Morocco is the tantalising lower lip on the mouth of the Mediterranean Sea, a land so rich in mystique it seems to hover like a magic carpet somewhere between myth and reality. People extol the country's unique living history, its shimmering light, its art. The truth lies somewhere in between.

Morocco is the ideal starting point for the traveller to Africa. An easy hop from Europe, it can be a friendly, hectic warm, sunny and stimulating place to get around in. Open-air markets throughout the country are piled high with rugs, woodwork, and jewellery. The country's prime produce (if you don't count the hashish) is leather - said to be the softest in the world.

One of Morocco's most important cultural centres, Marrakech is a lively former capital famed for its markets and festivals. Its wildly beating heart is the square known as Place Djemaa el-Fna, a huge 'place' in the old city. Rows of open-air food stalls are set up here and mouth-watering aromas fill the air. Jugglers, storytellers, snake charmers, magicians, acrobats and assorted benign lunatics take over the rest of the space. The souks (markets) here are among the best in Morocco and the selection of exotic Riads and charming Boutique Hotels makes exploring the old city area affordable and easy.
Among the many attractions of the ancient quarter is the rare Almoravid-style Koubba Ba'adiyn mosque annex, the magnificent Koutoubia mosque and the Palais Dar Si Said (Museum of Moroccan Arts).