Addi Ouadderrou directs and manages this deep-dive tour where we experience daily life, cultural traditions, history, art, architecture, music, gardens, and more. Owner of Moroccan Caravan, LLC, a native Moroccan from the desert region, and an expert on Moroccan culture, Addi has been guiding large and small group tours for over 25 years. addi@moroccancaravan.com

Sandra Youssef Clinton, founder of CLINTON+RIES Landscape Architects, is a nationally recognized landscape architect and artist from Washington, DC. She has traveled extensively and co-led tours with Addi throughout Morocco since 2019, exploring landscapes, gardens, arts, architecture, and culture of different regions. Sandy brings her organizational skills, and her art, plant, and design expertise to every tour. syc@clinton-la.com

Maria Hamburger - Guest Yoga Instructor is a certified yoga teacher with over 20 years of experience, who teaches students of all abilities in classes that are both physically and spiritually engaging. Her classes explore the benefits of the ancient practice of yoga within our modern world. Maria is a FRC mobility specialist who integrates anatomy and physiology along with strength and mobility training into her classes. mariahamburger.com/morocco-yoga-retreat

Day 1

Depart USA to Casablanca, Morocco

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

            - From New York (JFK), Miami (MIA), Washington Dulles International (IAD)

Day 2

arrive Casablanca - MARRAKECH

Arrive at Casablanca airport, meet your tour guides, and transfer to our luxury van to head to the center of Casablanca.  There we will walk the exterior of the majestic Hassan II Mosque, stop by Rick’s Café, and enjoy a delicious lunch. Then we head south to the former Imperial City of Marrakech where we spend our first several nights in Morocco. (L, D)

DAY 3 - Day 6

marrakech

Our schedule for the next few days will reflect the timetable below (daily schedules may vary):

8:00-9:00am - Light breakfast

9:00am-11:00am – Morning Yoga Practice

12-1pm - Lunch at the Riad or out

1:00pm-5:30pm - Each day we will explore a series of cultural opportunities throughout the medina of Marrakech, including: the central plaza of Jemma el Fna; Le Jardin Secret; the newly renovated Ben Youssef Madrassa; Bahia Palace; Koutubia Mosque; the network of souks and markets; specialty cultural shops; community bakeries; and so much more

6:00-7:00pm – Afternoon Yoga Practice followed by dinner (B, L, D)

DAY 7

travel day - anima garden to essaouira

Following breakfast we will leave, with our luggage, and travel a short distance to the lush sculpture and botanical garden of Anima. Here you will have the opportunity to tour this surprising and beautiful landscape, filled with plants from around the globe, and landscape settings that highlight each artist’s work.

Following lunch at the garden cafe, we will continue westward to Essaouira, an historic and active fishing village nestled in a picturesque cove on the Atlantic Ocean coast of Morocco. The day will conclude with dinner and settling into our lodging where we will stay for the next 5 nights. (B, L, D)

DAY 8 - day 11

Essaouira

Our schedule for the next few days will reflect the timetable below (daily schedules may vary):

8:00-9:00am - Light breakfast

9:00am-11:00am – Morning Yoga Practice

12-1pm - Lunch at the Riad or out

1:00-5:30pm - Essaouira is a quaint small town, with a beautiful waterfront promenade and beach where you can safely wander on your own, including the small medina of souks, active fishing port, cafes, markets, and artist galleries. Each day you can create your own adventure, or choose to remain at the riad for some R&R. We can arrange for an optional hammam (Moroccan bath) and massage for anyone interested in this relaxing cultural experience.

6:00-7:00pm – Afternoon Yoga Practice followed by dinner (B, L, D)

Day 11 will include a final Farewell Dinner at the hotel

DAY 12

essaouira to casablanca for your flight home

FOR THOSE GUESTS LEAVING MOROCCO TODAY - Following an early breakfast, you will transfer to Casablanca airport for return flight back to USA today. Flights should be scheduled no earlier than 3pm on this day. (B)    Bon Voyage!!

day 12 - extension day 1

essaouira to ouarzazate

FOR OUR GUESTS CONTINUING ONTO THE DEEP DIVE CULTURAL EXTENSION - Following an early breakfast, today you will be transferred from Essaouira, over the Atlas Mountains, to the movie-making center of Morocco - Ouarzazate. On the way, we will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou - a 17th century Kasbah that remains intact. (B,L,D)

day 13 - EXTENSION DAY 2

ouarzazate to todra gorge to Mezguida

Today we drive southeast to the Tafilalet Oasis/ Palm grove. We will stop at a variety of sites to enjoy the beauty of this route.  In Erfoud we get to see and learn about fossils that this area is known for, and then we enter the Tafilalet Oasis where we settle at our guest house for dinner & overnight. (B, L, D)

day 14 - extension day 3

mezguida - rissani market day - camel trek in the sahara desert

Today we will explore the local 17th century adobe village of Mezguida before heading to nearby Rissani, a former hub for trans-Saharan trade, where we will have the opportunity to enjoy a walk through a lively market and have a presentation about textiles and jewelry. We will learn more about Amazigh (Berber) textiles, motifs, and techniques, and their uses in local culture – a great opportunity to shop for rugs, jewelry, and other unique gifts, if desired.

In late afternoon, we drive deeper into the desert to arrive to the golden sand dunes of the Sahara where we will ride a magical camel caravan to our overnight in a luxury camp in the dunes and enjoy a festive dinner followed by live music, singing, and dancing - all under a stunning starry sky. (B, L, D)

day 15 - extension day 4

explore the sahara desert area

After returning from our camel excursion, we will have downtime by the pool/garden to reflect. A demonstration of a special stuffed bread baked in the sand will lead us to lunch.  Later, in the afternoon, we will further explore this desert region including a Saharan oasis and gardens where we witness 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 community to sip mint tea and experience their unique spiritual music and chanting. Overnight at our guesthouse in Mezguida. (B,L,D)

day 16 - extension day 5

mezguida to fes

We will depart this region of Morocco and drive to Fes. We drive north, passing through the Middle Atlas Mountains and the Dedar Forest, making stops to explore along the journey. the evening will bring us to Fes where we will check in and enjoy dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Fes. (B,L,D)

DAY 17 - extension day 6

full day tour of fes

Today will include a fully guided tour of the bustling and colorful city of Fes, one of the oldest cities in the country, housing the oldest and still functioning university in the world. Fes is also the craft capitol of the country and you will be able to witness artists crafting their wares - weaving, ceramics, embroidery, leathergoods, dyeing, woodworking, brasswork, and more. Lunch will be served at a former riad turned restaurant where you will see the glory of older architecture in this ancient city. Tonight, we will enjoy a festive dinner with dancing and regional music at a local establishment. (B,L,D)

day 18 - extension day 7

TRANSFER TO CASABLANCA AIRPORT

For those departing to the US today, after an early breakfast you will transfer to Casablanca airport for return flight back to USA today. Flights should be scheduled no earlier than 3pm on this day. (Breakfast included - all other meals on your own)     

Bon Voyage!!

day 18 - extension day 7

extension to chefchaouen

For those departing to the US today, after an early breakfast you will leave to explore with a guided tour the Roman Ruins of Volubilis. Lunch will follow and they you leave for a beautiful scenic drive to Chefchaouen, a quaint town set deep in the mountains known for its blue colored buildings and cobblestone street - open only to pedestrians. Overnight in Chefchaouen. (Breakfast and Lunch included, Dinner on your own)    

day 19 - extension day 8

chefchaouen exploration

Spend today wondering the winding streets of this beautiful village. Visit the centrally located fort, the markets, and at the end of the day, take the easy 30-minute path up the hillside to the Spanish Mosque (Mosquee Bouzaafar) to watch the sunset from a wonderful vantage point. (Breakfast included. Lunch and dinner on your own)

day 20 - extension day 9

chefchaouen exploration to rabat

A morning of leisure to spend how you wish. Visit the Place Outa el-Hammam – the village center that is teaming with artisan vendors. Visit the Ethnographic Museum of Chefchaouen. Or just wander the streets of the small medina, watching the myriad cats taking advantage of sun-filled pockets. This afternoon you will transfer to Rabat to spend the night. (B, D included. Lunch on your own.)

day 21 - extension day 10

chefchaouen exploration

After breakfast, you will depart Rabat to return to the airport in Casablanca for your return flight home. Participants are responsible for reserving flights that depart from Casa no earlier than 3pm today. (Breakfast included, all other meals on your own)

dates, fees, and TRIP INFORMATION

Yoga Retreat + Cultural Tour - $3,975 shared rooming + $650 rooming single

Extension 1 - Deep Dive Cultural Tour - $2,875 shared rooming + $650 rooming single

Extension 2 - Chefchaouen/Rabat - $500 shared rooming + $100 rooming single

Plus $250 for Yoga Retreat (+ $150/Extension 1, + $50/Extension 2) per person for out-of-pocket expenses paid directly by tour leader throughout travel - to be paid in cash by each participant at the beginning of the tour

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  

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

·       All meals as indicated in the itinerary, excluding all beverages and water

·       (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner) – see itinerary

·       First rate tour guides, professional driver, licensed local guides at specialty locations

·       Many unique surprises!

NOT INCLUDED IN THIS TRIP:

·      Airfare 

·      Travel and health insurance, which covers you overseas, is required

·       Passport fees and related paperwork

·       Out-of-pocket expenses mentioned above in Fees

·       Beverages of all kinds except for water offered at each meal

·       Additional transportation outside of this package

·       Excess baggage, telephone, laundry services, room service, personal and medical expenses

·       Fees for optional massages, hammams, or anything outside of this package

·       Meals indicated as not included (see itinerary)