A Moroccan Adventure
Saturday, January 18 – Sunday, January 26, 2025
THIS TRIP IS SOLD OUT. PLEASE CONTACT SHEILA TO BE WAIT LISTED.
a Trip with Politics & Prose and Wild Blue Yonder Trips
Next winter, join a group of like-minded travelers to explore Morocco's history, architecture, art and food.
Escape winter this year with a visit Morocco with its cool temperatures and sunny days. We’ll begin our trip in Casablanca, where a gentle breeze tall palms greet you as you leave the airport. We’ll spend some time in Rabat, the country’s capital, and then in Fes, one of the Imperial cities. The souk there is
thrilling, the food enticing, the mint tea is delicious, and – well, let’s just say you’ll probably want to buy something or other. On our drives from place to place you’ll see olive groves, cork farms, grazing sheep and bustling small villages. We’ll also skirt the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains.
From Fes we’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Volubilis, which began as a Roman capital and continued in habitation for ten centuries, ending as a Muslim center. The ruins are extensive and illustrate much of what we know about those ancient civilizations, their history and their architecture.
We’ll spend most of our time in Marrakech, where we’ll explore the old city’s palaces and public squares, markets and cafés – plus some of the most beautiful gardens on the planet.
Morocco is famous for its foods –tagines, pastilla, kebabs and cous cous, among others. And in many restaurants, before your main course they’ll serve you a number of little plates of vegetables, salads and olives with traditional bread.
We’ll learn about Morocco’s history,including its time as a French protectorate, and the story of the Jewish population. If you speak French, you’ll delight in talking with some of the locals. We’ll also be accompanied by an English-speaking guide every day, so
you’ll have plenty of time to ask questions and learn even more from someone who lives in the country.Itinerary
Please note that we may have to make changes to this itinerary in response to unexpected closures, road conditions, weather or other unforeseen events. These are very full days, and there are some long drives (with lots of interesting stops, of course). All breakfasts are included, but lunches and dinners will be on your own unless otherwise indicated here.
Friday, January 17, 2025
Depart from home for your overnight flight to Casablanca. (Airfare not included in the trip price.)Saturday, January 18, 2025
Arrive in Casablanca, where you’ll be picked up for your drive to our hotel, the Club Val D’Anfa. It’s located just half a block from the beach, with views of the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll have time to walk along the Atlantic corniche or just relax from your flight.6pm
Meet in the hotel for introductions and orientation. Dinner in the hotel is included tonight.
Sunday, January 19, 2025
After breakfast, we’ll drive along the beach to the Hassan II mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. Non-Muslims are allowed in for a tour with English-speaking guides. The mosque was completed in the 1990s. Its vast space features marble floors, intricate tile designs and carved wooden ceilings. The courtyard overlooks the sea.
We’ll then drive for a bit over an hour to Rabat, Morocco’s capital, which rests where the Bouregeg River meets the Atlantic. Here we’ll have a chance to stroll through the Kasbah Oudaya, a Berber-era royal fort surrounded by formal French-designed gardens overlooking the sea. Today it’s a quiet area of shops and small cafés.
After lunch -- tagine, anyone? – we’ll visit Le Tour Hassan and Mausoleum of Mohammed V. Construction of the tower wasbegun in the 12th century. Here lie the tombs of the father and grandfather of the current King of Morocco, in an elaborate design of marble, gold, onyx and precious jewels, and guarded by ornately dressed royal guards.
We’ll then continue our drive – about two and a half hours – on to Fes.
Monday, January 20
We’ll spend the day today exploring the walled old city, or medina, of Fes. With no cars allowed, we’ll see donkeys pulling wooden carts, shops with piles of vibrant spices, storehouses heaped high with hand-woven carpets in every possible color. We’ll begin the day at the King’s Palace, then visit a ceramics workplace before weaving our way into the medina.
The souk is lively with all kinds of products – ancient and modern – and gorgeous displays of fruits, vegetables,olives and dates; there’s even a camel meat butcher shop. We’ll walk into an ancient madrasa, a school for higher learning, then stop for lunch in the medina, after which we’ll explore the tanneries and their brilliantly colored leathers. (They’ll give you a sprig of mint to help mask the odor.)
6pm
We’ll meet briefly in the hotel for conversation before setting out for dinner on our own.
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
We board our bus for the hour and a half drive to the spectacular ruins of Volubilis, the ancient Roman Mauritanian capital. We’ll have a guide to explain the history, art and architecture. Today Volubilis stands alone among agricultural land, though it once was a bustling city. It began in the third century BC as a Berber center until it fell under Roman rule. Among the stunning ruins are a basilica, temple and triumphal arch.
In the late 8th century it became the seat of Idris ibn Abdallah, the founder of the Muslim Idrisid dynasty of Morocco. By the 11th century Volubilis had been abandoned after the seat of power was relocated to Fes.
We’ll return to Fes for the evening.
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
After an early breakfast, we’ll set out for a full day’s drive to Marrakech. Our way takes us up into the Middle Atlas Mountains and along the base of the High Atlas. We’ll stop for lunch in the modern town of Beni Mellah, which is surrounded by orange groves and olive and fig trees. And, of course, we’ll stop from time to time just to admire the views and take a break.
We’ll arrive in Marrakech in the evening, so you may want to have dinner in the hotel tonight.
Thursday, January 23, 2025
After breakfast, we’ll have a walking tour of Marrakech, called the southern pearl of Morocco. The landmark Koutoubia Mosque was built in the 12th centuryand towers over all of Marrakech. Among the places we’ll visit this day is the Palais Bahia, which contains richly tiled apartments surrounding a marble-paved courtyard with trees and pools. The decoration of the entire palace is simply splendid and will make you want to tile everything when you get home.
We’ll also visit the Jewish Quarter, called the mellah, and the historic Al Azama synagogue, a simple but very moving place where we’ll learn the story of Jews in Morocco. We’ll also stop by the Saadian tombs, some of the finest – and most lavish -- Islamic architecture in Morocco.
Later we can visit the Marrakech souk, or the arcade of goldsmiths, who sell their jewelry by weight. Or you might just want to spend some time in a tea shop to rest up for our evening’s excursion.
6pm
This evening we’ll venture out to the incredibly lively central plaza of Jmaa el-Fna. It teems with musicians, performers, henna artists, the occasional snake charmer or monkey handler, fortune tellers and anyone else who has a product or service on offer. Food and fresh orange juice stands abound, scented with exotic spices and grilled meats and seafood, plus lots of sweet treats. If you love street food, this is the place for you. If not, you can still enjoy everything going on around you, and settle in for a restaurant dinner later.
Friday, January 24, 2025
We’ll begin the day at the Jardin Majorelle, a botanical garden designed by artist Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s. In the 1980’s it was bought by Yves St. Laurent, and today it’s full of tropical flowers, cactus and palms. There’s a small museum of Berber culture, dress and jewelry and--next door--the Musée Yves St. Laurent features his signature designs. The gardens also contain a delightful café and boutique offering brightly colored high-quality leather goods.
You’ll have the afternoon free to explore on your own. If you’re in a shopping mood, you might want to go to the Complexe Artis Bouchaib, a vast local emporium that offers quality Berber rugs, ceramics, pottery, textiles, furniture and jewelry. Their very reasonable prices make it a great place to pick up gifts for home. (And – if you’re like Sheila and buy a lot, they also ship.)
6pm
We meet in the hotel for conversation and a cocktail.
Saturday, January 25, 2025
We depart this morning for our drive back to Casablanca. Along the way, the coastal town of El Jadida offers a chance to visit a Portuguese citadel and underground cistern.Dinner tonight (included) is at Rick’s Café. (No, it’s not old, but it looks just like the movie, the food is very good, and there’s a piano player – probably not named Sam.)
Sunday, January 26, 2025
We’ll drive you to the airport to catch your flight home.The price of the trip to Morocco is $6845, based on single occupancy. There are no single supplements to pay.
Here’s what’s included:
- Pickup at the Casablanca airport, and delivery to the airport at the end of the trip
- Eight nights in three beautiful Moroccan-style hotels (Casablanca, Fes and Marrakech)
- Hot ample breakfast buffet every morning, including eggs, meats, cheeses, fruits,pastries, yogurts and an array of breads and juices, plus Moroccan specialties
- Wine socials on three nights
- Entrance fees for all group activities listed.
- Restaurant and dining recommendations.- All transportation with our private driver, including tips
- A Morocco-based guide with us every day, including tipsWhat’s not included: lunches and dinners unless specifically included, transport to and from the airport if you arrive on days other than specified, tickets to museums and attractions not specifically mentioned in the itinerary, your flight to Morocco and back home and anything else not listed under “What’s included.”
Have Some Questions?
First, be sure to read all the Frequently Asked Questions and Terms and Conditions. If you have more questions, contact:
Sheila Campbell
Wild Blue Yonder
301 587-4555
She’s always happy to talk with you about the trip.
You can reserve your place on the trip with a $700 deposit, payable by check, made out to Wild Blue Yonder (mail to Wild Blue Yonder, 1001 Spring Street, Suite 623, Silver Spring, MD 20910). If you’d rather pay with a credit card via PayPal (there’s a 3% surcharge), let us know (email Sheila at SCampbell@wildblueyonder.biz) and we’ll send you a PayPal invoice.
Ready to pack your bags? Click here to register.
A Few Frequently Asked Questions
A Few Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who should come on this trip?
This is the perfect trip to take by yourself; you’ll make new friends and will always have people to do things with if you like. Or come with a friend or spouse or partner. We’ve often had mothers and daughters come together. You can spend time with each other and also have time to pursue your separate interests. The trip is also perfect for any small group that wants to travel together but doesn’t want the hassle of planning it all in advance.
Q. Do I have to pay a single supplement?
No.This trip is priced based on each person having his or her own hotel room.
Q. I’m coming with a spouse or partner and we want to share a room. Do we both have to pay the full rate? For people who share a room, we offer a discount of $150 each person. We’ve priced the trip primarily for people to have their own rooms, but of course you can
share a room if you prefer.Q. How many people will be on the trip?
The maximum number of people is 18, so you won’t feel like you’re part of a huge group. There’s a 12-person minimum group size. Please don’t buy your plane tickets until we confirm to you that we have reached the minimum group size.
Q. Tell me about the trip leaders.
Sheila Campbell of Wild Blue Yonder has been organizing informal groups of travelers for years – often on hiking trips in France, England, Italy and Spain, as well as for Politics & Prose. In her day-to-day work, she’s a group retreat leader who understands how to ensure everyone is involved and having a memorable experience. She lives in Washington, DC, where she is a volunteer at the National Gallery of Art.
Donna Morris has lived in Paris, France for the last eighteen years. She founded her business, Best Friend in Paris, in 2009 with her signature tour, Follow Me, an experience for her clients that helps them see Paris with the same love and appreciation for the City of Light that she has. She has developed and organized Politics and Prose trips to Paris, Provence, Bordeaux, the Perigord, Cote d'Azur, and the Loire Valley, as well as in Barcelona and Madrid, Spain and Venice, Italy. She speaks fluid French.
Ali Alami is a native of Fes, where he and his family still live. Ali is a favorite of past P&P and Wild Blue Yonder travelers. He's fluent in English, French and Arabic and he studied English literature in university.
Q. Where do I fly?
You’ll fly into and out of Casablanca’s airport. From Washington Dulles, Royal Air Maroc is the only airline that flies nonstop –but they only fly three days a week. (They codeshare with American Airlines.) You’ll have to check their schedule against yours to see if that will work for you. Please note that we don’t particularly recommend Royal Air Maroc, as their admintrative functions can be VERY frustrating, expecially if you later need to make a change. (And sometimes they cancel flights with almost no notice.)
For one-stop flights, you’ll probably have to change planes in Amsterdam or Paris (Delta) or Istanbul (Turkish). Frankly, that’s what your trip leaders will be doing.
Q. What will the weather be like?
It’s impossible to predict any weather accurately these days, but generally early in Morocco is terrific for walking around – cool and sunny during the day, cooler at night. Rain is always a possibility, of course, but it’s not common.
Q. What to wear?
Wear what’s most comfortable, and pack layers. Jeans are acceptable almost anywhere, except for the very nicest restaurants. You’ll want to dress modestly in any mosque, with shoulders covered and skirts below the knee. Most important: comfortable walking shoes.
Q. Is it safe to walk around?
As in any city or foreign venue, it makes sense to be aware of your surroundings during the day and after dark. We’ll almost always be escorted by a Moroccan guide, and we won’t be going into sketchy areas.
The most prevalent issue is pickpocketing, which mostly happens in areas where there are crowds of tourists. Pickpockets are wily, so we recommend that you leave most of your money, credit cards and passport in the safe in your room, just taking with you what you need for one day. A handbag that you can sling over your shoulder and tuck high under your arm (with a good zipper) works better than bags with long straps that dangle below your waist. And never sling your handbag over the back of a chair; that creates a very tempting target.
Q. Do you require us to buy travel insurance?
We very strongly recommend it. Reasons for cancelling a trip can happen suddenly. Please read the Terms and Conditions carefully to see our cancellation policy. Also be aware that trip insurance companies are very strict about what they will and won’t reimburse you for, so read their policies closely as well.
You’ll want to be insured for both trip cancellation and medical treatment and evacuation. Many insurers require you to enroll as soon as you pay your deposit, so don’t wait. There are many websites which offer comparison information about trip insurance.
Note that if you are on Medicare, it does not cover services outside of the United States, so you definitely will need medical coverage.
Q. Some friends are going to be in Marrakech while I’m there. Can they come along with us?
Because we want to keep our groups small, we can’t invite your friends to come with us on our daily excursions.
Q. When do I need to sign up by?
The sooner you put down your deposit, the better. We’re limiting the size of the group, so it’s best to reserve as soon as you think you’d like to come.
Q. If I want to stay on longer, can you arrange that?
Yes. We can arrange for you to stay on at any of our hotels at your own cost, although our trip will be over. If you’d like to arrive early, we can also make those reservations for you. We may not be there to greet you if you come early, but it’s okay if you want a day or two on your own before the official trip starts. Also, if you arrive a day or two early, your taxi ride to the first hotel will be on your own.Terms and Conditions
Please read this information carefully, as payment of a deposit represents your acceptance of the following Terms and Conditions.
Trip Prices
Trip prices include hotel accommodations on a single or double occupancy basis, breakfast at the hotel, daily transportation as mentioned in the itinerary, entrance fees to museums and other cultural sites if with the group as listed in the itinerary, evening socials and the services of the trip leaders as outlined in the trip description.
Not included in the trip price are entrance fees to museums and other attractions not expressly included; taxis or other forms of city transportation; airfare and airline baggage fees; lunches and dinners; hotel, restaurant or airport tips; costs of passports and visas; personal expenses such as beverages, laundry or room service; internet wifi except as established in the trip description; airport transfers or any other services not specified in the trip description.
Please note that we cannot guarantee any special requests for hotel rooms.
Registration and Payment
The payment of your deposit confirms your reservation. Deposits may be paid by check made out to Wild Blue Yonder, Inc., or credit card via PayPal. There is a 3% surcharge for PayPal.
Your deposit is refundable for two weeks from the date it is received by Wild Blue Yonder, except for deposits made less than 60 days before a trip departs; those deposits are completely nonrefundable. Two weeks after the receipt of the deposit by Wild Blue Yonder, deposits are not refundable for any reason and will be forfeited if you cancel your trip reservation. Cancellations must be in writing by either letter to Wild Blue Yonder or email to scampbell@wildblueyonder.biz. Cancellations become effective on the date they are received by Wild Blue Yonder.
Once your reservation deposit has been paid, you will receive a confirmation email and further information to help you plan your trip.
We reserve the right to cancel any reservations that are not paid in full at any time after the final payment is due. If you make your reservation after the final payment due date, payment in full will be required immediately.
Full final payment is due October 10, 2024
Cancellations and Refunds
For any cancellations made before October 10, 2024, you will forfeit your deposit but will be refunded any other payments you have made. If you must cancel your trip, the effective date of cancellation will be upon our receipt of your notification, which must be made in writing either by email or letter. No refunds are possible after October 10, 2024.
We strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance when you pay your deposit for this trip.
Changes to Your Reservation
If you would like to stay on for longer than the official days of the trip, we will make reservations for you at the hotel. We will not charge you for any changes to your reservation outside of 90 days before the trip start date. From 30 – 89 days before the trip start date, if you make any changes to your reservation, a $100 per person administrative fee will apply. Changes are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed. If your reservation changes from double occupancy to single occupancy, you will be charged the single occupancy rate.
Travel Documents
You are responsible for securing your own passport, valid for at least six months after the completion of your trip. Visas are not required for travelers with U.S. passports.
Health and Medical Issues
We welcome all travelers, but you must be in good health to participate in our trips. Our trips require a reasonable amount of walking, possibly several hours a day, uphill or on uneven streets or streets without curb cuts. You must be able to climb stairs and board trains and buses on your own. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance if you require the use of a wheelchair or have other personal needs; in such cases you must be accompanied by a companion who will assist you.
If you are unable to navigate this amount of walking, you will not be able to participate fully in the trip, and we suggest you choose another type of trip. We cannot provide individual alternatives to the planned group activities. If your fitness level does not allow you to keep up with the group and/or travel on public transportation, you will be responsible for planning your own activities and for any additional costs incurred (for instance, but not limited to, personal taxis, train tickets, and entrance fees).
Trip Insurance
We strongly recommend that you purchase both trip cancellation insurance and traveler’s medical and evacuation insurance for your trip. Should you have to cancel your trip after you have paid in full, we cannot offer refunds other than specified above, because we will have already paid the costs of your trip to our vendors.
Arrival and Departure Dates
It is your responsibility to make sure you arrive on the specified trip start date. We cannot refund part of your trip if you arrive late or leave early, unless you have notified us of your different start or end date 90 days before the trip start date.
Responsibility
The liability of Wild Blue Yonder and Politics & Prose, individually or jointly (referred to hereafter as Trip Planners), is strictly limited. In no event will the Trip Planners be liable for amounts in excess of the amounts payable to the Trip Planners in accordance with the terms hereunder, nor will Trip Planners be liable for any consequential indirect or incidental damages arising from this agreement. Trip Planners purchase accommodations, transportation and other services from independent suppliers not under our control. We serve only as agents for these suppliers in securing trip arrangements, and therefore will not accept responsibility and liability for wrongful, negligent or arbitrary acts or omissions of these independent contractors, their employees, agents or representatives.
Trip Planners are not liable for injury, damage, loss, accident, or delay that may be caused by events not within our control, including but not limited to, without limitation, acts of terrorism, war, strikes, defects of any vehicle, adverse weather conditions, natural disasters or the negligence or default of any third party.
Trip Planners reserve the right to correct errors in advertised prices. We reserve the right to cancel an advertised trip, decline to accept a reservation or remove a person from a trip if it is determined by us to be in the best interests of the health, safety or general well-being of other trip participants. We will make every effort to conduct our trip as planned, but we reserve the right to make itinerary and other changes as necessary. If unforeseen circumstances require us to change a hotel, we will make every effort to select alternative accommodations of the same quality. The forgoing terms and conditions and all aspects of the relationship between Trip Planners and you shall be governed by the laws of the State of Maryland.
Recommended Reading
We love to read about the places we’re visiting, and we suspect you do too. Trip Leader Heba El-Shazli
has selected some books to enhance your travel experience.
Although there may be some discussion of books in our evening salons, there is NO required reading.
Dreams of Trespass: Tales of Harem Girlhood, by Fatima Mernissi. This is an enchanting memoir of a Muslim girl’s life in her family’s harem during and post the World War II era.
For Bread Alone, by Mohamed Choukri. This memoir is a tale of survival, as the author flees famine and extreme danger, scratches out a life of crime, and then is saved by his discovery of the power of literature.
Travels: Collected Writings 1950 – 1993, by Paul Bowles. In this collection of essays and articles, Bowles gives us a unique and intelligent sense of place.
A House in Fez: Building a Life in the Ancient Heart of Morocco, by Suzanna Clarke. A couple who fall in love with Morocco decide to restore a beautiful house in the medina. Along the way they learn much about the country and its customs.
Secret Son by Laila Lalmi. This novel traces a young man’s life from deprivation to the lap of luxury – and its collapse. He then falls into a fringe Islamic group.
Leaving Tangier, by Tahar Ben Jelloun. This novel explores the experience of a young Moroccan man who emigrates to Spain to find a better life, but isn’t always successful.
In Morocco, by Edith Wharton. Writer Edith Wharton writes about her visit to Morocco following World War I.
The Caliph’s House: A Year in Casablanca, by Tahir Shah. What would it be like to move to Morocco and restore a historic building? All the details are here: the joys, the irritations, the people, the jinns that inhabit the house.
The Sheltering Sky, by Paul Bowles. A literary classic, this novel by Bowles exposes what happens when Americans don’t understand a culture foreign to them.
House of Spies, by Daniel Silva. Much of this adventure-filled spy novel, featuring the intrepid Gabriel Allon and his team, occurs in Morocco.
Stolen Lives: Twenty Years in a Desert Jail, by Malika Oufkir. The daughter of a former aide to the King of Morocco describes the years spent in a desert penal colony with her family.
A Month in Marrakesh: Recipes from the Heart of Morocco, by Andy Harris and David Loftus. Part cookbook, part travelogue, completely enjoyable – and the measurements are American.
