Amazing Trip! We took the detour and pit stopped in Grado for a seaside dinner, and yes some roads where closed so we had to drive back via Trieste-Lubjana-Vienna Austria...
We got super lucky with the weather and loved Slovenia, a hidden gem we never saw (and we are Europeans!), going back for sure.
.... some random comments on your post/itinerary....
In Marrakech, architectural photo opportunities abound, you need to keep a sharp look-out, its easy to just walk past a gem and not notice, in the Medina old doors and frames with ornamentation, wood-carving or rendering often obscured by climbing-plants or displays of goods for sale, taking a second look can reveal a bit of history, even old the door fittings, can be ingenious hand-made metal-work.
The Saddien's Tombs after restoration in recent years, apart from the Tombs, the site and its environs are of interest.
To capture drama played-out every evening, from the upper terraces of Cafe de France, just before Sunset and the final call to prayer, with the Sun setting behind the Koutoubia, as the street-food-traders set-up for the night's work on Jemaa el Fnaa, lighting grills and lanterns, smoke and clattering pans, street entertainers are assembling, acrobats, musicians and dancers, snake-charmers, tuning and limbering-up, and the call to prayer from four nearby Minarets as the faithful stroll in increasing numbers towards the Mosques, by the time they emerge, its dark, and the lights and flames through the steam and smoke forming a lace-like fretwork above the stalls, by now the drums and strings with raised voices and laughter of the gathering crowds, punctuated by moped sounds make for an unique cacophony of sound.
So don't rush away from Marrakesh too quickly.
The trip from Tafraoute to Taroudannt... if you do this trip via Ighrem/Irherm (R105, R106). it involves a slow high drive with terrific views over the Sous Valley to start off with, descending on to the flat Sous Plain. I think it's a better drive than the more westerly route via Ait Baha, and you have an opportunity to see an ancient half-collapsed crater at Amagour near the Mines of Assad. This small area, a horseshoe shape like crater, with boulders and holes, under-ground streams and waterfalls, caves and steep sides to climb, lots of wildlife here.... don't put your hands into any of the holes though.!... it's an unusual feature on the otherwise flat Sous Plain. A village in two parts, with so much water here small-holding market-gardening flourishes here, I suggest you park your car behind the Mosque, someone will stick a head out of a door nearby, just ask to 'keep an eye' on the car and have something to hand before you leave, 20Mad.or so. The Mosque is easily found... just view the horizon.... How to get there, off the R106 take the P1723 north of Amzawr/Ait Abdelah, and eventually you arrive near/at Taroudannt on the N10.
https://www.google.ie/maps/@30.2420683,-8.852663,2449m/data=!3m1!1e3
As Taroudannt is older than Marrakech, tucked away are several small ancient neighbourhoods of tiny and grand houses, narrow passages-ways pass under ceilings/floors of overhead dwellings, all mixed in with more recent structures. If you find Bd.el Qods, and follow it as it meanders west in to a variety of cul-de-sac, there's one that has some of the oldest houses, it can seem confusing, however, there's just one-way in and it's the same way out, and perfectly safe and welcoming.
In the Casbah, the Hotel Palais Salam, formally the home of the Pasha of Taroudannt, its magnificent gardens are not to be missed, with original furnishings and fittings..... just go in and order a coffee and snack and have a browse.
I am not denying Global Warming, but using the catch phrase "Climate Change" is a made up by people to label all changes are tied to Global Warming, which it is not.
C02, and warmer oceans and atmosphere, are a major issue, but compared to a short past, not a long history, so, it is all subjective science, and Climate Change is a subjective description, of so many situations that have nothing to do with Global Warming, or major changes in weather.
Petit bourgeois - yeah in a Renault 4L!
Tell me how do you get to the Djujura in a bus, stopping off to buy a bidan of olive oil from the farmer, or to the Berber villages around Beni Yenni, and how do you stop at the many sights in the Rhoufi Gorge between Timgad and Biskra, or visit the coast between Mostaganem and Cherchell stopping off for a swim when you feel like it, or head inland from Oued Rhiou to Tiaret one weekend because you fancy exploring the hills?
Thanks for your reply. I meant staying at allowed campsites, the issue is if I cannot find a bed whether I can definitely find a campsite within a 3-4 km hike or less, without a reservation.
In Chile there are a few hikes I intend to do, regardless of how long bad weather delays them. So I won't know intil the last day in Torrese del Paine when I should arrive bear Fitz Roy. This is why booking a bed before arrival looks iffy.
The most authentic real village for me is Narchyang
I do agree for Narchyang Lek (= upper), not for Narchyang Besi. Basic stay but very nice didi.
From Khopra Danda, impressive view on Dhaulagiri and Annapurna South. Same from Muldai View Point, but adding Machhapuchare.
Along the Mardi Himal trek, mountain views only upper than Low Camp (out of the forest). Machhapuchhare provides the real show. Annapurna South photogenic too.
I did prefer Khopra Danda trek views, partly because being more diversified.
Fabrice
I really appreciate your advice and opinions. Thank you.
So, to summarize:
If you had to choose one southern European (Mediterranean) place where you could base yourself next to a beautiful, sandy beach with warmer waters that is close to a gorgeous small town to stroll in the day and evening, but also be a destination where you can take interesting day trips to see historical sites, other beautiful villages and secluded beaches, where would you go (destination and town/village)?
I guess that is the question I should have asked from the beginning :)
I love Halkidiki.
I mean, where you are, the beach is going to be the most appealing option for the most part.
If you're into archaeological stuff, there's some sites relatively nearby. Mende, the temple of Ammon Zeus and Scione.
A little farther away is Olynthos, which is absolutely fantastic.
Prices are mostly reasonable, provided you don't go with the most touristy spots, but even those tend to be on the low side overall. The peninsula of Kassandra, which you'll be on, is much like the rest of the area. Rocky semi forested interior and long, beautiful, sandy beaches. Small to medium sized villages dot the cost. You will be facing the Toroneos gulf, which is warmer than the open Mediterranean because it's... well, a gulf.
Expect hot temperatures.
Drink water, be careful in the mid day sun.
There's a saying that only mad dogs and englishmen walk in the middle of the street at noon.
Being scantily clad is for the beach, not everywhere else.
They aren't uptight about that by the water, even girls being topless is ok, but short shorts and bikini top off the beach is considered a bit rude. Similarly, guys shouldn't wander around in their speedo bottoms away from the beach.
Otherwise, the Greeks are warm, kind hearted and solicitous people.
The food is simple and unpretentious, but absolutely delicious.
You're gonna have a blast.
Oh, one more thing, the Greeks are wild drivers. Watch out for cars.
