Tours in Morocco

Citizens of the Russian Federation do not need a visa to enter Morocco.

According to Countries and Websites, Morocco is a state in the west of North Africa. In the east and southeast, Morocco borders on Algeria, in the south – on Western Sahara. In the north it is washed by the Mediterranean Sea, in the west – by the Atlantic Ocean. On the Mediterranean coast of Morocco are two Spanish possessions: Ceuta and Melilla. The area of ​​the country is about 446,550 km2, in addition, since 1979, Morocco has occupied the territory of Western Sahara. Population – 28 million people (Arabs and Berbers – 99%, Europeans, Jews – 1%).

The relief of the country is quite diverse, but mountains and high plains (mesets) predominate. Low-lying plains are located along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. In the north, along the Mediterranean coast, the Rif Mountains stretch. From the southwest to the northeast, three ridges stretch across the entire central part of the country: the Middle Atlas, the High Atlas, and the Anti-Atlas. Deserts are located in the southern and eastern parts of the country. The area is characterized by significant seismicity.

Morocco is one of the states of the Maghreb. Arabs call Morocco Al-Maghrib or Al-Magri al-Aqsa, which means – the country of the far west, Europeans – Morocco (after one of its ancient capitals Marrakech, which means red or beautiful), historians – Sheriff state, travelers – Cold country with the hot sun, poets – The edge of the golden sunset.

On the Mediterranean coast of the country, the climate is mild, subtropical, the temperature in summer reaches +30-35*C. The south has a more continental climate, with hot summers and cool winters. It rains mainly during the winter months.

Time lags behind Moscow in summer – by 4 hours, in winter – by 3 hours.

Language
The official language is Arabic. In mountainous regions, local dialects are used. French is the most commonly used second language. Followed by Spanish and English. Spanish is especially spoken in the Fes area.

Islam is the state religion
of Morocco – Sunni Muslims – 99%, Christians – 0.8%, Jews – 0.2%. The month of Ramadan falls on the period from December to February, it is forbidden to drink and eat before sunset in this month, it is strictly forbidden to drink alcohol (even for tourists), shops work on a reduced schedule during the day or do not work at all. At night at this time it is quite noisy, and during the day life practically stops.

Currency
The monetary unit is the Moroccan dirham. All payments are made only in national currency. Currency exchange: Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 8.30 to 11.15 and from 14.15 to 16.00. Saturday and Sunday are holidays. During Ramadan, banks are open from 8.30 to 14.00. Hours of operation may vary.

Customs regulations
The import and export of foreign currency is not limited, but its circulation in Morocco is prohibited. When exporting unspent currency, you must have a bank exchange certificate. You can bring into the country no more than one bottle of spirits and one bottle of wine, no more than 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars and 250 g of tobacco. It is forbidden to export, without special permission, objects and things of historical and artistic value. There is a restriction on the import of professional photographic equipment (this does not apply to amateur photographic equipment). For the import of pagers or mobile phones, you must obtain a special permit before leaving (this is not possible to obtain on the spot).

Communication
For telephone communication with Morocco, you need to dial: 8-10-212 and then the area code. The telephone connection code with Russia is 7. Calls to Russia can be made by cards or for cash from any telephone set. One minute of conversation with Moscow will cost about 15 dirhams. The cost of a call on a pay phone in Casablanca or Rabat is 2 dirhams. Agadir code – 8, Marrakesh – 4, Rabat – 7.

Transport
Morocco is a relatively inexpensive country, even by Russian standards. Travel around the city by taxi – 20-50 dirhams. Bus ticket – 5-10 dirhams. In the northern and central parts of the country there is a network of railways connecting the big cities: Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, Meknes, Marrakech. Train travel is safe and cheap. In cities where there are no railways (Agadir, Essaouira, Urzazate), you can get on an intercity bus or a large taxi. Inside the city limits and in the suburbs, small taxis ply, which are easily identified by their flags and roof racks. The price of the trip should be negotiated in advance, and it does not interfere with bargaining. All major cities have airports.

Shopping, souvenirs
Handicraft products are sure to be found at any large bazaar, especially in the city. Wool bedspreads, carpets, clay vases, copper trays, silver and gold jewelry can be bought in Casablanca and Rabat, Tangier and Marrakech. However, this does not mean that all products are similar and sell the same everywhere. Each city and region has its own favorite types of handicraft production, in which they specialize.

Moroccan carpets are especially good, and they serve not only for decoration, but are a necessity in Morocco, bringing warmth to the house. Old Rabat carpets can be seen in museums of folk art. Similar carpets can now be found not only in Rabat, but also in Casablanca and Fez.

Fez makes decorative dishes, tea sets, flower vases and pots, ashtrays, candlesticks, knife and fork holders, ablution vessels, decorated with intricate patterns on a white background.

In Marrakesh, Fez and Sala, iron or steel patterned lattices for windows and doors, candlesticks, as well as jugs for water, washstands, teapots and copper trays are forged.

Pendants and earrings, openwork tiaras made of gold or gilded silver with precious stones in the Spanish-Moorish style can be purchased in Essaouira.

Tours in Morocco 2

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