Morocco – Feast for the Senses
May – June , 2011
Spices in the market
Hamida Judith Dides of Wise Women of the West presents the sights, sounds and scents of the rich culture of Morocco. Together we will experience the music, art, architecture, history, the rich spiritual traditions, spice markets, exquisite food, footbaths, Moroccan tea and much more.
Highlights of trip:
Tour of Casablanca which was modeled on the French seaport of Marseille and Rabat the capitol where the King of Morocco resides.
Tour of historic Meknes, Moulay Idriss built around the tomb and pilgrimage site of the famous 8th century Sufi saint, and the ancient Roman city of Volubilis.
Tour of Fez including the medina, the oldest continuously inhabited medina in the world. Two days and nights at the Fez Sacred Music Festival including morning presentations at the Dar el-Batha Museum with afternoon and evening performances of sacred music from around the world. See website showing past festivals. The itinerary for the 2011 festival will be available soon. As soon as we have that we can set the exact dates for the tour. It will be the last week of May.
Tour of Marrakesh including the Koutoubia Minaret, the Saadian tombs, the museum of Dar Si Said and the remains of the Badi Palace. Sunset overlooking the exciting and famous Place Jemaa el-Fna, with its snake-charmers and fortune-tellers, then on the Chez Ali for dinner and a special treat. Relax in our hotel along the banks of the Oued Ourika (Ourika River) with the imposing Atlas summits in the background.
Day trips local aromatic destinations such as Nectarome, www.nectarome.com for a tour of the garden, traditional bread-making demonstration, herbal tea, footbaths and lunch. Nectarome makes a line of natural beauty and bath products. Take in the scents and flavors of the herbal tradition in Morocco.
Breath-taking trip through the Atlas mountains. The imagination takes flight viewing the historic kasbahs and villages perched on the slopes.
On to Essaouira on the Atlantic coast. Originally founded by the Phoenicians in the 7th century B.C., the Portuguese claimed it in the 15th century and under the name of Mogador, it became a trade center. Today it is well-known for its artists and craftspeople.
Return to Casablanca along the coast, stopping for lunch and sight-seeing.
Travel in air-conditioned comfort in a spacious motor-coach, accompanied by professional, English-speaking guides. Price includes roundtrip air-fare from New York to Casablanca, hotels, most meals, two day pass to Music Festival, entry fees, all activities, ground transportation, guides, service charges (taxes), and some tips. Travelers should be prepared for group tipping of guides and drivers as well as to other service personnel.
Double occupancy $3795.00 Single occupancy will be an additional $400.00
A $400, nonrefundable (unless program is cancelled) deposit is required to hold your place, due by November 30, 2008. Half the balance is due by Jan 31, 2009 with the remaining payment by February 28, 2009.
Travel insurance is recommended.
For more information: musicbiz048-feztrip@yahoo.com
Send deposit to:
Wise Women of the West P.O. Box 873 Forestville, CA 95436
Hosted by Casablanca Travel and Tours, masters of travel in Morocco