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Week 1, November 3 - 10:
Oasis Marrakech at Al Jazira Riad
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Oasis Dance Camp Marrakech takes place at the Al Jazira Riad. Located in the heart of the medina, a ten minute walk from D’jemma El Fna, Al Jazira Riad is our own private guest house. Simply and elegantly furnished in Moroccan style, with reception rooms, roof terrace, swimming pool and private hammam, the riad is ours to dance and play and be entertained in for a week.
Camp is five days of classes in traditional folk styles of Middle Eastern
women's dances taught by Cassandra, accompanied by percussionist Nicole
LeCorgne. Dance class is held in the open-air courtyard of the Riad, with
breaks for traditional Moroccan mint tea.
Camp package includes breakfast and traditional home-cooking style Moroccan dinners daily, prepared by one of the best chefs in the Medina. Evening cultural events include performances of Guedra and Haddra. You can have henna applied by a local henna artist and sign up for a private hammam. All these activities are included in the cost for camp. In addition, the package includes lunch the first two days as well
afternoon tours of the city on three days, giving campers many chances to explore the vast and legendary Medina on their own. There will be an optional day trip to Essaouria for those who are interested (cost additional). A program for non-dancing spouses or friends is possible for the week of camp. Both groups will come together for the following week of touring.
Location:
Jazira Riad - the restoration of 3 combined riads
resulting in the creation of a truly exceptional property offering
the following facilities:
- 15 ensuite rooms simply and elegantly furnished
in moroccan style
- Reception rooms
- Roof terrace with exceptional views and possibility
to sleep in a tent here if you wish!
- Swimming pool
- 10 minute walk to Djeema El Fna Square
- Hammam facilities
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Week 2:
Moroccan Caravan Tour
Itinerary can be found here
We will join a Caravan and get to the
heart of Morocco through an exploration of its arts and culture.
Morocco is a complex and diverse country that has the Mediterranean
Sea to its north, the Atlas mountain ranges in its center, the
Atlantic Ocean to its west, and the vast open Sahara to its south.
It has long been the crossroads between
Europe, the Middle East, and West Africa, and its geographic diversity
is matched by its cultural diversity. Berbers, Romans, Arabs,
Jews, West Africans, and Europeans have all influenced the arts
and culture of Morocco.
This tour allows the participants to
explore historical interactions between these different groups
in order to understand how they have all contributed to the artistic
identity of contemporary Morocco.
This tour provides participants with
the unique opportunity to meet with locals, visit the historical,
cultural, and artistic centers of Morocco.
- Medieval Islamic arts can be found in the city
of Fez.
- Time spent in the Saharan region of southeastern
Morocco introduces participants to Berber nomadic arts, including
carpet making.
- Participants take camel rides across
the desert, visit the nomads and experience special moments in the Sahara
desert under the stars.
- You will also be treated to musical and
dance performances along the way.
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Cost: $4895
Includes:
- Airfare from JFK departing November 3
- 1st class private air-conditioned bus
transportation during the tour.
- Accommodation as indicated in the itinerary.
- All ground transfers during and related
to program.
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary.
(B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner).
- Tips for all porters, who will carry
your luggage to your rooms.
- A visit to a family’s home in
a Berber village in southern Morocco
- Private Land Rovers with chauffeurs
for a fun ride in the Sahara desert.
- A visit to a nomadic family in their
tent.
- Exploration of the Sahara desert on
camels.
- Exclusive local musical performances
in the Sahara.
- Specially cooked lamb dinner in the
desert with musical performance.
- Admission to sights as listed.
- Arabian Night style evening of entertainment
with Andalusian music!
- Farewell dinner.
- Transfer and assistance at the Airport
in Casablanca
- And many unique surprises!
The trip does not include:
- Passport fees
- Travel insurance (required)
- Excess baggage charges
- Telephone, laundry, room service, and
personal expenses
- Medical expenses
- Drinks
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Tips for the guide & drivers
Based on double occupancy and airfare from
JFK.
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Payment
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Space is absolutely limited. A deposit of $1450 is required to reserve your space.
Deposit cannot be refunded after flights have been booked.
Payment in full must be made by September 20, 2008.
Registration: Please contact
Jean Courter by email saida@oasisdancecamp.com
or by phone at (904) 823-9501 to make reservations. You can sign
up for week 1 (Dance Camp in Marrakech), week 2 (caravan tour),
or both weeks.
Oasis Dance Camp
5 Saragossa Street, Apt A
St. Augustine, FL 32084
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Week 2, November 11 - 18:
Caravan Tour Itinerary
November 11th: Marrakech - Ourzazate
| Say goodbye Marrakech and leave for Ouarzazate. We cross the picturesque High Atlas Mountains through a pass called Tizi N'Tichka, meaning "Pass of the Pastures," that links Marrakech with the Saharan regions of Morocco.
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| This area was once home to the powerful Berber Glaoua tribe, a family that governed central Morocco during the time of the French protectorate. This area is famous for its many Kasbahs (fortified mud brick villages) and more recently for its burgeoning international film industry. Participants will visit the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou and take a tour of a film studio in Ouarzazate, before checking into the hotel. Optional after dinner late night out - Shaikhkhaat show. Dinner and overnight at the scenic hotel Kenzi Azghor. (B, D)
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November 12th: Ouarzazate-Rissani- Merzouga
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We will drive through the magnificent Todra Valley, a beautiful scenic region inhabited by several Amazigh
(Berber) ethnic groups. We will see many mud brick villages built in the center of magnificent palm tree groves and surrounded by rolling mountains. We will stop and have lunch on the road and enjoy the best Nus Nus (coffee) in Morocco! The landscape changes as it starts to become flat and sandy. Keep on the lookout for camels crossing the road!
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You will see numerous Amazigh (Berber) villages (this road is called "The Road of 1000 Kasbahs"), we reach the vast Oasis of Tafilalet and the Saharan town of Rissani. We will leave our bus at the fringes of the Oasis and hop on 4x4 Land Rovers, each vehicle with a private driver, to go on an adventurous journey across the vast open desert until when we arrive at our private and special Oasis Camp at the dunes in Merzouga for dinner and overnight under Berber Nomadic tents. (B L D)
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November 13th: Sahara - Tafilaet Oasis-Sahara
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After a leisurely breakfast at the dunes, we will go on a visit to the local market or souk of Rissani and the oasis of Tafilalet, the gate of the Sahara. Rissani was built near the ruins of Sijilmassa.
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Sijilmassa was once a stopping point for caravans crossing the Sahara, and the massiveness of its ruins are testament to the important role it once played in the history of North Africa.
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After a traditional lunch in Rissani, we are all invited to a local mud brick village for fresh mint tea and dessert with an Amazigh (Berber) family. If time allows, we will also make a special visit to the 17th century mud brick village of Mezguida.
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Sunset in the desert must not be missed! Our Amazigh drivers will have our Land Rovers ready for our return back to our Oasis camp in Merzouga.
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We will mount the high sand dunes by camel to enjoy the sunset of the Sahara. Today, we will spend
a marvelous evening under the stars, eating an authentic lamb dinner slowly cooked in a clay oven.
This delicious dinner will be accompanied by sounds of music and dance -- good for digestion!
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When the party gets going, you can join by drumming, singing and dancing around the fire along with the artists. Tonight, you will also have the choice of either sleeping in nomadic tents or, if you want, under the wide open sky to watch and enjoy the stars and also take advantage of the Sahara desert’s romantic tranquility.
(B L D) |
November 14th: Sahara - Fez
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After breakfast in the sand dunes, you leave the Sahara desert for Fez passing through the majestic cedar forests of the Middle Atlas Mountains. Lunch is in Midelt. In the afternoon, we make a stop in Ifrane for coffee/hot chocolate. Upon arrival at Fez, check in at Hotel Zalagh for dinner and overnight. (B L D) |
November 15th: Fez
Fez, the center for many Medieval ruling dynasties, is still considered the cultural and religious center of Morocco. Our day starts with a visit of the old city, also called the "medina" or "Fez el Bali." This is an opportunity to see the contrast between Medieval Islamic and contemporary architecture in Morocco. Fez is considered to be the artistic capital of Morocco and is a wonderful place to see artists actively creating
the intricate brass work, textiles, ceramics, and tiles for which Fez is famous.
Be sure to save up some energy, because the night concludes with a dinner party in a beautiful, 14th century mansion turned into a fantastic restaurant. During dinner you will be entertained by dancers and musicians, demonstrating to you some different types of music and dance forms common to Morocco. Other performers will be there as well. Overnight at Hotel Zalagh. (B D)
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November 16th: Fez
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Free day in Fez to relax or go catch up on your shopping. Optional day trip for those who want to get out to see sights nearby Fez (short hikes, scenic views, etc.) (B, D)
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November 17th: Fez - Volubilis - Casablanca
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Early departure today from Fez to Volubilis, the Roman archaeological site. This incredible site, which thrived in the 2nd and 3rd centuries A.D., is where impressive remains of ancient buildings and their associated mosaic decorations can still be found. Lunch at the holy town Moulay Idris with a very beautiful view. We continue through the rich, interior farmland of the country to Casablanca. Check in, refresh and go for a final gala dinner with Andalusian music entertainment at a very nice restaurant. (B, L, D)
Optional visit to the Rick’s Cafe from the movie "Casablanca".
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November 18th: Casablanca - USA
After breakfast, transfer to Mohammed V International Airport with luggage assistance to catch your flight from Morocco to JFK, USA. (B)
Bon voyage!!
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Moroccan Caravan Tours Travel Tips
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Passports and Visas
U.S. citizens do not need a visa but a valid passport is necessary. If you are from outside the U.S., please contact the Moroccan Consulate nearest to you to find out if you need a visa to enter Morocco.
Money Concerns
The dirham is the unit of currency in Morocco. There is typically between 7 and 7 1/2 and 8 dirhams to the dollar (depending on the exchange rate). Money can be changed easily in hotels and banks. ATM machines are common but will typically recommend that people bring both ATM cards and traveler's checks in size of $100.00 are recommended to minimize the changing fees. Traveler's checks are good in case there is a problem with one of these forms of currency (your ATM card does not work, etc.). Tipping is recommended at restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Remember to let your bank know that you will be traveling to Morocco so they do not refuse your credit card purchases.
Voltage
The voltage used Morocco is 220 volts, 50 Hz. Two-pin round plugs. (the U.S. and Canada use 110/120 volts). You can purchase a converter at most hardware stores in Canada for appliances that do not switch to 220V. Also don’t forget adaptors that you can use to transform the flat pins on your plugs to round pins that you will need in Morocco.
Health
No inoculations are necessary to travel to Morocco from the U.S. We recommend that you consult with your health care provider before traveling. To prevent traveler's diarrhea, avoid drinking tap water and eating raw fruits and vegetables. I recommend that travelers buy the safe inexpensive bottled water commonly available in Morocco (a one liter bottle costs approximately 50 U.S. cents). Since your stomach may still become upset due to the change in diet, bring anti-diarrhea medicine just in case. For the latest overseas travel health information, visit the Center for Disease Control's web site at www.cdc.gov.
Communication
It is not possible to make collect calls from Morocco to the US. Calling cards can also be difficult to use and can be costly. I recommend you check with your phone company before you travel to find out their rates. The cheapest way to call from Morocco to the US is to use the numerous teleboutiques. Another good idea is to leave the addresses and phone numbers of your hotels with family and friends so they can call you. Of course, you can also call the US from your hotel but this is more expensive than the teleboutique. Internet service is common and it is easy to send and check your email from Morocco.
Climate / Clothing
Morocco's climate is Mediterranean in the north and sub-tropical in the south. Dress is casual, even in the major cities. We recommend that expensive jewelry be left at home. Comfortable shoes are recommended. The sun is beautiful in Morocco and sunglasses are a must. Some religious sites do not allow shorts or sleeveless shirts. Try not to over pack and bring too many clothes. You are certain to buy many souvenirs in Morocco and will regret if you arrive with over packed suitcases. Easy to care for wash and wear clothes are the best. Hotels have laundry service where your clothing can be washed and pressed for a modest fee.
Idea on Temperatures in Morocco around the year:
11 C/ 50F in January, 13 C/ 55F in February, 16 C/ 61F in March, 19 C/ 66F in April, 21C/ 70F in May, 25C/ 77F in June, 32 C/ 90F in July, 35 C/ 95F in August, 25 C/ 77F in September, 21 C/ 70F in October, 16 C/ 61F in November, 12 C/ 54F in December
Idea on Rain in Morocco around the year:
30 mm in January, 30 mm in February, 30 mm in March, 30 mm in April, 17 mm in May, 7 mm in June, 2 mm in July, 3 mm in August, 10 mm in September, 20 mm in October, 30 mm in November, 35 mm in December.
Shopping
Shopping is wonderful in Morocco. Morocco is renown for its Berber jewelry, handwoven carpets, leather goods, fine metalwork, and decorative pottery. Prices are rarely fixed so be prepared to have fun bargaining for the best price. You may wish to avoid the street vendors, some of whom can be very aggressive.
Language
Arabic is the official language. Tamazight (Berber) is the native language. French is widely spoken. English and Spanish are less common but it is not unusual to find people who speak these languages.
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Traveler's Checklist
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- Pre-departure planning & Essentials:
- Check with the airline you are flying with to find out the baggage weight limit allowed. Airlines currently charge an extra fee each time bags are checked in with that airline.
- Personal Identification
- Passport
- Visa to get into the country (if needed)
- Transportation Tickets
- Traveler's Checks
- Credit Cards (ATM machines are readily available in Morocco but I recommend people use a combination of traveler's checks and ATM cards in case there is a problem with one of these)
- Currency
- Insurance
- Health Documentation
- Emergency Information
- Guide books & maps
- Photocopies of Documentation: (passport and tickets)
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Medicines
- Take medicine with you for pre-existing ailments
- Antibiotic for traveler's diarrhea
- Pepto-Bismol tablets or Loperamide (Imodium) for traveler's diarrhea. Do not take Pepto-Bismol if you take aspirin.
- Motion sickness medicine
- Cold medicine: Decongestant, antihistamine, cough syrup
- Tylenol and other pain relievers
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Insect repellent with DEET 30%
- Antibiotic cream & disinfectant for scrapes and cuts
- Bandaids
- Sunscreen, both UVA and UVB protection; use highest possible protection (at least SPF 15)
- Sunglasses
- Extra glasses, extra contact lenses and eyeglass prescription
- Birth control products
- Feminine hygiene products (tampons, etc.)
- Disposable antibacterial wipes or cleanser (washing hands frequently and before eating greatly helps reducing transmission of germs that can cause illness)
- List of medicines, purpose, and dosage
- Basics
- Travel Clothing
- Travel Footwear
- Brimmed Hat, Visor, Hat
- Camera & Film
- Video Camera & Tapes
- Extra Camera Batteries
- Battery charger
- Electrical plug adapter and or converter
- Radiation shield for film
- Travel ID tags
- Travel lock
- Travel Alarm
- Flashlight / extra bulbs
- Travel Journal
- Address book
- Money / Passport Carrier
Enjoy your trip!
Oh... one last detail... don't forget to bring your smile and your sense of humor.
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