Destination Morocco Podcast

In our recent Live Q&A session on secret places in Morocco off the tourist path, one such location is a stunning lake located east of Marrakech, a roughly three hour drive from the city. Perhaps because of this distance, and the fact that it is not on the main tourist routes, it is still largely known only to locals and the occasional informed tourist.

You are about to become one of those in-the-know travellers.

The lake is in fact a large reservoir, held back by a mini-Hoover Dam, creating one of the largest bodies of water in Morocco: Bin el-Ouidane.

Mountains and rolling hills line the shore, in an area still largely undeveloped and untouched. A nature paradise, but with some stunning accommodations available too.

--
Support the podcast with our new Subscriber link!
Destination Morocco +
--

One of the most impressive places to stay, not just at the lake but in all of Morocco, is the Widiane Luxury Hotel and Spa. Built on a hillside overlooking the lake, with access to the water, the resort is a combination of relaxing getaway and a multitude of adventure activities. When you're ready to get out of the busy cities and discover amazing hiking, watersports, spas and hammams, 5 star food and accommodation, and most of all tremendous service, this is the place.

Azdean and his team stayed at Widiane last summer as the final stop on their two month tour around the country, and he sat down with hotel ambassador Mr. Nabil to talk about this stunning part of the country, and how the resort fits in to the environment.

Widiane places a particular emphasis on local: local cuisine, local ingredients (often reinterpretations of international cuisine), local artisans and local staff. This is not a member of a chain of resorts and hotels, it is Moroccan-owned and supported, and a great way to give back to the local economy.

Check out our conversation today, recorded live on location, to learn more about this beautiful area. You can add a stop here to your tour itinerary, which gives you transport and guided stops along the way.

Visit our website to learn more: www.destinationsmorocco.com

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

This is an excerpt of the Live Q&A recording of Wednesday, April 10, "Getting off the tourist path in Morocco."

Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel for even more details and tourist ideas, and particularly for the visuals that accompany our conversation. Maps, photos and more await you there!

Getting Off the Tourist Path in Morocco(YouTube)

List of sights mentioned(doc)

--
Support the podcast with our new Subscriber link!
Destination Morocco +
--

We spend a lot of time talking about the great sights of Morocco, from Marrakech to Fès, Chefchaouen and Tangier, Ouarzazate and the Merzouga Desert.

If you are making plans for your first trip to Morocco, and indeed if it may be your only trip to Morocco, then we always say to make sure you visit these famous locations, to get a good overview and understanding of the country.

But if you are the type who likes to wander further afield, get away from the crowds, discover something new and different (and maybe be a trailblazer in that regard!), then this live Q&A session will be right up your alley.

We'll be focusing on some of the lesser-known sights of Morocco, the places that people typically get to after they've visited the more famous locales. Or, perhaps they have a few extra days on their big trip and can start exploring right away.

Whether waterfall or canyon, quiet neighborhood or hidden museum, there are lots of options to get off the touristy path while on your tour. And the best part is, it is easy for us to integrate those stops into your itinerary or, with enough notice, modify a full day.

With Destination Morocco, we can easily incorporate any such requests. On a private tour, you can make those decisions, you're the boss!

The best way to follow this episode is bywatching it on our YouTube channel, where you can follow along with the maps and images.

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

"Travel Fails:" a popular theme in this era of do's, don't's and travel research, comes to the Destination Morocco podcast with today's episode, featuring Azdean, Hiba and Sam. They share their knowledge of travel in Morocco, as well as first-hand experience as travellers themselves in their country, to give you some useful tips of what to do (and what not to do) when you are exploring Morocco yourself.

Focusing on safety, we talk about security measures against pickpocketing and theft, avoiding scams, medical preparations, food and water safety, and dealing with the heat. The importance of understanding and respecting local street food practices is another big one, as we want to find a balance between encouraging trying out new food and flavors, while not taking any undue risks to your stomach.

Meanwhile, being aware of insect-borne diseases also comes up, as although Morocco is far from a tropical country, it can get hot, and add to that some puddles of standing water and you can have the right mixture for breeding mosquitos. It partly depends on the time of year, but if you are planning a summer trip then make sure you take account of both heat and insect precautions.

Certain topics are as common to Morocco as to any place in the world: drinking bottled water, avoiding unfamiliar areas after dark, and the benefits of carrying a basic medical kit. But we also talk about understanding local dress codes, and again finding that balance between being comfortably modern yet suitably modest.

Preparation, awareness, and cultural respect are key to enjoying a safe and pleasant trip to Morocco, and this episode will help get you ready. In fact, we anticipate a series of further episodes along a similar theme, so stay tuned in our podcast feed. And if you haven't already, we have two episodes focused specifically on tourist scams in Morocco, so make sure you catch up on those:

Live Q&A Episode #5 - Understanding Scams in Morocco: How to Travel With Confidence

Ep. 3: Scams! How to Understand and Avoid Them

Destination Morocco is your safest partner in Morocco, helping you navigate through unexpected moments and sticky situations. Visit destinationsmorocco.com to learn about our tour options, including our new series of Small Group Tours!

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

Azdean and his local Fes guide extraordinaire, Moulay Hafid Alami, conclude their tour of the old city with a visit to the pottery and ceramic studio, "Mosaique et Poterie de Fes."

Located just to the east of the medina, this is more than a simple shop selling their beautiful craftwork (and there is a lot of it!). When you arrive, you get a guided tour of the facility, starting with handling the raw clay itself, learning how it's shaped, dried and fired, then glazed and decorated.

In our episode today, Azdean is taking this very tour, and you'll hear all the explanations, combined with the sounds of patting down clay, opening the kiln door, chiseling delicate vases and more.

Listen in to learn why Fes is such an important and influential artistic centre, not just to Morocco, but worldwide. We visit the kiln and learn about the firing process, the particular wood used, and a special natural ingredient added to the kiln.

Zalish mosaic tiles, famous around the world, are produced right here in this studio. Zalish is the root of the Portuguese word "Azulejo," the famous blue tiles, meaning "polished stone" in Arabic.

We learn more about funduqs (such as the converted Nejjarine Museum), the unique former accommodation for traders in Fes, and then we end the tour with a quick stop back in the medina, at the al-Karouyin University, the world's oldest.

You can view this special Google Map to find out the exact location of all our stops in Parts 1 and 2 of the Fes tour.

And don't forget,  all our episodes have transcripts, which can help to make sense of some of the accents and place names. Apple users with the latest update should see the transcript on their phones. Or, you can visit the episode page below to follow along with the .pdf file:

Fes Walking Tour Part 2: Visiting the Famous Fes Pottery Studio

Thank you for joining us during this past month of celebrating the magical city of Fes, Morocco. As Azdean says, if there is one place in the country you should visit, it's right here, and we hope this series has given you inspiration and momentum to book your trip!

Music credits:
Mike Franklyn / Scorpion Dance / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

Experience the sounds and ambience of Fes in this live walking tour of the medina, during Azdean's tour in 2023. Accompanied by expert guide Moulay Hafid Alami, we start in Fes el Jdid, the 14th century quarter, learning about the Royal Palace of Fes and its seven golden doors (only created in the 1960's), and the importance of the neighboring Jewish Quarter, or Mellah, the first in Morocco. We pause to take in the quiet tranquility of the Jewish Cemetery, as Hafid tells us about the special bond between Muslims and Jews in Morocco, in Fes in particular.

From there, we head over to the Burj Sud, or "southern fortress," an army installation on top of a hill that looks out over the old city. A quick drive to the top of the hill allows us to wander around the perimeter, where Hafid explains the layout of the city and the differences between its three sections: Fes el Bali, Fes el Jdid and the Ville Nouvelle.

How many streets are in the old medina? How do people find their way around, and what happens when someone gets lost, especially a child? Hafid will tell you first hand from his own experience!

Part One of our tour concludes with the famous Chouara Tannery, where visitors can look down on the many colored vats containing various dyes and natural chemicals. We meet another guide from the tannery and shop, Mr. Mushor, who tells us how the tanning process works. Yes, there is a special ingredient and yes, it is not particularly pleasant but Mushor explains why it makes such a difference to the finished product, and why the process remains in its original form, dating back hundreds of years. Everything is done by hand, and from this tannery leatherworks are shipped out around the world.

You've heard us talk about the magic and charm of Fes in our episodes this past month, now you can close your eyes and be whisked away yourself. And all of our episodes have transcripts, which can help to make sense of some of the accents and place names. Apple users with the latest update should see the transcript on their phones. Or, you can visit the episode page below to follow along with the .pdf file.

Fes Walking Tour Part 1: The Royal Palace, Jewish Quarter and the Tannery

The tour continues in our next episode, as we visit the craftsmen of Fes, making pottery and ceramics, rugs, woodwork and more.

We hope you enjoy this immersive audio experience!

Music credits:
Mike Franklyn / Scorpion Dance / courtesy o

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

This is an excerpt of the Live Q&A recording of Wednesday, March 13, exploring the vibrant city of Fez.

Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel for even more details and tourist ideas, and particularly for the visuals that accompany our conversation. Maps, photos and more await you there!

Exploring the Magical City of Fez, video replay

Azdean, Sam and Ted expand on our recent episode on Fez (which goes over a sample four-day itinerary) and reminisce on their own experiences and memories there, while answering your questions about what to see and do in the city, a bit of history and context, and practical logistics like accommodation and transport.

Fez is a remarkable place to visit, wandering the maze of the Medina, popping into shops, admiring the mosques and madrasas, learning about the tanning process while overlooking the dye vats: and all of this within the old city alone!

Branching further out, there are beautiful lookout stops, pottery and ceramic studios, or the modern contrast of the New City, which instantly brings you forward to the present-day.

Fez has prominent Jewish heritage, and it is easy to visit the historic Mellah, synagogue and Jewish cemetary, located alongside the royal palace, with its brilliant gold doors.

We talk about all this and much more in our live Q&A session, and it will get you more excited than ever to see this fabulous city for yourself.

The best way to follow this episode is bywatching it on our YouTube channel, where you can follow along with the maps and images.

But if you're listening in your car, on the bus, cooking, going for a walk etc.,  this audio excerpt of our live recording is a great place to begin.

You can always send us questions and ideas for episode and live Q&A topics, and join us and interact live on our monthly sessions, the 2nd Wednesday of each month.

---

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

We have dabbled in Fès since the start of the Destination Morocco podcast, as it has made an appearance in episodes such as our tour overview of Morocco, our discovery of famous Moroccan food, or in particular from our guests' stories, such as with Chantal and her family, who spent some memorable days in and around the city:

Now, we enter into our first dedicated series of episodes on this fabulous city, starting with a general overview of the main sights to see, and a sample itinerary for a typical four-day visit.

Crucial to planning your trip to Fès is knowing how much time you should spend there, as it is not like any other destination in Morocco. The medina's maze of labyrinthine streets and alleys alone could keep you occupied for a week or more, simply by checking out different corners, craft studios, shops, tanneries, cafés and restaurants. 

And that's without seeing some of the city's other highlights including the great observation points that look out over the valley, the pottery and ceramics studios that are further to the edge, the Fes Jdid (or "New Fez," which expands beyond the old medina and in fact dates from 1276), or of course the New City (la Nouvelle Cité), which offers a modern, dynamic contrast to the ancient streets.

Hiba serves as our guest host for today's episode, with Azdean and Sam as the guests, primarily because they reflect on their own trip to Fès in 2023 as tourists themselves. Although they have visited often, Fez far enough from their home base in Marrakech to be a special trip and experience, even for them. They can thus draw from the itinerary they followed last year where, like many of Destination Morocco's guests, four days was the allotted time.

In four days, one can start with a visit to the iconic Bab Bujlud gate and a guided tour of the Medina. Other highlights include the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque, Madrasa Bu 'an Aniyah, and the famous, colorful Chouara tannery. That still leaves time for activities, including taking a cooking class, trying a distinct Fes hammam, visiting the Dar Batha Museum, or relaxing in Jnan Sbil Gardens. 

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

You can also watch this video episode on our YouTube channel here:https://youtu.be/FhPkzzzYjns

Ramadan in 2024 starts on the evening of Sunday, March 10th and goes until Tuesday, April 9th, followed by the feast of Eid al-Fitr, or the ‘Feast of Fast-Breaking.' Despite its perhaps solemn reputation, Ramadan is a joyful time for Muslims around the world, Morocco being no exception. As Azdean, Hiba and Sam explain in today's episode, the food is unique and better, families and community frequently come together, and it is a time for celebration and collective spirit, where sacrifice and diligence go hand in hand with helping others and giving back.

The question though is often raised by non-Muslim travellers, "Can I travel to Morocco during Ramadan? Is it worth it, is it a good idea?"

Our episode today is to counter that view and establish that, although routines and schedules are undeniably different during Ramadan, it is still very much possible to travel to and around Morocco during the holy month, and in fact it is quite a special experience. 

Hiba, Sam and Azdean discuss the spiritual meaning and practices of Ramadan for Moroccan Muslims, which includes fasting, Zakat (charitable giving), communal traditions such as Iftar (breaking of the fast), and increased recitation of the Quran. Because if you are in Morocco during Ramadan, you'll want to understand what the traditions are, why they're important, and what to look for, to give you a better appreciation for what's happening around you. 

Then there is some practical travel advice for tourists, including suggested itineraries, cultural etiquette, and meal planning, which is key. Fundamentally, everything remains open in Morocco during Ramadan, from restaurants to shops to riads. The defining difference is the availability of food. 

It is easier to find western-catering restaurants in the big cities, but since travel around Morocco involves a lot of driving through the rural countryside, restaurants are fewer anyway and during Ramadan they may be closed during the day. You can plan ahead with snacks and packed lunches, and your tour guide, driver and riad hosts will all help you stay prepared.

Traveling to Morocco during Ramadan is a unique and immersive cultural experience. As Azdean points out, you only have the chance one month out of the entire year, so if you have the opportunity, make the most of it and enjoy this special time!

Music credits: 
Min Wahi El-Lami / Ali Sabah / courtesy of www.epidemicsound

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

We conclude our cultural tour of Morocco with a performance of Gnaoua (also spelled Gnawa) music, recorded live on location at a Merzouga desert camp and at a Marrakech restaurant.

In between performances, Azdean sits down with Mohamed, a musician and member of the Gnaoua performers in Qser el Khamliya, a small village just south of Merzouga. Mohamed started playing when he was eight years old, and gives us some background on the roots of Gnawa music, created by slaves and nomads from Sub-Saharan countries. The music was meant to express the suffering of slaves and their longing for freedom, and evolved into a deep religious expression of the Muslim faith.

The contemporary Gnawa festivals in Essaouira and Merzouga stem from the agricultural rhythm of generations of harvests, the point where abundance and peace could be celebrated. Modern-day events typically coincide with Eid al-Adha celebrations that are timed with cycles of the moon, and take place roughly 11 days earlier in each subsequent year.

However, Gnaoua music and live performances are easy to find year-round in Morocco, particularly in the south. Our samples in this episode of both desert camps and urban restaurants are good examples of this. Your guide or riad owner will help you find the best locations to witness Gnaoua in person, don't hesitate to ask!

Khemliya, Merzouga

Ending Gnawa music recorded live at Safran Marrakech restaurant.

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

This episode is the audio replay of partour Destination Morocco live Q&A session, on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024.

You can find the full video version here on our YouTube channel.

Our live Q&A session this month focused on identifying useful phrases in Moroccan languages that travellers can use while in the country. As a very multilingual country, this means doing so in more than one language, which as we explore today essentially means Darija (Moroccan Arabic), Berber (or Tamazight, the original indigenous language), and French, which is still in very common use and may be at least a bit more familiar to many travellers.

The best way to follow this episode is bywatching it on our YouTube channel, where you will see the visuals as we spell each word or phrase in Darija, French and Berber.

However, interspersed with our language lesson, and particularly in the first 20 minutes, is some background and contextual information on languages in Morocco, where you'll hear each one, and in what situation.

We have a fun conversation on language identity, and talk about examples when Azdean, Sam and Hiba had to figure out themselves which language to use, and how their accents were interpreted. It turns out that the dialects alone amongst Berber speakers can be quite distinct!

It's not just travellers but locals as well who navigate this linguistic landscape. But in a place where exposure to multiple languages on a daily basis is a common occurrence, there is far less awkwardness or embarrassment as a result.

So if you're listening in your car, on the bus, cooking, going for a walk etc., check out this audio excerpt of our live recording for the fascinating background info on languages.

Then,you can jump over to the YouTube channel and at the 20 minute mark, you'll see our language lesson begin!

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

Continuing on a bit further south from our last episode in Telouet, we follow Azdean on his summer tour down to Aït Ben Haddou, southern gateway to the High Atlas mountains and their stunning scenery and hiking. Aït Ben Haddou is a small town but is known for its traveller services, restaurants and accommodation, and its welcoming hospitality.

In this episode of Destination Morocco podcast, Azdean sits down with Mr. Mustapha, who works at the restaurant l'Oasis d'Or (Golden Oasis), a popular restaurant located on the main road through town. Mustapha speaks extensively about Berber culture and how they have embraced tourism as a way to present their culture and provide a unique experience to tourists from around the world. He speaks seven languages, which he attributes to interacting with diverse tourists, as well as a reflecting a common Moroccan trait of having a knack for language. Although, as Azdean points out, there are certainly pockets of Morocco where people are not only unilingual, they may speak only Moroccan Arabic (Darija) or the Berber (Amazigh) language, the original indigenous language, without really being able to communicate in the other.

So it's not a given that all Moroccans are polylingual, but we have certainly met quite a few examples on the podcast who are! And it is an impressive thing to see. Mustapha even speaks Russian and Mandarin, thanks to the many Chinese tour groups that have been coming through Aït Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate over the last few years.

Mustapha also discusses the establishment, menu, and services of l'Oasis d'Or, highlighting its welcoming approach to customers and how the staff operate as a big family. Azdean, with his eye for hospitality and service, praises the restaurant's generosity and the quality of its food, voicing optimism for l'Oasis d'Or's plans to open a new hotel in the near future.

On the theme of languages, we welcome you to join us live on YouTube on Wednesday, February 14 at 12 pm EST for our next live Q&A session, where we'll be talking about languages in Morocco, particularly the difference between Berber and Darija. Azdean and Sam will teach us a few useful phrases for travellers. Always handy, especially if you're heading off the beaten path for some real cultural immersion, which is the theme of our recent series of episodes!

l'Oasis d'Or, Aït Ben Haddou
Destination Morocco YouTube

Music credits: 
Sight of Wonders / Desert Footsteps / cou

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

We continue our exploration of Berber/Amazigh culture with a visit to Telouet, a small village deep in the High Atlas Mountains, known for its kasbah, trekking and beautiful scenery. Azdean met with local guide and historian Ali Ahdadi to delve into Berber influence in the area and activities for travellers passing through.

Telouet is a bit off the beaten path, hence why it was largely a secret until recently. But in reality it's only a 2.5 hour drive from Marrakech, an hour south to Aït Benhaddou, and another half hour from there down to Ouarzazate. The roads are largely saled and well maintained, and to compensate for the twisty switchbacks there are stunning views of valleys and snow-capped mountains along the way.

Ali guides us through his personal experiences growing up in Telouet, from his family's ancestral craft of blacksmithing to the evolution of Berber communities, highlighting the unique blend of Jewish and Berber cultures steeped in the region's history. Having left to go to university in Marrakech and working around Morocco, he appreciates even more being able to come back home and make a living in this quiet area with fresh air and a peaceful pace of life.

At the same time, Azdean and Ali talk about some of the major events that are starting to put Telouet on the map, including the Atlas Mountain Cycling Race that passes through town, bringing around 200 riders on a traverse from Marrakech to Essaouira. Ali's anecdotes about mountain climbing and the importance of development and visibility of Telouet's history and culture paint a vivid image of a place poised on the cusp of tourism transformation.

Moreover, you'll learn about Telouet's historical importance as a rich salt source, the health benefits of this mineral in both the culinary and medicinal spheres, the profound connection to esteemed painters like Jacques Majorelle, and the significance of the area as a link between Africa and Europe.

It's an episode filled with warmth, a delightful conversation with a local guide well-known to the trekking community. Don't forget to pack your sense of wonder for this captivating instalment of Destination Morocco – your gateway to the traditions and innovations of the Amazigh heartland.

Telouet
Guide Ali Ahdadi

Music credits: 
Edward Karl Hanson / Moroccan Marketplace / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

In today's episode of Destination Morocco podcast, Azdean, Hiba and Sam expand on the historical canvas and cultural fabric formed by the Amazigh, or Berber, tribes across North Africa.

Our focus is an overview of some of the more prominent tribes and communities, who have had a long and lasting impact on the region. Long before modern political borders, invaders and settlers, and contemporary languages and culture, these Amazigh peoples were laying down cultural roots still seen today.

Our list includes:

In Part 1 of our series, we gave an overview of the Amazigh culture and identity, and its history and influence dating back thousands of years. In Part 2, we explore the distinct identities, customs and dialects within the Amazigh world, since they are far from a homogeneous community, which makes sense covering such a large area. 

While listening to their story, it is important to erase for a moment those borders, lines, names and flags that are more familiar. Underneath are the Amazigh, and when you visit Morocco, or indeed continue further across North Africa, you will know who these groups are and how they all fit together.

Our series, "The Amazigh Chronicles," will continue after this as additional bonus episodes for those who enjoy diving in deeper to cultural history from a modern day perspective, brought to you by native Moroccans themselves. Keep an eye out for further episodes in our podcast feed. 

Our general theme in early 2024 is learning about cultural identities in Morocco and North Africa, and in turn opportunities for you as a traveller to understand and experience this in person. Our upcoming episodes in February, including our Live Q&A, will continue along these lines with lots of practical information and advice to help you really get to know Morocco and its people.

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

This episode is the audio replay of our Destination Morocco live Q&A session, on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024.

You can find the video version here on our YouTube channel.

In this month's session, Azdean, Sam and podcast producer Ted, navigate the labyrinth of traveller scams in the bustling streets and markets of Morocco. With a focus that is as practical as it is necessary, they will equip you with the knowledge to sidestep common pitfalls that many an unwary traveller might stumble into.

What are the latest tricks taxi drivers have up their sleeves, and how can you ensure a fair fare? What about those unofficial tour guides who seem so helpful at first glance? Learn the subtle tactics scammers use and get concrete tips on how to say no to unwanted tours and purchases. 

You might not thinking that dining out is something prone to scams, but Azdean sheds light on menu price changes and added fees, while Ted reveals his take on unexpected items showing up at your table. Is it complimentary, or will you find it on your bill?
How can a photograph safeguard against overcharging? And in the vast array of merchandise in the souks, how can you distinguish a genuine offer from a scam? 

It's not all negative though: fortunately some areas of travel in Morocco have seen substantial improvement. Sam talks about the improvements in taxi services, including the benefits of a scheduled green taxi pick-up and how to utilise the newly introduced kiosk system at the airports. Learn when and how you can call the police, or even threaten to do so, and how that can make all the difference.

We go over the importance of guarding your belongings against theft at the airport, how to effectively navigate interactions with customs officials, and why certain travellers are targeted.

Scams are an international reality, and knowledge is your best ally against them. Get ready to jot down valuable insights that will help you embrace the vibrant Moroccan experience with confidence and peace of mind.

This episode not only raises the questions but offers the answers that could save you time, money, and stress!

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

Who are the Moroccans?

To a large extent, the native population of Morocco are the Amazigh people, whose presence and influence date back thousands of years. Commonly known as “Berbers,” in fact their preferred term, “Amazigh,” is a more positive, inclusive name that means “the free people.” 

Speaking the Tamazight language, and pronounced similar to “A-ma-zirgh,” (with the “rgh” a soft guttural sound) Amazigh roots spread far beyond just the borders of Morocco, which as you’ll learn in today’s episode, are quite artificial. Tribes and bloodlines stretch from Egypt to modern day Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Mauritania and more. The Amazigh tussled with the pharaohs, faced the Carthaginians, mingled with the Romans, occupied Iberia (modern Spain and Portugal), and absorbed Islamic invaders to lay the foundations of their modern culture. 

In more recent times, the Amazigh and Morocco (and Africa in general) have gone through the sting of colonialism and adapting to the imposition of European culture and languages. Moroccan independence from France in 1956 marked a return to the path of freedom and self-determination that has marked the vast majority of the country’s history. 

Morocco today is a multiethnic, modern and cosmopolitan society. But it is the Amazigh people who have the deepest roots and impact. 

Meanwhile, at Destination Morocco, one of the most frequent questions from our tour guests is, “How can I learn more about the native people, and experience the Berber culture?” Many travellers have a desire to go beyond the touristy sights and attractions and have a true culturally immersive experience. 

To that end, one of the topics we’ve had on our podcast list has been to give an overview of Berber/Amazigh history, and context to their role in Moroccan society today. This episode is the first part of a new ongoing series, a mix of regular and bonus episodes that are a bit of a glimpse “behind the curtain” into the culture and identity of everyday Moroccans. 

Azdean and Sam are joined by friend of the podcast Hiba, live from her home in Marrakech, to talk about Amazigh history. In Part 1, they talk about the early development of Amazigh identity, its reaction to the various invaders and conquerors over the centuries, and how those milestones have influenced culture and identity today. 

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

You’ve spent a lot of money to get to Morocco, especially to see it thoroughly and comprehensively. And even more importantly, your trip is the culmination of months or years of dreaming, planning, research and preparation. 

We all know that unexpected things can happen, from getting sick to breakdowns or even just surprisingly poor customer service. But to sort out these problems, you’ll want to be in the hands of experienced professionals who see you as more than a number or a confirmation code. 

Today’s episode is our first of 2024, and Azdean and Sam are joined by podcast producer Ted to reflect on the past year and their own travels around Morocco, and how to get out of sticky situations or adjust to sudden changes. Destination Morocco focuses intentionally on small group and private tours, so that each client gets personal care and attention, and the greatest value for their money. 

This means not just choosing the “best” riads, based on reviews or reputation, but Sam and the team actually going to stay, anonymously, at properties around the country in order to make an accurate assessment. The same goes for restaurants, right up to 5 star hotels. Just because a hotel has 5 stars doesn’t necessarily mean it offers outstanding service or quality: often reputation obscures reality. Sam and the team in Morocco are there to verify these things themselves, and ideally avoid problems before they arise. 

Often, it’s not so much a case of not wanting to spend money but rather getting the quality and value you expect for your budget. Our episode today shares some first-hand insight from Azdean, Sam and Ted’s personal experiences to help you know what to expect when you travel to Morocco.

Some of the highlights featured in this episode include:

Widiane Resort & Spa 

Riad Ghita, Fès 

Episode 33: Live episode with Said from Sky Sahara Camp, Merzouga 

Episode 3: Scams! How to Understand and Avoid Them 

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

One of the great travel stories we’ve heard from a guest on the podcast was just over a year ago now. It was with Rachel Metcalfe, for whom Morocco went from being a remote, distant idea to, a month later, sitting on the airplane on her way to Casablanca.

Destination Morocco took on the challenge of organizing her last-minute trip, and in this episode Rachel explains how that made all the difference in having an enjoyable, complete tour that covered the sights she wanted to see.

This is our last episode of 2023, and many thanks to our listeners for a wonderful year of great episodes and great tours. In 2024, our new documentary, Kingdom of Colors, premiers, which follows Azdean's family’s trip around Morocco with some stunning visuals. You can see the trailer now on our website or the Destination Morocco YouTube channel.

----
Imagine: One day, someone gives you the idea of going to Morocco, and you think, "Yeah, maybe..." But then, a month later, spur of the moment, you buy a return ticket! 

But you're not a big fan of planning, and the prospect of filling out the details of your impending trip are a little daunting, to say the least. 

What do you do next? 

This is Morocco on a Whim, Rachel Metcalfe's story of making the commitment and turning to Destination Morocco to create what became a very special and memorable trip.

Rachel starts off in Casablanca, and like many of our other guests meets Khalil, the blind tour guide of Hassan II Mosque. She tours around the north of Morocco, and falls in love with the picturesque, crossroads city of Tangier. Hear her wax poetic on its old world charm and beautiful setting between ocean and mountains. She is captivated by the blue city of Chefchaouen, leaving her Instagram page bursting with color. 

Fès then takes center stage, with Rachel being guided through the labyrinth of streets, visiting the mosaic & tile factory and then dropping in on the famous tanneries, a crucial mint coming in very handy.

Her riad in Fès, so completely unassuming from the outside, turns out to be a veritable palace once you walk through the door. Rachel takes us on a tour and describes it in detail. 

A highlight was the hammam, or "sand bath," in the desert at Agafay, just an hour outside of Marrakech. A relaxing and revitalizing experience, complete with herbs and spices for distinct aromas. 

Rachel had her own private tour, allowing her free reign to change plans, sleep in, go somewhere different or be spontaneous. With an ind

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

This episode is the audio replay of our Destination Morocco live Q&A session, on Wednesday, Dec. 13.

You can find the video version here on our YouTube channel, with lots of visuals that go with the conversation.

In this month's session, Azdean and Sam answered your questions about Morocco's fabulous food and cuisine. You've likely heard at least a bit about tagines, pastillas, mint tea and of course, couscous. But this episode will really fill in the blanks and help you place your order.

How do you order tagine when you're at a restaurant? What kinds of varieties of tagine are there? What is pastilla made from? What's the difference between tagine and tangia? What are some regional variations to the same dish? What kind of cultural practices and norms should you be aware of, whether it's when certain dishes are eaten, or how they're eaten? Is rice used in Morocco? What is the name of the bread you see everywhere in Morocco?

Then we get into ordering, including are menus in Morocco written in English, do you need to order in advance, is potable water included at Moroccan restaurants, and what are some of the prices of well-known Moroccan meals.

You may be wondering if in Morocco people generally eat late, as we often see in Europe: Azdean and Sam talk about local customs, as well as whether you can order alcohol at a restaurant, and even where you can purchase alcohol in Morocco to bring back to your riad.

And we certainly get a lot of questions about dietary considerations, gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan, allergies and food contamination concerns.

There's lots to fill up your plate in this episode, particularly for when you go to Morocco, but if you're lucky and have a Moroccan restaurant in your home town, you'll now be able to order with the confidence of an experienced connoisseur!

And don't forget to take a moment to listen to our most recent podcast episode, "How a Blind Tour Guide Shows Tourists the Best of Casablanca," a fascinating conversation with guide Khalil Nejjary, live from Hassan II Mosque this past summer. Khalil's knowledge of the mosque and Casablanca will give you a new appreciation for Morocco's biggest city:

https://destinationsmorocco.com/podcast

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

Over the course of many episodes of the podcast, we’ve often mentioned a certain guide based in Casablanca. He has had a lasting and indelible impact on those who have had the pleasure of meeting him. Our guests on the podcast, from Chantal to Pablo and even Ted have remarked on his knowledge, warmth and spirit.

Khalil Nejjary is his name, and when Azdean visited Casablanca and the incredible Hassan II Mosque this past summer, he finally had the chance to invite him on the podcast, in person.

If you remember his story, you'll know that not only is Khalil a fabulous guide with an encyclopedic memory, but he is also in fact blind. Today he'll tell us the story of how this happened and how he has been able to continue his career. Khalil's ability to describe in detail, from memory, the features of the mosque is just remarkable.

We met Khalil at the entrance hall to the mosque complex, where visitors can get tickets for the guided tours and visit the small museum with photos of the mosque's construction. Khalil and other guides meet their guests here, then escort them across the massive courtyard, or esplanade, to the mosque's entrance. It was during this walk that we were able to record our conversation, and Khalil talks about the mosque's architecture, the materials used and why they were chosen, and the long path from King Hassan II's initial dream of building a great mosque to its eventual completion. 

Khalil also tells us about the history of Casablanca and its influence on the world, and outlines a typical tour of the city, which would take in many of the famous and important sights. 

We've touched on Casablanca a bit throughout the podcast, but if you remember back to the episode on April 15 that was an overview of Casablanca and Rabat, one of the themes was how Morocco's biggest city is often bypassed, aside from the mosque of course!, so that travellers have more time in other locations.  

So in today's episode Khalil really gives Casablanca its due, and you'll come away with a better understanding  and appreciation for the city. 

It was truly a joy meeting up with Khalil in person, at last, and we're so happy to be able to share his insight with you. In fact, Khalil had just returned from the Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, so was quite busy at the time with family and people visiting. But he took the time to meet with us, for which we were very appreciative. 

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

Today's episode of Destination Morocco ponders the question of "What makes Morocco appealing?" What attracts people to Morocco, and what are their perceptions of the country before going there?

Naturally there are always stereotypes and assumptions that build up over time, and as Azdean points out in this episode, Europeans are inevitably more familiar with Morocco than North Americans due to their proximity, and the ease of getting there, perhaps even for a quick long weekend.

But for many travellers, Morocco is a bucket list destination that they may only reach once in their lifetime. Their view of the country is likely formed by movies, media and events, from the positive: soccer success and hit movies, to the negative: a powerful earthquake and rumors of scams and rip-offs. 

Our podcast is here to tell you about the real Morocco and break down those stereotypes, and indeed many listeners have taken that information and made clear, confident requests for particular sights and activities that they want added to their itinerary when they book a tour.

We get in a bubble though sometimes, and this episode is a chance to take a step back and try to understand perceptions of Morocco, where does myth meet reality, and who are the travellers to Morocco. From newlywed couples to empty nesters, adventure seekers and cultural pilgrims, there's a good chance you'll see yourself identified in this episode.

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

Continuing our recent theme of shopping, tipping and travelling safely in Morocco, today's episode features the Akhnif Glaoui Carpet Co-Operative, located just south of Aït Benhaddou and Ouarzazate, about 150 miles south of Marrakech.

Azdean visited this wonderful, genuine boutique back in June of this year, during the summer trip to Morocco, while on the Southern Morocco tour. It was here where he met Sarah, host and guide of the facility, who gave Azdean and family a tour and showed them the incredible weaving and rugmaking that is done there, all by women.

This Women's Co-op is groundbreaking, and crucially important not just to the local economy, but to women's recognition and self-sufficiency. Instead of relying on others, typically men, to sell their detailed and complex creations, products of hours of hard work and labour (which are then often resold at even higher prices, for which the women don't see an extra dime) - at the co-op, each weaver has a say in the price and value of their rug, and when it's sold they get a very generous and appropriate percentage.

Imran and Azdean sat down with Sarah to learn about her story and what brought her back to Aït Benhaddou, now working to showcase the co-op and its efforts, as well as teaching the women some English!

Sarah explains the shopping experience there, which puts an emphasis on removing the stress and pressure to buy that you typically find elsewhere. At Akhnif Glaoui, you are free to browse, learn about rugs and carpets, and perhaps even order one later from back home, once you've made the correct measurements in your house.

It's a breath of fresh air when it comes to shopping in Morocco, which you'll appreciate after our last episode on Tipping in Morocco, and our November Live Q&A, which talked about safety and security, especially while shopping. It is refreshing to find a place that allows you to really appreciate the craft and work that goes into these unique, individual creations.

The Akhnif Glaoui has a bright future and we are pleased to support them and send our guests their way.

Speaking of which, we are offering 30% off any of our Destination Morocco tours when reserved by Cyber Monday, November 27. Your travel date can be any time in the next year, or even later!

Simply visit our website, destinationsmorocco.com, and mention the code "30% podcast" in the comments section when you request either one of our standard 8 or 9 day tours, or your ow

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

This episode is the audio replay of our Destination Morocco live Q&A session, on Wednesday, Nov. 15.

You can find the video version here.

We get a lot of questions about safety and security in Morocco, once you are there and making your way through the souks, squares and even the restaurants.

Your Destination Morocco tour director is always there for guidance and advice, as well as your local guide, for when you're first exploring a new city.

But we always want to encourage people to then explore on their own, follow your nose and see what else you can discover. If that's something you're interested in doing!

Imagine, you're in Marrakech, Fès, wandering the souks and shops, the markets and squares, and have lots of people pulling you in many different directions.

There will be people beckoning you into their shop, there will be "guides" offering to take you here or there (even if you've already been), with no guarantee that they are trustworthy.

It's an exciting, adrenaline-filled environment, and it can be a little overwhelming. Especially if you are on your own, how do you keep your wits about you, and enjoy the experience?

These things are a part of travel, and common to any country in the world. Knowing what to expect though is crucial to having an enjoyable experience.

Shopping and browsing is perfectly safe in Morocco, but to help you navigate Morocco and be prepared, we answered your questions on safety, local customs and what to do in certain situations.

And take a moment to listen to our most recent episode on "Navigating Tipping and Shopping in Morocco," which covers many similar issues:

https://destinationsmorocco.com/latest-episode

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

The culture of tipping in Morocco is something we get a lot of questions about, and indeed many people aren't sure if they should tip at all, or when, and how much. It can quickly get overwhelming and a little awkward, if you don't know what to expect.

Azdean is here today to set out a comprehensive guide to tipping when you're travelling in Morocco. The short answer is yes, tipping applies in many cases across the country, in many different situations. The culture has evolved to something similar to the United States and other countries. You can expect to tip in a lot of familiar circumstances, but the question still remains, how much? And where do you get the small bills and change that you'll need?

Tipping might not be mandatory in Morocco, but it's a key part of the culture deeply appreciated by locals. From cab rides to restaurant meals, the tipping norms vary, and Azdean will  help you navigate them like a pro. This episode is a mix of listener questions and Azdean's own experience as a traveller in Morocco himself.

We'll equip you with the know-how to identify different Dirham notes and why the humble 20 dirham note is your ultimate travel buddy. Plus be prepared for moments where you aren't used to tipping, and try not to be caught out.

As we journey deeper into the episode, we switch gears to tackle Moroccan shopping realities.  There are shopping pitfalls where unsuspecting tourists can be exploited. Destination Morocco is there to help you out, but awareness and precaution are crucially important. Azdean explains what can happen and how the company tries to circumvent it.

Tipping is one of those things that can be an afterthought in your tour preparations, but when you're there, in the moment, you'll appreciate having learned how to navigate as a confident traveller. 

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

You've heard his baritone podcast voice for the past year and a half, and picked up bits and pieces of his story. But as we approach our 50th episode of Destination Morocco podcast, have you wondered, "How did Azdean come to live in Houston, and how did Destination Morocco get its beginnings?”

Azdean did in fact grow up in Marrakech, never imagining that he would wind up in the United States, raise a family, start businesses and build connections around the world. It's an inspiring story of perseverance, opportunity and getting much help and support along the way, a big reason why Azdean is happy to pay it forward now that he's in position to do so.

Until he was in his early 20's, Azdean barely spoke more than basic English, and yet to immigrate to the US he needed to pass the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam.  He had just a few months to go from beginner to functional level and get a passing grade, and the steps he took were astounding, from music to movies to cramming at times 15 hours of study per day.

Once established in Houston, he developed a passion and understanding for hospitality, American-style, and ultimately applying that mindset to tourism. Starting Destination Morocco wasn't so much a lifelong dream, but rather one that materialized once their son Imran was born, a desire to include Morocco in his life and to foster an understanding of it. This then morphed into providing that opportunity for others, but with the wealth of knowledge from being a native-born Moroccan.

Stemming from the family-run business beginnings, the company has maintained its focus on private tours and small group travel, so that guests can have as much flexibility and control as possible, just as if they were visiting on their own. 

Azdean talks about how helping people avoid scams and know who to trust has been a big part of the motivation for organizing tours, and he shares some unpleasant examples, including the time that a waitress at a restaurant in Fès mentioned, unprompted, that the tagine Azdean's clients had just purchased was a fake. 

Of course, they were surprised and put off by this, and weren't sure what to believe.  Fortunately he knew what to tell them so that they could identify for themselves if it was true. 

Morocco is a bucket-list destination, the type of place you may only visit once (or twice!), and you should always put your faith and funds in people you can trust. We're here on the podcast to build that trust, to have fun talking about Morocco and make sure you get the most out of your trip. Fr

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

Take yourself on a tour and gain new understanding for the beautiful country of Morocco on the Destination Morocco Podcast, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and more. 

Our goal is to introduce you to the real Morocco, showing you how to prepare, what to see, what to expect and how to make the most of your time.

Join host Azdean Elmoustaquim as we meet locals and guides, learn about costs and prices, safety, the kinds of scams to look out for in the bazaars, what languages to expect, types of accommodation and so much more.

Destination Morocco Travel Agency offers private and small group tours, creating custom-designed itineraries that cater to your interests and priorities, taking you on a wonderful adventure with memories that will last a lifetime.

With great stories, anecdotes and conversations, Destination Morocco podcast will leave you ready to discover this amazing land, its distinct culture and vibrant history.

Visit www.destinationsmorocco.com to learn more, and for special discounts on upcoming tours.

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

One year ago exactly, Pablo Juarez and his partner Harmony were touring Morocco with Destination Morocco, experiencing incredible variety from Fès, Merzouga Desert, over the Atlas Mountains, through Ouarzazate and Aït Benhaddou, and ending up in Marrakech. 

After they got back home to Ottawa, Canada, we had Pablo on the podcast to talk about their trip, the amazing sights, and some surprising and unexpected discoveries along the way. 

It was such a great episode that we felt we should do it justice by sharing it with you again. This is a great episode not just for those dreaming of going to Morocco, but for those who have been. It will rekindle fond memories and nostalgia, and will probably get you thinking about your next trip!

---
It was the first trip to Morocco for Pablo and his partner Harmony, and it was full of pleasant surprises. From the food, the generosity, the riads, the landscape and most of all, the people, Morocco was at once modern and wonderfully traditional.

Even experienced travellers turn to tour companies from time to time, to help them get the best out of their vacation, and have access to places and experiences they otherwise would have never known about. The great thing is you can combine a guided tour with some of your own independent sightseeing, it doesn't have to be all one or the other. 

Having some prior knowledge of Morocco, thanks to the podcast, helped complement the guided tour once they were actually there. The show provided a solid foundation for what to expect and how to prepare.

Pablo describes their riads in great detail: hot tubs, pools, rooftop patios, and lounges where you can meet the other guests, who rarely number more than 7 or 8 in total. "It feels like you're visiting with a family member or friend. We ate so much amazing food in Morocco," he says.

Thank you to Pablo for sharing his journey with us, and encouraging more people to discover this amazing land.

Experiences you're about to share:

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

This episode is the audio replay of our Destination Morocco live Q&A session, on Wednesday, Oct. 11.

You can find the video version here.

In today's conversation with Azdean, Sam and podcast producer Ted, we'll focus on what's included in a typical Destination Morocco tour, how we go about building itineraries, and how we build from your preferences and priorities to shape a tour that works foryou, and is specific toyou.

This is a big part of what makes Destination Morocco an ideal travel partner: we don't force you to follow the tourist path, or insist on "must-see" sights that don't interest you. We'll give you advice, certainly, when you want ideas and recommendations. But you can always bring your list of sights and attractions, and we then use our connections and experience to craft a smooth, sensible itinerary that goes at your pace.

Ready to discover the hidden gems and must-see attractions of Morocco? We've got you covered.

If you're curious about when to book a tour, how long they last, how much flexibility you have while on a tour, what are any additional costs, how much driving is there, what do we eat and where: Azdean will have you covered. 

Are the tours private, or with large groups? Do we offer day tours, and can you book a day trip or overnight if you are already in Morocco? How is the travel market in Morocco changing, especially post-covid?

These questions and more will help you learn about our offers and make an informed decision on finding the best tour for you.

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

Watch the video version of this episode here: https://youtu.be/8c83YIlxYqc

Here at Destination Morocco, we receive questions all the time about how to prepare for a trip to Morocco and what to expect. We love being able to help out our fellow travellers and help you avoid the sense of shock, while preserving the sense of adventure, once you arrive in our homeland.

This episode is the first of a series that will answer travel questions about Morocco, grouped together in various themes. Today, we are focusing on what to prepare before-hand, whether it's packing, medication, passports and documents, and so much more. As well as some of the initial steps to take once you arrive, particularly finding cash and bottled water.

We talk about the best times to visit, what languages to expect, and the country's tipping etiquette. No more awkward moments wondering if you should tip your cab driver or your tour guide!

Morocco is a tremendously photogenic country, and the temptation to bring your drone is very high. We break down Morocco's photography rules and drone regulations, ensuring you capture stunning views without breaking any laws. Plus, we'll tackle the topic of travel insurance—when to get it, why it's crucial, and what coverage to look for for your trip.

When it comes to food, should you just dive right in? Or maybe pace yourself and allow your stomach to adjust? Azdean has a great recommendation for adapting to the cuisine, particularly when it comes to sampling meat dishes.

And no adventure is complete without knowing where to rest your weary head. We guide you through the differences in accommodation,  from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious four-star riads and hotels.

---
Don't forget our Live Q&A sessions with Azdean,  the 2nd Wednesday of each month, starting at 9 am PT/12 noon ET. Upcoming dates include October 11, November 8 and December 13. We're keen to get more interaction with our listeners and answer live more of your questions about tour planning to Morocco.

Visit destinationsmorocco.com and click the button at the top to find the link to this live event. You can send questions in advance, observe as an "Audience" member, and even request to join us live on the show!

If you are picturing your own Moroccan adventure and have important, urgent questions about anything from costs and safety to food and accommodation, get them answered with Azdean at our live Q&A's.

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

Ceasha Micallef had her dream tour to Morocco booked months in advance, with a departure date of Friday, September 8, 2023.

As she was in-flight over the Atlantic, heading for a stopover in Paris before going on to Casablanca, the 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit southern Morocco. She arrived at the airport to text messages and missed calls from family and friends, wondering if she was still able to go. In truth, she wasn't sure herself.

Back and forth texts with the Destination Morocco team in Marrakech, particularly with her driver, Mohammed, quickly confirmed that the country was safe, the trip was still on and they would make any adjustments necessary. Ceasha boarded the connecting flight and carried on to Casablanca, and it turned into one of the greatest, most meaningful trips this veteran of 20+ countries has ever experienced.

Now, Ceasha is back home in Toronto and chatting with Azdean about her time in Morocco, the exhilarating adventure in Merzouga Desert, the beautiful drives through the High Atlas Mountains, incredible food and wonderful, warm hospitality.

Ceasha's vivid description of her time there - the zenith of tranquility, spiritual connections symbolized by green orbs, the raw thrill of quad rides in the sand dunes, and immersing herself in the local culture through a cooking class - will leave you wanting to follow in her footsteps. Tourism is the best way for the country and its economy to get back on its feet.

She and Azdean also break down the tipping etiquette in Morocco, offering practical advice on this often tricky subject.

But it's not just about the sights and sounds of exotic locales. It's the people who make the journey unforgettable. Hear Ceasha recount the special bond formed with her driver Mohammed and the camaraderie they built over the span of her trip. They also visit Le Patron/Deux Ciels restaurant, featured in one of our recent walking tour episodes of Marrakech.

After the blur of the past three weeks, Ceasha helps us make sense of the earthquake's impact on southern Morocco with her first-hand knowledge and insight, confirming that it is open and safe: a tremendous reassurance for everyone.

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

Unearth the mesmerizing allure of Morocco, as Sam, our Destination Morocco insider, guides us through the highlights of a typical Northern and Southern Tour.

In this episode of Destination Morocco, we put particular emphasis on the entrance fees to these famous sights and attractions, including which ones are free. Sam is careful to convert from Moroccan Dirhams into US Dollars which, as it turns out, is a pretty straightforward process.

Our route takes us from Marrakech to Essaouira, then Casablanca, Rabat, Fès, Meknes, Ouarzazate and the Atlas Studios, Merzouga Desert, the Canyons of the south, hiking villages of the High Atlas Mountains, particularly Midelt, then back to Tangier, Chefchaouen and neighboring Akchour.

We deliver insider tips and insights into these must-see sights that are sure to make your Moroccan adventure truly unforgettable.

And beyond just the regular tourist highlights, we tap into activities and options, their costs and how much time they take, for when you have more than just a day or two at a particular stop. One can absolutely spend 3 or 4 days in Merzouga or Chefchaouen, Tangier or Rabat, and find lots to discover and explore. These are the cultural immersions and off-the-beaten-path secrets that most tourists don't get to.

We conclude this episode on a poignant note, as Sam shares his deeply moving experience delivering aid to villages affected by the recent earthquake. His heartfelt retelling of the gratitude expressed by the locals is a powerful reminder of the spirit of community and resilience in Morocco.

We'll continue to have more earthquake updates over the coming weeks, as Morocco gets back on its feet. But in the meantime, the most important message is: come! Come visit Morocco, bring your energy, enthusiasm and curiosity. Nothing will help recovery more than having your presence with us.

You can donate to Destionation Morocco's earthquake relief here:

https://destinationsmorocco.com/relief

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

This episode is the audio replay of our first Destination Morocco live Q&A session, on Wednesday, Sept. 13.

You can find the video version here.

Visit our Relief page to find out how you can donate to earthquake recovery efforts.

As you may know, we had been planning this event for the past few weeks, with a focus on how to plan your bucket list of things to see and do in Morocco.

The earthquake near Marrakech on Sept. 8 immediately turned our focus to sharing as much information as possible on the state of recovery, on whether people can still travel to Morocco and what they can expect there.

The short answer is: yes! People are still travelling in and to Morocco, and most of the country has been unaffected. Even in Marrakech, 5 days after the disaster, streets are already being cleared and businesses are reopening, if they closed at all. Most of the new city was only minimally damaged. The older, brick and mortar buildings of the Medina were much more susceptible to damage, but most of the riads remain open. 

Destination Morocco's office manager in Marrakech, Sam, joins the call today with a report on-location, filling us in on the state of recovery, and how the company and its tours are adapting.

This conversation is also about the extraordinary unity and generosity that emerges from adversity. Hear firsthand how Berber/Amazigh people from around the world have came together to provide aid. Also, you'll get an inside look at the relief efforts orchestrated by the Destination Morocco team. We touch on the cultural respect and etiquette, vital to understand if you're planning a visit during the recovery period.

As we round off the discussion, we explore the rebuilding efforts, particularly in the mountainous regions of Morocco. We highlight the role of technology in visualizing the impact and the importance of donations in this phase. If Morocco is on your travel wish list, we assure you of its safety and rich cultural experiences waiting to be explored. From its unique architectural styles to stunning landscapes, Morocco beckons you with its captivating charm.

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

Friday night's earthquake in Morocco was sudden and unexpected, and hit home for us here at Destination Morocco. Our office is based in Marrakech and sustained damage, and many of our staff are now homeless. Azdean, based in Houston, felt stuck and helpless, trying to figure out what he could do from so far away.

Many of our podcast listeners and former clients have reached out with their condolences and offers of help, for which we are very thankful and appreciative.

As we come to terms with this disaster, we know that the Moroccan people are very strong and resilient, will help each other to recover, and will rebuild. We know that tourism will continue, and we encourage people to keep planning their trips and bucket lists. Although Marrakech sustained a lot of damage, being closer to the epicentre, most of the country was untouched. The spirit and energy of travellers will help us enormously with the recovery in the weeks and months ahead.

Azdean is joined in today's quick episode by producer Ted to share the latest news and updates that he is aware of from Morocco. The situation is changing and evolving with every passing hour. We'll be making the most of the podcast platform to share updates as we receive them, and keep you apprised of ways to help.

Earthquake Relief for Moroccan Communities (Donate button)

As you may be aware, we have had a live Q&A session with Azdean scheduled for this Wednesday, September 13th at 9 AM Pacific Time, 12 noon Eastern, to answer questions on planning a memorable itinerary to Morocco.

We will continue with this event, but understandably our focus will change to answering your questions on the latest earthquake updates and response, how it will impact travel, what remains open, and what people can do to help.

We are in a privileged position at Destination Morocco in having direct access to aid workers and community organizations on the ground, and can coordinate funding and supplies to them quickly and efficiently.

Azdean has been working the phones day and night to put the pieces in place and pass the details along to you. Please join us Wednesday if you can, to learn more and have your questions answered directly. Simply follow the link below to join us live, or you can click here to RSVPand add a reminder to your calendar.

The event will be recorded, and of course we will have continuing updates on the website and the podcast.

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

Azdean spent the summer of 2023 researching attractions, riads, hotels, restaurants and activities in Morocco, gathering information to give Destination Morocco clients an even better, more authentic experience.

He and his team also captured hours of audio and video footage, which is being rolled out on the Destination Morocco podcast and the new YouTube channel.

All in all, it was a lot of logistical planning that put him in the shoes of his clients: figuring out where to go, what to see and for how long.

Today Azdean and Ted Cragg, the podcast producer, chat about the tour experience and how listeners can relate when it comes to making the choices for their own tours. From food stops, temperature, driving times, everyday costs, to famous sights and more obscure ones, there is lots in this episode to help you gather ideas and suggestions for your own itinerary, and get a behind the scenes look at Destination Morocco.

We're also excited to announce our first Live Q&A session with Azdean, coming up on Wednesday, Sept. 13 at 9 am PDT/12 noon EDT. We're keen to get more interaction with our listeners and hear your questions about tour planning to Morocco.

Visit destinationsmorocco.com and click the button at the top to find the link to this live event. You can send questions in advance, observe as an "Audience" member, and even request to join us live on the show!

It's the first of recurring monthly events, taking place the 2nd Wednesday of each month. If you are picturing your own Moroccan adventure and have important, urgent questions about anything from costs and safety to food and accommodation, get them answered with Azdean at our live Q&A's.

https://destinationsmorocco.com/live-qa

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

In today's episode, we continue our wandering through the medina of Marrakech, as Azdean visits artisanal workshops, souks and a particularly delectable seafood restaurant.

Picture yourself in a bustling wool and cotton workshop, the air thick with stories of craftsmanship as we learn how natural colors like indigo, orange, and even black breathe life into the fabric. You'll almost feel the soft touch of cactus silk while we dig into the secrets of these age-old crafts, by chatting with passionate shop owners.

Spinning wheels and looms give way to chisels and saws as we pop into a wood shop, where they make intricate wood carvings for all kinds of useful and decorative items. You'll hear the craftsman talk about his preparation methods and the different types of wood he uses, and we get our microphones right in there as he's chipping, sawing and sanding his next creation.

At this point, we're ready for a meal, and fortunately one of Destination Morocco's valued partners is just a few minutes' walk from the medina. Azdean and Sam visit the remarkable seafood restaurant, le Patron de la Mer, where fresh seafood arrives daily by truck from the Atlantic coast, hundreds of kilometres away. The focus is on Mediterranean cuisine, and the decor and entertainment are a blend of European and Moroccan influences.

Azdean chats with the delightful manager, Kenza, who generously shares her experiences and takes us on an audio tour of the restaurant. You'll practically taste the seafood, feel the warmth of the hospitality, and be swept up in the rhythm of life in Marrakech.

From wool shawls to wood carvings to seafood tastings, imagine yourself on location with us at Destination Moroccopodcast, exploring the fabulous medina of Marrakech.

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

Our Marrakech walking tour continues in today's episode, as Azdean and local guide Youssef explore the historic Medina, visit the Ben Youssef Madrasa and conclude with a visit to the famous Majorelle Garden.

In Part One, we made three stops, focusing around three sights on the south side of the Medina, or city centre: the Mellah (Jewish Quarter), the El Badi Palace, a stunning ruin that was once full of jewels, art and precious stones, and the Bahia Palace, which is still standing, and is one of the absolute must-sees of Marrakech. 

Click here to find Part One of the audio tour!

In Part Two, Youssef explains to us how medinas are organized, including their six essential components. He delves into the significance of Koranic schools, and describes the still-active public fountain and communal oven. 

Then, the winding path leads us to the lush embrace of the Majorelle Garden, which so many of our listeners and clients are keen to visit. It is truly an oasis amongst the hustle and energy of Marrakech. Youssef tells us who founded the gardens, the connection to Yves St-Laurent (who was not the founder but whose name is often attached to it), some tips for photography and the best visiting times. 

Did you know that the medina in Marrakech is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the country, dating back to the 11th Century, and was built to cater to the caravan trade, coming in across the mountains from the Sahara Desert? Imagine the mix of cultures, languages, food and goods that was all happening right here. 

And it still does, just in a more modern way! You can follow in the footsteps of ancient traders and contemporary tourists by booking a tour with Destination Morocco. Make sure you tell us which of Marrakech's highlights you don't want to miss, and we will add it to your custom-built itinerary.

Simply visit our website, destinationsmorocco.com, and you'll see the big button at the top: "Let's Plan Your Trip."

Come along with us, let's uncover the mysteries of Morocco together!

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

Prepare to embark on a journey through the vibrant energy and rich history of Marrakech in today's episode. Azdean teams up with local guide Youssef to explore the fascinating Jewish Quarter known as the Mellah - a testament to integration and cooperation between diverse religions and cultures. As we wander through this neighborhood, the ruins of the 16th-century Badia (Badi) Palace and the stunning Bahia Palace showcase the intricate Moorish architecture and the historical context that shaped them.

Our exploration doesn't stop at the gates, as Youssef leads us into the private quarters of the Bahia Palace itself, where we are granted access to record and document the tour. Here, we learn the marvels of Moorish architectural innovation that incorporates local materials, along with pre-industrial air conditioning! 

The serene garden, a distinct feature of this architectural style, beautifully encapsulates the tranquility and grandeur of the palace. Journey with us into the central courtyard, featured in the cover photo of this episode, and learn the history of why it has a specific number of rooms, all laid out in symmetrical style, and what they were used for.

Our immersive audio tour unravels the unique story of the Grand Vizier of the Bahia Palace, who made the intriguing decision to employ only blind musicians! And listen closely as we wander through, when the call to prayer starts in the background.

On our walk today, you'll hear some of the tourists and big groups in the background, being hustled along. But like Azdean, you'll have your own private guide. Our tours always go at your own pace, sidestepping the crowds and taking the time to explore. 

Our next episode will follow up on today with part two of our walking tour, which takes us over through the old Medina and to the famous Marjorelle Gardens.  But now, imagine, you're standing with Azdean along the Rue Bahia Bab Mellah, the main street connecting the two palaces, with the Mellah in between, as Youssef starts his tour, amongst the lively energy and excitement of Marrakech.

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

In today's episode of Destination Morocco podcast, we continue on our southern tour of Morocco, and arrive in what is often considered the highlight of a traveller's time in Morocco: the Merzouga Desert itself. Our host is Said, manager and co-owner of Sahara Sky Luxury Camp, located in the heart of the desert, yet just 38 km from the town of Erfoud, the local service centre. 

Said and Azdean sit down to talk about how he founded his camp, how they maintain their own animals and gardens in the desert, their emphasis on organic ingredients in their incredible food, and how the food itself is different than your standard Moroccan fare. When you're ready to go beyond the tagines and couscous, Said and his kitchen have wonderful, original recipes for you to try.

Said gives us a glimpse into daily life at the camp, and shares fascinating perspective on his family history. Said's own grandparents were traditional nomads, and Said himself is not far removed from that reality.

All this in addition to a surprising number of activities, located on-site or a short drive away. The desert is about more than just camel rides and dune buggies, although you shouldn't miss out on doing them either! But the Merzouga area has a number of important cultural sites, some dating back hundreds or thousands of years, that connect the area to Berber and North African history, and Said can easily arrange for you a tour. Or you can take part in cooking classes and musical performances at the camp itself, before relaxing under the stars. This is Merzouga, and nothing compares to the show that is put on by the night sky.

You'll hear peacocks and cats in the background as we chat, and close your eyes to imagine yourself in this beautiful desert paradise. Because of course, you yourself can experience all this too! 

Contact us at Destination Morocco and learn about our custom-built itineraries and tour packages. We love to profile our partners and attractions in our episodes, which you can then be sure to request as part of your own tour.

Visit destinationsmorocco.com to learn more and add a stay in Merzouga Desert to your itinerary.

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

Imagine getting to Marrakech,  your own private van waiting, driving up and over the High Atlas Mountains, across deserts and rocky outcroppings, little villages lining the hills along the way, and arriving in the gorgeous Dadès Valley: a sliver of green amongst the dry landscape. 

Your destination: an authentic Berber riad, recently renovated, overlooking the lush valley below. A cup of hot mint tea awaits, and your comfortable room, while your host Mehdi and his staff stand ready to take your order for dinner.

Labyrinth Kasbah is the scene for today's episode, recorded live on location from Dadès Valley itself, 200 miles from Marrakech in the shadow of the High Atlas. Host and owner Mehdi chats with Azdean about his story: returning to his home village with a university degree in tourism, to create a welcoming, authentic riad destination out of the original family home. 

Azdean and Mehdi discuss activities to do in Dadès Valley, including hiking and visiting waterfalls, and Mehdi suggests going for a "sand hammam:" instead of water, immersing yourself in the healing sand of the desert.

Labyrinth Kasbah is a place to truly feel the Berber culture on your visit through the south of Morocco. As Mehdi says, why fly hours and hours to Morocco to stay in a generic 5-star hotel, when you could have just as much comfort at a genuine Moroccan riad, at a better price, with more personal attention and authentic Moroccan hospitality? Especially when you're also surrounded by a stunning natural environment.

Berber culture at its best: visit destinationsmorocco.com to learn more and add a stay at Labyrinth Kasbah to your itinerary.

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

You've heard him share his passion for Morocco, tell stories of his childhood and Berber culture, interview riad owners and restauranteurs, and chat with his own clients who have been to Morocco over the past couple years, including even podcast producer Ted.

In all that time, our host Azdean has been at home, in Houston, patiently waiting for his turn to go back. Countless times since 2019, plans have fallen through, reservations have changed, intended trips have been pushed back. 2021 became 2022, and then 2023, making it four long years since he had seen family and friends, visited his home village, wandered the medina of Marrakech and sipped tea at his favorite hangout overlooking the Jemaa el-Fnaa square.

Today marks the beginning of Azdean and family's long-awaited return to their home country. Leaving from Houston, they must first make a stopover in Frankfurt, Germany, before connecting a few hours later to their flight to Casablanca. It is from Frankfurt that we catch up with Azdean, including a cameo from Imran, sharing with us live this special moment for them that has finally arrived.

Feel the palpable excitement as Azdean talks about the plans for their return, the reunions and introductions, and the plans to document it all for the podcast. In the coming weeks, we'll be visiting Berber villages and hearing the Ahwash style of drumming and dancing, heading back to Essaouira to check in on Xavier at his stunning riad and to visit the vibrant fish market, and touring the souks of Marrakech to chat with shop owners and tour guides.

This and so much more. Camera and audio crews will be accompanying Azdean throughout Morocco to document a typical Destination Morocco tour, showcasing the best of what the country has to offer.

We wish Azdean and his family a safe and happy return to their native land, and Destination Morocco podcast will be there throughout the adventure.

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

Nancy Crann visited Morocco for the first time at the end of 2022, in a trip that was about more than just adventure and discovery. It was also about loss and hope, pain and recovery. A cathartic release to ponder the next phase of her life. Little did she know the effect that Morocco would have on this journey.

Through the safety and ease of a guided tour, Nancy met fellow travellers from around the world, and discovered the kindness and generosity of native Moroccans, keen to welcome her into their homes and shops. 

Deep conversations and genuine interactions illuminated everything from food to music, language and architecture: stories of grief and joy that Nancy shares with Azdean on today's episode.

An avid photographer, throughout her trip Nancy rediscovered her passion for light, framing and perspective. In fact, this would then drive her decision to return to Morocco later this year, and embark on an even longer adventure. 

In their conversation today, Nancy shares what she has learned about travelling in Morocco: how to dress, what food to order, how to connect with locals and how to become a confident, assertive Moroccan traveller. Her and Azdean talk about responsible tourism and giving back, including a special project that Azdean is working on for his home village. 

Tune in for this inspiring episode about warmth and inclusion, community, storytelling and discovering all this and more when you travel to Morocco.

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

One of Morocco's defining characteristics is its riads: homestays with a traditional twist. Riads give travellers everything from convenience and comfort to cultural immersion, all presented in a unique, distinctive package. 

Many listeners have inquired about what is the exact nature of a riad, what to expect when staying in one, how did they evolve in Morocco, how do they compare to hotels and why do they come so highly recommended.

Azdean is here today to share lots of info and get you excited to discover myriad riads yourself. Each one is different, which is inherent to the idea and concept. Each offer authenticity, space, privacy and modern amenities, typically within walking distance to the medina and souks.

Riads are an amazing option for families thanks to their warm, welcoming nature, in a safe and secure environment. Indeed, the owners/hosts of a riad typically live there themselves, so what better way to learn more about the Moroccan home and society.

Why stay anywhere else? Genuinely: you are far better served staying in a unique, comfortable and convenient riad in any Moroccan city rather than a generic hotel in the outskirts, far from the action and activities and well beyond walking distance from the medina.

It's a little overwhelming trying to figure out what to look for and what to request for accommodation, when you book your Destination Morocco tour. Let Azdean and his team know what you're looking for in a riad, and they'll put their resources and connections to work to find something that meets your criteria, including activities like cooking classes or in-house hammam spa treatments. Many riads offer these and more. 

After a busy day sightseeing, there is nothing better than relaxing on a comfy couch in a peaceful inner courtyard, sipping on mint tea and enjoying genuine Moroccan hospitality at a traditional riad.

You're about to learn:

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Episode 4: "Scams! How to Understand and Avoid Them"

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

In a first for Destination Morocco, we take you along on an authentic, immersive walking tour of the beautiful coastal city of Essaouira, and a preview of more great live content to come this year. 

Walk with us as we explore the Medina, the ramparts, fishing harbour and market, artisan craftworks, and learn how the pluralistic, welcoming spirit of Essaouira made it a haven for multiple religions and languages, all living side by side. 

The audio is raw, authentic and captured on-site. You'll hear street music, waves crashing, seagulls hunting for scraps, footsteps down quiet alleys and traders selling their wares. It's a genuine example of the type of local tour you can expect when you go with Destination Morocco.

Podcast producer Ted Cragg and his family has the chance to visit Morocco themselves in February of this year. Ted chatted with Azdean about it on our March 15 episode, particularly from the angle of travelling in Morocco with young kids. 

Essaouira was the final stop on their tour, and being a quieter, more laid-back place, it presented a perfect opportunity to do this live recording. The tour was led by a local guide, in this case Ait Bahadou Zaid, a veteran of Essaouira tours who typically escorts groups of 40-50 people at a time. 

However, being a Destination Morocco tour, Ted and family had Zaid for a private tour, and you’ll hear the full range of interactive questions and personalized commentary. 

As Ted explains, as a listener himself, it was the pinch-me moment he had dreamed of since learning about Essaouira in Episode 7. Of all the fabulous sights in Morocco, it was this small oceanside city with its sweeping sandy beach, moderate climate and relaxed feel that was the place he was most excited to see.

To capture its charm and spirit was the goal of this episode, and it will undoubtedly inspire you to go and discover it yourself.

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Essaouira, Morroco

Episode Blog post with more photos of the tour.

Episode: "Discover Essaouira, Morocco's Coastal Gem"

Episode: "Family Travel in Mo

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

Casablanca and Rabat, separated by scarcely an hour's drive along the beautiful Atlantic coast, are Morocco's twin cities of misconception.

Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco, the wealthiest, the economic driver: the largest port in Morocco, immortalized by Hollywood and home to the country's principal international airport.

Rabat is the country's capital, an imperial city, full of grand boulevards, parks and beaches. In a country full of royal palaces, this is the one where the King actually lives most of the time.

And yet, they are the two major cities often passed over by travellers, or at best given an hour or two before heading out towards Chefchaouen, Fès or Marrakech.

Azdean and Sam chat today about that reality, as it does often feature on Destination Morocco tours. It comes down to how much time you have, and what your priorities are.

Casablanca has a historic Jewish Quarter, great public squares for people-watching, art galleries, restaurants and the best night life in the country.

Rabat has beautiful museums, reflecting its stature as national capital and a stately city. It offers a more calm, quiet ambience than Morocco's other big cities, and that alone is a nice change of pace.

Our episode today is an overview of things to see and do in these two cities, whether you have a short amount of time or can add an extra day or two to your itinerary. You won't regret it.

Sights Mentioned in this episode:

CASABLANCA:
Hassan II Mosque

Sacred Heart Cathedral

Royal Palace of Casablanca

Mohammed V Square

Villa des Arts museum and cultural centre

Rick's Café

Jewish Quarter

RABAT:
Medina

Royal Palace of Rabat

Mohammed V Mausoleum/Hassan Tower

Kasbah of the Udayas/Andalusian Gardens

Amazing viewpoint

Bab Rouah Gate and Art Galle

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

Marrakech is often the top destination in mind for travellers planning a trip to Morocco, and in today's episode Azdean is joined by Destination Morocco's Operations Manager, Sam, live from Marrakech, to chat about all kinds of activities and recommendations that make a visit there more complete.

The central square, Jemaa el-Fnaa, the Bahia Palace, the medina and the Majorelle Gardens are all wonderful starting points. What are some options though after you've spent some quality time in those places, and are ready to see more?

Marrakech is a great home base for everything from day hikes in the Atlas Mountains, to exciting desert activities in Agafay, hot air balloon rides from the nearby plains or a day trip to Essaouira.

Or you can stay in town and check out the many fascinating museums, which shine a light on Berber culture. Food tours and cooking classes are another great option to keep you busy. Find some new skills to take home with you and make your own tagines!

It's a fun conversation with our man on the ground in Marrakech, bringing this vibrant city closer to home for our listeners.

Here are some of the activities we cover today:

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Episode: Balloon Rides over Marrakech and Mountains

Imlil (the popular Atlas hiking starting base)

Aroumd (another Atlas hiking base) 

Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) Berber Museum at Majorelle Gardens

Tiskiwin Museum, Marrakech

Photography Museum

Dar El Bacha Museum

Taghazout, fishing and surfing spot near Agadir

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

Families are frequent guests on Destination Morocco tours, and we have been keen to shine a light on that experience here on the podcast, and the particular advantages and challenges therein.

And what better opportunity to do so than the one we had in February of this year! If you remember back to our episode of January 1st, 2023, Azdean and Ted, the producer of Destination Morocco podcast, mentioned that there was a possiblity of Ted and his family actually going to Morocco in the near future. 

The key was to factor in the needs and interests of the kids. At 5 and 7 years old, Ted and his wife Emilie's kids are certainly in the younger range of guests. Everything from safety, health and cleanliness, crowds and motorbikes, long-distance driving, meals, activities, restrooms, walking tours and more had to be seen through their eyes. This is what makes family travel different from your standard tour for adults.

Here today to tell the story and provide an overview of the experience is Ted himself, joining Azdean to chat about their wonderful tour. They discuss logistics, timing, accommodation, planning and the mentality you need to approach family travel to Morocco. It's a stunning and unique country, but it can be intense too: 

If you are considering heading to Morocco with your young kids, or have already booked your tickets, tune in to this episode for a great overview of information and inspiration!

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Episode: Live and Immersive Walking Tour of Essaouira

Episode: Exploring the South of Morocco, with Driss

Episode: Exciting Plans for the Podcast in 2023, with Ted

Ted Cragg Podcasting

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

One of the highlights of a visit to Morocco is getting a henna art design, something as authentically Moroccan as tagines and desert camping. More than just a decorative activity, henna has deep cultural roots in Morocco, particularly for women.

Our guest today is an expert henna artist, offering design experiences to travellers from around the world out of her home studio in Marrakech. Many listeners and guests on the podcast have had this experience themselves.

But few of us have known her remarkable true life story, until now. Born in a mountain village in the High Atlas mountains, Siham was put into an arranged marriage in the mid-2000's, and became pregnant at the age of 19. Despite being worldly and well-educated, she was facing a bleak future in a society of pre-determined roles and customs.

In today's episode, Siham shares how she took control of her and her daughter's lives, making bold choices and becoming self sufficient. Key to this achievement was her ability as an artist, which opened doors and opportunities in tourism and beyond.

Azdean and Siham talk about the power and strength of women in Morocco, the many barriers that still exist, yet the inspiring examples of Siham and others like her.

We learn about the history of henna, and the many occasions where it is used. Siham explains how henna parties are a part of a bride's wedding preparation: more than just an art session, it's a major event!

And being so popular an activity, scams to hook tourists in will inevitably abound, at the Jamma el Fna square in Marrakech in particular. There are numerous reasons to avoid these and other scams, and Siham shares some horror stories of "tattoos" gone wrong and exorbitant fees charged.

If and when you're in Marrakech, go for the real deal: an all-natural, custom-designed henna experience from an authentic artist. Siham is a wonderful artist, host, cook, guide and more, and will welcome you into her home with open arms.

You're about to learn:

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

Today's episode marks the beginning of our shift towards the south of Morocco here on Destination Moroccopodcast.

If you are looking for a Moroccan experience a little more rugged and raw, a little less touristy, and very authentic, you will find the southern half of Morocco fascinating.

Starting from Marrakech as a base, a typical tour will cover deserts, high mountains, deep gorges, genuine Berber villages dating back centuries, and plenty of local culture, with a touch of Hollywood along the way.

Come with us in search of spices, fresh dates, saffron, henna, fossils and mint tea.

Taking us on our tour today is one of Destination Morocco's guides, Driss Maaza, who traces some of the historical connections amongst trading peoples and royalty, over many hundreds of years. We'll be travelling along the same historic caravan route from Timbuktu to Marrakech that still exists today.

Azdean and Driss uncover all kinds of activities, stunning views, places to go hiking, unique museums, and an area that traditionally does not get quite as much attention as the north.

You'll hear why Driss is the perfect person to describe this area and inspire you to visit.

Sights and highlights mentioned in this episode (with Google Maps links):

Marrakech

Telouet/Onila Valley

Ouarzazate

Aït Benhaddou

Skoura

Kasbah Amridil (Museum featured in Lawrence of Arabia and on the 50 Dirham bank note)

Dadès Valley/Gorge

Tinejdad

Ksar Elkhorbat (Ancient village and Berber museum)

Rissani

Nkob

Ziz Valley

Agdz

Solar Power station near Ouarzazate (Incredible satellite view)

Imlil village (Hiking base)

Toubkal mtn., highest in

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

Chantal Rosenthal, her husband and three young adult children travelled to Morocco over the Christmas holidays of 2022, with Destination Morocco. As Jewish tourists, they were in search of Jewish heritage and influence, in a place that had long been a desired destination for them.

In today's episode, Chantal and Azdean talk about trip planning for 5 people, each with their own priorities for sightseeing.

Chantal talks about visiting Jewish heritage sights in Fès, such as the Quarter and the synagogues. How the Jews have balconies, while the Muslims have inner courtyards. She gives vivid descriptions of wandering the medina and souks, and how Fès, although oriented towards tourism, feels real and authentic.

We learn about shopping in Fès, taking guidance from Ilyas to find good, quality places, with trusted local artisans. Chantal describes looking for Moroccan couscous bowls, fired in burning olive pits, and visiting the tanneries: the dye pits, the hides hanging from everywhere, and yes the smell that may still be embedded weeks later.

Then there's hearing the call to prayer in Fès, and how the energy changes in the city each time. Staying in Fès for 3 days, they were fortunate to hear it frequently, each time with its own distinct character.

The family takes in a night at a desert camp, where one realizes how insignificant you feel under a carpet of brilliant desert stars. They discover djellabas, the full-length robe with sleeves that is perfect for the changing conditions.

Meanwhile, in Marrakech, they walk along the streets and narrow lanes, squeezing against the wall to avoid the motorbikes. 

And to add a touch of seriousness, what happens during a medical emergency in Morocco? Chantal's daughter had an urgent need to find a dentist. The thought of finding one safe and reliable was daunting.

It was a trip that for the family may mark the end of an era, and Destination Morocco was happy to make it as memorable as possible. 

You're about to learn:

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Episode: Cierra & Dan McPhers

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

This episode is a replay of one of our most popular conversations, with podcast listener, professional photographer and seasoned traveller Maxx Walske, who fulfilled a dream by visiting Morocco in 2022.

Maxx is in fact returning to Morocco in 2023, and we look forward to catching up with her again. She is a planner who loves to research and learn about her upcoming destinations. Typically she travels independently, but this time, having listened to the podcast, she went for the peace of mind and comfort of a private, guided tour, organized by Destination Morocco.

In our episode today, Maxx chats with Azdean about her trip, about culture shock, the reality of being in Morocco as a tourist, the accommodation, the food, the shopping and more. 

Maxx had all the typical questions and concerns going into the trip, but discovered a country blessed with stunning scenery and modern amenities: an open society of warm, friendly people.

And, "A photographer's dream!"

Punctuated by fun anecdotes and stories, it's a pleasant conversation that reminds you it's not all about Instagramable scenes and selfies, you have to enjoy the moment and be present.

Morocco is unique and magical, "You have to see it to believe it!" (Maxx).

You're about to learn:

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Maxx's travel photos

Volubilis, Meknes (Roman ruins)

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

We welcome in the new year with lots of exciting upcoming plans and topics to share, and tremendous appreciation for our listeners since the start of the Destination Moroccopodcast journey.

Azdean was recently at a conference in Chicago, complete with a display about the podcast, QR codes so people could find it, merchandise and images. The big Moroccan flag was an instant attraction, and lots of folks came by, brimming with enthusiasm after the World Cup and now keen to learn more about the country. It was another demonstration of the growing interest in Morocco.

One of the challenges with the show from the start has been getting quality audio and reliable connections with podcast guests in Morocco. Azdean has figured out a solution: the company will be opening a dedicated podcast studio in Marrakech in the coming weeks, where guests can simply come in, sit down for an interview with proper tools and technology, and have a strong fibre optic connection.

This will enable us to ramp up creative opportunities with episodes direct from Morocco, making it feel that much closer for guests and listeners alike.

Upcoming topics will include in-depth profiles of Casablanca, Volubilis, Rabat, Tangier and more: places that have been touched on in previous episodes, but that will now have their own dedicated focus.

Meanwhile, Azdean's wife Khadija is a noted cook, with her own Moroccan catering company in Houston. We're looking forward to new episodes with her, explaining the story behind distinct Moroccan dishes and the recipes to go with them.

These will be complemented by more and more videos, so stay tuned to the Destination Morocco YouTube channel, Instagram and TikTok, as we put images and movement to the stories and fascinating information.

Thank you to all of our listeners in our first year of 2022! We are excited for what’s to come, uncovering more Moroccan secrets and discoveries. 

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

It's been a whirlwind since our last Destination Morocco episode, just two weeks ago. The World Cup was still in its group stage, with 32 teams still alive. Since then, the Moroccan Cinderella story has resolutely swept the country, and the world, streaking all the way to the semi-finals of the tournament.

As so many of our listeners are tuning in from outside Morocco, including Azdean himself, the question we're all wondering is, "What is it like in Morocco right now?!"

Fortunately, we can get a report from a first-hand source. Regular listeners will have heard the name "Sam" many times: Destination Morocco's Operations Manager in Morocco, but today we finally get to hear his voice. 

Sam, aka Hussein, makes his debut on the podcast to fill us in on the energy in the country, street celebrations and the shock and surprise of it all. 

Meanwhile, in part two of today's episode we put a new twist on the podcast, and share with you info about Morocco, and Azdean himself, from a different perspective.

Azdean recently appeared on The Travel Agents Podcast with hosts Brian Chima and Will Lee, and we found it was such a good overview of Morocco that we've picked out some of the highlights of the conversation to share with you here. 

If you're new to the podcast and haven't gone through our earlier episodes yet, this one is a good introduction. And if you are already a regular listener, you'll find that today's conversation fills in some gaps and helps complete the picture of this amazing land.

Highlights include:

Thanks to Will and Brian for letting us share their episode with our listeners too. Check out the links below to hear more of their great topics!

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

The Travel Agents Podcast

https://www.instagram.com/the_travelagents/

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

Imagine: One day, someone gives you the idea of going to Morocco, and you think, "Yeah, maybe..." And then, a month later, spur of the moment, you buy a return ticket! 

But you're not a big fan of planning, and the prospect of filling out the details of your impending trip are a little daunting, to say the least. 

What do you do next? 

This is Morocco on a Whim, Rachel Metcalf's story of making the commitment, travelling solo and turning to Destination Morocco to create and guide what became a very special and memorable trip.

Rachel starts off in Casablanca, and like many of our other guests meets Khalil, the blind tour guide of Hassan II Mosque. She tours around the north of Morocco, and falls in love with the picturesque, crossroads city of Tangier. Hear her wax poetic on its old world charm and beautiful setting between ocean and mountains. She is captivated by the blue city of Chefchaouen, leaving her Instagram page bursting with colour. 

Fès then takes center stage, with Rachel being guided through the labyrinth of streets, visiting the mosaic & tile factory and then dropping in on the famous tanneries, a crucial mint coming in very handy.

Her riad in Fès, so completely unassuming from the outside, turns out to be a veritable palace once you walk through the door. Rachel takes us on a tour and describes it in detail. 

A highlight was the hammam, or "sand bath," in the desert at Agafay, just an hour outside of Marrakech. A relaxing and revitalizing experience, complete with herbs and spices for distinct aromas. 

Rachel had her own private tour, allowing her free reign to change plans, sleep in, go somewhere different or be spontaneous. And as a small, family tour company, changes could be made on the spot, without calling around, waiting for approval from someone in an overseas office, many time zones away. 

Thanks to being on a guided tour, with an individual itinerary made for her, Rachel was able to relax and enjoy each day of the experience, without wondering or figuring out the next steps, and all the logistics therein. 

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Tangier

Agafay desert

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

Cierra & Dan McPherson had a tall order for Destination Morocco when they got in touch with Azdean, looking to travel to Morocco just a short time later. They wanted to see as much of the country as possible, but over just 11 days. Could it be done?

Our episode today recounts their journey. Thanks to Azdean and his team, these world travellers had an experience that ranked with the best of their many destinations.

Destination Morocco took them to innumerable places off the beaten track, from hole-in-the-wall restaurants to secret spots known only to locals. Hear their stories about enjoying Tangia stew, Moroccan bread and yes, a dish that consists of cooking (then eating) an entire sheep, head, eyes and all, that has been slow-cooked in a hole in the ground (Shoua).

Meanwhile, it wasn't planned as a romantic trip, but in such a romantic country they were swept up in the spirit. Dan & Cierra were treated to their own Moroccan wedding, with henna designs and Berber attire, and enjoyed memorable meal after memorable meal: breakfasts, lunch and dinner. They had arrived looking forward to the cuisine, and whether street food or established restaurants, it was amazing.

Listen in as they share delightful, heartfelt stories: slowing down to feel the wind, watch the stars, and be present in the moment, in such a beautiful place.

Through it all, it is another unique and personalized adventure. After this episode, you'll want more than ever to go on one of his tours too. 

You're about to discover:

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

Moroccans are known for their generous, welcoming hospitality, and their instinct for making visitors feel at home. Traveler and podcast listener Pablo Juarez is here today to confirm this, having just returned from Morocco scarcely a week before the recording, in mid-October of 2022.

It was the first trip there for Pablo and his partner Harmony, and it was full of pleasant surprises. From the food, the generosity, the riads, the landscape and most of all, the people, Morocco was at once modern and wonderfully traditional.

Even experienced travellers turn to tour companies from time to time, to help them get the best out of their vacation, and have access to places and experiences they otherwise would have never known about. The great thing is you can combine a guided tour with some of your own independent sightseeing, it doesn't have to be all one or the other. 

Pablo and Harmony were hosted by Destination Morocco for 4 days of their 18 day trip, taking the desert tour through Fès, Merzouga, Marrakech, Ifrane, Dades Valley,  the Atlas Mountains, Ouarzazate and Aït Benhaddou.

Having some prior knowledge of Morocco, thanks to the podcast, helped complement the guided tour once they were actually there. The show provided a solid foundation for what to expect and how to prepare.

Pablo describes their riads in great detail: hot tubs, pools, rooftop patios, and lounges where you can meet the other guests, who rarely number more than 7 or 8 in total. "It feels like you're visiting with a family member or friend. We ate so much amazing food in Morocco," he says.

Thank you to Pablo for sharing his journey with us, and encouraging more people to discover this amazing land.

Experiences you're about to share:

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Pablo Juarez on Instagram

Ep. 7 Xav

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

Travel to Morocco these days is increasingly a year round activity. Although temperatures in winter can be cool, you can still find plentiful accommodation and activities that are open, at a better price, and with fewer crowds. Indeed, many people prefer to travel in the low season for the slower pace and quieter experience.

Azdean and Destination Morocco producer Ted Cragg sit down today to talk about what it's like to travel in Morocco in winter, particularly because Ted is hoping to head there with his family in February or March! Can they expect a much different experience than if they went during the high season? 

We talk about options for short trips, and whether it's worthwhile to hop over for a weekend if you're already in a place like Spain or France, with quick flights or even the ferry at your disposal. 

There's also a little bit of behind the scenes of the making of the podcast. We're breaking barriers in Morocco! Introducing the concept and giving folks opportunities to experience podcasting for the first time.

The crowds start to pick up again as we get into late March and April, so if you're looking for the Moroccan experience without quite so much bustle, when the stars shine their brightest, this episode will help get you started on your planning.

You're about to learn:

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Algeciras, SP - Tangier, MR ferry service

Fès International Airport

Riad Zahra, Essaouira

Ted Cragg Podcasting

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

It’s time to talk about food! 

Azdean invites Fès restauranteur Aziz Zgani to explain native Moroccan dishes (and their ingredients!) such as pastilla, special filo pastry, tagine and a beef jerky that is unique to Fès and its dry climate. 

Vegetarian options abound, as menus become more diverse and chefs more well-versed. And Aziz talks about the cultural history of dishes, particularly couscous, a dish for people to gather around.

Coming from Fès, everything is "refined:" traditions, culture, people: this is reflected in the cuisine and its international roots. Aziz shares some background history on Fès as a multi-ethnic sanctuary hundreds of years ago, providing a welcome home to Jews, Spanish, Berbers and Arabs, all of whom contributed to the city's distinct identity.

This may be the biggest surprise: pigeon pastilla?! Yes, it's true, and it's a delicacy! Although most restaurants these days default to chicken, pigeon can still be found and Azdean talks about growing up with it as a familiar, and delicious, meal.

This episode provides a great introduction to Moroccan food, and will help you become familiar with exotic menus and dishes when you arrive. It's the first of an ongoing series of episodes that will profile Morocco's unique cuisine, with the help of Azdean's wife Khadija, who runs a catering business in Houston, serving Moroccan food, to inspire your taste buds and cooking skills!


Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Chicken pastilla

Beef tagine with pears

Moroccan bread

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

Joanie Conwell fulfilled a dream in May of 2022, visiting Morocco for two weeks, inspired by the works of Paul Bowles, and with help from the Destination Morocco podcast, especially the Scams episode!

Joanie joins Azdean today to trace her adventure through northern Morocco, starting in Casablanca then staying in Rabat, Tangier, Tetouan, Chefchaouen and Fès.

Joanie recounts special moments with strangers, and gives her views on whether it's a good idea to travel alone to Morocco, and what to expect.

A lot of information on the internet seems designed to frighten travellers curious about Morocco. Walking along the shoreline near Hassan II Mosque, observing regular families strolling at the sunset: the reality is much more nuanced than what you read online.

You're about to learn:

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Episode: Scams!

Paul Bowles, writer and composer

American Legation Museum Tangier

Cap Spartel (Where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic)

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

If you're looking for an affordable place to travel, but don't want to sacrifice quality, Morocco is a great option. One of the challenges, however, is to figure out just how much things cost, and what you can expect for the prices you pay.

In today's episode, Azdean walks us through many of the essential expenses you will encounter on your trip, from accommodation to transport and, most importantly, the food! Carefully-planned savings could evaporate after a few delicious, full-course meals, but then again, that might just be worth it!

Ultimately, the budget for your trip will come down to your own priorities and choices, whether it's standards of accommodation or the number of activities you participate in. But this episode will give you some context on what you can expect to pay, regardless of your style and interests.

There's even a bit of reverse-psychology at play when you're at a restaurant: if you give first, you get something back.

Azdean shares with you tips on how to save money every day, and tips on how to tip: a more recent phenomenon in Morocco, but an important one nonetheless. Tips are rarely included on organized tours, but even as extra costs they won't add a lot to your total budget, and indeed may be worth every penny. Plus, it demonstrates your appreciation for service and goes a long way to helping the locals with their livelihood.

Check out this episode, take some notes, and let's make your Morocco experience as smooth as possible!

You're about to learn:

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Episode 4: Scams!

Sidi Ali water

Moroccan dirhams

USD to MAD (xe.com)

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

It's been a fun and exciting 7 months since we launched our Destination Morocco podcast, and in that time we've enjoyed interacting with listeners, getting your questions and hearing your feedback about the show, and about Morocco in general.

To keep all this useful information in one place, we've assembled an episode that answers some of the most frequently asked questions about travel to and around Morocco.

You may be considering a solo or couple's trip, a group tour or a destination wedding, or you may in turn be a travel agent looking to answer your own clients' questions and be better prepared. 

This episode is for you, everything from the fundamentals about weather, transport and group sizes to questions about Roman history, Jimi Hendrix and camping in the desert.

And, we introduce to you a budding young podcaster with a great voice, who will present your questions to Azdean!

Some of the questions we'll answer:

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Things to Pack and Prepare for Your Trip to Morocco.pdf

STEP: Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

Azdean's Presentation + Images on Morocco

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

In today's episode, podcast listener, professional photographer and seasoned traveller Maxx Walske fulfills a dream by visiting Morocco.

Maxx is a planner who loves to research and learn about her upcoming destinations. Typically she travels independently, but this time, having listened to the podcast, she went for the peace of mind and comfort of a private, guided tour, organized by Destination Morocco.

In our episode today, Maxx chats with Azdean about her trip, about culture shock, the reality of being in Morocco as a tourist, the accommodation, the food, the shopping and more. 

Maxx had all the typical questions and concerns going into the trip, but discovered a country blessed with stunning scenery and modern amenities: an open society of warm, friendly people.

And, "A photographer's dream!"

Punctuated by fun anecdotes and stories, it's a pleasant conversation that reminds you it's not all about Instagramable scenes and selfies, you have to enjoy the moment and be present.

Morocco is unique and magical, "You have to see it to believe it!" (Maxx).

You're about to learn:

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Maxx's travel photos

Volubilis, Meknes (Roman ruins)

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

Podcast listener Angel Nair and her husband travelled to Morocco in May of 2022, their first time in the country. She joins Azdean today to talk about her trip and what she learned.

Angel shares her perceptions of Morocco, drawn from movies, film locations and cultural expectations, and how those perceptions changed after just two weeks in the country. Although yes, they did explore classic movie locations in Casablanca and elsewhere, they packed so much more into their journey, from Marrakech all the way up to Tangier.

Listen to hear her describe watching sunsets next to the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, looking out over the Atlantic Ocean, or from the hills above enchanting Moulay Idriss Zerhoun in northern Morocco, or amongst the magical colours of Chefchaouen.

Angel shares how theDestination Morocco episode on Scams helped her immensely, whether at the airport, saving them 200 Dirham as a result, or by avoiding having to pay the charmers in Marrakech to take a snake off her back!

And through it all, there's the food! Special and delicious, Angel talks about the many dishes they discovered, from tagines to pastillas, fresh seafood, tangia and even camel burgers.

From pleasant surprises to dramatic scenery and wonderful, welcoming people, journey along with Angel as she shares her story with her fellow travellers.

You're about to learn:

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Angel on Instagram (photos from her trip)

Moulay Idriss Zerhoun

Cafe Sofia, Chefchaouen

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

In today's episode, Azdean is joined by Destination Morocco Podcast producer Ted Cragg for an important conversation that tackles some of the first questions any traveller has about going to Morocco: What should I bring, and what should I wear?

Morocco bridges the divide between Europe and Africa, is a gateway to the Muslim world, and features everything from ocean beaches to deserts and high mountains. Whether culturally or environmentally, it can be an intimidating challenge to pack the right things, and to know what to expect.

Azdean helps listeners prepare for this challenge, sharing his experience as a tour organizer, having helped hundreds of clients over the years with everything from lost luggage to visa questions, but also as a traveller himself, sharing what he prepares for a trip home to Morocco from his current home base of Houston.

And Ted is there to ask the questions from the mind of a traveller, which is good because he's hoping to go to Morocco with his family later this year too!

You're about to learn:

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Things to Pack and Prepare for Your Trip to Morocco.pdf

Morocco Entry Requirements

Visa Central: visacentral.com
877 535-0688

STEP: Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
step.state.gov/step

Morocco Weather

Power adapters in Morocco and plug sockets

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

There are few activities more evocative and memorable than a hot air balloon ride, no matter where in the world. Drifting up from the earth in the calm of early morning, the sound of birds and breeze interspersed with puffs from the burner.

Escaping the hustle and bustle of Marrakech to float over the medina towards the High Atlas mountains is an undoubted highlight of anyone's trip to Morocco. 

Sherif is the owner of Adventure Balloon Marrakech, which launched in 2018 and just 4 years later is already one of the largest and most successful ballooning companies in Morocco. They have quickly grown to a fleet of 5 balloons, with a capacity of 300 persons per day.

Sherif talks a bit about his background: growing up in Egypt, studying tourism, falling in love with hot air balloons, and then letting them carry him to business ventures in Turkey, Kenya and now Morocco, which he explains is one of the very best places in the world to go ballooning. 

You're about to learn:

Ballooning is a wonderfully communal, shared experience. Fellow passengers become friends. Memories are created in a short time that last a lifetime. It is a thoughtful, peaceful adventure that easily fits into your schedule of sightseeing and activities. 

Follow the links below to learn more, and contact Destination Morocco for more questions and to learn how to integrate a balloon ride into your itinerary!

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Balloons taking off outside of Marrakech

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

Welcome to the stunning oceanside city of Essaouira, located southwest of Casablanca, due west of Marrakesh, and midway down the Atlantic coast of Morocco.

In this episode, Azdean welcomes Xavier Panadés, owner of the riad "Riad Zahra," which sits but one block from Essaouira's stunning beach and oceanfront promenade. Xavier has Moroccan roots, but grew up in Barcelona, before returning to Morocco, settling in Essaouira and opening his Riad about 16 years ago.

Essaouira has many claims to fame, perhaps none more important or poignant than as a melting pot of cultures and religions. Arabs, Jews and Christians have lived together harmoniously for hundreds of years, a source of pride for the locals, known as swiriyin and swiriyat. 

Xavier gives us some background on things to see and do in Essaouira, local dishes, spices and markets, and the story behind his beautiful riad, which combines Moroccan and Spanish cuisine and influences.

You're about to learn:

- About Essaouira's Game of Thrones connection. Orson Welles too.

- About Riad Zahra, just 2 minutes' walk from the beach.

- Check out the amazing Live Webcam!!

- The Gnaoua International Music Festival, one of the largest music festivals in the world.

- The Hiloula Jewish festival, commemorating Rabbi Haim Pinto.

The special tagines of Essaouira:
- eel tagine
- octopus tagine

- Useful, valuable tips for buying Argan oil, Olive oil and even Moroccan honey. Look for the new official government label to ensure quality control.

- How Essaouira is a haven for Thuya wood and Argan trees.

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Essaouiramap

The Essaouira live cam 

Argan oil 

Thuya tree 

Gnawa music 

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

Come with us on a history and cultural journey, and learn the story and meaning of Ramadan, which in 2022 begins on April 3.

If you find yourself travelling in Morocco during Ramadan, what might you expect to see and experience? As Azdean explains, different Muslim countries often have their own variances on certain dates and traditions, and Morocco is no exception.

Many travellers may have the perception that during Ramadan, destinations and attractions are closed down, or much quieter.

In fact, the opposite is true. Not only are businesses still open, including restaurants for tourists, but the food and celebrations are even more dynamic and intense. City squares come alive as the sun sets, and people gather together to share in their common bond. 

Understanding Ramadan gives you an important cultural appreciation, and a window into daily life in Morocco during this holy month. This episode will give you the information and context behind many terms and customs that you may be slightly familiar with, but will make much more sense after Azdean gives you his own, personal perspective on what Ramadan is and what it's like.

You're about to learn:

Ramadan is a joyous occasion, and should you have the chance to witness it, whether this year or in years to come, it will be a unique and fortunate opportunity. 

Listen in to this episode to get a taste of the experience.

Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Marrakech prayer times during Ramadan, 2022

Beautiful photos of fresh Moroccan food!

Dadès Valley

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

It may be your first time to Morocco, or you simply may want to cover as much as you can on your trip, in an organized, hassle-free way. Many travellers to Morocco choose a guided tour as the best way to see the country and come away with a real, vivid understanding for what they've experienced.

There are of course all kinds of options available, from focusing on specific areas of Morocco, to pursuing certain themes like perhaps food or outdoor activities, and lengths of a few days to two weeks or longer.

Azdean recommends 10 days as the ideal length, to see much of the sights, capture the variety, have enough time yet not feel too rushed. But it's your trip, you determine your preferences, and a good tour company will work together with you to make it a reality.

You're about to learn:

This episode gives a great overview of the details of visiting Morocco, and will take the trip that's in your mind a big step towards becoming reality.


Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Sample Tour Itinerary

Casablanca    

Chefchaouen, the "blue pearl"    

Fès    

Ifrane, "The Switzerland of Morocco"

Ziz river and Gorge Canyon

Merzouga desert    

Camping under the stars 

Essaouira

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

Travellers love Morocco for its exotic appeal, culture, stunning landscapes, distinct cuisine, and for its charms.

Yes, these charms can include scams, a regular feature of life as a tourist in Morocco, as elsewhere. And as Azdean will tell you, natives like him are far from exempt! Most of what you'll hear in this episode has happened to him at some point.

With touches of humor, detail and vivid descriptions that carry you away to the streets, taxi cabs, markets and restaurants of Marrakesh, Azdean guides you through what to expect, right from arrival at the airport.

You're about to learn:

Arriving in the square. What scams to look out for?

And, Azdean shares which is the scariest scam of them all.

Always, always: Remember your body language!

Join us for a fascinating, insider's look into how scams operate, how to avoid or get out of situations, and why they exist in the first place.


Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Jamaa el-Fnaa Square (aka "The Square")

Moroccan dirhams

Globe Convert app

Mobile SIM card Maroc Telecom Etisalat

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

As we begin our exploration of Morocco, Azdean invites his producer, Ted Cragg, onto the podcast, to chat about what listeners can expect from the show over the coming episodes.

Imagine us sitting in a nice café, or maybe drinking some fresh Moroccan mint tea, as Azdean gives us an overview of Morocco for those just beginning to learn about the country. We talk about some of the fundamentals: population, languages, climate, distances, costs, potable water, security and more.

Azdean gets us started on planning a trip to Morocco: where would you go if you had 1 week? What choices would you need to make? We get a sense of the scale and proximity of the various cities and sights, and some of the highlights to make sure to include.

As you'll hear in this episode, there are so many facets of Morocco to be explored, topics and curiosities that will appeal to both the casual traveller who enjoys learning about different places around the world, and to those with an upcoming trip in mind to Morocco. We set the stage here in Episode 2 for all of these discoveries. So much to look forward to!


Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Destination Morocco Instagram

A Moroccan riad (traditional house & garden)

Some of the movies filmed at Atlas Studios (IMDB)

Today's Weather in Morocco

Sidi Ali water

Ted Cragg Podcasting

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.

Destination Morocco launches its podcast, with an introduction to the show and a greeting from our host, Azdean.

Azdean and his family hail from the small village of Telouet, Morocco, about 40 miles (in a straight line; much longer by road!) southeast of Marrakesh. After finishing school in Marrakesh, he moved to the United States in 1995, settling in Houston. Azdean and his wife Khadija Elomari then took their passion for sharing their homeland and created the Destination Morocco tour company, in 2016.

The Destination Morocco podcast is the next step in the journey, an opportunity to share with you the rich culture, history and stories of Morocco. Azdean and his guests open the door to travel in Morocco, helping you learn what to expect, how to plan, what to see and what to experience.

There will also be all the latest news and updates on health and safety, travel restrictions and regulations, costs and other logistics.

Morocco is a country that is at once familiar, and yet mysterious. Destination Morocco podcast is here as the first step on your journey to uncovering its secrets.

Come along for the adventure.


Resources Mentioned in this episode:

Destination Morocco Travel Agency

Destination Morocco Podcast Episodes 

Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco?

Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires.

If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visitwww.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life.

Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!
--
Support the podcast with our new Supporter program!
Destination Morocco +
--
Join us for our monthly Q&A's!Live on Destination Morocco'sYouTube,FacebookandLinkedInpages, the 1st Friday of each month at 1pm Pacific/4pm Eastern/10pm Central European time.