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A Family Adventure in Morocco: Ancient Medinas and Modern Lives

Program Number: 20785RJ
Start and End Dates:
6/27/2013 - 7/8/2013;
Duration: 11 nights
Location: Morocco
Price starting at: $3,485.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Family Programs; Intergenerational
Family 		Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 25; 10 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Program intended for grandchildren from 12 - 14 years of age.

The cities and mountain villages of Morocco evoke the aromas of spiced meats and roasting nuts at a bustling souk, the soulful sound of the muezzin's call to prayer at sunrise and the taste of traditional mint tea sipped in the cool shade of a 1,000 year-old mosque. Introduce your family to the wonders of Morocco — a gateway to the Muslim world and a wellspring of enriching new experiences.




Highlights

• In the secluded mountain village of Oulmes, learn the ancestral ways of healing, trading and socializing.
• Go back in time at the medina of Fes, with its narrow and maze-like streets, where only pedestrian and mules are allowed.
• Share a traditional Moroccan dinner, hosted by a local family, and meet members of a women’s NGO.



Activity Particulars

Active program, with some elevation.



Itinerary Summary

Arrival Rabat, 3 nights; coach to Oulmes, 2 nights; coach to Fes, 3 nights; coach to Rabat, 2 nights; departure.



Overnight flight from the U.S.A.
1 night
Arrival Rabat, 3 nights

In Morocco’s capital city, immerse yourselves in a full range of Moroccan traditions, including bread making, the art of fresh mint tea-making, dress, and music and instruments. Adults and kids break into groups for interactive introductions to Moroccan Arabic, with opportunities to practice what you’ve learned. As a special treat, share dinner with a Moroccan family in their home.



Coach to Oulmes
2 nights

In the rural community of Oulmes in the Atlas Mountains, explore a weekly market with its ancestral ways of healing, trading and socializing. Adults have an opportunity to meet with local farmers to discuss daily life, while the children can join local kids in a soccer game. Experience an Ahidous performance, where families wear colorful robes and dance in circles.



Coach to Fes
3 nights
Coach to Rabat
2 nights
Departure

Explore the medina of Fes on an expert-led visit through the 9th-century labyrinth of narrow and bustling streets where only pedestrians and mules are allowed. Discover new and different fares on a stroll through the food market of Fes. Visit a women’s NGO that is working closely with women to promote their rights, and the children meet kindergartens hosted by the NGO. End your adventuring learning to make the traditional dish, pastilla.




Morocco

Hemmed in by northern Africa and the dunes of the Sahara and mere miles from Mediterranean Europe, Morocco sports a strong indigenous Berber culture laced with centuries of influence by Jews, Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs and others. These strains of culture can be seen in the mosques and souks of Marrakech, the Jewish enclaves of Casablanca and the Berber villages of the High Atlas mountain range that forms the backbone of this colorful modern nation.
Accommodations
Rabat: Three-star hotel minutes walk to the markets. Oulmes: Three-star hotel located near the village Fes: Five-star hotel located in the hills of the old part of the city.
Meals and Lodgings
   Hotel Texuda
  Rabat, Morocco 3 nights
   Hotel des Thermes - Tarmilat
  Oulmes, Morocco 2 nights
    Hotel Merinides
  Fes, Morocco 3 nights
   Hotel Texuda
  Rabat, Morocco 2 nights
 Hotel Texuda
Type: Three-Star Hotel
  Description: Located at only 15 minutes from the Rabat-Sale international airport It is a few minutes walk from the markets and from the CCCL
  Contact info: 32, BD Al Moukaouma, Quartier de L'ocean
Rabat, MO  Morocco
phone: +212 5 37 73 00 32
web: www.TEXUDA.com
  Room amenities: Cable TV, direct phone line, air-conditioning, mini-bar, hair dryer, Wi-Fi, and Safety deposit box
  Facility amenities: Restaurant, Piano bar, Wi-Fi Internet access , laundry and pressing service, safe deposit box at reception, currency exchange
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: 170 USD Single Room: 800 Moroccan Dirhams ( 91 USD) Breakfast is included , Double Room: 1500 Moroccan Dirhams ( 170 USD) Breakfast is included ,( Taxes are included ) * Rates are subject to change
  Check in time: 2:30 PM
  Additional nights after: 170 USD Single Room: 800 Moroccan Dirhams ( 91 USD) Breakfast is included , Double Room: 1500 Moroccan Dirhams ( 170 USD) Breakfast is included ,( Taxes are included ) * Rates are subject to change
  Check out time: 12:00 PM

 Hotel des Thermes - Tarmilat
Type: Three-Star Hotel
  Description: Located near the village, hotel offers a restaurant, bar, terrace
  Contact info: 15100 Oulmes
Oulmes,   Morocco
phone: + 212 5 37 523 156
  Room amenities: A/C, ensuite bathrooms
  Smoking allowed: Yes

  Hotel Merinides
Type: Five-Star Hotel
  Description: Located on the heights of the oldest city Fes, the Merinides Hotel is a few minutes walking distance from the Merinides dynasty tombs and other main sites to be visited during the program. Its proximity to Al Karaouiyine Mosque, Dar Batha Museum, the Andalusians mosque and the Thermal baths of Moulay Yacoub contribute to make of Merinides Hotel an address of charm for a stay for discovering and relaxation.
  Contact info: Borj Nord 33000, Fès, Maroc
Fes,   Morocco
phone: +21235645226
web: www.lesmerinides.com
  Room amenities: Non-smoking rooms, Cable TV, direct phone line, air-conditioning, mini-bar, hair dryer, Wi-Fi, and Safety deposit box
  Facility amenities: The Merinides Hotel provides a wide range of facilities: 24-hours room service, dry cleaning, a foreign currency exchange, a hairdresser, boutiques, car rental, a gym and a dedicated area for sauna and massage.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
3:00pm Hotel Check-In Time. 5:00pm Meet in hotel lobby for the Orientation session for the program and Overview of Morocco at the Center for Cross Cultural Learning. You will be staying at Hotel Texuda that night.
  End of Program:
6:30 AM You will be staying at Hotel Texuda the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. U.S. and Canadian Citizens need a passport to travel to Morocco that must be valid for 6 months beyond duration of stay.No visa is required for American and Canadian tourists traveling to Morocco for fewer than 90 days.
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
To Start of Program
  Location:  Rabat
  Nearest city or town:  Casablanca.
  Nearest airport:  Casablanca, Mohamed V International Airport (Air France and Royal Air Maroc fly into Rabat Sale Airport)
  Transportation to site: From Casablanca to Rabat: If your flight arrives into Casablanca rather than Rabat, you have three options for transferring to Rabat to the first program site: Take a Grand Taxi from the airport (white Mercedes taxis can be found directly outside the airport). This is the most expensive option, running approximately 600 to 700 MAD, US$80 to US$90. Take a train from the Casablanca airport into the center of Rabat (the Rabat-Ville stop). There are 2 train stations in Casablanca: Casa Voyageurs and Casa Port. Both provide service to Rabat; however Casa Voyageurs is connected to the airport. From the Rabat-Ville stop, the taxi cost is approximately 10-20 Dirhams (roughly US$3) to the Hotel. Train tickets from Casa Voyageurs are approx: US$9 for first class or US$7 for second class. The train stops running at 10:30 pm. Please note that you can pay your train tickets only in Moroccan Dirhams and in cash. The third option is that you ask the Center for Cross Cultural Learning to send a car with a driver to meet you at the airport. If you would like to take advantage of this transfer option, you should let Road Scholar know right away. We will need your complete flight information and will confirm the price at the time of reservation. Please expect to pay directly the CCCL GL on the first day of the program. You will be given a receipt for this transfer From Rabat Sale Airport: The CCCL offers the option of arranging a car transfer through a private transportation agency for 520 MAD (taxes included). You could pay the CCCL directly and get a receipt - Grand Taxis are easily available and the cost is usually 150 to 200 MAD. The CCCL does not reserve taxis neither negotiate the price. You are responsible of paying directly the taxi driver
  From End of Program
  Location: Rabat
  Transportation from site: You could take the train from Casa Port Train Station (located behind the Ibis Casa City Center) to the Mohammed V Casablanca airport. For more information on prices and scheduled departures, please check the following website: www.oncf.ma - Grand Taxis are easily available and the cost is usually 150 MAD
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Arrivals / Welcome and Program Overview
(Thursday, June 27)
   
 Afternoon: . Group Arrivals Program orientation and Introduction to Program Components.
 Dinner: Home-made dinner at the Center for Cross-Cultural Learning
 Evening: Take some time to relax and settle in to the hotel
   
Accommodations: Hotel Texuda
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Language Lesson / Daily Moroccan life
(Friday, June 28)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: Try your hand at Moroccan bread making. After crafting the bread we will take it to the public oven for baking.
 Lunch: Home-made lunch at the Center for Cross-Cultural Learning
 Afternoon: Language Lesson: Adults and kids break into groups for an interactive introduction to Moroccan Arabic. After which both groups will convene to test out their new language skills with one another. Moroccan Costumes: Learn about Moroccan dress and how to wear the different styles and the meaning behind them. Tea Break: Learn the art of fresh mint tea making, an essential Moroccan beverage Family Life: Orientation before meeting the Moroccan families who will be our hosts for the evening.
 Dinner: Share dinner with Moroccan families
 Evening: Spend some time this evening getting to know the Moroccan families.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Texuda
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Moroccan Food and Music
(Saturday, June 29)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: Depart for Casablanca. Debriefing of the previous evening's home visit experience on Bus. Experiential cooking sessions presented by professionals with long history of leading cooking classes for different generations. Get the highlights of Moroccan cuisine with recipes after the sessions.
 Lunch: Lunch with the group
 Afternoon: Return by coach to Rabat. En route introduction to Moroccan styles of music as a preview for our evening performance
 Dinner: Home-made dinner at the Center for Cross-Cultural Learning
 Evening: Enjoy a musical performance: Traditional Caravan. Learn about traditional Moroccan music and instruments.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Texuda
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Moroccan Village life / Rural experience
(Sunday, June 30)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: Depart by coach for Oulmes with an overview and intro to village life en route. Arrive in Oulmes and check into hotel.
 Lunch: Lunch and open group discussion with the villagers
 Afternoon: Introductory Tamazight language sessions
 Dinner: Dinner
   
Accommodations: Hotel des Thermes - Tarmilat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Market Day / Soccer Game
(Monday, July 1)
   
 Breakfast: Brakfast at the hotel
 Morning: Explore a rural weekly market with its ancestral ways of healing, trading and socializing
 Lunch: Lunch
 Afternoon: Adults will have an opportunity to meet with local farmers to discuss issues of daily life. Kids can join local kids in a soccer game
 Dinner: Dinner
 Evening: After dinner experience an Ahidous performance with local families.
   
Accommodations: Hotel des Thermes - Tarmilat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Arrival in Fes
(Tuesday, July 2)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: Depart for Fes
 Lunch: Lunch at the hotel on arrival
 Afternoon: Free time to rest or explore the city of Fes
 Dinner: Dinner with the group
   
Accommodations: Hotel Merinides
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Explore the Medina of Fes
(Wednesday, July 3)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: Explore the Medina of Fes on a guided visit through the 9th century labyrinth of narrow and crowded streets where only pedestrians and mules are allowed. Discover new and different fares on a stroll through the food market of Fes
 Lunch: Lunch at a local Moroccan restaurant in the heart of the medina
 Afternoon: Continue on exploration of Fes Medina
 Dinner: On your own to explore the flavors of Fes
   
Accommodations: Hotel Merinides
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Development and youth issues in Morocco
(Thursday, July 4)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: Visit to women’s NGO who is working closely with women to promote their rights and the culture of human rights in their universal aspects. While having a session with NGO members and volunteers, the kids will be at the kindergarten playing with kids hosted by the NGO.
 Lunch: Lunch on you own to explore local fare
 Afternoon: Visit the Batha Museum The museum was originally a palace and hearing a summer residence built in the late nineteenth century by Sultan Moulay Hasssan 1. The building was completed and beautified by his successor Moulay Abdelaziz. The buildings are not very old but the proportions and arcades, galleries, courtyards and gardens are a beautiful harmony. This palace was therefore erected in a museum "The Arts and Popular Traditions" in 1915 by the will of the government and the French Protectorate Chérifien
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel
   
Accommodations: Hotel Merinides
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9: Arrival back in Rabat
(Friday, July 5)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the Hotel
 Morning: Depart for Rabat. Get an overview of the educational system in Morocco en route.
 Afternoon: Home-cooked lunch at CCCL Free time.
 Dinner: Dinner on your own to experience the flavors of Rabat
   
Accommodations: Hotel Texuda
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10: Say farewell with traditional food and music.
(Saturday, July 6)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: Lecture : Sweet and salty in the Moroccan culture Learn to make the traditional dish, Pastilla
 Lunch: Home-cooked lunch at CCCL
 Afternoon: Program wrap up
 Dinner: Farewell dinner at CCCL
 Evening: On your final evening in Morocco, delight in a Musical Performance: Marrakech Drumming
   
Accommodations: Hotel Texuda
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Departure
(Sunday, July 7)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel
 Morning: Group Departure to Rabat Sale Airport
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Fes City Overview
The hotel in itself is a museum and a great place to relax. Explore the Batha Museum, Museum of Arms, and Nejjarine Museum of Wood and Carpentry, as well as the labyrinth-like Medina (although it is recommend to participants not to go without a guide).
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


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