Hyatt Voyages
Excursions from Saidia
Program
  • CITY TOUR OF OUJDA / 9:00 – 13:00

    Today you will explore the city of Oujda. The massive gates ‘Bab Al Gharbi’ and ‘Bab Sidi Abd el Wahab’ are witness of the past. During a walk through the Medina you will discover the colourful souks, the ‘Kissaria’, the Attarine square and the three fountains of the Great Mosque which is the oldest monument of the city. Free time for shopping. Visit of the magnificent Palace ‘Dar Sebti’. It was built in 1938 by a rich merchant and features traditional Moroccan architecture. We will drive past the former residence of French general Lyautey and school Sidi Ziane which was the first one in Morocco to implement a ‘modern school system’. Later on a stop will be made at a café. From the terrace you can enjoy a splendid panoramic view over Oujda.

  • TAFOUGHALT/ 9:00 – 13:00

    You will discover a beautiful region in the southwest of Saidia. There are stunning sceneries on the way to the village of Tafoughalt. Let yourself be enthralled by the gorges and the valley of Zegzel as well as the remarkable fauna and flora of the Beni Snassen Mountains. Several caves have been discovered in this region – e.g. the ‘Cave of the Camel’ and the ‘Cave of the Pigeons’. They are not open to the public but one can take a look inside from the entrance. On the way back the road leads through the town of Berkane - an important agricultural centre (mainly cultivation of cereals, grapes, citrus fruit and vegetables).

  • GOUROUGOU & NADOR / 8:30 – 14:30

    After a ride of about one hour and a half in the western direction we will reach the picturesque forest area of Gourougou.  It is a site of biological and ecological interest for the region. Numerous species of trees such as pine, green cypress, eucalyptus, oak and thuya cover a surface of 5.200 ha. The highest peak ‘Mount Gourougou’ reaches an altitude of 887m. While you go for a walk, some baboons might cross your way. From the edge of the forest where we stop for a glass of mint tea you can enjoy the stunning view over Mellilia and Nador. Continuation to Nador. During the short city tour we will drive through the centre and along the beach promenade. Free time for shopping. Before we return to Saidia a pause will be made in the fisherman village Ras El Ma.

  • FIGUIG (2 days) / 7:30 – 20:00

    Departure to the Sahara desert. The road leads us through Bouarfa to the beautiful oasis town of Figuig with its stunning palm grove (more than 100.000 date palms). With a little luck you might catch sight of nomads living in tents and their dromedaries and flock of sheep grazing nearby. Upon arrival you will discover the house of an inhabitant where you will be invited to freshly baked bread, honey and a glass of mint tea.

    Actually the town consists of an administrative district and seven Ksour (walled villages and fortresses) which are only a few hundred meters apart from each other. It is also possible that you might be able to observe some wild animals which live in the region (like gazelles). During this excursion you will get to know what life is like for people living at the edge of the fascinating Sahara desert. (Overnight in a small hotel in Figuig).

  • FES (2 days) / 7:30 – 20:00

    Fes is the oldest of the imperial cities and also the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco. During the visit you will discover some remarkable monuments: the Karaouiine Mosque and Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss (exterior), the splendid Medersa Attarine, the leather tannery, Bab Boujeloud and Najjarine Fountain. The Medina of Fez with its medieval charm and numerous craftsmen has been classified as ‘World Cultural Heritage Site’ by UNESCO since 1981. In the vibrant Souks some alleys are only wide enough for a laden donkey to pass through.

    Fez was founded during the 8th century by Moulay Idriss and in the past also the capital of several dynasties. During the excursion you will also visit the archaeological site of Volubilis with its ruins of the Roman era. Many of the beautiful mosaics are still in a very good condition. Another highlight is the visit of Meknes. The city is surrounded by about 25 miles of triple walls and also known as ‘Versailles of Morocco’. You will discover the city of Sultan Moulay Ismail, El Hedim Square, the Medina and the majestic gate Bab Mansour which is deemed to be the most beautiful gate in North Africa.  (Overnight in Fes)

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