Photographic Journey, Morocco
April 29th - May 8th, 2017
DAY 4 - 02 May
Before sunrise join the group for some more “magic hour” photography. Have your tripod with you.
After check out, your transfer will collect you for your departure to Erfoud via the mountains and the cedar woods of the middle Atlas passing by Ifrane, a charming ski resort and Azrou, an important handicraft centre.
Stop in Midelt for lunch at your own expense.
Continuation to Erfoud via Errachidia and the Ziz Valley, then drive in the desert until Merzouga, where you will check in and overnight at an incredible desert camp. Prior to that however, you will stop at an optimal location before the sunset to be able to capture the views in beautiful light.
The immense oasis of Erfoud is geographically rich, and amazingly beautiful. It is one of the last cities just before the desert and the starting point of interesting excursions. The property is set upon a spectacular area of dunes, surrounded by small oases which are fantastic for viewing the sunrise or sunset. Here at Palais du Desert one can take in the night in a traditional tent in the heart of the dunes, experiencing the sensations of nomadic life.
Overnight Palais du Desert- Double tent, breakfast and dinner included.
DAY 5 - 03 May
Wake up very early morning today to capture the sunrise over the sandy-dunes of Merzouga (possibility to have a camel ride in the dunes) Back to Erfoud by 4x4, meet your driver and departure to Rissani the holy city where Moulay Ali Cherif, ancestor of the Alaouite dynasty is buried. Visit of the Kasbah built in 17th century and the Ksar Abbar ruins. Time permitting - photo session there, we will practice some portraiture techniques and lighting. Continuation to Tinghir via the Tinjdad road.
Visit of the magnificent Todra canyons with rocks reaching 250 m of altitude. Lunch at your own account in a local restaurant located in the Center of Todra gorges. Ever thought that you can capture your simplest food in the most beautiful ways? We will play with that a lot on this trip. Afterwards, continue towards Dades Valley roses and the roads of thousands of Kasbahs to reach Ouarzazate where you will check into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Hôtel Karam Palace is just a 9-minute drive from Ouarzazate Airport and features a traditional Moroccan décor. An outdoor swimming pool, a garden and a patio with a fountain are provided. The air-conditioned guest rooms at the Hôtel Karam Palace are simply decorated and include a flat- screen TV with satellite channels. They each have a private bathroom with free toiletries. Moroccan dishes can be served in the dining area upon request and a continental breakfast is served daily. The property can help organize camel riding, trekking and excursions in the surrounding area. Weather permitting – night sky and/or low light photography session.
Overnight Karam Palace - Double room, breakfast included
DAY 6 - 04 May
Early photo shoot at sunrise. Obviously.
Today after checkout, you will be collected by your transfer driver who will take you to Marrakech via the Tichka Passes which stand 2500 meters high, offering an impressive landscape to photograph in the heart of the Atlas Mountains.
Once in Marrakech, you will enjoy free time on your own for your photographic opportunities. Leading photographer will organize talks/sessions/reviews based on group’s interests. Join the group or enjoy the city on your own.
The Atlas Medina & Spa is surrounded by a 12 acre garden in the heart of Marrakech’s Hivernage Square. It offers rooms with private bathrooms, and a spa. The air-conditioned rooms at Atlas Medina & Spa come with a TV and private bathroom. Some rooms have a terrace overlooking the pool or garden and all rooms have free Wi-Fi internet.
Guests have access to Atlas Medina’s swimming pools and garden with palm trees, as well as spa access available for an additional fee. A fitness center is also offered at the hotel.
Overnight Medina & Spa Hotel- Double room, breakfast included.
DAY 7 - 05 May
Today is a full day dedicated to visiting & exploring Marrakech. The magic of Marrakech has a lot to do with its setting. It lies at the foot of the High Atlas, on an ancient trade route through the Sahara. You can feel the energy of Africa in the Djemaa el Fna, Marrakech's main square. For almost a thousand years the square has played host to a nightly carnival of singers, tumblers, sorcerers, herbalists, story-tellers and snake charmers.
Then there are the souks, miles of labyrinthine passageways, illuminated by shafts of sunlight, watching cloth dyers, wood carvers, jewelry-makers, leather workers and blacksmiths at work. An amazing & rich source for your photography.
Today begins very early before sunrise in the Palm Grove area of Marrakech where you’ll capture gorgeous photos, and immediately after, you’ll head to the market for beautiful shots of the medina souks and monuments.
This evening, the best place for sunset photos is the roof terrace of Café Glacier located in the Jemaa el Fna Square.
Enjoy dinner at a trendy Lounge restaurant with belly dancing show – Jad Mahal.
Overnight Medina & Spa Hotel- Double room, breakfast included
DAY 8 - 6 May
Experience the day entirely at leisure in Marrakech to explore and capture photos as you wish. Overnight Medina & Spa Hotel- Double room, breakfast included
DAY 9 - 7 May
Bid Marrakech farewell as you are driven back to Casablanca where you will tour the awesome Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque in Morocco. Feast on delectable French cuisine during your farewell dinner tonight at Rick’s Café, a replica of the café in the film Casablanca, owned by an American.
Overnight Barcelo Casablanca- Double room, breakfast included.
DAY 10 - 8 May
Today after check out, your driver will collect you to bring you to the airport in Casablanca for your international flight home (international flight cost not included and to be quoted separately)
COST PER PERSON- US $ 4999 per person, double occupancy – including land program outlined above. International airfare is not included and to be booked separately. No space is currently being held- rates and availability subject to change and not guaranteed until time of booking.
INCLUSIONS
Airport transfers as listed
Accommodations as listed including breakfast(except the camp & Ouarzazate hotel where dinners are included)
3 Dinners at gastronomic restaurants- 1 in Fez, 1 in Marrakech and 1 in Casablanca excluding beverages as listed
Transportation in Deluxe Minibus-14 seats, air conditioned vehicle including all transfers and visits indicated in the above program
Round trip transfer by 4x4 to your camp in Merzouga
English speaking driver
English speaking photography instructor/guide
English speaking local guides for the visits and sightseeing tours indicated in the itinerary
Touring as listed, plus entrance fees indicated in program
Tips for luggage porters at hotels
NOT INCLUDED
Any other activities not mentioned above
Accommodations
International airfares and domestic airfares not mentioned in program Visa fees
Insurance- we strongly recommend all travelers purchase insurance
All items of personal nature e.g. telephone call bills, fax/email bills etc
Tipping
Beverages as indicated
International flight, airport and departure taxes
Any other item(s) not included in our itinerary
Unforeseen Government tax increment
Up to 4% fee if paying by credit card
IMPORTANT NOTE
All hotels are subject to availability and can be substituted for similar hotels. Not responsible for errors or omissions in the content of this proposal- all touring elements and hotels are subject to change and subject to availability. Pricing on request