HARVARD ALUMNI TRAVELS

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1 2019 HARVARD ALUMNI TRAVELS DISCOVER LEARN CONNECT EXPLORE Morocco Explorer April 24 May 5, 2019

2 Merzouga Desert (above). Front Cover Image: Merzouga Desert. Back Cover Image: Marrakech and Ait Ben Haddou. Walled clay villages and ornate palaces behind grand tiled gates, colorful medinas lined with rows of exotic spices, Berber families carrying on ancient ways of life high in the mountains this is the enchanting mix that is Morocco. Wander the narrow alleyways of Casablanca, Rabat, and Fez, exploring its lively bazaars and medinas. Travel across vast landscapes to the glittering dunes of the Sahara, where you will camp under a blanket of stars and see the first rays of dawn flicker across the shifting sands. Experience Marrakech, once a stop on the ancient caravan routes and still infused with the magic of a cultural crossroads. Activity Level 3: A LITTLE MORE TO IT This moderately active program includes multiple hotel changes, and a number of long drives on windy roads. A spirit of flexibility and adventure is welcome during these drives. Most days are heavily scheduled so that you can see as many highlights of Morocco as possible. Travelers should be in good health, and in good enough shape to navigate stairs and walk along uneven terrain. The temperatures during your stay in Morocco should range from the low-40s to the mid-80s. Morocco is a conservative country, especially in terms of dress. The general dress code is casual with a focus on modest western-style clothing. Women should cover their knees and shoulders in public, and their hair in mosques. During the day we recommend clothing that can be layered to provide warmth in the cool mornings and evenings, and removed during the warmer parts of the day. A coat, jacket, or heavy sweater may be especially useful in the High Atlas Mountains and in the Sahara Desert. It is a good idea to bring a hat and sunglasses for touring in Morocco due to the strong sun. Comfortable, practical shoes are also essential as there will be substantial walking and many floors are uneven, as well as the grounds and pathways at some sites. Study Leader As this brochure goes to print, we have not yet confirmed the faculty study leader for this program. We intend, however, that you will be joined by a Harvard lecturer who will enhance your travel experience. You will discover that our lecturers are not only first-rate scholars and teachers but also friendly traveling companions, eager to share their insights through conversation as well as in scheduled presentations. TO BOOK A TRIP, CALL OR VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/TRAVEL

3 Schedule by Day WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24 Fly to Morocco Depart from home on independent flights to Casablanca, Morocco. THURSDAY, APRIL 25 Casablanca / Rabat Arrive at the Mohammed V International Airport (CMN). Meet your guide and driver outside the baggage collection area. Visit Casablanca, Morocco s largest city and its business and industrial center. Casablanca is home to one of the modern world s architectural wonders, the Hassan II Mosque. After your visit, drive through the scenic countryside to the imperial city of Rabat. Settle into the hotel and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. This evening, enjoy a welcome reception and dinner. (D) Overnight: Villa Mandarine FRIDAY, APRIL 26 Rabat Explore the city of Rabat, one of the oldest settlements in North Africa. Visit Hassan Tower, the remains of the first unfinished mosque of Rabat. Continue with a visit to Oudaïa Kasbah, former stronghold of the Almoravids, with its spectacular Moorish gate. Next, visit the Kasbah Chellah, built on ancient Roman ruins, with a necropolis constructed by the kings of Morocco in the 14th century. Continue to the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, one of the most beautiful architectural achievements in the country. Overnight: Villa Mandarine (B, L) SATURDAY, APRIL 27 Rabat / Volubilis / Meknes / Fes Drive east through the Middle Atlas Mountains to the ancient Roman city of Volubilis, which was the northwest African capital of the Roman Empire and was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in Continue to Meknes, another one of Morocco s imperial cities. Meknes was the 18th-century seat of Sultan Moulay Ismail during the reigns of Louis XIV of France and James II of England. Visit the monumental Bab el-mansour and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Stop at a winery for lunch. Continue to Fes, Morocco s first imperial city. Enjoy the atmospheric hotel overlooking the medina. Overnight: Riad Maison Bleue SUNDAY, APRIL 28 Fes Tour Fes el Bali, visiting the city s medina, palaces, mosques, and medersas (Koranic schools). Fes s vibrancy is palpable in its incredible medina, a maze of narrow streets and crowded bazaars that buzz with activity. Visit Fes el Jedid, or New Fes, built in the 13th century along with the Royal Palace and city wall. Visit the University of Al-Karaouine, believed to be the world s oldest continually operating degree-granting university in the world. Explore the old Jewish quarter, the Mellah, an area rich with unique architecture including wrought iron decorated windows and carved wood balconies. This evening, enjoy a traditional Sufi dinner. Overnight: Riad Maison Bleue MONDAY, APRIL 29 Fes / Midelt / Erfoud Travel south to Erfoud, one of Morocco s largest oases. Drive through fertile valleys and into the cedar forests and beautiful lakes of the Middle Atlas Mountains Pass. Continue through Ifrane, a charming European-looking ski resort, and Azrou, a typical Berber town with flat-roofed earthen houses. Stop at the nature reserve of Midelt. Continue across the Pass of the She-Camel and through the Tunnel of the Legionnaires looking out over the Ziz River valley to Errachedia. Overnight: Auberge Café du Sud FOR DETAILED ITINERARIES, VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/TRAVEL

4 TUESDAY, APRIL 30 Erfoud / Merzouga Transfer by 4x4 Dakar Rally tour vehicles to the dunes of Erg Chebbi, possibly the largest dunes in the Sahara Desert. En route, study the desert ecosystem. Visit the Sijilmassa and Rissani Village, home to a great number of ksars, or fortified villages, where you often find a palace. Explore Ksar El Fida and the Ksar Oulad Abdelhalim. traditional souks of Rissani, and meet local nomads for mint tea. In the late afternoon, enjoy a short camel trek to of ksars, or fortified villages, where you often find a palace. Explore Ksar El Fida and the Ksar Oulad Abdelhalim. Explore the traditional souks of Rissani, and meet local nomads for mint tea. In the late afternoon, enjoy a short camel trek to witness the sunset from over the desert dunes. Continue to your private desert camp for the evening. Overnight: Merzouga Tented Camp WEDNESDAY, MAY 1 Merzouga / Tinghir/ Todra Gorge / Ouarzazate Drive though lunar-like landscape to Tinghir, one of the largest and most beautiful oases in Morocco. Visit the Mellah Jewish quarter. Continue to nearby Todra Gorge and enjoy mint tea on a terrace looking out at canyon walls rising 1,200 feet on either side. Continue towards Ouarzazate along the southern flank of the High Atlas Mountains. En route, stop in the Dades Valley at the oasis Kaalat M Gouna. Arrive this evening in Ouarzazate, which has become a major cultural center and base for the many films shot in this area. Overnight: Le Berbère Palace (B, L, D) THURSDAY, MAY 2 Ouarzazate / Aït Benhaddou / Marrakech Begin the day with a tour of Ouarzazate. Visit Kasbah Taourirt, the former capital of the Glaoui and one of the most important kasbahs in the region. Have a traditional mint tea overlooking a panoramic view of Ouarzazate Valley. Explore the UNESCO-restored Kasbah Aït Benhaddou, arguably Morocco s most impressive village and virtually unchanged since the Middle Ages. Continue on to Marrakech via North Africa s highest passage, the Tizi n Tichka mountain pass linking the Sahara Desert and the great Marrakech Plains. Arrive at the hotel and settle in before dinner tonight. Overnight: La Sultana Marrakech. FRIDAY, MAY 3 Marrakech Explore Marrakech, the Pearl of the South. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque and the 16th-century Saadian Tombs, resting place of the Saadian royal family. Visit the lavishly decorated Bahia Palace, built in the late 19th century and noted for its Moorish-Andalusian architecture. Continue to the Majorelle Garden with its Moorish-style villa, now a Berber culture museum, and 12 acres of garden. This afternoon, discover the Medersa Ben Youssef, founded in the 14th century and famed for its geometric patterns of decoration. End the day at the visual extravaganza of Marrakech s Djemaa el-fna, the city s exciting main square. Overnight: La Sultana Marrakech SATURDAY, MAY 4 Marrakech This morning, drive to the Amizmiz Valley, populated by Berbers who still follow a traditional way of life, to enjoy a Moroccan cooking class. Chef Tarik has extensive experience running the kitchens of many hotels and restaurants both locally and internationally. Harvest ingredients from the garden and learn the art of seasoning with aromatic Moroccan herbs as you prepare a typical two-course Moroccan meal. Enjoy the fruits of your labor with some excellent Moroccan wine. Spend the afternoon on your own. This evening, enjoy a farewell reception and dinner. Overnight: La Sultana Marrakech SUNDAY, MAY 5 Marrakech / Aloft Transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) for your international flight home. Depart for home. Overnight: Aloft (B)

5 Rates Per Person DOUBLE SINGLE SUPPLEMENT $8,795 $3,000 Includes: Harvard study leader professional tour director local English-speaking Moroccan guides airport transfers on days other than the scheduled arrival and departure dates accommodation as indicated in itinerary local beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages at included meals bottled water and snacks in vehicles activities as indicated in itinerary entrance fees to sites as indicated in itinerary airport transfers on designated arrival and departure days private, air-conditioned vehicle throughout the trip. gratuities for guides, drivers, hotel staff, and restaurant staff at included meals $200,000 emergency medical assistance and evacuation insurance provided by Harvard Alumni Travels Does not include: international flights (home Casablanca/CMN; Marrakech/RAK home) international airport departure taxes (included in most international tickets) meals not included in the itinerary alcoholic beverages (discretionary) travel insurance (discretionary) passport fees, visas, and visa photos as required phone calls, laundry, and other items of a personal nature (discretionary) TO BOOK A TRIP, CALL OR VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/TRAVEL

6 Trip Sampling A Sampling of other upcoming Harvard Alumni Travels Programs AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND JAN 23 FEB 13, 2019 DAVID AGUILAR COLOMBIA: FROM BOGOTÁ TO CARTAGENA MAR 6 18, 2019 MARK VAN BAALEN TANZANIA MIGRATION SAFARI MAR 10 20, 2019 BENCE ÖLVECZKY AMSTERDAM: FROM GOLDEN AGE CANALS TO DUTCH MASTERPIECES MAR 29 APR 3, 2019 SARA SCHECHNER PRIVATE HOMES & GARDENS OF BERMUDA APR 1 5, 2019 MICHAEL WEISHAN HMSC SILK ROAD IN CENTRAL ASIA & IRAN APR 6 23, 2019 BEHIND THE SCENES AT CERN & ITER: CELEBRATING THE SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERIES, CULTURE & CUISINE OF GENEVA & PROVENCE MAY 5 14, 2019 MELISSA FRANKLIN JOURNEY THROUGH THE SOUTH CAUCASUS MAY 8 22, 2019 ALEXANDRA VACROUX VILLAGE LIFE IN DORDOGNE MAY 16 24, 2019 ROBERT J. KIELY HMSC WILD AFRICA MAY 20 JUN 3, 2019 ZARIN MACHANDA HMSC MONGOLIA: LAND OF THE BLUE SKY JUN 3 14, 2019 ANDREW BERRY GATEWAY TO AUTHENTIC IRELAND JUN 7 17, 2019 CATHERINE MCKENNA HBS KILIMANJARO TREK & WILDLIFE SAFARI JUN 15 26, 2019 DAVID FOSTER TRANS-SIBERIAN BY PRIVATE TRAIN WITH THE NADAAM FESTIVAL JUN 29 JUL 13, 2019 PETER GALBRAITH SCOTLAND S ORKNEY & SHETLAND ISLANDS HIKING ADVENTURE AUG 23 SEP 2, 2019 DANIEL SMAIL HMSC MADAGASCAR: THE EIGHTH CONTINENT SEP 3 16, 2019 JAMES COSTA AZORES GETAWAY OCT 11 14, 2019 JEREMIAH TRIMBLE SILK ROAD IN CENTRAL ASIA (THE FIVE STANS) OCT 10 28, 2019 HMSC DISCOVER ETHIOPIA OCT 11 28, 2019 EXPLORING THE WINE REGIONS OF BORDEAUX & RIOJA OCT 12 20, 2019 MYSTICAL INDIA OCT 13 29, 2019 EMILY O DELL JOURNEY THROUGH VIETNAM OCT 16 NOV 1, 2019 EXPLORING HAVANA, CUBA OCT 17 21, 2019 LEBANON & JORDAN: FROM CASTLES TO CARAVANS OCT 31 NOV 3, 2019 JOSEPH GREENE BUDAPEST AND CENTRAL EUROPE ON GOLDEN EAGLE DANUBE EXPRESS (WITH NEW YEAR S IN VIENNA) DEC 28, 2019 JAN 5, 2020 Alumni Travels

7 Terms & Conditions RESPONSIBILITY Global Adrenaline organizes and administers trips (each a Trip ). Global Adrenaline acts only as an agent for any transportation carrier, hotel, ground operator, or other suppliers of services connected with a specific Trip ( Other Providers ), and the Other Providers are solely responsible and liable for providing their respective services. The passenger tickets in use by the carriers will constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the passenger; the carriers are not responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time the participants are not aboard their conveyances. Global Adrenaline, LLC d/b/a National Geographic Partners Chicago, its parent, subsidiaries, and their respective employees, affiliates, officers, directors, successors, representatives, assigns (collectively GA ) will not be held liable for (A) any damage to, or loss of, property or injury to, or death of, persons occasioned directly or indirectly by an act or omission of any Other Provider, including but not limited to any defect in any aircraft, watercraft, or vehicle operated or provided by such Other Provider; and (B) any loss or damage due to delay, cancellation, or disruption in any manner caused by the laws, regulations, acts or failures to act, demands, orders, or interpositions of any government or any subdivision or agent thereof, or by acts of God, strikes, fire, flood, war, rebellion, terrorism, insurrection, sickness, quarantine, epidemics, theft, or any other cause(s) beyond their control. The participant waives any claim against GA for any such loss, damage, injury, or death. By registering for a Trip, the participant certifies that he/she does not have any mental, physical, or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for himself or herself or other participants. GA reserves the right in its sole discretion to accept, decline to accept, or remove any participant on a Trip. GA reserves the right, without penalty, to make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in its judgment, conditions warrant or if it deems it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of the participants. GA will not be liable for any air carrier s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket to or from the participant s Trip departure city. Baggage and personal effects are at all times the sole responsibility of the participant. Payments, Cancellations, and Refunds: To reserve space on this Trip, a $1,000 per-person deposit is required. Final payment is due no later than 90 days prior to departure. Payments must be made by credit card. A participant s reservation may be canceled if full payment has not been received by 90 days prior to departure. For reservations made within 90 days of the departure date, full payment is required when the reservation is accepted. All cancellation notices must be received in writing and will become effective as of the date of the postmark. If a participant cancels 120 days or more prior to departure, a refund less an administrative fee of 50% of the deposit will be made. Per-person charges for cancellations that occur less than 120 days prior to departure ( Cancellation Period ) are as follows: days prior to departure: 100% of the deposit amount; days prior to departure: 50% of the Trip cost; 44 or fewer days prior to departure: 100% of the Trip cost. This policy also applies to pre- and post-trip extensions and extra arrangements confirmed on any participant s behalf. Any revisions made within the Cancellation Period, such as a change in departure date or choice of Trip, are subject to this cancellation policy. Any airline tickets issued are subject to the carrier s refund policy. Arriving late or leaving a Trip in progress, for any reason whatsoever, will not result in a refund, and no refunds will be made for any unused portions of a Trip. FULL TERMS AND CONDI- TIONS, INCLUDING ARBI- TRATION POLICY AND PROCESS, ARE AVAIL- ABLE AT tinyurl.com/moroccoterms Registration Form To register, fill out this form and return to Harvard Alumni Travels with your deposit of $1,000 per person. Please return this form by mail to: Harvard Alumni Travels 124 Mount Auburn Street, 6th Floor, Cambridge, MA Or by FAX: Please call with any questions: or How did you hear about this trip? PROGRAM NAME FIRST PERSON NAME ON PASSPORT ADDRESS STREET ADDRESS CITY / STATE / ZIP OR POSTAL CODE HOME TELEPHONE SECOND PERSON NAME ON PASSPORT ADDRESS STREET ADDRESS CITY / STATE / ZIP OR POSTAL CODE HOME TELEPHONE METHOD OF DEPOSIT START DATE DATE OF BIRTH WORK TELEPHONE DATE OF BIRTH WORK TELEPHONE CHECK (please enclose check) MASTERCARD VISA CARD NUMBER EXPIRATION DATE NAME AS IT APPEARS ON CARD 3-DIGIT SECURITY CODE I/WE CONFIRM THAT I/WE HAVE READ AND ACCEPT THE GENERAL INFORMATION FOR THIS TOUR, INCLUDING REFUNDS AND CANCELLATIONS AND THE RESPONSIBILITY CLAUSE AT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/TRAVEL. SIGNATURE SIGNATURE ACCOMMODATIONS CATEGORY PREFERENCE DOUBLE ROOM SINGLE ROOM SHARE A ROOM WITH: ROOMMATE

8 TRAVEL WITH HARVARD QUESTIONS? CONTACT US AT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/TRAVEL Alumni Travels 124 MOUNT AUBURN STREET, 6TH FLOOR CAMBRIDGE, MA 02138