Moroccan Caravan Tours
Sensuous Morocco: Food, music & other cultural delights
Dates: October 16 - October 28, 2015
Join me Addi Ouadderrou of Moroccan Caravan, for a true insider’s look at the heart and soul of Morocco! I would be delighted to have you join me in June and go on a journey that will positively change your life. During my tours, I make certain that you have the chance to meet local people, learning about Moroccan culture and life from them. We explore the different layers of the Morocco’s rich history, including the many civilizations existed in the past and some older ones still there today like the Imazighen (also called Berbers), who are the indigenous people of this North African region. Throughout this trip, we will enjoy Moroccan cuisine and even participate in the hands-on preparation of some local specialties at family homes. We will experience the diverse landscapes of Morocco including the open plains, the Atlas Mountains, the Atlantic coast and the Sahara. We ride camels into the desert and meet nomads, and at night we experience the starry sky as you have never seen it. Many of Morocco’s century-old traditions still exist alongside modern, contemporary life. This is especially the case with the arts where we see local artisans preserving the techniques of their ancestors. The fun doesn’t stop there but we will enjoy different styles of music, drumming and dancing our way through Morocco. Come On, Let’s Rock the Kasbah!!! Please email tours@moroccancaravan.com for more details about this trip and maybe other trips not posted. Please share with others who might be interested. Thank you!
Tour Organizer
Addi Ouadderrou, I was born and raised in a Amazigh (Berber) village in southeastern Morocco. I am proud of my Amazigh (Berber) and Saharan heritage. My mother language is Tamazight (Berber) and I also speak English, French, Spanish, Portuguese and Arabic . 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 Depart from the USA to Morocco.
Travel to Casablanca/Morocco. Flights details to be reviewed with Addi Ouadderrou after registration on the tour. Participants get their own tickets on suggested Royal Air Maroc flight # AT 201 which departs in early evening from terminal 1, at the JFK airport, New York. Allow enough time between your domestic and international flights. Participants will arrive to Casablanca next morning AM. Addi either will meet and depart with the group from JFK or will be there at the Casablanca airport to welcome everyone. Addi’s cell phone in case it is needed in the USA 6178331503 and in Morocco is 0671723467. Estimated (but to be revised later) return flight from Morocco will get you to JFK late afternoon PM. So, plan plenty of time between your connecting flights so that you arrive at JFK, go through customs and be able to go catch your connecting flight.
Day 2: Casablanca and continue to Fes
Arrive Casablanca early morning. Then tour the amazing Hassan II mosque in Casablanca, the second largest mosque in the world. This visit will be an opportunity to learn about Islamic art of architecture and other related topics. We will then transfer by bus to the medieval city of Fes. Overnight in Fes(L, D)
Day 3: Fes
Morning departure for a full day guided walking tour of historic Fes el-Bali and the old medina of Fes. We begin by traveling along the ramparts that surround this medieval city. The visit will include some sights such as the Qur'anic school Medersa of Bou Inania, and the shrine of Moulay Idriss II, the holy man of Fes. Participants will also have an opportunity to see artisans making exquisite brass, leather, and weavings, using centuries-old traditional techniques. Special group dinner at a local restaurant That serves local cuisine in Fes with variety show by dancers and musicians from the region(B, L, D)
Day 4: Fes
Stay in Fes and learn how to cook the famous Moroccan dish and the goodness that goes with it!. In the late afternoon we will go to a family home for a special Sufi chanting ceremony(B L D)
Day 5: Rissani - Sahara Desert
Depart for Rissani in the southeastern fringe of Morocco via the Middle Atlas Mountains and their cedar forests. A bus presentation by tour leader about Imazighen (Berbers) of the Atlas Mountains. Lunch will be in Midelt. We continue south in the direction of Tafilalet oasis, a vast palm grove where Rissani is located, then go into the Sahara. Upon arrival, we will have dinner and overnight in Berber Nomadic tents for a unique experience. During our time in the desert, we will stay in tents in the desert but will have access to indoor showers and toilets
(B , L, D) Day 6: Sahara Desert
Explore the area including some Amazigh (Berber) villages and nomads who live in the surrounding desert. Learn how Nomads bake their bread in the sand. In the afternoon, the Caravan will depart for an amazing camel ride to enjoy wonderful and peaceful moments across the sand dunes and watch the sunset. During dinner, participants will have a chance to see some Saharan and Amazigh music and dance performances(B, L, D)
Day 7: RISSANI (Tafilalet Oasis) & Desert
We go to the traditional town of Rissani, the eastern gate of the Sahara. Rissani was once an important trading center for the caravans that crossed the Sahara. We will go for a local Hammam session just like locals would do it. Hammam is a traditional Moroccan sauna. We will then go have mint tea and lunch with a local family and participants can try a regional specialty called Medfuna, a type of stuffed bread. We will learn about textiles and jewelry in southern Morocco through a presentation given by a local expert in the area(B L D)
Day 8: Desert- Village Mezguida & Sahara Desert
Day trip to an adobe village called Mezguida, located on the fringes of the Sahara. We will learn about daily life in this unique part of Morocco. We will participate in cooking a local specialty meal for lunch with a local family. We will also learn how to make Moroccan mint tea. The activity will also include tea making contest and there will be a surprise for the winner. At the end of the day, We will ride across the vast, open desert where the golden sand dunes rise up in the background contrasting with the deep, blue sky of the desert. Dinner with Amazigh (Berber) music, drumming and chanting. Overnight under Nomadic tents (B L D)
Day 9: Ouarzazate
Depart the Sahara and drive to Ouarzazate we take a road typically referred to as the road of 1000 kasbahs. This is a ride full of unique scenes, such as the khuttaras, an ancient underground system of irrigation that is still used today to irrigate the palm trees and the crops in the Oasis. We will stop at the Todra Gorge, a canyon that we reach after passing through palm tree groves and Berber villages. We will enjoy a walk up the canyon or down the beautiful Valley then continue to Ouarzazate, Dinner & Overnight at our charming hotel in Ouarzazate(B L D)
Day 10: Ouarzazate & Marrakech
Today, we head west through the town of Ouarzazate, crossing the picturesque High Atlas Mountains for Marrakech. While en route, we will visit the Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou. On our way we will make a stop to learn about the famous Moroccan argan oil and have lunch. During today’s trip, we will learn about Amazigh (Berber) architecture and life in the high Atlas Mountains. Dinner and overnight at a Riad, a restored old traditional house turned into a guest house, in Marrakech (B L D)
Day 11: Marrakech
After breakfast, Morning orientation to Marrakech and go on an official tour of the city, including Marrakech's historic monuments and the souk or market. The 11th century capital of Morocco, Marrakech, is rich in historic architecture built by the kings who made Marrakech their capital. We will see different monuments including the 12th century Koutoubia Mosque constructed by the Almohad Dynasty. The Koutoubia minaret is a classic example of Moroccan-Andalusian architecture. We will also see the delicate beauty of the19th century Bahia palace, beautifully decorated with carved cedar wood, marble, and mosaics. We will then go have Moroccan mint tea and learn from pros about different spices used in the Moroccan cooking and the traditional use of medicinal plants. After lunch, enjoy the rest of the afternoon free in Marrakech. In the evening we visit the dynamic Jamaa el Fna square, an open area where both locals and visitors go to eat and be entertained by performers. In this plaza, we will see many food stands, each preparing and serving a Moroccan specialty and learn about them.. (B L)
Day 12: Marrakech
Enjoy a free day to rest, catch up with exploring or shopping or go on an optional ride on horse carriages through some Marrakech boulevards to the brilliant Marjorelle gardens that were owned by the French designer Yves Saint Laurent. In this gardens, there is a museum exhibiting a very beautiful Amazigh (Berber) collection of jewelry, traditional clothes and more.. Other optional activities can be arranged locally(B)
Day 13: Transfer to Airport of Casablanca
Early morning transfer to Casablanca to catch flight and return to the USA(B)
Bon voyage!!
Please Email with your request for Pricing and more details
tours@moroccancaravan.com
Telephone: 617-833-1503
E-mail: tours@moroccancaravan.com
Address
Moroccan Caravan
285 Washington Street
Somerville, MA 02143
USA
Website: http://www.moroccancaravan.com/tours.asp
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