Moroccan Magic - October 2023 - Hostess RoundUp - Dawn Caputo

Morocco -  the name itself conjures up images of the exotic and intrigue and we had an amazing 3 weeks in front of us to explore! Starting in Casablanca,  we were surprised to see how modern the city was but at the same time blending in with the century old Hassan 11 Mosque and the Medina close by. This was also noticed in the people, young jean-clad teenagers hand in hand with their more traditionally dressed relatives. 

Our northbound journey headed towards the city of Chefchaouen with a stop in Tetouan for lunch at what was going to the 'norm' of the many beautiful restaurants and delicious food that lay ahead. Chefchaouen, also known as the "blue city", was magic! The old town with its many hues of blue, lanes and alleyways was a delight and a comfortable walking town to explore. En route to Fes we stopped at the partially excavated  Berber- Roman city of Volubilis Wow!! a UNESCO heritage site and a must-visit, lunch was at nearby Meknes at the home /restaurant  "Scorpion "where we enjoyed a delicious lunch with great city views.  Fes was our next stop and a 3 night stay at the stunning 'Jardin Des Biehn" now I know why the tour is called "Moroccan Magic'. the Riad was in a stunning setting with fantastic rooms and a top French-inspired restaurant. Fes is known as Morocco's cultural capital and famous for its Medina with 9454 cobbled alleyways and 300 mosques, a great place to explore!(another word for getting lost).

Merzouga, a small Moroccan town in the Sahara Desert was our overnight accommodation before we headed into the desert for our night stay at the  Chergui Luxury Camp. What a magical (there goes that word again) experience, the beauty of the desert and rolling sand dunes was breathtaking. The camel ride, sitting around the campfire and the early morning wakeup to see the sunrise are forever precious memories.

The next few nights were spent in the Dades Valley where we visited the Dades and Todra Gorges with their steep winding roads, valleys and gorges . Crossing the Atlas mountains we saw the effects of the recent earthquake that had hit the area, where  "tent cities" now replaced the once villages. The acceptance of the situation and the spirit of its people was humbling as they worked together to rebuild their homes.  Marrakech is quintessentially Morocco!  From  the beauty of Yves St Laurent's  Majorelle Gardens to the Jemma el Fna square where life explodes day and night with people, restaurants, music, shopping and entertainment. Whilst in Marrakech we had the opportunity to do a cooking and perfume-making class as well as experience the best hammam/spa of all time!

Essaouira, a port and resort town on the Atlantic Ocean was the perfect way to end our adventure as we enjoyed and did last-minute shopping in the Medina and walked along its beautiful beach promenade.  Back in Casablanca where we started and now finished. 

We saw so many wonderful sights and visited amazing places, made all the more special by the people and in particular our driver Tariq and our guide Larbi who shared Morocco and their families with us. Lifelong friendships, special experiences and moments have bonded the sisters of the 2023 Moroccan Magic Tour - in the words of Larbi "indeed!!'

Dawn