Christmas Markets… Finally!

After my first escorted tour earlier this year, I was excited about my trip to Morocco with Exodus Adventure Tours. Who are Exodus? With 50 years of experience in adventure touring, they started in February 1974 when two men planned and operated an expedition through the rugged hinterland of central Afghanistan, travelling to the remote and fabled Minaret of Jam. From there, Exodus took off with trips to Kathmandu and an incredible 39-week journey from London to Bali! Through the 70s, 80s, and 90s, Exodus expanded, becoming a unique adventure touring company, tackling the Far East, South America, and Africa. Today, Exodus hosts 30,000 travellers annually, offering 350 small-group trips across nearly 100 countries. From cycling and hiking to wildlife, culture, expeditions, and family adventures, their top destinations include Italy, Costa Rica, Vietnam, and Jordan. Exodus is strongly committed to sustainability and giving back to communities. In 2019, they established the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation to fund innovative, sustainable, tourism-related projects. I was lucky enough to visit one of the projects and villages funded by the foundation, which became one of my favourite memories from Morocco! A Week of Adventure in Morocco My fun-packed week began with a short direct flight from Manchester to Morocco—just three and a half hours. (Who says you need long-haul flights for winter sun? 😉) We arrived in Marrakech late and headed straight to the hotel for an early night, ready to start our journey the next morning. The Atlas Mountains and Ait Benhaddou Our first full day took us into the Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi n’Tichka Pass—the highest in Morocco—before arriving at our hotel. From there, our local guide, Mohammed, took us to visit the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many will recognise it as the backdrop for several Hollywood films, including Gladiator (2000). Mohammed, who grew up in the Kasbah, had even worked as an extra in some of these films! Later in the week, we also visited the Atlas Film Studios, home to sets and props from films like Cleopatra, Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and more. We were even told Michael B. Jordan and Samuel L. Jackson might have been there that day! A Night in the Sahara This was the day I was most excited about—camping under the stars in the Sahara! We started with a drive to a hotel on the desert’s edge, followed by a two-hour camel ride to a camp surrounded by nothing but sand. We were greeted with mint tea (a staple everywhere in Morocco!) and shown around the camp. I avoided looking too closely at first to keep it a surprise and was delighted by the cosy huts, beautifully arranged firepit, and beanbags nestled among the dunes. Dinner was traditional tagine, and we gathered under the stars as locals played drums and sang. The next morning, we climbed a sand dune to watch the sunrise. Though slightly cloudy, the view was breathtaking—a true highlight. Sitting atop the dune in peaceful silence, surrounded by an orange and red sky, was unforgettable. Zagora and the Draa Valley After a camel ride back and a coach journey to Zagora, we spent a relaxing afternoon by the pool and exploring the local village. Known as the "Gateway to the Sahara," Zagora is in the Draa Valley, home to the world’s largest palm grove with millions of trees. The next morning, we visited Tamegroute, a nearby village famous for its green pottery. I watched the artisans at work and picked up a beautiful souvenir. We also visited the ancient Islamic library housed in a zawiya. A Village in the Atlas Mountains We hiked for about an hour into the Atlas Mountains to stay in a village supported by the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation. Following the devastating 2023 earthquake, which tragically claimed nearly 3,000 lives, the foundation donated £25,000 to help rebuild the community. Established in 2019, the project had already funded a hammam, which we were able to experience—a welcome treat after hours on a camel and hiking. We stayed in a guesthouse with a terrace offering stunning mountain views. The next morning, we visited the local school, which has five classes. Although I can’t share photos of the children, their smiles left a lasting impression. The school, visibly affected by the earthquake, is undergoing improvements thanks to donations, including plans for new toilets and better water infrastructure. Visiting the school was my favourite part of the trip. Marrakech Our final stop was Marrakech, a vibrant and colourful city that felt worlds apart from the peaceful, less populated places we’d visited earlier. Checking into a traditional riad, we had free time to explore the bustling Medina and its market square, alive with fruit stalls, juice vendors, and shops selling everything from clothing to "original fakes." I even discovered a knack for bartering! Dinner was at a rooftop restaurant, where I indulged in a very Moroccan cheeseburger and chips. 😅 Afterwards, we relaxed with cocktails at a rooftop bar—a perfect end to a busy week. The next morning, a local guide took us on a tour of Marrakech, including the palace, before we had more time to explore on our own. The Grand Finale On our last night, we dressed up for a gala dinner at a 5-star hotel outside the city to celebrate 50 years of Exodus. With 50 travel agents, local guides, and the Exodus team, we reflected on an incredible week in Morocco. Why I Love Touring Touring has become my favourite way to travel. It allows you to explore the world in unique ways, offering experiences you couldn’t have on your own. From camping in the Sahara to visiting remote villages, this trip to Morocco was truly unforgettable.

Discover the Joy of Walking Holidays – Your Way! At Beverley Travel, we work closely with Inghams who specialise in walking holidays across Europe, who believe in walking holidays, but with a twist. Their flexible stay-and-walk holidays give you the freedom to explore at your own pace—no set itineraries, no pressure to follow a rigid schedule. Simply choose your base, unpack, and let the adventure begin! Freedom to Explore on Your Terms Whether you're an experienced walker or just beginning to appreciate the joys of a gentle ramble, these holidays are designed to suit all levels of walking enthusiasts. With Inghams, you'll start and finish your walk each day in your resort, meaning no multiple overnight stays, no heavy backpack, and no hassle. You can focus entirely on soaking in the scenery, discovering new paths, and unwinding. The Best Walking Destinations Across Europe We’ve handpicked 76 stunning resorts in 8 incredible countries across Europe, including Andorra, Austria, France, Italy, Madeira, Slovenia, Switzerland, and, for 2025, we’re excited to introduce Norway as a new walking destination. From the alpine beauty of Austria to the sun-kissed landscapes of Madeira, our destinations are chosen to offer you some of the best walking experiences Europe has to offer. Everything Taken Care Of, So You Can Just Enjoy From arranging your travel and accommodation to providing local insights and expert recommendations, we take care of all the details. With local Inghams representatives available in many of our resorts, you’ll always have access to insider tips on the best walks, secret spots, and top lunch recommendations. And if you prefer a guided experience, we offer expert-led walks in selected destinations. These exclusive walks, included in your holiday, give you the chance to explore breathtaking landscapes with a knowledgeable guide by your side. Family Walking Holidays with a Dash of Adventure Our walking holidays are perfect for families looking to bond in the great outdoors. Together, you can explore scenic trails, climb to summit playgrounds for some thrilling fun, or burn off energy in tree-top adventures and bike parks. For school holidays, we have something special to offer: our Kids Fly Free deal. Children up to 17 years old can travel for free with every full-fare adult passenger (18+) on selected routes during the May half-term and throughout July and August 2025. Now that’s a family adventure you don’t want to miss! Why Choose Us for Your Walking Holiday? Flexible Itineraries: No set routes, just choose your base and explore on your terms. Wide Range of Destinations: 76 resorts across 8 countries, with Norway joining in 2025. Expert Advice: Local representatives provide insider tips and exclusive walks led by experts. Family Friendly: Adventure-packed options for families . Ready to Explore? Start planning your next walking holiday today! Whether you’re after a solo adventure, a romantic getaway, or a family escape, we’ve got the perfect destination waiting for you. For more information or to book your next holiday, enquire on the form below.

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