Amazing Morocco PHOTO TOUR. Culture & Landscapes... November 8/21, updated 4/14

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1 Culture & Landscapes... - updated 4/14 Po Box 815 Coolum Beach Qld, Australia 4573 PH: (Office hours.) E: julia@worldadventures.com.au W: Travel Agents License: /5

2 MOROCCO - the adventure... Morocco in far Northern Africa, has always been a location that inspired the imagination and creative visions of many an artist. It is so close to Spain and not far from Europe and England, yet it is completely different! We will be exploring the incredible landscapes, people, streets and culture of this ancient land. Marrakesh, Sahara dunes, Casablanca, fire up the imagination! Morocco offers incredible history, culture, landscapes and creative photo opportunities. Fès is arguably the symbolic heart of Morocco. Its labyrinthine streets and crumbling grandeur add to its intrigue. The medina of Fès el-bali (Old Fès) is one of the largest living medieval cities in the world, and its gates and walls are magnificent. One of Morocco s most important cultural centres, Marrakesh is a lively former capital famed for its markets and festivals. Follow its twisting arteries to its pulsing energy source - Djemaa el-fna - a huge square in the medina. Your nose will guide you to row upon row of open-air food stalls whose pungent smoke fills the air with mouth-watering aromas. Be drawn back into a world of frenzied motion, where jugglers and storytellers jostle for position with snake charmers, magicians, and acrobats. Join this great life experience adventure... Our in-depth knowledge of Morocco and the region enables us to deliver incredible itineraries that will enchant even the most discerning photographer. World Photo Adventures ensures Morocco is a destination that will amaze you. MOROCCO - the adventure... Morocco is a destination offering endless exploration experiences. Immerse yourself in the heartland of uniquely captivating images. In 2014 we invite you to photograph the region through your choice of two magnificent linked tours: 1. Turkey Eastern to Western October, Morocco November, 2014 Here are just a few reasons to join our adventures... UNTAMED QUALITY AND EXPERIENCE With over 64 years of combined experience in tailoring premium travel quests, our team ensures you never settle for less than the best. We offer lovely 3/4 star accommodation for your comfort and enjoyment. EXCEPTIONAL END-TO-END EXPERIENCE We work towards delivering the time of your life. Our office gem Julia, helps you with all your pre- and post-tour needs. Once you are out in the field our professional local drivers and guides are right by your side. Your personal photo guides are the best in the world! You will discover Morocco with people who know this captivating land better than anyone. GREAT TOURS COME IN SMALL GROUPS Small group travel gives you flexibility and the ability to follow your interests. That s why we keep tour group sizes small so you can savour your travel experience. FIRST TIME ON TOUR WITH US? We ll happily answer your questions, offer advice or connect you with the experiences that will satisfy your wanderlust. Contact Julia at: julia@worldadventures.com.au. Escorted by: Darran and Pearce Leal Tour dates: November 2014 Event grade: Easy to moderate Transport: Mini bus Accommodation: 3/4-star hotel accommodation with 2 nights traditional camping in Merzouga Tour targets: landscapes, wildlife, creative, culture. PAGE 2

3 The itinerary is flexible to allow Darran and your local expert guide the opportunity to target the best photo and cultural options. Day 1 - Casablanca November 8 Today is your arrival day. We have included accommodation tonight. No activities are offered, however meet this afternoon to say hello to the group and learn about the next days activities. We meet at reception at 5pm. Optional dinner for those interested. Accommodation: 4 Star Day 2 - Casablanca - Tour Starts November 9 This morning we explore Cassablanca after a leisurely breakfast. We target historically unique locations that have made Casablanca internationally famous. Hassan II mosque, the ancient madena and other top shoot locations. Afternoon workshop with Darran offering top tips and techniques for the upcoming photo adventures. You will also have free time to settle into this fantastic country. Dinner is included tonight with a traditional style Moroccan meal. PRE TOUR We suggest that you arrive in Africa at least 24 hours before tour departure. Arriving early will give you a chance to relax and acclimatise to the new time zone. We do not include your international flights. Julia can book your other pre/post travel requirements. (Not including flights.) We generally commence booking pre/post tour accommodation/flights about 8/9 months before departure. FINAL ITINERARY Note that a final itinerary will be sent to you about one month before departure. Day 3 - Casablanca / Rabat / Chefchaouen November 10 After breakfast, we depart towards Chefchaouen, the famous blue city of Morocco in the Rif Mountains. On route, we will stop at Rabat, the capital city and residence of the King. We include time to enjoy this beautiful coastal city for unique photo opportunities. We target the King s Palace, the La Tour Hassan, Mausoleum, and more. We continue onto Chefchaouen where we are based for the next two nights. Day 4 - Chefchaouen November 11 After breakfast, you will have a tour of this very cool blue town, tucked away in the mountains. You will enjoy the relaxed atmosphere with the Rif Mountains as a back drop. Perfect for photography, this blue city offers every shade of blue and is very creative for lines, shapes and form. Again, Darran will maximise your photo interests. Some free time again today to persue your own photo opportunities. NOTE: During the tour, specific shoots will be set up by your guide using local people and unique situations. These may require a small tip from the group. PAGE 3

4 Day 5 - Chefchaouen /Volubilis / Meknes / Fes November 12 Before breakfast, you have the option to join Darran and take the short climb up the edge of the mountain for a beautiful shot of this small Berber town. After breakfast, we set out to explore the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. We spend the morning exploring the 2000-year-old ruins and getting a picture of life during the Roman Empire. Lunch will be taken in Meknes one of Morocco s Imperial cities. After lunch, our local guide will take us on a tour of Meknes, including the stable of Moulay Ismael, the Bab Mansour, and medina. Late afternoon, we drive to Fes, the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco. Day 6 - Fes November 13 At sunrise, we shoot the ancient city from a beautiful lookout. After breakfast, we begin your guided tour of the medina, one of the world s largest walled in cities. We explore the narrow streets lined with fresh fruit, mounds of spices, intricately woven Berber carpets and many other art objects of Morocco. What a specioal treat for photographers! For lunch, we will eat in a traditional restaurant in the heart of the medina. After lunch, we complete the tour and return to your hotel. We explore, eating at a local restaurant for dinner tonight. Day 7 - Fes / Erfoud / Sahara November 14 After an early breakfast, we begin our ascent across the Middle Atlas Mountains. Most of the day will be spent winding our way through the beautiful forests, jagged rock faces, and Berber villages as we cross the Atlas Mountains and begin to descend towards the Sahara Desert. Half way, we will stop for lunch in the town of Midelt, famous for its fossils and rocks. In the afternoon, we will make our way down along the Ziz River Valley. Upon arrival in Erfoud, we jump into 4WD s and head out to the famous Sahara sand dunes. Sunrise and sunset at the dunes will be key photo targets. Accommodation: Desert Camping (B,D) PAGE 4

5 Day 8 - Sahara Desert November 15 A key target will be unique sunrise images on the dunes. In the morning, we take a 4WD ride around the dunes and visit nomadic Berber Villages. This is a chance to listen to some of their music while we get some unique people photos - a fantastic experience. We then set off by camel for a 2-hour trek out to an oasis where you will spend the night in Berber tents (Dinner is included). You will feel like you are in one of the famous old Hollywood movies! Sunset Sahara shoot opportunities. Accommodation: Desert Camping (B,D) Day 9 - Sahara / Todra Gorges / Dades Gorges November 16 After breakfast and another morning Sahara shoot, we return by camel to the 4WD s and head back to Erfoud. From Erfoud we set out behind the High Atlas Mountains on route to the Dades Gorges. In the afternoon, we walk through the towering cliffs of Todra Gorges (600 feet high). Also offered are the picturesque river valleys that make for a beautiful journey towards the southeast of Morocco. Dinner will be served at the Kasbah. Sahara Desert - Camping, Moroccan Style... For the camping in Merzouga, we will use the location of Yasmina auberge. We camp with comfortable beds in separate tents, 2 people per tent. The bedding at the camps includes a bed on top of a carpet covering the sand in a tent, with sheets and blankets. This will offer you the best photo opportunities and a fantastic desert experience. Camping toilet and showers complete our adventure. Day 10 - Dades Gorges / Ouarzazate / Ait Benhaddou November 17 After an early breakfast we set off towards Ouarzazate along the route of 1000 Kasbahs. Time allowing, we may visit the ancient Kasbahs in the palmaries. Upon arrival in Ouarzazate, we visit this southern town, probably most famous now for the films that have been produced in the area. We then head out to the Kasbah Ait Benhaddou where we will target sunset and sunrise. In typical Moroccan fashion, the true treasures must be searched out and discovered - usually off the beaten path. This region has been used for more films than any other location in Morocco; films including, Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth, and recently The Gladiator. Dinner will be served at the hotel. Accommodation: 3 Star (B,D) PAGE 5

6 Day 11 - Ait Benhaddou - Marrakech November 18 After breakfast, we head off towards Marrakech over the High Atlas Mountains. Stunning landscapes and ancient views will roll pass us to this most famous city. In Marrakech, we check into your hotel and then head off to the Djemaa el-fna, the center square of the medina. The famous Djemaa el-fna, is one of the center attractions of Marrakech. Coming alive at night with the local storytellers, entertainers, and mouthwatering barbeque pits, the square is well worth a visit. A quiet cup of tea on the terrace of an adjacent café provides a spectacular aerial view of the bustling square. Day 12- Marrakech November 19 After breakfast, the group will have a guided tour of Marrakech, the southern pearl of Morocco. You will discover the Palace of the Bahia, the Saadian Tombs, and many other hidden treasures. After lunch, we continue with the tour on to the magnificent Koutoubia Mosque and the famous Djemaa el-fna, one of the center attractions of Marrakech. The tour will conclude with an exploration of the souk (market) lined with fresh fruit, mounds of spices, intricately woven Berber carpets and many other art objects of Morocco. Day 13 - Marrakech - Essaouira November 20 After breakfast, we drive to the coastal city of Essaouira, a picturesque fishing town, lying on the southwest coast of Morocco. With an exquisite beach to the south, Essaouira has become one of Morocco s most popular coastal towns. Many of the countries wood carvers and artists make Essaouira their home. We overnight in Essaouira. A final dinner tonight to celebrate an incredible adventure and the chance to swap a few tall stories. Day 14 - Essaouira - Casablanca / Depart November 21 After breakfast and a morning shoot, we drive to Casablanca and the end of the tour. We will arrive in Casablanca late this afternoon. Julia can either book more accommodation for you, or you can catch an evening flight. (This should not be booked any earlier than 7pm.) (B) AND... How about joining our Ultimate Turkey linked adventure? Very different adventures and shoots. Details and prices are subject to change. PAGE 6

7 MEET YOUR TOUR TEAM WHO ARE WE? At World Photo Adventures, creating marvellous and memorable journeys is our mission. Our tours give you impressions and experiences you ll cherish for a lifetime. We re more than travel and tour specialists we re your complete photography adventure solution. We take you straight to the photographic heartlands of your chosen tour region. That s why we are Australia s only licensed travel agency specialising in photography tours and workshops. As a family business, personalised service is close to our hearts. STAND-OUT SERVICE Stunning Norfolk Island set the stage for our first photo tour in Since then our tours have gone from strength to strength and continent to continent. Wherever you travel with World Photo Adventures, our superior service levels are a mainstay. Claim the ultimate tour experience for you and your lens with our guaranteed: Small group tours with like-minded travellers World-class photo guides to put you in the right place at the right time with the right photographic know-how Knowledgeable guides who ensure you never miss a key photographic or experiential opportunity Premium locations with stunning visual delights From our friendly helpful office, you ll enjoy the peace of mind and exceptional experience that only comes from working with one of the world s most experienced photo travel companies. WHO BOOKS OUR PHOTO HOLIDAYS? From animated point and shoot amateur photographers to seasoned photographic veterans, we get a broad crosssection of photo enthusiasts on every tour. Not super keen on snapping? No problem. You are still guaranteed a great time. Whether your finger never leaves, or never hits a camera all tour, you will have an unforgettable experience. Our unique locations, top guides and small travel groups make sure of it. While our clients vary in age and experience, all attend with the same goal to have a fantastic holiday. We ensure every client gets exactly that. DARRAN LEAL Professional photographer and guide With over 400 successful photo tours/ workshop and seminars worldwide and counting, Australian-born Darran s lifetime loves are travel and outdoor photography. He combines these with vast experience in delivering global photo tours, workshops and seminars. Darran is one of the world s few full-time professional photo guides. He leads photographers of all levels to many of the world s most captivating locations. As a natural born photographer, educator and adventurer, Darran s career inevitably led him to help others explore and capture their world. Now Darran spends his time up to his arm pits in crocodiles, cuddling gorillas or herding photographers. Check out Darran s work first-hand at: JULIA LEAL Professional travel consultant Exploring new territory is an adventure Julia has been savouring since childhood. Julia was born in Liverpool, England yet soon migrated to New Zealand with her family. She launched her travel career in 1979 in tropical Noosa, Queensland where she managed one of the first resorts in the region. Then it was back to Auckland, New Zealand to take up the role of travel consultant. Before long, Go International snapped Julia up as a travel rep. While leading an educational tour on Norfolk Island in 1989, Julia met Darran. Though her career remained trans-tasman for several years after, Julia is now in her element as a travel consultant extraordinaire for World Photo Adventures. When it comes to securing an extraordinary photographic adventure tour founded on unrivalled service, Julia has it covered. PEARCE LEAL Professional photographer/guide No photographer could wish for a better guide to getting remarkable destination shots than a fellow photographer. Pearce is the man to get you weaving incredible lens magic because he does the same himself. As an AIPP member, Pearce takes other photographers on amazing photo adventures all around the world. With over 30 tours and workshops under his belt, Pearce has traversed incredible image opportunities in Africa, the USA, South America, Asia and Australia. In addition, his own photographic work has been featured in magazines and media around the globe. We make memorable journeys. You capture incredible images. Check out Pearce s work first-hand at: PAGE 7

8 LIBERATE YOUR LENS AND YOUR SENSES Our end-to-end tour takes you on a journey of incredible discovery. So put yourself in the big picture with prime travel information and inspiration... GET TO KNOW THE DESTINATION You can begin your exploration of the tour destination without leaving home. Visit Simply type in the locations on your itinerary and explore to your heart s content. It s a great idea to embark upon your adventure well informed on this rich natural wonderland. WE OFFER YOU... Great guidance every step of the way... A vibrant travel itinerary that never misses a beat. Local knowledge to fully immerse you in the richest offerings of the region. Professional photographic support is provided to ensure you secure superlative images. You will have it all thanks to our professional photographer and local guide. Both are with you throughout your tour. Small group sizes for big personal advantage... You want to maximise your photographic and experiential opportunities. We want you to as well. So we keep tour groups small with a maximum of six travellers per guide. You will benefit from utmost flexibility and personal attention, with an experienced guide on-hand too. Fantastic accommodation... Comfort is an important part of all travel. So we ensure a high standard of accommodation throughout your tour. That means you will always be well rested to make the most of every tour day. Marvellous meals... Eating on the job can only be planned to a certain extent. After all you would not want to miss incredible photographic and travel opportunities because you were busy dining. So we provide a selection of meals as detailed in your itinerary. Your guides will arrange all other meals to ensure you never miss a chance to enrich your tour memories and books or albums. WEATHER It should be mild to warm. Please google temperatures for that time of the year. We will offer more information in our - Final Itinerary. WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN OUR TOUR PRICE We aim to provide a convenient price for almost all your travel and tour arrangements. Yet some additional costs do fall outside our tour prices. Your airfares are an extra cost unless your itinerary specifies otherwise. All transfers, laundry, tips, drinks and sundries not listed in the itinerary also fall outside our tour price. Please note: it is vital that you do not book any flights or other travel services for your tour before speaking to our office first. No tour is ever a done deal until minimum numbers and other key logistics are confirmed. ITINERARY AND PRICES CHANGES Tour prices are correct at the time of printing, but these are subject to change. Please use your itinerary and associated pricing as a guide only. KITTING OUT YOUR CAMERA COLLATERAL No matter what your photographic level or style, World Photo Adventures maximises your image interest. Our clients use everything from top line D-SLRs with pro lenses to mid-range kits. We even have a wealth of non-photographically inclined partners come along with basic compact cameras. Your equipment is personal to you. What matters is that you know how to use it and how to get the most out of your tour. That is why we offer a workshop at the start of all tours. Plus you ll have a professional photographer on-hand to give you personal assistance while you re in the field. You can even benefit from mini photography workshops during the course of your tour. In short, we give you everything possible to help you capture lasting images of the world s most breathtaking location in a way that matches your style, desires and photographic equipment. PAGE 8

9 - updated 4/14 MOROCCO PRICE AU$7,995 Twin Share per person As per itinerary, with local guide/driver and professional photo guide - land transport, meals as per itinerary. EVENT DEPOSIT REQUIRED - AU$1,500 pp. Please read our terms & Conditions and fill in our booking form. Julia can offer travel insurance, including deposit protection insurance. TO BOOK: Please ask for our booking form. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT - AU$1,495 pp. We will try our best to find someone to share with you. However, part of the booking conditions is that a single supplement is applicable if no one is available to share. FLIGHTS We do not include your international flights. (Or any other flights, unless included in the itinerary.) We are happy to help you! We are happy to check your flight itinerary, before you have tickets issued, to make sure you will be arriving and departing at the correct times for the tour. (Julia will need a copy of your flight itinerary, for her records). IMPORTANT - To make sure you book the correct dates and times, we would request the following: 1. Don t purchase any any air tickets, until Darran s flights have been booked, which we will do approximately 8-9 months prior to the tour departure. We will advise you when Darran s flights are booked and you can then use his itinerary, as a guide. This will also coincide with confirming the tour departure, making sure we have met minimum passenger numbers for the tour and the logistics of the tour have not changed. 2. We suggest you arrive a minimum of 24 hours prior to the tour departure, to help with jet lag and in case of airline delays. World Photo Adventures Po Box 815 Coolum Beach Qld, Australia 4573 PH: (Office hours.) E: julia@worldadventures.com.au W: Travel Agents License: /5 PAGE 9