Here at Gate 1, our Foundation’s goal is to provide our travelers with the opportunity to discover, learn and make a bit of a difference in underprivileged communities, which greatly enrich us in return. We invest in educational infrastructure by donating construction (design, planning, materials & labor) for primary schools working with marginalized populations, or in developing areas. We then build schoolhouses, classrooms, libraries, lavatories, and much more. It is our hope that a construction project at a school can give communities the infrastructure they need to improve education for years to come. To join us on this wonderful journey, check out some of Gate 1‘s Discovery Tours that allow travelers to get involved in the Foundation and make a direct impact on the lives of the locals.
Colombia
The Foundation’s sole supported school in Colombia is Casa Italia in the district of Boca Azul Boquilla, located in the heart of Cartagena, a bustling port city on the Caribbean coast, on the far northwestern tip of South America. Gate 1 Foundation allows children from poor families living in precarious situations to have access to a comprehensive education, as well as food programs, healthcare, and other essential resources. Travelers visiting Colombia through Gate 1’s 13 Day Wonders of Colombia: Highlands to the Caribbean Guided Tour are encouraged to bring small items and school supplies for the children. This is greatly appreciated by the local community! Aiding the foundation with these essential educational materials that most students’ families can’t afford helps to supplement large-scale contributions, multiplying your positive impact.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of Gate 1 Foundation’s earliest country collaborators. The Foundation supports three schools in Costa Rica, all located in Alajuela Province in the North central region of the country, in a town called San Carlos Canton. The town has few high-paying jobs. Many residents work on fruit farms or in factories, which provide the main source of income for those who are employed. Because most adults in the area have not completed their education, better-paying opportunities are out of reach. This, in turn, limits the resources available for their children’s school supplies and other basic educational needs.
The names of the three schools the Foundation supports are the La Union School, Villa Maria School, and the Conception School. Some of the major projects completed under the foundation are playgrounds, computer labs, classroom and kitchen roofing. Travelers from our Discovery Tours are encouraged to bring notebooks, pencils (colored and/or lead), pens, glue, rulers, and used functional technology such as tablets (with any necessary charging cables).
Morocco
The Foundation’s sole supported school in Morocco is Association Ziz Accueil in the town of Rissani, located in Errachidia Province in the eastern part of the country. It is the closest town of significant size to the Erg Chebbi, the largest sand desert in Morocco. This is not a traditional school, but rather a privately funded multi-purpose learning center for local children and their mothers. Since Gate 1 has been able to fund this Foundation, the ground floor of the building was refurbished. The renovations and updates we’ve been able to help provide include new flooring for the classroom, both Turkish and English toilets, and wall repairs and replacements. On the second floor, new roofing was added, both the interior and exterior were newly painted, electricity was updated, and new flooring installed. Travelers visiting on Gate 1’s Discovery Tours are encouraged to bring schoolbooks in French or Arabic, coloring books, colored pencils, felt pens, and gently used technology such as tablets (with any necessary charging cables).
Not only are you helping children throughout this process, but you’re also aiding the women of Morocco as well. Without the existence of this facility, women of the community would have little to no access to learning or support services. Every act of kindness is greatly appreciated, you never know how much of an impact you can have on someone’s life.
Conclusion
The beauty of helping those who are less fortunate than us is understated. Even if a traveler is visiting the Foundation for a few hours on their trip, these brief moments help change a child’s life for the better.
Morocco’s diverse geography and rich cultural have made the country a fascinating place to explore. My recent Gate1 Travel tour took me inside the chaotic medinas of its vibrant cities, across the craggy peaks of the Atlas Mountains, into the sand dunes of the Sahara Desert and to windswept shores on the Atlantic coast.
In medieval Fez, I learned about the country’s tumultuous past, while in modern Casablanca and Rabat I marveled at towering skyscrapers that will define its future as a modern power in Africa and the Middle East.
Here are some highlights from my amazing trip:
Rabat: A Mix of Old and New
Morocco’s modern capital city on the Atlantic Coast is also home to King Mohammed VI and the country’s parliament. Signs of the government’s progressive modernization efforts are everywhere. A futuristic-looking performing arts center is under construction on the city’s river front – not far from a bullet-shaped office tower that will be the second tallest building in Africa.
On a hilltop overlooking the Atlantic, Oudaia Kasbah is a 12th century military fort whose keyhole-shaped gate is considered one of Morocco’s most beautiful architectural masterpieces. After we paused to admire its intricate carvings of geometric forms, we headed inside where we sampled still warm bread from a community oven. The adjoining kasbah, with freshly whitewashed walls and bright blue doors, is now a fashionable residential and shopping area. From an open terrace above the ocean, we viewed Rabat’s twin city of Sale, a former base for pirate ships that terrorized European powers in the 1800s.
Another 12th century treasure is the still-unfinished Hassan Tower and the stubby columns that are all that remain of the Hassan Mosque. The opulent white marble Mausoleum of King Mohammed V, who secured independence from France, was built nearby, making this a must-see site in Rabat. Guards dressed as Berber warriors in red suits with white capes oversee the tomb on horseback — they don’t mind getting their pictures taken.
Volubilis: Rome’s Most Remote African Outpost
The ancient Roman city of Volubilis is now a glorious open-air museum in the rural countryside outside Meknes. Our local guide Magid led us through the ruins of what was the most remote Roman outpost in Africa. Volubilis flourished until the end of the 3rd century but was later stripped of many of its treasures by nearby villagers. Rediscovered in the 1900s, French excavations revealed a prominent city like Pompeii in Italy but overgrown with weeds, not covered by ash. Many of the site’s treasures are now displayed in Rabat’s archeological museum, but Magid pointed out several original mosaics. Look for storks nesting atop the still-standing Corinthian columns.
Fez: A Trip Back to Medieval Times
Visiting Fez is like traveling back in time. The old medina, known as Fes el Bali, is a labyrinth of a narrow winding walkways connecting medieval mosques, schools and palaces. Tiny stalls overflow with colorful items handmade by potters, weavers, tanners and carpenters who still practice their crafts much as their ancestors did long ago.
Claustrophobic, yet captivating, the medina is best visited with a local guide. Hassan, who grew up in the medina, kept us from getting lost and pointed out unforgettable historic sites.
Red carpets and crystal chandeliers mark the entrance to the shrine of city founder Moulay Idriss II, whose 9th century tomb (closed to non-Muslims) is surrounded by fragrant candle and incense shops. Attarine Medersa is one of the Islamic world’s oldest colleges, dating back to the 1300s. We explored tiny dorm rooms on the upper floors that are decorated with traditional zellije tiles and lacy stucco moldings. The rooms overlook a central courtyard that opens onto a popular square.
Morocco is also known for elaborate woodworking techniques used to make everything from doors to musical instruments. The beautifully renovated Nejjarine Museum, once an inn where desert travelers spent the night, showcases the delicate work of talented carpenters. The nearby Nejjarine Fountain is a fine example of Moorish tile work that must be touched to be appreciated.
We paused for a much-needed tea break in a carpet shop packed with a dizzying array of brightly colored and patterned carpets in every imaginable shape and size. We oohed and aahed as attendants rolled out a dozen beautiful Berber and tribal carpets at our feet as we sipped our tea.
At a leather shop, we climbed several flights of stairs to watch tanners dunking animal hides in honeycombed vats of dye. Fortunately, we received sprigs of mint beforehand that helped disguise the putrid smell of urine and dung, still used in ancient tanneries to produce supple leather goods in a rainbow of colors. The experience was unforgettable, despite the foul odor.
Erfoud: Through the Middle Atlas Mountains
A surprise snowfall in the Atlas Mountains altered our route to Erfoud and the Sahara Desert. Though we missed stopping at the country’s only ski resort at Ifrane, we saw plenty of snow-capped mountains as our driver wound the bus around some tricky hairpin turns.
Though the ride was long, we arrived in the dusty town of Erfoud near the Algerian border just in time for our first desert sunset. At the African-themed Kazbah Xaluca Hotel, which was one of my favorite hotels, mint tea and cookies awaited us — along with a spirited band of musicians. Traditional red adobe walls encircle an oasis of palm trees that shade an inviting swimming pool. We feasted on buffet-style meals in front of a wood-burning fireplace in the lodge-like dining room.
Sahara Desert: Sunset and Camels
Our day in the Sahara began at a fossil factory, where we learned about nautilus and cone- shaped Orthoceras imbedded thousands of years ago in the sedimentary rocks now scattered in the desert. Workers polish the rocks into jewelry as well as sinks and coffee tables, all of which are sold in the showroom.
A Berber guide, dressed in a traditional blue djellaba and head scarf, led us through nearby Rissani’s chaotic ancient souk on a busy market day. Inside, we dodged donkeys carrying produce, stopping to sample and learn about the fruit of the oasis — dates.
Despite a lovely, refurbished gate, the city seems little changed from the days when caravans arrived from Timbuktu. Travelers these days visit Rissani because it’s close to Erg Chebbi, one of Morocco’s largest sand dunes.
That’s why we were there. All 23 of us signed up for the optional desert tour that included a camel ride to view a desert sunset. No surprise — it was an amazing experience and the highlight of the tour and well worth the additional cost.
We left civilization behind after climbing into a half-dozen 4X4 vehicles for a surprise thrill ride. Our nomad-like drivers raced each other in the sienna-color dunes along the edge of the Sahara until we reached a tented camp for a festive lunch.
After devouring grilled chicken and fries, we were back in our vehicles, stopping briefly for some fossil foraging on our own in the desert. Then we sped toward a camel ranch that looked like a mirage at first. A jovial crew of men in traditional djellabas and headscarves helped us mount our camels (the easy part), warning us to lean back as the dromedaries stood up — back legs first and then the front. My camel’s jerky rhythm took some getting used to, but I soon relaxed enough to marvel at the sand surrounding us as we traveled single file up into the dunes.
The scene was surreal – mounds of sand sculpted by the wind into soft undulating waves that seemed endless. After a short ride, we dismounted and climbed up a ridge with an 180-degree view of the sunset to come. Our guides snapped pictures of us in silly poses like throwing sand in the air as we waited for the orange orb to descend. The sunset was a near-perfect 10, but we were as happy as our camels to head back as the temperature plummeted.
Ouarzazate: Kasbahs and Ksars Meet Lawrence of Arabia
A camel ride is hard to top, but more fascinating desert scenery spread out around us as we traveled to the remote city of Ouarzazate. Nicknamed “the door of the desert,” the former French outpost is best known today as a sought-after location for movies. The epic Lawrence of Arabia was filmed there in 1962 as were more recent movies, including American Sniper, and scenes from TV’s Game of Thrones.
Visible for miles, the red-clay walls of Ait Benhaddou, a ksar, or fortified village, cling to a remote hilltop outside Ouarzazate. A popular movie backdrop, the ksar is one of the best-preserved examples of a remote stop on the trans-Sahara trade route to Marrakesh.
We climbed winding steps up to a lonely granary for panoramic views of the mostly treeless burnt-orange terrain. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, the ksar’s crumbling earthen architecture dates to the 1100s. Locals still house goats and chickens there, while open-air shops, art galleries and coffee houses fill tiny rooms where desert travelers once found safe refuge.
Though many craft people sell their handmade goods at tourist attractions like the ksar, we also met crafts people almost everywhere we went, even in remote places. At photo stop on a desert hilltop, a family from a tent camp nearby came running toward us as soon as they saw our vehicles. As we took pictures, the woman and several young children set up their handmade camels and jewelry in the sand. It was a very poignant scene. Of course, we bought several camels.
Marrakesh: Morocco’s Merry Red City
We crossed Tichka Pass, the highest road point in the southern, rugged High Atlas Mountains, to reach the red city walls of Marrakesh. Once a desert oasis, the city is now the country’s most popular tourist destination as well as the heart and soul of Morocco. (The kingdom’s name was derived from the city’s own.)
Snake charmers mingle with Berber musicians, jugglers, fortune tellers and juice sellers in the old city square of Jemaa el Fna. Merriment and chaos reign, particularly after dark when the square resembles an open-air circus. Tiny stalls overflow with colorful pottery, medicinal herbs, leather goods and delicate boxes made from aromatic sandalwood and cedar.
The medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site, dominated by the towering minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque. Built in the 12th century, the minaret was the model for Rabat’s Hassan II Tower and the Giralda in Seville, Spain.
Other historic sites include my favorite, the Saandia Tombs. The remains of a powerful sultan’s family were interred in lavishly appointed tombs that were literally walled into obscurity by a vengeful rival in the 17th century. The French finally rediscovered the tombs two centuries later. Bahia Palace, the only royal residence open to visitors, is cherished for its ornate tile floors, painted cedar ceilings and finely carved stucco moldings. Built for a sultan in the 19th century, the palace’s leafy courtyard, or riad, brims with tropical fruit trees.
For a brief escape from the noisy city, I piled into a taxi with some new friends to explore the magnificent Majorelle Garden. Created by French painter Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s, the tranquil botanical garden is a kaleidoscope of colors splashed on pots, decorative orbs and walkways that accentuate acres of flowering green plants and cacti. French fashion designer Yves Saint-Laurent bought and refurbished the garden, the bright blue pavilion and the Moorish-style villa. His ashes are scattered there.
Marrakesh’s luxurious La Mamounia is also known for lush gardens. British prime minister and landscape artist Winston Churchill was a frequent hotel guest. His paintings can only be viewed by reserving his former room, though strolling through the gardens is free.
Essaouira: Atlantic Breezes and Goats in Trees
On an optional tour from Marrakesh to windswept Essaouira on Morocco’s south Atlantic Coast, we also discovered the virtues of Argan trees — for humans and goats. After someone yelled “goats in trees,” we clamored to the right side of the bus. Yes, a dozen goats perched contently, or so it seemed, in branches of the gnarly trees. The goats are moneymakers for goat herders, who expect a tip for photos. Our Gate1 tour manager Mohammed obliged, as we snapped pictures of the wily goats.
At a nearby argan cooperative run exclusively by women, we learned why argan is treasured by people. Oil painstakingly squeezed from the tree’s hard-to-crack nuts is made into everything from salad dressing to bath soap. Authentic argan from the coop is reputed to cure most illness and reverse signs of aging (or so we were also told by our youthful guide).
Essaouira’s windy waterfront seems designed for strolling. Anglers patiently mending their nets seemed oblivious to the parade of tourists who passed by to admire their deep-blue boats. Since it was too cool for the beach, we browsed the art galleries along the walkway to the picturesque ramparts built by the French. In a jewelry shop where handicapped youth learn age-old silversmithing techniques, I finally did some shopping Thankfully, I still had time for a glass of wine on a café balcony with splendid views of crashing ocean waves.
Casablanca: A Modern City and World-class Mosque
Our last stop, Casablanca, is the economic center of the country that shows off Morocco’s ambitions on the world stage. The massive Hassan II Mosque is a beacon on the city’s sun-drenched corniche along the Atlantic Ocean. Considered one of finest religious buildings ever constructed, it is also the largest mosque in Morocco and among the biggest in the world. Opened in the 1990s, its minaret stands 700 feet tall, so it’s also the world’s tallest religious building.
On a private tour arranged by our tour manager Mohammed, we were awed by the size and beauty of the prayer hall, inside and out. About 25,000 people can kneel on the red carpet inside, with another 80,000 on the surrounding esplanade built over land reclaimed from the Atlantic Ocean. Designed by a French architect, the best Moroccan materials and craftmanship are on display in the exquisitely carved cedar-wood ceiling (it’s retractable), the elegant marble walls and floors, and the basement hammam with mushroom-shaped cleansing stations.
Coupled with several high-rise residential towers and a modern mall with a food court that includes several U.S. fast food restaurants, the mosque has transformed the once-seedy waterfront into a fashionable destination. Our tour ended at a more-authentic restaurant, where we dined on Moroccan-style seafood and steaks. Even Mohammed joined in as we danced through the aisles after dinner. I knew the memories and friendships we made would linger long after our flights departed the next day.
Barbara Redding is a freelance travel writer based in Austin, Texas, A retired journalist, she loves to explore new destinations as well as revisit familiar places, She’s written about luxury resorts in Bali, a Hindu wedding in India, snorkeling in Cuba’s Bay of Pigs, and saving sea turtles in Jamaica.
A visit to the North African country of Morocco awakens the senses.
In Rabat, the savory aroma of chicken simmering with olives in a clay tajine pot piqued my sense of smell. The cobalt blue walls in Chefchouen’s maze-like medina nearly blinded me on a sunny day.
The lyrical sound of the “call to prayers” echoed in my ears from small-town minarets in the Atlas Mountains to the country’s largest Islamic mosque in Casablanca. I could not resist running my fingers over the hand-chiseled tiles of medieval fountains in Fez.
Everywhere I traveled, I sipped Morocco’s soothing national drink – tea flavored with sprigs of fragrant fresh mint and sweetened with honey.
Morocco: An Exotic Mix of Cultures
Morocco is an exotic mashup of history, cultures, cuisines and traditions. It is only a dozen miles from Spain, across the Strait of Gibraltar. The resulting colonial influences from Europe, combined with the rich history of the original Berber tribes and Arab settlers, have helped create a country that is one of the most fascinating and popular places to visit in the world.
I recently joined the legion of Morocco admirers after traveling through the country’s vast and beautiful landscape on a 13-day tour with Gate1 Travel, which offers tours around the world. My Kaleidoscope Tour is one of 10 different experiences Gate1 offers year-round in Morocco. Itineraries include international and domestic transportation as well as adventurous optional excursions and good-to-great lodging and food.
I traveled in a comfortable bus with 22 strangers who quickly became friends. Beginning in Rabat, the modern capital on the Atlantic Coast, we explored Roman ruins before winding through the snow-capped peaks of the Middle Atlas Mountains to the sand dunes of the Sahara Desert. After a trip highlight – a camel ride in the desert at sunset – we crossed back over the High Atlas Mountains farther south to join merrymakers in the old city square of Marrakesh. Our tour ended in Casablanca, Morocco’s dynamic largest city on the Atlantic.
Diverse Geography Includes Mountains, Coastal Beaches
Along the way, we learned about the country’s fascinating past and its people from our excellent tour manager and guide, Amrabt Mohammed. An engaging storyteller, the Tangier native helped us understand the country’s culture and to appreciate its stunning geography. Local tour guides joined us in different cities to provide more in-depth insights.
The kingdom of Morocco hugs the northwestern corner of Africa, the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Mountains separate coastal areas from the Sahara, where Berber tribes fought for power as Arabs swept in from Arabia in the 7th century. The Muslim empire spread widely to include the Iberian Peninsula. But when the Spanish Inquisition began in the 15th century, many Muslims (also known as Moors) and Jews fled to Morocco, taking their Andalusian traditions from southern Spain with them. Morocco was never officially a colony of a European power, parts of the country fell under the control of Spain and France during their empire building days. Morocco finally gained full independence from France in 1956
King Invests in Future and Preserving Past
Current King Mohammed VI has accelerated modernization efforts in the country, which is about the size of California with a population of 37 million. At the same time, the government is also refurbishing ancient kasbahs (miliary forts), medinas (old walled cities), vibrant souks (markets) adobe ksars (fortified towns) — many of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
With the new cities built by the French surrounding the old medinas, the result is an intoxicating mélange that has seduced curious visitors for decades – from painters like Matisse who loved its golden light to writers like Paul Bowles who captured its people in his prose and musicians like Bob Marley who sought haven in its counterculture.
The Moroccan people are proud of their diverse heritage. Many men still dress conservatively in traditional djellabas (loose fitting robes), while women wear hijabs (headscarves) and djellabas. Western wear is also common in cities. Though Islam is the national religion, others are tolerated. Moroccan Arabic is the official language, but French is frequently spoken, especially in cities. Many people in tourist areas also know some English.
Hospitality a Tradition in Morocco
Friendly and welcoming best describes the people I met in Morocco. A few aggressive touts were bothersome, but most shopkeepers greeted me cordially. Then, as is expected in the country, they haggled good-naturedly over the prices for handmade craft goods in the vibrant souks. Even if you are not a shopper, getting lost in the vibrant and chaotic souks is an essential experience. But beware, it is easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of everything from plush Berber carpets to artful ceramics and handmade leather camels that are packed into tiny stalls in crowded aisles of the souks.
The souks are wonderfully aromatic places to shop for spices such cumin, ginger, turmeric and cinnamon that flavor Moroccan food. The country’s cuisine is a delicious blend of traditional Berber dishes, accented with French, Middle Eastern and Andalusian flavors. Fresh locally grown vegetables and fruit complement main dishes of lamb, poultry and seafood. Couscous is popular as are casseroles, or stews, (called tajines in Morocco), cooked in earthen pots with conical lids, also known as tajines.
In Fez, a local family hosted my entire tour group for a homecooked meal of chicken tajine with lemons and olives, multiple vegetable dishes, fresh bread and, of course, unlimited mint tea. (Though tap water is considered safe, Gate1 provided us with bottled water.)
Our tour manager Mohammed typified the best of Moroccan hospitality. Though some days on the bus were long, he entertained us with stories to help us understand the country. He pointed out that you can often tell where local women live by the color or style of their headscarves. He also explained that date palm trees and their fruit are essential to life in the oases of the Sahara. In the afternoons, he shared Moroccan sweets such as my favorite — dates stuffed with almonds. No inane question went unanswered, and he did not complain too much when bathroom stops turned into shopping sprees. When it was time to depart for the next destination, he herded us on to the bus with a smile and “Yallah, yallah.” (Let’s go, in Moroccan Arabic).
Barbara Redding is a freelance travel writer based in Austin, Texas, A retired journalist, she loves to explore new destinations as well as revisit familiar places, She’s written about luxury resorts in Bali, a Hindu wedding in India, snorkeling in Cuba’s Bay of Pigs, and saving sea turtles in Jamaica.
Since we can’t travel right now, we thought we’d check-in with one of our videographers and get his take on some of his favorite videos. Enjoy the first in this series, from Larry, one of our videographers:
Over the past 5 years, I’ve traveled on forty-five Gate 1 trips around the world as a videographer for Gate 1. I film the trips, interview the guests and edit the final video as a one-person film crew.
For me, these videos are very personal because every one of these shots has a memory associated with it. Whether it’s the local person I filmed or getting up at 4 am to go film a sunrise or the laughs I had with my fellow travelers. If you’ve been on a Gate 1 tour then you know how quickly you the group becomes like a family. I miss that connection.
If you’re like me and you ache to travel again, I thought it might be fun to share with you some of the videos I’ve made and some of the experiences I had making the video. Sort of a virtual vacation for the soul until we can travel again. Today I will share with you a Discovery trip I filmed in Morocco. Morocco is one of my favorite destinations in the world and is a paradise for any photographer. Each day, you feel like you are traveling through a movie set. The real challenge is having too many options for great shots and figuring out what you should focus on. So many rich colors and the architecture is incredible. One of my fondest moment from this trip was our time in the Sahara desert. To film the camel ride through the Sahara desert I had to run alongside the people as they rode, which was one step forward and half a step back in the sand. And then there was the entertainment that night by the locals and the stars over our camp in a sky too big to fit your eyes around and the peaceful calm of the sunrise and filming the men walking their camels across the dunes, the sun rising behind them. It was as exhausting as it was thrilling to be filming it all.
The incredible village of Aït Benhaddou is located on the old caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakesh in the present day country of Morocco. Experience this striking example of southern Moroccan architecture and be amazed by the houses crowded together within the defensive walls of the city. This ksar, or fortified city, has served as the background for film and TV such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Discover the magic for yourself.
This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user Dan Shay using the hashtag #gate1travel. This beautiful view was captured in Aït Benhaddou, Morocco. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Morocco trips here!
It is morning in Morocco. As the sun rises over the Sahara and bathes the country in bright desert light, food vendors prepare their shops for another busy day. In remote medieval villages- eggplant, chickpeas, honey, and cuts of lamb are carted in straight from farms. In bustling city medinas, mounds of spices the color of mustard, rose and emerald are artfully shaped into cones. Seaside, the daily catch of shrimp, sea bream, and lobster is hauled to local market stalls. This is Morocco’s fresh bounty, the foundation for one of the world’s most colorful and fascinating cuisines.
You might start your day with fruits and tart yogurt.
Papayas, kiwis and grapefruit are favorite fruits of the country. Local breads
include khubz or the spongy baghrir, and can be smothered in amlou, a nutty spread
made of almonds and Argan oil. Mint tea is also a staple whether it be morning,
noon or night. If coffee is more your speed; cappuccino, espresso, or coffee
with milk is on the menu at any cafe.
The allure of Moroccan cuisine lies in its earthy simplicity.
The food on your plate is intimately connected to geography and culture that
you will witness first-hand. Harira is one example. This universal soup starts
with a stock of chickpea, tomato, bean, and pasta. But region-by-region and
family-by-family, the resulting dish varies. Salads are a celebration of the
fresh vegetables grown as far out as the edge of the Sahara. Salade Marocain is
most often served in restaurants – a modest relish of diced tomato, cucumber,
and green pepper. An entire salad course, called meze, might be more
satisfying, consisting of small dishes of zaalouk (an eggplant dip), baby
potatoes, sweet carrots, pureed pumpkin warmed with spice, and tomato relish.
As in so many cultures, dinner is the main meal, except
perhaps on Friday, the holy day, when the midday meal takes center stage. It is
a social occasion full of cook’s pride and family conversation.
Couscous, Morocco’s national dish dating to the 13th
century, is always on the table. Lamb, beef, or chicken – skewered and spiced
with a family’s ras el hanout, or secret blend of 10-30 spices – is the main
course. The tagine is a mouth-watering casserole or stew with ingredients that
can vary. It is actually named for the pot in which it is cooked. Tagine
recipes reflect the Moroccan taste for dishes that are at once savory and
sweet: beef and prunes; chicken with lemon; lamb with dates. Another sweet and
savory option is pastille. This pastry is wrapped around a mixture of shredded
chicken or squab, egg, and crushed almonds, then sprinkled with cinnamon or
sugar.
Contrary to belief, Morocco is not a dry country, but social
propriety with alcohol tends to be strictly followed by locals and visitors. It
might also surprise you that Morocco is home to a few well-established
wineries. Discovery Tours visits its southernmost vineyard, located on the
Atlantic coast a short distance from Essaouira. The French winemaker here has
owned the vineyard since 1994, and we think you’ll agree he has mastered the
art of producing wine in a hot climate. Grenache, Mourvedre, and Syrah are on
the “red” menu; Bourboulenc, Clairette, and Muscat are on the “white.”
But make no mistake: it’s the spices and herbs that really intoxicate in Morocco. Cayenne, saffron, chilies, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, cumin, paprika and pepper. They all add an exciting extravagance to Moroccan cuisine, brightening and enhancing each dish like the rising and setting sun.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site city contains some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the country of Morocco. Volubilis is located between the modern cities of Fez and Meknes and was founded in the 3rd century BC during a time when the city was part of ancient Mauretania, of which it was the capital. The city then became an important outpost of the Roman Empire and was graced with several interesting and beautiful buildings. Located near the holy city of Moulay Idriss, this city is full of history and is a must see for visitors to this incredible country.
This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @sulkies using the hashtag #gate1travel. This picture was taken in Volubilis, Morocco. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Morocco trips here!
Souks, kasbahs and ksars, oh my! Morocco is a magnificent country filled with reasons to visit that have long enticed visitors to this fabled country. With Gate 1 in Morocco, visit imperial cities with grand architecture and the High Atlas Mountains that have housed Berber tribes for centuries. Souks, or a market or bazaar, bustle with people looking to shop and walk around. Kasbahs, or the citadels of ancient cities, often protected the leader when the city was under attack. The ksar, or a Berber village or castle, rise from the sands like other worldly lodgings. See all of these unique Moroccan sights and so much more when traveling to Morocco with Gate 1.
Fez, Marrakesh & Rabat; Three Imperial Cities
Of Morocco’s four historic imperial capitals Fez, Marrakesh,
Rabat & Meknes, Gate 1 Travel visits three: Fez, Marrakesh and Rabat. Fez,
or the “Athens of North Africa” is teaming with sophistication and amazing
history. It is also the second largest city in population after Casablanca and
was the capital of the country for over 400 years. Visit highlights of this great city including; The
University of Al Karaouine, the oldest university in the world; the Al-Attarine
Madrasa, an excellent example of Islamic architecture; and the Nejjarine
Fountains and Museum, a traditional fountain for caravans. The favorite site
for many in Fez is the Fes el Bali medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This
marketplace is thought to be one of the largest car-free urban areas in the
world, on par with Venice, making it ideal for a stroll. Find brass and leather
goods, lush carpets, handmade slippers, and so much more at the medina. Just a
short drive from Fez, the magnificent ruins of Volubilis reveal the ancient
streets where Romans and Berbers once thrived and traded goods. Explore original
preserved mosaics, a Roman Road and the city layout. Follow along the Moroccan
countryside and pass by the Holy City of Moulay Idriss for a perfect photo op.
Depart for Marrakesh and enjoy the ever-changing Moroccan
landscape with valleys and the Atlas Mountains as a backdrop. Arrive in
Marrakesh and visit the Saadian Tombs that date back to the 16th
century. This is where the Saadian royalty can be found in their final resting
place. Stop by the Koutoubia Minaret and the Bahaia palace on a city tour of marvelous
Marrakesh. Next visit the Djemaa El Fna Square that encompasses the culture and
personality of this lively city. As evening sets in, this place becomes a thrilling
blend of snake charmers, fire eaters, kebab stalls and much more! It is a great
place to explore during free time and experience all things Morocco.
Morocco’s capital city, Rabat, has been cited as one of the most exciting travel
destinations in the world. A walk through the Oudaya Kasbah and you will
understand why. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was built by the Almohad Empire
in the 12th and 13th centuries and houses a
palace, mosque and cobbled lanes. Nearby, the incomplete mosque has the Hassan
Tower as its centerpiece. The mosque and its tower were intended to be the
largest of their kind in the world when they were begun in 1195. The impressive
ruins of the Chellah, Muslim necropolis, stretch even further back in time, to
the days of the Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Romans. It is now overgrown elegantly
with fruit trees and wild flowers.
Rissani, Sijilmasa and Ouarzazate; Cities from the Sands
The Sahara often
comes to mind when dreaming of travel to Morocco. Gate 1 introduces you to this
spellbinding region where the regal Atlas Mountains taper off into sand dunes. On
the road from Fez to Erfoud, you
will witness some of Morocco’s most dramatic landscapes including
the montane cedar woods that lead into the Middle Atlas Mountains and the lush
Ziz Valley. Depending on your itinerary, you may even stop at a fossil factory
to learn more about this unique activity which is famous in this area. Stop in Rissani, a town that balances
mountains and desert and was once a busy caravan stop. Stop at the bustling
souk here and also visit an 18th century ksar. Next visit the former
Berber city of Sijilmasa with its
storied trading town history.
Continue your journey and view some of the world’s most
dramatic canyons that cut through the Middle Atlas Mountains. Visit the Todra Palmeraie Gorge that towers to
800 feet and then to the Dades Canyons before continuing on to the road of one thousand
Kasbahs to Ouarzazate.
The medieval desert village of Ouarzazate, or “without noise” in Berber, is so well
preserved that it has become the perfect movie location when an ancient town is
needed. Ouarzazate is home to a 12th-century Taourirt village that
is still inhabited today that you will visit. Nearby is Ait Benhaddou that is comprised of six kasbahs and fifty ksars. It
has also had its fair share of film crews scouring its streets for the perfect
shot. While here, take note of the impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site before
you and how it has inspired many film makers. Some of the movies and TV shows shot
here include Game of Thrones, the Mummy, Gladiator, Babel and Prince of Persia.
Speaking of film sets, Casablanca is one of Morocco’s most visited cities because of
its setting for the classic movie of the same name. This commercial heart of
Morocco lies on the coast of the country and set aside the beautiful Corniche
seaside. Visit the incredible example of Moorish Revival architecture that is
the Hassan II Mosque. It is Africa’s second largest mosque and the fifth
largest in the world. It also boasts the second tallest minaret in the world at
just under 700 feet! Built partly on the sea, the mosque can accommodate 25,000
worshippers inside and 80,000 in its courtyard.
Further south, the resort town of Agadir is at the foothills of the
Anti-Atlas Mountains. View the beaches of this former fishing village as well
as the hilltop ruins of the old kasbah, a beautiful site.
Essaouira, formerly Mogador, is
possibly Morocco’s most picturesque coastal city. This UNESCO World Heritage
Site is a perfect example of a typical North African fortified town, with its
preserved walls, medina and bright blue fishing boats. Walk along the city’s
ramparts just north of Moulay Hassan Square where artists sell their paintings.
Continue on to the Skala de la Ville, the fortification built along the cliffs
that once defended the city from sea attacks. It now provides visitors with an
excellent view of the port and the picture-perfect bright blue boats. Stroll
through the medina where artisans and craftsmen have practiced their trades for
hundreds of years.
Quality and value go hand in hand in Gate 1 Travel’s Morocco.
Enjoy restaurants that introduce you to a newly refined take on Moroccan
cuisine, and some of the country’s finest hotels. What’s more, our Tour
Managers are among the most experienced and insightful around, with a boundless
national pride that you’ll find contagious. Simply put, there is no other way
to experience Morocco to its fullest than with Gate 1 Travel!
Essaouira, Morocco is located in the western part of the country on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. The Port of Essaouria was founded in 1770 and from then until the first half of the nineteenth century, the port was the most important trading port between Europe, Africa and the Americas. When Casablanca grew in the North and Agadir in the South, the port lost its popular status. The blue boats pictured here are for fishing! The fish caught are then sold in the port’s market.
This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @wanderwarriortravel using the hashtag #gate1travel. This busy scene was taken in Essaouira, Morocco. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Morocco trips here!
Ouarzazate, Morocco (pronounced war-zazat) is today’s featured destination for #g1photofriday. This quiet town is located just south of Morocco’s High Atlas mountains and is known as a gateway to the Sahara Desert. This city is the capital of Ouarzazate Province in Draa-Tafilalet region of south-central Morocco. Be sure to visit many of the prominent kasbahs in town, Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site to the west and the old town while here.
This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @m.geroux using the hashtag #gate1travel. This colorful photo was taken in Ouarzazate, Morocco. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Morocco trips here!
