More of Morocco

Morocco

A Family Adventure in Northern Africa

A Travel Feature by Nashville Luxury Travel

Anyone who has ever seen “Casablanca” knows the romance this Moroccan city’s name invokes. Morocco, the Northern African country that is the backdrop to this iconic movie, has become one of the hottest new destinations for the sophisticated traveler looking for an exotic cultural experience in a wildly beautiful and varied country. The only country to border both the Atlantic and Mediterranean, it has everything from deserts to mountains to colorful markets and stunning architecture. Recently, McGavock Farms resident and interior designer Marie Joe Bouffard traveled to Morocco with family and friends on a trip planned by Jennifer Martin, owner of Nashville Luxury Travel.

Their journey began in the vibrant city of Marrakesh. The Red City is a romantic city with twisty alleyways and courtyards to explore, as well as markets, gardens, palaces and mosques. After zipping through the airport, with VIP Fast Track Arrival, the group checked in to the fabulous 5-star La Maison Arabe, ideally situated in the Medina. The Medina is the city’s famous enormous Berber maze-like marketplace, filled to the brim with souks (marketplace stalls) selling everything from colorful carpets, spices, and Moroccan lanterns, to food, artisan handcrafts and leather goods. In addition to the Medina, Marie Joe’s group particularly enjoyed their tour of Majorelle Gardens and home of global fashion icon Yves Saint Lauren. The Moroccan tagine cooking class they took also was a hit!

In addition to Marrakech, the city of Chefchaouen is a must-see. More commonly referred to as the Blue Village, it is world-renowned for its signature powder blue architecture. NLT even arranged a photoshoot for the group with this magnificent backdrop for the young adults in Marie Joe’s group, making irreplaceable souvenirs from their trip. They also visited Fes, Morocco’s cultural capital. This town is best known for its tanneries, which still employ the ancient techniques to craft Moroccan leather handicrafts. Casablanca itself is a common cruise ship stop and many people begin or end their Moroccan journey in this port city that is the commercial and financial center of the country.

Besides the cities, there is much to do outdoors in Morocco. Marie Joe’s group ventured to the majestic Atlas Mountains, a fabulous day trip from Marrakech where they had an exciting time mountain biking the rugged scenery and exploring the berber villages nestled in the Atlas valleys. The highest point in North Africa is also nearby in the Toubkal National Park, where one can hike, etc. The group also enjoyed riding ATVs in the desert, sandboarding on the desert sand dunes, and a sunset camel ride, followed by dinner, campfire and stargazing, accompanied by local tribal music. According to one member of the group, this desert experience was “breathtaking”.

Organizing a group of travelers can be a daunting task, so let Nashville Luxury Travel take care of all the details for you. NLT plans all types of trips, including the Caribbean, ski, Europe, Peru, Galapagos, etc. We want to help you make memories!