Strabo Photo Tour Collection

Morocco: New Itinerary including Chefchaouen

Estimated pricing, contact us for 2011 details when complete.

This new itinerary has been designed to offer our inquisitive travelers the traditional Morocco, along with the enchanting town of Chefchaouen, located in the Rif Mountains in Northern Morocco. Chaouen, as Moroccans refer to the town, nestles in the hollow of two mountains, from which it takes its name. Steep narrow streets with white and indigo lime-washed buildings, small squares, ornate fountains, and houses with elaborately decorated doorways and red tile roofs make this a delightful town. Esteemed as a holy town, with a population of just forty thousand, it has eight mosques and several monasteries. This new photo tour itinerary encompasses our traditional itinerary of Marrakech, Fes, and also spends two evenings in the Sahara, giving participants more opportunity to capture the pink and purple hewn sunsets over the dunes.

In Marrakech we will visit the famous Djemaa el-Fna Square, perhaps the greatest open-air spectacle in the world. Traveling back in time, we'll see snake charmers, musicians, magicians, acrobats, and dancers. Fes is an ancient city, with its spectacular medina - where time seems to have stood still and photographs beckon around every corner. You will see veiled women and laughing children, donkeys pulling carts, and vendors carrying huge mounds of bread trays above their heads.

Combining the history and natural beauty of this rich and fascinating country with first-person encounters, we will visit native villages, ancient medina’s, and craftsmen’s workshops, sharing experiences and sipping mint tea: symbolic of the warm, sincere Moroccan generosity. Hotels are comfortable, as is the private, air-conditioned coach for land transportation. An expert local Moroccan guide will add his unique touch to this extraordinary trip, sharing his insights into and his love of this exotic land.

This is an amazing journey. Ron Rosenstock is leading only one photo tour to Morocco in 2010, therefore we recommend signing up early.

Itinerary

February 15: Home

There are overnight flights from the U.S. to Casablanca, Morocco. We recommend flying Royal Air Maroc/Delta in order to land in Casablanca on time to begin our adventure. We will make our way directly to Marrakech upon arrival early tomorrow morning.

February 16: Early morning arrival to Casablanca - Marrakech

On arrival in Casablanca, we will be met by our local guide. Driving south, we will travel to El Jadida, where we will photograph the ancient Portuguese fort and castle. We continue on this afternoon to Marrakech. Marrakech follows the beat of an African drum. This imperial city has been almost continually occupied since Neolithic times, and was once the Berber capital. Traveling back in time 2,000 years, we will have our first introduction to the famous Djemaa el-Fna Square, perhaps the greatest open-air spectacle in the world, where one can see the colors and feel the pulse of Morocco. Drift with the smells and sounds of the snake charmers, magicians, acrobats, and dancers, delighting children and adults alike. Overnight HOTEL TICHKA SALAM. (b, d)

February 17: Marrakech

This morning we will stop to visit the exquisite Majorelle Garden. It is part of the former residence of French artist Louis Majorelle, beautifully renovated by the late couturier Yves St. Laurent. In among the floral smorgasbord is Majorelle’s deep-blue villa, which is simply breathtaking. The afternoon will be spent exploring more of Marrakech and its fabulous souk (market), home to a maze of Berber rug vendors, dried fruit and spice stalls, leather and ironworkers’ shops. We’ll capture a glimpse of daily life, as we stroll the narrow streets; perhaps we’ll see a young boy taking his family’s bread to the community bakery, veiled women carrying bags of food for the next meal, or children playing in the streets. (b, l, d)

February 18 - February 19: Telouet - Skoura

Driving south from Marrakech, we will cross the High Atlas Mountains at 7,400 feet, with panoramic views of arid mountains and lush oases shadowing the rivers far below. A drive along the “Valley of the Thousand Kasbahs” will take us through stony desert landscapes with many villages and Kasbahs. Land rovers will meet us in Telouet, where we continue in to the countryside. The Telouet Kasbah is not old, yet it is one of the most important sights of yesterday's Morocco. The story began during the hard winter of 1893, when Sultan Moulay Hassan was stranded here. He and his army of 3,000 were well taken care of by the two brothers Glaoui, Madani and T'Hami. In return of their services, they were given political power of Morocco south of the High Atlas Mountains. The reception room and main halls are the only interiors to be entered, due to the buildings deterioration, yet you can sense the luxury in which its predecessors lived.

Our destination for tonight, a renovated Kasbah hotel provides and ideal location for private photography in the early morning and late afternoon. We will spend the next day in and around the hotel. A walk through a small palm grove leads to the gorgeous site of Amerhidil, a Kasbah located on the opposite side of the river behind the hotel. Overnight BEN MORO. (b, l, d both days)

February 20: Tinerhir

Turning off the main road this morning, we will enter the stunning Dades Gorge, filled with unusual red rock formations and fascinating villages and Kasbahs. On the way we may see Berbers tending their camels or sheep, women swathed in dark haik, embroidered with vivid colors, or children playing soccer in a stony desert field. In Tinerhir we will have an opportunity to shop for rich Moroccan rugs, or simply photograph the surroundings. Overnight HOTEL KASBAH LAMRANI. (b, l, d)

February 21 - February 22: Erfoud – Merzouga

Today our destination is the Sahara where we will have two days to capture the sunset and rise over the dunes. After enjoying a picnic lunch en-route, we will continue to Erfoud, an oasis region at the edge of the Sahara. We will travel by Land Rovers to our Berber tents in the desert. We are invited to enjoy Sudanese music and dance at Khmlia, where we learn about life in the Sahara (participants can take donations of school supplies to the Sudanese school). If we have time this afternoon we will enjoy our camel ride for sunset photography, or perhaps we will rise early for sunrise. Camels will carry us to the Erg Chebbi, Morocco’s only genuine Saharan Erg – a huge, drifting expanse of sand dunes that typify much of the Algerian Sahara. The dunes themselves are fascinating, especially as the sun reaches the horizon and the colors change from pink to gold to red. This will be your most extraordinary and unforgettable desert experience. Overnight AUBERGE DU SUD (Accommodations are in typical Berber tents with mattress and blankets, rooms may be available in lodge, these cannot be guaranteed). (b, d; b, l, d)

February 23 - February 25: Fes

After sunrise photography in the Sahara we will have breakfast and return to Erfoud. Your escorts will take into account the interests of the group, and stop for photographic opportunities they feel appropriate and timely. Examples of such locations are the spectacular Ziz Valley, often called the “Grand Canyon of Morocco,” which offers sweeping vistas and fascinating rock formations.

Our final destination is Fes, arguably the symbolic heart of Morocco, as all the great dynasties have left their mark on the city; it has, however, retained its Arab identity. The medina, Fes el-Bali, is one of the largest living medieval cities in the world. Its narrow winding alleys and covered bazaars are intricate in their design and are awash of brilliant colors – a veritable assault on the senses as you squeeze past recalcitrant donkeys and submit to the sounds and smells of this jostling city. The dye makers, hills of spices, vats of tanners, and palaces of merchants will beckon us. During a visit to a tannery we can watch the tanners as they work in the varied colors of this land. Our accommodations in Fes are just within the medina walls, providing us with an excellent location for photography. We will also have an opportunity during our stay for a traditional Moroccan Hammam. Overnight HOTEL RIAD YACOUT. (b, l; b)

February 26 - February 27: Chefchaouen

This morning we depart early for the Rif region of Northern Morocco, and the town of Chefchaouen (shef-shau-en), built in to the mountainside. The town was founded in 1492 by Moorish exiles from Spain, often called Chaouen by Moroccans. Chefchaouen was known as the hashish capital of Morocco and has been a favorite haunt of backpackers for years. Hash has been grown, since the fifteenth Century, and is called Kif being the short version of the Arabic word for pleasure. Our accommodations are set in the hillside just above the town, away from the hustle and bustle of the medina, yet walking distance to the areas we will be photographing.

In the medina, people sell all sorts of vegetables and fruits amid the narrow cobbled alleyways of whitewashed walls and blue doors. Chaouen offers many native handicrafts that are not available elsewhere in Morocco, such as wool garments and woven blankets. The goat cheese native to the area is also popular. Pack mules are still lead throughout the streets carrying many of the handcrafted goods and supplies as they have for centuries. The eager merchants are more than willing to discuss their merchandise and engage in the time honored art of negotiation.

The open-aired market is one of the oldest and most charming, with steep, narrow streets, paved with stones that have been polished by the thousands of feet, which have trodden throughout the medina for centuries. The homes are painted white, azure blue, indigo, and purple and have blue shutters and elaborately decorated doorways. Notice the small squares, ornate fountains and ochre tile. Overnight DAR CHEFCHAOUEN. (b, d; b)

February 28: Rabat - Casablanca

This morning we depart early for the Capital City of Rabat, taking time for lunch and photography stops along the way. Photography in the Oudaia Kasbah, a delightful whitewashed Andalusian village built by refugees, combining winding city streets, public gardens and iridescent blue and white houses. We then continue on to Casablanca for a farewell dinner. Overnight SHERATON TOWERS. (b,l,d)

March 1: Casablanca – Home

After an early breakfast, we will leave for the airport for the late morning flight home. (b)

Extension

Essaouira

Essaouira (pronounced Esa-weera) is the most popular of the coastal towns, with magnificent beaches and relaxed atmosphere. The fortifications of the old city are a mixture of Portuguese, French, and Berber military architecture, and their massiveness lends a powerful mystique. You’ll find narrow lanes, whitewashed houses with blue painted doors, tranquil squares, pleasant cafes, and artisans in tiny workshops carving away at fragrant thuya wood.

March 1 - March 2: Essaouira

Those attending the extension will drive south, traveling through the Moroccan countryside, passing through small villages bustling with people, donkeys, and bicycles. Lunch will be at a lovely oceanfront restaurant with incredible gardens. Your final destination is Essaouira, a charming place of white shops and houses, set against a clear blue sky. Over the centuries it has been home to Phoenicians, Romans, Portuguese, and a large Jewish population. We may have time in the evening for a leisurely stroll through the town or along the colorful harbor.

We will explore this delightful place, with time to absorb the unique flavor of the old town, the harbor, and the friendly people. Essaouira is full of the irresistible angles and picturesque sights that are so attractive to photographers. Overnights Riad al Medina (l, d; b, l, d)

March 3: Essaouira - Casablanca

This morning we can spend more time in Essaouira, visiting our favorite places at different light. Depart late morning or early afternoon for our drive back to Casablanca. We will check in to the hotel where we can rest, relax, using hotel services, and have dinner on our own. Overnight Sheraton Towers (b, l)

March 4: Casablanca - Home

Depart on afternoon flights home. (b)

Accommodations

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Guides

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Food & Drink

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Notes

Join accomplished photographer and guide Ron Rosenstock through this special tour of Morocco. Ron started leading photo tours in 1967. In those years he has led more than 200 tours to many destinations worldwide. Ron retired from Clark University after teaching photography there for thirty years. His published books include his exquisite black and white photographs: The Light of Ireland, Chiostro (Cloister), and Hymn to the Earth. Ron’s work has been featured in over one hundred exhibitions, both in the U.S. and abroad, and his photographs are to be found in the permanent collections of the Fogg Art Museum at Harvard University, the Worcester Art Museum in Worcester, Mass., The Polaroid Collection in Cambridge, Mass., and the International Center of Photography in New York City. Ron’s striking, one-of-a-kind photographs can be seen at www.ronrosenstock.com.

Pricing Info

Tour land cost: $3,595 US Dollars based upon minimum of 8 paying participants. There is a small group surcharge of $400 if 5-6 paying participants. All our program prices are based on double occupancy unless noted in exceptions.

Single room supplement: $695; single rooms are subject to availability and are not guaranteed. We try to accommodate travelers who request single accommodations, as well as travelers who are looking for a roommate. If a single room is requested, or if we are unable to find a suitable roommate, you will be required to pay the supplement.

Extension land cost: $0 based upon minimum of paying participants. There is a small group surcharge of $0 if paying participants.

Single room supplement: $0; single rooms are subject to availability and are not guaranteed.

Note: The land costs on international tours is based upon current exchange rates. Although the rate has been relatively stable, should it change, there may need to be an adjustment in the land cost.

General Tour Info (includes, excludes and other details)