OUR DESTINATIONS
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We offer holidays to the four corners of the globe. If you want specialist advise please phone our travel team and we will be happy to help.
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- Destinations
- Africa
- Morocco
- Fez
- Meknes
Meknes
Meknes, located just 37 miles (60km) from Fez, is the
least-visited of Morocco's Imperial Cities - and this is exactly
what draws discerning travellers to discover its considerable
charms. A city brimming with history but mercifully short on chaos,
Meknes is the ideal destination for those looking to explore
Morocco's rich imperial past at a reasonable and measured pace. The
city of Meknes was the brainchild of Moulay Ismail (ruler of
Morocco for an incredible 55 years between 1672 and 1727), who
sought to construct a city fine enough to rival any in Europe.
Although not the most sympathetic of rulers - most of the
construction was done by Christian slaves kidnapped by Moroccan
pirates from far afield as Iceland - Ismail's vision was
impressively followed through, and modern-day visitors to Meknes
can revel in the sights of more than 50 palaces, 20
beautifully-carved gates and a city wall that stretches for 28
miles (45km). Meknes has a wonderfully preserved medina area and a
collection of great souks - and these can be navigated
independently, without the need for a tour guide. Must-see sights
include Bab Mansour, the grand gate of the imperial city, featuring
splendid mosaics; and Dar El Makhzen, the historical palace of
Moulay Ismail. Tourists to Morocco who want to experience its
culture, but are wary of the frenetic nature of its cities, are
strongly advised to make Meknes a firm feature of their travel
itineraries.
Information & Facts
Language
Arabic is the official language, but eight other
languages are also spoken including Berber, French and Spanish.
English is generally understood in the tourist areas, but French is
the most widely spoken.
Money
The unit of currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD), which is
divided into 100 centimes. ATMs are available in the larger towns,
but can be unreliable; currency can be exchanged at banks or
official bureaux de changes, which are also widespread in major
towns. Dirhams cannot be obtained or exchanged outside Morocco and
receipts must be retained as proof of legal currency exchange, as
well as in order to re-exchange money when departing. Major credit
cards are accepted in the larger shops, hotels and restaurants.
Travellers cheques can be used in tourist areas, but are not
prevalent; they are best taken in Euros or Pounds Stirling.