Last posts on tourism

My Vietnam Adventure Holiday

2011-12-22T21:19:53+01:00

Located on the Indochina peninsula, Vietnam is bordered by Cambodia, Laos, China, and the South China Sea. Its location in enchanted Asia, with its jungles and beaches, make it a marvellous place to plan your vacation in Vietnam. The country of Vietnam has been influence by China in social etiquette and France with dining and cuisine.

The beach at Hon Chong, on the Cambodia border has interesting rock formations and a cave that can also be explored by the adventurous beach goers. The park lists a total of 105 mammal species, along with 360 bird species. This lowland tropical rainforest is 160 kilometers north of Ho Chi Minh City. To shop though you will have to take a boat and it recommended getting an early start to buy the produce when it is at its freshest. This is certainly a high point for a tourist on their Vietnam holidays.

It is a custom of the Vietnamese to do so, and it would be rude not to follow the proper social etiquette. . It is highly recommended when it comes to outstanding tourist satisfaction, with sports facilities and other cultural activities to enjoy. Designated a World Heritage site, Halong Bay offers over 3000 pristine islands that rise from the Gulf of Tonkin like jewels in a crown. The best way to view Halong Bay is by booking passage on a boat.

Your Vietnam adventure holidays are not complete until you get out of the bustling cities and experience the curious blend of rich heritage and modern tourist facilities that is distinctly Vietnam.

About tourism branding

2011-03-28T22:19:00+02:00

Dear all,

Attached, a lecture I delivered on March 9th at Institute for Cultural Diplomacy (Berlin, Germany) about tourism branding.

ICD Presentation 09.03.11.pdf

Your comments are welcome .

La version française sera mise en ligne dans les prochains jours

Frédéric

Virtual Tourism

2010-03-20T00:36:00+01:00

Telerobotics could serve as a means of virtual tourism to reduce impact on the environment, especially in sensitive areas such as the Lechuguilla Cave. In far future, this could also serve as a cheap alternative to submarine or space tourism. Eventually, foglets could replace larger robots, making the virtual tourist undetectable except through networks. Virtual reality could eventually apply to all the senses, especially as and when direct neural interface is developed, making the virtual tourist feel as though they really are present, even though to anyone else they would not be there except on the network.

India Tours - Ranthambore

2009-07-06T13:51:00+02:00

India Tours Ranthambore is one of the most visited among the wildlife retreats in Rajasthan acknowledged for its captivating natural beauty. It is located in the Sawai Madhopur district at the meeting point of the Vindhya and Aravalli Hill Ranges. The nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts find this place simply irresistible and arrive in large numbers to experience the amazing wildlife. There are many tourist attractions in Ranthambore that include the famous National Park and other fascinating historical sites.

The park spreads over an area of 1,334 sq km and includes the adjoining sanctuaries of the Kaila Devi Sanctuary and the Mansingh Sanctuary. The idea to preserve the wildlife first came to the former rulers of Jaipur. Ranthambore became a Game Sanctuary in 1955 and was among the first few reserved areas for wildlife in India. The sanctuary acquired the status of a National Park in 1984. On Ranthambore Tours India, we may spot from the population of around 36 Tigers and 40 Leopards.

On India Tours Ranthambore, we may also find more than 30 species of fauna and 300 species of avifauna in the park. They include the Bats, Cats, Civets, Deer-Blackbuck and Spotted Deer, Flying Foxes, Gazelles, Indian Hare, Jackals, Jungle Cat, Leopard Mongoose, Monkeys- Common Langurs and Macaques, Nilgai, Porcupines, Sambhar, Sloth Bear, Wild Boar and Tigers.

Ranthambore Park is also classified as a heritage site as it possesses some of the ruins of old monuments. Lake Palaces, Cenotaphs and Old Citadels stand amidst the park that dates back to thousand years. Jogi Mahal, Ranthambore Fort and the Padam Talao are exclusive attractions of the Park. Ranthambore Fort occupies the principal position, as the Park was named after this Fort. The fort is probably the oldest existing fort in Rajasthan, built in 10th century. Jogi Mahal, the forest rest house, has the second largest Banyan tree in India.

A Tour to Ranthambore is incomplete till a visit is made to the remarkable Ranthambore Fort too. The fort was built by the Chauhan rulers in the 10th century and is considered to be one of the oldest forts of Rajasthan. Due to its strategic location, the fort was ideal to keep the enemy at bay. The fort is also related to the historical legend of the royal women performing jauhar(self immolation) when the Muslim invader Ala-ud-din Khilji laid siege on this fort in 1303. The fort is characterised by temples, tanks, massive gates and huge walls.

BAIHA, BHM, DHM, Hotel management

2009-06-16T14:30:31+02:00

BHM: Bachelor of Hotel Management: The candidate seeking admission to the First year BHM or BAIHA Degree course must have passed the Pre-University (Class XII of 10+2) Examination or its equivalent with an aggregate of 45% marks. BAIHA: Hotel Management, A minimum of 40% is sufficient for SC / ST students.The programme of study for the BHM Degree extends over a period of four academic years in a college maintained by or affiliated to Mangalore University.

BAIHA: Duration : Hotel Management, Full time program of National University (DHM). This is not a Distance Education Program, BHM. * Eligibility : Pass in 10+2 examination from a recognized Board /University (BHM), Hotel Management or its equivalent qualification with English as one of the compulsory subject. * Certification : Degree by BHM at par with National Council Certification (State IHM’s) along with Hospitality Management Diploma(DHM) certificate by the EI of AH &LA, USA and BAIHA. * Objective: To prepare youth for BHM in the global arena. The students would be exposed to the various Luxury Hotels,DHM, Hospitality & Tourism products to choose the most suitable working environment to their taste & interest, after experiencing intensive internship, study tours, research projects.

DHM: Duration: 3 Years full time program * Eligibility: Pass in 10th from a recognized Board or its equivalent qualification with English as one of the compulsory subject (DHM) and BAIHA. * Certification: Hospitality Management Diploma awarded by the EI of (DHM), Hotel Management, USA and a Diploma by the board of Indo American School of Tourism, in addition to this the students will be enrolled into State Board of Technical Education & Training, Andhra Pradesh (DHM) craft course certification program, Hyderabad. * Objectives : It is a 3 year program comprising 2 1/2 years of study and 6 months of training like Hotel Management. (BHM): This program prepares the student with requisite technical skills and basics of management for a head start in the industry. (DHM) On completion of this program, a student is equipped to handle any departmental functions up to the supervisory level.(BAIHA) The Diploma program is on par with international standards as well as Indian standards, candidates can join in a job or pursue higher studies abroad.

Hotel Management:Among the emerging professional courses that have attracted the youngsters in the recent years, Hotel Management is very prominent. And the competition to get a seat in the top 10 Hotel Management institutes in India is very high. But where are these best Hotel Management institutes that are attracting the talented ones? In 2007, the Outlook (a weekly magazine) and Cfore (a market research firm) have conducted a survey to rank the top 10 Hotel Management institute in India.

[Fotolog] : 3 Hari 2 Malam...

2009-06-14T03:16:00+02:00

5,6,7 Jun lepas, famili aku pergi cuti2 Malaysia kat Port Dickson. Best sangat. Hari pertama tak buat apa pun. Hari kedua baru jalan2 gi Pasar Malam kat Teluk Kemang, pastu buat BBQ tepi pantai. Kitorang tinggal kat penthouse Bayu Beach Resort Hotel. Tagline Bayu Beach Resort - The Best Beach in PD. N kitorang sumer setuju yang pantai kat Bayu adalah pantai yang paling best kat PD.

Terkejut aku mula2 sampai pantai dia. Air cantik. Pantai bersih. India jual eskrem tu siap sediakan plastik sampah besar lagi sbb dia tak nak bagi customer dia buang sampah rata2. Kalau nak pergi PD n nak mandi laut, pergi la kat pantai dalam area Bayu Beach Resort. Sangat best! =)

p/s: Untuk ke Bayu Beach Resort, ikut highway Ekspressway Lingkaran Tengah [ELITE], keluar kat susur keluar KLIA / Litar F1 Sepang. Lepas tu, ikut signboard menghala ke Terminal LCCT / Litar F1. Belok kiri bila nampak Litar F1 kat belah kiri. Terus sampai jumpa simpang 4 Bandar @enstek. Belok kanan. Terus sampai jumpa simpang tiga. Belok kiri [signboard Port Dickson]. Terus kira2 13 KM sampai jumpa simpang 3 [lalu Bukit Pelandok]. Belok kanan. Terus sampai nampak PD Yatch Club kat sebelah kanan. Bayu Beach Resort kat sebelah kanan, sebelah Yatch Club. --- Jalan ni best sebab pemandangan sejuk je... Lalu area ladang sawit...

Better seen!

2008-08-08T15:02:05+02:00

Besides the already known addresses ( http://www.inyourpocket.com/slovenia/city/ljubljana.html and http://www.inyourpocket.com/country/slovenia.html ), we got from now some "real" ones ;-)

http://ljubljana.inyourpocket.com

http://slovenia.inyourpocket.com

http://bled.inyourpocket.com

We wish you a pleasant surfing!

New cover for new edition!

2008-07-31T22:25:06+02:00

Here it is! We are publishing the new frontcover of the popular tourist guide Ljubljana In Your Pocket, that is going to be published very soon!This release will cover the happening in Ljubljana from August to October, and it will contain the entire list of restaurants, hotels, nightlife, adult entertainment and much much more!You are welcomed to take a visit!http://www.inyourpocket.com/slovenia/city/ljubljana.html http://www.inyourpocket.com/country/slovenia.html

Ljubljana InYourPocket

2008-07-25T15:37:26+02:00

Another summer, another In Your Pocket. The Europe-wide city guide series is proud to launch its newest guide in the capital of Slovenia in the same year that this small but plucky country holds the EU presidency.Ljubljana In Your Pocket will be published three times in 2008, then six times a year starting in 2009 to reflect the rapid changes in this exciting city. Offering everything from independent hotel, restaurant and nightlife reviews, the guide helps foreign visitors plan their journey from start to end, also providing transport schedules, city, country and public transport maps (in the print guide) and tips on what to see and do.When visiting Ljubljana, don't miss the chance to see the city's most prominent building, grand old Ljubljana castle up close, perhaps using the funicular to get there. There's plenty else to see and do in town. Make sure you catch one of the events of the Ljubljana Festival, which has world-class performances across the city all summer long. To escape the city, there's no better destination than beautiful Bled with its magnificent lake, views and famous cream cakes – read all about it in the Bled In Your Pocket special.Finally, if you have comments or tips that we can use to improve this guide, please send them to us here.Enjoy Ljubljana.

Direct links:http://www.inyourpocket.com/slovenia/city/ljubljana.html http://www.inyourpocket.com/country/slovenia.html

Ouarzazate

2007-06-17T16:00:00+02:00

The south of Morocco is the land of the Sahara. Here, where life is only possible in oases andKasbahs, these words, synonymous with water, have a magical ring. At Quarzazate, scarcely 200km from Marrakesh but in a different world, you stand on the threshold of the mighty Sahara. Standing on the edge of a vast desert plateau, with snow-covered peaks visible in the distance, this ancient garrison town retains an almost tangible connection with a distant past. The nearby Kasbah Taourirt is one of the most impressive of its kind in Morocco. Its tightly packed houses and stately towers, made of a mixture of chalk and sand, melt almost imperceptibly into the surrounding red and ochre-coloured landscape. Like cubes of clay, the dwellings hide away from the unrelenting sun-a narrow doorway being the only connection with the outside world. Light and air come in through the central courtyard. Yet the harsh desert can also be generous; at the oases of Skoura an annual harvest of 4000 tons of roses is grown on the fringes of immeasurable expanses of sand.

Kasbah of Taourirt

Situated on the eastern edge of Quarzazate, this labyrinthine Kasbah reflects the famous, ochre-coloured style of southern Morocco. In doing everything humanly possible to offer a haven from the scorching sun, its creators have produced a living monument of great charm and character.

Café life

In contrast to the hustle and bustle of other parts of Morocco, the plazas of Quarzazate, with their cafés, bazaars and craft shops, are remarkably spacious and relaxed. A good place to sit and watch the world go by.

Aït-Benhaddou

If you're into the stunning architecture and mystic beauty of southern Morocco's Kasbah villages, they don't come any better than this. About 28 kilometres northwest of Quarzazate, this village is recognised as a gem by fashion photographers, film directors and visitors alike.

Lake of the El Mansour Eddahbi Dam

Rare in such arid surroundings, this man-made lake contrasts with the stern rocks and bright blue skies. Although visible from the town, the most dramatic views of the lake are to be had from about ten kilometres further east.

On the western edge

Just west of Quarzazate are unusual attractions in the form of a small zoological garden and the walled enclosure of Atlas Studios, which used the striking surroundings in many of its films.

Oasis village

In contrast to the tightly packed houses of the Kasbah villages, life in such oasis settlements as Finnt, about ten kilometres south of Quarzazate, is characterised more by open space and contact with nature.

Tangier

2007-06-16T15:50:00+02:00

Tangier

Visitors will most likely first set foot on Moroccan soil at Tangier. Their first impressions of Morocco will be punctuated by the scent of sulphur that hangs in the air and the sultry atmosphere that accompanies it. It is this very mood that has proved irresistible to writers and artists alike. Henri Matisse, Tennessee Williams, Samuel Beckett, Orson Welles and the heiress Barbara Hutton added a bohemian touch to this remarkable city.

From 1932 until its incorporation into Morocco in 1956, Tangier was an international tax free zone, under the control of a committee of 30 nations. This was an era that was characterised by financial fraud, espionage, large-scale smuggling and outrageous sexual licence by wealthy and eccentric expatriates.

From the tops of the mountains that surround Tangier, a magnificent spectacle unfolds as the evening sun sinks into the Atlantic Ocean and a bright moon slowly rises up out of the dark waters of the Mediterranean. Such is the view of Cape Spartel, where the waters of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic meet. This cape, famed since antiquity, contains the Caves of Hercules—for centuries the haunt of the Barbary Corsairs, the savage pirates who were the curse of the Mediterranean.

The Phoenicians set up a trading post here and it later became the Roman town of Tangis. Arab rulers from the east took over in the 8th Century AD and Portugal captured it in the 15th century.

Things To See

Grand Socco
Just outside the city walls is the Souk, where you can see traditional products being made and sold. Walk through the archway into the medina and encounter a medieval world as you traverse the narrow lanes of the old town.

Petit Socco
Here, in the heart of the medina, you will find an open space with cafés where you can take a break from shopping and strolling, and watch people from all cultures go by.

Kasbah
A complex of castles on top of the hill overlooking the city. The Sultan, Moulay Ismail, built his palace here, and the gardens are part of his 17th century palace, called Dar el Makhzen.

Kasbah

Museum of Moroccan Art
Here you will find all manner of treasure, from Berber carpets to wood and metal antiques and ceramics.

Archaeological Museum
This museum holds artefacts dating back to the Stone Age, and includes beautifully preserved Roman mosaics. There are two wonderfully decorated courtyards.

Forbes Museum
A museum of toy soldiers (honestly) left behind by Malcolm Forbes, the American magazine tycoon, in his former residence at the Mendonb Palace.

New Town
Centred around the Rue de la Liberté, the Place de France and the Boulevard Pasteur. Sit at one of the pavement cafés and it isn't too hard to imagine life under French colonial rule.

Hotels

Minzfa
The best hotel to be found in Tangier in the colonial style. The terraces are a good place to enjoy mint tea and escape the madness outside.

Nearby

Cap Spartel
The cape to the west from where the lighthouse shines out across the Straights of Gibraltar. You can visit the lighthouse observation platform, which overlooks not only a magnificent seascape, but also the expansive beaches nearby.

Travel

Ferry
The Ferry terminal has frequent car ferries to Algeciras and a fast hydrofoil service. For more information about Ferry Service, click here.

FRS Iberia
Highspeed Catamaran from Tarifa, Algeciras, and Gibraltar to Tangier in Morocco.

Airport
Located 10 km to the southwest, it has about two flights a day to Malaga and Casablanca, daily flights to Paris and seven a week to London.

Trains
There is a train service to Casablanca and a night train to Marrakech.

Erfoud

2007-06-15T15:40:00+02:00

Crossing the desert

Built by the French beside the perennial Ziz River, the little town of Erfoud is not characterised by the charm of a centuries-old settlement. It's red sand buildings, however, stand out in impressive contrast against the surrounding desert, and with its good hotels, restaurants and a lively souk, it is an excellent place from which to explore the surrounding landscape of desert and oases.

In the latter, the people live in fort-settlements knows as ksour, whose high walls, tightly packed houses and intricate pattern of paths and alleyways are as beautiful as they are charming. Made from lime and the red sand of the region, they provided protection from both marauding nomadic tribes and the scorching sun. Surrounding these settlements are the large palm groves that have sustained these communities on the fringe of the desert for centuries. Not far, the desert offers its own tourist attraction, in the form of camel rides to the sand dunes of Merzouga.

Borj-Est

Cross the Bab el Oued bridge from Erfoud's main square and follow the track up a steep hill to the military fort of Borj-Est, which was built as an outpost of the French Army and was manned by the Foreign Legion. From here, the views across the entire region are stunning.

Erg Chebbi

The Erg Chebbi is a range of gold-coloured sand that stretches for about 20 kilometres, some 25 kilometres south-east of Erfoud. Here, visitors book ahead to make sure of a place in one of the two dozen or so little café hotels that have sprung up around the one side of the Erg, a magnificent series of huge sand dunes whose changing tone in the light of dusk or dawn, draws a constant stream of romantically-inclined travellers.

The desert route

As is often the case, the fun is not just in seeing a special sight, it is also in getting there. Although there is a good tarred road that leads from Erfoud to the Erg Chebbi, most visitors prefer to join the convoy of white Land Rovers in which local guides take them across the desert and through dry river beds to the sand dunes.

Dadés Valley

2007-06-14T15:35:00+02:00

The Valley of One Thousand Kasbahs

A little north-east of the southern city of Quarzazate, lies the Dadès Valley-stretching out between the peaks of the High Atlas and the Jbel Sarhro mountain range. Known as 'The Valley of One Thousand Kasbahs', it is the most prominent of the oasis valleys that dominate southern Morocco. Originating from melt water high up in the snowfields of the Haute Atlas, the river Dadès cuts a steep gorge, known as the Dadès Gorge, at Aït Oudinar and Aït Ali. From here, it flows across the broad Dadès Valley in a south-westerly direction towards Quarzazate.

Traditionally, the people of this region lived in a large number of small Kasbah settlements scattered across the fertile river plain. In recent years, however, they have been leaving the valley and been congregating in larger villages along the valley's edge, leaving only a few Kasbah to be populated and maintained in perfect condition.

Kasbahs

There are many Kasbahs in this region; some alive and pretty, others impressive in their desolation, adding mystery to the exotic architecture and fascinating structure of society that has been in place here for thousands of years.

Berber Culture

As a Berber heartland, it is a centre of their culture, so besides architecture, food and crafts, the music, dress and customs are quintessentially Berber-including brightly coloured dress and ornamentation for women and girls, as well as the heavy dark blue cotton haiks (cloaks) of the region.

Fez

2007-06-12T14:10:00+02:00

khol eye liner make up

Fèz is a maze of stone, marble and plaster surrounded by orchards. An aura of 1001 nights lingers here, but as the spiritual centre of Morocco, the old town lives in the shadow of the minarets, sprawling outwards from the mosque like a spider web of alleys, houses and shops. From their workshops in back alleys potters, charcoal burners, goldsmiths and weavers still practice their ancient trades for busy shops and stores in the crowded streets. Well over 1000 years old, the Jewish quarter, or mellah, has long had a reputation for producing some of the finest ironwork in the country, whilst in the suburb of the leather tanners ancient methods and facilities are still used to treat and dye hides.

There is always something to see in this lively and colourful city that is full of contrast. Originally founded in the 8th century, the city’s importance goes back many centuries, when it was the principal city linking the Mediterranean with the Sahara.

Things To See

Fez Fabric Dying

Fez el Bali
The old part of the city, with its donkeys, taxis, traffic jams, smells, etc. Here, there is a mini neighbourhood for every craft, but the most interesting and colourful is the 'Tanners Souk', although the smell can be distracting. It does make you think of the 'worst job in the world'...

Bab Bonjeloud
A beautiful gate that offers the best entrance into the medina. Glazed tiles decorate the upper part to create a stunning effect

Bou Inania Medeza
This outstanding 14th century monument contains a religious school that is separated from a prayer room by a stream of water channeled in to the marble paving of the courtyard.

Dar Batha Museum
Dar Batha is a palace which these days functions as a museum of Moroccan art. Among its collection are unusual items such as ancient keys, locks, doors and carpets...

Karaouine Mosque
Long the biggest religious structure in Morocco, it was founded in the 9th century in the heart of the medina. 14 doors in the walls enable the 20,000 faithful who can pray here to enter and exit without ‘traffic jams’.

Fez Tea

Moulay Idris Azouia
The tomb of Moulay Idris is a highly revered shrine. At the entrance, women pass offerings through a hatch, which is also as close as a non-Muslim can get.

Neutom
The area outside the medina, which dates from the 13th century.

Ville Nouvelle
This district of broad avenues, shops and pavement cafés recalls its origins during the period of French colonial rule.

Meknes
Least famous of the imperial cities. Capital for the Alaouika Sultan Moula Ismail and therefore full of his grandiose projects.

Bab Manson
City walls stretch for 25 km, Lots of interesting gates. Restaurant in Bob Manson named after architect, a Christian slave converted to Islam.

Mausoleum
In Monlay Ismail´s major construction program he did not forget his own magnificent mausoleum. Non-Muslims are permitted to peer into but not set foot in.

Dar Jamai
Media highlight. Dar Jamai is a 19th century palace now serving as a museum.

Ba Inania Medersi
4th century religious college around tiled courtyard with marble fountain.

Meknes

2007-06-10T13:50:00+02:00

Ornamental Plates

Like a "fata morgana" (mirage) looming up out of the rock in the heart of the Moroccan countryside, the former royal city of Meknès is yet another unexpected delight this country has to offer. One of Morocco's most beautiful historical cities, its twenty-two kilometres of town wall, monumental gates and the ruins of an immense palatial complex form an impressive and curious backdrop for the meeting point of Morocco's main roads.

The 17th century sultan Moulay Ishmail wanted to create a royal capital here that would rival Versailles. He had an army of bricklayers, black slaves and several hundred captured Christian slaves build 120km of town wall, dream palaces, stables for 12,000 horses, hanging gardens watered by a 4 hectare pond and immense storage sheds. After almost a century of construction, he left one of the most beautiful cities in Moorish-Arabic style in the world.

Things To See

City Gate
With its intricate horseshoe shape and beautifully decorated detail, the Bab al-Mansour gate in Meknès is the most beautiful in Morocco-and one of the most iconic in the Muslim world.

Bab Al-Mansour Ruins
The ruins that surround the gate of Bab al-Mansour stretch out for miles along the town walls, watch towers and adjacent complexes that once formed the heart of the town's defences.

Heri es Souani
The ancient granaries and vaults that were once designed as a state-of-the-art project under imperial supervision may be overgrown with foliage, but they haven't lost their impressive architectural features.

Moulay Ishmail Mausoleum
The most famous leader of Meknès, and the creator of much of its architectural splendour, is revered and remembered in this stylish, solemn mausoleum.

Jamai Palace
Built as the residence of a vizier, this delicate palace within the town's medina (old quarter) now houses the fascinating collection of the Museum of Moroccan Arts.

Moulay Idriss
From Meknès, rolling green hills extend towards Mount Zerhon, where the holy city of Moulay Idriss lays perched against a slope. Famous for its green rooftops, it offers one of the most picturesque views of Moroccan town life.

Volubilis
A short drive from Meknès lays Volubilis, the most important Roman site in this part of North Africa. Built in AD 40, this formerly imposing and sophisticated Roman town, inhabited not just by Romans but also by Greeks, Berbers, Jews and Carthaginians, built its wealth and power on the wheat trade.

Tata

2007-06-09T13:30:00+02:00

A pretty little town drawn up in pink stone, Tata is the centre of a network of three river beds that feed the surrounding palm groves and gardens through a system of irrigation channels. The land is worked by communities from the nearby ksour villages, made up of local Berbers and descendents of slaves brought here by the famous Saharan caravan traders.

Today, they live and trade together in the lively souk of Tata, once one of the main slave markets of the entire region. Although it gradually declined and was forcibly opposed by the colonial powers, this slave trade continued well into the 20th century. The last slave caravan was spotted in the Sahara in 1956, and in neighbouring Mauritania slavery was only officially abolished in 1981. Today, it is no more than a distant memory, but in places like Tata it stills adds to the exotic atmosphere.

Geological formations

The 7111 is an excellent road that runs between Tata and Taroudannt, crossing a landscape of great geological interest, where incredible rock formations and exposed strata succeed one another in rapid succession in an environment almost devoid of human settlement.

Issafèn Valley

After the ruggedness of the almost lunar landscape that one crosses to reach it, the olive, almond and walnut trees of the Issafèn Valley are all the more welcoming. Here, in these mountainous surroundings, stone houses replace the sand and lime dwellings of the valleys, and the women wear the characteristic blue and purple smocks of the mountain Berber tribes. The men used to be infamous raiders, but now they work the land and trade in the lively souk.

Igherm

This white-washed village in a mountainous plateau is situated at an altitude of 1700 metres. Embattled fruit orchards point to the hardiness of the people in this windswept terrain, but Igherm is an important market town in this highland area.

Tetuan

2007-06-08T13:25:00+02:00

Whereas the coast gets dry in summer, the capital of the Rif Mountain region, Tétouan, lies in the cool valley of the "Wadi Martil", just kilometres inland from the Spanish coastal enclave of Ceuta. Formerly the capital of Spanish Morocco, this pretty city has a tangible connection with Andalucía: balconies and windows framed by iron grilles, shaded squares and patios with refreshing Moorish-Andalusian fountains, white plasterwork and flamenco.

This connection is accentuated by the fact that many of the Moriscos, expelled from Spain by King Felipe IV in the 16th century, settled here. The extent to which their descendants are still nostalgic about Andalucía is borne out by the 400-year-old tradition in which the keys of homes left behind in Spain are still passed on from generation to generation, yet the locals have recreated the beautiful Hispano-Moorish architecture of old in this charming capital of northern Morocco.

Things to See

Khalif's Palace
The old palace of the Khalif also served as the residence of the King's representative during the time of the Protectorate, when Tetouan was the capital of Spanish Morocco.

Gateways
Seven magnificently sculpted gateways offer not only a visual delight, but also a variety of ways to breach the age-old ramparts and enter the town from different angles.

Market Produce

Kasbah
Dating back to the 14th century, the Kasbah of Tetouan is a particularly good example of a Middle Eastern covered market place whose maze of stalls produce sights, sounds and scents that are inextricably part of the Moroccan experience.

Old Quarter
The maze of alleyways and cobbled streets, with their blue-tainted whitewashed houses, remain among the most enchanting of Tetouan's sights. In places is this quintessentially Moroccan feature more alluring.

Museums
The Archaeological Museum and the Ethnographic Museum, both located in grand old buildings, offer an insight into the many different people who have inhabited the country over the ages, and the typically Moroccan traditions that have evolved out of this.

Essaouira

2007-06-04T13:30:00+02:00

In Essaouira, a peaceful coastal town on the country's central Atlantic shores, Morocco still possesses an authentic gem, its dense mass of whitewashed houses shining brightly in contrast to the blue of sea and sky, and the blue and ochre colouring of door and window frames.

The tranquility and traditional aspect of Essaouira belie its rich history and the many international influences that have surged through this ancient trading and fishing port at one time or another. Founded by Phoenician traders as far back as the 7th century BC, the town was settled permanently by Berber tribes in the first century AD. The view across the wild, untamed Atlantic, the 'Iles Purpuraires' and the score of blue fishing boats bobbing in the harbour is both panoramic and enchanting.

In the 19th century, as the solitary free trade zone on the Moroccan coast, Essaouira was the only town in the country to have a Jewish community that outnumbered the Muslim one. Apart from its charming mix of Portuguese, Berber and French architecture, and its beautiful setting, it is this unique sense of tolerance, coupled with a laid-back atmosphere, which makes Essaouira so appealing.

Things To See

Dye works
The city's name is derived from the lavender colouring of the natural dye works that have been a vital activity on the nearby 'Purple Islands' for centuries. Products dyed according to this natural process are sought after.

Portuguese fort
When the Portuguese established a commercial presence here in the 16th century, they built a fort and naval base at the entrance of the harbour and proceeded to control Mogador, as they called the town, for over a century. The Portuguese fort still stands.

Harbour
The ancient harbour of Essaouira still bustles with a lively fishing market, sardine and pilchard canneries, scores of brightly coloured wooden fishing boats bobbing on the water and the traditional shipyards where they continue to be built to a centuries-old method.

Artists' colony
The maze of winding alleyways that make up Essaouira's old quarter have long been a favourite of local and international artists, who find inspiration here to produce their best work.

Beaches & surfing

Surfing is not the first thing you would associate with Morocco, but the deep waters and strong currents produce the kind of waves that draw surfers to the long stretches of beach, which were once the haunt of hippies and rock stars alike.

Agadir

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With over 340 days of sunshine a year, it is no wonder that Agadir, situated on the southern part of the Morocco's Atlantic coastline, has become the country's number one tourist centre. Some complain that Agadir is too modern and has become too commercial, but in a country full of exotic flavour it is a pleasant place to put your feet up and enjoy the comforts and services of a Western-style tourist resort.

The beach, together with the weather, forms the main attraction for thousands of sun worshippers, who come especially in the winter months to escape the cold and gloom of northern Europe. Around this, a resort town with restaurants, bars, cafés, modern, comfortable hotels and a broad offer of water sports has developed. Agadir thanks its modern look, with broad boulevards and pedestrian walkways in part to the rapid development of this tourist industry, but also to the powerful earthquake that destroyed much of the old town in 1960.

Sport

Besides sunbathing and water sports, Agadir also offers visitors golf courses, tennis clubs, horse riding and boat trips out to sea, where schools of dolphins and whales can be spotted.

Beachfront

In the evening, the beachfront comes to life, with crowds thronging the promenade lined with restaurants, cafés and music bars.

Harbour & Port

As the most important of Morocco's fishing ports, Agadir's harbour continues to bustle with activity as it has done for centuries. The fish market and the 16th century Portuguese fort are the popular attractions. The latter is the remnant of a prominent Portuguese trading post, Santa Cruz de Capo Gere.

Royal Kasbah

On first impression, the Kasbah looks uncannily like a fortress. In fact, that is exactly how it started out. In the 16th century, when the Berbers and Arabs were trying to drive the Portuguese out of the Agadir, they captured the fortified granary on this site and converted it into an artillery fortress from where they could shell the Portuguese fort. The views down to the town and bay are the best around.

Museum of Folk Art of Southern Morocco

Situated in the centre of town, in the municipal park, this little museum offers a fascinating insight into the culture and art of the Berbers, the original inhabitants not only of this region, but all of Morocco. Stretching back thousands of years before Islam arrived here, theirs is an ancient civilisation.

Excursions

With a position between Morocco's two main mountain ranges, the High Atlas and Anti-Atlas Mountains, Agadir is an excellent place from which to set out on excursions into the countryside. Imposing, snow-topped mountains, thundering waterfalls, tiny hamlets and expansive palm groves are among the many sights, not to mention seeing the Berber tribes in their home habitat.

RABAT

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Although not its largest city, Rabat is Morocco's capital and 'Royal City'. Known nowadays as the 'Washington' of North Africa, because of its parks, boulevards, monuments, embassies and government buildings, Rabat is also the seat of the Royal Family. Not surprisingly, therefore, it is home to a great many bewitching palaces, mosques and parks-all in the sensual North African style that evokes visions of a thousand and one nights.

Situated on the estuary of a river, this white city faces the Atlantic Ocean. This part of Morocco's coastline is marked by endless stretches of white sandy beaches, where the cold water and powerful tides make swimming hazardous, but make its waters abound with sardines, mackerel, anchovy, tuna and shellfish. In fact, the fishing town of Safi has the largest sardine port in the world. Sardine vendors can be seen all over Morocco, whilst every corner shop stocks canned sardines in a mildly spiced tomato sauce, a delicious Moroccan speciality.

Things To See

Royal Palace
The Royal Palace, official residence of King Hassan II of Morocco, is a sumptuous building constructed upon the ruins of an 18th century palace.

Mohammed V Mausoleum
Construction on this royal mausoleum, dedicated to Sultan Mohammed V-the man who led Morocco to independence-started in 1962. The imposing structure of white marble was completed in 1967, providing a tangible icon of post-independence Morocco.

Hassan Tower
Situated on the expansive square opposite the Mausoleum of Sultan Mohammed V, the 44-metre tall Hassan Tower, which stretches out above Rabat, is one of the country's national symbols.

Kasbah of the Oudayas
Still the old heart of Rabat, this ancient Kasbah is named after the tribe who were sent here by Sultan Moulay Ishmail to defend the city against Andalusian attacks.

Chellah Necropolis
Ruins meet nature in this 14th century necropolis overrun by trees, plants and animals. A park and archaeological site at once, the Chellah Necropolis occupies the site of the ancient Roman town of Sala.

Mamora Forest
Here, within short distance to Rabat, 134,000 hectares of cork-oak forest, pine groves, wild pear trees and eucalyptus offer an oasis of peace where only the call of birds disturbs the tranquillity.

Potter's Village
A favourite with visitors, this is a real, living village dedicated entirely to this age-old art. Ask for anything and the master craftsmen will produce it with amazing speed and precision.

Beaches

A long strip of white sandy beach extends between Rabat and Casablanca, interrupted only by little settlements and affluent resort towns

Western Loire

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I spent Friday afternoon on the train to join Leo in Western Loire for the weekend. This is a lovely area of France full of history and monuments. Leo drove me around and I saw:A royal abbey (huge!)

A pig on an old tapestry

Weird mushrooms including this one

Posh people having a picnic with real tables, real cutlery, real glasses and even candlesticks (although it was very sunny...!)

A man in white (probably looking for his lady - last seen in London near Shaftesbury Avenue) who would later drag Don Giovanni (left) to hell...A trendy teddy bear

Merry the hobbit

Beautiful old houses like this one

And troglodytic houses, carved in the rock

A huge castle built in the 11th and 12th century

... and a very happy naked girl