Morocco School Trips & Projects
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The narrow labyrinthine streets and walled medinas of ancient imperial cities; the overwhelming bustle of colorful markets; the undulating sand dunes and palm-fringed oases of the Sahara; dramatic peaks and remote Kasbahs of the Atlas Mountains; the whitewashed, wind-battered ramparts of Essaouira; the mosques, the beaches, the camels, the Roman ruins, the piles of vibrant spices and Berber carpets - Morocco can be a sensory overload to the students of your school in the best possible way.
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Itinerary:
Day1 : Marrakech.
Arrival in Casablanca / Marrakech airport reception assistance and transfer to the hotel,
Overnight at Hotel 4* http://www.palmmenarahotel.com/# or similar.
Meals included : Dinner.
Day 2 : Marrakech – Ait Ben hadou – Ouarzazate.
We start our Marrakech to Ouarzazate pick up at 8 am, crossing the high atlas mountains "Tizi n´Tishka" Pass 2260 m traversing unique landscapes with magnificent colors.
After the pass, we take the turn for the Kasbah of Telouet. We visit this surprising castle then we continue down the Ounila valley our way to Ait Ben Haddou. Classified as a UNESCO heritage, this caravan halt village offers beautiful sights. Our next highlight is the ancient Kasbah Taourirt, This fortress belonged to the family of Thami El Glaoui, Pasha of Marrakech from 1912 to 1956. After lunch, we continue our trip to visit the Atlas Studio Movie named for its proximity to the Atlas Mountains, a range that stretches across northern Africa, Atlas Film Studios is the largest film studio in the world. Covering more than 322,000 square feet of the desert.
Dinner & overnight at the Kasbah nice palm oasis.
Meals included : Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner.
DAY 3: Ouarzazate – Roses & Dades valley- Todra Gorges
After breakfast, we will drive through the mission impossible Road named also the donkey Road by the nomads to Dades Gorges along the valley of Roses you will enjoy the beautiful green gardens with all kind of fruit trees such as figs and almonds. Enjoy going through many Berber villages along the way to see how the locals live arriving into Todra Gorges hike through the canon, The Toudra gorges are located in the Moroccan High Atlas. They are very popular with climbers for their walls which can reach 300 meters. These walls are very well equipped but many are still blank.
Dinner & overnight at the Kasbah inside the palm groves.
Meals included : Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner.
Day 4 : Todra gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga – Erg Chebbi dunes.
This morning, the journey will continue towards the Sahara sand dunes along with the desert landscapes between the high and Anti-Atlas Mountains. Your lunch will be Erfoud the Fossils capital of Morocco, you will visit one of the factories where they make beautiful articles and the mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif in Rissani the founder of the actual Alaouite dynasty of Morocco at 17th century. Arriving at Merzouga town meet with our camel team and ride towards the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi where will spend the night under the stars enjoying Drams saharian Music around the fire at the camp...
Dinner & overnight at the nomadic tents at the dunes.
Meals included : Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner.
Day 5 : Full day in the deser with the nomads & Camel ride.
Full day in the desert to learn more about the lifestyle of the nomadic people.
Wake up for an exciting drive, on a 4WD vehicle, that takes you deep into the desert to scout out all the sensational landscapes and zones hidden out there. This day trip commences with a visit to a French abandoned mining site that originated during the French period, and then the drive proceeds alongside the immense sand dunes towards one of the local nomads’ residences so as to find out about their lifestyle. Later, continue the ride around the dune whilst admiring the spectacular view of the plains of black hammadas stretching along the region. Head to the dunes neighboring the village of Khamlia, whose half of its inhabitants are black-skinned ex-Africans who moved to Morocco thousands of years ago. The Gnaoua music performances played by these people are absolutely adored by both locals and foreigners. Their musical instruments consist of drums and other wood and iron made tools that produce a wide variety of sounds. Lunch will be served in a restaurant in the town.
Dinner & overnight at the nomadic tents at the dunes.
Meals included : Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner.
Day 6 : Merzouga – Alnif – Tazarine – Taznakht - Taliouine.
Breakfast and We will drive for Taliouine, by taking the road to Alnif, Tazarine, and Agdez to reach Taznakht, one of the most important centers of carpet weaving, made by women according to an ancestral technique. Our next stop will be Taliouine where we will enjoy visiting a saffron cooperative, the region's main economic source.
Dinner & overnight at the Berber house.
Meals included : Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner.
Day 7 : Taliouine – Argan region – Tizi N’test – Ijoukak – Atlas Mountains.
Today we will head to the Atlas Mountains via the Argan Region, Aouloze and ait Ouaziz valleys, authentic Berber villages and stunning views over the Atlas Mountains, we cross the second highest Mountain pass by car Tizi N’Test, then descending along the Ijoukak valleys, Lunch at the village and continue to visit Tinmel Mosque, a small mosque just 50 meters aside. A real architectural jewel, this Almohade building is very pure, whose architecture is typical of this era of which we keep other examples today: the Koutoubia in Marrakech but also in Rabat with the Hassan Tower and in Seville with the Giralda.
Build by Ibn Toumert In the 11th century, and the site restored in 1997, it is a high place in Moroccan history.
Afternoon transfer to Imlil valley on the foothill of Mout Toubkal.
Dinner & overnight at https://www.riadjnaneimlil.com/.
Meals included : Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner.
Day 8 : Project phase.
The community engagement phase of your expedition will offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a local community, giving an insight into a rich new culture. The language, daily routine, activities, facilities, and cultural sensitivities will all be new and different from what you are used to. Cultural exchange works both ways and, although you are guests for a short time, no doubt you will want to share your culture with your host community. So come prepared with photos of your school, community and your families as well as songs and dance routines. Be prepared to cook a meal for the community, invite them to a sports match or host a party. This will provide an opportunity for real interaction. The more you engage the greater the reward!
You will explore local development challenges, by participating in a local project that is aimed at meeting an important community need. For example, how does a working toilet improve participation in school, why is a concrete floor critical to health, why is tree planting and fence building so important to the local economy and why do few rural girls continue on to higher education? So ask questions and be inquisitive, great leadership and teamwork look at the bigger picture.
There may be opportunities to spend time with local children and the wider community, which you can maximize by organizing fun, active and educational activities such as teaching English and playing games. Playing with children is important for their health and development.
Dinner & overnight at https://www.riadjnaneimlil.com/.
Meals included : Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner.
Day 9: Imlil valley (1800m) - Aguerssioual (1,650 m) - start of the Toubkal trek - Oudid pass (2220m) - Tizi Oussem (1950m)
Departure from 8H. We take a less maintained road to the village of Aguessioual, where we meet our team of mule drivers. Loading of luggage and departure for a hike. 2 hours walk to the Col de Tizi Oudid at 2220 meters above sea level, then descend to the Azzaden valley. 5 hours of walking. Night in a homestay in the village of Tizi Oussem. 550 meters of ascent + 270 meters of descent.
Dinner & overnight at the Berber house.
Meals included : Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner.
Day 10: Tizi Oussem (1950m) - Col de M’zik (2450m) - Imlil valley (2000m).
We leave the village to gain altitude, we follow a very beautiful path at the foot of Toubkal mountain with several views of the Azzaden valley, visit the waterfall of Ighouliden in Tamsoult and continue to reach the Mzik pass at 2450m altitude. Then we descend towards the beautiful Imlil valley famous for its green landscapes in the middle of the terraced orchards.
Dinner & overnight at https://www.riadjnaneimlil.com/.
Meals included : Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner.
Day 11 : Free day and relax near the pool.
Free time at the Riad, relaxing near the swimming pool, an afternoon stroll the villages on your own.
Dinner & overnight at https://www.riadjnaneimlil.com/.
Meals included : Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner.
Day 12 : Marrakech sightseeing.
After breakfast transfer to Marrakech, check-in at the hotel then meet your tour guide and start the visit.
Marrakech with its warm days, busy nights and abundant fragrances, Marrakech is a fascinating city for even the most discerning traveler. Though a booming tourism industry can stifle some of its charms, there are still ways to get a touch of magic in ‘The Red City’.
While many people may associate this thousand-year-old Moroccan city with labyrinthine alleyways and snake charmers, Marrakech is actually equal parts ancient and modern.
your guide will introduce you to both the old-world charms of the medina and the city’s jet-set side, taking you through some of the best restaurants on this side of the Mediterranean, and of course, the famous performers of Jemaa el-Fnaa along the way.
Things to visit :
Mosquée et minaret de Koutoubia
Koutoubia Mosque is the geographic center of Marrakesh, this mosque was built in the book souk in the 12th century. Its 77m high minaret reigns over the district and serves as a landmark for lost visitors.
Palais Bahia.
With spectacular architecture, this palace was built by Grand Vizier Sidi Moussa in the 19th century. Visitors can explore the refined apartments of wives and concubines, and then stroll through the gardens — a small oasis in the city.
Palais El Badi.
This palace is an ensemble of architecture built at the end of the 16th century. A former palace, it was built by the Saadian sultan Ahmed al-Mansur ad-Dhahbî to celebrate the victory over the Portuguese army, in 1578, in the battle of the Three Kings.
Saadian tombs,
The Saadian tombs, date from the time of the great sultan Ahmed al-Mansur Saadi. These tombs were only discovered around 1917, then restored by the Fine Arts department. They are richly decorated.
Mellah Jewish quarter.
The narrow alleys of Mellah once housed the residences of the city's Jewish population, as evidenced by several sites of interest such as the Salat Al Azama synagogue, with its tiled courtyard and exhibitions on Jewish life, as well as the peaceful cemetery Jew Mihara. Nearby is the bustling Mellah Market, which sells fresh produce and meat, as well as the Bab Mellah Spice Souk. The district is dotted with European cafes, chic Moroccan restaurants, and stalls offering grilled meats and tagines.
Jemaa el Fna Square.
this esplanade in the morning for a squeezed orange from the citrus merchants, or in the afternoon for a rest in a cafe watching the acrobats' ballet. Finally, when night falls, it turns into a huge open-air restaurant.
The souks of Marrakech
To get an idea of the richness of Marrakchi crafts and to see the know-how of its 40,000 artisans, nothing beats a stroll in the souks of the medina among the most famous in Morocco for their diversity and atmosphere extremely alive which reigns there. The souks of Marrakech are unique in the world by their organization and their size. It is a very enriching experience for the visitor. They traditionally have narrow alleys, which intersect, extend and intertwine to form the impression of a real labyrinth when you enter it for the first time. to protect themselves from the sun. The souks are organized by districts and by trades.
Majorelle Garden
The is a tourist botanical garden of about 300 species on nearly 1 hectare, an Art Deco villa labeled Maisons des Illustres since 2011, and a museum of the History of the Berbers,
Overnight at Hotel 4* http://www.palmmenarahotel.com/# or similar.
Meals included : Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner.
Day 13 :Free day in Marrakech.
Free day in Marrakech to strill the red city on your own and bey the souvenirs for your frinds and family.
Overnight at Hotel 4* http://www.palmmenarahotel.com/# or similar.
Meals included : Breakfast.
Day 14 : Marrakech airport.
Departure to the airport on your flight time.
End of our services.
Meals included : Breakfast.
Day1 : Marrakech.
Arrival in Casablanca / Marrakech airport reception assistance and transfer to the hotel,
Overnight at Hotel 4* http://www.palmmenarahotel.com/# or similar.
Meals included : Dinner.
Day 2 : Marrakech – Ait Ben hadou – Ouarzazate.
We start our Marrakech to Ouarzazate pick up at 8 am, crossing the high atlas mountains "Tizi n´Tishka" Pass 2260 m traversing unique landscapes with magnificent colors.
After the pass, we take the turn for the Kasbah of Telouet. We visit this surprising castle then we continue down the Ounila valley our way to Ait Ben Haddou. Classified as a UNESCO heritage, this caravan halt village offers beautiful sights. Our next highlight is the ancient Kasbah Taourirt, This fortress belonged to the family of Thami El Glaoui, Pasha of Marrakech from 1912 to 1956. After lunch, we continue our trip to visit the Atlas Studio Movie named for its proximity to the Atlas Mountains, a range that stretches across northern Africa, Atlas Film Studios is the largest film studio in the world. Covering more than 322,000 square feet of the desert.
Dinner & overnight at the Kasbah nice palm oasis.
Meals included : Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner.
DAY 3: Ouarzazate – Roses & Dades valley- Todra Gorges
After breakfast, we will drive through the mission impossible Road named also the donkey Road by the nomads to Dades Gorges along the valley of Roses you will enjoy the beautiful green gardens with all kind of fruit trees such as figs and almonds. Enjoy going through many Berber villages along the way to see how the locals live arriving into Todra Gorges hike through the canon, The Toudra gorges are located in the Moroccan High Atlas. They are very popular with climbers for their walls which can reach 300 meters. These walls are very well equipped but many are still blank.
Dinner & overnight at the Kasbah inside the palm groves.
Meals included : Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner.
Day 4 : Todra gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga – Erg Chebbi dunes.
This morning, the journey will continue towards the Sahara sand dunes along with the desert landscapes between the high and Anti-Atlas Mountains. Your lunch will be Erfoud the Fossils capital of Morocco, you will visit one of the factories where they make beautiful articles and the mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif in Rissani the founder of the actual Alaouite dynasty of Morocco at 17th century. Arriving at Merzouga town meet with our camel team and ride towards the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi where will spend the night under the stars enjoying Drams saharian Music around the fire at the camp...
Dinner & overnight at the nomadic tents at the dunes.
Meals included : Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner.
Day 5 : Full day in the deser with the nomads & Camel ride.
Full day in the desert to learn more about the lifestyle of the nomadic people.
Wake up for an exciting drive, on a 4WD vehicle, that takes you deep into the desert to scout out all the sensational landscapes and zones hidden out there. This day trip commences with a visit to a French abandoned mining site that originated during the French period, and then the drive proceeds alongside the immense sand dunes towards one of the local nomads’ residences so as to find out about their lifestyle. Later, continue the ride around the dune whilst admiring the spectacular view of the plains of black hammadas stretching along the region. Head to the dunes neighboring the village of Khamlia, whose half of its inhabitants are black-skinned ex-Africans who moved to Morocco thousands of years ago. The Gnaoua music performances played by these people are absolutely adored by both locals and foreigners. Their musical instruments consist of drums and other wood and iron made tools that produce a wide variety of sounds. Lunch will be served in a restaurant in the town.
Dinner & overnight at the nomadic tents at the dunes.
Meals included : Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner.
Day 6 : Merzouga – Alnif – Tazarine – Taznakht - Taliouine.
Breakfast and We will drive for Taliouine, by taking the road to Alnif, Tazarine, and Agdez to reach Taznakht, one of the most important centers of carpet weaving, made by women according to an ancestral technique. Our next stop will be Taliouine where we will enjoy visiting a saffron cooperative, the region's main economic source.
Dinner & overnight at the Berber house.
Meals included : Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner.
Day 7 : Taliouine – Argan region – Tizi N’test – Ijoukak – Atlas Mountains.
Today we will head to the Atlas Mountains via the Argan Region, Aouloze and ait Ouaziz valleys, authentic Berber villages and stunning views over the Atlas Mountains, we cross the second highest Mountain pass by car Tizi N’Test, then descending along the Ijoukak valleys, Lunch at the village and continue to visit Tinmel Mosque, a small mosque just 50 meters aside. A real architectural jewel, this Almohade building is very pure, whose architecture is typical of this era of which we keep other examples today: the Koutoubia in Marrakech but also in Rabat with the Hassan Tower and in Seville with the Giralda.
Build by Ibn Toumert In the 11th century, and the site restored in 1997, it is a high place in Moroccan history.
Afternoon transfer to Imlil valley on the foothill of Mout Toubkal.
Dinner & overnight at https://www.riadjnaneimlil.com/.
Meals included : Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner.
Day 8 : Project phase.
The community engagement phase of your expedition will offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a local community, giving an insight into a rich new culture. The language, daily routine, activities, facilities, and cultural sensitivities will all be new and different from what you are used to. Cultural exchange works both ways and, although you are guests for a short time, no doubt you will want to share your culture with your host community. So come prepared with photos of your school, community and your families as well as songs and dance routines. Be prepared to cook a meal for the community, invite them to a sports match or host a party. This will provide an opportunity for real interaction. The more you engage the greater the reward!
You will explore local development challenges, by participating in a local project that is aimed at meeting an important community need. For example, how does a working toilet improve participation in school, why is a concrete floor critical to health, why is tree planting and fence building so important to the local economy and why do few rural girls continue on to higher education? So ask questions and be inquisitive, great leadership and teamwork look at the bigger picture.
There may be opportunities to spend time with local children and the wider community, which you can maximize by organizing fun, active and educational activities such as teaching English and playing games. Playing with children is important for their health and development.
Dinner & overnight at https://www.riadjnaneimlil.com/.
Meals included : Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner.
Day 9: Imlil valley (1800m) - Aguerssioual (1,650 m) - start of the Toubkal trek - Oudid pass (2220m) - Tizi Oussem (1950m)
Departure from 8H. We take a less maintained road to the village of Aguessioual, where we meet our team of mule drivers. Loading of luggage and departure for a hike. 2 hours walk to the Col de Tizi Oudid at 2220 meters above sea level, then descend to the Azzaden valley. 5 hours of walking. Night in a homestay in the village of Tizi Oussem. 550 meters of ascent + 270 meters of descent.
Dinner & overnight at the Berber house.
Meals included : Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner.
Day 10: Tizi Oussem (1950m) - Col de M’zik (2450m) - Imlil valley (2000m).
We leave the village to gain altitude, we follow a very beautiful path at the foot of Toubkal mountain with several views of the Azzaden valley, visit the waterfall of Ighouliden in Tamsoult and continue to reach the Mzik pass at 2450m altitude. Then we descend towards the beautiful Imlil valley famous for its green landscapes in the middle of the terraced orchards.
Dinner & overnight at https://www.riadjnaneimlil.com/.
Meals included : Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner.
Day 11 : Free day and relax near the pool.
Free time at the Riad, relaxing near the swimming pool, an afternoon stroll the villages on your own.
Dinner & overnight at https://www.riadjnaneimlil.com/.
Meals included : Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner.
Day 12 : Marrakech sightseeing.
After breakfast transfer to Marrakech, check-in at the hotel then meet your tour guide and start the visit.
Marrakech with its warm days, busy nights and abundant fragrances, Marrakech is a fascinating city for even the most discerning traveler. Though a booming tourism industry can stifle some of its charms, there are still ways to get a touch of magic in ‘The Red City’.
While many people may associate this thousand-year-old Moroccan city with labyrinthine alleyways and snake charmers, Marrakech is actually equal parts ancient and modern.
your guide will introduce you to both the old-world charms of the medina and the city’s jet-set side, taking you through some of the best restaurants on this side of the Mediterranean, and of course, the famous performers of Jemaa el-Fnaa along the way.
Things to visit :
Mosquée et minaret de Koutoubia
Koutoubia Mosque is the geographic center of Marrakesh, this mosque was built in the book souk in the 12th century. Its 77m high minaret reigns over the district and serves as a landmark for lost visitors.
Palais Bahia.
With spectacular architecture, this palace was built by Grand Vizier Sidi Moussa in the 19th century. Visitors can explore the refined apartments of wives and concubines, and then stroll through the gardens — a small oasis in the city.
Palais El Badi.
This palace is an ensemble of architecture built at the end of the 16th century. A former palace, it was built by the Saadian sultan Ahmed al-Mansur ad-Dhahbî to celebrate the victory over the Portuguese army, in 1578, in the battle of the Three Kings.
Saadian tombs,
The Saadian tombs, date from the time of the great sultan Ahmed al-Mansur Saadi. These tombs were only discovered around 1917, then restored by the Fine Arts department. They are richly decorated.
Mellah Jewish quarter.
The narrow alleys of Mellah once housed the residences of the city's Jewish population, as evidenced by several sites of interest such as the Salat Al Azama synagogue, with its tiled courtyard and exhibitions on Jewish life, as well as the peaceful cemetery Jew Mihara. Nearby is the bustling Mellah Market, which sells fresh produce and meat, as well as the Bab Mellah Spice Souk. The district is dotted with European cafes, chic Moroccan restaurants, and stalls offering grilled meats and tagines.
Jemaa el Fna Square.
this esplanade in the morning for a squeezed orange from the citrus merchants, or in the afternoon for a rest in a cafe watching the acrobats' ballet. Finally, when night falls, it turns into a huge open-air restaurant.
The souks of Marrakech
To get an idea of the richness of Marrakchi crafts and to see the know-how of its 40,000 artisans, nothing beats a stroll in the souks of the medina among the most famous in Morocco for their diversity and atmosphere extremely alive which reigns there. The souks of Marrakech are unique in the world by their organization and their size. It is a very enriching experience for the visitor. They traditionally have narrow alleys, which intersect, extend and intertwine to form the impression of a real labyrinth when you enter it for the first time. to protect themselves from the sun. The souks are organized by districts and by trades.
Majorelle Garden
The is a tourist botanical garden of about 300 species on nearly 1 hectare, an Art Deco villa labeled Maisons des Illustres since 2011, and a museum of the History of the Berbers,
Overnight at Hotel 4* http://www.palmmenarahotel.com/# or similar.
Meals included : Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner.
Day 13 :Free day in Marrakech.
Free day in Marrakech to strill the red city on your own and bey the souvenirs for your frinds and family.
Overnight at Hotel 4* http://www.palmmenarahotel.com/# or similar.
Meals included : Breakfast.
Day 14 : Marrakech airport.
Departure to the airport on your flight time.
End of our services.
Meals included : Breakfast.