Marrakech
Despite being cosmopolitan, Marrakech has a very Moroccan feel which is highlighted by the evenings at Djemma El Fna Square where acrobats and story tellers gather, this is best viewed from one of the terraced coffee shops. The city is steeped in rich history and culture which is depicted in the many architectural delights. Marrakech is definately a true Northern African gem waiting to be explored.
Marrakech has a range of famous monuments and sites, the Koutoubia Mosque, El Bahia Palace, the Dar Si Said Folk Art Museum and the 14th-century Ben Youssef Medersa, an ancient university with gorgeous Arab architecture to name a few. When visiting Marrakech a trip to the fabulous souks has to be added to any itinerary, with stalls and shops filled with jewellery, pottery, kaftans, musical instruments, dried fruits, mounds of colourful olives and preserved lemons, workshops of handcrafted wood, leather and iron products, both decorative and practical. Visit a classic Berber pharmacy to learn about the curative practices, herbal medicines and even spices used since ancient times. Continue through the narrow streets, giving a sense of the pace of daily life.
Perfect extension ideas to escape the hustle and bustle of the city are the Atlas Mountains and the Desert which are both located within an hour’s drive.