On a recent five-day trip to Morocco, our own Maria Uchoa from Travel2Ireland and her husband Marco Antonio enjoyed a whirlwind itinerary which brought them from the majestic Atlas Mountains to the ancient charm of Ait Ben Haddou, through the rugged beauty of Todra Gorge and the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert finishing up in the vibrant city of Marrakech.
Day One
Marrakech Atlas & Ait Ben Haddou
The journey began with a stunning drive through the Atlas Mountains, where the adventurous couple traversed the Tizin Tichka pass, revealing breathtaking landscapes. A highlight of the day was the visit to a cooperative producing the renowned argan oil. Maria and Marcus immersed themselves in the extraction process and learned about the versatile uses of argan oil, renowned for its nourishing properties for both skin and hair.
The fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, painted a vivid picture of Moroccan history and culture. The Kasbah, with its labyrinthine alleys and sand-coloured walls, has been a backdrop for iconic films like Game of Thrones and The Gladiator, which added some fun for the movie-buff pair!
Day Two
Todra Gorge and the Desert
Maria and Marco made their way towards Merzouga, passing the picturesque Todra Gorge with its rugged cliffs. The couple embraced the local culture, donning typical Berber clothes and getting intricate henna tattoos. Maria said that interesting and warm encounters with the Berber people ‘enhanced’ their experience.
The Erg Chebb Dunes provided a surreal experience of riding a dromedary! Dromedaries and single-humped camels are native to the region. They enjoyed a traditional Moroccan tea of mint tea and taktouka while admiring the beauty of Erg Chebb’s golden sands.
Day Three
City tour of Marrakech
Whether you’re a committed bargain hunter, an interior design enthusiast, a spa aficionado, a devoted foodie, someone who loves exploring historical and atmospheric places, or a fan of contemporary art, Maria and Marco embraced all that Marrakech has to offer on their return to the bustling city life. They immersed themselves in the vibrant colours of Koutoubia Mosque, Palais Baha, and the bustling Jemaa El Fna square, savouring the intricate architecture, lively souks, and the eclectic atmosphere that provided a perfect finale to their Moroccan adventure.
To experience your own Moroccan holiday from Ireland, take a look at some of the incredible packages Sunway Holidays have for this perfect year-round holiday. Daytime temperatures are up in the mid-20s most of the winter, and still hitting the 30s all through the autumn making Morocco a go-to place for a blast of sun, sea and surf just as it starts getting cold in Ireland.
See here: Morocco Holidays from Ireland in 2024 | Package Holidays (sunway.ie)
