3 weeks off around xmas - Where to go? Morocco, Egypt, Turkey

terencemc

Hey y'all,
I want your help to irradicate my procrastination of booking a holiday. I'm knackered from working and am going to take 3 weeks off about xmas. 1 week before, 1 week for xmas and new years and 1 week after.
I'm looking to stay close enough to Europe...I was thinking of Egypt, turkey or morocco. My budget for flights would be 500 max although I would like to get them cheaper than this. Any suggestions for flights would be appreciated also

I like adventurous activities...multiday hiking, white water rafting, mountain biking, cultural sites etc etc Oh and its more than likely, me on my todd...

One of the guys in work spoke very negatively about egypt...but I would like to hear all your opinions on these 3 countries...


Heres hoping,
T

Civilian_Target

Went to Marakech around xmas a couple of years ago - it was really nice. Weather was perfect, and it's an interesting place. You've got the atlas mountains and the sahara to adventure in, be good about negotiating prices though because Morocco's like that.

Otherwise, if you can stretch to 600 euros for the flights, there are some great places you can go to in West Africa for that money - Cape Verde, Senegal and Ghana are all in reach (via Lisbon with Aer Lingus + TAP) - it's a bit adventurous, but definitely plenty of adventure to be had, and nice cultural sites.

FouxDaFaFa

What about Jordan? For such a small country, it has a lot going for it. Lots of cultural/historical sites (Petra being the obvious), a good hiking/watersports scene (Dana reserve and Aqaba), less touristy than other countries, pretty easy and laid-back to navigate on your own. I went there in September and loved it. Flights were 280e return with BMI.

If you're set on those three you mentioned, I would personally pick Morocco.

terencemc

Cool, took your advice and went for Morocco.
Any advice or suggested itineraries would be great.
I fly into Agadair and from what I understand its full of resorts so am gonna leave straight away and go surfing on the coast or to that blue city place...after that its all up in the air...Ive got about 2 weeks and am aiming to finish in the north east (near a ryanair airport;-) )
Only €70 over btw...

declanobrennan

hey terencemc,

Fair play. Two weeks sounds brilliant. I had the same idea of going to Morocco for Xmas/New Years but the flights I checked out were pricey. Do you mind me asking who did you get your flights with?

I'm afraid I'll only have a week at most but hoping to take in a trek into the Atlas mountains as well as some relaxing, sight seeing and good food.

thanks,
Declan

terencemc

alright dec.
Ryanair

Dublin - Charleroi
Charleroi - Agadir

16th december

two wheels good

Essouiria is quaint. Marrakesh main square Jemma el'Fna is fascinating at night. Be sure to sample the food stalls. No need to worry unduly about dodgy food. On a first visit to Morrocco the souk and old palaces will be fascinating. But I wouldn't dawdle there too long. There's so much to see elsewhere

Be prepared for cold nights. Rain in Winter can be heavy and persistent sometimes. (sorry). Trekking in the High Atlas is impossible in winter. Even the Middle Atlas can be cold and wet (and snowy AFAIK.)

One alternative area is Jebel Sahro - drier, warmer, with amazing rock formations, BIG scenery, fantastic star-gazing, friendly Berber villages. Inbetween N10 and N12 on this map. The trailhead is Kelaa M'Gouna. Local guide necessary. A five or seven night trek should be possible.

Then there's the desert experience - Erg Chebbi (sand dune) , camels treks, beduoin tents, mint tea. Actually the mint tea is everywhere. Erg Chebbi is a long way though. You might forego the sand dune and go to Zagora or M'hamid instead. Distances are big, and the time needed to cover distance might be more than you expect.

I'll hope to read your report and see a few photos in January.