Morocco - A Destination That Has Everything

Morocco is a top holiday destination with something to offer just about everyone, from relaxing beach stays to activity holidays walking in the Atlas Mountain. Marrakech, the busy, bustling city, dating back to the 11th century, is filled curious sprawling souks, (markets) with an abundance of local traders and craftsmen including jewelers, potters, shoemakers and more. It is the home of haggling and impossible to leave without some small bargain. In the infamous Djemaa el-Fna Square the atmosphere is intoxicating and is the heart of Marrakech. You will be overwhelmed by the smells wafting over from the food stalls, the moving colours of the jugglers and snake charmers that vie for your attention. Marrakech is so hectic, but a wonderful world away from any British city, that you will need a break after visiting. Away from the pushy dominating city, Morocco actually has a lot more to offer.

The Atlas Mountains are only an hour away from Marrakech but you feel you've been transported to another time. Tranquil valleys, fertile pasture lands and snow-capped mountains are home to the more traditional Moroccans, the Berbers, and the country villagers. Set between the Sahara and Atlantic coast, the mountains can be walked, or trekked, all year round. In the summer the Atlas provide a cooling breeze as you trek through villages of small flat-roofed Berber houses which blend seamlessly into the mountains. In winter, more serious trekkers head up Mt Toubkal to summit the highest mountain in North Africa, during the harsh, cold and snowy weather. To summit Toubkal which reaches 4,167m high, is for most trekkers a feather in their cap but it is achievable for experienced mountain climbers and the very fit during the warmer months. There are so many trails and paths to follow that it is advisable to stay up in mountains for at least two days to give you a chance to really explore the area. There are some fantastic cheap gite d'etapes, (village houses with simple dormitory rooms), offering basic but clean accommodation. For those looking for a little extra comfort, you'll find beautiful mountain retreats, set high in the hills perhaps with a pool. The Atlas Mountains are somewhere to get away from modern, fast-paced life and take a step back.

Away from the mountains heading south, lays the Sahara Desert. The Sahara, the largest hot desert in the world, borders the Atlantic to the west and the Red Sea to the east and the Atlas Mountains to the north in Morocco. Some of its sand dunes can reach up to 18m in height providing the perfect platform to view this vast sand sea. Watching the sunrise over this incredible landscape is breathtaking and something not to be missed on your Morocco holiday. The Sahara is of course the best place too, to try out camel riding. The camel has been the chosen mode of transport in the desert for centuries and these sturdy, if a little temperamental, animals will take you across the sands as revel in the silence and solitude. Sleeping under the desert skies is also a treat, as the clear skies provide optimum astronomical viewing and the chance to glimpse the Milky Way. For the more active you can sand board down the dunes, take bouncy jeep rides or trek through the desert.

If hiking in the Atlas and camel riding through the desert isn't enough, you can always head to the Ourika River for a spot of white water rafting or the coastal port of Essaouira to swim in the sea or sunbath on the long sandy beach. Morocco is a destination that has just about everything, it is cheap, has plenty of activities for adults and children, an abundance of history and amazing food. The weather is pleasant most of the year and there are plenty of budget airlines that make daily flights from the UK. Morocco is ideal for activity holidays, beach trips and cultural exploration.

Surf's Up Morocco - Making Waves in Africa

The legendary surf spots of Tahiti, Hawaii and Fiji are known for firing up the imagination of salty surf dogs around the world, but few amateur surfers will ever get to sample their waves. These places really only belong in surf magazine and videos and are the territory of pro surfers on big sponsor budgets, and not the sort of place the average weekend surfer from the UK could afford.

However, there is a land that offers inexpensive living, uncrowned beaches and breaks, consistent surf not to mention great food and friendly locals, and all only a short flight from the UK. It's name? Morocco.

Sat on the very north of the mighty African continent, yet just a short boat ride from the British Territory of Gibraltar, Morocco has some 3500km of coastline with offer surfers a huge choice of breaks. American and Australian surfers were responsible for bringing the sport to Moroccan shores in the 1970s, but it is now largely Europeans looking to escape the cold winter climates and the growing leagues of local Moroccans, who dominate the waves.

There are hundreds of secret spots all down the coast, but some of the better known areas include Banana beach - ideal for beginners; Panaromas - a right hand point break, but with a strong rip current; Hash Point - another right hand point with easy entry from a small sandy beach, Anchor point - a favourite with the locals meaning it can get crowded, and is therefore best suited to intermediate or expert surfers only and Killer Point - named after the fact that occasionally killer whales can be seen there, and is renowned for being one of the best waves in the area. It requires a 20 minute paddle out to reach the break, so you'll need to be fit to make it, but once you do, you'll be able to enjoy a very long right hander, with waves up to 12 feet in height.

Accommodation in Morocco is available in the form of small hotels, holiday villas or dorm-style hostels, which can be found all long the coastline. Many are specially geared towards surfers, offering secure board storage, wet suit hire and chill out zones.

Western surfers should keep an eye on their bags, as some of the locals will be only too happy to offer their 'baggage carrying' services, in return for a few dollars, especially in busy places like airports and train stations. However, the locals are generally warm, friendly and welcoming.

With little in the way of localism to worry about, more and more European surfers are heading

Moroccan National Tourist Office launch the third edition of MEET Morocco 2014

The Moroccan National Tourist Office is delighted to announce the launch of the 2014 edition of MEET Morocco. This 92-page, high-quality publication highlights Morocco's suitability as a destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions, with features on the kingdom's principal regions, the main visitor activities, new infrastructure and hospitality developments, meetings facilities and a comprehensive list of hotels.

The 2014 edition of Meet Morocco is now available to read online!

MEET Morocco, which will be officially launched at EIBTM in Barcelona on November 20th, is a valuable tool for meetings and event planners, offering comprehensive information about meetings, conferences and incentives facilities in the country.

Features in MEET Morocco 2014 include: Morocco and Vision 2020 - New developments - Meetings overview - Agadir - Casablanca - El-Jadida - Essaouira - Fez & Meknes - Marrakech - Rabat - Tangiers - Golf - Atlas Mountains - Eco Tourism - Spas and wellness - Hotel overview and factsheets - Alternative meetings venues - Shopping - Dining & Nightlife - Getting around.

Meet Morocco is the third collaboration between Nicholas Publishing International and the Moroccan National Tourist Office, following earlier MEET Morocco titles published in 2002 and 2009.

Viaggio Egitto - come arrivare e dintorni

Appello mistico e senza tempo dell'Egitto ha visto, per secoli, antico paese essendo classificato tra le destinazioni turistiche più spettacolari del mondo.

Egitto è raggiunto da aria, acqua come strada e rotaia. Chi viaggia in aereo può venire in attraverso aeroporto internazionale del Cairo, Alessandria, Nozah, Luxor e Assuan, in Egitto, Hurghaba nella zona del Mar Rosso e Sharm El-Sheikh nel Sinai del sud.

Ci sono diversi aerei di linea che offrono voli Egitto, tra cui British Airways, Alitalia, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Royal Dutch Airlines e Thai Airways International.

Oltre gli aeroporti ci sono un certo numero di porti marini per coloro che preferiscono viaggiare via mare. Per coloro che viaggiano sul Mar Mediterraneo, i porti di Alessandria, Port Said e Damietta sono tutti i punti di ingresso possibile. C'è anche una porta a destra il Golfo di Suez e l'altro, il porto di Nuweiba, sul Golfo di Aqaba. Il Mar Rosso offre tre opzioni per i viaggiatori; i porti di Hurghaba, Safaga e Sharm El-Sheikh.

Per chi preferisce i viaggi su strada, ci sono tre posti ingresso via terra. Il post di voce Salloum si trova al confine nord-occidentale (per quelli proveniente dalla Libia). Il famoso di Rafah è al confine nord-orientale per quelli provenienti dalla striscia di Gaza, territori occupati e Israele. Il confine orientale c'è un post a Taba per quelli provenienti da Israele.

Ottenere il giusto lavoro di carta e visa è essenziale per un'entrata gratuita di stress in Egitto. I visitatori non-egiziani che arrivano in Egitto sono tenuti a essere in possesso di un passaporto valido. Visti possono essere ottenuti da sia l'egiziano diplomatica e consolare missioni all'estero, il dipartimento di visto di entrata, o da immigrazione e nazionalità amministrazione (TDINA). Tuttavia è possibile per i visitatori di ottenere un visto di ingresso presso tutti i punti principali di entrata.

I visitatori che entrano in Egitto a Taba per visitare la costa del Golfo di Aqaba e Santa Caterina presso il posto di frontiera via terra possono essere esentati dal visto e concesso un permesso di soggiorno gratuito per quattordici giorni visitare la zona. I cittadini dei seguenti paesi sono tenuti ad essere in possesso di un visto di pre-arrivo: Afghanistan, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bosnia-Erzegovina, Cecenia, Croazia, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Israele, Kazakistan, Kirghizia, Libano, Macao, Macedonia, Malesia, Moldavia, Montenegro, Marocco, Pakistan, Palestina, Filippine, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, Tagikistan, Thailandia, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Ucraina, Uzbekistan e tutti i paesi africani.

Chi è in possesso di un permesso di soggiorno in Egitto non è necessario ottenere un visto di ingresso se lasciano il paese e restituire ad esso entro la validità della loro residenza permesso o entro sei mesi, qualsiasi periodo è minore. Ci sono tre tipi di visti in Egitto. I visti turistici sono generalmente validi per un periodo non superiore a tre mesi e accordato su entrambi base voce singola o multipla. Visto di ingresso sono richiesti di tutti i visitatori che arrivano in Egitto per scopi quali lavoro e studio che non sono legati al turismo. Questo visto è necessario per il completamento della procedura di residenza in Egitto. Visti di transito vengono resi disponibili per i viaggiatori in transito attraverso l'Egitto. Una volta in Egitto, i visitatori hanno diverse opzioni per ottenere intorno al paese in modo facile e confortevole. Le opzioni vanno dal noleggio di auto, treni di lusso e pullman per voli domestici per collegare le città turistiche.

Se venite attraverso Cairo International, avete la possibilità di affittare una limousine con tasse fisse secondo la vostra posizione alloggio dall'aeroporto, o utilizzare il servizio di trasporto Aeroporto del Cairo che copre tutto il paese e aeroporti. È possibile richiedere questo servizio, attraverso il vostro agente di viaggio o dalla scrivania informazioni presso l'aeroporto.

Il modo più semplice e più comune di muoversi all'interno di qualsiasi città è dai taxi. Questo sono facilmente reperibile nelle principali città, Cairo, per esempio, ha una flotta di taxi gialli climatizzate e misurati. Uno è chi consiglia di prenotare i loro taxi almeno un'ora prima del loro tempo previsto per il loro viaggio. In alcuni casi è consigliabile che chiedete una ricevuta come prova del pagamento per evitare qualsiasi inconveniente più tardi. In alternativa uno potrebbe prendere un taxi regolare su strada o anche davanti al loro hotel. Essi sono di solito colorati a seconda città operano poll in Alessandria sono gialli e nero, al Cairo sono in bianco e nero. È molto importante conoscere i codici di colore in diverse città affinché si minimizzano i rischi.

Le principali città dell'Egitto hanno un sistema di bus sano all'interno e tra le città. Esempi dei quali sono autobus Super Jet, Delta e alto Egitto. Vanno da città a città e forniscono servizi di ristorazione, servizi igienici e a bordo di intrattenimento. L'imbroglio nel viaggiare con gli autobus è che si ferma troppo spesso così prendendo troppo lungo specialmente nei viaggi a lunga distanza. Viaggio in treno è altamente raccomandato per i viaggi a lunga distanza.

La metropolitana, che è composto da due linee lunghe, è il modo più economico e veloce per spostarsi all'interno del Governatorato del Cairo e Giza soprattutto nelle ore di punta (da 14 a 17). Il primo, da Helwan a El Marg ha 33 fermate; il secondo, da Giza a Shoubra El Khema ha 18 fermate. Si noti che la prima carrozza su ogni treno è sempre rigorosamente per le donne. Orario di lavoro estivo è da 6:0 a 1:0 e orario invernale è dalle 6:0 alle 12:0.

Molte aziende di trasporto offrono una vasta scelta di auto di lusso e pullman con piloti ben addestrati. Agenzie di noleggio auto sono rappresentati nelle città principali, nonché gli aeroporti nazionali e internazionali. Il treno è uno dei modi migliori per viaggiare tra le principali città egiziane.

Sono disponibili tre tipi di treni: l'ordinario, l'espresso e il turbo. L'espresso e il turbo sono le opzioni più costose, ma venire con il vantaggio di un viaggio coccolato che vi porterà a destinazione rapidamente con tutti i servizi di ristorazione e aria condizionata. Un servizio ferroviario eccellente turbo è disponibile tra il Cairo e le principali città di tutto il paese. Il treno dura circa due ore per andare dal Cairo ad Alessandria.

Per coloro che preferiscono viaggiare in aereo localmente, Egypt Air - la compagnia di bandiera - collega la maggior parte delle città turistiche in Egitto con il suoi affidabile voli nazionali. È possibile volare direttamente da Luxor a Sharm El Sheikh o Alessandria.

Samuel Maina è scrittore di viaggi online per punto di Africa Limited, un agente di viaggio specialista Africa, offrendo servizi di prenotazione online di Alberghi, biglietti aerei, noleggio auto, tour e Safari per 13 paesi africani. Leggere alcune delle sue opere su http://www.africapoint.net e http://www.africapoint.com.

New Motorways For Morocco: Good News For Property Investors

We all know that, amongst other factors, a healthy property market relies upon a thriving tourist economy. Of utmost importance to this formula is the transport system to and from our chosen country. Free, easy passage for visitors via an efficient road system and public transport, as well as good communications for vital supplies, improves the quality and appeal of any investment location, and Morocco makes no exception. A destination that is easily accessed wins points over other locations. No one is clearer on this point than Morocco's forward-thinking King Mohammed VI who is intent on increasing the country's infrastructure by the year 2010 in his Vision 2010 Plan.

The announcement that a motorway construction programme to build a target 160 km of road per year until 2010 comes as no surprise within the rapidly expanding economic arena of Morocco. The result will be greatly improved communications to all areas of Morocco and a further increase in visitors who regard Morocco as an advanced country that competes well with EU standards. The road construction plan follows an earlier successfully completed project to build 100 km per year for the four years running up to 2004. By 2010, Morocco will be well-equipped with a total of 1,450km of new roads, projecting it further onwards as a leader in the worldwide property investment market place.

Since 2001 and the launch of the King's Vision 2010 plan, more than 10,000 new hotel rooms have been constructed and thousands renovated. King Mohammed VI is specific in his aim to increase tourist numbers to 10 million visitors by 2010 and the new roads will go a long way to achieve this aim: the six new five star resorts currently under construction will be well served by the new motorway systems which will give them a fittingly up-market profile and infrastructure so vital to attracting investors to the area. The 320 km stretch from Fes to Oudja will directly link the Mediterranea Saidia resort, greatly improving communications and cutting valuable travel time from the airport to a mere 30 minutes.

The liberalization of air transport to Morocco will significantly increase direct air traffic between European and Moroccan cities. This is perfectly in line with Morocco's drive to encourage significant growth to its tourist industry, which is currently in full swing. An influx of extra tourists is set to arrive in Morocco this year, with new EasyJet flights announced from Luton to Marakesh and Gatwick to Marrakesh from July 4th 2006 as well as Ryanair offering direct flights from Marseilles to Fez, Marrakesh and Oujda. The new motorways are perfectly timed to cater for the increased flow of passengers these flights will eventually bring and will actively encourage foreigners to invest further in property in Morocco, while slowly pushing prices upwards.

The new motorways will cover the following stretches:

Casablanca - el Jadida:28km

Tetouan - Fnideq:28km

Settat - Marrakesh:145km

Out of new port of Tanger Med:54km

Marrakesh - Agadir:233km

Fes - Oujda:320km

So, it seems, due to King Mohammed VI and his progressive vision for the future of Morocco, all necessary policies and improvements to the infrastructure are underway and poised in readiness for a successful few years ahead for investors in Morocco. While there are still many bargain off-plan investment opportunities available today, investors are urged to take a closer look at the many options currently on offer.

Investment experts at propertyshowrooms.com are confident that exciting returns are waiting just around the corner for shrewd and timely investors and they will gladly share their knowledge with you regarding current investment opportunities in Morocco or in any of the other worldwide emerging markets.

Holidays to Morocco - Choices For Everyone

The Moroccan Kingdom has earned itself a reputation for being the epitome of exotic glamour over the years. Thanks to two very high profile films; the 1942 film Casablanca and the recent chick flick, Sex & the City 2, Morocco has become a popular destination for holiday makers and proves that it is everything the movies portray and more. This country is comprised of mainly deserts and rugged mountains and is situated on the North African continent. Saying that, the Morocco cities are vibrant and alive with a mix of eastern and western culture and tradition. You would think the luxury here comes at a high price, but you will be surprised to find many cheap holidays here and an abundance of affordable flights as well. If you stay in one of the main cities you will definitely grab a bargain.

Marrakesh

Trasport yourself into the past on your arrival to Marrakesh. The picturesque alleys and souks are everything a holidaymaker would expect from Morocco. The souks in this city are particularly special - you'll find a wide array of exotic goods.

As you wander the streets you'll come across storytellers and street performers, adding to Marrakesh's exotic vibe. Accommodation for holidays to Marrakesh must be in the form of a riad - a traditional Moroccan house built around a hidden garden.

Casablanca

Casablanca, known famously for the film, mixes old and modern architecture. The Sultan Sidi Mohammed ben Abadallah decided to rebuild the Anfa in the mid-18th century. The ruins combined with the city's Art Deco architecture are an interesting mix adding to the city's allure. The city is also situated on the coast so you'll find a number of beaches where you can relax and enjoy the sunshine. Stop off at one of the numerous cafes on the coast for some excellent people watching.

Fez

Fez is the top destination for holiday makers who want to experience true Moroccan tradition because of the souks and medinas of Fez, which have remained unchanged since the Middle Ages. In fact, the entire medina of Fez has been dedicated a Unesco World Heritage of Humanity Site. Take a stroll through the medina and you'll be amazed by the craftsman and their impeccable charm. After shopping until you drop, visit a traditional restaurant for some delicious local delicacies. A popular destination with its own airport, Fez is a great choice for cheap holidays to Morocco.

Agadir

Agadir is the destination to visit if you want to enjoy the Moroccan coast, boasting over 300 days of sunshine a year. Spend your time relaxing on the 10 kilometres of coastline after a visit to Fez or Marrakesh. If you need a break from the beach, visit the city's new marina where you can view the hundreds of boats harboured here whilst enjoying an ice cream.

Azilal

This rich city with natural wonders and landscapes lies in the heart of the Atlas Mountains. The adventurous traveller will feel at home here, with a number of outdoor activities and sights to take in. You can explore a number of caves and waterfalls and even partake in extreme sports if you're feeling brave. Or if you want a real adventure, start off your holidays here before trekking the Atlas Mountains.

Jen Smith works in the travel industry and writes articles based on the world's top destinations and the latest holiday offers.

Morocco - a country rich in nature!

Morocco mountain

Nature is never far away in Morocco. Desert, mountains, valleys and sea - the country has plenty to offer fans of the outdoors!

Hikers of all levels will love walking the Moroccan mountains. Among the temperate peaks of the Rif mountain range, its cliffs jutting out into the Mediterranean make this under-explored region magical.

Morocco mountain

The lakes are packed with trout waiting for amateur fishermen. The more sporty will want to tackle the challenges of the Middle and Upper Atlas mountains on foot, by mountain bike or in a paraglider, or to practice mountain climbing, canyoning or pot-holing. Its summits can reach 4000m high. Ifrane, the little Moroccan Switzerland, may come as a pleasant surprise with its summer coolness, winter snow and traditional "mule-ski" trails.

Nothing is as indescribable as a stay on the edge of the desert... Head to Ouarzazate to discover its immensity and colours. At night, opt for an encampment in the desert, a chalet in the mountains and, wherever you are, bed and breakfast with the locals for an unforgettable and authentic experience. These are at the heart of the Moroccan identity, like palmtrees, argan oil and the honey from its lavender.

Looking out over the Atlantic, you will be enchanted by the turquoise waters of Dakhla bay! There you will meet migratory birds and pink flamingos.

In Morocco, every taste is naturally catered for!