20 day trip to Morocco during September, visiting Casablanca, Rabat, Volubilis Roman ruins, Fes, Erg Chebbi, Dades Gorge, Ouarzazate, Marrakesh, Ouirgane, trekking in the High Atlas mountains to Mount Toubkal (4,167m), Imill & Essaouira.
Roman ruins of Volubilis – near MeknesTannery Souk – FezPigeon pie for lunch – FezDades GorgeAit Benhaddou is a 17th century fortified village near Ouarzazate. The village is a great example of earthen clay architecture. Many film scenes have been shot at the UNESCO World Heritage site.Medina street scene – Marrakesh12th century minaret at Kutubiyya Mosque – MarrakeshBelly Dancing restaurant – MarrakeshLocal children watch on as our mules are loaded for the trek – OuriganeThe Lepiney refuge (also known as Refuge Tazaghart), at 3,000m, was our accommodation for the night. The rock walled hut was built by French Alpinists.Neil, Peter, Braheem & Duncan on the summit of Mt Toubkal 4,167mGlenn at the summit of Mt Toubkal. The 9/11 terrorist attack in the USA occurred just as we were starting our trek in the Atlas Mountains, so we didn’t hear about that tragic event until almost a week after it happened.The Old Port City of Essaouira – a great example of an 18th century fortified townPort of EssaouiraStreet scenes of the Medina – EssaouiraStreet scenes of the Medina – Essaouira18th century fort and ramparts – EssaouiraThe bronze cannons were made in Holland, Spain & PortugalFarewell dinner at Chez Sam seafood restaurant, Essaouira. At the table are Neil, Heather, Darren, Maree, Peter, Amanda, Duncan, Nick, Brett & Rajeev our guide.
Portugal
View of Lisbon from the São Jorge CastleViewpoint area of Castelo de São Jorge – LisbonPorto street scene – PortugalDouro river – PortoThe Dom Luís I, a double-deck metal arch bridge, completed in 1886The Dom Luís I bridge and Douro river – PortoThe Ponte da Arrábida bridge, designed by Edgar Cardoso & opened in 1963 – Porto
