Whatever their luck at the gaming tables, Marrakech itself soon wins over visitors. Statesman Winston Churchill found it a restful and sunny refuge from the rigors of war and winter. Puffs from his perennial cigar often mingled with the fragrance of orange blossoms and rosewater that permeates the night. Considered the jewel of Morocco, Marrakech is an exotic city where there are many remarkable experiences in store for travelers.

Centered in the Atlas mountains, Marrakech is ringed by palm trees and olive groves. Although motorized vehicles have long since replaced the camel caravans that wended their way through this ancient city, it is still the gateway to the Sahara and Black Africa.

On the cultural side, the architectural splendors of Islam gleam in the Bahia Palace, the Saadi Tombs, the Koutoubia mosque and the El Badi Palace ruins. Magnificent gardens enhance the  beauty of these historic structures.

Not only in Marrakech, but also in such other major Moroccan cities as Rabat (the capital), Casablanca and Tangier, tourism is big business. Although it has become accustomed to Western ways, Morocco remains a conservative country dominated by tradition and religion. It is situated on the land and sea routes from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic and on the crossroads between Europe and Africa. Morocco became an independent nation in 1956 and has been a constitutional monarchy since 1962.