Agadir, the old Portuguese stronghold of Santa Cruz, is now the largest port in Southern Morocco, and the main shipping point for this rich agricultural region. The calm waters of Agadir's expansive bay are, by a fluke of nature, warmer in winter than in summer! Agadir is a favorite winter destination for visitors from northern Europe, and boasts a large number of excellent hotels. Agadir is also a short distance from the Sahara town of Goulimine, home to the fascinating Blue Men, and blue-clad women adept at the sensuous "guedra" dance, and also from the walled city of Taroudant.

Only 50 miles due east of Agadir, Taroudant, set in the heart of an extensive olive grove in the rich Souss Valley, has been a Berber city for over ten centuries. This lovely town is best explored by horse drawn carriage or on foot. The delightful medina is easy enough for first time visitors to explore on their own. Taroudant is for those who want to experience Morocco at its most inviting, while staying in wonderful accommodations.

Tiznit

This typical pre-Saharan oasis is enclosed within red, crenelated walls and encircled by lush palm groves. The mysterious "blue spring" have kept Tiznit in water since time immemorial. Earlier this century, it was occupied by the French Foreign Legion.

This picturesque Berber mountain village seems to cling to huge red boulders dotted with palm trees. Its location and brilliant blue skies make Tafraout a photographer's paradise.

Famed for its Saturday camel market, Goulimine is still the gathering place for the exotic "Blue Men", so named because of their blue robes and the indigo dye which rubs off on their skin. Beyond Goulimine lies the vastness of the Sahara. The area is also home to the famed Guedra dancers whose hypnotic rhythms have often been featured in international films.

A. 511. Grand Tour of Agadir. 2.30 hours

Visit the estuary of the river Souss, a refuge for hundreds of species of birds, and the Tuesday market of Inezgane. Climb up the hill to the kasbah overlooking the magnificent Bay of Agadir and the Atlas foothills which plunge right into the sea.

The tea ceremony takes on a whole new significance when you consider its cultural implications. A glass of mint tea is offered as a sign of welcome.

Merchants will frequently offer a customer a glass of mint tea to ease delicate negotiations. Even the poorest Moroccan feels honor-bound to offer a glass of the steaming brew to anyone visiting his home. Mentha veridis is the type of mint used to make Moroccan mint tea.

2 tablespoons Chineese Green tea (do not use black tea)

5 cups boiling water

1 large bunch fresh mint

1 cup (210 g) granulated sugar or to taste

Place the green tea in a teapot. Fill with boiling water. Let the tea steep for a couple of minutes. Wash the mint under running water and add it to the pot. Let it steep for a few minutes longer. Add the sugar. In Morocco, the tea is supposed to be very sweet. Decrease the amount of sugar if you prefer. Serve in mint tea glasses or small cups.

A. 512. Excursion to Immouzer des Ida ou Tanane. 5 hours.

Follow the lovely coastal road before ascending into the Atlas foothills. Relax by the cascades at Immouzer. Refreshments extra.

A. 513. Excursion to Taroudant. 4 hours.

Drive through the lush Souss Valley to this ancient Berber capital. Refreshments extra.

A. 514. Excursion to Tiznit. 5 hours.

Visit this unusual former Foreign Legion fort and kasbah. Shop for Berber silver jewelry.

A. 515. Excursion to Essaouira (Mogador). 8 hours.

Follow the Atlantic road all the way to Essaouira and its fine Portuguese ramparts where local artisans create beautiful inlaid wood objects.

A. 516. Excursion to Tiznit and Tafraout.

Spectacular drive to the hilltop kasbah of Tafraout in the heart of the Anti Atlas Mountains. Lunch via Tiznit.

A. 517. Excursion to Tiznit and Goulimine. 10 hours

Saturday is camel market day in Goulimine when the "Blue men" come into town to shop and trade. Lunch extra.

A. 518. Excursion to Marrakech via new road. 12 hours.

Easy drive to Marrakech, gateway to the High Atlas and the Sahara plains. Lunch extra.

A. 529. Two day tour to Marrakech and Essaouira.

Includes a typical Moroccan meal in the kasbah, half board at a deluxe hotel in Marrakech and lunch in Essaouira.

A. 539. Three day tour to Ouarzazate and Marrakech.

Day 1	Drive through the Souss Valley to Ouarzazate. City tour and full board at first class hotel.
Day 2	Cross the Atlas Mountains to Marrakech. City tour and full board at hotel.
Day 3	Onto Essaouira for lunch and sightseeing. Return along the coast to Agadir.