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

Opportunities to witness a “total” solar eclipse are rare, and to do so in the Sahara Desert is even rarer! We are excited to offer this unique once-in-a-lifetime journey to see this much-anticipated astronomical event in 2027, while also enjoying a deep dive cultural tour of Morocco.

Morocco is a land of intricately designed cities, colorful villages, and stunning landscapes. With expert guidance and exclusive access, you will delve into this exquisitely beautiful nation to soak up it natural beauty, vibrant culture, and most importantly, experience Morocco’s warm hospitality. We will visit several important and historical (UNESCO) architectural sites, public gardens, and lush landscapes, find out how water is extracted from sand dunes, learn about the history of the country and its people, and dine on exquisite meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients! With the extra added bonus of watching the total solar eclipse from our comfortable guesthouse in the Sahara!

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 / rabat

Arrive at Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca, meet your tour guides, and transfer to our luxury van for a drive to the capitol city of Rabat. Check in at Riad and have time for a rest. In afternoon explore areas of Rabat. Part of our dinner tonight will begin with breaking the fast (Ftour) like Moroccans do doing Ramadan, followed by other traditional Moroccan dishes. Overnight in Rabat. (L,D)

DAY 3

RABAT / CHEFCHAOUEN

Today we embark on a beautiful drive through vast and diverse landscapes to the blue city of Chefchaouen, tucked into the mountains of northern Morocco. After checking into our riad, we will try to catch the sunset overlooking the valley. Overnight in Chefchaouen. (B,L,D)

DAY 4

CHEFCHAOUEN / FES

This morning, we will further explore Chefchaouen, and then depart for the craft capital, Fes. Chefchaouen is a spaghetti works of winding paths lined with small buildings, shops, and homes, all sporting differing shades of blue. It captivates the imagination and inspires the artist in us all! Our drive through the mountains to Fes is one of vast landscapes, sloping agricultural fields, and dramatic views. We will end our day in Fes with dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)

DAY 5

EXPLORE FES

At breakfast, we will learn how traditional Moroccan msemen or rghaif (traditional flat bread) is made and we will enjoy this delicacy at breakfast, among other foods. After breakfast we will depart for a guided tour to explore one of Morocco’s most historic and important cities - Fes. We will dive 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.

While in the markets, we learn about various traditional ingredients used in Moroccan cuisine, followed by lunch where we will taste a variety of traditional dishes at an authentic restaurant. After lunch 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. Overnight in Fes. (B,L,D)

DAY 6

FES / MIDELT

After breakfast we will return to a different area of the Fes medina for a special taste and sound experience of old Fes. You will witness a special Sufi ceremony of spiritual chanting by members of the local Sufi community (a highlight and special treat for our participants).  Afterward, we will begin out drive south to Midelt, crossing the dramatic Middle Atlas Mountains and the lush Cedar Forest. Dinner and overnight  in Midelt. (B,L,D)

DAY 7

MIDELT / MEZGUIDA (TAFILALT OASIS)

Today we drive south crossing over the High Atlas Mountains and descend into the Ziz Valley the Tafilalt Oasis/Palm grove. We will make a stop in Erfoud to see and learn about fossils for which this area is known. Dinner and overnight at our guesthouse in the Tafilalt Oasis. (B,L,D)

DAY 8

RISSANI MARKET DAY / SAHARA DESERT (merzouga)

After an early breakfast, we head to Rissani, a former hub for trans-Saharan trade, exploring its wide variety of local markets (souks). This is a wonderful opportunity to witness a centuries-old marketplace still in full operation. You will see traditional life including how locals dress, trade, and deal their wares. We will have a presentation to learn about spices and herbs and how they are used in daily cooking and traditional healing.

Following our visit to the local market, we will learn about Amazigh textiles, jewelry, and artifacts, including some motifs and their meanings, fabrication techniques, and uses in local culture. Shopping for textiles and other unique gifts is available, if desired.

Late in the afternoon, continue into the desert until we reach the golden sand dunes of the Sahara where, for anyone interested, you can take a camel ride into the dunes to experience their vastness! We will witness the sunset over the dunes, enjoy the swimming pool, and finish the evening with dinner. Overnight in Merzouga. (B,L,D)

DAY 9

sahara desert (solar eclipse) / ouarzazate

We will be up early, enjoy breakfast, and witness the solar eclipse between 8:30-9:50am, from our guesthouse. The sand will become very hot, so we recommend witnessing the eclipse from our Sahara guest house. By 9am we will be on the road to our next destination, Ouarzazate. There are breathtaking views and wild landscapes along our route, driving through the Todra Gorge, Dades, and Rose Valleys, as we begin our climb into the High Atlas Mountains. We will end our day at a guesthouse in Ouarzazate, the heart of movie production in Morocco. (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 terraced 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. Dinner and overnight at our Riad in Marrakech. (B,L,D)

DAY 11

explore marrakech

After breakfast at our riad, we will visit a number of sites in the medina of Marrakech. The history you will discover here is unmatched by many other cultures. We’ll spend time at Le Jardin Secret (the Secret Garden), deep in the medina, and wander through the newly restored Ben Youssef Madrassa. We will walk through the souks to Jmaa el Fna and visit the historic Koutoubia Mosque and gardens, the largest mosque in Marrakech, dating back to the 11th century. Overnight at our riad in Marrakech. (B,L,D)

DAY 12

Marrakech / imlil

This morning, we leave Marrakech for the cooler mountain town of Imlil, where we can do some modest hiking in the hills.  The landscape and views from here are outstanding! Overnight at our guesthouse in Imlil. (B,L,D)

DAY 13

imlil / essaouira

Today, we continue our journey westward toward Essaouira, stopping for lunch at a local vineyard on our way. Here we will see grape vineyards and taste cuisine of the area, while enjoying a variety of their homemade wines. 

Essaouira is our last stop on our cultural and eclipse journey through Morocco. It is a small historic town on the Atlantic coast, dating 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.

After arriving in Essaouira, there will be time for an optional session of hammam & massage (Moroccan bath) experience for anyone interested. For others, you can stroll on the beautiful sandy beach, lounge around the riad’s swimming pool, or just relax in your own way. Tonight, we will be treated to a local seafood dinner at our Riad – a specialty of Essaouira! Overnight at our riad in Essaouira. (B,D) Lunch on your own.

DAY 14

Explore essaouira

Following breakfast at our Riad, we will explore Essaouira markets within the ancient walls of the Medina, visit its lively and active fishing port, wonder its overlooks, watch creative artists at work, and enjoy a freshly prepared lunch at a local fish market. This afternoon can be spent wandering on your own through this easy-to-access medina or remaining with your tour guides to more deeply discover special sites within the medina. Tonight’s farewell dinner will be celebrated at our riad. Overnight in Essaouira. (B,D) Lunch on your own.

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!!

It’s been an honor and pleasure to travel with you on Moroccan Caravan Tours!

DATES, FEES AND TRIP INFORMATION

PRICE PER PERSON FOR SHARED ACCOMMODATION: $4,500 OPTIONAL SOLO SUPPLEMENT: +$800

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!!