Souks of Morocco Tour

Shopping in Morocco is a unique and exciting experience. Souks are the traditional marketplaces and are often divided into sections for the various trades. You'll see herbalists, spice sellers, metal workers, tanners, and food markets congregated on trade-specific streets. Souks are a maze of alleys and narrow streets, and it's easy to get lost.

When the first souks appeared within Morocco, they were nothing more than small areas outside the city for merchants to display and sell their goods. Yet, as city populations grew, so did the souks. Today souks have become an important part of the culture socially and act as the heart of any large Moroccan city.

No visit to Morocco would be complete without exploring the medinas (walled cities with maze-like streets) of Marrakech, Fès and Ouarzazate. Unlike shopping in the West, where people tend to visit local retailers, in Morocco a shopping trip involves visiting the old medina, and various souks (markets) within them that sell specific goods ranging from clothing, to fabrics, shoes, food and carpets. Since most foreign currencies are strong in comparison to the Moroccan dirham, you can go on an extensive shopping spree and purchase various local Moroccan handicrafts such as Moroccan leather work, carpets, jewelry of silver, gold and copper along with ancient embroideries and basketwork.
Souks and markets are a major featurein Moroccan life, and among the country’s greatest attractions. Each major city and town in Morocco has a special souk quarter. Villages in the country side also have local souks which are usually held one day each week in an open field or outside the towns kasbah walls. Large cities like Marrakesh and Fès have labyrinths of individual souks (each filling a street or square that is devoted tone particular craft). The city of Marrakesh, Fès and Ouarzazate are famous for their beautiful souks- which are Morocco’s posh and huge shopping centers. Some of the best buys in Morocco are dates, leather ware, handicrafts, carpets, pottery, wood carvings, traditional dress (djellabas) and various food products.
Souks and markets are also a daily destination where locals shop for fresh meat, vegetables, household goods and other items that Americans for example, purchase at Wal-Mart or Target. In the country side, you can find large numbers of weekly souks (markets). A new alternative to souks in Morocco is Marjane, a Moroccan hypermarket chain, found in large cities like Marrakech, Casablanca, Agadir, Fès, Tétouan and Tangier. Marjane is the “Moroccan Target” and sells a wide variety of items such as food, clothing, liquor, electronics and other household goods.
Whether or not you are a big shopper, visiting a souk is a cultural experience that should not be missed on a trip to Morocco.

ITINERARY
DAY 1: CASABLANCA
►Have breakfast in a local café, visit the Hassan Mosque, and then take the road directly to Fès. Once in Fès you will unpack at your hotel, rest and then have dinner in Fès Novelle.
DAY 2: TOUR FES EL BALI & AROUND
►After breakfast you will begin your guided tour of the Fès medina.
►Fès is separated into three parts, Fès el Bali (the old, walled city), Fes-Jdid (new Fes, home of the Mellah), and the Ville Nouvelle (the French-created, newest section of Fes). The Medina of Fès el Bali is believed to be the largest contiguous car-free urban area in the world. To enter the medina, you will pass through the Bab Boujeloud gateYou will explore the medina’s narrow streets lined with local shops and stalls of fresh fruit, mounds of spices, intricately woven Berber carpets and many other Moroccan handicrafts and home goods. Fès has two main streets, “Rue Talaa Kebira “ and the “Rue Talaa Seghira “ which are utilized as the main throughways when exploring the medina- and the mysterious maze-like streets in between. The Fès medina is a labyrinth of sloping, winding alleyways are crammed full of stalls and workshops. This area is known as the famed Kissaria -the commercial centerFès Medina produces its own specialty goods: cobalt blue enameled pottery, carpets, wrought iron ... one looks on as the dyer stirs his yarns, steeped in their multitude of colors, as the tanner tramples his skins under an open sky -skins that the leather-worker will eventually adorn with fine gilt for book-binding. . A multitude of locally produced goods are on sale including cotton fabric, silk, brocade work, slippers, and many more. Each district in the , with its decoration of blue and green faiences.



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Souks of Morocco Tour

Find out how to navigate the souks and medinas of Morocco safely. ... by a "guide" in the souk or medina, who will want to take you on a tour

Shopping in Morocco is a unique and exciting experience. No visit to Morocco would be complete without exploring the medinas (walled cities with maze-like streets) of Marrakech, Fès and Ouarzazate. Unlike shopping in the West, where people tend to visit local retailers, in Morocco a shopping trip involves visiting the old medina, and various souks (markets) within them that sell specific goods ranging from clothing, to fabrics, shoes, food and carpets. Since most foreign currencies are strong in comparison to the Moroccan dirham, you can go on an extensive shopping spree and purchase various local Moroccan handicrafts such as Moroccan leather work, carpets, jewelry of silver, gold and copper along with ancient embroideries and basketwork.



Souks and markets are a major featurein Moroccan life, and among the country’s greatest attractions. Each major city and town in Morocco has a special souk quarter. Villages in the country side also have local souks which are usually held one day each week in an open field or outside the towns kasbah walls. Large cities like Marrakesh and Fès have labyrinths of individual souks (each filling a street or square that is devoted tone particular craft). The city of Marrakesh, Fès and Ouarzazate are famous for their beautiful souks- which are Morocco’s posh and huge shopping centers. Some of the best buys in Morocco are dates, leather ware, handicrafts, carpets, pottery, wood carvings, traditional dress (djellabas) and various food products.


Souks and markets are also a daily destination where locals shop for fresh meat, vegetables, household goods and other items that Americans for example, purchase at Wal-Mart or Target. In the country side, you can find large numbers of weekly souks (markets). A new alternative to souks in Morocco is Marjane, a Moroccan hypermarket chain, found in large cities like Marrakech, Casablanca, Agadir, Fès, Tétouan and Tangier. Marjane is the “Moroccan Target” and sells a wide variety of items such as food, clothing, liquor, electronics and other household goods.
Whether or not you are a big shopper, visiting a souk is a cultural experience that should not be missed on a trip to Morocco.



Fès is separated into three parts, Fès el Bali (the old, walled city), Fes-Jdid (new Fes, home of the Mellah), and the Ville Nouvelle (the French-created, newest section of Fes). The Medina of Fès el Bali is believed to be the largest contiguous car-free urban area in the world. To enter the medina, you will pass through the Bab Boujeloud gateYou will explore the medina’s narrow streets lined with local shops and stalls of fresh fruit, mounds of spices, intricately woven Berber carpets and many other Moroccan handicrafts and home goods. Fès has two main streets, “Rue Talaa Kebira “ and the “Rue Talaa Seghira “ which are utilized as the main throughways when exploring the medina- and the mysterious maze-like streets in between. The Fès medina is a labyrinth of sloping, winding alleyways are crammed full of stalls and workshops. This area is known as the famed Kissaria -the commercial centerFès Medina produces its own specialty goods: cobalt blue enameled pottery, carpets, wrought iron ... one looks on as the dyer stirs his yarns, steeped in their multitude of colors, as the tanner tramples his skins under an open sky -skins that the leather-worker will eventually adorn with fine gilt for book-binding. . A multitude of locally produced goods are on sale including cotton fabric, silk, brocade work, slippers, and many more. Each district in the , with its decoration of blue and green faiences.



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Vegetation And Animals Of Morocco

Visitors to the coastal regions will likely encounter plants like casuarina, eucalyptus, loquat and acacia. Morocco's mountainous areas are home to forest plants and trees, including the cork oak, evergreen oak, holm oak, juniper, cedar, fir and pine.

Information on plant increase and animals living in Morocco. Areas of forest and the Moroccan wildlife is a mingling of African and European species.

Spice of Morocco
The mountainous regions of Morocco contain extensive areas of forest, including large stands of cork oak, evergreen oak, juniper, cedar, fir, and pine. Except for areas under cultivation, the plains are usually covered with scrub brush and alfa grass. On the plain of Sous, near the southern border, is a large forest of argan, thorny trees found principally in Morocco. Moroccan wildlife represents a mingling of European and African species. Of the animals characteristic of Europe, the fox, rabbit, otter, and squirrel abound; of predominantly African types, the gazelle, wild boar, panther, baboon, wild goat, and horned viper are common.

Soils and environmental issues
Three general types of soil are found in the semihumid part of Morocco. They are harcha, poor, stony soils with little humus (organic matter); hamri, red soils produced over limestone bedrock with some humus; and tir, sandy-loam, brown-to-black soils with moderate amounts of humus. The densest agricultural settlement is on the most fertile tir soils of the plains. The southern part of the country is mainly desert.

Population pressures have led to soil erosion and desertification as marginal lands are farmed and ground cover is destroyed by overgrazing. Morocco has a low rate of deforestation relative to other African countries, however. Forests cover 9.8 percent (2005) of the country’s area.



The country uses more than 90 percent of its fresh water for agricultural production. Available drinking water has been further limited by pollution of freshwater sources with raw sewage and industrial waste. Periodic droughts contribute to water shortages in some areas of the country, and the problem of water scarcity is expected to worsen as Morocco’s population continues to grow. Reserves and national parks cover 0.80 percent (2004) of Morocco’s total land area. The country is home to 50 threatened animal species. Morocco has ratified international agreements protecting biodiversity, endangered species, wetlands, and the ozone layer. The country has also signed treaties limiting hazardous waste and marine dumping. "Morocco" © Emmanuel BUCHOT, Encarta, Wikipedia

Mechoui

Moroccan roasted lamb, referred to as

mechoui, is perhaps best sampled in Marrakesh, where whole lamb is roasted in deep pits with smoldering araar wood. But worry not; you need not dig a hole in your backyard if you want to try roasted lamb at home. Instead, try this Moroccan mechoui recipe which calls only for a leg or shoulder.

Couscous and sautéed vegetables

What’s your go-to “fall back” meal? You know that meal you cook when you have no idea what in the world to make for dinner. It happens to the best of us – even when you have a food blog, a hundred recipes from other blogs you want to try plus a huge cookbook collection with more recipes than you can count. Usually when that happens, I make some sort of vegetable stir fry. This Spring Vegetable Couscous Stir Fry is one of our  weeknight staple dinners around here and our #1 fallback meal whenever I’m in an indecisive dinner predicament! 

COUSCOUS AND SAUTÉED VEGETABLES

Enjoy as a side or a main dish!
1 red onion, finely chopped.
3 – 4 cloves garlic, diced.
2 zucchinis, chopped.
1 – 2 hot chili peppers*, finely chopped.
3 red bell peppers*, chopped.
1 cup corn.
1 can kidney or black beans (1 1/2 cups)
1/4 tsp cumin.

Ten Famous Moroccan Foods You Should Try

If you're heading to Morocco for vacation or business, know that you're in for a gastronomical treat. The food of Morocco ranks high on lists of the world's best cuisines and is well worth exploring. You won't be disappointed with the incredible variety, exotic seasoning and innovative ingredient combinations that await you.

Not heading to the Maghreb anytime soon? Then pick up a Moroccan cookbook or two and indulge in the flavors of Morocco in the comfort of your own home.

The following slides feature ten famous Moroccan foods to seek out in restaurants and in Moroccan homes.

1. Couscous is prepared weekly in many Moroccan homes and the presentation pictured here, couscous with seven vegetables, is one of the most popular versions. Lamb, beef or chicken is stewed along with a variety of vegetables then arranged on a glorious heap of tender, steamed couscous grains. As with many other Moroccan dishes, everyone gathers round to eat from one super-sized communal plate. 
   
2. Chicken bastilla is Morocco's famous rendition of a savory pie, and it simply doesn't get better than this. Traditionally pigeons were the birds of choice, but here chicken is cooked with saffron, ginger, pepper and cinnamon, then layered within crispy warqa pastry with an herb-laden omelet and and fried almondsscented with orange flower water. An utterly amazing fusion of flavors and textures. 
   
3. Tagine is the famous slow-cooked Moroccan stew which takes its name from the traditional clay or ceramic dish it's traditionally cooked in. Shown here is a Berber tagine with meat and vegetables. It's arranged in conical fashion and left undisturbed to cook until tender, making a delicious, beautiful presentation. Tagines are traditionally eaten directly from the cooking vessel, using pieces of Moroccan bread (khobz) to scoop up meat, veggies and sauce.
   
4. Chicken with Preserved Lemon and Olives is the classic, versatile dish is also one of Morocco's most famous and ubiquitous. And no wonder! It's utterly delicious and works beautifully for any occasion ranging from casual family dinners to celebratory banquets. You'll find it offered in homes, restaurants and even on the street in tiny outdoor dining venues. Shown here is a Roasted chicken with preserved lemons and olives presentation, but the dish is also easily prepared in a traditional tagine or conventional pot. Lots of onions are cooked to a puree-like consistency with saffron and ginger; preserved lemons and olives are tangy additions to finish the dish.
   
5. Lamb or Beef with Prunes ,Even if you don't normally reach for prunes when grocery shopping, don't be put off by this particular combination of sweet and savory. Your palate will be well rewarded for venturing into new Moroccan territory with this Lamb or beef with prunes recipe. The meat is cooked until buttery tender with saffron, ginger and onions, then topped with prunes which have been poached in syrup with cinnamon and honey. Crunchy fried almonds serve as a garnish. Still not convinced? Then maybe you'd rather try another classic Moroccan dried fruit tagine, chicken with apricots.

5 Helpful Tips When Exploring Marrakech

If you’re seeking a unique and intriguing holiday destination that’s free of all subtlety and possesses an atmosphere unlike any other, the beautifully ancient Moroccan city of Marrakech could the perfect choice for you. There’s so much to witness and plenty to explore, with stunning views, glorious food and the friendliest of locals all contributing to a wonderful North African holiday experience.

Despite the fact that so many people regularly visit the majestic city of Marrakech every year, it’s important to remember that the utmost respect comes from adhering to the various traditional and cultural aspects of the city. There’s also a plethora of useful tips for you to take on board prior to travelling that will help make your experience all the more splendid.

Spend All the Dirham You Have Before Leaving- You won’t be able to exchange any of the Dirham (Moroccan currency) that you have before you head home as it is a closed currency, so you should try and organize your spending so that you use up all the money you’ve taken out at the start of the trip. If you find that you’ve got some Dirham left over, use it to purchase some of the many wonderful stall goods on show in the streets of Marrakech. There are plenty of stunningly exotic items to purchase that you can take home for decorative purposes, such as rugs and leather goods.

Catch a Cab - The medina area is quite small but almost always busy, so it helps to catch a cab to and from your chosen destinations. The streets can get quite hectic at times, so it helps to escape the blistering heat and potentially claustrophobic environment with the help of a highly efficient cab service. Cabs are much more affordable than you might think, so you don’t have to restrict yourself to walking or other types of public transport. Cabs also give you the chance to sit back and take in the unique atmosphere associated with the medina.

Appropriate Dress – There’s a beautifully traditional feel about Marrakech that is further contributed to by popular Moroccan culture. Morocco is a devoutly Muslim country, with the religion strictly observed in many parts of the city. In order to respect the cultural and religious values of Marrakech, we advise anyone visiting to adhere to certain clothing requirements. This means most men should wear t-shirts and light trousers rather than shorts and vests, while women should look to cover their shoulders and wear skirts or shorts that cover the knees. While there’s not likely to be any consequences, it’s certainly more respectful to appreciate and be sensitive to cultures other than our own.

Ignore Street Signs – It’s a funny tip to start with but in truth, there’s absolutely no point following the various street signs you’ll come across throughout the city. Even someone with the keenest sense of direction will struggle to recall where their street and stall-venturing began, so you’ll enjoy yourself a whole lot more if you simply let the hustle and bustle of the busy streets take you on a unique journey. So rather than rely on signs to get you from one place to another, get help from a tour guide or perhaps even use the knowledge of the friendly locals.

Choose Peaceful Accommodation - Marrakech is a city that always seems to be on the move, much like London or New York for instance. However, those of us from colder climates may struggle to find any relaxation in the sweltering heat commonly associated with Morocco, particularly in the summer. It’s advisable that you seek a peaceful accommodation that takes you away from the hectic streets of Marrakech so that you have the perfect place to reflect on your day and recover your strength for the following day. Try and choose accommodation that presents itself as being calm, relaxed and well away from the busy streets.


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