Addi Ouadderrou

Addi is a native Moroccan from the desert region, and an expert on Moroccan culture and history. With over 25-years of experience directing deep-dive and personalized cultural tours, Addi acquaints participants with his country’s history, lifestyles, arts, languages, food, dance, music, and more. Addi is the owner of Moroccan Caravan, LLC, is the tour co-leader and manager, and makes all on the ground arrangements for this tour, allowing visitors the opportunity to relax and enjoy the entire trip stress-free. addi@moroccancaravan.com

Day 1

Depart USA to Casablanca/Morocco

Begin travels today with a flight across the Atlantic to arrive in Casablanca, Morocco no later than 10:00am on DAY 2 of this Itinerary.

Participants book their own flights. Suggested nonstop flights from the US to Casablanca, Morocco on Royal Air Maroc depart: from New York (JFK), from Washington DC Dulles (IAD), from Miami (MIA), from Montreal (YUL). This is an overnight flight.

Day 2

Casablanca / RABAT

Arrive at CMN Airport and transfer to Casablanca center to visit the Hassan II Mosque overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Following our tour of the mosque we will travel to Rabat aboard our private vehicle, the capital of Morocco, with a lively art scene and deep history. Time permitting, we will visit the Andalusian gardens of the Kasbah des Oudayas, and a few other wonderful sites - overnight in Rabat. (L,D)

DAY 3

explore rabat

Today we will more deeply explore Rabat, visiting the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the quaint but lively medina of Rabat, and other important sites. Overnight in Rabat. (B,L,D)

DAY 4

rabat to chefchaouen

This morning, enjoy the picturesque drive through the mountains and rolling agricultural fields to wind our way to the mountain town of Chefchaouen (the blue city). We will explore Chefchaouen primarily on foot, weaving our way into the tiny village streets to discover so many shades of blue, and so many cats! Views into and out of the town are quite picturesque! Overnight at our riad in Chefchaouen. (B,D)

DAY 5

chefchaouen to fes

Today we head into the Middle Atlas Mountains to the artistic center of Morocco: Fes.

We’ll arrive in time for a special Sufi ceremony and dinner in the heart of the Fes medina – overnight in the ancient city of Fes. (B,L,D)

DAYs 6

explore fes

Today will be spent exploring the winding medina of Fes, where many handicrafts are still maintained and produced using centuries-old techniques. From weavers, dyers, and embroiderers, to brass work and leather workers, you will witness the artistry in motion.

We begin by witnessing Fes from a prominent overlook where you can see the vastness of the city and end our day walking through its many streets.  Comfortable shoes and clothing are a must. Overnight in Fes. (B,L,D)

DAY 7

fes to tafilalt

This morning, we board our vehicle for a picturesque drive south to the desert oasis of Tafilalt, crossing the Middle Atlas Mountains and the dramatic eastern High Atlas Mountains.

After a day-long drive, with multiple stops of interest, we will reach our guesthouse at the edge of the Sahara Desert, where we will spend time together discovering places few others get to experience, venturing deeper into the desert region, and primarily socializing and interacting with other artists, sharing ideas. Overnight at our guest house in the Oasis. (B,L,D)

DAYs 8-9

artist retreat

The next 2 days will be spent in and around the creative space of the guesthouse. Indigo and henna dyeing on fabric, and collage, mosaic work, decorative pillowcases, t-shirts, etc.

Each participant is able to spend time how they wish, either as a group or individually, bringing your own art supplies as needed to make your own creations. Overnights at our guest house in the Oasis. (B,L,D)

DAYs 10-11

explore tafilalt oasis & camel trek

Today we’ll take a break from art making and will go on a fossil hunt in the hills in the Oasis. This area is widely known for its ancient fossils, and this will give you an opportunity to dive deeper into how to find and collect these gems. We’ll then head to the desert for a sunset camel ride.

The next day is one of the weekly Market Days in nearby Rissani, an ancient trading center at the crossroads of nomadic routes. We’ll visit this lively market - an amazing place for people-watching and understanding how and where locals purchase food and supplies. This is a great opportunity to learn about local spices and their uses in both food preparation and medicinal applications. Overnights at our guest house in the Oasis. (B,L,D)

day 12

art retreat wrap-up

This will be a day used for completing any unfinished art projects from previous days, relaxation, and showing off your new art pieces. Overnight at our guest house in the Oasis. (B,L,D)

DAY 13

Bon voyage

Leave early morning to catch flight from Errachicia Airport (ERR) to Casablanca Airport to return home to USA.

It is crucial to register for this trip and book this flight early to avoid a day-long drive across Morocco to catch your flight in Casablanca back to the USA.

For those wishing to continue travels in Morocco we offer this Optional Extension - please see below for Itinerary.

DAY 1 - optional extension

Rissani to Todra Gorge and Ouarzazate

This morning you will set out on a ride full of unique scenes, wandering through a series of lush valleys, small villages, and the rugged Todra Gorge (canyon). Continuing westward, through the Dades Valley along the “Trail of 1000 Kasbahs”, adobe fortifications will fill the view. Overnight in Ouarzazate. (B,D)

DAY 2 - optional extension

Ouarzazate - Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou - Marrakech

Ouarzazate is a town known for film production. Today you 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 world heritage site Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou. You will visit a women’s cooperative that specializes in making famous Argan Oil. Overnight in Marrakech. (B,D)

DAY 3 - optional extension

Explore Marrakech

Today, you explore the lively medina of Marrakech. You will visit a lush hidden garden (Le Jardin Secret), created on the grounds of a historical site, the 19th century Bahia Palace, and the 11th century Koutoubia Mosque and gardens. You will then experience the colors and smells of the lively souks (markets). Overnight in Marrakech. (B,D)

Day 4 - optional extension

further explore marrakech

Spend the day in Marrakech on your own or take a short drive outside of town to visit the stunning anima Garden, with its endless colorful floral and sculptural displays. Lunch on your won at the Garden Café. In the afternoon you return to Marrakech to further explore the medina, shop, and pack for your morning departure. Overnight in Marrakech. (B,D)

DAY 5 - optional extension

Transfer to Casablanca airport for departures

This morning we will leave Marrakech and transfer to Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca, arriving at least 3 hours prior to departure. (B)

Bon Voyage!

FEES AND TRIP INFORMATION

fees

BASE TRIP - $3,800 for shared accommodation+ $200 for out-of-pocket expenses paid by the tour director along the way; $700 single room supplement

5-DAY OPTIONAL EXTENSION - $1,250 for shared accommodation + $100 for out-of-pocket expenses paid by tour director along the way; $200 single room supplement

Included in this trip:

●  1st class private, air-conditioned van/bus transportation during the tour

●  Charming accommodations as indicated in the itinerary or similar

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

●  All meals as indicated in the itinerary, excluding all beverages (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner). Water will be served with every included meal

●  First rate tour leaders, professional driver, and licensed tour guides for specialty locations

●  Some art supplies and equipment during artist retreat

●  Many unique surprises!

NOT INCLUDED IN THIS TRIP:

●  Airfare

●  Travel Insurance and Personal Health Insurance

●  Passport fees and related paperwork

●  Private vehicular transfer

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

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

●  Art supplies for artist retreat $150/person to be paid in cash to tour directors during the tour

●  Tips for drivers/tour leaders