Fancy?a?break from tapas and tinto? If so, why not venture out of Europe for a day or two and head across the Med to the enchanting North African country, Morocco.

A?thirty minute journey by boat from Tarifa in the Cadiz region of Spain, will take you directly to the town of Tanger. Once you're there, head to the cultural and historical city of Marrakesh for an unforgetable break.

Marrakesh is a maze of narrow streets, smells, colours, sights and sounds. There are thousands of small courtyards hidden behind high walls throughout the city which provide an instead cooling retreat from the hustle and bustle of the life on the other side. If you've got an eye for a bargain, you simply must have a go at haggling in the city's huge and (and often very busy) souks, where a vast array of antiques, spices, carpets, leather goods and hand made lanterns can be snapped up for bargain prices, but only if you know how!

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If you're not used to haggling, it's quite easy for the stall holders to spot this so act like a professional - be confident and don't be afraid to fend off over-enthusiastic sellers! If your haggling skills aren't really up to scratch, many travel agents offer the you the option to hire a guide who will give you tours around the city as well as a lesson in the art of bartering for around 20 Euros per person. But bear in mind, many of the guides work on commission and therefore if you buy something from a souk, the price will be slightly higher.

The souks are open every day from 9am to 8pm and on Fridays they open from 11am to 4pm on Fridays and are at their liveliest from 4pm to 5pm.