Morocco 2024 (May4-11)

LANDSCAPES, SPICE MARKETS, PEOPLE & STREET PHOTOGRAPHY

MAY 4th to May 11th, 2024

8-DAY WORKSHOP – $3795**

MEET AND GREET ON MAY 4, 2024 AT 9:00 AM IN MARRAKESH AIRPORT

**Includes accommodations and meals as noted below

May 4:  Marrakesh

We begin our photographic journey in Morocco in the famous Marrakesh. With its bustling souks, flavorful food, and famously welcoming hospitality, it’s no wonder that photographers are flocking to Marrakesh. Known as the ‘Red City’, Marrakech is the exotic imperial city of the south and your eyes and your camera will be delighted with all that she has to offer. It is the fourth largest city in Morocco and lies near the foothills of the snowcapped Atlas Mountains. We will check in at our accommodation and head out to photograph the Djemaa-el-Fna Square, which bustles with acrobats, story-tellers, water sellers, dancers, and musicians. In the evening the Square transforms into a huge open-air restaurant with smoke rising from the many food stalls. We will have no shortage of photo opportunities in Marrakesh!

Accommodation:  Riad Villa Wenge & Spa

Set in a riad in the city center, this fashionable hotel is a 5-minute walk from the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa, a 15-minute walk from Koutoubia Mosque and 1 km from the ornate Bahia Palace. Warm, stylish rooms feature free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. Upgraded rooms add spa-style soaking tubs, and suites feature romantic canopy beds and separate living rooms. Amenities include a spa with a hammam, plus a restaurant in an atrium garden with a modern pond. A walled rooftop terrace features a hot tub and cushioned platforms.

May 5:  Essaouira 

We will have another morning to continue to capture the beauty of Marrakech before we head to the beautiful coastal city Essaouira. Essaouira, formerly known as Mogador, is situated on the Atlantic Coast. An eighteenth-century town, enclosed by medieval-looking battlements, facing a cluster of rocky offshore islands. We will check in at our Riad and then head out to the medina of Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage. We will have the chance to photograph the beautiful whitewashed and blue-shuttered houses and colonnades as well as the fishing harbor. Breakfast is included

Arrival Essaouira:  11:50 AM  (Length of trip: 02:50 Distance: 191 km)

Accommodation:  Dar L’Oussia

The riad is located right next to the beach, with panoramic views of the sea, the port and the Medina. It offers a hammam and spa treatments. The traditionally-decorated guestrooms at Dar L’oussia are all situated around the central courtyard and are equipped with under-floor heating. The riad has a restaurant which serves typical cuisine. Guests can eat inside by the fireplace, or on the sunny terrace in the warmer months. https:/www.riad-darloussia.com/ Rabat Rabat Fes

May 6:  Rabat 

Rabat is the administrative capital of Morocco and this busy political centre has a mix of the old Medina and new Ville Nouvelle. Rabat is located on the Atlantic Ocean along Bouregreg River with a variety of historic attractions to photograph, including Kasbahs, beautiful domes, minarets, big avenues & green spaces. We can visit Bab Oudia, Kasbah Des Oudaias, the Palace Museum & Andalusian Gardens, the Hassan Mosque & Hassan Tower, Mohammed V Mausoleum, Almohad Walls, Kasbah Chellah and the Archaeological Museum. Breakfast is included

Arrival Rabat: 14:20  (Length of trip: 05:20 Distance: 457 km)

Accommodation: Riad Dar Dar

Riad Dar Dar is a riad of 10 rooms. Its cozy and modern atmosphere will make you forget the tumult of the souks. It invites you to relax and well-being with its jacuzzi, sauna, traditional hammam and terrace. The living room with fireplace opened on the central patio will be conducive to meetings and conviviality. http:/www.rabatriads.com/Riads/Riad_Dar_Dar/Presentation

May 7:  Fes 

Welcome to Fes which is founded shortly after the Arabs exploded across North Africa, Fes is often referred to as the spiritual capital of Morocco and was once one of the most important places of scholarship in the world. Fes can be neatly divided into three different parts: Fes el-Bali (the heart of the Medina); Fes el-Jdid (where the Jewish quarter and the Royal Palace are located); and the Ville Nouvelle (the administrative area) and we will make time to photograph all three.  Breakfast is included

Arrival Fes: 11:30 AM (Length of trip: 02:30 Distance: 207 km)

Accommodation:  Riad la cle de Fes

Situated in the proximity of the well-known Place Batha, our traditional house leads you into the heart of the Moroccan civilization, full of charm and refinement. Inspired by the local history and charged with the idea of creating a small intimate accommodation for tourists, Riad La Cle de Fes seized the challenge of combining a prestigious heritage with the modernity that is crucial to comfort and convenience. Two courtyards, two terraces overlooking the medina, a swimming pool, and a library with a fireplace are all in the local colors to treat guests to the best of the Moroccan culture.

May 8:  Chefchaouene

The beautiful blue city of Morocco, Chefchaouen, is a small, charming city situated in the heart of the Rif Mountains, Northeastern Morocco with stunning photographic opportunities around every corner, including the blue painted walls all inside the old Medina. Breakfast is included

Arrival Chefchaouene 12:20 PM (Length of trip: 03:50 Distance: 196 km)

Accommodation:  Casa Hassan

Casa Hassan welcomes you in a warm and magical atmosphere, this former residence shows a large patio opening onto the common areas (living area of typical Moroccan decoration, dining room, large central fireplace, fountain – a traditional Hammam).

May 9:  Tangier via Tetouan 

Tangier is located on the North corner of African coast at the western entrance to the strait of Gibraltar where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Spartel.  Tangier has always fascinated artists and photographers worldwide with its charm, and like many Moroccan cities, Tangier is divided into an old walled city or medina, a nest of medieval alleyways, and a new modern city. Breakfast is included

Arrival Tangier:  12:10 PM (Length of trip: 03:10 Distance: 129 km)

Accommodation:  Riad Dar Souran

Dar Souran is located in Tangier. Free WiFi access is available. Each room here will provide you with a TV, air conditioning and a terrace. Featuring a shower, private bathroom also comes with a bath or shower. Extras include cable channels. At Dar Souran you will find a 24-hour front desk and a terrace.

May 10:  Casablanca 

The first settlement of Casablanca was the Berber village Anfa. By the end of the 18th century Sultan Mohammed Ben Abdallah founded a Muslim town at this site where Europeans were welcome to have their commercial enterprises for wool and grain. We will get to know the history, culture and economy of Casablanca by visiting few different famous sights like The United Nations Place, Mohamed V square followed by the Central Market and the Habous Quarter to enjoy the view of the Royal Palace before heading to the famous and picturesque Hassan II Mosque. Breakfast is included.

Arrival Casablanca:  13:10 PM (Length of trip: 04:10 Distance: 338 km)

Accommodation:  Hotel Kenzi Basma

Kenzi Basma is ideally located in the centre of Casablanca. Free Wi-Fi access is available in the entire hotel. Rooms are all fully equipped with air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. They all include a seating area, a desk, minibar and safety box. The private bathrooms feature a shower and a hairdryer. Website: http: /www.kenzi-hotels.com/kenzibasma/default-en.html

May 11:  Casablanca 

Our first stop of the day will be a trip to the Casablanca Mosque for one last photo shoot.  And then it will be time to say goodbye at the end of our Moroccan photography workshop.   Breakfast is included.

NOTE(s):

• Students are free to book a late afternoon or an early evening flight on May 11.
• Workshop fees include all ground transportation and meals (noted above) during the workshop.
• Check the latest guidance for vaccinations required to travel abroad:

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/index.html

To sign up for this workshop, click on the link above to make a deposit and secure a place in the workshop. To get additional information or ask to be on the waitlist, send an email to Lisa Phillips at [email protected].