Strabo Photo Tour Collection

Morocco: Mystery of Morocco 2009

Three spaces available on March 27-April 10. March 13-27 sold out.

Exotic souks, the dramatic Sahara, veiled women, laughing children, exquisite scenery —
We invite you, the inquisitive traveler, to join photographer Ron Rosenstock on this special tour of Morocco. We will have a cordial welcome in this country with its irresistible allure and warm hospitality.

Combining the history and natural beauty of this rich and fascinating country with first-person encounters, we will visit native villages, ancient medinas, and craftsmen’s workshops, sharing experiences and sipping mint tea: symbolic of the warm, sincere Moroccan generosity. We will enjoy the sights in vibrant Marrakech and ancient Fes, rug shopping with the Blue Men of the desert, palace visits, and an unforgettable journey into the Sahara on camelback for sunrise, and much more. Hotels are comfortable, as is the private, air-conditioned coach for land transportation; most meals are included. 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.

Itinerary

March 27: Casablanca – Home

After an early breakfast, we’ll leave for the airport for the flight home. (b)

March 28: Early morning arrival to Casablanca

The local guide will meet us upon arrival in Casablanca, and we will board the deluxe, air-conditioned coach. We will have our first photography session outside the King Hassan II Mosque, with an interior tour. North of the medina and rising up on a point above the Atlantic Ocean, the mosque is the largest religious monument in the world after Mecca. King Hassan II Mosque, building cost estimated at $750 million, is entirely funded by citizen donations. It was completed in 1993, after 6000 Moroccan craftsmen worked on it day and night for five years. The 200m high minaret of this vast new mosque floats above the skyline of Casablanca, the sun glancing off its façade of pale marble and glazed tile and from the three gilded balls at its summit. The tower is offset from the enormous rectangular twenty-two acre prayer hall; three times the size of St. Paul’s Cathedral. After lunch at a lovely seafood restaurant our group will enjoy a tour, where we will have an opportunity to photograph in one of the world's most famous cities, Casablanca. In North Africa, only Cairo can compete with Casa in growth, verve and vibrancy, but it is this city facing out to the Atlantic that seems the more oriented to the international pattern of trade and sympathetic to Western influences. Overnight SHERATON TOWERS. (l, d)

March 29: Casablanca – Essaouira

Driving south, we will travel 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. Our 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. Overnight HOTEL RIAD AL MADINA. (b, l)

March 30: 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. We will spend the day exploring 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.
Overnight at the HOTEL RIAD AL MADINA. (b, l)

March 31: Essaouira – Ourika Valley – Marrakech

After breakfast we will continue our exploration of Essaouira with its ramparts and colorful markets. Taking a picnic lunch with us, we’ll drive west to Marrakech, the city of drama. Just one hour away from the heat and crowds we’ll enjoy many photo opportunities as we visit the Ourika Valley, stopping at villages, dotted with red-colored Kasbahs, riotous palm groves, and spectacular natural settings. Chat with local people, admire the lovely landscapes and learn more about this country of contrasts.

In the afternoon we’ll return to Marrakech and 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 souks, haggle passionately for carpets, or dine in some of the best restaurants in the country. 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’ll see snake charmers, magicians, acrobats, and dancers, delighting children and adults alike. Overnight RYAD MOGADOR AGDAL. (b, l, d)

April 1: Marrakech

This morning we will stop to visit the exquisite Majorelle Garden. It is part of the former residence of French artist Louis Majorelle, now owned and beautifully renovated by couturier Yves St. Laurent. In among the floral smorgasbord is what was 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.
Overnight RYAD MOGADOR AGDAL. (b, l, d)

April 2 - April 3: Marrakech – Ait Benhaddou – 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. We will continue on to one of the most exotic and best-preserved Kasbahs in the whole Atlas region; it has been used for scenes in films such as Lawrence of Arabia and Jesus of Nazareth. We’ll eat lunch with the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou in view; UNESCO has designated this as a World Heritage Site. 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. This afternoon there will be free time, so you can enjoy more photography within walking distance of the hotel or relax amongst the gardens and veranda of Kasbah Ben Moro. Overnight at the HOTEL KASBAH BEN MORO. (b, l, d)

April 5: Skoura – Tinerhir

A drive along the “Valley of the Thousand Kasbahs” will take us through stony desert landscapes with many 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. Turning off the main road, we’ll enter the stunning Dades Gorge, filled with unusual red rock formations and fascinating villages and Kasbahs. Overnight KASBAH LAMRANI. (b, l, d)

April 6: Tinerhir – Erfoud – Merzouga

Resuming our drive, we will arrive at the Todra Gorge, where soaring cliffs and massive walls interrupt the path of the sun. There will be time for photographing this amazing gorge, enjoying time for a short walk or relax while watching the enthusiastic rock climbers. After enjoying a picnic lunch enroute, 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. A camel ride awaits us at sunset, or sunrise tomorrow, taking us into 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 can not be guaranteed nor can a single room). (b, l, d)

April 7: Merzouga – Erfoud – Midelt

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.

Given time today or tomorrow morning, we drive to Ahewelin, a mining town, which was abandoned in the 1950’s. The village is built along a riverbed, which we can walk at leisure and enjoy photographing the abandoned buildings and beautiful scenery. The dark holes of old mine workings gape enticingly from the gorge walls. Copper and silver were extracted from this region; now the machinery, bridges, catwalks, great metal flood doors and housing for some of the 3000 workers stands neglected and empty. The gorge has returned into the possession of goatherds and fishermen. There are still friendly villagers scattered over the hillside tending to their sheep and goats. Overnight HOTEL KASBAH ASMAA. (b, l)

April 8 - April 9: Fes

Today we will enjoy a full-day guided tour of Fes, Morocco’s oldest imperial city and the center of culture and religious learning. Fes is 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. After lunch in the medina, we will continue our explorations.

There will be another full day tomorrow with the beautiful sights and sounds of Fes el-Bali, where we will learn about the different styles and techniques employed in the creation of Moroccan rugs. If we want to make a purchase, we will follow the ancient Moroccan custom of bargaining for our choices, as we sip mint tea. This afternoon we’ll enjoy photographing the winding streets of Fes. Overnight HOTEL JNAN PALACE. (b, d; b)

April 9: Fes – Rabat - Casablanca

This morning we depart early for the Capital City of Rabat. There are areas closed to traffic, making this an ideal location for our last photo opportunity. The Oudaia Kasbah interior is a delightful whitewashed Andalusian village built by refugees, combining winding city streets, public gardens and iridescent blue and white houses. Re-boarding the coach, we’ll arrive in Casablanca in time to freshen up before enjoying a farewell dinner. Overnight SHERATON TOWERS. (b, l, d)

April 10: 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.

Accommodations

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Guides

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Food & Drink

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Pricing Info

Tour land cost: $3,595 US Dollars based upon minimum of 9 paying participants. There is a small group surcharge of $300 if 6-8 paying participants. All our program prices are based on double occupancy unless noted in exceptions.

Single room supplement: $595; 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.

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)