A WEEK IN
MOROCCO
Day 1: Marrakech
We arrived in Marrakech around midday. We took a taxi to go to our riad in the heart of the medina (the old city) (tips: bargain the taxi price at the airport). Warm welcome in our riad called Jnane Mogador with a Moroccan tea. A charming riad with a lovely staff. We planed to walk in the souk of Marrakech the afternoon and to discover Moroccan craft objects. (tips if you want to buy a souvenir bargain the price, divide it by 2 or 3). But first we took a fresh orange juice on the place Jemaa el Fna, so sweet and so good! And we had lunch on one of the rooftop restaurant of the place Jemaa El Fna. At the end of the day we came back to our riad where we book a hammam and massage so relaxing and the prices were fair! The night in the middle of the place Jemaa al fna, animation and restaurant take place. We decide to have dinner in one of those restaurant, simple and authentic food.
Day 2: Desert trip : Marrakech - Atlas Mountain - Ait Ben Haddou - Ouarzazate - Dades
It's easier and cheaper to book a desert trip with an agency. It's lot of drive to do in few days! They usually propose you 2, 3 or 4 days in the desert, with 2 days you will not see at all the nice desert dunes so we advise you 3 or 4 days. We personally choose 3 days with Traces Berbères (We booked more than once with them they reply quick and are reliable).
First stop was in the Atlas Mountain, it wasn't snowing but around December you can see snow. We were at 2260m above the sea level the view was amazing. Second stop the village of Ait Ben Haddou, a traditional village made famous by the cinema, use for exemple in Game of Throne. Third stop the city of Ouarzazate, the Moroccan hollywood, with cinema studios, most of the movie related to middle east are made here! Crossing the rose valley where they made rose water, we finally arrive in our hotel in Dades Boulemane. A charming hotel called Jardin de la Source and a lovely staff.
Day 3: Desert trip: Dades - Tinghir - Todra - Merzouga
On the way to the desert of Merzouga but two more stop before. The first stop was in the village of Tinghir, a berber village. We were welcomed by a guide that show us around and the berber rug weaving. (tips: during your trip don't forget to give to the guides and driver a little something at the end). The second stop was in the Todra Gorge. We feel so small in front of this canyon cliff. Morgane went there younger to climb it. In fact it's a nice natural climbing spot!
We arrive before sunset in the dunes of Merzouga, our camels were waiting us for a ride of 1h30. Amazing landscape with the sunset but ride camels is painful after a while! We finally arrived in our camp for the night. The berber guide offered us a shisha, before dinner, and after we were all seating around the fire singing and listening traditional berber song. The sky was full of stars and be careful you can also see shooting stars (tips: in winter is really cold in the desert, so bring warm clothes)
Day 4: Desert trip: Merzouga - Marrakech
The next morning we woke up before sunrise and we did the way back at the back of a pick up! We first drunk a tea in a nomad village. And after we drove to the highest dune, that we climbed (it wasn't easy!) to see an breathtaking view with the sunrise! A magic moment. Back in the pick up, riding the dunes we had trills! And now 9h of drive to come back to Marrakech! A long trip but it was worth it!
Day 5: Marrakech
Last night we change hotel to be in the Palmeraie and discover another side of Marrakech more peaceful. This second hotel is called Murano. The morning we went to the visit the Jardin Majorelle, an amazing place that inspire YSL for it's creation. I advise you to also visite the Museum YSL it's really interesting and well done. Both of them cost around 15£ and we advise you to go early morning because there is always a queue in front!
For lunch we came back in the hotel to enjoy the swimming pool and relax like a real princess and prince life! And the afternoon we did a quad tour. It's an activity that Morgane was always doing young when she was going to Marrakech. And it's so much fun! Daniele love it too! Don't be scared of the speed, and to be dirty because you will eat lot of sand!
Day 6: Essaouira
On the road between Marrakech and Essaouira, look around because you can see goats on argan trees! We arrive for lunch in Essaouira a costal city. We first went to the fish market, authentic place where you can't be picky with the smell and the cleanliness. You can also see all this blue fishermen traditional boats. Next to it you have a square with lot of restaurants that propose you fresh fish from the market on the BBQ, super good and super cheap, we paid 30£ for 4 poeple. After that we walk to the rampart of the medina. We got lost in the street and bought our souvenirs here because so much cheaper than Marrakech. In this relaxing atmosphere we drunk a tea in a cafe under the sunset listening street singer. We really enjoy the simplicity, authenticity and relaxed atmosphere of the city. After having dinner in a rooftop restaurant we come back in our cute riad called Chems Bleu.
Day 7: Oualidia
On the costal road direction Casablanca we stopped for lunch in the city of Oualidia. Famous for its oysters. We advised you to eat in the restaurant L'araignée Gourmande. Since she is kid Morgane was going there, it's a safe bet! After dinner enjoy a walk on the beach. You can also do a little boat tour on this colorful and cute boats. And you can drive to Casablanca.
IN AFRICA
RESTAURANTS
-
NORTH EUROPE
. ICELAND . AMSTERDAM . BRIGHTON . LONDON .
IN AFRICA
- THE TRAVEL TIPS FROM A NOMADIC COUPLE -
NOMADICS AGAPEORNIS
10 THINGS TO DO IN
MILAN
1. Go to see the Duomo. The Duomo of Milan is the cathedral. Really impressive building and beautiful architecture. You can also enter inside for 3€ and if you want to go to the terrace you will have to spend 10€. If you want also to see the Duomo from higher, you can go to the restaurant/bar rooftop of the mall la Rinascente or inside the museo del Novecente you have a nice view of the Duomo.
2. Visit Vittorio Emanuele II gallery. It is Italy's oldest active shopping mall and it's located just next to the Duomo. The architecture of the gallery is just incredible. On the floor in the middle of the gallery, you will find the famous little bull mosaic. The legend said that if you spin around three times with your heel on bull's testicle, it will bring you luck and good fortune.
3. Have an aperitivo in Navigli. Navigli is a cute neighborhood with canals in south Milan. On each side of the canals you will find the last Sunday of every month. But Navigli is also famous for its bars that propose aperitivo time. Aperito time is really important in Italian culture. Aperitivo is the idea of drinking and eating small dishes and finger food at the same time, it usually happen from 5pm. We did our aperitivo at Spritz Navigli, really good value it was crowded. The aperitivo deal cost 11€ that include 1 drink and free access to the buffet that has a large choice of food.
4. Take the old tramway. In Milan you will find new and old tramway, we love the fact that they also keep the old tramway. Most of the tramway are passing or terminating around piazza Duomo. One ticket is 1.50€ but you can also take a day pass that cost 4.50€ and you will have access to tramway, metro and bus.
5. Walk in the cute streets of Brera. Brera is a old-school Italian charm district. The pedestrian area of Brera discret is lovely to discover. You will find restaurants, designer shops, antique shops, artisan’s workshops, art gallery ... . We also said that Brera is the artistic heart of the city. And every third Sunday of the month there is antique market.
6. Visit the castle Sforzesco. The castle was built in the 15th century by the Duke of Milan. A beautiful castle with tons of history that we really advise you to visit. This monument of Milan located on the north of the city is at 15min by walk from the Duomo. The entrance is free so you can just walk around and see most of the site for free. Inside you have exhibitions, events and lot of museums: the museum of archaeology, ancient art, decorative art,... with tickets from 5€. And behind you have the big and beautiful park of Sempione.
7. Visit the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. This church and Dominican convent is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The architecture of this church is beautiful and you can enter in for free. The church also contains the mural of The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. To see it you will have to buy ticket that cost from 10€ that you need to book in advance.
8. Go to a museum. Milan is the city of art and design. You will find lot of museums all around the city. Here our selection of museum but there are so much more.
- Museo del Novecento - showcases 20th century international art included pieces from the Arte Povera, Spatialism, and Furturism - Ticket 5€
- Armani Silos - Discover the aesthetic philosophy of Giorgio Armani through his unique creations - Ticket 12€
- Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci - the largest science and technology museum in Italy, and is dedicated to Italian painter and scientist Leonardo da Vinci - Ticket 10€
- Pinacoteca di Brera - main public gallery for paintings with a large collection of Italian paintings - Ticket 10€
- Leonardo3 - Discover Leonardo Da Vince, the artist and inventor, with working models of his machines and digitalized restorations of his paintings - Ticket 12€
- Museums of the castle Sforzesco include Pieta Rondanini Michelangelo, Museo d'Arte Antica, Museo dei Mobili e delle Sculture Lignee, Museo delle Arti Decorative, Museo degli Strumenti Musicali, Museo Acheologico, ... - Ticket 5€
And also if you like design like us we advise you to go in Milan during the design week that happen in April and there are lot of exhibitions and events around the city.
9. Do some shopping. Italian fashion is famous around the world, you will find lot of fashion designer shop and famous Italian brand. But also more affordable brands.
- Behind the Duomo, follow the street Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. You will find affordable brand such as Kiko Milan, Intimissimi, Calzedonia, Max Mara,...
- In the North East Center between Via Montenapoleone, Via Senato, Via Sant' Andrea, and Via Monte Napoleone. You will find designer brands and luxuary brands such as Valentino, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Prada,...
10. Eat at Panzerotti Da Luini. In a little street next to Duomo you will find the bakery Panzerotti Da Luini. An icon of Milan, always a queue in front. There you can eat panzerotti, it's a pastry filled with sweet or salty filling. The most popular sweet one is the nutella one and most popular salty one is tomato mozzarella. It's just delicious and cheap! One panzerotti cost 2,50€.
