Casablanca is known as the industrial city of Morocco, where most economical entities take place. It’s also a city of evolvement, and its change is permanent; which allows the visitor to always find something new to know about, and to enjoy. The corniche is a principal destination in the city, with its monumental Mosque, its Mall and restaurants, as well as the view and freshness it allows next to the Atlantic Ocean
A private vehicle with English speaking guide. During the tour, explore the Imperial City of Meknes along with the Roman city of Volubilis. In antiquity, Volubilis was an important Roman town situated near the westernmost border of Roman Empire. It was built on the site of a previous Carthaginian settlement from the third century BC. Volubilis was the administrative center of the province in Roman Africa called Mauretania Tingitana. The fertile lands of the province produced many commodities such as grain and olive oil, which were exported to Rome, contributing to the province's wealth and prosperity. Discover the Imperial city of Meknes known as the “Moroccan Versailles.” Meknes was founded in the 17th century by King Moulay Ismail. It is famous for its 25-mile-long walls. Upon arrival into Meknes, a hotel drop-off is provided.
Fes is one of the most ancient cities of Morocco, which make of it a rich one artistically and culturally. It’s one of the destinations well known by tourists, where they take most of their souvenirs from, in terms of carpentry and handmade crafts. it's a city full of color for every person to find an inspiration between its streets and products. founded in 859 CE. The city of Fes reached its true economic and cultural height through the 13th and 14th centuries under the Merinids, at which time it replaced Marrakesh as the capital of the kingdom. Although the political capital of Morocco was transferred to Rabat in 1912, Fes has retained its status as the country's artisan center. Workshops hosting master craftsmen in the medina are as busy today as they were hundreds of years ago, and strongly contribute to the city’s industrial economy. Trades such as blacksmithing, leather working, ceramics, silk weaving, and sculpting are still practiced, and you’ll sure to witness this firsthand throughout the day. The tannery of Fes, colorful and pungent, is a must-see; here, workers labor in small pools filled with specific dyes to treat their wares. The original ramparts still protect this ancient city, and its estimated 9,000 passageways and bustling streets are a joy to explore. With a private driver and expert guide at your side, discover the essential highlights of Fes over the course of this full-day tour.
Out to tour the labyrinthine souks of Fes with your private guide. Among the many shops and stalls are artisan workshops and studios where traditional skills, passed down by Moorish émigrés from Andalusia for generations, are still practiced by master craftsmen. Metal and leather workers, ceramic, silk, tapestry, and sculpting masters all congregate in the area, just as in centuries past. Highlights of the tour include visiting a vast open-air tannery and the spice souk known as El Attarine, undoubtedly the most vibrant in Fes, as well as the henna and wood-working souks located in the Nejjarine neighborhood where the heavy scent of cedar lingers in the air. Here, the main plaza is lined with trees that provide a welcome respite from the warm sun and is also where you can the city’s best fabric dyers. Wool and cotton are treated in colorful dyes here, and small streams of excess pigments float down the streets as finished garments are completed and rinsed. After a few hours navigating the Artisan's Quarter, you will be returned to your hotel.
Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.
From Fes, we head right the next day to Marrakesh, as our trip to come is one of many mesmerizes.
The principal imperial cities of Morocco embrace between their junctions pearls-like cities and villages, all in a landscape of mountains and green lands.
Beni Mellal will be our first stop on the road, then through the Middle Atlas Mountains we’ll reach Immouzer villages, to find our way to Ifrane, and Kasbah of Ras El Ain.
After 7h30min of travel, a deserved rest waits for us in the city of Marrakesh.
Marrakesh is the international city in Morocco by excellence. No tourist feels as a stranger in it. Its streets have the ability to receive a person and make of him a belonging citizen not only a passerby, and to visit Marrakesh is to have a vivid experience in one’s mind that never grows old.
By the simple existence of the merchants in Jamaa Lfna, one can enjoy a view from the ordinary day to day life of others, while having his Moroccan tea in one of the Terraces around.
The fresh smells of herbs and flowers that make different oils, candles and waters, which are sold in Marrakesh in addition to wool products give the warmth that is sufficient enough to represent the spirit of the city in one’s mind.
Marrakesh has as well as the whole region up north it, agricultural lands that give to it natural views and fresh air.
Many cultural buildings and gardens as well as the simple red architecture of the city consist a pillar in the touristic attractivity of it.
We’ll make sur to visit Yves Saint Laurent’s Garden, that was called Majorelle as its founder, to witness its colorful flowers and plants, and to take a look at the museum area, as well as some paintings of Jackes Majorelle.
To take an experience of the different elements that make Morocco, a visit to the desert is essential. A thousand- and one-night story’s ambiance-like is provided under the cover of the stars and the thin layer of a tent, that’s how you end smoothly and not less magically a vivid travel in Morocco.
We’ll make sur to take the short way back to Casablanca for the Airport, hoping that you’ll keep in mind and heart all the beautiful places.
Among various touristic places of Morocco, this course of travel has 4 imperial cities at its center and a gateway in between made of natural and architectural views. It takes you to see the different faces that make the Moroccan structure and it enriches your senses and mind with memories.
Protect your travel
We recommend travel protection. Between missed connections, lost or delayed luggage, or medical emergencies, you want some peace of mind that your travel investment is well protected.
No matter who you buy from, please consider purchasing a travel protection plan before you travel.
Located in Casablanca, 5.3 km from Hassan II Mosq, New Hotel Piscine Wellness & Spa has accommodations with a fitness center, free private parking, a terrace and a restaurant. Featuring a bar, the 4-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The hotel has family rooms.
The rooms include a flat-screen TV, and some accommodations at the hotel have a balcony.
Located in Meknès, 30.6 km from Volubilis, Riad le petit ksar provides air-conditioned rooms and a terrace. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a shared kitchen and a shared lounge, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Guests can enjoy city views.
All guest rooms at the hotel are equipped with a seating area. Every room includes a coffee machine and a private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries, while certain rooms will provide you with a kitchen equipped with a fridge. At Riad le petit ksar rooms come with bed linen and towels.
Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a continental or a halal breakfast.
Located on the hill of Fez enjoying a panoramic view of Ziat, Riad Dar Chrifa offers friendly service in a peaceful and traditional setting.
Riad Dar Chrifa has been designed to create a true Moroccan atmosphere, but without compromising on modern comforts.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast in your room or on the terrace at any time you choose. Traditional and delicious Moroccan cuisine is offered on the patio or terrace.
Riad has a garden, shared lounge, a terrace and restaurant in Marrakesh. With free WiFi, this 5-star hotel offers a shared kitchen and a concierge service. Guests can have a drink at the snack bar.
At the hotel rooms include air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a shower, free toiletries and a hairdryer. At Riad Merzouga all rooms have bed linen and towels.
Buffet and continental breakfast options are available each morning at the accommodation.
Riad Merzouga has a grill.
Popular points of interest near the hotel include Bahia Palace, Djemaa El Fna and Koutoubia. The nearest airport is Marrakech-Menara Airport, 5 km from Riad Merzouga.
Traditional Dishes
One of the most striking features of Moroccan cooking is the quality and fquality and freshnes of the ingredients. Produce comes from a land without pesticides, chemicals,
hormones or preservatives. Animals are slaughtered just hours before they are este The meat you are offered will generally be mutton, not lamb. Market vegetables whave been gathered that morning. Spices, herbs, fresh fruit, nuts and dried fruthae an invigorating vitality completely removed from the packaged and imported products available in much of Europe and North America.
lo encourage you, here are explanations of some of the most common and popular Moroccan traditional dishes (for details of Arab and French pronunciation,see Language,
Harira: a thick soup of chick peas, lentils and haricot beans often flavoured witn mutton or chicken, lemon and tarragon.mutton or chicken, lemon and tarragon.
Brochettes: Grilled kebabs of mutton, liver and fat.
Kefta: Spicy meatballs made of minced mutton and offal, often served in a negg sauce.
Pastilla/bastilla: A pie made up of multiple layers of flaky pastry filled With y
chopped pigeon meat, eggs, almonds and spices. Chicken or fish may be used instead of pigeon.
Tagine: Along with couscous, this is the most universal of Moroccan dishes -
slowly simmered stew,cooked in its own juices in an earthenware bowl with a distinctive conical lid. The tagine provides the foundation for using a whole spectrum
of ingredients, spices and styles. The most popular variants found on most menus across Morocco are: tagine de viande (mutton stew cooked with vegetables or serve
alone with prunes); tagine de poisson (bream or sardine stew cooked with tomatoe and herbs); tagine de lapin (rabbit stew); and tagine de poulet aux olives et citron
(a delicious chicken stew cooked With lemon and olives). The lemon gives a deliciou bitter zest to the meat.
Mechoui: Lamb roasted whole on a spit or baked in a special oven. This delicate and fragrant meat, far removed1 from the usual mutton, is eaten with bread. It is, howevel
an elaborate luxury which is often only available if ordered well in advance.
Couscous: This dish is made from half-baked flour which is then ground into semolina-like grains. A perecty prepared couscous is laboriously cooked in a succession of steamings and oilings that allow each grain to cook while retaining adistinct granular texture. couscous served outside of a home or a good restaurant is
unlikely to be found at its best. It is usually accompanied by sept légumes (seven steamed vegetables) with the odd lump of mutton. It can also be served as a pudding
with sugar, cinnamon and rich, warm goat's milk.
Cornes de gazelle: Croissant-like pastries filled with honey and almonds.
Travelers from the US only are required to have a valid US Passport – but it must NOT be due to expire within 6 months of your return flight.
Your flight destination will be Marrakech Menara International Airport (RAK) / Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport. Royal Air Maroc is the only airline that has direct flights from the US to Morocco, from both JFK and Washington Dulles.
You can also book flights traveling through major European airports, as there are many connecting flights to Marrakech through economy airlines such as Ryan Air, Easyjet, Iberia, etc. We’ve found that it is easier to find good connecting flights on the way to Marrakech than on the return, but you can take the opportunity to end your trip with a day or two stop in Spain, France, Portugal, England….
Immunizations are not required or necessary but check here for CDC recommendations.
What To Wear
Weather is predictably unpredictable so be sure to check on the estimated conditions the week before you travel. Even though Marrakech can be quite warm by day, it is usually quite cooler at night so pack light clothes that you can layer. We recommend cotton pants, long skirts, wraps or large scarves over tank and tee shirts, and a sweater or light jacket for chilly nights.
Your most important fashion asset: comfortable shoes for traversing the Medina on sightseeing and shopping adventures!
Morocco is a Muslim country and women generally dress more modestly than in the US or Europe. Like elsewhere, dress codes are gradually becoming more lax and there is a lot of tolerance for tourists, but wearing clothing that covers your best “assets”, and that your grandmother would approve of, shows cultural respect, good taste, and common sense.
Money ExchangeThe currency here is the Moroccan Dirham, and the exchange rate usually hovers these days around 10 Dirhams/1 Dollar. You CANNOT exchange for Dirhams outside of Morocco, but there are several currency exchange booths in the airport when you exit Passport Control and also located all around the Medina. Larger stores and restaurants may take Euros, but it’s really best to have dirhams.
If you bring large bills ($100) to exchange be sure that they are newer bills with holograms. Otherwise they will slide them back to you with a shake of their head.
Another good option for padding your wallet with dirhams is to use the ATM machines which are located around the medina. The exchange rate is a little better, especially if your bank or credit card doesn’t add foreign transaction fees (some homework for you). Be sure to notify your bank of your foreign travel destination so they don’t flag you for fraud. I also recommend that you bring 2 or 3 cards-just in case you still get flagged (happens!) and find too many things you just can’t live without.
Guest House
Free Wifi access in all rooms and common areas
Bedside Mineral Water
Hair Dryers
One-time complimentary laundry service for retreat weeks
Extra items you should pack:
Each country has its own history: historical facts, events and important milestones that gave the country its true historical value. The history of a country is one of the events considered worthy of remembrance, which perfectly applies to Morocco. With several dynasties that have succeeded one another over the years: the Idrisside dynasty, the Almoravid dynasty, the Almohad dynasty, the Merinid dynasty, the Saadian dynasty and the Alaouite dynasty, Morocco has gained international consideration as a multicultural country, with several types of heritage recognized as World Heritage by UNESCO. Morocco is one of the go-to destinations for discovery lovers, the most fascinated by nature, history, the art of living and Moroccan hospitality. The experience gained during their journeys in Morocco leave them pleasantly satisfied with their stay.
When we receive your deposit we will email you to confirm your reservation and payment.
Once the retreat becomes guaranteed (minimum number of registrants met) we will contact you to confirm your reservation and arrange payment of the balance for the retreat if only the deposit was paid at registration.
If for any reason the retreat does not become guaranteed, you will be refunded any funds paid (deposit or total amount).
A deposit is required to the teacher :