The winter sun destination four hours from the UK with 32C temperatures, cheap package holidays and waterfall dinners
IT was sunrise as I soared high above the Atlas Mountains and drank in the beauty of Morocco’s sprawling landscape.
From the hot air balloon I could see Marrakesh and beyond, and between the mountain peaks I spotted the ochre-coloured village of Tanaghmeilt.
It was the perfect way to end a tour that had taken me from the bustling souks of Rabat to the seaside elegance of Casablanca.
My hotel, the adults-only 4* Tui Blue Medina Gardens, was a chic, tranquil oasis within the energetic streets of Marrakech.
Despite being just five minutes’ walk from the vibrant souk, its bars, pools and gardens were an escape in themselves.
The tour kicked off in Marrakech, with a stroll around the historic tile-covered buildings, followed by a trip to the lush Majorelle Garden.
There we explored a beloved retreat and source of inspiration for designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Berge.
Even in mid-February, the mercury reached 32C, making for an ideal winter escape.
With Abdullah, our expert tour guide, providing fascinating insights into Moroccan history, I was next whisked off to Casablanca.
There I toured the spectacular Hassan II Great Mosque.
An icon of Morocco’s biggest city, its giant marble edifice jutted out into the Atlantic Ocean.
Next, a drink at the stylish Rick’s Cafe — a nod to the classic 1942 film Casablanca — added a touch of Hollywood glamour.
And lunch was a hearty affair of Moroccan beef tagine and couscous in restaurant Dar el Kaid, set inside an ornate converted synagogue.
The following stop, the city of Rabat, was a highlight of the trip with its stunning state buildings, including the Royal Palace.
The Mausoleum of Mohammed V and Hassan II, guarded by soldiers in their traditional red dress, was an impressive sight.
The capital city’s coastal restaurants and stalls offered delicious seafood with a backdrop of the glistening North Atlantic.
In the morning, we journeyed through palm groves and traditional Berber villages on our way to the city of Beni-Mellal.
The lush greenery and panoramic views of the area were extraordinary, before we drove higher into the mountains.
We reached Tanaghmeilt, available to visit on a £59 excursion which comes with the best food of the trip at restaurant Izarganl.
We were served a banquet of colours, with the freshest vegetables and tender slow-cooked meat, all while overlooking a waterfall.
Ouzoud Falls is Africa’s second highest, with a permanent mist creating a rainbow that adds to its natural beauty.
As I descended the 600 steps to the base of the falls, I spotted a troop of Barbary macaques playing on the rocks.
These tailless monkeys, accustomed to humans, are quite intelligent and resourceful.
Advised they might snatch food or belongings, I kept my distance while watching their antics.
The next day, I rose early to catch the sunrise at 3,000ft.
The sun painted the sky in vibrant hues, as my hot air balloon drifted above the terracotta rooftops of Marrakech, tiny Berber villages clinging to the mountainsides, and the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains rising majestically in the distance.
The 50-minute flight offered a breathtaking perspective on the vastness and variety of Morocco, and a fitting farewell to an unforgettable tour.
GO: MOROCCO
GETTING/STAYING THERE: The seven-night half-board Imperial Cities of Morocco tour visiting Marrakech, Casablanca, Volubilis, Rabat and Fez, is from £846pp in April, with UK flights, transfers, transport, experiences and English-speaking guides.
In Marrakech, seven nights’ all-inclusive stay at the Tui Blue Medina Gardens is from £708pp.
See tui.co.uk.
OUT & ABOUT: Tui offers various add-on excursions including the hot air balloon ride, which is from £178pp. See tui.co.uk/things-to-do.
