CANARY ISLANDS

Realm of the Eternal Spring, lost paradise of Atlantis, land of brave Guanche warriors and stopover place of Columbus on his way to conquer the Americas, the Canary Islands archipelago is to Europe what Hawaii is to America - an all-year-round exotic tourist destination. The seven principal islands composing the Canaries offer an unusual variety of landscapes, where everyone will find something to attract him: lush green rugged mountains covered by laurel forests, pristine ocean beaches with golden or black sand, towering volcanoes and lunar landscapes, desert dunes, or lovely colorful villages with unusually friendly and hospitable people (the friendliest people on the planet ?), to name just a few. The Canaries offer an endless array of hikes and treks, from short and easy panoramic trails to gruelling 40-km challenges for the hardcore sportsman, all amongst magnificent landscapes and a warm sun. Hence, let’s take the invitation and evading the places of mass tourism let’s go hiking, like the Guanche Pelinor (on the upper left image), pictured as perhaps the precursor of backpacking in the Islands. And after a day on the trail, let’s enjoy a nice dip in the blue ocean waters and the local excellent cuisine, including awesome wine, seafood, and local cheese. Then, if one feels like it, a wide selection of outdoor sports and past-times can be practised here as well: mountain biking, surfing, paragliding, horse riding, sea fishing, star gazing, bird watching - you name it. Let us help you, based on our local experience, to organize your stay and make it thoroughly enjoyable and memorable !

MOROCCO

‘Making new discoveries in Ancient Lands’ is certainly a phrase that can apply to Morocco: ‘Al Maghreb’ - the ‘Western Kingdom’ also dubbed the ‘Land of the Setting Sun’. Since the times of nomadic tribes, Berbers, Phoenicians and Romans, the rugged interior of the country has been roamed by many, leaving a taste of exotic mystery and magical touch that dwells amongst its biblical landscapes. What is most amazing for the traveller is the wide variety of natural environments present: 4000+ meters high snow-capped mountain chains of the High Atlas, crosscut by lush-green river valleys; cedar forests and mountain lakes, where fish and game abound; green fertile plains of the country’s heartland; red-brown-ochre yellow landscapes of the rugged arid South, where clay kasbahs dominate the land and the nearby palm groves provide a refreshing shade; beautiful endless Atlantic beaches where you can be the only soul present; and last but not least, the ultimate desert - the Sahara with its magnificent dunes of orange sand and unforgettable star skies at night. This is the incredible magic of the outback... Now, once back to civilization, there is also a great wealth of culture to experience, in cities each of which differs in style and color: Marrakech, Fes, Rabat, Chaouen, Figuig, and so many others. Taste the aroma of the hot and sweet ‘moroccan whisky’ (mint green tea), try an almond pastry, the tasty harira soup, a good tajine, couscous or kefta, all that while sharing the moment with the welcoming and cordial locals you just met on your way or in the nice riad (traditional house with internal courtyard/garden) you are staying in. These are but a few moments of lasting inspiration that are likely to stay in your memory, and we - who both know and love this land - will be delighted to assist you to be ‘in the right place, at the right time’, so as to maximize your experience. Incha’Allah, one should add of course...