LORE MOROCCO 9 DAYS
YOUR ITINERARY YOUR OBJECTIVES As well as a travel adventure to remember, our 9-day Morocco trip has been specifically designed to offer life experiences that will expand your knowledge and open your mind to the great wonders around you. Our team of experts will guide you through activities that have been carefully selected to make the most of your time in this beautiful country and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. DAY 1 DAY 2 Depart the UK and fly to Marrakech. Sightseeing in Marrakech. Spend time with a Berber family Camel trek across stunning desert Explore the souks of Marrakech and the town of Essaouira DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5-6 DAY 7 DAY 8 DAY 9 Camel trek into the Sahara desert and spend the night in a Bedouin tent. Travel to Ouarzazate and visit the famous film studios. Travel to Imlil and spend the next two days with traditional Berber families. Head to Essaouira and explore the old fortress town. Explore some more of Essaouira before returning to Marrakech and spend the evening enjoying a traditional hamman. Return to the UK. Discover the blazing colours and wafting aromas of Marrakech, a crossroads for travellers and traders for centuries where souks and bazaars offer a continent s worth of riches. Gain an insight into Moroccan life as you spend two days living with a traditional Berber family, taking part in their daily chores and having the chance to learn traditional crafts. Finally, what better way to enjoy one of Morocco s most beautiful places than a camel trek across the Sahara desert? Due to the changing nature of the world over the build up period, Outlook may be required to change aspects of, or the order of the itinerary. Outlook will consult with the Link Teacher/Group Leader and all participants if this is the case.
MOROCCO will leave you spellbound... Situated at the tip of Africa, just across the Mediterranean Sea from mainland Europe, it should come as no surprise that Morocco is something of a cultural melting pot. Dizzying peaks, golden sands, breath-taking coasts and distinct red buildings come together beneath a spectacular starry night sky to form one of the most beautiful countries. In just a few days you can glimpse it all; from the bustling souks of Marrakech to the simple life of the Berber, the soothing waves of Essaouira and the looming colonial Portuguese architecture that leaves behind a host of stories. Morocco is the perfect destination for those of you who want to experience ancient cities and traditional life, whilst still enjoying the comforts of modernity. Half of Morocco s charm is its people. Whether bartering in the markets or sharing stories over a cup of mint tea, there s no better way to get to know this country than through its people. Moroccan s are in general known as being very welcoming and generous they love to help strangers and also invite them to their homes for drinks or dinner. Many Moroccans are naturally curious and are often keen to interact with foreigners children especially will want to practice speaking English with you! THE FACTS PHYSICAL RATING: Moderate. CULTURE SHOCK: A definite difference to what you are used to! VISA: Not required for British nationals. LANGUAGE: Arabic, French TIMEZONE: BST FOOD: Mint tea, couscous POPULATION: 33 million DIAL CODE: +212 CURRENCY: Moroccan Dirham GEOGRAPHY: Mountainous desert interior with forests and fertile land in the Mediterranean north. CLIMATE: Hot and dry in the summer, comfortably warm in the winter. Cooler at the coast. CULTURAL INTEREST: Morocco is an ethnically diverse country with an incredibly rich and varied history due to its location.
DAY 1 DAY 2 Arrive Head to the airport with the rest of your team where you will meet up with your Outlook Explore guide and have a bit of time to get to know each other once you have checked in. Your flight to Marrakech, in central Morocco, will take just under four hours just enough time to relax before arriving in the hustle and bustle of the city. A city still deeply seated in its history, Marrakech is brimming with medieval Portuguese architecture, its more modern buildings fitting in thanks to their ochre colouring (it is law in Marrakech that all buildings must be this colour). Marrakech is framed by the stunning Atlas Mountains to the south, attracting many adventure seekers looking to climb North Africa s highest mountain, Jebel Toubkal. The city has many attractions of its own though and a visit would not be complete without exploring the famous Djemaa el Fna Square, encountering a snake charmer or two on the way of course! Land in the city s Menara Airport and then head to your hotel in the centre of the city where you will have an evening meal together before getting some sleep, ready for tomorrow s adventures. Marrakech Sightseeing Get up early and have a good breakfast ready for a full day of sightseeing in Marrakech. Start by visit the tanneries to discover the process of hand making shoes and bags. You will see how the skins are stretched, softened and dyed in huge vats. After your visit, head to the Koutoubia Mosque; towering at 220ft the Koutoubia provides a landmark visible for miles. Built in the twelfth century by the Almohads it is a beautiful example of classic Moroccan architecture. The interior of the mosque is not open to non-muslims but you can walk through its landscaped gardens. Stop for lunch before heading to De Jemma el Fna Square to learn about its gory past! Nowadays the square is full of snake charmers, healers, clairvoyants, musicians, dentists and water carriers. Each entertainer has a different story to tell or different produce to sell. Finally, it s time to enter the maze of souqs surrounding De Jemma el Fna selling a wide range of Moroccan crafts and goods from bags, shoes, lanterns and teapots to replica clothing and sunglasses. The colours, smells and sounds of shopkeepers enticing you in are sure to be an attack on the senses as you have a go at bartering for souvenirs!
DAY 3 Camel Trek in the Sahara Desert Transfer to Merzouga in the Sahara Desert for an amazing Bedouin experience. After a long 9 hours on the bus you ll need to transfer to a more traditional form of transport to get across the dunes to your desert camp! Climb aboard your camels for a 1.5 hour trek - they are amazing animals and the natural choice for riding through the arid beauty of the Moroccan desert. Arrive at the authentic Bedouin tent where you will be treated to a traditional meal. After dinner you will be entertained with music and dancing. After all the excitement, you can choose to fall asleep inside the tent or out under the stars. SNOWSHOE UNDER THE WINTER SUN
DAY 4 Ouarzazate Film Studios Tour Wake up early to see the sunrise over the dunes before getting up on your camels once more to return to Merzouga in time for breakfast. Along your route, you will see shifting dunes and experience the harsh, arid beauty of a desert landscape. After breakfast transfer to Ourzazata and visit the film studios that were the location for many films including Gladiator, Star Wars and Game of Thrones before returning to your hotel for the night. EXPLORE THE FILM STUDIOS
DAY 5 & 6 Experience Berber life Travel to Imlil in the High Atlas Mountains to spend the afternoon with a Berber family and take part in the everyday activities of these friendly village people. You will be eating lunch with the family and should come prepared to get stuck in and improve your communication skills as not all families will speak English. Activities depend upon your gender. Girls will help with cutting hay, washing clothes, cleaning the house and preparing traditional food such as tagine, bread and mint tea. Girls will also have the opportunity to dress up in the local costumes, makeup and have henna tattoos done. Boys will go to the market, help with cutting wood, building maintenance, fruit picking in the orchards and managing livestock. There is also the opportunity to learn the traditional crafts of rug making and wood carving at the village association. Stay overnight together in a tourist gite. The accommodation is basic dormitory style with hot and cold running water.
DAY 7 Explore Essaouira Head to the coast and the beautiful town of Essaouira. Beyond the fortified walls lays a beautiful and laid back city. With seagulls flying overhead and the relaxed atmosphere of the fishing harbour, you would be forgiven for thinking you are in a quiet seaside town on the coast of England. However, it is the towering palm trees, red walls and the winding alleyways that scream Morocco! Spend the afternoon exploring the souks and back streets and watching the fishermen bringing in the days catch. Finish off your day relaxing on the beach before heading back to your hotel for a good nights rest. EXPLORE THE BEAUTIFUL FORTIFIED WALLS OF ESSAOUIRA.
DAY 9 WANDER THROUGH THE WALLS OF ESSAOUIRA. DAY 8 Return to Marrakech Have a final morning in Essaouira. Walking the City Walls is a must and enjoy a wander down sandy coloured alleyways with quaint little shops on one side and the blissful sound of the ocean beyond the high walls on the other. Be sure to check out the medieval cannons en-route! In the afternoon transfer back to Marrakech and go for a traditional hamman. A Hammam is a steam room, similar to a Turkish bath, where Moroccans habitually go each week to cleanse themselves. The Hammam is an incredibly important part of Moroccan culture and life. Men, women and children will visit their local Hammam at least once a week, and spend two or three hours there (sometimes even longer!!), catching up on gossip with their friends, and following the long rituals for cleansing their bodies until their skin glows. Return Home Depending on the time of your flight you may have time to further explore Marrakech this morning. Set off to the airport with a few hours to spare before your flight. Get something to eat in the airport and then set off on your journey home with plenty to tell your friends and family.
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS ADDITIONAL TEACHER Like to take an additional member of school staff with you? No problem, we know that sometimes your school may require an extra teacher onboard or maybe there s someone else really keen to be involved! Just let us know when you book your trip and we will arrange that for you. ADDITIONAL COST: 100 WHAT S INCLUDED OUTLOOK EXPLORE GUIDE 1 Outlook Explore Guide with each team. TEACHERS 1 free Teacher place with every 6 students, and a minimum of 12 students to travel. FLIGHTS International flights. SPEND SOME TIME AT THE FILM STUDIOS IN OUARZAZATE INSURANCE Comprehensive overseas insurance. TRANSPORT All overseas transport. IN DESTINATION All food and accommodation. All group activities including any entrance fees. REGIONAL FLIGHT If your school is quite a long way from London you may choose to include a regional flight in you Explore package. Just let us know when you book if you wish to add a regional flight to your package. ADDITIONAL COST: 190 WHAT S NOT INCLUDED Spending money for gifts / souvenirs whilst on expedition. Inoculations, prophylaxis and personal medicine. (All participants based in England and Wales receive 10% discount at Nomad Travel). Visas and passports please see page 5 to see which visas are required. Personal belongings insurance (this may be covered by your household / contents insurance). Cancellation insurance. Personal equipment (e.g. rucksack, suitable clothing etc.); all participants receive 15% discount at Cotswold Outdoors. Transport to and from the airport.
READY TO EXPLORE? We hope you have decided that this is the experience for your school or group. It s really easy to get started with your very own Outlook Explore adventure : CONTACT US If you have a few questions before you get started, or if you re ready to dive straight in, a member of our Bookings Team will be happy to take your call. Just let us know which destination and duration you would like to offer in your school and we ll send you a Welcome Pack to help you get the message out to your students! PRESENT TO YOUR STUDENTS We will provide a short video that you can show to students about the opportunity, along with some flyers for you to hand out. COLLECT DEPOSITS Just collect deposits off your students and return to us by the deadline date and your trip will be booked! phone 01248 667 250 email INFO@OUTLOOKEXPLORE.COM online OUTLOOKEXPLORE.COM