Morocco Tour & Workshop 2018

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Morocco Tour & Workshop

Nov 12 – 23, 2018

Morocco is a dream location with its rich culture, colorful architecture and evocative desert landscape. In the capable hands of our professional driver and experienced local guide, we will experience Morocco at her best, with plenty of time to photograph each of our locations at the same time as fully experiencing the culture of this idyllic north-western-most African kingdom.

THIS TOUR IS NOW CLOSED FOR FURTHER BOOKINGS

Itinerary

You’ll be provided with more details in our tour guidebook after you reserve your place, but here is an outline of our itinerary during our Moroccan photography adventure.

Nov 12: Day 1 – Casablanca Arrival

Upon arrival in Casablanca, the economic capital of Morocco, you will be met and transferred to your Casablanca hotel, where you will check in. Around 4:00 pm, the group will gather for an introductory meeting with Martin and our guide. You will head out to capture the impressive Hassan II mosque on the Atlantic coast before dinner in a local restaurant.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”41384″ img_size=”1100×733″ onclick=”img_link_large” column_number=”0″ grayscale=”no” images_space=”gallery_without_space” el_class=”mbp-photo”][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]

Nov 13: Day 2 – Casablanca / Rabat / Chefchaouen

After breakfast, we will leave 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, for lunch and to enjoy the beautiful coastal city. We will visit the La Tour Hassan Mausoleum, then after lunch, we will conclude the drive to Chefchaouen.

The small, “blue-city” of Chefchaouen is a photographer’s paradise. This is perhaps Morocco’s most peaceful town. Tucked away in the Rif Mountains, this is the perfect setting to capture the blue and white houses hidden in the medina.

Nov 14: Day 3 – Chefchaouen

After an early breakfast, we will have a tour of this “cool” blue town. Perfect for photography, the blue city offers every shade of blue. Keep your eyes out for the unique doors, potted plants, and handy-crafts as you wander through the blue town. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”41389,41385,41386,41387,41388,41390,41392,41391″ img_size=”250×250″ onclick=”img_link_large” column_number=”4″ grayscale=”no” images_space=”gallery_without_space” el_class=”mbp-photo”][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]

Nov 15: Day 4 – Chefchaouen / Meknes / Fes

After breakfast, we will set out to Meknes one of Morocco’s Imperial cities.  In the afternoon we will head off to Fes, the cultural and spiritual capital of Morocco. The Fes medina is over 1200 years old, with a labyrinth of over 9000 alleys. As the sun descends over the medina, we’ll perhaps capture the ramparts of Fes and the ancient city.

Nov 16: Day 5 – Fes

After breakfast we will start with a tour of the tanneries, then begin a guided tour of the medina, one of the worlds largest walled in cities.  You will explore the narrow streets lined with fresh fruit, mounds of spices, intricately woven Berber carpets and many other art objects of Morocco.  For lunch, we will eat in a traditional restaurant in the heart of the medina. A few other highlights will be the Bounania Medersa and a visit to a pottery workshop.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”41397,41398,41399,41400,41401,41402,41403,41404″ img_size=”250×250″ onclick=”img_link_large” column_number=”4″ grayscale=”no” images_space=”gallery_without_space” el_class=”mbp-photo”][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]

Nov 17: Day 6 – Fes / Midelt / Sahara

After an early breakfast, we will begin our ascent across the Middle Atlas Mountains.  Most of the day will be spent winding your 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. High in the mountains, 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. Our final destination will be the edge of the dunes.

Nov 18: Day 7 – Erg Chebbi Dunes

Early morning we’ll enjoy a sunrise and the soft morning light in the dunes before returning to the Kasbah for breakfast. Erg Chebbi are the largest dunes in the Moroccan Sahara. This is a mesmerizing place, where we can really feel the overwhelming tranquillity and expanse of the desert. On this day we will set out to explore the area in off-road vehicles. We will seek out the most pristine dunes to photograph, and move to a desert camp with luxury tents during the afternoon. Camels and a couple of camel train leaders will be available to act as models for a breathtaking late-afternoon to sunset shoot.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”41405,41406,41407,41408,41409,41410″ img_size=”350×350″ onclick=”img_link_large” column_number=”3″ grayscale=”no” images_space=”gallery_without_space” el_class=”mbp-photo”][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]

Nov 19: Day 8 – Erg Chebbi / Todra & Dades Gorges / Ouarzazate

Early risers can watch the sunrise from a high dune and experience the soft light of the new day. After breakfast, we will head back to Erfoud and then on to Ouarzazate via the Todra Gorges, Dades Valley, and Skoura palmeries. We will then head out to the Kasbah Ait Benhaddou where we will be ready for the sunset. This setting has been used for more films than any other location in Morocco, including, Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth, and The Gladiator.

Nov 20: Day 9 – Ait Benhaddou / Marrakech

After sunrise and breakfast, we will head off towards Marrakech over the High Atlas Mountains. Take some time enjoying this beautiful landscape. Once in Marrakech, we will 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 central attractions of Marrakech.  Coming alive at night with the local storytellers, entertainers, and mouth-watering 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. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”41411,41412,41413″ img_size=”350×350″ onclick=”img_link_large” column_number=”3″ grayscale=”no” images_space=”gallery_without_space” el_class=”mbp-photo”][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]

Nov 21: Day 10 – Marrakech

After breakfast, we’ll have a guided tour of Marrakech, the southern pearl of Morocco. We will discover the Palace of the Bahia, the Saadian Tombs, and many other hidden treasures. After lunch, we will continue with the tour on to the magnificent Koutoubia Mosque and the famous Djemaa el-Fna, one of the central attractions of Marrakech. In the evening, we’ll capture the sites from a rooftop view.

Nov 22: Day 11 – Marrakech / El Jadida / Casablanca

After breakfast, we will set off to the coastal city of El Jadida and visit the Portuguese cistern and the fortress before taking lunch then driving to Casablanca.

Nov 23: Day 12 – Casablanca Departure

After breakfast, we will be transferred to the airport for departure.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”parallax” parallax_content_width=”full_width” text_align=”center” background_image=”35247″ full_screen_section_height=”no” section_height=”325″ el_id=”parx1″][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”grid” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”25px”][vc_column_text]

Your Host

Your host and tour leader Martin Bailey is a British born professional photographer now based in Tokyo, Japan. Martin runs tours in all corners of the planet, starting with his winter tours in Japan, he also takes groups to Iceland, Antarctica, Greenland, and Namibia, and has taught workshops in the US, Canada, and the UK in addition to those taught during his tours.

Martin is on hand for the duration of your tour to provide help and advice on all aspects of photography. He provides information about each location and subject that we photograph ahead of time, to help you to prepare and maximize your opportunities. We cater for all levels of photographer from complete beginner to working pros, and if you simply don’t need any help, it’s not forced upon you.

Additional Information

Accommodation & Meals

We stay in four-star accommodation throughout the tour, with great food, sometimes eating in local restaurants. We’ll note if you have our any food preferences (allergies, vegetarian etc.) and make changes as possible to suit your needs.

What is included in the Package?

  • All accommodation and meals during your tour
  • A bus with driver (and lots of luggage space) to transport us safely and comfortably around Morocco
  • A tour guide from our travel partner stays with us throughout to ensure that logistics run smoothly
  • Martin Bailey is on-hand the entire time to give advice on the creative and technical aspects of photography
  • Photography Models such as camel handlers in the Sahara Desert
  • All entrance fees
  • Tips for portage and planned photo shoots
  • Tips for meals, 4×4 drivers and camel guides etc
  • A Change purse with small coins (100 Moroccan Dirham)

What is NOT included in the Package?

  • Any international flights and accommodation costs en route to and from Casablanca, Morocco
  • Beverages or additional items ordered during meals
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for the guide and driver

Guidebook PDF

Shortly after you sign up, you will receive a PDF document to help you with your preparations. This includes a detailed itinerary, details on recommended camera gear and other local information to make your tour as enjoyable and productive as possible.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Cost & Reservation

The cost for the tour is $5,350 (US$) per person for a shared or double room. If you will be traveling alone a single supplement of $850 (US$) is payable. Note that we will not pair up solo travelers, so if you come as a single, the single supplement is required. The tour payment is split between a $1,000 deposit/reservation fee, and the remaining balance.

The tour requires a minimum of eight (8) participants to go ahead, with a maximum group size of 12. We will keep you informed of booking progress, and a final decision regarding the tour will be no later than August 12, 2018. Should the tour not go ahead, you will receive a full refund of your deposit. Please ensure that the tour has reached the minimum number of participants before you purchase any flights that require cancellations fees.

THIS TOUR IS NOW CLOSED FOR FURTHER BOOKINGS

Cancellation Policy/Fees

Reservation Fee / Deposit – If you decide to cancel up to 90 days before the start of the tour, your reservation fee will be refunded if we are able to back-fill your place. If you cancel within 90 days of the start of the tour, we cannot refund your deposit (see notes below)

Tour Fees / Balance – If you cancel your reservation the following charges will be payable, in addition to any forfeited deposit as outlined above.

  • If you cancel more than 91 days before the start of the tour your balance will be refunded in full
  • From 46 to 90 days before the start of the tour, you will be refunded 75% of your balance
  • From 31 to 45 days before the start of the tour, you will be refunded 50% of your balance
  • From 30 to 0 (zero) days before the start of the trip no refund is available

Notes on Cancellation Fees and Notification Timing

  • Any transfer charges and transaction fees incurred on accepting and/or refunding any payments will be deducted from any refund amounts due
  • The number of days to tour start are calculated from 9am Japan Standard Time. Email received after 6pm JST on the previous day will be calculated from 9am JST the following day.

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A Word on Insurance

Our Tour Operator carries standard insurance necessary by law but you are strongly advised to arrange the following insurance:

Travel Insurance — If you fall sick or have an accident during the course of the trip, you will miss part of your tour, and possibly incur hospital fees and other expenses that can mount up. We strongly advise you to take out travel insurance for yourself for the entire length of the trip in advance of departure
Cancellation Insurance — This is often included in your Travel Insurance, but if for any reason you have to cancel your tour, cancellation insurance can help you recuperate your costs
Note that travel and cancellation insurance often has to be purchased within 10 days of booking the tour or less. Please check on this as soon as you book.
Camera Equipment Insurance — We also suggest that you insure your photography equipment and belongings if not included in your home or travel insurance. If you already have your gear insured, double check that you are covered for international travel too, if you are visiting Japan from another country[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][vc_column_text]

Reservation and Balance Payment Buttons

To book your place on this tour, pay the deposit using the button below.

Our system manages inventory, so if you can select the number of places required, these places are available to book.

Please note that this tour is payable in United States dollars. If prices below are not in dollars, please selected United States dollars in the pulldown below before proceeding.

THIS TOUR IS NOW CLOSED FOR FURTHER BOOKINGS

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”grid” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” z_index=””][vc_column]

[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”grid” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” z_index=””][vc_column][vc_column_text]NOTE: The balance payment is payable 90 days before the start date of the tour. Please use the balance payment option above to start the payment process.

Any Questions?

If you are interested in coming along but want more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We look forward to seeing you in Morocco!

— Martin Bailey

 

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Additional Information

If you’d like to follow along with our antics on the 2017 tour, the following travelogue episodes are available.

Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, Episode 4[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][vc_column_text]

Participants Testimonials

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Martin’s Morocco Portfolio

Click here to see a portfolio of Martin’s work from the 2017 tour.

Video Slideshow

Here also is a video slideshow of my favorite images from the 2017 tour along with a few snippets of video.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://vimeo.com/283655162″ align=”center”][vc_empty_space height=”40px”][/vc_column][/vc_row]