MYSTICAL MOROCCO TOUR
October 24-November 2, 2019
Why join us?
Morocco is an intoxicating country in Northern Africa distinguished by its Berber, Arabian, and European cultural influences. In this 10 day tour, we will explore the quintessential parts of Morocco from the bustling ancient city of Marrakech, to the verdant valleys, to the striking Atlas Mountains and, finally, the golden dunes of the one and only Sahara desert. This is the trip of a lifetime!
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Over and over we hear people say, "I've always wanted to go to Morocco!" and yet they haven't gone. We get it. It can feel overwhelming to plan a trip to somewhere so foreign. That's where we come in! Enjoy the ease of having all the details arranged for you, be accompanied by an amazing local guide (and us!), and have fun traveling with a like-minded group. All you really have to do is say yes and book your airfare!
We're also offering a 3-night stay in fabulous Barcelona immediately following the retreat if there is enough interest! Combine both trips for the ultimate getaway! Since you'll likely be flying through Barcelona, why not spend a few extra days enjoying all the city has to offer:
a different culture, stunning art and architecture, delicious food, and time to explore!
Indicate your interest when registering & we will get in touch with you directly about this opportunity.
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The Places You'll Visit
Marrakech, a former imperial city, is known for its ancient souks, bustling culture, mosques, and hidden palaces. The medina is a densely packed, walled area dating to the Berber Empire, with maze-like alleys where thriving souks (marketplaces) sell traditional textiles, spices, pottery, leather goods, and jewelry. Jemaa-el-Fna, the main square plaza, is a delight to explore both day & night, as it is filled with food, shopping, storytellers, dancers, and snake charmers. This city will captivate and dazzle your senses!
The Dades Valley is scattered with oases, palm groves, and elaborate kasbahs (fortress/palace). From the High Atlas to the north to the rugged Jebel Saghro range in the south, this valley is dotted with mudbrick palaces that give the region its fairy-tale nickname – Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs. The Dades River provides life for a variety of almond, fig, walnut and birch trees on the valley floor offering a spectacular contrast to the earthen-colored rocky formations above.
Merzouga/Sahara Desert: Merzouga is a smaller town that serves as a gateway to the Sahara desert. The Erg Chebbi dunes are indisputably one of Morocco's best Sahara Desert destinations. These giant hills of smooth orange colored sand line the Algerian border and are a must see for everyone. Staying in a luxury desert camp will allow us to fully immerse in this unique setting – watching the sunrise/sunset, practicing meditation amidst the dunes, and enjoying an evening campfire with traditional Berber music by our hosts.
Agdz/Draa Valley: Located along an old caravan route, Agdz played an important role in the exchange of goods across the Sahara. It is a classic oasis with pristine palm groves, ancient mud-brick kasbahs, and a secret desert prison. The Draa Valley is a stunning oasis home to Berber villages, sumptuous Kasbahs, streaming sand dunes, lush green plains, snow-capped Atlas Mountains, endless stretches of palm trees, and the Draa, Morocco’s largest river. When you are there, you feel transported to an ancient time.
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Like all good things, our trip will come to an end with one night back in Marrackech,
but you will always carry with you the memories of this unique and unforgettable experience!
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Activities & Yoga
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Half day guided walking tour in the Medina of Marrakech (see historical points of interest, visit a famous palace, wander through the main square & souks)
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Guided tour to Imlil & the Atlas Mountains
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Visit a local family home for tea
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Hikes/nature walks through beautiful outdoor settings
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Visit the UNESCO World Heritage fortified village of Aït Benhaddou
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Camel trek across the dunes of the Sahara
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Enjoy lunch with a local Berber family
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Evening campfire with traditional Berber music in the Sahara desert
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Time to wander/explore in the various places we stay
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We will practice daily yoga, meditation, and/or pranayama (suitable for all levels) to ground and connect you within.
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Our schedules are specially created to allow for your enjoyment of personal space and free time. Bring your journal, books, and whatever else you've been wanting to indulge in! We believe in choice and options for your retreat experience, so you can always opt out of any activities in the program should you wish.
Accommodations
We have carefully selected properties that combine the stunning architecture and details of classic Morocco with modern amenities. All properties except the desert camp have a pool. Please note: there is a limited number of rooms, only a few with single occupancy. See below slideshow for photos of the actual properties we are staying at!
Marrakech: We will spend 3 nights in a beautiful traditional riad (a Moroccan mansion built around an interior garden/courtyard and complete with a rooftop terrace) in the ancient Medina area.
Dades Valley: 1 night in a stunning property set in the middle of the mountains.
Erg Chebbi/Merzouga: 1 night stay in a luxury desert camp; each tent has a private bathroom with sink/toilet/shower. Upon return from camp, we will spend 1 night in a riad set near the picturesque edge of the dunes.
Agdz: 2 night stay in a Kasbah surrounded by a large garden oasis.
Marrakech: 1 night stay in a modern property in the "new city" area of Marrakech
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Travel Details
FLIGHTS: To allow maximum flexibility, you will book your own flights. Check-in begins on the afternoon of the October 24th and our journey ends after breakfast on November 2nd. You will likely fly through Barcelona & then book a short, direct flight to Marrakech. If you are traveling from Northern California, there are a few airlines that fly direct between Oakland & Barcelona for as little as $500 round trip! You will want to wait until 4-8 months prior to the trip to book your flights. Please run your flights by us before final booking to ensure everything is correct.
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VISA: In order to travel to Morocco, you need a valid passport from the country in which you reside. Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the time you enter Morocco and has at least one full blank page.
VACCINATIONS: The Centers for Disease Control recommends certain vaccines when traveling in Morocco. You can review their current recommendations HERE. You should always discuss medications and vaccinations with your doctor to evaluate which ones are right for you given your own unique health needs and personal beliefs about vaccines.
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Don't worry, we will be sending you plenty of helpful emails to aide you in your preparations!
Pricing & Inclusions
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY: $2850 per person (shared room, 1 large bed or 2 separate beds)
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SINGLE OCCUPANCY: $3450 per person
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Payment plan is available.
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COST INCLUDES:
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9 nights accommodations at stunning properties throughout Southern Morocco (arrive 10/24, depart 11/2)
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Breakfast every morning (except arrival day), 1 lunch, 6 dinners
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Daily yoga and/or meditation sessions (suitable for all levels)
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Experienced local tour guides
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All ground transportation within tour
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All included activities as outlined above
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Group airport transport on arrival day (we will coordinate one group airport pickup; arrivals outside of this timeframe will require your own transport)
Cost does not include international airfare, domestic airfare not outlined above, visa, travel insurance, optional activities, meals/beverages not outlined above, massages, shopping, or gratuities.
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All rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you would like double occupancy and do not have a roommate, we will make efforts to pair you with another solo traveler. Please note that if there is not another solo traveler, you will be placed in a single occupancy room at that rate. Why not invite a friend to join you?!
A $700 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your space. This amount is applied to your total cost. By submitting your registration and deposit to us, you are agreeing to the policies in our Terms & Conditions.
Registration
All spots have filled and registration has now closed for this trip. We will offer this trip again, though! Please send us an email to let us know you are interested - we will give you advance notice before registration opens!
WOO HOO! You're joining us! Please fill out the below form to submit your booking for the Mystical Morocco Tour. We will be in touch upon receipt of your registration. Thank you for joining us; this is going to be amazing!
If you have any questions prior to registration, please contact us directly. We are more than happy to talk with you!