5* Short breaks to Marrakech from London Gatwick Apt
5* Short breaks to Marrakech from London Gatwick Apt
Description
Marrakech Highlights...
- Enjoyable Walking
- Good Shopping
- Ancient Sites
- Cheap to Eat Out
- Enjoyable Walks
- Good for Couples
- Places to Explore
- Local Markets
- Good for families
- Local History
- Peace & Quiet
- Romantic
- Scenic Location
- Local Character
- Plenty to do
- Traditional Building
Along with Méknes, Fez and Rabat, Marrakech is one of Moroccos four Imperial Cities. It was founded around 1062 by the Berber Almoravids and soon became the capital of an Islamic empire that reached from central Spain to West Africa. The Almoravid conquest of southern Spain led to an exchange of culture investing this remote desert enclave with the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Andalucia, something that it has retained a feel for to this day.
There followed a succession of ruling dynasties - the Almohads left an architectural legacy of many of the citys best-known landmarks, such as the Koutoubia and el Mansour mosques. Next came the Merinids who turned their attentions to the city of Fez, ushering Marrakech into an era of provincial dejection, but the coming of the Saadians spelled a turnaround in Marrakechs fortunes. Trade was enlivened and the legacy of the magnificent Saadian tombs was left for visitors to enjoy today. However, the long period of Alaouite governance turned the tables against the city once again. Early 17th-century ruler Moulay Ismail went as far as stripping the gold and marble from Marrakechs wonderful el Badi Palace in order to lavish his new capital, Méknes, with yet more glamour.
The early 20th-century French influence can be seen in the Art Deco commercial centre of Guéliz to the northwest of the city walls. But the most significant legacy of this colonial rule is the French language, which is still spoken by all educated Moroccans. Finally, a vast array of pleasure-seekers, ranging from the glamorous to the distinctly insalubrious, left their mark on the city after World War II. Winston Churchill, Yves Saint Laurent and the Rolling Stones rubbed shoulders with American beat writers, hippies and a new breed of curious visitors anxious to see what all the fuss was about.
Today, the main focus of the city continues to be the Jemaa-el-Fna, which comes to life after dark and is and a riot of enticing colour, noise and smells, with dancers, fire-eaters, acrobats, snake charmers and fortune-tellers. Rows of trestle tables are set up every evening to serve up barbecued kebabs, boiled snails, mouthwatering tajines and an array of more or less appetising other foodstuffs. Around this vast open space stretch the shadowy alleyways of the souks; a vast marketplace selling herbs and potions, carpets and candles, jewellery, spices, meat and metalwork.
Marrakech is an Islamic city in a male-dominated society, however, Morocco is one of the more liberal Muslim countries and the government is keen to show itself as a progressive, state. King Mohammed VI is actively promoting the education of women and disadvantaged groups such as the Berbers, the indigenous population of the Atlas Mountains.
Marrakech is enchantingly sited at the foot of the High Atlas Mountains, snow-capped for much of the year in contrast to the desert heat of the city. Summers can be scorching, but winter is bright and crisp, while autumn brings delicious fresh produce into the markets and spring sees the Atlas Mountains covered in flowers.
Departure Airport
London Gatwick Airport
Airport Information
Country
United Kingdom (UK)
Address
London Gatwick Airport, West Sussex, RH6 0NP, UK
Country Code
44
Telephone
(0)870 000 2468
Fax
None
gatwick_feedback@baa.com
Website
www.gatwickairport.com
Location
The airport is located 45km (28 miles) south of London
Time Zone
GMT (GMT + 1 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October)
Number of Terminals
2
Transfer between Terminals
There is a free Transit train, which links the North and South terminals 24 hours a day.
Driving Directions
The airport is linked to the M23 motorway. Turn off at junction 9 and follow signs for the airport. London Gatwick is also accessible from the A23 London-Brighton Road.
Car Parking
Each terminal has a short-term car park with direct access to the terminals via covered walkways; these are operated by NCP (tel: (0)870 600 7050; website: www.ncp.co.uk). Long-term parking is also available in car parks further from the terminals; a free shuttle bus runs between the car parks and the terminals. Passengers can book at least 96 hours in advance; this can be done through BAA Advance (tel: (0)870 000 1 000; website: www.baa.com). Valet parking is available and operated by NCP. Chauffeured parking is also available from CPS (tel: (0)870 411 1118; website: www.parkwithcps.com). Vehicle transfer between airports, car valeting/servicing and personal chauffeuring can also be arranged through CPS.
Car Hire
Companies include Avis, Europcar, Hertz, National and Thrifty. Offices are located in designated car rental buildings on the Lower Forecourt Road at both terminals.
Public Transport
Rail: The Gatwick Express train (tel: (0)845 850 1530; website: www.gatwickexpress.co.uk) runs to London Victoria Station (journey time: 30 minutes). There is also a Thameslink (tel: (0)20 7620 6333) service, which runs to London King’s Cross (journey time: 50 minutes) as well as other London stations. Information on all national rail travel is available through the 24-hour National Rail enquiries line (tel: (0)845 748 4950; website: www.nationalrail.co.uk). Road: Limousine: Chauffeur-driven cars are provided by Checker Cars (tel: (0)800 747 737). Coach: There are more than 400 express coach service operating daily from the coach stations at both terminals. The main coach station is located on the ground floor of the South Terminal, with most services operating from here. Principal routes also stop at the North Terminal station. National Express (tel: (0) 870 575 7747; website: www.nationalexpress.com) operate most of the services. National Express no.700 coaches operate to Heathrow Airport, from both terminals. The National Express Shuttle no.025 runs to London Victoria Station. The Gatwick Flyer (tel: (0)1708 730 555) runs to destinations east of London, and coaches operate from the South Terminal station only. There are coach information and ticket desks located in the Arrivals concourse of both terminals. Information on travel to/from the airport is available thought the Airport Travel Line (tel: (0)8705 747 777).
Information and Help Desks
Each Arrivals concourse has an information desk (tel: (0)870 000 2468) where multi-lingual staff are on hand to deal with enquiries 24 hours a day.
Airport Facilities
Money and communications: Both terminals have bureaux de change and ATMs. There is a post office and a 24-hour Internet café in the South Terminal. Wireless Internet connection is also available in the North Terminal. Eating and drinking: There are many restaurants, bars and cafés located in both terminals. Shopping: There are many shops at the airport, including several duty-free outlets. The airport has also recently introduced a home delivery service and a collection service. More information is available from the BAA Shopping Information Line (tel: (0)800 844 844). Luggage: Left-luggage facilities are available in both terminals. A lost property service is also operated by the Excess Baggage Company (tel: (0)1293 503 162). Other facilities: These include baby changing rooms and showers, a children’s play area, a medical centre offering vaccinations (tel: (0)1293 507 400) and prayer rooms.
Conference and Business Facilities
There are business facilities, including telephone, fax, photocopy and secretarial services and conference and meeting rooms, at London Gatwick Hilton Hotel (tel: (0)1293 518 080) at the South Terminal and Le Meridien London Gatwick Hotel (tel: (0)1293 567 070) at the North Terminal. There is one executive lounge in the South Terminal, the Servisair Lounge (tel: (0)870 787 6877), and one in the North Terminal, the Aviance Alexandra Suite (tel: (0)1293 507 203).
Disabled Facilities
Special assistance is available for disabled passengers. There are ramps and/or lifts where necessary. Wheelchair push and provision and help with baggage are also provided on request. Reserved seating is located throughout the airport, and there is also designated parking for badge holders. There is an induction loop installed in the terminals, as well as disabled toilets. Passengers requiring assistance should inform the relevant airline before travelling. Travel-Care (tel: (0)1293 504 283) provides advice to anyone who needs assistance and is located in The Village, in the South Terminal.
Airport Hotels
Airport hotels include the London Gatwick Hilton Hotel (tel: (0)1293 518 080) at the South Terminal, and Le Meridien London Gatwick Hotel (tel: (0)1293 567 070 or (0)870 400 8494) at the North Terminal. The Travel Inn (tel: (0)870 238 3305) is situated a five-minute walk away from the North Terminal. Other nearby hotels include the Gatwick Moat House, Ramada Plaza Gatwick, Holiday Inn Gatwick, Renaissance Gatwick, Gatwick Belmont and Holidan Inn Express. A hotel reservation service is available at the British Hotel Reservation Centre desks (tel: (0)1293 504 605 or (0)800 783 4060) in the Arrivals area.
City
London
Full Airport Name
London Gatwick Airport
State or Province
England
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