Morocco - Destination seduction for Studying Abroad

Morocco - Destination seduction for Studying Abroad


Located on the occasion rich crossroads of Africa, Arabia and Europe, Morocco is a place where you could visit again and again - not only in order to study abroad, but also for leisure, recreation and cultural activities discovery. It stimulates the senses and inspires a deep sense of awe. There really is something to enjoy and marvel at every turn: from the beautiful landscape, its strong cultural heritage and invigorating climate. There are so many things for students wishing to explore this fascinating melting pot called Morocco.

Inside Marrakech

If you are in Morocco ostensibly as part of a route to study abroad, it is very likely one of the things that led you to visit the country is the opportunity to discover and enjoy the charms of Marrakech. The city is full of attractions, foremost of which is the Djemaa el Fna - perhaps one of the most famous squares in the world. The minaret of the Koutoubia mosque is the most obvious landmark of the city, sharing the bill with other attractions such as the Museum of Marrakech Saadian Tombs and Dar Si Said Museum.

The Sahara

After the vast frozen wasteland of Antarctica, the Sahara desert is the second largest in terms of area (good luck imagine the scale of something like 9,000,000 square kilometers), and it fits easily in terms of his own majesty. Due to the size of the Sahara, it shares borders with many countries - including Morocco.

If you are in the countries studied abroad, there is much to discover in the desert - including exploration 4WD, camel trekking group, or stay in one of the desert camps at the border Moroccan. An important caveat: you have to respect the power of the desert. It can be fatal for the unprepared and the emphasis on the importance of consultation with an expert guide before venturing into the wide open space of the desert can not be overstated. Exploration held in 4WD vehicles, equipped with navigation tools on board, will ensure your safety.

Essaouira

Located less than 200 km of two (Marrakech) and Agadir, Essaouira is the perfect location for students studying abroad to study. Why visit Essaouira? Her beauty is legendary and its medina with its whitewashed walls of red sandstone is not listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for nothing.

The city retains a strong Andalusian and Portuguese heritage, which is the most delightfully apparent when you visit restaurants around the busy fishing port. The tasty local cuisine is based mainly on fresh catch seafood of the day.

Of great interest to students are the local festivals, featuring Andalusian culture and Gnawa music. It is also a pleasure to explore the passages and alleys throughout the medina. As for recreational activities, the options vary - kite and windsurfing, quad, or you can just sit and watch the sunset behind the purple scenic islands.

Angela Bowden works for IS (Equity school bus), the largest business study tours in the UK, offering opportunities to study abroad. IS includes a wide range of opportunities worldwide destinations learning ....

Drill Myriad Mysteries of Morocco

Drill Myriad Mysteries of Morocco

Tourists flock to Morocco for drinking in a culture built on spices. A key route for traders of antiquity, it is not only the goods so popular in local cuisine . The country is in itself a treasure trove of spices - rich , opulent and a haven of delicious culture. It has become synonymous with vital imagery and exotic bazaars, cuisine of the Middle East and the red dust from the Sahara .

There is no better way to dig your heels and really capture the essence of this vibrant culture to use your feet on a walking holiday .

Explore the streets

The streets of Marrakech frenetic buzz with color, and walking in Morocco is the best way to discover the secrets of its capital. Then a visit to an air-conditioned bus can prevent you from the summer heat and make you feel very safe and protected , eventually you will not be able to have the same sense of diving headlong and experience the culture first hand . Divided into the historic city , Medina and the European Gueliz, you have the chance to discover a heady mix of bazaars and shopping malls, smoky dens and open cafes, lively street vendors and upscale boutiques .

Enjoy the population

Many tourists who linger too long in the quiet of their modern hotels or look a bit too briskly on the sights of the window of a tour bus miss the engagement with the real culture. However, when on a walking holiday in Morocco, you can take your time with the real people of the country and engage with their culture. You can haggle with a vendor at a market , ask a farmer how he saw the desert , and listen to the stories of local matriarch in a bakery on the way to the Koutoubia mosque.

Trek trails

Most streets were originally made for walking , and it is no less the case in cities like Marrakech and Casablanca. The advantage of working in Morocco (as opposed to spending most of your time on a bus , taxi or jeep be tossed from one tourist site to another) is that you can create your own path . Explore the streets , find old tracks, wandering aimlessly and find some excitement - this is the pleasure of unraveling cities like Casablanca or old Moorish towns on the edge of the Sahara on foot.

Experience the kitchen

The food is the flagship of any culture, and walking in Morocco enables you to get up close and personal to the cuisine . This is a nation that loves the taste , and you really need to get their hands and explore, invent and enjoy the particularities of small specialty shops and hidden dishes. Berber, Arab and Moor influences , spices from the garden and heritage of royal kitchens of Fez and Rabat, have combined to produce delicious couscous, lamb tagine , harira, kaab el ghzal , and green tea - for n ' to name a few signature dishes .

Morocco , the jewel of the Mediterranean

Morocco , the jewel of the Mediterranean

Marrakech is the largest of the four royal cities in Morocco , and it was a favorite playground for the rich and famous for almost a century. Well-known celebrities maintain sumptuous villas here , nestled in the foothills of the great chain of the Atlas Mountains . Sea , snow, desert - all are within easy reach . Madonna , Gerard Depardieu , Kate Moss and Sir Richard Branson all own homes near Marrakech . Sarah Jessica Parker, José Carreras , Selma Hayek , Elton John , Juliette Binoche, Adrien Brody , Jennifer Aniston, Orlando Bloom, and Paloma Picasso are all frequent visitors to Marrakech and speak warmly of his charm.

Much of this glittering crowd were on hand for the reopening of historically important luxury hotel in Marrakech , La Mamounia. If you have never been treated like royalty and feel the experience (if only for a day or two ! ) You must include a stay at La Mamounia when you visit Morocco. It is not expensive. A couple can stay at La Mamounia for something around $ 250 per person per night , which is now the cost of a mid-range hotel in Manhattan.

While you are in Marrakech , do not miss the famous square in the heart of the Medina called Djemaa El- Ena , perhaps the only tourist attraction in Morocco . The buildings that you see lining the central plaza were probably set up there for a thousand years . These hectares of land have been teeming with people constantly since . During sunny hours , the place is filled with juice vendors in stalls, mobile water vendors who pour water from leather bags, and troops of street artists - snake charmers who try to induce tourists to pose with them for a fee and musicians with Barbary macaques , much like organ grinder monkeys , and birds. At the end of the snake oil salesmen of the afternoon , the street magicians , and poets reach them. As dark descends , Djemaa el Ena - filled food stalls and portable charcoal braziers red hot , and that is when the people of Marrakech are themselves more likely to take their famous place to enjoy the equivalent Moroccan outside fast food.

For a country of this size , Morocco encompasses many extremes of microclimate and environment . From the heights of the Atlas Mountains, where it is cold and snowy than on Rocky Mountain peaks , you can also find on the same day of the combustion gigantic sand dunes of Erg Chebbi in the Sahara. These impressive features of the landscape, frozen waves in the sand, but shaped by the wind as much as the waves of the ocean in the form are 150 meters high and consists of a thin sand sprayed red , yellow , orange is the mark of the Sahara.

Tours of Erg Chebbi are generally organized from a small village in the south of Morocco , about 30 miles from the Algerian border , called Merzouga, a city with the typical blue paint on the houses that we see if often in Morocco, the country of sapphire blue. Long thought very dry in recent years , geologists have discovered a huge underground water freshwater . It will provide water to Merzouga for hundreds of years.

Part of the charm of Morocco is that it is a country charm to the contrary , and then when you have known the sand dunes and saw the sunset in the Sahara you can time for the sea and a different wind the desert winds . The fishing village of Essaouira in Morocco is the place to enjoy the trade winds blowing in the protected bay . These winds make Essaouira The location of choice for the best windsurfing and kite surfing beaches in the Mediterranean . Since the time Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman have created their classic film "Casablanca" in 1942 , Morocco has occupied a special place in the heart of all vacationers, especially Americans . Morocco , too, has probably the longest and best in terms of tourism North Africa reputation with a brilliant record that dates back to before the Second World War. This is the year that most American never know Morocco for the first time.

Enjoy the best of Morocco on foot

Enjoy the best of Morocco on foot


Morocco is a place that you can visit throughout the year. One of the most exotic countries and most exciting in the world, from North Africa spectacular country has much to offer - adventure holidays in rural areas to bustling city experiences. A great way to discover the country is running. Morocco has many nooks and crannies exotic , you might miss otherwise.

See and do

When you arrive in Marrakech, you will be dazzled by the city that dates back to the 11th century - it never fails to arouse curiosity and interest of travelers. The skyline is dominated by the charm of the architecture of the Koutoubia .

Your day can be picked up by a tour of the city on foot. Morocco is synonymous with souks and your first port of call should be a visit to a souk , or market. Walk the labyrinth of alleys and sharpen your negotiation skills - you'll need it , as you 'll be tempted to pick up anything that moves ! Jewelers, shoemakers, potters and weavers all lining the streets with their best goods. With thousands of exotic things for sale , you need to be strong !

Then walk to the Djemaa el- Fna , where you can experience the atmosphere of a medieval fair . It is an open space where you can see the snake charmers , jugglers and other artists vying for your attention. Buy local food and satisfy your appetite , sharpen by myriad scents of offers sellers . After lunch or dinner , relax in one of the outdoor cafes and enjoy a traditional herbal tea .

After the hustle and bustle of Marrakech you may be eager to escape into the Atlas Mountains . The one-hour drive of the city of Marrakech sets Ourika where you can enjoy the mountain air and breathtaking views . From here you can start to continue in the mountains on foot. Morocco has a spectacularly beautiful mountain scenery, which may come as a surprise to many .

Once you 've had your fill of fresh mountain air , make your way to the coast. A four-hour trip indulge in the charming town of Essaouira. The rocky coast of this former pirate hideout is nothing less than spectacular . As you explore the city, you will find Portuguese, French and Berber niches in the maze of narrow streets, and countless small cafes in the squares. Two huge fortresses chair the city and there is even a castle on a neighboring island .

Essaouira is vibrant and full of color . The port was once the haunt of pirates who sailed to rob rich vessels have passed this sea. Fishermen still work the surrounding seas and you can see them every morning and set up their catch in their nets . Various influences have created a cosmopolitan area , with visual " wows " at every corner. You can visit the workshops that specialize in jeweled inlaid work, fascinating stroll through narrow streets or just spend some time relaxing on the beach.

When you are guided holiday involving walking, Morocco will open many hidden secrets by those who rush through the bus or with larger groups of tourists. Discover the magic of this wonderful country on foot.

Tony Maniscalco is the director of marketing for hikers Worldwide Holidays . Join us on a walking holiday in Morocco see the most picturesque in the best value price places and landscapes . We offer over 140 guided group walking holidays in over 60 different countries.

Dining in the foothills of the Atlas mountains in Morocco

Dining in the foothills of the Atlas mountains in Morocco

Morocco is a country known for the variety and excellence of its cuisine and there are so many excellent restaurants in Morocco ( Marrakech and in particular) it would be foolish for anyone to pretend to know which is the best. In a year or a month , much will depend on the particular tastes and leaders who had a particularly good season. And Morocco is full of skilled culinary artists .

Around Marrakech there is a particular restaurant made ​​famous by Sir Richard Branson is so unique that I think it's worth a special visit, an escape in the countryside outside Marrakech , going to south into the great mountains of the Atlas a very special hill where Sir Richard spruced Kasbah Tamadot since buying it a dozen years ago when he laid eyes on the resort -like mansion in high - above the earth in one of his famous balloon trips across North Africa.

That was in 1998 . Kasbah Tamadot station reopened five or six years later as part of Virgin Airlines franchise Branson . Sir Richard obviously love this place because it seems to get better and better every year , clearly the recipient of his personal attention and affection, and its ability to invest in this sector.

Kasbah Tamadot is one of the most outstanding restaurants in the world , called Kanun , which serves delicious local dishes either inside or outside and international , with a cozy bar with fireplace or with a breathtaking view of the terrace, take your pick. Because Kasbah Tamadot has its own large garden market, most vegetables and herbs that you enjoy here have picked up a few feet from your table. As always, fresh makes a difference.

I went for lunch during my last trip to Morocco , served me and my guests on the terrace, where Vantage we could see for miles in the clear air of the Atlas mountains. I started with a contemporary flat light, sweet red pepper gazpacho , with a timbale of fresh crab and avocado. For dessert, I chose a mango carpaccio , very tart with lemon sorbet .

On a previous visit to one or two years I remember (because I kept a travel journal , as I always do ! ) That I had a slightly larger room, a cauliflower puree feathery cauliflower crowned with cold marinated , followed by a pellet chick ( chicken a little like a game of Cornish hen ) crowned with legs crossed two small hen, and a poached pear in wine. The fresh air of the Moroccan mountains always stimulates my appetite !

The most famous dish is the Moroccan tagine , a kind of stew that takes its name from the traditional clay pot in which it is prepared. The Kanun is tagine braised very slowly over medium heat , which gives the meat flavor and exceptional tenderness . The chef loves a tagine is not as sweet as it is more commonly found in Morocco, and for me, it is better suited to my own palace . This is perhaps the best tagine in the country.

As you can imagine, the Kasbah Tamadot Kanun and restaurant are extremely popular at all times of the year , it is imperative that you book a table before taking the 45-minute drive from Marrakech to its doors perched . You can call +212 (0) 524 36 82 00 for a table , or get contact information on the hotel website .

Discover the delights of Morocco on foot

Discover the delights of Morocco on foot


Exotic , magical and colorful is a way to summarize the image of Morocco - although it diversified in North Africa lends itself to many more vivid descriptions . Located close to the UK and yet seemingly a world apart , it is a truly fascinating place to visit. If it is a walking holiday in Morocco you are looking for you will not be disappointed , there are some beautiful routes on offer, you are right in the heart of the countryside and offers the ideal way to experience the culture and explore the history . For the best experience, it is advisable to book with a travel agency that uses experienced guides and can accommodate small groups.

Walking in Morocco find stroll through some of the most dynamic cities in the country , trekking across the Sahara sands and hiking in the Atlas Mountains . Whatever your fitness level or ability , there will be a walking holiday in Morocco to suit you.

Discover the magical heart

Most trips start in Marrakech, which offers a wonderful introduction to the exotic culture and fascinating traditions of the country is famous for. Beautiful architecture exceeds bustling streets , cafes nagging spread on the roadside , and the smell of spices, mint tea and the food is all around. Glittering jewels hanging in the windows while the carpet sellers display their wares in lavish displays of ground. The coffee is drunk in pots of gold and exquisite bags of nuts and fruits are sold on every corner.

The old part of the city of Marrakech is the imagination, with alleys leading to beautiful souks, street entertainers charm snakes and play music and

delicious snacks prepared in tiny street stalls . Djemaa el Fna is the place to go in the old town and this is the old city of Marrakech was once . Here, the Koutoubia mosque stands proudly in his understated magnificence ornamental windows and decorative arches looking down on a beautiful lighted garden and the minaret of the great mosque was the inspiration for the Giralda in Seville.

For a bit of peace and quiet , head of the Jardin Majorelle which also houses the Museum of Islamic Art . Here, there are many cactus, lily ponds and other outstanding botanical species. Marrakech , one of the best walking in Morocco is easily accessible. The High Atlas Mountains are nearby and the Ourika Valley is only 45 minutes by car. Famous for the seven waterfalls of Setti Fatma , the beautiful green valley of Ourika, with terraced fields and a river that sings, offers a distinct contrast to the rugged mountains that tower over Atlas . Along the Berber life prosperous valley and there are plenty of opportunity to visit traditional villages and enjoy the local culture. Here you get a real idea of ​​life typical country that is still so prevalent in these regions.

Walking in Morocco is the best way to really see the country. With so many excellent hiking trails , beautiful accommodation and fantastic scenery that will be an unforgettable experience.

Visit the intriguing remains of the city of Volubilis in Morocco

Visit the intriguing remains of the city of Volubilis in Morocco

The Kingdom of Morocco is located in the western part of North Africa and is one of the famous places to visit for a holiday on the continent places. The country was under the rule of Muslims Umayadd Damascus , Berber Almoravid and Almohad dynasties , and the European kingdoms of Rome and Germany in the past. With this, the country has undergone many changes in its culture , which is a beautiful fusion of Arabic , Berber and European influences. Some of the cities that are the hallmark of Moroccan history are Meknes , Chefchaouen and Fez el Bali. Another place of interest is the historic city of Volubilis, which is one of the most visited websites in the nation . Check the air in different international airlines ticket to Morocco , before making plans to visit this spectacular place during your vacation.

Volubilis - Location and History

Volubilis , located in modern day Morocco, is now a site partially excavated Roman city and 40 AD. This site was once the administrative center and the capital of the Roman province of Mauretania Tingitane and was home to over 20,000 residents . This place is situated west of the city of Moulay Idriss in the Jebel Zerhoun plain and close to the cities of Meknes and Fez . According to archaeological evidence , the site was inhabited by people of the Neolithic period in the 3rd century and was conquered by the Romans in 40 AD .

Famous things to see

This place has been included in the World Heritage List of UNESCO and has a number of famous attractions. The best preserved structures of this place are a Roman forum, 2nd century Basilica and Arch of Caracalla , which dates back to 217 AD. The columns of this forum are still standing intact and the basilica can be seen with the remains of its impressive walls, which are more than 30 feet high. The most famous of this site remains are its mosaic floors , which include Diana bath, labors of Hercules , the mosaic of Orpheus and Nereids .

Volubilis literally means Oualili ( oleander flowers ) in the Berber language as the land of this site promotes the growth of a large number of plants of laurel and olive trees . This place is also known for Oualila and Ksar Pharoun ( Pharaoh's Palace) in Arabic.

Excavation and restoration

The site has suffered massive destruction after an earthquake in the 4th century . Excavations of this site have been initiated by the French from 1912 to 1956. Further restoration was carried out between 1930 and 1967. In 1997 , this place was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.