Moroccan Caravan Tours
9 Day Imperial Tour
Dates: February 18th through 26th, 2009
Designed by Addi Ouadderrou, a native of Morocco
Join us in getting to the heart of Morocco through an exploration of
its history, arts and culture. Morocco is a complex and diverse country that
has the Mediterranean Ocean to its north, the Atlas mountain ranges in its
center, the Atlantic Ocean to its west, and the vast open Sahara to its south.
It has long been the crossroads between Europe, the Middle East, and West
Africa, and its geographic diversity is matched by its cultural diversity.
Berbers, Romans, Arabs, Jews, West Africans, and Europeans have all influenced
the arts and culture of Morocco. This tour allows the participants to explore
historical interactions between these different groups in order to understand
how they have all contributed to the artistic identity of contemporary Morocco.
This tour provides participants with the unique opportunity to meet with locals,
visit the historical, cultural, and artistic centers of Morocco. Medieval
Islamic arts can be found in the city of Fes. Time spent in the Saharan region
of southeastern Morocco introduces participants to Berber nomadic arts, including
carpet making and the way of living. Participants take camel rides across
the desert, visit the nomads and experience a sleep in the Sahara desert under
the stars. A visit to the southwestern city of Marrakech allows participants
to explore museums and galleries of Moroccan art and see artists actually
making art. You will also be treated to musical and dance performances along
the way.
Tour leader
Addi Ouadderrou, I was born and raised in a Berber village in southeastern Morocco. I am proud of my Amazigh (Berber) heritage. My mother language is Tamazight (Berber) and I am fluent in Arabic, French, Spanish and English. I have extensive experience leading tours in Morocco and I am willing to share with you my personal experiences and valuable cultural insights that only a Moroccan native can have.
Itinerary
Day 1: Departure Flight from the USA to Morocco.
Day 2: Casablanca
Participants
gather in Casablanca, Morocco. You will be met by your tour bus or van at the airport.
We will travel between the major cities on a private air-conditioned coach or van.
Check in at a four star on Casablanca’s scenic Atlantic coast. You will
have leisurely time to get refreshed and tour this lively area of Casablanca.
Dinner at the hotel(D)
Day 3: Rabat-Meknes
Today,
after a beautiful scenic drive between the two cities, we arrive at Rabat,
which has ancient remains that date back to the 3rd century BC. We will visit
the Kasbah of the Oudayas, a fortification that dates to the 13th century.
This area is particularly scenic and we will meander through winding streets
that end with a beautiful panoramic view of the Atlantic. We continue to the
Oudaya museum of Moroccan Arts, one of the best art museums in Morocco.
The
visit continues to the Mausoleum built to honor King Muhammed the fifth, who
led Morocco in the struggle for independence from the European colonization.
From his mausoleum, we will gaze upon the remains of the12th century mosque
of Hassan - a mosque that was intended to be the largest in the world. This
visit gives you the rare opportunity to compare and contrast medieval and
contemporary Arab architecture in Morocco in close proximity to each other.
After lunch, we leave Rabat for Meknes check in at a 4* hotel in the prestigious imperial capital of Meknes.
Dinner at the hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 4: Meknes-Fes
After
breakfast, we will go on a tour of Meknes that includes the famous historical
gate bab el mansour. After lunch at a very nice restaurant in Meknes, we continue to Volubilis, the Roman
archaeological site. This incredible site, which thrived in the 2nd and 3rd
centuries A.D., is where impressive remains of ancient buildings and their
associated mosaic decorations can still be found. After a tour of Volubilis,
we continue through the rich interior farmland of the country until we arrive
at Fes. Upon arrival, we check-in at our 4* hotel, dinner and overnight. (B L
D)
Day 5: Fes
Fes
was the center for many Medieval ruling dynasties and is still considered
to be the cultural and religious center of Morocco. Our day starts with a
visit of the old city, also called the medina or “Fes el Bali.”This
is an opportunity to learn about Medieval Islamic art and architecture in
Morocco. We will visit 14th century Qur’anic schools, the 10th century
Kairaouyine mosque and university, the Nejjarin (woodworkers) square, the
Nejjarin museum, and the tomb of the 9th century ruler Moulay Idriss. Fes
is considered to be the artistic capital of Morocco and is a wonderful place
to see artists actively creating the intricate brasswork, textiles, clothing,
and ceramics for which Fes is famous.
After
lunch in the Medina, we continue our visit, concluding the day with a visit
to a workshop outside the city specializing in handmade ceramics and mosaics.
Be sure to save up some energy, because the night concludes with a dinner
party in a beautiful 14th century mansion. During dinner you will be entertained
by dancers and musicians, demonstrating to you some of the different types
of music and dance forms common to Morocco. Overnight at the hotel. (B
D)
Day 6: Marrakech
We
leave Fes passing through the majestic cedar forests of the Middle Atlas Mountains
for Marrakech. We will see Berber nomadic tents along the road. Lunch on the
road. Upon arrival we check in at a four star hotel, visit to the dynamic
Jamaa el Fna square, an open square where both locals and visitors go to be
entertained by actors, musicians, and acrobats who are guaranteed to entertain.
This is a good opportunity to have your palm read or a tooth pulled by a local
dentist working in the square. After sun goes down, the sounds made by the
performers increase. Many food vendors light their gas lamps. The light from
their lamps illuminates the smoke coming from their grills making for a surreal
atmosphere. Group dinner is at the hotel. (B D)
Day 7: Marrakech
After
a leisurely breakfast, we will tour the imperial sights of Marrakech, the
11th century capital of Morocco. Everything in Marrakech is worth seeing,
but it is especially rich in historic architecture built by the kings who
made Marrakech their capital. We will see the 12th century Koutoubia Mosque
constructed by the Almohads. The Koutoubia minaret is a classic of Moroccan-Andalusian
architecture.
We will also see the delicate beauty of the 16th century tombs of the
Saadian princes and the 19th century Bahia palace, beautifully decorated with
carved cedar wood, marble, and mosaics. After lunch, we will visit the Ben
Youssef Medrassa, a vast and superb Qur’anic school. We will also visit
the Museum of Moroccan Arts, a venue for contemporary paintings and traditional
crafts. You will be treated to an Arabian Night style evening of entertainment
that includes a fantasia horse show dinner, belly dancers, and many other
Moroccan folkloric music and dance groups. (B L D)
Day 8: Marrakech-Casablanca
Morning
at leisure. After lunch we leave Marrakech, crossing Morocco’s western
plains for Casablanca. Upon arrival, we will check in at a four star hotel.
The evening concludes with a farewell dinner at one of Casablanca’s
finest restaurants. (B L D)
Day 9: Morocco-USA
Transfer to Casablanca’s International Airport Mohammed V with luggage
assistance to catch your flight from Morocco to the US.
Bon voyage!!
Price
$1945.00 per person, based on 14-20 travelers, in shared (double) accommodations.
Single supplement is $400.00.
A deposit of $500.00 is required with registration.
The price includes:
- 1st class private air-conditioned bus transportation during the tour.
- Accomodation as indicated in the itinerary. We chose particularly scenic, exotic, and centrally located hotels.
- Assistance at the Airport in Casablanca.
- All ground transfers during program.
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary. (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner).
- Tips for all porters, who will carry your luggage to your rooms.
- Visit to Hassan II mosque in Casablanca.
- Imperial dinner with entertainment in Fes.
- 2 nights in Casablanca.
- A visit to the Imperial city of Rabat, the kingdom's capital.
- 1 night in the midieval city of Mekness, city of walls.
- 2 nights in the Imperial midieval city of Fes.
- 2 nights in the Imperial Marrakech.
- Admission to sites as listed.
- Farewell dinner.
- And many unique surprises!
The trip does not include:
- Air transportation
- Travel insurance (required)
- Passport fees
- Excess baggage charges
- Telephone, laundry, room service, and personal expenses
- Medical expenses
- Drinks
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Tips for local guide & driver
Fitness and Health
This journey to Morocco is not physically strenuous but you should be in reasonably good health to participate. Please be aware that in some remote areas emergency medical care, physicians, and medication may not be readily available. Please bring all necessary medications with you. Each participant must be covered by medical insurance that is valid overseas. We urge you to take out trip cancellation and interruption insurance. We can provide you with insurance information after you sign up for the trip.
Reservation Form
Please fill out the Tour Reservation Form and send with your $500.00 deposit to reserve your space on the trip. Make checks payable to Moroccan Caravan. Moroccan Caravan will match single travelers with a roommate of the same gender. Single travelers who do not wish to share a room will pay the single supplement of $400.00.
Mail Reservation form and deposit to:
Moroccan Caravan
285 Washington Street
Somerville, MA 02143
617-314-7002 or Toll free 1888-856-2817
Questions or Concerns
Please contact us with any questions or concerns.
E-mail: tours@moroccancaravan.com
Telephone: 617-314-7002 or Toll free 1888-856-2817
Website: www.MoroccanCaravan.com
