Hi anyone any suggestions for my wife & I on a 7-10 day visit to Morocco? Never been to Africa before, or Middle East. We can fly (from Dublin or Shannon) to UK & then use easyjet to Marrakech. That way we can visit relatives in UK as well. I'd prefer to go by ferry & train but flying is probably much cheaper & obviously quicker. Christmas is not important to us, so we were thinking of Dec 22-31 approx (my wife works in college so college hols are only time to go).

A week in Agadir looks like the cheapest option but doesn't sound very interesting, we may enjoy a bit of swimming but don't want a week on the beach.

If we hire a car, would air-con be needed? Have thought about going south, then doing a day and night in the Sahara - anyone done that, from M'hamid or similar? And we'd have to spend time check out Marrakech itself of course. Would the main roads be safe & snow-free, up the mountains?

Should I book some accommodation before we go, or is it easy to find somewhere in December? What's a riad like?
I have been looking at a few websites but any suggestions or experiences appreciated, thanks.

Hi,

Just returned from a ferry/train trip to Tangier and Fes. Would recommend the trains for getting about.

Riads are wonderful - traditional houses, some of which are like palaces.

Try www.seat61.com and google for riads in Marrakech and Fes to see the variety.

Morocco in Dec. can be cold so a week on the beach in Agadir would probably be out. We spent 8 nights in Morocco and did 3 nights Morocco, 1 night Ouazarzate (on way to desert), 1 night in berber tent in Erg Chebbi dunes outside of Merzouga 1 night in Merzouga and then 2 nights in Fez. Other than that I wished we had one more night in Fez it was pretty ideal. I don't think you will need air conditioning in the car at that time of year, and I would suspect might hit snow in the upper Atlas.
We stayed in several riads and really enjoyed them - definitely the way to go particularly in Fez or Marakkech so you can stay inside the medina.
We were traveling with our kids but here is a link to our trip report if your interested: http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...s-tangines.cfm

Thanks, mcwomble I often look at seat61, I've been checking it out again now. And jgg, your trip sounds like sort of thing we would like to do, did you mean 3 nights in Marrakech? I'm going to check your report now.
I have Michael Palin's Sahara, and Unforgettable Journeys to take before you die, both books mention the trip to Ouarzazate which appeals. And today our son-in-law says he & our daughter have booked a week in Stockholm & would we like to go with them? We have nothing booked yet, but I think we'd prefer to go south to Africa & be adventurous while we can still do it! Scandinavia can wait.

Yes, I did mean 3 nights in Marakkech. Our overnight in the desert still remains our most memorable travel experience - a must do!! I agree be adventurous while you can - Morocco was an incredible experience.

Hi,

well, not that surprising dear jgg. The Moroccan Sahara Desert is one of the most amazing and most breathtaking areas in the world. I usually go there during January and Febrauary, and I've always spent a great time there. My favourite moments are : sun sets and sun rises in Merzouga. that's completely awesome. I was with a very professional guide the last time I was there. His name is Ibrahim and he's one of <A HREF="http://www.merzouga-tours.com/fr/">Merzouga Tours</A> team. they're just too good and very friendly.

Hi,

well, not that surprising dear jgg. The Moroccan Sahara Desert is one of the most amazing and most breathtaking areas in the world. I usually go there during January and Febrauary, and I've always spent a great time there. My favourite moments are : sun sets and sun rises in Merzouga. that's completely awesome. I was with a very professional guide the last time I was there. His name is Ibrahim and he's one of(http://www.merzouga-tours.com/fr/)Merzouga Tours team. they're just too good and very friendly.

I guess desertfan was posting just as the site came back to life, so came 2ce! I just put this on another post, I hope it's ok to post it again here.
I'm in touch with Sahara services. They are mentioned in "Unforgettable Journeys to take before you die", (BBC books) which says they are a reputable company.Their website shows a number of tours they arrange. But they offer to collect us in 4WD at Marrakesh for €250, ("with a nice stop along the way via high atlas Mounatain and draa valley") or we can take the CTM bus to M'hamid. They have a hotel in M'hamid for €30 per person.
Any comments?