecture, ancient alleyways, calls to prayer and colourful markets; all mixed in with a good dose of modern culture. Home to the venerated Karaouine Mosque, which dates back to 859 AD and incorporates an Islamic university, and to the country’s most hallowed shrine, the Zaouia Moulay Idriss II; Fes is regarded as the spiritual seat of Morocco. Music lovers should try to synchronise their trips with the annual Festival of Sacred Music, one of the highlights of the city’s cultural calendar showcasing diverse performances of spiritual and religious music; while those with a penchant for shopping can browse the mesmerizing colourful markets selling an exquisite array of silver, leather and other handicrafts up for grabs.

Day Itinerary Early wake up, dromedaries at disposal to assist the magnificent sunrise, and back to the camp to have breakfast, then drive to Erfoud, drop of the 4X4 vehicles and continuation to Fez, you will stop for lunch in Half way at the town of , famous for its fossils and rocks, Then head to the Azrou cedar forest in the Middle Atlas Mountains where you can see monkeys in their natural habitat, a stop in Ifrane, a Berber village known as "Morocco's Switzerland" because of the style of the buildings, continuation to Fez, arrival and check-in at the hotel, diner and overnight.

Overnight: Hotel L'escale Hotel L'escale is located in the heart of the imperial city of Fes. It offers easy access to attractions such as Batha Square, Royal Palace Fez, the Borj Fez Mall and much more. Accommodation consists of guest rooms and suites, each equipped with a private bathroom, air conditioning, a safe and a balcony. Guests can enjoy dining at the on-site restaurant. Other amenities include internet access, a snack cafe and free on-site parking.

Basis Half Board - Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Included Camel ride to assist the sunrise

4X4 drive to Erfoud

Lunch on the way at a local restaurant

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Stop at Ifrane and orientation tour

Day 6: Hotel L'escale, Fes

Day Itinerary Breakfast at the hotel, visit the spiritual city of the country: Fes.

Visit the medieval medina, the Karaouyine mosque, and the Nejjarine fountain. Lunch in a typical restaurant in the medina. In the afternoon continuation of the trip to the city of , the famous Ismailian capital known for its long walls of 40 kilometers, visit of Bab Mansour and the medina, then visit the holy city of Moulay Idriss, and the ruins of the Roman city of .

End afternoon, Return to Fes, diner, and overnight at the hotel.

Basis Half Board - Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Included Excursion to Meknes and Volubilis

Lunch at local restaurant

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Day 7: Kenzi Solazur Hotel, Tangier

Tangier Also known as or the ‘Gateway to ’, Morocco’s seaside city of Tangier is vibrant and atmospheric, with gorgeous beaches, sinuous souks, rich culture and a lively nightlife. Major attractions include the Medina (old city) and its picturesque squares, the and Petit Socco; the Kasbah (the former sultan’s palace and museum) with its magnificent collection of artefacts; and of course the beaches and bays, which are popular for sun- worshipping, swimming, yachting, jet-skiing and kite-surfing. Tangier’s cultural buzz is growing ever stronger, boasting pretty, bustling corniches; many new businesses; and a bright new marina and TGV line to Casablanca. Hoteliers, restaurateurs and boutique owners have brought a fresh feeling to the area, while historic libraries and interesting bars keep the city’s bohemian old-world charm intact.

Day Itinerary Breakfast at the hotel, departure to Chefchaouen a city that has preserved Andalusian arts. The Main Square is the heart of Chefchaouen, central mosque, and cafes with authentic. Lunch in a typical restaurant in the medina and drive to Tangier passing by Tetouan. Tetuán’s Hispanic - Moorish city, it is a mixture of cultures, the medina forms a part of the World heritage of the humanity of the UNESCO. It is a nice and authentic place, with markets in the streets. Arrival Tangier, dinner, and overnight at the hotel.

Overnight: Kenzi Solazur Hotel Ideally located in the heart of Tangier, overlooking the and the Rock of , Kenzi Solazur Hotel is a stroll away from the sandy shores and the train station, making it ideal for those wanting to explore the attractions of the white city.

The luxurious hotel boasts 348 guestrooms, each of which features modern interiors and amenities including a private bathroom, Wi-Fi, air-conditioning and a mini-bar. Guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining, as the hotel features seven restaurants and bars which range from a pool sports bar to the grand buffet. Facilities include a nightclub, souvenir shop and a conference centre.

Basis Half Board - Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Included Lunch at a local restaurant

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Day 8: Helnan Chellah Hotel & Spa, Rabat

Rabat Rabat and its twin city, Sale, overlook the Atlantic Ocean from their location at the mouth of the Bouregreg River. This enchanting city serves as Morocco’s capital and features fascinating Islamic and French-colonial architecture and landmarks. It is also a popular tourist destination, with a rich historical and cultural heritage, a long coastline with beautiful rocky and sandy beaches, an ecologically diverse countryside, wonderful hiking trails and a vibrant city centre with lush, green parks. Visitors can explore the city, relax on the unspoilt beaches and visit the 12th-century seaside kasbah of Udayas.

Day Itinerary Breakfast at the hotel and start the city tour of Tangier including the boulevard Pasteur, the Plaza of France and the diplomatic neighborhoods. Then will visit the Cap Spartel with spectacular views on the Strait of Gibraltar, and where they will have the opportunity to visit Hercules caves and his famous Door of Africa, formed by the erosion of the sea.

Departure to Asilah: Only 45 km south of Tangier, ASILAH white city surrounded by magnificent coasts, was Roman, Spanish and Portuguese. Bastions, towers and ramparts. Lunch in a local restaurant famous for its delicious fish dishes. Continuation to Rabat. Arrival and check-in at the hotel, diner and overnight.

Overnight: Helnan Chellah Hotel & Spa Located downtown Rabat, just three minutes walk from the swank Mohamed V Avenue, and opposite the Archaeological Museum, and surrounded by most of the embassies and ministerial buildings, the hotel is located just a stone’s throw away from the city’s shopping centers and ancient attractions.

With 120 rooms including three large suites, all tastefully decorated and luxuriously appointed, the accommodations at the Helnan Chellah Hotel are unique in this city. Providing a tasteful blend of comfort and style, all the accommodations allow for a relaxing atmosphere. Divided into two room types: standard and suites, all units contain a host of modern amenities and facilities to ensure an experience of total comfort and convenience.

The Chellah restaurant, the hotel’s main dining venue, offers a vast array of mouthwatering international dishes to tease and delight every diner’s taste buds, with a buffet and an extensive a la carte menu for diners to choose from.

Basis Half Board - Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

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Included Guided visit of Tangier city

Lunch at a local restaurant

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Day 9: Imperial Casablanca Hotel & Spa, Casablanca

Casablanca As previously described

Day Itinerary Breakfast at the hotel, visit of Rabat the political and administrative capital of the kingdom.

City tour including the Royal Palace (Mechouar), Mohamed V Mausoleum (pavilion of white marble, crowned with green tiles), (XII century). Lunch in local restaurant and continuation to Casablanca, rest of day free at leisure to buy souvenirs or do some shopping.

Dinner at the hotel and overnight.

Overnight: Imperial Casablanca Hotel & Spa Imperial Casablanca Hotel & Spa is situated on Boulevard Mohamed V and Angle Rue Azilal in Casablanca, Morocco. The accommodation offers a phone, toiletry set, LCD TV, Wi-Fi internet connection, air-conditioning, cradle, satellite TV, safe, mini-bar, office and hair dryer. Guests can enjoy features such as 24-hour reception, a library, self service computer, room service 24-hours a day, free parking, hairdresser, beauty treatments, laundry and dry cleaning services, two restaurants, baggage deposit, breakfast buffet, vehicle rental, 24-hour tea/coffee services and a foreign exchange office.

Basis Half Board - Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

Included Guided visit of Rabat city

Lunch at local restaurant

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Day 10: End of Itinerary

Day Itinerary Breakfast at hotel, transfer with assistance to Casablanca airport to take departure flight.

Basis Bed and Breakfast

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Transport

Transfers Date Company Pick Up Drop Off Time Vehicle

Mohammed V International Imperial Casablanca Hotel & Transfer Airport [CMN] Spa

Imperial Casablanca Hotel & Wazo Apart-Hôtel Transfer Spa

Wazo Apart-Hôtel Hôtel Club Hanane Transfer

Hôtel Club Hanane La Belle Etoile Transfer

La Belle Etoile Hotel L'escale Transfer

Hotel L'escale Kenzi Solazur Hotel Transfer

Kenzi Solazur Hotel Helnan Chellah Hotel & Spa Transfer

Helnan Chellah Hotel & Spa Imperial Casablanca Hotel & Transfer Spa

Imperial Casablanca Hotel & Mohammed V International Transfer Spa Airport [CMN]

Urgent Contact Numbers Company Name Telephone Email Address Contact Person amazing morocco 0633669554 [email protected] Rajaa Maarouf

Service Provider Directory Service Provider Ref. Telephone Address Number

Hôtel Club Hanane 227 Avenue Erraha BP 277 Ouarzazate Maroc Morocco

Hotel L'escale +212 5356- 7 Avenue des FAR La Ville Nouvelle 25823 Fès-Ville-Nouvelle, Fès, Morocco

Imperial Casablanca +212 5223- 291 Boulevard Mohamed V and Angle Rue Azilal (Ex Hotel & Spa 42729 Round Point Shell) Casablanca Morocco

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Kenzi Solazur Hotel Boulevard Mohamed VI 90000 Tanger

La Belle Etoile Route Arfoud à km 5 B.P. 205 Arfoud Maroc

Wazo Apart-Hôtel +212 5242- Avenue Abdelkrim Khattabi, Route de Casablanca, 98401 Marrakech Marrakesh 40000 Morocco

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Travel Information

An exotic fusion of Southern Mediterranean, Arabic and African influences, Morocco is an enticing combination of ancient cities and Roman ruins, sweeping deserts and centuries-old medinas, and , winding alleyways and vibrant markets, gorgeous beaches and rugged mountains. The Imperial Cities of Fes, Marrakech, Meknes and Rabat have all had a stint as the national capital and are liberally studded with attractions, including a plethora of ancient architecture, museums and souks (markets). The coastal city of Casablanca boasts one of the largest mosques in the world, while Tangier, on the Mediterranean coast, features some beautiful bays and sandy coves. Visitors can look forward to sampling exotic Berber cuisine, sipping on a fresh cup of coffee or a mint tea at a streetside cafe, hike Toubkal - ’s highest peak or enjoy camel trekking in the desert.

Banking and Currency Currency

Moroccan Dirham (MAD; symbol Dh) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of Dh200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of Dh10, 5 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 centimes.

Banking

Mon-Thurs 0830-1230 and 1500-1830, Fri 0830-1200 and 1500-1830.

Most major credit cards are accepted in larger restaurants, hotels, guest houses and the occasional shop in the souks, with Visa and MasterCard being accepted most widely.

Cash can be withdrawn from ATMs in larger towns, although service in smaller towns can be erratic. Most major hotels now have more reliable ATMs.

Traveller's cheques are accepted in some areas but are not advised, as the exchange can be problematic and it can be difficult to find a bank able to cash them, although some of the main tourist hotels offer this facility.

Travel, Transport and Getting Around The high-speed toll roads connecting Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Meknes, Fes, Marrakech and are of excellent quality. Coastal communities and most large towns are also well served by good roads. In the interior, south of the High Atlas Mountains, road travel becomes much more difficult, especially across the Atlas Mountains in winter.

International and local car hire companies have offices in major towns, cities and airports. Car hire is generally expensive, and prices vary with the season. The minimum age for driving a hired car is 18, although many hire companies will require drivers to be 21 or over.

Metered petit taxis are available in major towns. Taxi drivers are not usually tipped, although it is common to round fares up at least to the next dirham on short trips. Larger, grand taxis are usually Mercedes cars, used for travel

P a g e | 23 outside medinas and to areas outside towns. These can be shared, but fares should be agreed before departure as they don't have meters.

Bike hire is available in most major towns - although attempting to cycle through city traffic is inadvisable. For those travelling longer distances, bikes can be transported on trains and buses.

Making use of the extensive bus network is the cheapest and most popular way to get around Morocco. Buses serve most communities, and private operators compete for custom on the more popular routes. The major bus companies are Compagnie de Transports Marocains (www.ctm.ma), Trans Ghazala (0536 685 387), and ONCF (www.oncf.ma). There are extensive bus services in Casablanca and other main towns. Pre-purchase tickets are sold.

Traffic drives on the right in Morocco and the wearing of seatbelts is compulsory. The speed limit is 40kph (25mph) in cities and built up areas, rising to 80km (50mph) on more major roads, up to 120km (75mph) on motorways. No alcohol at all is allowed in the bloodstream when driving.

Foreign driving licences are accepted, as well as International Driving Permits. Third Party insurance is required. Insurance documentation and a licence must be carried with you at all times. Insurance can be arranged locally.

The Moroccan rail system, run by Office National des Chemins de Fer (ONCF) (www.oncf.ma) provides regular services. The network runs from in the northeast to Casablanca on the west coast, Tangier on the north coast and Fes and Marrakech in the interior. However, only a small part of the country is served, and even large centres such as and are not covered.

Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice Water sources outside main cities and towns may be contaminated and sterilisation is advisable. Bottled water is the best bet and is available everywhere. Milk is unpasteurised, so boil before drinking. Meat and fish should be freshly cooked and served hot. Vegetables are typically served cooked. If eating fruit, try to stick to fruit that can be peeled before eating. Most produce is grown organically, without chemical pesticides or fertilisers but it’s highly likely to have been washed in unsterilized water.

Fusion isn't a new trend in Morocco, where the cuisine is a blend of Mediterranean, Arabic, Jewish, Persian, West African and Berber influences. Meals range from the diffa, an elaborate multicourse feast featuring couscous and grilled meats, to quick brochettes (kebab) from a roadside stall. Produce is seasonal, grown locally and typically without chemical pesticides or fertilisers.

Tagines, the fragrant stews of meat, vegetables or fish, named after the distinctive conical earthenware vessel they’re cooked in are the Moroccans main staple. Flavours revolve around a subtle array of spices, and traditionally every spice shop would have its own secret ras el hanout spice blend recipe.

Restaurants range from buffet diners to high-end establishment serving gourmet fare. Many now offer à la carte menus and a three-course fixed-price menu is still common at dinner. Restaurants in cities and large resorts are cosmopolitan, offering a good selection of cuisines, including typical Moroccan fare, plus French, Italian, Spanish and fusion dishes.

The best way to experience the true flavour of Moroccan cuisine, however, is to sample the street food. Djemaa el Fna square in the centre of Marrakech sees an explosion of pop-up food stalls after dark, and most other cities have their own foodie quarters. Scrumptious local specialities such as almonds, olives and a rainbow array of spices can be found in souks across the country.

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Laws on alcohol are fairly liberal (for non-Muslim visitors) and bars in most tourist areas stay open late. Wines, beers and spirits are available to tourists. Muslims are forbidden to drink alcohol. By law, no-one is allowed to drink alcohol in view of a mosque or during Ramadan, although tourist establishments sometimes flout this rule. Locally produced wines, beers and mineral waters are reasonably priced, but imported drinks tend to be expensive.

Tipping waiting staff is expected (if service is satisfactory), usually up to 5 dirams on small bills, and around 10% for larger bills.

Climate and Weather Morocco’s climate is very diverse, varying with the season and region. In general the country has a tropical climate, with temperatures reaching as high as 35°C (95°F) and as low as 5°C (41°F) in the Sahara. The coast has a warm, Mediterranean climate tempered on the eastern coast by southwest trade winds whilst inland areas have a hotter, drier, continental climate. In the south of the country, the weather is very hot and dry throughout most of the year, though temperatures can drop dramatically at night, especially in the months of December and January.

Rain falls from November to March in coastal areas, and the country is mostly dry with high temperatures in summer and a cooler climate in the mountains. Marrakech and Agadir enjoy an average temperature of 21°C (70ºF) during the winter.

Owing to the relatively high winter temperatures, and summers that are dry rather than unbearably humid, Morocco is an all-year round destination. If you really want to avoid the heat, the best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons of April to May, and September to November.

Clothing and Dress Recommendations Lightweight cottons and linens are best worn during summer, with warm medium weight wear for the evenings, during the winter, and in the mountains. Waterproofing is advisable in the wet season, particularly on the coast and in the mountains. Both men and women should be careful to wear clothing that is cognisant of cultural sensitivities – long sleeves and low hems will be looked on favourably. Sunscreen, a sunhat and sunglasses are essential especially in summer.

Electricity and Plug Standards Electrical sockets (outlets) in Morocco are one of the two European standard electrical socket types: The "Type C" Europlug and the "Type E" and "Type F" Schuko. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in. Travel plug adapters simply change the shape of your appliance's plug to match whatever type of socket you need to plug into. If it's crucial to be able to plug in no matter what, bring an adapter for all three types.

Electrical sockets (outlets) in the Kingdom of Morocco usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need.

But travel plug adapters do not change the voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the same 220-240 volts the socket is supplying. North American sockets supply electricity at between 110 and 120 volts,

P a g e | 25 far lower than in most of the rest of the world. Consequently, North American appliances are generally built for 110- 120 volts.