Overseas Adventure Travel - Morocco Sahara Odyssey 2021
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YOUR O.A.T. ADVENTURE TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE®
Morocco Sahara Odyssey
2021
Learn how to personalize your experience on this adventure
Small Groups: 8-16 travelers—guaranteed! (average of 13)
®
Overseas Adventure Travel
The Leader in Personalized Small Group Adventures on the Road Less Traveled
1
®
Overseas Adventure Travel
347 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02210
Dear Traveler,
At last, the world is opening up again for curious travel lovers like you and me. Soon, you’ll once
again be discovering the places you’ve dreamed of. In the meantime, the enclosed O.A.T. Adventure
Travel Planning Guide® should help you keep those dreams vividly alive.
Before you start dreaming, please let me reassure you that your health and safety is our number
one priority. As such, we’re requiring that all O.A.T. travelers, Trip Experience Leaders, and
coach drivers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to departure. Our
new, updated health and safety protocols are described inside.
The journey you’ve expressed interest in, Morocco Sahara Odyssey, will be an excellent way to
resume your discoveries. It takes you into the true heart of the culture, thanks to our small
groups of 8-16 travelers (with an average of 13). Plus, our Moroccan Trip Experience Leader will
reveal their country’s secret treasures as only an insider can. You can also rely on the seasoned
team at our regional office in Marrakesh, who are ready to help 24/7 in case any unexpected
circumstances arise.
Throughout your explorations, you’ll meet local people and gain an intimate understanding
of the regional culture. During a visit to the Imik Smik Women’s Association for Rural
Development, an organization that helps young women develop valuable life skills, we’ll meet
with these women to see how they are trying to better their lives and those of girls in their
community. Plus, a portion of our proceeds goes toward the charitable efforts of Grand Circle
Foundation: inside you’ll also see how your travel dollar helps make the world a better place.
We understand that no two people are the same. That’s why more than 80% of our travelers
take advantage of the freedom to personalize their experience. Join the 61% of travelers who
extend their time abroad. Add the pre-trip extension to Northern Morocco: Chefchaouen, Tangier
& the Berbers of the Rif, post-trip extension to The Atlantic Coast: Artistic Essaouira & Casablanca,
or both of these extensions to your Moroccan adventure.
I hope you find this O.A.T. Adventure Travel Planning Guide® helpful. If you have any
further questions, don’t hesitate to contact one of our Regional Adventure Counselors at
1-800-955-1925.
Warm regards,
Harriet R. Lewis
Vice Chairman
Overseas Adventure Travel
P.S. For further peace of mind, please know that we are EXTENDING our Risk-Free Booking
Policy through 12/31/21. Learn more at www.oattravel.com/risk-free-booking.
2
WHAT’S INSIDE
TRIP SUMMARY
It’s Included . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Departure Dates and Prices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Leader in Solo-Friendly Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Grand Circle Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Freedom to Personalize Your Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
DETAILED DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Travel Documents & Entry Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Rigors, Vaccines & General Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Money Matters: Local Currency & Tipping Guidelines . . . . . . . 56
Air, Optional Tours & Staying in Touch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Packing: What to Bring & Luggage Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Climate & Average Temperatures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
About Your Destinations: Culture, Etiquette & More . . . . . . . . 72
Demographics & History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Resources: Suggested Reading & Movies . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Health & Safety Measures – Vaccines Required . . . . . . . . . . 81
MAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
3
Lower prices than last year—a value of $400 per couple
Morocco Sahara Odyssey Small Group Adventure
Morocco:̵ÖðÖŶ̇Dāơ̇ÖĞÖũÖ¦āłŶāù!ÖĿť̇NĢėĞŶķÖŭmŋŽłŶÖĢłŭ̇zŽÖũơÖơÖŶā̵̇mÖũũÖĴāŭĞ̇!ÖŭÖðķÖłóÖ
!ŋŽłŶũĢāŭ̆1 Ά!ĢŶĢāŭ̆6 | 2pĢėĞŶŭRłũĢƑÖŶā¦āłŶāù!ÖĿť
Small groups: 8-16 travelers—guaranteed! It’s Included
(average of 13)
• International airfare, airport transfers, • 16 small group activities
ː˕ùÖƘŭĕũŋĿ $ 3595 government taxes, fees, and airline fuel
surcharges unless you choose to make • Explore in a small group of 8-16
travelers (average group size of 13)
RłóķŽùāŭĢłŶāũłÖŶĢŋłÖķÖĢũĕÖũā your own air arrangements
Travel from only $225 a day • Accommodations for 14 nights (13 • Services of a local O.A.T. Trip
Experience Leader
nights if you are taking our optional
ː˔ùÖƘŭĕũŋĿ $ 2495 post-trip extension to Essaouira &
Casablanca)
• Gratuities for local guides, drivers,
camp staff, and luggage porters
ÂĢŶĞŋŽŶĢłŶāũłÖŶĢŋłÖķÖĢũĕÖũā
D11ĢłėķāŽťťķāĿāłŶ
• 34 meals—14 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and • 5% Frequent Traveler Credit
11 dinners, including 2 Home-Hosted toward your next adventure—an
meals (32 meals—still including 2 average of $275
Home-Hosted meals—if you are taking
mÖƗĢĿĢơāÈŋŽũ our optional post-trip extension to • All land transportation
Essaouira & Casablanca)
'ĢŭóŋƑāũĢāŭͽÁÖķŽā
zťŶĢŋłÖķāƗŶāłŭĢŋłŭ̆
To get a richer view of the Included Features on this adventure,
pŋũŶĞāũłmŋũŋóóŋ̆!ĞāĕóĞÖŋŽāł̇
watch our Trip Itinerary video at www.oattravel.com/mso2021
¦ÖłėĢāũͽŶĞā āũðāũŭŋĕŶĞāĢĕ
5 nights pre-trip from $1195
Travel from only $239 per night
¦ĞāŶķÖłŶĢó!ŋÖŭŶ̆ũŶĢŭŶĢó
1ŭŭÖŋŽĢũÖͽ!ÖŭÖðķÖłóÖ
5 nights post-trip from $795
Travel from only $159 per night
ŶŋťŋƑāũĢłÖũĢŭ
3 nights from $795
Travel from only $265 per night
Travelers riding camels, near Merzouga in the Sahara Desert
Morocco Sahara Odyssey
4
Morocco Sahara Odyssey RISK-FREE BOOKING POLICY: RESERVE WITH
CONFIDENCE—NOW THROUGH 12/31/21
We will waive any change fees if you transfer to another departure date for
2021 Dates & Prices any reason—up until 24 hours prior to departure.
See details at www.oattravel.com/riskfree-booking.
APRIL;
MAY 1-10;
SEP 16-30; NOVEMBER; DEC 1-12,
DEPART FROM OCT 28-31 MAY 11-31 AUGUST SEP 1-15 OCT 1-27 DEC 15-20 24, 27
New York, Newark $4895 $4795 $3595 $4695 $4995 $4195 $4095
Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas,
Detroit, Miami, Minneapolis, $4995 $4895 $3695 $4795 $5095 $4295 $4195
Philadelphia, Washington, DC
Baltimore, Denver, Houston,
Los Angeles, Orlando, Phoenix,
$5095 $4995 $3795 $4895 $5195 $4395 $4295
Portland, San Diego, San Francisco,
Seattle, Tampa
Additional departure cities are available. Upgrade to Business Class may be available for the international portion of your flight. Call for details.
APRIL;
MAY 1-10; MAY 11-31;
SEP 16-30 SEP 1-15 AUGUST OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER
Without international airfare $3895 $3695 $2495 $3995 $3295 $3195
MSO2021
Critical Air Information
Below, you’ll find the East and West Coast cities with the longest flight times. For more information on average flight times
based on your gateway city, visit www.oattravel.com/mso2021.
GATEWAY DEPART RETURN
Hours Typical Connection Hours Typical Connection
Baltimore (East Coast) 17 hrs 2 18 hrs 2
Portland (West Coast) 20 hrs 2 18 hrs 2
Prices are per person. Airfare prices include government taxes, fees, and airline fuel surcharges. All prices and availability are effective as of the date of this
publication, and are subject to change without notice. Standard Terms & Conditions apply, please visit our website: www.oattravel.com/tc. Every effort has been
made to produce this information accurately. We reserve the right to correct errors.
For specific departure dates, current availability, and detailed pricing, visit www.oattravel.com/mso2021pricing
SAVE UP TO 10% WITH FREE SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS
OUR GOOD BUY PLAN SHARE YOUR LOVE OF TRAVEL
We offer FREE Single Supplements on all
New travelers you refer will instantly save
The earlier you reserve your departure of our adventures and pre- and post-trip $100, and you’ll earn increasing rewards—
and pay in full, the more you’ll save—up extensions. up to a FREE trip!
to 10%—plus, you’ll lock in your price. Each departure has limited solo space
For details, visit www.oattravel.com/va
For details, visit www.oattravel.com/gbd available—call today to reserve.
Publication Date 12/7/20
Information & Reservations 1-800-955-1925 www.oattravel.com/mso2021
5
Leader in Solo-Friendly
Travel
Solo traveler with young women in Sarajevo, Bosnia
The leader in solo-friendly travel for Americans—by the numbers
More than 50,000 15,000 single More than 90% of 51 exclusive women’s
solo travelers joined us spaces with a FREE solo women travelers departures featured on
in the past two years— or low-cost Single rated their adventure 25 of our most popular
on their own or with a Supplement in 2021—a excellent adventures—10 of
friend or relative 76% increase from 2019 which are single-only
departures
6
WHO IS A SOLO TRAVELER? EXCLUSIVE WOMEN’S DEPARTURES
Traveling solo doesn’t necessarily mean traveling alone— There’s something special about traveling in a group of
some travelers opt to bring a friend or family member just women. Maybe it’s the camaraderie and friendships
along for the adventure, sharing accommodations and that form when women meet other women who share
discoveries. Others prefer exploring on their own, with their passion for travel. Or maybe it’s how, in a group
the security and camaraderie group travel provides. of their peers, women feel supported and confident
However you choose to see the world, you can feel to take risks and try new things as they explore. In
confident when exploring with the leader in solo- recognition of the special solidarity that often develops
friendly travel among our women travelers, we are offering 51 exclusive
women’s departures of our popular adventures. These
FREE SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS 2021 departures provide intrepid women travelers
an opportunity to connect with one another while
We’re committed to supporting our solo travelers who
experiencing local culture in a variety of destinations
want to explore the world, so we offer limited FREE
including Israel, Morocco, and more. Alongside a female
Single Supplements on all Small Group Adventures,
Trip Experience Leader on most of these adventures, you’ll
every trip extension, and our Stopovers, too. Plus, we’ve
delve into the heart and soul of your destination—from a
increased the number of single spaces to 18,000 on 2021
woman’s point of view. Together, you’ll share meaningful
departures—a 23% increase from 2019. See details at
moments, whether you’re helping with a student’s lessons
www.oattravel.com/solo.
at a local school, engaging in a spontaneous conversation
with a female artisan as you browse through a craft
YOU’LL ALWAYS FEEL SAFE AND SECURE market during your free time, and beyond.
With 36 regional offices around the world, your safety
and security is our first priority. Our regional associates
know your adventure inside and out, and are ready to help
should the need arise. And a local Trip Experience Leader Recent Awards
is there to ensure you always feel part of the group.
They’re great at organizing activities to help develop
camaraderie among all group members.
TRAVEL AMONG FRIENDS
Small groups of 8-16 travelers (average of 13) are ideal
for connecting with fellow travelers. Since three out of
eight travelers explore with us solo, you’re sure to forge USA Today “Best Tours”
special bonds as you experience the world. 10Best Readers’ Presented by
Choice Awards Solo Traveler
Solo travelers at Nijo Castle, Kyoto, Japan
7
Changing People's Lives
One village, one school, one person at a time
Dear Traveler,
In 1992 we established Grand Circle Foundation, an entity
of the Lewis Family Foundation, as a means to give back to
the world that had already given us so much. We’ve pledged
or donated more than $200 million worldwide to support
the education of young people and the preservation of
international treasures and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Of course, none of this would be possible without your
help. A portion of our proceeds is donated to Grand Circle
Foundation—so just as your life will be enriched by the
discoveries you’ll make on your journey, you’ll also help to
enrich the lives of the people you’ll meet along the way.
Thank you for traveling with us, and for helping to change
people’s lives.
Love and peace,
Harriet R. Lewis
Chair
Grand Circle Foundation
Students at St. Mary's Primary School,
Hwange, Zimbabwe
8
GIVING BACK TO THE WORLD WE TRAVEL
By bringing cultures together and teaching us about
our shared humanity, travel has the power to change
the world, one heart at a time. When determining how
we can help the people, schools and communities we
visit, we always ask for the wisdom of local leadership
and the involvement of the community to ensure we
are providing what is needed. We currently support 109
schools and organizations in 59 countries.
JOIN OUR GENEROUS TRAVELERS
We consider each and every one of our travelers to
be partners in our worldwide giving. Some travelers,
however, are so inspired by the schools and villages
they visit, they are compelled to give more. In fact,
our travelers have donated more than $1 million in
2019 alone.
Giving Back in
BETTER OUR OWN COMMUNITIES— Different Ways
ALL AROUND THE WORLD Support from the Grand Circle Foundation takes many
In addition to the destinations where we travel, we forms—and is based on what's needed most. In one
strive to better the communities where we work—from school alone in Tanzania, we have completed projects
our headquarters in Boston to our 36 offices around ranging from providing a new water system and building a
the world. In Boston, more than 99% of our associates new girl's dormitory to installing a solar powered electric
participate in community service each year. Worldwide, fence to prevent elephants from wandering through
nearly all of our offices organize annual community the school grounds. And in Morocco, we partnered
service events of their own. with the Imik Smik Women’s Center of Aït Benhaddou
after learning about the efforts of the 13 women who
wanted a place built where they could gather together
to develop new skills to improve their lives, and gain
some independence in this traditionally male-dominated
region. We were thrilled to provide funds that enabled
construction to begin on this worthy project.
How you can help
• Donate to a school or village that inspired you during
your travels. Because we charge no administration
fee, 100% of your donation will be used to help change
Learn more about the many ways people’s lives.
we help change lives together at
• To learn more about ongoing Foundation projects,
www.grandcirclefoundation.org you can sign up for our weekly e-newsletter, the Inside
Scoop, at www.oattravel.com/community/the-inside-
scoop. When you do, you’ll not only receive updates
on Grand Circle Foundation, but the latest news and
discoveries on all things Grand Circle and Overseas
Adventure Travel.
9
Freedom to Personalize Your Experience
Your Choice, Your Adventure, Your Way
We recommend you spend extra time in a destination to truly make your adventure everything you’ve ever dreamed about—in fact, 85% of our
travelers are personalizing their experience in more than 85 countries. Call us at 1-800-955-1925 to discuss personalizing your adventure
today or visit us online at www.oattravel.com/personalize-mso2021.
āƩłāÈŋŽũRùāÖķdāłėŶĞŋĕŶÖƘ̝arrive early, stay later
' Please note: Our Adventure Specialists can help you plan your airfare if
& more you’d like to “break away,” however since this option is completely on your
own, you will need to plan your own accommodations, meals, tours, and
Extending your time in a destination can improve your overall travel
transfers.
experience—and allow you to seek out even more eye-opening
cultural interactions. Your local Trip Experience Leader will help to 3-night Stopover in Paris from $795: More than 7,000 travelers
ensure you’re getting the personalized experiences you’re looking for. arrive early
With their unmatched understanding of Moroccan culture, it’ll be no Arrive early in Paris for a fresh start before your main adventure. An
surprise to you that 94% of our travelers rate their Trip Experience O.A.T. representative will meet you at the airport in Paris and assist
Leader excellent. with transfer into the city for three nights in a centrally-located hotel
From staying longer in a destination—whether with us or on your with daily breakfast—the rest is up to you.
own—to building in time to ensure a smooth beginning and end to Back-to-Back Adventures: 90% of travelers who combined two
your adventure, the choice is yours. Here are some of your options: adventures anywhere in the world rated it excellent
Maximize Your Time & Value: 55% of travelers take an extension One of the most common adventures travelers combine with this one
Trip extensions give you more time, allowing you to get refreshed and is Back Roads of Iberia: Spanish Paradores & Portuguese Pousadas.
acclimated before your adventure begins or before your return to the If you’re already overseas, why not see more of the world and avoid
U.S. On this adventure, On this adventure, you have two extensions another international flight? Plus, you’ll save $250-$350 per person
to choose from Northern Morocco: Chefchaouen, Tangier & the Berbers when you reserve two trips right after one another.
of the Rif—which 91% of our travelers have rated excellent, and The
Atlantic Coast: Artistic Essaouira & Casablanca. Private Adventures: Travel in an exclusive group of as
“Break Away” Options: 30% of travelers spend more time abroad few as 4
Before or after your main adventure or trip extension, “break away” Reserve an exclusive departure with your friends and family. It’s
anywhere you’d like to go to do more exploring entirely on your simple: You choose the people you travel with, the departure date, and
own. Extend your time abroad with the following options: the size of your group. O.A.T. does the rest.
• Spend more time before or after your adventure in Casablanca
Air Options: More than 50% of our travelers customize
• Stay overnight (or for a few days) in Amsterdam, a common
ŶĞāĢũƪĢėĞŶŭ
connecting city on this adventure, or in a destination of your choice
• Choose your departure city and airline
• Depart from one city and return to another
• Upgrade your seat or choose a specific meal option
Chefchaouen, Morocco Essaouira, Morocco
10Overseas
Adventure Travel SM
Since 1978
Morocco Sahara Odyssey
2021
16-Day Small Group Adventure
EXTEND YOUR TRIP
PRE-TRIP
Northern Morocco: Chefchaouen,
Tangier & the Berbers of the Rif
POST-TRIP
The Atlantic Coast: Artistic Essaouira & Casablanca
Your Day-to-Day Itinerary
11OVERSEAS ADVENTURE TRAVEL
Overseas Adventure Travel, founded in 1978, is America’s leading adventure travel company. The New
York Times, Condé Nast Traveler, The Los Angeles Times, Travel + Leisure, The Wall Street Journal, US News
& World Report, and others have recommended O.A.T. trips. But our most impressive reviews come from
our customers: Thousands of travelers have joined our trips, and 95% of them say they’d gladly travel
with us again, and recommend us to their friends.
A WORD ABOUT ADVENTURE TRAVEL
Our Morocco Sahara Odyssey trip is designed for people who want a different kind of travel experience.
We seek out unusual experiences in out-of-the-way places where ordinary tours don’t go. Morocco is
a developing country, and the overall quality of travel services is not what you would find in the U.S.
or Europe. We respond to changing circumstances on the spot, and we may not follow this itinerary
exactly. To enjoy this trip, you need curiosity, an adventurous spirit, and a healthy sense of humor
about the unpredictable nature of travel in North Africa.
INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE
» International airfare, airport transfers, » 16 small group activities
government taxes, fees, and airline fuel » Explore in a small group of 8-16 travelers
surcharges unless you choose to make your (average group size of 13)
own air arrangements
» Services of a local O.A.T. Trip
» Accommodations for 14 nights (13 nights Experience Leader
if you are taking our optional post-trip
» Gratuities for local guides, drivers, camp
extension to Essaouira & Casablanca)
staff, and luggage porters
» 35 meals—14 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 12
» 5% Frequent Traveler Credit toward your
dinners, including 1 Home-Hosted Dinner
next adventure—an average of $275
(32 meals—still including 1 Home-Hosted
Dinner—if you are taking our optional » All land transportation
post-trip extension to Essaouira &
Casablanca)
WHAT THIS TRIP IS LIKE
PACING PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
» 7 locations in 15 days with two 1-night stays » Not appropriate for travelers using
» Two 8-9-hour transfers and three transfers wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids
of up to 5 hours
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
12» You must be able to walk 2-3 miles inside and shower with tepid water
unassisted; expect 2-4 hours of physical inside of your tent. The main camp is a
activities on some days 3-minute walk away
» You will need to access vehicles by ladder » Hotels feature a variety of Western-style
without aid, and navigate multi-story amenities and personal services. Some stays
accommodations which may have narrow will be in riads (traditional multi-story
staircases and no elevators Moroccan homes that have been restored
» We reserve the right for Trip Experience and converted into hotels). Riads do not
Leaders to restrict participation, or in some have elevators and will require the use
circumstances send travelers home, if their of stairs.
limitations impact the group’s experience » All hotels feature private baths
CLIMATE
» Between May and September, daytime
temperatures average 90-100°F but
can reach 110°F, dropping as low as
50°F at night
» In the Sahara, nights and mornings are
quite cold between November and March; it
could drop as low as 40°F at night
» The months of December through March
bring heavy rain and thunderstorms
TERRAIN & TRANSPORTATION
» Travel over cobbled streets and sandy,
uneven, and bumpy terrain in the Sahara
that can cause problems for travelers with
leg or back issues
» We travel via air-conditioned motorcoach
(no toilet onboard), 4x4 vehicles, and camel
FLIGHT INFORMATION
» Travel time will be 17-22 hours and will
most likely have one or two connections of
2-3 hours each
ACCOMMODATIONS & FACILITIES
» We spend 2 nights in the Sahara in
comfortable but basic canvas tents without
heat or electricity, with a bathroom
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
13Morocco Sahara Odyssey
YOUR DETAILED ITINERARY
BEGIN YOUR ADVENTURE WITH AN OPTIONAL PRE-TRIP EXTENSION
5 nights in Northern Morocco: Chefchaouen, Tangier & the Berbers of the Rif
Day 1 Depart U.S. Day 5 Chefchaouen • Optional Tetouan
Cultural Mix tour
Day 2 Arrive Casablanca, Morocco •
Explore Casablanca Day 6 Overland to Tangier
Day 3 Overland to Chefchaouen Day 7 Train ride to Rabat • Begin main trip
Day 4 Moroccan cooking demonstration
• Home-Hosted Lunch • Explore
Chefchaouen
Day 1 Depart for Casablanca Afternoon: Around 2pm, you will check in and
receive your room assignments at the hotel,
Depart the U.S. today on an overnight flight to where we still stay for two nights. Typical
Casablanca, Morocco. rooms feature a range of amenities including
air-conditioning, a minibar, and a private
Day 2 Arrive in Casablanca, Morocco • en suite bathroom with a hair dryer. Hotel
Overland to Rabat amenities include bar, spa, and brasserie. Your
• Destination: Rabat afternoon is free to explore Rabat, with about
4.5 hours to spend as you choose. Perhaps you’ll
• Included Meals: Dinner
explore the creative side of Morocco at the
• Accommodations: Le Diwan Hotel or similar
Villa des Arts. This site houses contemporary
Morning: Depending on your specific flight art that draws heavily on Moroccan heritage
arrangements, you’ll arrive in Casablanca and focuses on themes centered around
throughout the morning. An O.A.T. environmentalism, coexistence, and tolerance.
representative will greet you outside of the Or, take a stroll through Rabat’s Botanical
terminal and escort you to the bus for your Garden to witness over 650 species of
90-minute transfer to Rabat, one of Morocco’s plants, including rare varieties of tropical,
ancient imperial cities and its capital since 1913. sub-tropical, and succulents.
Lunch: Enjoy your first taste of Moroccan
cuisine on our own—your Trip Experience
Leader will recommend a local restaurant for
you to try.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
14Later this afternoon, fellow travelers who took depicting aspects of Moroccan culture. There
the optional pre-trip extension to Northern are also instructive videos and exhibits on
Morocco: Chefchaouen, Tangier & the Berbers of how Moroccan banknotes and coins are pro-
the Rif will join the main adventure. duced—and destroyed. This unusual museum
is a veritable treasure trove for numismatists
Dinner: We’ll enjoy dinner at our hotel with a
and art lovers alike.
selection of traditional dishes at about 7:30pm.
• How to get there: A 15- to 25-minute taxi
Evening: You are free to spend your evening as ride, about $5 to $10 USD one way.
you wish. Perhaps you’ll retire to your room to • Hours: 9am-5:30pm, Monday-Friday;
rest after the long journey, or join travelers at 9am-12:30pm & 3pm-6pm Saturday;
the hotel to discuss your upcoming discoveries. 9am-1pm Sunday; closed Monday.
Freedom To Explore: During your two days in
• Cost: About $2 USD.
Rabat, you have the freedom to explore this • Enjoy the local artwork of Villa des Arts: As
vibrant city on your own during your free time. you walk through the museum, take in the
Below are a few recommended options for cultural work of the local artists supported
independent explorations: by the ONA Foundation. The organization
focuses on environmental protection, human
• Explore Morocco’s past and present at the well-being, and other themes related to
Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and becoming “citizens of the world.” On your
Contemporary Art (MMVI): Opening its self-guided visit, perhaps you’ll check out
doors in 2014, the MMVI is the first large- the Diwan gallery, which features permanent
scale museum built since Morocco gained and temporary art exhibitions, or the Forum,
its independence from France in 1956. As where theatrical performances, concerts,
you walk through, you’ll take in abstract, poetry readings, and more take place.
figurative, or overtly political contemporary
pieces. The museum chronicles the evolution
• How to get there: A 10- to 20-minute taxi
ride, about $10 one way.
of Moroccan plastic and visual arts from the
early 20th century to present day. Associates
• Hours: 9:30am-7pm, Tuesday-Sunday.
in our regional Marrakesh office recommend
• Cost: Free.
getting there in the early morning for the
Day 3 Explore Rabat • Controversial
least crowds, and also spending about an
Topic: Refugees and poverty in Morocco
hour perusing the artwork to get an in-depth
experience.
with Asmae and Celia
• Destination: Rabat
• How to get there: A 10- to 20-minute taxi
ride, about $10 USD one way. • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
• Hours: 10am-6pm, daily. • Accommodations: Le Diwan Hotel or similar
• Cost: About $4 USD. Exclusive O.A.T. Activity: Today’s discoveries
• Pay a visit to the Currency Museum of the feature the Controversial Topic of immigration
Bank Al-Maghrib: Along with a massive in Morocco. We’ll speak to a Moroccan citizen
collection of gold and silver coins, monetary and a Nigerian refugee to hear two personal
instruments, and banknotes from antiquity perspectives of why a growing number of
to the present day, this modern museum refugees from sub-Saharan Africa have arrived
features an art gallery of some 800 paintings in Morocco, and about the strain that such
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
15immigration has placed on the country’s then return by private motorcoach to Rabat,
economy. This eye-opening discovery of an where we’ll be dropped off in the city center
uncomfortable truth of modern Moroccan life around noon to enjoy lunch on our own.
is likely to be a memorable experience—read
Lunch: Your Trip Experience Leader can
more about it below.
recommend some of their favorite options
Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel to enjoy on our own during your free time.
featuring Moroccan dishes beginning at 7am. Perhaps you’ll sample a local seafood specialty
like mussel tagine, a popular seafood stew
Morning: Following breakfast, our Trip
cooked in a traditional earthenware pot.
Experience Leader will give a Welcome Briefing
at around 8:30am, during which we will Afternoon: We will reconvene around 1pm
introduce ourselves and review our itinerary in and drive by private motorcoach for about 15
more detail (including any changes that may minutes to Kasbah Oudeya, a citadel originally
need to occur). Logistics, safety and emergency built in the twelfth-century. Many of the
procedures, and any questions will also be winding lanes are fringed with whitewashed
discussed. Afterwards, we will delve into the homes intensely accented with a vibrant hue
basics of the Arabic language with our Trip of blue. As we continue our exploration of the
Experience Leader. kasbah, we will make our way to the Andalusian
gardens, which offer a shady retreat with its
Leaving the hotel behind us, we set out on
varying plant-life, such as oleanders, orange,
an orientation walk with our Trip Experience
lemon and banana trees. Perhaps we will take
Leader around 9:30am to familiarize ourselves
a step away from the bustle of the streets and
with the surrounding area. We will stop at La
enjoy the view of the Bou Regreg River.
Halinka, the oldest coffee shop in the region,
to enjoy a traditional nos-nos—a half milk, At around 2pm, we’ll board our private
half espresso drink. Opened in the 1970s, this motorcoach and drive for about 10 minutes to
rustic coffee shop is typically filled with the Pietri Square, where we’ll step out and walk
smells of coffee, and the loud chatter of retired to a local coffee shop run by refugees from
Moroccans, who have come to spend time here sub-Saharan Africa. We’ll arrive at around
during the week. We will interact with these 2:30pm and join two local women, Asmae Naara
locals and the wait staff, perhaps even the shop and Celia Omondiale, for a conversation about a
owner, to learn about daily life and the history Controversial Topic: The influx of sub-Saharan
of coffee in the region. Following our visit, we refugees into Morocco, and the stress it is
will continue to explore the cobbled streets of placing on the nation’s already-strained social
Rabat, seeking out opportunities to interact services.
with the locals we come across.
Morocco, a nation of about 34 million people,
At around 10:30am, we will drive by private is a common destination for refugees fleeing
motorcoach for about 30 minutes to visit from war, poverty, and strife in sub-Saharan
the ruins and wild gardens of the Chellah, a African nations. An estimated 700,000
14th-century Merinid necropolis. We’ll spend immigrants currently live in the country
about an hour exploring this UNESCO World seeking to build a better life, planning to either
Heritage Site, a fascinating blend of ancient stay permanently, or as a midway point on
Roman and medieval Muslim artifacts, and their journey into Europe. As the number of
undocumented immigrants grows, so does
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
16the problem of how to accommodate them in We’ll hear her perspective of how she and her
a nation already struggling with poverty and fellow immigrants face each day while enduring
unemployment. In 2020, Morocco’s jobless discrimination from their Moroccan neighbors,
rate rose to 12.3%—the highest it’s been since and the threat of arrest and deportation by
2003—leaving immigrants and citizens alike to local authorities. A 2019 crackdown resulted in
compete for limited resources, and ratcheting the arrest of more than 27,000 undocumented
up the tension between the two segments of the immigrants, and as the economic situation in
population. Morocco worsens, the threat of such a thing
happening again is ever-present.
We’ll get a personal perspective of both sides
of this controversial issue during our 1.5-hour Asmae and Celia will speak to us for about
long conversation. First, we’ll meet Asmae, a 20 minutes, and we’ll then have about 40
woman in her 20s that was born in Morocco minutes to ask questions of our own to broaden
and has lived here for her entire life. Asmae is a our understanding of this difficult subject.
university graduate with a degree in literature Poverty and undocumented immigration is an
and human sciences, and dreams of building ugly truth about life in Morocco, and one that
a career out of teaching Arabic to Americans. many travel companies choose to gloss over.
However, the growing unemployment However, it’s an important one to discuss to
crisis—the jobless rate for youths like her is a understand the real issues that everyday people
staggering 33%—has put her plans on hold, face in this country, and there’s no better way
and she currently lives with her parents while to get to the truth of the matter than to have
she seeks work. Asmae will talk to us about the honest conversations with local people that are
day-to-day life of a young woman in Morocco, deeply affected by it.
her struggles with rising unemployment
At around 4pm, we’ll say goodbye to Asmae
and economic insecurity, and to what extent
and Celia, and then drive back to our hotel via
she believes the rising tide of immigration is
private motorcoach. We’ll then have the rest of
responsible.
the afternoon to rest or explore independently
Then, we’ll get an immigrant’s perspective before dinner.
when we meet Celia, a refugee and single
Dinner: Around 6:15pm, we will board
mother who traveled here from Nigeria in 2015.
our coach for a 15-minute drive to a local
She’ll share the story of why she left her home
restaurant. We’ll enjoy a Welcome Dinner
country, how she traveled here while pregnant
of traditional Moroccan cuisine and a
over a course of three months via bus and on
glass of wine.
foot, and about the challenges she and her
son have faced since they arrived. Although Evening: We arrive back at the hotel at about
she had originally planned to continue on to 8:15pm. The evening is on your own—you are
Europe, tightening borders and economic free to return to your room to rest before your
circumstances have left her stranded in explorations tomorrow, or join fellow travelers
Morocco for the time being, where she lives on in the main hotel area to discuss the day’s
the margins of society, taking small jobs as she activities.
can find them, and asking for money on the
street when she can’t.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
17Day 4 Overland to Fez • Hammam visit in their daily routines at the market. Around
11:15am, we will board our bus and make the
• Destination: Fez
remaining 2-hour transfer to Fez.
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodations: Hotel Riad Salam Once we get to Fez around 1:15pm, we’ll leave
or similar our bus behind in the modern city, and enter
the medina—or old city—on foot. As we enter,
Activity Note: Today, our transfer from Rabat
let the colors and sounds of boisterous Fez
to Fez will involve a 4- to 5-hour bus ride (with
envelope you. Vendors fill market stalls with
stops along the way) over roads that may be
colorful handcrafted goods, and on either side
bumpy or uneven at times. Fez’s medina (the
of us, donkey carts and motorbikes zip past as
old part of the city) can be dusty and crowded,
we carefully traverse the narrow, maze-like
and you’ll be exposed to local residents and
lanes of the ancient walled city. But, as we
their various living conditions, including
approach our riad, you’ll never believe the
poverty and beggars. These interactions
peaceful haven awaiting us on the other side
may be distressing for some travelers. The
of the door. Upon arrival, our Trip Experience
crowded, narrow medinas are also a haven for
Leader will lead us on a brief orientation walk
pickpockets, and travelers should stay alert and
around the vicinity of the riad and point out
be aware of their belongings and surroundings
places you can go in your free time.
at all times. If this day falls on a Thursday,
we will instead visit the medina on Day 6 to Lunch: Traditional hot and cold dishes served
experience it on the weekend when it is at its at our riad upon arrival at around 1:15pm.
liveliest.
Afternoon: Following lunch, we’ll check into
Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel our riad—a Moroccan home that has been
featuring Moroccan dishes beginning refurbished into a guest house—around
at 6:30am. 2:15pm. With just around 20 rooms, our
small group size lends itself perfectly to the
Morning: Around 9am, we leave the coast
intimacy and authenticity of a riad stay, and
and Rabat behind, and set off for Fez—locally
we’ll get a true sense of local life as we share
referred to as Fes—driving about 1.5 hours to
this traditional living space for the next
our first stop. We’ll drive past sweeping fields,
three nights. A typical riad features intricate
rolling countryside, and tree-covered slopes,
handmade tilework, and is multiple stories
some of which may be speckled with poppies,
high, with rooms—each possessing their
prickly pears, olive trees, or snow, depending
own distinct character—connected by a
on the time of year. En route around 10:30am,
hallway that overlooks an open-air courtyard.
we will stop at the El Khemisset market for
Most riads don’t feature elevators, and with
about 45 minutes of free time to explore. This
their open layouts, it’s not uncommon for
market is teeming with local vendors, people,
the sounds of the city outside to make their
and livestock—as it has been for hundreds
way in to our living space. Depending on the
of years. As you peruse the narrow lanes of
centrally-located riad you stay in, it may be
vendors, you can hear the pulsating noise
in walking distance to local street markets
of animals, locals chattering, and vendors
and shopping areas and feature an onsite
enthusiastically peddling their products. You
restaurant. Typical rooms include satellite TV
will have the unique opportunity to see locals
and air-conditioning. You’ll have about 2 hours
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
18of free time to relax in your room or check out to make this dish. First, class begins with a
the local spots your Trip Experience Leader visit to the bustling souks to purchase fresh
pointed out on our walk. ingredients. Then, at our riad, you’ll partici-
pate in a cooking lesson in the main kitchen,
Around 4pm, we travel by private motorcoach
and finally, you’ll have included time to enjoy
to a traditional Moroccan hammam, a public
the food you’ve created. The entire experience
steam bath. Popularized by the Roman empire
will take about two hours.
more than 2,000 years ago, hammams have
been a central part of daily and religious life in • How to get there: A 5- to 10-minute walk.
Morocco. A Moroccan hammam traditionally • Hours: 11am-noon, daily.
consists of a public bath house separated • Cost: About $60 USD.
between men and women with multiple • Meet a local chef in her home: More and
steam rooms, and attendants who scrub more Moroccan women are running small
visitors with savon beldi, a black pigmented businesses right from their homes, making
soap. Should you choose to partake in the pastries and traditional dishes enjoyed at
local bathing culture, we will stop at a market events like Moroccoan engagement, child-
to interact with vendors and purchase any birth, and circumcision ceremonies. Travelers
products we may need for our visit, such as can enjoy this special opportunity to enter
soaps or loofahs. While there, you will be a local home where the chef will give us a
able to interact with locals and gain a deeper lesson in creating a Moroccan pastry.
understanding of how bath culture is tied to
• How to get there: An approximate
their social and religious lives. 10-minute walk from the riad.
We will depart the hammam around 5pm. You • Hours: 9am-5pm, daily.
will have the remainder of your afternoon to • Cost: Around $15 USD per person
relax more at the hotel or perhaps explore • Witness the efforts of the nonprofit American
more of Fez. Fondouk: Meet the people who run this
organization, and see how it’s helping the
Dinner: On your own tonight. Perhaps you’ll
working people of Fez’s medina by providing
venture to Café Clock for Western and Moroccan
free veterinary care for their donkeys, horses,
fare. Your Trip Experience Leader will be happy
and other animals. As the volunteers take you
to provide you with other recommendations.
on a tour to see the animals and witness the
Evening: The evening is free to explore on your inner workings of the organization, you will
own. Perhaps you’ll retire to your room or enjoy have the opportunity to ask any questions you
a drink with fellow travelers. may have. For the least crowds, we suggest
visiting in the morning.
Freedom To Explore: During your three days
in Fez, you have the freedom to explore this
• How to get there: A 10- to 15-minute taxi
ride, about $3 one way.
enchanting city on your own during your free
time. Below are a few recommended options for
• Hours: 8am-12pm, daily.
independent explorations:
• Cost: Free.
• Participate in a Cooking Class: Learn to cook
a traditional Moroccan meal like salad and
tagine, or stew, which gets its name from the
cone-shaped slow cooker traditionally used
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
19Day 5 Explore Fez • Home-Hosted Dinner cafés, shops, donkeys, and people. As you stroll
the narrow lanes, age-old urban tradition
• Destination: Fez
will be on vibrant display, and the intensity of
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
daily life will be bursting around every corner.
• Accommodations: Hotel Riad Salam The thrill of it must be experienced to be truly
or similar understood. We’ll depart the market and walk
Exclusive O.A.T. Activity: This afternoon to our lunch spot.
we’ll venture into the home of a family in Fez,
Lunch: Around 11:30am at an old Moroccan
where we’ll enjoy a Home-Hosted Dinner.
home that has been converted into a local
This is a special opportunity afforded to us by
restaurant, situated in the heart of the old
our small group size and made by possible by
medina, serving traditional Moroccan fare.
the connections of our local Trip Experience
Leaders. During our shared meal, you’ll learn Afternoon: After lunch around 1pm, we
more about daily life in the Morocco from these continue exploring the medina as we hear the
residents, and take part in the customs and calls of the vendors selling their wares, watch
culinary traditions of the region. Read more artisans maintain their stalls, listen to shoppers
about this experience below. haggle, and browse for gifts to take home. We’ll
board our bus and drive 15 minutes back to our
Activity Note: If this day falls on a Friday, we
riad, arriving around 2:30pm. Upon arrival, we
will drive to the panoramic viewpoint this
enjoy about 3 hours of free time.
morning instead of walk through the medina.
Then, at about 6pm, we’ll split into smaller
Breakfast: Served at the riad featuring
groups of no more than five travelers and
Moroccan dishes beginning at 6:30am.
board our bus to join local families for a
Morning: We’ll begin our full-day exploration Home-Hosted Dinner. The family you spend
of Fez at about 8:15am this morning by the evening with may live inside the old walls
motorcoach, arriving around 8:30am. Led of the medina, or outside the historic center
by our Trip Experience Leader and a local in what is referred to as the “New City.” They
city guide, we leave the 21st century and all may have school-aged children or be retirees.
previous conceptions of urban design behind But all families will live in a private apartment
as we enter Fez’s medina, often considered the and provide a welcoming and congenial
world’s most well-preserved medieval city, atmosphere.
and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We start by
Dinner: Around 6:30pm in your host family’s
exploring the traditional Jewish quarter, called
home, you’ll get the chance to taste authentic
the mellah.
regional cuisine. Expect to dine on typical
Then we’ll enter the souks (markets) of Fez Moroccan dishes such as harira, a popular soup
around 9:30am, walking through myriad tiny made up tomatoes, chickpeas, and lentils; fassi,
lanes. This ancient section of Fez is a maze of a lamb dish prepared with prunes; and myriad
narrow streets, and one of the largest car-free of Moroccan salads. For the families we visit,
urban areas in the world. The benefit of being this is a great chance to practice their limited
in the company of your Trip Experience Leader English. And for us, this is a unique opportunity
will become instantly clear, as navigating the to learn even more about daily life in this city
winding medina is a code only a true local can as you personally connect with the family and
crack. Every inch of space is filled with bazaars, ask your hosts about family dynamics, cultural
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
20norms, professions, and more. You might, Breakfast: Served at the riad featuring
for example, learn about Moroccan wedding Moroccan dishes beginning at 7am.
traditions and have the chance to view a
Morning: The morning is yours to make your
family’s wedding day attire. Or perhaps you will
own discoveries in Fez. You may choose to take
learn more about the challenges of running a
a walk through La Ville Nouvelle, an area whose
small business in Morocco.
French influence, and modern look and feel,
Whatever the topic of your dinner-table offer a fascinating contrast to the traditional
discussion, your evening will be one to styles throughout most of Fez. Or, if flora is
remember. You might even like to share with your forte, maybe you’ll choose to visit the
your hosts a little about what brings you to botanical garden just a 20-minute walk from
Morocco. Around 8pm, we will depart the our our riad.
family’s home and drive 30 minutes back to
Or, you may join a full-day Optional Tour of two
the riad.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Volubilis and
Evening: Free for your own discoveries starting Meknes. We’ll walk back to the modern section
around 8:30pm. You can take some time for of Fez to meet our bus around 8am, then set off
yourself, explore the surrounding area, or meet for a 1-hour drive to the site. First we’ll explore
up with fellow travelers to discuss the day. Volubilis, one of the most well-preserved
Roman cities in North Africa. Led by a local
Day 6 Fez • Controversial Topic: guide, we’ll wander amongst its historic ruins
and colorful mosaics, and our guide will help
Moroccan patriarchy and women’s rights
us envision what life was like in ancient times.
with Fatima Sadiqi • Optional Volubilis &
From this vantage point, we’ll have panoramic
Meknes tour
views of the whitewashed, holy city of Moulay
• Destination: Fez Idriss in the distance. Then we’ll set off for a
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 30-minute drive to Meknes, onetime home of
• Accommodations: Hotel Riad Salam the Moroccan sultanate.
or similar
Lunch: On your own and your Trip Experience
Activity Note: If Day 6 falls on a Saturday, the Leader can provide recommendations.
optional tour will be featured on Day 5 instead. However, if you have joined our Optional Tour,
you will enjoy lunch upon arrival in Meknes
Exclusive O.A.T. Activity: Today’s discoveries
around 11:15am at a local restaurant serving
feature the Controversial Topic of sexism in
traditional Moroccan cuisine.
Morocco. We will meet a local activist who
has helped to reform the country’s laws to Afternoon: Travelers not on the Optional
help guarantee equality for women, and Tour will continue to enjoy free time and
hear firsthand how conservative mindsets independent explorations early this afternoon.
within the country’s power structure form an If you are on the Optional Tour, we will
ever-present obstacle to continued progress. continue our explorations with a tour of the
While the topic may be uncomfortable, it Old City in Meknes around 12:30pm, including
is certain to be an enlightening cultural the immense stables—a massive structure
experience to broaden your understanding of that once held 12,000 horses—and granaries
life in Morocco—read more about it below. that were built for 17th-century sultan Moulay
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
21Ismail. We will depart around 2pm for our of our own to take advantage of her vast
hour-long journey back to the riad to join the experience and expertise to learn about how
rest of our small group. the rights of women in Morocco have been
improved, and about the threats that still exist.
At around 4pm, we will walk to the
While the years since the Arab Spring have
International Institute for Languages and
seen an increased number of legal protections
Cultures, an educational institution focused
for women, many women—especially those
on the study of contemporary history, culture,
in marginalized communities like rural, poor
and gender in North Africa and the Middle
urban, and Berber areas—find it difficult to
East. Here, we’ll meet one of its co-founders,
take advantage of them in practice. Equality
the activist and professor Fatima Sadiqui, for
may be the law, but many people—including
a conversation about a Controversial Topic:
those in business, media, and other places
The impact of sharia law and conservative
within the country’s power structure—are set
Moroccan culture on women’s rights, and how
in the old ways of thinking, in which a woman’s
modern feminists are pushing back against
place is in the home.
traditional social norms today.
Discrimination against women is a difficult
Morocco has historically been a patriarchal
aspect of life in Morocco, and one which many
society, governed by conservative readings
people choose not to talk about. However, it’s
of Islamic sharia law which place women
a necessary one to examine in order to truly
in a role subservient to men. The result has
understand the lives of local people in this
been a society in which women have fewer
country. With our small group size, and the
opportunities for advancement, and are
expertise of a woman who has spent her life and
subject to abuse and discrimination. The 2011
career fighting for equality, we will come away
Arab Spring ushered in a wave of progressive
with a more intimate understanding of the
changes, including a reformed constitution
issues affecting the lives of local women.
which places women on an equal legal footing
with men—however, many of those fighting for At around 5pm, we will bid Professor Sadiqi
change fear that conservative societal mindsets farewell and have 1.5 hours of free time
are a persistent threat to women’s rights today. before dinner.
We’ll learn about this issue from Professor Dinner: Traditional hot and cold dishes served
Sadiqi, a dedicated activist who has been at at our riad around 6:30pm.
the frontline of the battle for women’s rights
Evening: Free for your own discoveries.
in Morocco for decades. Her advocacy work
Ask your Trip Experience Leader for
has been responsible for many of the reforms
recommendations if you’d like to experience
made in Morocco’s 2011 constitution, as well
this city at night.
as subsequent legal reforms to guarantee
the rights of women to live in peace and
dignity—such as the 2014 repeal of Article 475,
which allowed a rapist to avoid prosecution if
he married his victim.
Professor Sadiqi will share her experiences
with us for about 20 minutes, and then we’ll
have the remainder of the hour to ask questions
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
22Day 7 Cross the Middle & High Atlas our bus and continue our drive through thick
Mountains • Overland to Erfoud cedar forests. Perhaps, you will spot the barbary
macaque, a rare monkey species.
• Destination: Erfoud
• Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Lunch: At a local restaurant in Midelt around
• Accommodations: Kasbah Hotel Chergui 12:30pm, featuring typical dishes of the area
or similar like trout. This village converted old mining
grounds to fish farms, and is now famous for
Activity Note: Today our transfer from Fez to
their trout farming.
Erfoud will involve a long bus ride, covering
approximately 300 miles through the Middle Afternoon: We continue our drive through the
and High Atlas Mountain range, over roads that High Atlas Mountains around 1:30pm, and in
may be bumpy, uneven, steep, and winding. Our the late afternoon—at about 5pm—we descend
total transfer time is up to 9 hours, especially into Erfoud, a small trading village that is the
in winter when road closures may lead to gateway to the vast Sahara Desert. When we
unexpected detours. We will break up the long arrive, we check into our hotel and receive
transfer with stops along the way. our room assignments for our one-night stay.
Situated on the outskirts of the Sahara Desert,
Breakfast: Served at the riad featuring
the hotel you stay in may feature a restaurant,
Moroccan dishes beginning at 7am.
bar, and outdoor swimming pool. Typical
Morning: Our Sahara odyssey begins today rooms include air-conditioning, a minibar, a
at about 8am when we board our bus to drive refrigerator, and a private bath.
across the Middle Atlas mountain range,
Dinner: Traditional hot and cold Moroccan
winding through pine groves and giant
dishes served buffet-style at our hotel
cedar forests. The rich purple soil and the
around 7pm.
tall evergreens are quite a contrast against
each other. We cross a 6,000-foot pass in Evening: Your evening is free to enjoy a night
the mountains and head further toward the cap with fellow travelers at the hotel bar
Sahara. This long transfer will give our small or rest before tomorrow’s journey into the
group ample opportunity to witness the varied Sahara Desert.
geologic and ecological zones we travel through
and gain a deeper understanding of the regional Day 8 Off-road Sahara adventure •
landscapes. Around 9am, we will briefly
Overland to Sahara Desert camp • Meet
stop in the ski resort town of Ifrane for the
local family
opportunity to take pictures of the quaint town.
Afterwards around 9:15am we will continue • Destination: Sahara Desert
our journey by bus. En route, we will stop to • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
visit a semi-nomadic family (when possible, • Accommodations: Private tented camp
based on their availability). While here, we will Activity Note: We will board 4x4 vehicles to
enter into their tent and enjoy a cup of tea while make our way into the Sahara Desert over sand
discussing the nomadic way of life. Our small dunes. Total transfer time is about three hours.
group affords us the unique opportunity to
ask this family questions and understand their Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel
daily life. Following our visit, we will board featuring Moroccan dishes beginning
at 7:30am.
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-955-1925
23You can also read
