TEL: 503-227-7220
With Casablanca as our entry point, we begin our discovery of Morocco. Its colorful carpets, terrific tiles, special spices, tasty tagines, luscious leather, and mysterious calls from the minarets create an atmosphere like no other.
We search for the magic in Marrakesh, Chefchaouen, Fes, and even in the starlit night of a quiet, desert camp. Activities include cooking, market visits, shopping, eating, and a camel ride. The rose water, argon oil, jewelry, antiques, carpets, tiles, and art offer regional treasures to explore.
This is a season of comfortable temperatures, with highs in Casablanca in the high 60s and in the mid 70s in the south.
Morocco is a destination well served in the company of a small group in a private vehicle. That is exactly what we have planned. Our local guide, Moulay is the crown jewel of all the trip experiences. Through his openness and passions, you will come to love, respect, and have a little more understanding of this culture.
Traveling in safety and luxury, our eyes and hearts open to the deep history, richness, mystery, and magic of Morocco and its people.
Thank you for joining me.
INCLUDED
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11 nights in 4-star hotels Including 1 night in desert camp
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Daily breakfast
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Arrival transfer
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4 lunches
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8 dinners
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Private transportation
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English speaking private guide
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Bottled water in vehicle
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Cooking class
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Camel ride
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Berber village visit
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All entrance fees to mentioned historical sites
BONUS
In spring, we will be fortunate to hear, via Zoom, from David Fenner, of the University of Washington. He is a noted speaker with an easy presentation style. Having lived and worked in the Middle East, he comes with a depth of knowledge that few can provide. His views into Islam will leave you asking for more.
EXCLUDED
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Additional nights
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Gratuities (approx $250)
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Beverages
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Personal expenses
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International airfare
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Travel insurance
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DETAILS
Flight should be planned into Casablanca and out of Marrakesh.
Luggage allowance – 1x 25” checked bag and one small carryon per person for transfers and tours.
Minimum of 6, maximum 20 guests. A nonrefundable $800 deposit secures your space. Itinerary subject to change without notice but with equal value substitutions. No refunds for missed activities. A 3.5% fee for credit card use. Travel insurance is available and recommended to protect your investment. Participants must be able to independently ascend, descend stairs without a railing, walk intermediate distances on uneven surfaces, embark and disembark planes and buses. Final payment due January 15, 2025.
VOCABULARY
Hammam – a Turkish bath where one relaxes, cleanses, is scrubbed, soaked and streamed
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Islam – a monotheistic Abrahamic religion centered on the Quran and the teachings of Mohammad
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Kasbah- a group of defensive buildings behind a wall where leaders live while under siege
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Medina- old Arab quarter of a Northern African town
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Minaret- the tall tower on a mosque from where a muezzin calls Muslims to prayer
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Muezzin- the man who calls Muslims to prayer from the minaret of a mosque
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Muslim – a person who practices the religion of Islam
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Riad- a typical Moroccan house or palace with an interior garden or courtyard
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Souk- an Arab marketplace or bazaar
April 15
Casablanca arrival and transfer to hotel with dinner at Rick’s Cafe, made famous by Bogie and Bacall. D
April 16
City tour, pass through Rabat (capital city) enroute to the Blue City of Chefchaouen. No worries, you will learn how to pronounce it. We stay our first charming riad. B,D
April 17
The blue of this city can be seen on our tour. This is a popular shopping town especially for wool items. Be sure to try the famous goat cheese too. B,D
April 18
Passing Roman ruins and the former Imperial City of Meknes, we arrive in Fes for dinner. B,D
April 19
Fes is full of interesting artisans – dyers, brass workers, and leather workers t name a few. This where to get a leather pouf, purse, slippers, or jacket. The colors are kaleidoscopic. A cultural dinner-show tonight- think belly dancers. B,D
April 20
Set out for the Atlas Mountains, the little Switzerland of Morocco, ending in Merzouga at our Berber camp for dinner. This is not your Girls Scout tent. It has a full bath and flushing toilet. Musicians play under the blazing stars and campfire - magic happens. The camel ride tonight or in the morning is certain to be a highlight.
April 21
After champagne breakfast we depart camp. Visiting a date market, a fossil factory, and the rose water shop make good stops on the way to our riad and dinner in Ouarzazate. Keep an eye out for goats in trees. Our home tonight is in Ouarzazate is at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, with beautiful views, desert landscapes and even an oasis. Our hotel boasts a hammam, pool, and spa services. B,D
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April 22
We pass through Moroccan Hollywood before we settle in for 4 nights in everyone’s favorite – the pink city of Marrakesh. Our lovely riad is in an enviable location.
April 23
Off to see Yves St Laurent’s home and lovely botanical gardens. YSL took a great deal of inspiration from Morocco. Discover the souks of the medina and the snake charmers, storytellers, and musicians. B,L
April 24
A visit to an enchanting Berber village today includes a short donkey ride. B,L
April 25
A treat awaits today. We have a cooking class at a wonderful facility training women in the food industry. Some time for shopping is followed by a visit to a hamman
and a special farewell dinner.
April 26
Choukran – thank you Morocco for your warmth and friendship.