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Hassan II mosque, Casablanca Morocco Travel Fast Facts Getting there: regular flights from major world cities to Marrakech, Casablanca and Tangier. What to see: Marrakech, Casablanca, Fez, Tangier. Currency: Moroccan dirham Official language(s): Arabic, French

The very name conjures up the exotic and mysterious, as Morocco delivers on its promises to leave travelers spellbound by the romantic allure of such places as Casablanca, Tangier, Fez and Marrakech.

One of Africa's most popular destinations, Morocco is only a few hours of flying time from Europe, and conveniently located in northwest Africa with coasts on the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

As a major crossroads among several cultures, visitors to Morocco are treated to an awesome variety of unforgettable experiences - ranging from luxurious Moroccan beach resorts to desert camel treks, visits to exquisite Islamic mosques and, yes, Morocco mountain skiing adventures in the Atlas Mountains.

While in Marrakesh, certainly see the Bahia Palace, the mosque, and several historic museums.

Also certainly don't miss one of Morocco's most photographed attractions, the Marjorelle Garden (designed by Yves Saint Laurent in the 1920s) nor pass up a visit to the Menara Gardens, a popular picnic spot with a majestic Atlas mountain backdrop.

For classic movie fans, do not expect to find a Rick's Cafe in Casablanca (they do have a McDonalds!) But be prepared for the brightness and beauty found in the architectural gems that dot the country's largest city, including the impressive Hassan II mosque.

Meanwhile, an easy 4-hour drive from Casablanca affords a trip back in time to Fez, the oldest and best preserved city in the Arab world and today considered "the soul of Morocco"

Here more architectectural wonders await in the medieval walled Fez Medina -- which also ranks as one of the biggest car-free urban areas in the world. Although quite walkable, major modes of transportation in the old town remain donkeys, push carts, and (in a rare concession to modernity) the occasional motorbike.

DID YOU KNOW? Morocco Travel Fun Facts

Rockin' Morocco.

• Atlas film studios outside of Ouarzazate are known as "Morocco’s Hollywood", where hundreds of films have been shot including Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, and The Bourne Ultimatum.

• Still a sleepy coastal town, Essaouira was put on the map by famous rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix who visited in 1969.

• There is a town in Morocco best known as the Blue City called Chefchaouen. Everywhere you turn, houses and buildings are painted a shade of blue.

• Donkeys are the preferred means of transporation between various ski lifts at Oukaimeden, Africa’s highest ski resort reaching a height of 10,734 feet.

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More about Morocco travel & tourism around the Web:

Visit Morocco - The official site of Moroccan tourism with a colorful look at top attractions, city guides to Marrakesh, Casablanca, Fez, Rabat and more, suggested itineraries & travel tips, searchable hotel directory.

Travel in Morocco - Check out this great mixed bag of facts, information, photos & travel videos with specifics on Marrakech and Casablanca, top beaches, trekking and adventure guides, Moroccan art, culture and recipes.

Morocco travel guide - Detailed guide from Wikitravel with information on getting there and getting around by car, train or bus, major attractions by city or region plus hotel, dining and shopping tips, how to's on national customs and staying safe.

Morocco Travel Information - Expert travel tips await at the Lonely Planet guide to major attractions & annual events with focus on Marrakesh, Fes and Rabbat, plus practical travel tips, photos.