0:00:02 > 0:00:04Welcome to Getaways, where we go where you want us to.
0:00:04 > 0:00:05We're in Morocco, Northwest Africa,
0:00:05 > 0:00:08and we'll explore the destinations of Agadir and Marrakech.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11On our website, we asked you for your recommendations
0:00:11 > 0:00:13of what to do here and what to avoid.
0:00:13 > 0:00:15We've taken them and we'll rate and review them
0:00:15 > 0:00:16for ourselves and for you at home.
0:00:24 > 0:00:27You can fly to Agadir directly from Dublin,
0:00:27 > 0:00:29the flight takes around four hours.
0:00:29 > 0:00:32We're taking a two-centre break - as well as Agadir -
0:00:32 > 0:00:34we'll also be travelling to Marrakech
0:00:34 > 0:00:36which is a two-and-a-half hour drive away.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41So, what are you looking forward to on this trip to Morocco?
0:00:41 > 0:00:42I'm looking forward to winter sun
0:00:42 > 0:00:44- and something a bit different. - Me too.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46See, I've been here before, but only to Agadir,
0:00:46 > 0:00:48I've never been to Marrakech, what I'm looking forward to
0:00:48 > 0:00:51is more of an authentic experience, which I've heard
0:00:51 > 0:00:53is not very difficult to find.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56We've taken on board the advice you've sent in to us
0:00:56 > 0:00:59via our website and come up with our top five things to do
0:00:59 > 0:01:04in this part of Morocco and we've thrown in alternative things to do.
0:01:11 > 0:01:13And kicking off at Number Five,
0:01:13 > 0:01:17we've chosen the family-friendly beach in Agadir.
0:01:17 > 0:01:20Your holiday in Morocco will probably start here,
0:01:20 > 0:01:23you just fly in and flop down by the pool.
0:01:23 > 0:01:26They say they get 300 days of sunshine here a year
0:01:26 > 0:01:28and it's perfect for a winter break.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31We're here in October and it's 30 degrees.
0:01:31 > 0:01:33Blimey!
0:01:37 > 0:01:40The main reason why you come here, of course, is for the beach.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43Most of the hotels in Agadir face onto ten kilometres
0:01:43 > 0:01:47of fine, family seaside fun and it's not very busy
0:01:47 > 0:01:50because most of the tourists here prefer to spend their time
0:01:50 > 0:01:53at the hotel at their heated swimming pools.
0:01:53 > 0:01:54The wimps!
0:01:56 > 0:01:59The beach is overlooked by a hill with the Moroccan national symbol,
0:01:59 > 0:02:03which translates as "God, Nation and King".
0:02:04 > 0:02:07Some of the hotels own pockets of private beach
0:02:07 > 0:02:10but generally the beach is free and open to everyone.
0:02:13 > 0:02:15Agadir is a really family-friendly resort
0:02:15 > 0:02:18and if you can drag the kids away from the beach
0:02:18 > 0:02:21there's a bird park right in the middle of the town.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31It's not the most scenic resort in the world,
0:02:31 > 0:02:34to be honest with you, it was completely devastated
0:02:34 > 0:02:38by an earthquake in 1960 and the rebuild is pretty much ongoing.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41It's basically a whole strip of package holiday hotels
0:02:41 > 0:02:43and you could be anywhere in Europe,
0:02:43 > 0:02:46rather than Africa, by the look of it.
0:02:46 > 0:02:50Along the front, you'll find a range of cafes and restaurants
0:02:50 > 0:02:53including some old favourites. So if you're looking for fast food
0:02:53 > 0:02:57you're in the right place, but there's also a swanky new marina
0:02:57 > 0:03:01where you'll find shops, cafes, and boat trips.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04But in Agadir you're likely to spend most of your time
0:03:04 > 0:03:07around the hotel pool and there are many package holiday hotels here
0:03:07 > 0:03:11at a wide range of prices. If you're after a pampering break,
0:03:11 > 0:03:14one of the newest luxury hotels to open here
0:03:14 > 0:03:17is the Sofitel Agadir Thalassa Sea and Spa Hotel.
0:03:17 > 0:03:21A room here costs from 110 euro per person per night
0:03:21 > 0:03:23on a bed and breakfast basis.
0:03:23 > 0:03:25Agadir does have a great beach and it is perfect
0:03:25 > 0:03:28if all you want is a package holiday,
0:03:28 > 0:03:31but if you want the more authentic experience, our advice is
0:03:31 > 0:03:35hit the road and discover more of what Morocco has to offer.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40We're on a two-centre break and our next stop is Marrakech -
0:03:40 > 0:03:43a two-and-a-half hour drive from Agadir.
0:03:43 > 0:03:48After the beach resort, Marrakech is a completely different world.
0:03:48 > 0:03:50It's famous for its markets or souks,
0:03:50 > 0:03:52its stunning riads or courtyard hotels,
0:03:52 > 0:03:55one of the world's most famous gardens
0:03:55 > 0:03:58and for an amazing city centre square
0:03:58 > 0:04:01with the most incredible street theatre.
0:04:03 > 0:04:07And our Number Four choice from your Moroccan recommendations
0:04:07 > 0:04:11is the Marrakech souk, an amazing labyrinth of street stalls.
0:04:13 > 0:04:16The souk is found in the medina or old town area of Marrakech.
0:04:16 > 0:04:19The souk is a massive marketplace at the heart of the city
0:04:19 > 0:04:24with traders hellbent on persuading you to buy their wares.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26It's expected that you haggle here,
0:04:26 > 0:04:28so the trick is start from a third of the cost
0:04:28 > 0:04:32and work up to halfway, but never, ever pay the first price.
0:04:34 > 0:04:36It's easy to get lost in the souk
0:04:36 > 0:04:38but it's worth it for the experience.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44You'll find trade districts such as the blacksmiths' quarter,
0:04:44 > 0:04:47where you can watch craftsmen hard at work
0:04:47 > 0:04:49making intricately wrought metalwork.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55This is where both locals and tourists shop
0:04:55 > 0:04:57and here you can pick up everything from fresh fruit
0:04:57 > 0:04:59to ceramics and spices.
0:05:00 > 0:05:03It's an Islamic country and the dress code in Marrakech
0:05:03 > 0:05:05is slightly more conservative than Agadir
0:05:05 > 0:05:08but overall, it's pretty liberal.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12You will get constant hassle from the stallholders
0:05:12 > 0:05:15to come and buy their products, but it's friendly enough.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17Sweet!
0:05:18 > 0:05:20It's a shopper's dream,
0:05:20 > 0:05:24you can buy Moroccan teaglasses, hammered metal trays, lanterns,
0:05:24 > 0:05:26sweets, souvenirs, hmm,
0:05:26 > 0:05:29- and slippers.- Here, Joe, I think you should get a pair of these.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32I would look quite the bandy in a pair of those.
0:05:32 > 0:05:33These are like... Look at those.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36- What about this? You likes? - Yes, it looks lovely.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39- I think it's very stylish.- I think it's in your size.- Yeah.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47The streets can be really busy and actually quite noisy,
0:05:47 > 0:05:50which is really enjoyable, but there are a few gems of places
0:05:50 > 0:05:53where you can go and find some peace and quiet.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57The Photography Museum has a collection
0:05:57 > 0:06:00of original photographs of Morocco, from the 1870s
0:06:00 > 0:06:04right up until the 1950s.
0:06:05 > 0:06:08The museum is open every day from 9:30am until 7pm.
0:06:08 > 0:06:10and there's free entry for children.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12The entrance fee includes a guided tour
0:06:12 > 0:06:15and an introduction to the exhibition.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18Why should a tourist come to the Photography Museum?
0:06:18 > 0:06:19Tourists should come
0:06:19 > 0:06:22because it's probably the only place
0:06:22 > 0:06:26where you dream, you go out and in with a smile...
0:06:26 > 0:06:30And it's really giving us a glimpse of Moroccan history, isn't it?
0:06:30 > 0:06:33Morocco was a multicultural country -
0:06:33 > 0:06:36and it is. So you've a lot about Moroccan Jewish people,
0:06:36 > 0:06:39you have a lot about the Berbers...
0:06:39 > 0:06:42The Berbers are the indigenous people of Morocco.
0:06:42 > 0:06:45They were nomads who lived in the mountain ranges
0:06:45 > 0:06:48before co-existing with Jews and Christians.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53There's also a cafe on top of the museum
0:06:53 > 0:06:56with a view over the rooftops of Marrakech.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58I really enjoyed that museum, it's actually lovely
0:06:58 > 0:07:00to see all the different images of Morocco
0:07:00 > 0:07:03and now back to the busy streets.
0:07:05 > 0:07:09And in Marrakech you'll find a very distinctive accommodation option.
0:07:09 > 0:07:12Now, you might not think it, but behind these old crumbling walls
0:07:12 > 0:07:14is actually something rather special.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21This is a riad. A home that's been converted into a guesthouse
0:07:21 > 0:07:24and there are hundreds of them all around Marrakech.
0:07:24 > 0:07:26A pretty stylish place to stay, I think.
0:07:28 > 0:07:30Riads really are an oasis from the city
0:07:30 > 0:07:32and often only have five or six rooms,
0:07:32 > 0:07:35so you have the chance to try something
0:07:35 > 0:07:38other than the big chain hotels.
0:07:38 > 0:07:42As well as open courtyards, riads also typically have roof terraces,
0:07:42 > 0:07:44where you can sit and catch some rays.
0:07:44 > 0:07:48A room in this riad costs from 99 euro per person
0:07:48 > 0:07:51in low season, which is from June until August -
0:07:51 > 0:07:54the hottest time of the year.
0:07:54 > 0:07:58I met up with someone from back home who lives in Marrakech
0:07:58 > 0:08:01and I wanted to find out more about living in Morocco.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03So, what brought you to Marrakech in the first place?
0:08:03 > 0:08:05Apart from the climate,
0:08:05 > 0:08:06I'd have to say it's the people,
0:08:06 > 0:08:09it's a really hip city, a really diverse city,
0:08:09 > 0:08:11there's a lot going on, but the people are very warm
0:08:11 > 0:08:14and very like Irish, in fact. So, for me,
0:08:14 > 0:08:16I felt pretty at home here pretty quickly.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19What would be the three things you'd recommend people
0:08:19 > 0:08:21absolutely have to do if they come to Marrakech?
0:08:21 > 0:08:24Visit the Djemaa el-Fna, which is the main square at night,
0:08:24 > 0:08:27soak up the atmosphere, see the sheep's brains
0:08:27 > 0:08:29for sale in the street foods,
0:08:29 > 0:08:32see the henna tattooists, the snake charmers, visit the souk,
0:08:32 > 0:08:35see the old artisans and try and have a traditional Moroccan hammam,
0:08:35 > 0:08:37a very good scrub.
0:08:43 > 0:08:45I took Rosena's advice
0:08:45 > 0:08:49and a lot of you also recommended we try a visit to the hammam.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51It's time for our Number Three choice
0:08:51 > 0:08:53from your website suggestions.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55It's a place where Moroccans traditionally go
0:08:55 > 0:08:59for a wash and a good old relax and scrub.
0:08:59 > 0:09:00If you're thinking of doing a hammam,
0:09:00 > 0:09:04you really should do it, because it completely exfoliates your skin...
0:09:04 > 0:09:09and you get a much deeper tan after it, apparently.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12They use some sort of eucalyptus thing,
0:09:12 > 0:09:14you just feel it clearing out your sinuses and chest.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16It feels brilliant.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24Getting a good old sandpapering. Can't beat it!
0:09:24 > 0:09:27Stop when you get to the grain, mate!
0:09:27 > 0:09:30Y'know, when your ma used to give you a good scrubbing,
0:09:30 > 0:09:32when you were a kid because you were totally boggin'?
0:09:32 > 0:09:34It's kind of like that, but more relaxing.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44Cheers!
0:09:44 > 0:09:48Are you still here? This is the relaxation room!
0:09:48 > 0:09:50Take off!
0:09:56 > 0:09:59I wanted to find a traditional souvenir to take home
0:09:59 > 0:10:02and the carpet shop is my next port of call.
0:10:04 > 0:10:08Carpets are something you should consider buying when you're here.
0:10:10 > 0:10:13Can you tell me about each carpet? The design of the carpet
0:10:13 > 0:10:16really depends on the geographical location, where they came from.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19Every tribe has just one style of making carpets.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22So, what's the price range, then, of the carpets?
0:10:22 > 0:10:23If you have a phenomenal article,
0:10:23 > 0:10:26it goes to 25,000 euro sometimes.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29- Would you say they're like pieces of art?- Of course.
0:10:29 > 0:10:36This is a kind of expressionism and it's an old traditional hobby.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40The carpet shop is like an art gallery in itself
0:10:40 > 0:10:43and it's an amazing exhibition of colour and pattern.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46But be prepared to spend a good deal of time here
0:10:46 > 0:10:48as the salesman will insist on showing you
0:10:48 > 0:10:51as many carpets as possible.
0:10:51 > 0:10:55There are carpets everywhere - even on the roof.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58Each of these is unique - carpets are to the Moroccans
0:10:58 > 0:11:00what wine is to the French and you can learn a lot
0:11:00 > 0:11:04about the different regions and handicrafts of the country.
0:11:04 > 0:11:08The only problem is making up your mind about which one to buy.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12- I actually think I'm going to go with this one, there.- OK.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19The starting price for carpets in this shop is from 45 euro
0:11:19 > 0:11:21and there's no duty to be paid
0:11:21 > 0:11:24as it's free to export craft products from Morocco.
0:11:27 > 0:11:29And if you're worried about bringing the carpet home,
0:11:29 > 0:11:34they actually wrap it small enough so you can bring it as hand luggage!
0:11:34 > 0:11:37If you're looking for a refuge from the chaos of Marrakech,
0:11:37 > 0:11:41only 6km from the city centre, you'll find the Beldi Country Club.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43It's set in rose gardens,
0:11:43 > 0:11:48something that you may not have been expecting to find in Morocco.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51But I wasn't here to admire the roses, oh, no!
0:11:51 > 0:11:54I wanted to try my hand at an ancient art.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02Morocco is a country of craftsmen.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05They've been working with wood, leather, stone
0:12:05 > 0:12:07and clay for absolutely centuries, so if you come here,
0:12:07 > 0:12:09you're more than likely going to go home
0:12:09 > 0:12:11with a beautiful handmade keepsake of your own,
0:12:11 > 0:12:15whether it's a carpet, a cushion cover or a leather bag.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17Marrakech is famous for its pottery,
0:12:17 > 0:12:22with intricate designs that go back unchanged for hundreds of years.
0:12:22 > 0:12:24So I figured I'd give it a go myself.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28Now, it can be quite a messy job, so I always come prepared.
0:12:28 > 0:12:33Old school style. Or rather...
0:12:33 > 0:12:36primary school style.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39- Karim , my man.- Hello.- Let's potter. - Yeah.
0:12:42 > 0:12:44Oh, look at that, we're getting some height now.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47We're getting some height. Oh, we're losing it!
0:12:49 > 0:12:52I could have gone to the market, bought something beautiful,
0:12:52 > 0:12:55intricate, a lovely keepsake that I'd be proud to show off
0:12:55 > 0:12:58to family and friends at dinner parties.
0:12:58 > 0:13:01Instead, I made this, something I'll put in the back of the cupboard
0:13:01 > 0:13:05and never look at again. But I'm proud of it!
0:13:05 > 0:13:08Luckily, you can also buy some, well, prettier pots here
0:13:08 > 0:13:11and after all that creativity, there's a traditional lunch
0:13:11 > 0:13:13and it's Morocco's signature dish.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17This is tagine, it's basically a slow-cooked Moroccan stew
0:13:17 > 0:13:20and you will find it EVERYWHERE here. It's their national dish.
0:13:20 > 0:13:22You're supposed to traditionally eat it with your hands,
0:13:22 > 0:13:26- but I'll stick to the knife and fork.- Very wise, it's molten hot.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29Tagine comes in vegetarian or meat options
0:13:29 > 0:13:32and I'd describe it as the Moroccan version of Irish stew!
0:13:32 > 0:13:34- That's yum!- That is delicious.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37If you fancy an eco-friendly experience
0:13:37 > 0:13:39outside the hustle and bustle of Marrakech
0:13:39 > 0:13:43then it costs costs 85 euro per person per night to stay here,
0:13:43 > 0:13:45based on two people sharing.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49But you don't have to go abroad to go on holiday.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51We've got a short break, a bit closer to home.
0:13:54 > 0:13:56This week I'm seeing what's on offer
0:13:56 > 0:13:58in the second largest city in Northern Ireland.
0:13:58 > 0:14:02Now, it's a pretty unique place to be known by so many names,
0:14:02 > 0:14:04you've got Londonderry, Derry, Legenderry,
0:14:04 > 0:14:06Doire Cholmcille, Maiden City, Stroke City...
0:14:06 > 0:14:08No matter what you call it, it's got a lot to offer
0:14:08 > 0:14:11and it's the perfect short break destination.
0:14:13 > 0:14:18It's been known as a place with a lively artistic and music scene
0:14:18 > 0:14:21and has been designated as the UK City of Culture 2013.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23There's been lots of regeneration in the city
0:14:23 > 0:14:27and this year there will be many cultural events taking place.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35You can't come here without taking a walk around the famous walls,
0:14:35 > 0:14:37they're about a mile long, take you about half an hour
0:14:37 > 0:14:40and it's absolutely free.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43The walls were built between 1614 and 1619
0:14:43 > 0:14:46and are almost perfectly preserved,
0:14:46 > 0:14:48making Derry one of the finest examples
0:14:48 > 0:14:50of a walled city in Europe.
0:14:51 > 0:14:55Now, second only really to the famous walls of the city
0:14:55 > 0:14:57are its cannons. How many are there on the walls of Derry?
0:14:57 > 0:15:00- There are 24 cannons.- Right. - And it's the best
0:15:00 > 0:15:02set of canon of known provenance anywhere in Europe.
0:15:02 > 0:15:05They're impressive, do you think they're part of the reason
0:15:05 > 0:15:07why the walls have stayed so well preserved,
0:15:07 > 0:15:10- considering they're 400 years old? - They saw active service.
0:15:10 > 0:15:12They were used in the Great Siege of Derry,
0:15:12 > 0:15:14so they're part of the history of this city
0:15:14 > 0:15:18and an integral part of the walls of Derry.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20The next stop is a bit of a hidden gem.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23Prehen House is less than two miles from the city centre
0:15:23 > 0:15:26and it's one of the Northwest's most historic
0:15:26 > 0:15:28and haunted buildings.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31Prehen House is intimately linked with the history of Derry,
0:15:31 > 0:15:33but it's most famous for its ghost stories.
0:15:33 > 0:15:35Now, all a wee bit too Scooby Doo for my taste,
0:15:35 > 0:15:38but one of the stories IS very interesting.
0:15:40 > 0:15:42The most famous story is about Half-Hanged McNaghten.
0:15:42 > 0:15:45John McNaghten befriended the Knox family,
0:15:45 > 0:15:47he not only moved into the house, but convinced their daughter,
0:15:47 > 0:15:50Mary Ann, that they were in love and should marry.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53He had a fake wedding, including a best man, and the Knox family,
0:15:53 > 0:15:56quite rightly worked out he was only after her dowry,
0:15:56 > 0:15:59so they decided to whisk her away to Dublin.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01McNaghten got wind of it, attacked the coach
0:16:01 > 0:16:04and, during the attack, Mary Ann was fatally wounded.
0:16:04 > 0:16:07McNaghten was sent to the gallows.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09Now, on the first attempt, the rope broke
0:16:09 > 0:16:12and McNaghten didn't want to be known as half-hanged,
0:16:12 > 0:16:15so he said, "Throw up another rope and let's do it again."
0:16:15 > 0:16:18Second time around it succeeded.
0:16:18 > 0:16:23So I went in search of Half-Hanged McNaghten, the Prehen Ghost.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27So, Colin, you're the owner of the house and you give tours here,
0:16:27 > 0:16:29tell me about this room in particular?
0:16:29 > 0:16:33Well, this room is famously haunted by John "Half-Hanged" McNaghten.
0:16:33 > 0:16:35Lots of people who don't even know the story,
0:16:35 > 0:16:37arrive down for breakfast the next morning
0:16:37 > 0:16:40with an account of this ghostly presence in their bed.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43If you want to stay at Prehen House
0:16:43 > 0:16:47rooms are available in the renovated coach house.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50It costs £30 per person sharing per night
0:16:50 > 0:16:52for bed and breakfast here.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55But I should warn you, the ghosts here are a bit Casper-ish,
0:16:55 > 0:16:58they're very friendly and they may choose to join you
0:16:58 > 0:17:00in the middle of the night.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03HE CACKLES DEMONICALLY
0:17:07 > 0:17:09Do you know? I don't know how Vincent Price did that.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12That cuts the throat of you, that!
0:17:13 > 0:17:15Derry is a gateway to Co Donegal,
0:17:15 > 0:17:19so you can easily combine a city and countryside break.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22My next stop is Rathmullan, an hour's drive from Derry.
0:17:22 > 0:17:25The beaches here are absolutely stunning
0:17:25 > 0:17:27and that's part of the Donegal experience - beaches
0:17:27 > 0:17:30with barely a sinner on them.
0:17:37 > 0:17:40But let's be honest, the sun doesn't always shine
0:17:40 > 0:17:43in this part of the world. A good rainy day option
0:17:43 > 0:17:45is the cookery kitchen at Rathmullan House,
0:17:45 > 0:17:49which the hotel offers to guests when the weather closes in.
0:17:49 > 0:17:51Kelan, what are we making today?
0:17:51 > 0:17:53Today, we're going to make a simple risotto.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55We're going to use some courgettes.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57We going to do a little twist, we're going to tempura
0:17:57 > 0:17:58the courgette flowers as well.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01Something different, adds a bit of texture to the risotto.
0:18:01 > 0:18:03- OK, let's get started.- We'll add a bit of oil,
0:18:03 > 0:18:05add some shallots, going to add the garlic,
0:18:05 > 0:18:10going to add some knobs of butter. The star of the show are courgettes.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13We've got these fresh peas as well, we'll stick these in in a bit,
0:18:13 > 0:18:15just for the flavour, add the rice.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18I'm going to start this tomato broth. Some oil, first of all
0:18:18 > 0:18:21and I'll use a red onion - I find they can be a bit sweeter sometimes.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24The more colour you've got on an ingredient,
0:18:24 > 0:18:27- the more, what I call, free flavour you'll get out of it.- OK.
0:18:27 > 0:18:29These are actually Sungold tomatoes.
0:18:29 > 0:18:32So that's that. Onions. Last of the tomatoes and a bit of the garlic.
0:18:32 > 0:18:36That's the chervil and the chives just added in now
0:18:36 > 0:18:38to the little tomato broth, OK?
0:18:38 > 0:18:41So, if you just want to add a little glass of white wine.
0:18:41 > 0:18:42You need to keep an eye on me,
0:18:42 > 0:18:44you've no idea how big my glasses are here!
0:18:44 > 0:18:47- One for the pot. - Yeah, go for it, yeah.- There you go.
0:18:47 > 0:18:50So I'm just going to add a bit of this veg stock now, OK?
0:18:50 > 0:18:53Is it important, you add it little by little, really?
0:18:53 > 0:18:56The rice has to absorb ladle by ladle.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00You can see the tomatoes - I've just pushed them through a sieve -
0:19:00 > 0:19:02and you've got that garlic and onion flavour,
0:19:02 > 0:19:04plus the chervil and the chives.
0:19:04 > 0:19:08What you're doing is squeezing out all the goodness of the tomato.
0:19:08 > 0:19:10That's perfect now, Joe. If you want to turn the heat off.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13- Can you say that again, "It's perfect."- Yes, it is perfect.
0:19:13 > 0:19:15It is absolutely perfect.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18We're going to tempura some courgette flowers.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21- Nice and gently, like that.- There you go, look at that!- Beautiful.
0:19:21 > 0:19:26That's perfect. Now we'll add some of this lovely tomato broth,
0:19:26 > 0:19:29- just around the plate. - Eat your heart out, MasterChef!
0:19:29 > 0:19:31It almost kills me to say this, but,
0:19:31 > 0:19:34I built this dish and now I must destroy it.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37Try and get a bit of everything there it's very good.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40See, I'm not sure whether it's my incredible culinary skills
0:19:40 > 0:19:43or the fact that you can make it yourself, but
0:19:43 > 0:19:47this is delicious and if the weather isn't going in your favour,
0:19:47 > 0:19:49it's worth doing this. You'll go home with a recipe
0:19:49 > 0:19:54that you'll try at home and will remind you of your stay here.
0:19:54 > 0:19:58My culinary masterclass was part of my stay at Rathmullan House.
0:19:58 > 0:20:03The cost for a standard room here is from 75 euro per person sharing
0:20:03 > 0:20:06on a bed and breakfast basis.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10Back in Morocco we're on a two-centre holiday
0:20:10 > 0:20:13taking in Agadir and Marrakech.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20The souks or markets of Marrakech are world-famous
0:20:20 > 0:20:22and I'm going in search of argan oil,
0:20:22 > 0:20:25a product that you really should buy when you're here.
0:20:25 > 0:20:29Argan oil is made from argan nuts, which are exclusive to Morocco.
0:20:29 > 0:20:32The oil has become an international bestseller
0:20:32 > 0:20:35in the beauty business and it's a quarter of the price
0:20:35 > 0:20:36that you'll pay back home.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38I want to get something for my hair
0:20:38 > 0:20:41and everyone's saying that argan oil is the best thing for it.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43Of course, argan oil is the best,
0:20:43 > 0:20:45but you have to choose the good one,
0:20:45 > 0:20:47because here in Morocco we have two kinds.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49We have one that you can use only for massage.
0:20:49 > 0:20:52So, there's a massage argan oil and there's one for the hair?
0:20:52 > 0:20:55- How about this one then? - This is just for massage.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58This one normally is mixed with other oil.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01- That's why this one smells not so good.- It doesn't smell very nice.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03I don't think I'd like a massage with that either.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05The one for the hair and the skin problems
0:21:05 > 0:21:08has to be scientifically in a brown container.
0:21:08 > 0:21:10- In a brown container?- You know why? - No.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13- Because the light and the sun damage the oil.- Oh, OK!
0:21:13 > 0:21:17- This one, it doesn't smell. Smell this one.- No smell.- No smell.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19OK. No.
0:21:19 > 0:21:21So, argan oil isn't only good for hair, it's good for skin
0:21:21 > 0:21:23and for stretch marks.
0:21:23 > 0:21:25- Of course.- So, I'll have to just bring a case.
0:21:25 > 0:21:29On every corner in this souk, you'll find an apothecary.
0:21:29 > 0:21:34If you're into traditional medicine, then this is the place for you.
0:21:37 > 0:21:39Talk me through some of these,
0:21:39 > 0:21:42- what's this? - You use it for your hair.
0:21:42 > 0:21:44- To grow hair?- No.- I need that!
0:21:44 > 0:21:47- Only with colour.- To colour your hair?- Yeah.
0:21:47 > 0:21:49And this is black soap, for washing.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52- Black soap?- Yes. From olives.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54- Can I smell it?- Yes, it's natural. A little bit.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57- Yes, it's natural. - It smells beautiful.
0:21:57 > 0:22:01And what are these twigs here? What are these sticks?
0:22:01 > 0:22:03- For your teeth.- For your teeth?
0:22:03 > 0:22:05- What do you do, do you chew it? - Yeah.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08- What is it?- Tea.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11You get these smells as you walk around the market.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14This is where they're coming from, places like this.
0:22:14 > 0:22:16You'll find cures for all your ills here -
0:22:16 > 0:22:19they've got remedies for anything from constipation to corns -
0:22:19 > 0:22:24but I'm sure some of it should really come with a health warning!
0:22:25 > 0:22:28Time for our Number Two choice from your recommendations
0:22:28 > 0:22:33and it's one of the world's most famous gardens.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35On our website, so many of you said
0:22:35 > 0:22:37if you're looking for an oasis in the city,
0:22:37 > 0:22:39the Majorelle Gardens was the place to go,
0:22:39 > 0:22:42it's one of the most visited tourist attractions in Marrakech
0:22:42 > 0:22:45and it is an absolute must see.
0:22:49 > 0:22:53In the 1960s, Marrakech attracted a host of writers, painters,
0:22:53 > 0:22:55musicians and other creative types.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58Among them was Yves Saint Laurent, who fell in love with the place
0:22:58 > 0:23:00and made it his home.
0:23:00 > 0:23:04In 1980, he bought Majorelle Gardens to save it from property developers,
0:23:04 > 0:23:07almost like a gift to the city he loved.
0:23:08 > 0:23:10I wanted to know more about the Majorelle Garden,
0:23:10 > 0:23:14and met up with Quito Fierro, who worked with Yves Saint Laurent.
0:23:14 > 0:23:16Give me a little bit of the history of the gardens.
0:23:16 > 0:23:17How did they come to be?
0:23:17 > 0:23:20Well, the garden was designed and created by Jacques Majorelle,
0:23:20 > 0:23:24a French painter who came to Marrakech in the early '20s.
0:23:24 > 0:23:28He built his workshop, which is behind us,
0:23:28 > 0:23:32which is the blue house, to paint and to live inside.
0:23:32 > 0:23:35Then he started planting an exotic garden,
0:23:35 > 0:23:38with plants that he brought from different parts of the world.
0:23:40 > 0:23:44The Moorish and Art Deco structures are painted in a colour
0:23:44 > 0:23:47that has become synonymous with the garden itself -
0:23:47 > 0:23:50a vivid, cobalt blue, also known as "Majorelle blue",
0:23:50 > 0:23:53and it comes from traditional African clothing
0:23:53 > 0:23:55and the light and colour of Morocco itself.
0:23:55 > 0:23:59And it really brings out the greens, they just bounce.
0:24:01 > 0:24:04The garden is famous for its cacti collection,
0:24:04 > 0:24:06and it does look slightly incongruous, I'll give you that.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09But as you walk through the fronds and the palms and the flowers,
0:24:09 > 0:24:11it actually really sets them off.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14It looks surreal and strange, and almost alien.
0:24:16 > 0:24:20Yves Saint Laurent was buried here after his death in 2008,
0:24:20 > 0:24:24and his garden is a true legacy, a living and evolving work of art.
0:24:25 > 0:24:29What you'll also find here at the Majorelle Garden is a small museum
0:24:29 > 0:24:31displaying a collection of Berber objects
0:24:31 > 0:24:35that Yves Saint Laurent collected over his lifetime.
0:24:35 > 0:24:39In such an exciting city, full of constant smells and sounds
0:24:39 > 0:24:42and things going on, it is great to find such a tranquil
0:24:42 > 0:24:45and beautiful place, and the impression you get
0:24:45 > 0:24:47is this is such a labour of love.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59Marrakech has a reputation as being a hip city to visit,
0:24:59 > 0:25:01and away from the busy souks
0:25:01 > 0:25:04there are some glamorous hideaways to be found.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07Marrakech is becoming famous for its luxury accommodation,
0:25:07 > 0:25:10and this hotel has a collection of 12 pure-bred Arabian horses
0:25:10 > 0:25:12that you can admire during your stay.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16This Hotel, the Selman, has recently opened
0:25:16 > 0:25:19and, apart from its collection of Arabian horses,
0:25:19 > 0:25:22has a spectacular interior where no expense has been spared.
0:25:24 > 0:25:25If you can afford this extravagance,
0:25:25 > 0:25:28then a room here costs from 306 euro per night.
0:25:31 > 0:25:33If you're looking for a large, modern hotel in Marrakech
0:25:33 > 0:25:35that sits outside the busy souks
0:25:35 > 0:25:37and is good for restaurants and nightlife,
0:25:37 > 0:25:40then we'd recommend Hivernage Hotel and Spa.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43A room here costs from 100 euro per person per night,
0:25:43 > 0:25:45including breakfast.
0:25:51 > 0:25:53And now it's time for our Number One choice
0:25:53 > 0:25:56from your recommendations for Morocco.
0:25:57 > 0:26:00Now this is something you told us we simply should not miss.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03This is Djemaa el-Fna, the main square in Marrakech.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05During the day it's relatively quiet,
0:26:05 > 0:26:08but come afternoon it gets filled with music entertainers,
0:26:08 > 0:26:10street vendors and market stalls.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13It's really busy and really noisy, but hugely entertaining.
0:26:16 > 0:26:19One of the star attractions here are the snake charmers,
0:26:19 > 0:26:21which you have to see during daylight
0:26:21 > 0:26:23as they don't perform in the dark.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34And come prepared with pockets full of change,
0:26:34 > 0:26:36as all the entertainers will expect you to pay
0:26:36 > 0:26:38for watching them perform.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51And when night falls, that's when the food stalls
0:26:51 > 0:26:54really get into business, and it's basically a giant barbecue,
0:26:54 > 0:26:57with everything from delicious tagines and sausage,
0:26:57 > 0:27:00and shish kebab, through to the less savoury -
0:27:00 > 0:27:03sheep's brains and snails. I kid you not.
0:27:04 > 0:27:06If you are eating here,
0:27:06 > 0:27:10make sure that whatever you buy is cooked right in front of you.
0:27:11 > 0:27:13And if meat's not your thing, there are loads of stalls
0:27:13 > 0:27:16with dried fruits, like apricots, dates and figs,
0:27:16 > 0:27:17all sorts of traditional snacks.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24The souks converge here and ,as well as the giant barbecue,
0:27:24 > 0:27:27there are plenty more shopping opportunities.
0:27:28 > 0:27:29This is a great place to spend a few hours
0:27:29 > 0:27:31and just soak in the atmosphere.
0:27:31 > 0:27:32The sights, the sounds, the smells,
0:27:32 > 0:27:36they really sum up what Marrakech itself is all about.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41Many of the package holidays in Agadir organise day trips
0:27:41 > 0:27:44to Marrakech, which leave early in the morning
0:27:44 > 0:27:46and return late at night.
0:27:46 > 0:27:47We'd really recommend this,
0:27:47 > 0:27:51as it gives you the chance to experience the real Morocco.
0:27:57 > 0:27:59OK, Aiobhinn, how was your Morocco experience?
0:27:59 > 0:28:00I loved getting the winter sun,
0:28:00 > 0:28:03and I enjoyed wandering around the souks in Marrakech.
0:28:03 > 0:28:04How about you, Joe?
0:28:04 > 0:28:06Majorelle Garden, definitely put that on your list,
0:28:06 > 0:28:09but Djemaa el-Fna Square, you should really visit that,
0:28:09 > 0:28:11because that is just the Marrakech experience all in one go.
0:28:11 > 0:28:15It's a great spot. Well, join us next time on Getaways.
0:28:35 > 0:28:40Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd