HIGHLIGHTS

Travel to Morocco and visit the best of the country's attractions. Travel from the snowcapped Atlas Mountains to the endless sands of the Sahara - from the medieval old town of Fes to the spice markets of Marrakech:  the rich history and natural beauty of Morocco awaits!

Morocco is a visual feast of a lifetime, and one of the most intoxicating countries in the world. You will experience the shifting sands of the Sahara Desert, magical nights under the stars, the workings of a tannery and dye pit in Fez, impressive imperial cities with lively medieval-like markets, and labyrinthine medinas. Home to magical imagery around every turn, you are destined to have lasting impressions of Morocco’s rich history, striking landscapes in the desert, colorful cities and fascinating people. Join us in Morocco on this amazing Photo Quest led by Alison Wright. 

April 30 - U.S./Casablanca,  Morocco. (CMN)

Depart on an overnight flight from the USA to Casablanca.  

May 1 - Casablanca-RABAT

Arrival in Casablanca, Most flights arrive from LAX and JFK on Airfrance or Delta via CDG at 2:35 pm at CMN. We depart by 5pm from Casablanca to Rabat ( 1 hour drive) and stay in Rabat tonight. Book your flights to arrive before 5pm. If you need to fly in one day earlier, we can set up an extra night in Casablanca for you.

Meet for a group dinner. Overnight at Rabat.  (D)

May 2 - Chefchaouen

After breakfast depart for Chefchaouen  (4 hours) with a stop in the city of Tetouan. All the neighborhoods of Tetouan belong to three different architectural styles: The Andalusian style (Medina), the Spanish style of the early and mid-twentieth century (Ensanche) and the after independence style (peripheral neighborhoods). After the tour in Tetouan, continue the drive to the blue Chefchaouen.

In the afternoon photograph the Outa-el-Hammam square, the cobblestoned medina and the Tarik-Ben-Ziad mosque whose octagonal minaret is inspired by that of the Torre de Oro in Seville. After dinner, we will do a night shoot. Overnight Chefchaouen.

May 3 - Chefchaouen

After breakfast, you will have a tour of this “cool” blue town, tucked away in the mountains. You will enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the Rif Mountains. Perfect for photography, this blue city offers every shade of blue. As you wander the streets of “Chaouen,” you’ll find ample opportunities to capture the vibrant colors and textures of this wonderful town.
We’ll have an early dinner and afterward, will take a walk up onto the surrounding mountainside where you can photograph this whitewashed town nestled in the hills at dusk. Overnight Chefchaouen.

May 4 - Chefchaouen / Fez

After breakfast, you will head towards Fez (4 hours) , the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco. Upon arrival in Fez, you will begin your guided tour to the Medina, a perfect introduction for your trip in Morocco. Fez’s renowned walled medina is one of the most perfectly preserved medieval cities in the world, full of visual delights. Enter through one of its four arched gates and discover a mile-long network of souks, open-air cafes, courtyards, hammams (traditional steam baths), and gardens.  Photograph the UNESCO site University of Al Quaraouiyyne, the El-Attarine and Bou Inania Medusas and Galawi Palace.Photograph the sunset from a viewpoint overlooking the city.  Overnight in Fez.

May 5 - Fez

Early morning shoot to capture the tanners who soak skins in vats of dye. We photograph the famous tanneries, to witness leather skins being cured and dyed in hundreds of enormous, colorful vats. Spend the day photographing this impressive imperial city. At the 14th-century Bou Inania madrassa, photograph intricately carved stucco walls, arches, and cornices and visit the Kairaouine Mosque. Explore and photograph the vibrant medina, where merchants preside over colorful mounds of spices. Later, visit the Royal Palace and Fes Jdid, home to the historic Jewish quarter. Afternoon free to explore Fez on your own.  Overnight in Fez.

May 6 - Fes / Erfoud / Sahara

After an early breakfast you will begin your ascent across the Middle Atlas Mountains. Most of the day will be spent winding your way through the beautiful forests, jagged rock faces, and Berber villages as you cross the Atlas Mountains and begin to descend towards the Sahara Desert. Halfway, you will stop for lunch in the town of Midelt, famous for its fossils and rocks. In the afternoon, you will make your way down along the Ziz River Valley. Upon arrival in Erfoud, you will jump into the 4x4s.  For those looking for adventure and cool desert shots, you will set off by camel for a 2-hour trek out to the oasis .Arrive at our deluxe Berber tented camp in time to dine under the star-studded sky and enjoy an evening of Berber folk music around the campfire. A chance for night photography under the stars in the desert is magical. Bivouac Tented Berber Camp (B,L,D)

May 7- Sahara / Dades

Enjoy a real Lawrence of Arabia moment this morning with a sunrise camel ride across the desert on the return journey to the auberge. Then drive to Todra Gorge (approximately 3.5 hours), a massive trench that rises over 250 metres to form one of the most dramatic and spectacular natural sights in Morocco.

Drive for 4 hours along the legendary “Road of 1,000 Kasbahs” to Erfoud passing unique rock formations, oases, and rose plantations. Then meander the steep and narrow Todra Gorge – a highlight of the South - and have lunch at the foot of the soaring, pink canyon walls. Arrive in Boumalne Dades, a small town nestled amid the crags and plateaus of the semi desert landscape. After lunch, head out on a photo hike in the dramatic Dades Gorge & photograph nearby villages. Overnight Xaluca Dades (B, L)

 May 8 - Ait Benhaddou / Marrakech

Before the town fully awakens, we walk up Ait Benhaddou in the early morning light. In actuality, this setting has been used for more films than any other location in Morocco including; Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth, and more recently The Gladiator.
From there we will head off towards Marrakech over the High Atlas Mountains, with a stop to see an Argan co-op where the ladies make this sought after oil. 

Check into the hotel and then head out to the famous Djemaa el-Fna square for sunset from the rooftop.  The Djemma el Fna Square -Morocco’s UNESCO-recognized platform for halqa (street theatre) where snake charmers, magicians, dancers entertain daily. Get a hanna tattoo from the locals or a traditional tea as we photograph the sunset from our balcony overlooking the vast square. Overnight Marrakech.

May 9 - Marrakech

After breakfast we will photograph the Koutoubia Mosque and the Bahia Palace. In the afternoon capture the twisting streets of the Marrakech medina exploding with food vendors and craftspeople. Tonight, gather for a rooftop reception and dinner accompanied by traditional Gnaoua music in the heart of the old medina. Overnight Marrakech. (B,L,D)

May 10 - Marrakech to Casablanca and depart back home

Transfer to Casablanca Airport (3 hours drive) in time for your flight home taking with you some certainly incredible memories of our land so full of remarkable contrasts and very friendly people.  Book your flights after noon from Casablanca back home.

*Itinerary subject to change.

Alison Wright, an acclaimed New York-based documentary photographer and adventurer, travels to all regions of the globe photographing indigenous cultures and people while covering issues concerning the human condition.

See her work here:  Alison Wright's Website