If, in addition to the variety of our landscapes, you wish to delve deeper into the charms of our culture and traditions, venture into the desert, explore the country’s main medinas and markets, enjoy the beach atmosphere of our coastal cities, share a cup of mint tea, be mesmerized by the five calls to prayer from the tops of the minarets of the mosques, get a henna tattoo, and savor a delicious dish of Moroccan cuisine… with our tours, all this—and more—will be possible.
Crafts, architecture, cuisine, and traditions are just a few of the defining characteristics that make Morocco the top destination for culturally curious travelers drawn to its exotic charm and the warm hospitality of its people.
A village with a Berber (Imazighen) tradition
Originally inhabited by the Imazighen (Berbers), Morocco became a province of the Roman Empire in the 1st century. After a series of invasions, Islam was introduced by the Arabs in 670, when the first Islamic conquest took place.
Imazighen, Phoenicians, Romans, Carthaginians, Portuguese, Turks, Arabs, Spaniards, and French have all had a significant presence here over the years, as well as a variety of other ethnic groups who followed trade routes from one continent to another. This melting pot of cultures and customs has given rise to the Moroccan people of the 21st century.
The indigenous people, known for their warm hospitality, have deep ties to our land and culture.
A fusion of cultures, metals, and customs that shaped the nomadic character of the South.
An indelible mark left by the Phoenicians, Romans, Spaniards, and French on the language, laws, and everyday customs.
Henna is one of the most prized plants in Morocco for its medicinal properties. It is antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, and hemostatic, among other things, but it also possesses cosmetic and magical qualities. It is used to dye and condition hair, as well as to beautify the hands and feet.
It is traditionally used in all family, festive, or religious events as a valuable element that protects against the “evil eye” or any other curse.
ARABIC PROVERB
"If my words were false, I wouldn't offer you my hand, stained with henna."
Traditional tattoos imbued with protection and good omens.
Tea is an integral part of Morocco’s cultural tradition, and no traveler returns home without having tasted this delicious national drink. Green tea is served mixed with fresh mint leaves and a generous amount of sugar. It is the universal symbol of Saharan hospitality.
For the tea ceremony, a finely crafted metal teapot is used, along with small glass cups featuring gold rims, vibrant colors, and very elegant arabesque patterns.
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The tea is poured into the glass from a considerable height to aerate it.
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Pour the contents back into the teapot and repeat the process to dissolve the sugar.
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Once the frothy head forms in the glass, it’s ready to be savored slowly.
“The foundation of a cuisine that has transcended borders with its natural, local flavors.”
Moroccan cuisine shares many common elements with Mediterranean cuisine thanks to the cultural exchange and influence that took place during the Al-Andalus period. For this reason, fresh vegetables, grains, nuts, olives, and the highly prized organic olive oil are abundant.
The ingredients are fresh and of the highest quality, mostly grown using traditional, independent farming methods without pesticides, especially as we move away from the major cities and into the rural areas of the Atlas Mountains and the desert.
There are virtually no processed foods, which gives the cuisine its exquisite and distinctive natural flavor.
Wheat semolina blended harmoniously with tender local vegetables and chickpeas, and delicately seasoned.
The real star dish. A stew simmered in a conical clay pot with vegetables and spices.
A kind of crispy puff pastry that masterfully combines sweet and savory flavors, filled with onions, chicken, almonds, and honey, and topped with cinnamon.
Morocco is home to true architectural gems scattered throughout its towns and cities, the result of a rich ancient history. The charm of its architecture lies in its mysticism, in the exoticism of its arches and domes, and above all, in the warmth of its central courtyards with beautiful gardens.
The first inhabitants of Morocco were the Berbers. Since then, numerous invaders have passed through the country, leaving their mark on its architecture in a unique blend that fuses Islamic style with Black African influences.
Mosques with tall minarets, madrasas for study adorned with intricate geometric mosaics, and polychrome tiles featuring calligraphy.
Traditional adobe buildings in southern Morocco, characterized by simple lines and featuring walls and sturdy towers.
Craftsmanship is one of the most fascinating and appealing aspects of Morocco, and it is an essential and integral part of the country’s historical, social, and cultural heritage, passed down from parents to children.
Just as in the guilds of old, true master craftsmen and authentic creative artists gather in every section of the souk or markets.
Hand-shaped clay pieces decorated with cobalt pigments and natural glazes.
Knots rich in tribal symbolism and colors derived from plant pigments.
Traditionally tanned using medieval techniques and silk threads.
Meticulous carving and inlay work using aromatic woods such as tuya.
An enameled silver Berber filigree piece depicting family lineages.
Morocco is a religious country, and 99% of the population practices Islam, which coexists peacefully with other religious communities in an atmosphere of great hospitality and traditional solidarity.
Each day in the country is marked by five calls to prayer made by the muezzin from the top of the minaret:
Dawn before sunrise.
Noon.
Late afternoon, just before sunset.
Dusk.
At night.
Dawn before sunrise.
It is the only mosque in Morocco that allows non-Muslim visitors to take guided tours :
9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 15:00
9:00, 10:00, 11:00
Every Muslim must observe the month of Ramadan each year, which is the ninth month of the lunar calendar. For approximately 29 days, followers of Islam fast, abstain from drinking, and refrain from smoking from sunrise to sunset, fostering purification, patience, and charity.
