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We recommend watching the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here:   "Add Some Adrenaline to your Morocco Trip" --- On top of everything else in Morocco: the food, culture, scenery, history, art and design - did you know that it's also a rising destination for adventure travel? Morocco has wonderful variety in its landscape and environment, which means whether you want to go surfing, mountain climbing, overnight trekking, camel riding or dune buggy exploring in the Sahara Desert, the options are all there! And a tour company like Destination Morocco can help to facilitate your adventures, handling all the logistics and timing, while making sure that you don't miss out on the regular tourist sights too, like Fes and Marrakech.  This episode is another one which is a bit easier to follow in video form, where we share the screen to show you maps, locations and fabulous images, so hop over to our YouTube channel if you can. But if you're busy driving or jogging, you can still listen along and get the backstories and descriptions! In today's conversation, Azdean and producer Ted chat about some of the options for adventure travel and activities, from the beaches of Fes and Agadir to the sand dunes of Merzouga, or climbing Mt. Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa. In this example, you'll have lodging, equipment, a guide and even your own chef for the trek, which is a legitimate hike but not quite Everest-scale, so probably more accessible than you might imagine. We cover safety, costs and equipment too, including advice on what to bring and when to book. There are some corners of Morocco that are becoming less and less of a secret these days, so get in before the crowds, and maybe have a beach to yourself! Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco? Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires. If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life. Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco. Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!

One of the reasons Morocco has become more and more popular lately is its recognition as a honeymoon destination. The combination of stunning landscape, distinct culture and an emphasis on design and aesthetics wherever you go: these are just the starting points. When we then consider the increasing ease of getting to Morocco, with more direct flights from North America and Europe, improved travel infrastructure, and that distinct combination of accessible yet exotic, Morocco jumps out as a unique and exciting place to escape to after your big event. Azdean appeared a few weeks ago on the Weddings 101 podcast, with host Kyleigh Grace, to chat about these highlights and more. Now, we're doing an episode swap here on the Destination Morocco podcast, since there was so much valuable information, and a fun conversation too! What's really interesting is getting an outside, newcomer's perspective on travel to Morocco in general, with the added focus of honeymoon tips and advice. We chat about how couples can blend adventure with relaxation, what a truly immersive honeymoon looks like, safety and dress code tips, realistic budget expectations, what to ask for in accommodation, and how customized itineraries help couples experience Morocco like a local.  Azdean also breaks down unique romantic experiences, from private desert dinners to hammam spa rituals, cooking classes, hot air balloon rides, and more.  A Moroccan honeymoon will leave you particularly indelible memories, so whether you're just starting to plan or looking for insider expertise to elevate your trip, this episode will help you design a Moroccan honeymoon that’s unforgettable, meaningful, and perfectly tailored to you. Our thanks to Kyleigh for this opportunity and for sharing her resources and insight! You can find Weddings 101 on their website: https://weddings101pod.com on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weddings101podand listen on Spotify, Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/3kCfEw7JoIn62I1bUgNwZB?si=252633af8b784a07https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/weddings-101/id1799475222 Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco? Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires. If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life. Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco. Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!

You can also find the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel here:   "What's Going on in Morocco Right Now: Travel Updates from Marrakech" Learn about the latest goings-on in Morocco, direct from the source: Azdean shares with us what tourism is like right now in Marrakech and beyond, as he calls in direct from the red city.  Our conversation today includes a summary of a group tour from Casablanca to Fez, driving down to Merzouga desert, through Dadès Valley and over the mountains to Marrakech. Along the way, the group stopped at a unique and secret cave dwelling, still inhabited, although at least a little modernized!  And a look at how to make dietary requests and come prepared when you travel here. Remember, on a tour your tour director will help make sure that ingredients and special supplies are accounted for, since Merzouga and the villages along the way are certainly quite isolated. Which is of course part of the attraction! Azdean is there, on the ground as the African Cup completes its setup: there are football fans everywhere, and media from around the world there to cover the event.  As we enter 2026, we look at how busy the country expects to be, and why it may in fact be the best time to visit, because it's only going to get busier as the football World Cup approaches, and even more attention is focused on Morocco. Things are busy, but you can still get in before the crowds get even heavier. Azdean even took a direct flight from Atlanta to Marrakech, thanks to the new service from Delta Airlines. With multiple options from the US and Canada to Casablanca and/or Marrakech, travel to Morocco is becoming even easier. This is a special episode for us: although we've done some extra bonus episodes and live q&a replays, we consider this one to be our official 100th episode! Thank you to our wonderful listeners and viewers who have been there on this nearly four year journey, we're proud to be the trailblazing podcast for travel in Morocco, and are excited for more great topics and guests to come in the new year! Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco? Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires. If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life. Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco. Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!

You can also find the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel here:   "Discover a Real Morocco Cooking Class Experience" After the inspiring ideas of our last episode, 'Food Travel in Morocco: What to Order When You Visit', this week we take you a step further, into an actual Moroccan kitchen! The hosts at Riad Ghita in Fès welcome us behind the scenes for a genuine Moroccan cooking class, where we put together the ingredients for a lamb tagine, Moroccan salads, camel skewers and more.  Discover the authentic, natural ingredients that go into real Moroccan cooking, all freshly sourced from the medina in Fes. You'll see Azdean and the team shopping and gathering everything they need, and then meeting in the riad's modern kitchen to start preparing.  Go beyond the recipe websites and witness an actual cooking class, recorded live on location in Fes, and learn how to put the recipes together, just like a local. You can book a class like this too, whether in Fez, Marrakech, Essaouira, or anywhere else in Morocco that puts its own distinct twist on national cuisine. Cooking classes can easily be integrated into your itinerary, and leave you with lasting skills that you can put into action when you're back home, not to mention the indelible memories. Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco? Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires. If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life. Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco. Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours! Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco? Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires. If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life. Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco. Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!

You can also find the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel here:   "Food Travel in Morocco: What to Order When You Visit" Dig in with us to this fun conversation that provides a great overview of Moroccan gastronomy and its cultural importance. Azdean and producer Ted take a look at some of the popular dishes you'll find in Morocco, some you've probably heard of, and others which might be less familiar, but that you'll discover quickly once you arrive. This episode is another one which is a bit easier to follow in video form, where you can see the various dishes we're talking about, so hop over to our YouTube channel if you can. But if you're busy driving or jogging, you can still listen along and get the backstories and descriptions! There's tagine and couscous of course, but Azdean describes the different types of each that you can find, and also shows us the essential spices that define Moroccan cooking. We learn about Harira, the traditional soup served during Ramadan, rich in flavor and ingredients. And how Moroccan cooking techniques emphasize marinating and slow cooking for flavor. Meanwhile, street food in Marrakesh has improved significantly and is now considered safe, especially in the Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Questions about dietary restrictions? In this day and age, with tourism booming, restaurants are learning to accommodate different demands and requirements. You may have to call ahead, but these days you can find more and more choice. Food is always a popular topic around here, but it's been a while since we devoted an entire episode to exploring it, so we're excited to share these mouth-watering ideas with you! Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco? Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires. If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life. Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco. Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!

We recommend also watching the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel, in addition to listening to the audio version. Both episodes are only about 10 minutes long, and give you different perspectives on the information and stories. You can find the video here: "Rabat: Morocco's Dynamic Modern Capital" Today we are in Rabat, looking out over the ocean from the Kasbah Oudaya, at the edge of the old Medina. A beautiful site with beaches down below, and the river Oued Bou Regreg dividing the cities of Rabat and Salé.  Despite being the capital, Rabat is sometimes overlooked on itineraries of Morocco, or at best given a sparse couple of hours to see the basic sights, before travelers carry on to perhaps Chefchaouen or Marrakech. But although it's only been Morocco's capital since 1912, the history here is dynamic and long-reaching. Our episode this week is essentially a set of companion episodes. There is the audio version, and also the video version, which you can watch on YouTube. Some of the dialogue and conversation overlaps, but the video will help fill you in on what Azdean and his guide for the day, Mr. Ali, are describing. The audio version meanwhile adds a little more history and context that was not captured in video. The episodes are short: roughly ten minutes each, so try listening/watching them back to back, and see how they compare!  Our goal is to get you inspired to add more time in Rabat to your schedule, for a wonderful mix of history, wild seascapes and modern comforts. Find this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/0sJxv4B8TxI Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco? Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires. If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life. Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco. Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!

You can also find the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel here:   "A Couple's Guide to Romantic Morocco" Our episode this week puts specific focus on the Moroccan experience for couples: whether you're on your honeymoon, a vacation or maybe even planning to elope, Morocco is truly one of the world's great romantic destinations.  Morocco was in fact ranked number one in 2022 for destination weddings. You've seen the stunning photos of luxurious accommodation, desert camps and delicate architecture. Now Azdean and producer Ted help fill in the gaps on things like what riads are really like, how to reserve a private dining experience, and how hammams work. Riads offer a unique and intimate experience for couples, similar to a bed & breakfast but with even more space, dining options and luxury. You'll learn how to request a private dining experience at your riad, while making the most of other opportunities to get to know your fellow guests, b&b-style.Hammams are the traditional Moroccan baths that provide a unique cultural experience. Azdean explains the difference between a spa and a hammam, how long the process takes and the best time of day to go.Fes is known for its unique jewelry, making it a great shopping destination for couples to find gifts that last a lifetime.A good tour company will make sure you have everything you need for a private dining experience in the desert, such as in Merzouga, where you can't buy wine or other supplies just around the corner. It has to be planned ahead of time, but your guide will make sure it's taken care of, and that you have a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience.And, Morocco is more accessible for North Americans than often perceived, just a short flight across the Atlantic, and often a direct one if you're coming from a hub like New York, Washington DC or Montréal. Morocco has tremendous appeal as a honeymoon, wedding or romantic destination, and if you haven't already, we encourage you to consider it for your next romantic getaway! Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco? Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires. If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life. Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco. Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!

We recommend watching the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: "Exploring the Remarkable Ruins of Volubilis" Scarcely a 30 minute drive north of Meknes are the Roman ruins of Volubilis one of the must-see highlights in Morocco.  It is an easy day trip from Meknes, or even Fes, and well worth the stop. Volubilis is one of the most extensive and detailed Roman ruins outside of Europe, and was a major center in its own right from the 1st century AD until around 285, when it was captured by the local tribes.  The city remained vibrant for centuries after, but by the 11th century, Volubilis was abandoned, although its structures remained quite intact. The infamous earthquake of 1755 put an end to that though, toppling most of what was left, with the stone and marble looted and taken to Meknes. Within 100 years, people have all but forgotten where Volubilis even was. Fortunately, archeologists rediscovered it in the late 19th century, and today Volubilis is an important site that gives a detailed glimpse into Roman life, 2000 years ago.  When you visit, a local guide will be available to interpret the ruins, without whom you would only see stacks of rock and stones.  Khalid was our guide in Volubilis, and he describes the architecture, mosaics, olive presses and more with fine detail and precision. Check out the video version of this episode to see fabulous views of Volubilis and the surrounding countryside, all interpreted by our expert guide: a snapshot of what you can expect when you come visit too! https://youtu.be/HnnIHY5880k Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco? Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires. If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life. Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco. Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!

You can also find the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel here:   "How to Find Authentic Cultural Experiences in Morocco" Azdean is joined again by producer Ted to chat about the rich variety of cultural activities available to visitors, something that is often requested by Destination Morocco's guests. Travellers want to experience Morocco's real culture, whether it's the cooking, the music, the language or even the landscape, but framed around a vivid society dating back thousands of years. Step one is having a local guide with you as much as possible. It's your guide who separates your experience from the average tourist, sharing stories and insight that would never be found on your own.  Guides help you connect with locals, make the most of your time and itinerary, help translate and explain certain phrases, and help your journey go so much smoother. We talk about the various cultural activities available, including music, dance and visits to traditional villages, and highlight some of the lesser-known regions of Morocco that provide authentic experiences, away from the typical tourist paths.  We also take a look at language, as a lot of our guests are interested in learning a few phrases and understanding the differences (and similarities) between Moroccan Darija, Morocco's dialect of Arabic, and Tamzight: the Amazigh language.  The key to your experience: have zero expectations. Have dreams and ideas for sure, but the more open you are to whatever may come, to discoveries and adventure, the more you'll find that memorable cultural immersion that you're looking for. Find our special series on the Darija language here, made exclusively for podcast listeners!   Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco? Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires. If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life. Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco. Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!

You can also find the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel here:   "Morocco's Getting Busy: Book Your Trip Early!" Azdean is joined today by Destination Morocco producer Ted Cragg for an update on current travel trends and predictions for tourism in Morocco, as we head towards the end of 2025, with an eye on 2026. Morocco is getting busier and busier, and with some major events coming up, there is one key takeaway: book early! Morocco hosts the Africa Cup of Nations, the African equivalent of a continental football tournament like Euro or Copa América, from December 21st, 2025 to January 18, 2026, in cities all around the country. If you're planning on attending, you likely have your ticket and travel plans in place already! Or maybe you're open to being spontaneous. If football/soccer is not your thing though, but you're intending to be in Morocco over that time, you'll still need to be prepared for the crowds and for accommodation being very booked up. Azdean suggests some alternative destinations within Morocco though that you could consider, where there will be fewer football fans and tourists: away from the action, but perhaps blissfully quiet instead. Beyond the football tournaments though, the travel numbers to Morocco continue to increase overall, which puts even more of a stress on activities and accommodations, particularly the riads. If you're going to Morocco, you have to stay in a riad as much as possible. If you have your eyes though on a specific one, especially that's in walking distance to the souks and sights, again you'll need to get that reservation in early. Destination Morocco can help you have a trip of your design and priorities, even during the busy times, by using our contacts and connections to give you the best possible options. Not to mention easing the logistics like transport, luggage, tipping, meals and of course, safety. Reach out to Azdean with your questions and book a free discovery call to let us know what you would like to see in Morocco on your trip! Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco? Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires. If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life. Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco. Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!

We recommend watching the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here:   "How a Blind Tour Guide Shows Tourists the Best of Casablanca" Khalil Nejjary is a blind tour guide in Casablanca, and when Azdean visited the city and the incredible Hassan II Mosque, he finally had the chance to invite him on the podcast, in person. We previously published this episode in audio form, but we now have the complete video to go along with the story, with stunning images of the interior of the mosque, the architecture and the full panorama of the area, on a beautiful, sunny Moroccan summer's day. https://youtu.be/f6gAECOc3c8 Khalil's ability to describe in detail, from memory, the features of the mosque and the exact sights of Casablanca is just remarkable. We met Khalil at the entrance hall to the mosque complex, where visitors can get tickets for the guided tours and visit the small museum with photos of the mosque's construction. Khalil and other guides meet their guests here, then escort them across the massive courtyard, or esplanade, to the mosque's entrance.  Khalil talks about the mosque's architecture, the materials used and why they were chosen, and the long path from King Hassan II's initial dream of building a great mosque to its eventual completion.  Khalil also tells us about the history of Casablanca and its influence on the world, and outlines a typical tour of the city, which would take in many of the famous and important sights.  His joy and delight in welcoming visitors from around the world, or bumping into old friends, is deeply evident while watching him in his natural element. Khalil is a wonderful example of the genuine, authentic Moroccan hospitality that awaits your arrival when you come visit as well. Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco? Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires. If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life. Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco. Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!

We recommend watching the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here:   "Discover a Unique Merzouga Desert Camp Experience" Azdean sits down with Mr. Said, manager and co-owner of Sahara Sky Luxury Camp, located in the heart of the desert, yet just 23 miles from the town of Erfoud, the local service centre.  Said and Azdean sit down to talk about how he founded his camp, how they maintain their own animals and gardens in the desert, their emphasis on organic ingredients in their incredible food, and how the food itself is different from your standard Moroccan fare.  When you're ready to go beyond the tagines and couscous, Said and his kitchen have wonderful, original recipes for you to try. All this in addition to a surprising number of activities, located on-site or a short drive away. The desert is about more than just camel rides and dune buggies, although you shouldn't miss out on doing them either!  But the Merzouga area has a number of important cultural sites, some dating back hundreds or thousands of years, that connect the area to Berber and North African history, and Said can easily arrange for you a tour.  Or you can take part in cooking classes and musical performances at the camp itself, before relaxing under the stars. This is Merzouga, and nothing compares to the show that is put on by the night sky. We previously posted this recording as audio-only, but now have a beautiful video version to share with you. You'll see stunning drone views of the desert, camel rides, 4X4 treks, close-ups on luxury desert tents for meals and sleeping, and the Gnawa music troupe that performs on site. You'll hear peacocks and cats in the background as we chat, and close your eyes to imagine yourself in this beautiful desert paradise. Because of course, you yourself can experience all this too!  Contact us at Destination Morocco and learn about our custom-built itineraries and tour packages. We love to profile our partners and attractions in our episodes, which you can then be sure to request as part of your own tour. Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco? Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires. If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life. Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco. Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!

We recommend watching the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here:  Discover Gnawa: Morocco's Indigenous Music (YouTube) --- Gnaoua (also spelled Gnawa) music is known as Morocco's indigenous music, brought to the modern-day country over centuries from nomads across north Africa, and gradually adapted to various regional interpretations. Today's episode was recorded live on location at a Merzouga desert camp and at a Marrakech restaurant, and originally aired on the podcast in early 2024. Now, we have the video version for you as well, which you'll see in the YouTube link above, or on our channel here: @destinationsmorocco. In between performances, Azdean sits down with Mohamed, a musician and member of the Gnaoua performers in Qser el Khamliya, a small village just south of Merzouga. Mohamed started playing when he was eight years old, and gives us some background on the roots of Gnawa music, created by slaves and nomads from Sub-Saharan countries. The music was meant to express the suffering of slaves and their longing for freedom, and evolved into a deep religious expression of the Muslim faith. The contemporary Gnawa festivals in Essaouira and Merzouga stem from the agricultural rhythm of generations of harvests, the point where abundance and peace could be celebrated. Modern-day events typically coincide with Eid al-Adha celebrations that are timed with cycles of the moon, and take place roughly 11 days earlier in each subsequent year. However, Gnaoua music and live performances are easy to find year-round in Morocco, particularly in the south. Our samples in this episode of both desert camps and urban restaurants are good examples of this. We check the schedules and availability in the cities and riads that are part of your tour, to see what we can offer you for this amazing experience! Khemliya, Merzouga Ending Gnawa music recorded live at Safran Marrakech restaurant. Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco? Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires. If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life. Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco. Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!

We recommend watching the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: A Food Tasting Tour in the Heart of Marrakech! (YouTube) ---- Today's live episode takes you on a culinary food tour through the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, in the heart of Marrakech, with Azdean and local guide Mr. Ahmed.  Together, they delve into the rich culinary traditions of the area, first with a visit to the olive section, where Ahmed explains the significance and variety of olives used in Moroccan cuisine. Next, they take us to a tasting of traditional Moroccan pastries, including Ghriba, Chebakia, and Fekkas, originally influenced by Jewish traditions.  The journey then takes us through the world of dried fruits, highlighting their cultural importance and common uses in special occasions such as weddings and Ramadan.  No visit to Morocco can take place without trying Harira soup, probably the staple of staples in every house and restaurant. Azdean and Ahmed visit another food stall to learn about the ingredients in Harira, when and how it's eaten, and why you can eat more of it when it's not during Ramadan!  The server then brings over a heaping plate of Msemen (Moroccan pancakes), which can be eaten either sweet or savoury, depending on your preference and the time of day. Often we see Msemen at breakfast, or accompanying a hearty bowl of Harira. Lastly, the tour concludes at a popular food stall, Stall #31 & 50, where you'll learn about the Marrakech specialty dish of Tangia, a slow-roasted and steamed meat dish, baked in a special pot which gives it its name and distinctive flavour. You can request a visit to this stall on your food tour. Throughout the episode, Ahmed shares cultural insights and historical contexts, making it a rich, immersive experience for anyone interested in Moroccan cuisine. This episode gives you a wonderful taste for a typical food tour, the type that Destination Morocco can easily organize and include for you as part of your custom-build itinerary.  And we talk about the contrast between a food tour and a cooking class, the pros and cons of each, and let you decide which you prefer to do, if not both! Schedule a free discovery call today at www.destinationsmorocco.com to learn about all the options and possibilities available to you on our tours. We can't wait to show you Morocco. Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco? Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires. If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life. Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco. Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!

We recommend watching the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel, you can find it here: Where you can find genuine Argan oil, from an ethical source (YouTube) ---- Discover the versatile and distinctly Moroccan product of Argan Oil in today's conversation, recorded live at the Zin Cooperative, just outside of Essaouira.   Argan oil can be pressed into both edible or cosmetic use, and our guest Chiadma explains the different methods of production, and how they know which is which.  Discarded shells of the nuts are given to the famous tree-climbing goats, whom you might otherwise see along the highway from Marrakech to Essaouira, climbing trees in search of their own supply! Argan trees particularly thrive in the dry, Mediterranean-style climate of Essaouira, Agadir and Taroudant (which we described recently in Episode 86). Which means sourcing your product from that region is a good start, but you still can't assume that it's the real deal.  Chiadma shares a story of how, before she started working at the co-op, even she succumbed to a too-good-to-be-true sale. Suffice to say, the oil didn't last very long. Good, quality Argan products need a high percentage of oil, and Chiadma explains what to look for.  The Zin Cooperative, like the rug cooperative we featured in Episode 79, provides much needed employment and community for local women, in a positive and supportive environment. Discover not only quality products, but an enterprise that had a meaningful impact on this rural area.  Do you dream of exploring the enchanting land of Morocco? Destination Morocco is your ultimate travel experience for those seeking luxury and adventure. We specialize in crafting bespoke itineraries tailored to your unique tastes and desires. If you're a discerning traveler who values an immersive, curated adventure, visit www.destinationsmorocco.com, and let us bring your dream Moroccan vacation to life. Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco. Explore our Private Tours and Small Group Tours!