Addi Ouadderrou

Addi is a native Moroccan from the desert region, and an expert on Moroccan culture, with over 25-years of experience in directing deep-dive and personalized cultural tours into Moroccan history, life, arts, languages, food, dance, music, and more. Addi is the owner of Moroccan Caravan, LLC, and is the tour leader and manager. addi@moroccancaravan.com

Sandra Youssef Clinton, FASLA

Sandra, Founder, CLINTON+RIES Landscape Architects, is a renowned landscape architect and mixed-media artist in the Washington, DC region, and has traveled extensively in Morocco and throughout the world. Sandy will enhance participants’ experiences of each garden as she shares her design and horticultural expertise throughout the tour.  syc@clinton-la.com

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Experience the UNESCO World Heritage Centre of Fes, where artists create the intricate brass work, textiles, ceramics, clothing, jewelry, and leather goods of their ancestors.

Visit historic and modern gardens, and learn how they are connected to the land, culture, and history.

Stay in a traditional Amazigh home to better understand the culture of an indigenous population who has withstood the test of time.

Take a camel trek through the dramatic golden dunes of the Sahara and sleep under the stars in a nomadic desert camp.

Join the nightly carnival of fortune-tellers, dancers, and musicians in Marrakech’s lively medina.

Taste the rich variety of spices, herbs, and delectable Moroccan foods.

Itinerary

Day 1

Depart USA to Casablanca/Morocco

Begin your travels today with a flight across the Atlantic to arrive in Casablanca, Morocco no later than 10:30am on Day 2 of the Itinerary. Participants book own flights. Suggest nonstop flights from the US to Casablanca, Morocco on Royal Air Maroc:

            - From New York (JFK)

            - From DC area, Dulles international Airport (IAD)

           - From Miami (MIA)

Day 2

Casablanca / FES

Arrive at Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca, meet your tour guides, and transfer to our luxury van for a beautiful drive through vast and diverse landscapes, with a stop at the ancient Roman Ruins of Volubilis.  After touring this unique site, we will continue to Fes. (L,D)

DAY 3

Explore Fes

Morning departure for a guided tour to explore one of Morocco’s most historic and important cities - Fes. The visit will take us into the medina (“old city”) to see some of its many sections. Each section specializes in certain types of foods, wares, and handmade arts and crafts, such as embroidery, weaving, and ceramics. We will have an opportunity to see artisans making exquisite items using centuries-old traditional techniques. Of special interest are the ancient leather dyeing vats in the heart of the city. We will sample a wide variety of local cuisines. (B,L,D)

DAY 4

Fes / midelt

After breakfast we Make a visit to Jnan Sbil garden, once a royal garden. We then go to a family home to experience a special Sufi ceremony in the Fes medina. There is a strong sense of spirituality, mysticism, and transcendence, expressing itself through ancient rituals and ceremonies.  Fes is a spiritual center for Sufism, a dimension of Islam, and this is a unique experience we are honored to have together.

Afterward, we continue south, crossing the Cedar Forest and ending the day at our hotel in Midelt. This evening you should pack a small bag for one-night overnight in the desert the next day. (B,L,D)

DAY 5

sahara desert

Today we drive south through the Ziz Valley to the Tafilalet Oasis/ Palm grove. We will make a stop in Erfoud to see and learn about fossils that this area is known for then continue out into the desert until we reach the golden sand dunes of the Sahara Desert! In the afternoon, we go on a magical camel ride across the dunes for an overnight stay and enjoy a festive dinner at our camp. Be prepared to join the drumming, singing, and dancing circle at our Saharan camp! (B,L,D)

DAY 6

return from camp / Saharan oasis / tafilalet

After returning from our camel excursion, we will enjoy downtime by the pool.  Prior to lunch, we will have a demonstration and learn how to make a local specialty of stuffed bread baked in the sand, as the nomads have done for centuries.

The afternoon will be spent exploring the desert region including a Saharan oasis and gardens, witnessing how locals extract water from the dunes for drinking and irrigation using an ancient underground system called khuttaras.  Our day will be topped with a visit to a local Gnawa community to sip mint tea and experience their unique spiritual music and chanting. Overnight at our guesthouse in Mezguida (B,L,D)

DAY 7

rissani market / tafilalet palm grove

This morning we head into nearby Rissani, a former hub for trans-Saharan trade. We will explore its local markets and learn about medicinal and culinary spices and how they are used for preparation in local cuisine. Also, today, we will have the opportunity to enjoy a presentation about textiles and jewelry. This is an opportunity to learn about Amazigh (Berber) textiles, motifs, and techniques, and their uses in local culture. Shopping for rugs, jewelry, and other unique gifts is available, if desired. We end our day with dinner and overnight at our guesthouse (B,L,D)

DAY 8

day experience with family in the Tafilalet palm grove. 

Today, we spend the day around our guesthouse to soak in more of this southeastern culture. We will participate in a cooking class and prepare a local specialty which will be our lunch. We will visit a 17th century adobe village, where we will understand how locals have lived for centuries. We will learn how to make traditional mint tea and learn about traditional clothing and design patterns and motifs. Overnight at our guest house. (B.L,D)

DAY 9

mezguida / todra gorge / ouarzazate

This morning we begin to head west, stopping at the Todra Gorge to wander along the river.  We will stop for lunch and along the way we pass through a lush valley surrounded by adobe villages and filled with date palm trees. We end our day in Ouarzazate with dinner and a special Moroccan Folk music and dance performance (Ahidous) by local artists. (B,L,D)

DAY 10

ouarzazate / kasbah ait ben haddou / marrakech

Ouarzazate is a town known for film production. As we head further west today, we will cross the amazing High Atlas Mountains. The scenery in the mountains is striking and unique, as dozens of Amazigh (Berber) villages accented with terrace gardens, can be seen. One of the highlights for today is the UNESCO world heritage site, Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou. Prior to approaching Marrakech, we visit a women’s cooperative that specializes in making famous Argan Oil. Overnight at our Riad in Marrakech. (B,L,D)

DAY 11

explore marrakech

Today we have a full day walking tour to explore Marrakech. We will visit the 19th century Bahia Palace, and the 11th century Koutoubia Mosque and gardens. We will then enter the lively souks (“markets”) to experience the colors and fragrances. Overnight at our Riad in Marrakech. (B,L,D)

DAY 12

further explore Marrakech

We will continue to explore Marrakech by exploring the newly restored Ben Youssef Madrassa and the lush hidden Le Jardin Secret, both located within the walls of the Marrakech medina. After lunch, we will further explore the souks and help folks who wish to make purchases in this unique market. Our day ends with cocktails and dinner at our Riad. (B,L,D)

DAY 13

Anima gardens / essaouira

Today, we leave Marrakech and visit Anima gardens, just south of Marrakech.  This exotic and fanciful garden was designed by universalist artist, Andre Heller.  It offers fanciful, contemplative, magical, sensual, and inspiring combinations of sculpture and gardens for all to experience and enjoy.  Participants will purchase and enjoy lunch on their own in the garden before continuing our drive westward to Essaouira. 

This historic small town on the Atlantic coast of Morocco, Essaouira dates back to the Middle Ages. Originally named Mogador in the 1500’s, it has been occupied by the Portuguese, Spanish, and French. The present-day city of Essaouira was built during the mid-18th century by King Mohammed III. (B, D). Lunch on your own at Anima Garden.

DAY 14

Further Explore essaouira

We will explore Essaouira markets within the ancient walls of the Medina, visit its fishing port and dramatic overlooks, and watch artists creating their wares.  Essaouira is an easy place to wander on your own, walk the beach, take a nap by the pool of our Riad, shop in the small and intimate Medina, and possibly experience an optional session of hammam & massage (Moroccan bath) - A very relaxing way to complete our rich touring experience.  We will enjoy a final celebratory dinner at our Riad this evening. (B, D) Lunch on your own in or around the Medina.

DAY 15

Transfer to Casablanca airport 

This morning we depart for a few hours’ drive north to Casablanca’s Mohammed V Airport to fly home.

Bon Voyage!!

DATES, FEES AND TRIP INFORMATION

2024-2025 PRICE PER PERSON FOR SHARED ACCOMMODATION: $3,900
OPTIONAL SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: +$750

Plus $300/person out-of-pocket expenses paid directly by tour director throughout the trip, to be paid by each participant in US cash at the outset of the tour

Included in this trip:

• 1st class private air-conditioned van/bus transportation throughout the tour

• Multiple garden visits

• Delicious hands-on food preparation in the local styles

• Charming accommodations as indicated in the itinerary or similar

• Admission to historical sites, gardens, and parks during scheduled guided group tours

• Visit to a mud (adobe) brick village in southern Morocco

• All meals as indicated in the itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)

• Water is provided with meals included in itinerary. Other beverages and water for daily consumption are not included

• First-rate tour leaders, professional drivers, and licensed tour guides for specialty locations

• Many unique surprises!

NOT INCLUDED IN THIS TRIP:

• Airfare 

• Travel Insurance and Personal Health Insurance

• Passport fees and related paperwork

• Private vehicle/transfers for any participants who, for any reason, must leave earlier than the rest of the group or break off from either the main tour and or the extension and transferring to any airport or anywhere in Morocco or beyond. Transfer cost TBD but is estimated to be $300)

• Shopping, massages, hammam visits, liquor, or anything not included in this package

• Excess baggage, telephone, laundry, room service, personal and medical expenses

• Out-of-pocket expenses paid along the way by the tour director for entry fees, porters, housekeeping, servers, special cultural guides, etc.

• Tips for the tour leaders and driver

DAY 1

TBD

TBD

DAY 2

TBD

TBD

DAYs 3

TBD

TBD

DAY 6

Transfer to airport

Transfer to fly out. BON VOYAGE!!