In the Spring of 2012 four of us landed in Casablanca for a 4 week journey through Morocco. Here is what we saw...
The Hassan II Mosque. It is the largest mosque in Morocco and the 7th largest in the world.
Eassaouira, which means "the little rampart", sits on the Atlantic coast. Definitely the most laid back of all the places we visited.
Marrakech
A journey high into the Atlas Mountains took us to the little village of Imlil.
Ait Benhaddou is a fortified city along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech. Ait Benhaddou is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and several films have been shot here, including The Gladiator, Sodom and Gomorrah, and Babel. By way of an organized tour group, we visited this site and then made our way through the Dades Gorge and spent the night there. The next day we headed to Merzouga to ride some camels into the Sahara Desert.
Asilah, located on the northwest tip of the Atlantic coast of Morocco. It is a beautiful seaside city that hosts a number of annual music and arts festivals including a mural painting festival. The best murals remain on the medina walls for years to follow.
Moulay Bousselham. A small city with very little tourists about. It is heaven for birdwatchers, and the most avid ones come from all over the world to see the lagoon's flamingo and many other species. We spent Easter here, went on a bird watching tour, and saw one of the best moon rises I ever laid eyes on.
Onward to Fez, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is believed to be one of the world's largest car-free urban areas. The University of al-Qarawiyyin is located here and was founded in 859, and it is the oldest continuously functioning Madrasa (educational institution) in the world.
Chefchaouen, a town situated in the Rif mountains and is known for it's buildings in shades of blue. Quite possibly one of the most beautiful places I have ever been.
Tetouan. A picturesque city on the Mediterranean Sea
Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An old Roman city that fell to local tribes around 285. It was inhabited for years. Now, this is what remains.
