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Gnawa Masterclass Immersive Morocco Tour

Multi-Cities, Morocco
5/5
Duration

10days-9nights

Tour Type

Specific Tour

Group Size

20 people

Languages

en

Overview

For the first time, this immersive tour of Morocco offers you the chance to explore Gnawa music with Ma’alam (master Gnawa musician) Hassan Ben Jaafar, the spiritual leader of NYC-based “Innov Gnawa“.  Grammy-nominated Ma’alam Hassan and his team will give you a deep look into the world of Gnawa music, its centuries-old history and rituals, and hands-on its music and instruments. You will also discover UNESCO sites like the old Medina of Fes, Kasbah Ait Benhadou, and Jamae elfna in Marrakech. You will immerse into the Moroccan culture, traditions and explore the beauty, diversity, and rich history of Morocco that you won’t find anywhere else.

By participating in this event, you will help us have a positive impact on the local communities where we operate our tours. A percentage of the proceeds from this event will be donated to the French Moroccan NGO AFOULKI. A local Non-Governmental Organization that fights against illiteracy and poverty and supports the development of the status of women in rural areas of the province of Essaouira.

 

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: We are offering our event participants an early bird discount. if you signup before August 31st, you’ll get a discount of $300 on the tour package. So you pay $2200 instead of the full price of $2500.

The available seats for the event are limited. You can reserve your seat now by paying only a $500 deposit and taking advantage of the early bird discount.

So book your seat NOW. Don’t miss this once-in-a-life-time experience!

Wander Like Nowhere Else

Highlights

  • Explore the Gnawa music in a masterclass with Grammy nominated Ma'alam Hassan of Innov Gnawa
  • Visit Mosque Hassan II and the old medina in Casablanca.
  • Discover Essaouira or Mogador, the Portuguese city and its fishing port and ramparts.
  • Soak in the magic of Marrakech and its 12-16th century monuments and sights.
  • Enjoy Majorelles gardens, the world famous botanical and artist's landscape gardens created by French artist Jacques Majorelle and Yves Saint Laurent’s house.
  • Marvel at the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, UNESCO’s World Heritage in Ouarzazate.
  • Ride a camel to the majestic dunes of the Sahara in Merzouga.
  • Explore the 12th-century old medina of Fes, a UNESCO world heritage site.

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Early Bird Discount 1 1 12%%

Itinerary

Day 1: NYC (JFK)- Casablanca (CMN)
Day 1: NYC (JFK)- Casablanca (CMN)

Your package includes an airfare from New York JFK International Airport to the Mohamed V International airport (code: CMN) in Casablanca. The flight will depart from JFK at 8:40 PM and will arrive to Casablanca the following day (Day 1 of the tour) at 8h30 am. After your arrival, you will be met and greeted by our representative at the airport. Then we will take you to Ain Diab boardwalk for a coffee break or an early lunch. Then you will be transferred to the hotel. After checking in at the hotel and some rest, we will start a tour of Casablanca, the economic capital of Morocco: Habbous, the old medina, a visit of Hassan II mosque, and a tour of the city downtown. Then, back to the hotel for diner and night stay.

Day 2: Casablanca- Fes
Day 2: Casablanca- Fes

After breakfast at the hotel, at 8h00 AM, we will leave Casablanca to Fes (3 hrs). After arrival, we will start our tour of Fes: Médina Fès El Bali : El Attarine, Nejjarine, Seffarine, El Karaouiyine Mosque, Zaouia of Moulay Idriss, Méderassa Bou Inania, Dar Batha, Bab Boujloud. Then a lunch break (optional) during the visit at a restaurant at the heart of the Medina, then continue the tour: the Jewish quarters. Fes is the third biggest city, a spiritual and cultural center of traditional Morocco after Casablanca and Rabat with a population of 1 368 000 habitants. It is one of the four imperial cities of Morocco besides Marrakech, Meknes and Rabat. The medina (the old city of Fes) is a model example of the oriental city and is under the protection of the UNESCO. It has been unchanged since the XII century. The deep blue color of the ceramics is one of the characteristic symbols of Fes. It has the biggest medina of the world and is internationally renowned besides the famous capitals of the Arab Muslim civilization like Damascus, Bagdad and Cordoba. After the tour, check in at the hotel. We will give you a chance to have some rest. Optional: if you sign up for a Hammam and massage, we will take you to the thermal station for some R&R. Then we will leave all to have diner at one of the local traditional restaurant. Then night at the hotel.

Day 3: Fes - Errachidia-Merzouga

After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart at 8h00 AM to Merzouga (8 hours).
We will stop in Errachidia/ Midelt for lunch. Then we will continue to Erfoud to visit its famous dates market then continue to Merzouga. Check in at the hotel. Then diner while enjoying some folk music from a local tribal band. Then night at the hotel.

Day 4: Merzouga- Gnawa Masterclass (Part 1)

After breakfast at the hotel, you can enjoy taking a dip in the swimming pool before the start of the Gnawa percusion Masterclass at 9h00 AM with Ma'alam Hassan Ben Jaafar and his team. (Masterclass content list will be ditributed to participants before the start of the class).
We will take a break for lunch. Then you will have some free time with the members of Risha band to try out some Gnawa instruments and play some tunes. Then we will have a dinner while enjoying a live show between Ma'alam Hassan and members of Risha. Then night at the hotel

Day 5: Merzouga- Gnawa Masterclass (Part 2)
Day 5: Merzouga- Gnawa Masterclass (Part 2)

After breakfast at the hotel, we will continue our Gnawa Masterclass with Ma'alam Hassan (part 2). We will break for lunch then we will do Gnawa workshop with Ma'alam Hassan's team to end the Masterclass.
Then we will take our camel ride to the dunes to admire the majestic sunset of the Sahara. After arriving to our tents camp where we will be spending the night, we will take some rest then we will enjoy a traditional diner and a Gnawa music live show around a camp fire and under a sky full of stars. Then night in the Berber tents.

Day 6: Merzouga- Ait Benhadou- Marrakech
Day 6: Merzouga- Ait Benhadou- Marrakech

We will get up early to marvel the silence and solitude of the desert before the sunrise. Then back to the camp to have breakfast. then we will split into small groups to ride the SUVs back to the hotel. After checking out of the hotel, we will depart to Kasbah Ait Benhadou (5 hours) through the High Atlas, through the neck of Tizin'Tichka (2260 meters). We will pass close by the villages with their low houses and their fortresses attics" that dominate them. We will stop at the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, UNESCO’s World Heritage, which has been the subject of numerous known film shootings to have a lunch break. Then we will tour the Kasbah with a tour guide. After the tour, we will continue to Marrakech (3h30). After arrival, check in and diner and night at the hotel.

Day 7: Marrakech - Chez Ali
Day 7: Marrakech - Chez Ali

Departure at 9h00-9h30 after breakfast at the hotel to tour of the capital of the south, which gave its name to the country: the Koutoubia or " bookseller mosque" built in the 12th century; the Saadian tombs, splendid 16th century mausoleums with the twelve columns hall, a masterpiece of Moorish art; the Bahia Palace, a veritable maze of corridors and staircases built in the last century with beautiful garden; Lunch, then we will continue the visit with a tour of the ramparts, built in the 12th century. Then, the famous Djemaa El Fna (a UNESCO world heritage) and the heart of the medina. All day there reigns a huge market. There one encounters many amazing characters: storytellers, acrobats, snake charmers ... From there you can access the souks to the infinitely varied crafts. Then we will drop you off at the hotel. We will pick you up at 8h PM to have a unique dinner and an amazing show at Chez Ali with Fantasia, belly dancing, fire breathers and more. Then night at the hotel.

Day 8: Marrakech -Essaouira- Marrakech
Day 8: Marrakech -Essaouira- Marrakech

After breakfast at the hotel, at 8h30 we will depart to Essaouira (3hrs). After arrival, we will start a tour of Essaouira, the city which used to be called Mogador, its fishing port, the ramparts, the medina, its particularly large and lively streets, where artisans practicing a remarkable work inlaid cedar wood. We will pause for lunch then you will have some free time in the old medina. Then we will take some time to visit to the local NGO AFOULKI (more details will be given about this social action ahead of time). After our visit, we will drive back to Marrakech. Then diner and night at the hotel

Day 9: Marrakech
Day 9: Marrakech

After breakfast at the hotel, we will take the group to do a Covid-19 PCR test in preparation for their return to the US. Then we will continue our tour of Marrakech by visiting the world famous Majorelle Gardens and Yves Saint Laurent’s house. Then a lunch break and some free time to tour the modern part of the city of Marrakech to do some window shopping or have a coffee break. Then back to the hotel for some relaxation at the pool then diner and night stay. Optional: For the people who sign up for the hot air balloon experience, we will take you to the station and bring you back to the hotel after the activity. More details will be given to you beforehand.

Day 10: Marrakech- Casablanca Airport

After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart Marrakech at 7h00 AM to drive directly to the airport in Casablanca (2h30). we will drop you off at Mohamed V International airport (CMN) to take your flight back to the US at 12h50 PM.

Included/Excluded

  • JFK-Casablanca around-trip airfare
  • 9 nights accommodation in twin rooms
  • Half board (breakfast and dinner) in Casablanca, Fes, and Marrakech
  • Full board in Merzouga
  • Gnawa music masterclass with Ma'alam Hassan Ben Jaafar
  • Specialized bilingual guide
  • Transportation in a private air-conditioned bus throughout the whole tour
  • Airport pickup and drop-off
  • Dinner and show at Chez Ali, Marrakech
  • Camel ride to watch the sunset in the Sahara dunes
  • Entrance fees to attractions
  • Our assistance during the whole itinerary
  • Lunchs (except in Merzouga included)
  • Additional Services/ extras/ hotel mini bar
  • Travel Insurance
  • Drinks
  • Tips to the driver, guide or at restaurants
  • Thermal Hammam & Massage in Fes
  • Hot Air Balloon in Marrakech
  • PCR test for your US return flight

Tour's Location

Multi-Cities, Morocco

FAQs

Where does the tour start and end?

Your tour will start and conclude in Casablanca International Airport (CMN).

Do you arrange airport transfers?

Yes, Airport transfers are included in the price of this tour. Airport transfers are performed for the whole group and not individually. Our representative will be at the airport to greet you. To arrange for an individual transfer, please contact our customer service team once you have a confirmed booking. Additional charges might apply.

What is the age range?

This tour has an age range of 12-70 years old, this means children under the age of 12 will not be eligible to participate in this tour without the presence of an adult. However, if you are over 70 years please contact us as you may be eligible to join the tour.

How do I pay for the tour?

To make things easier for the participants, Tour Morocco offers you a payment plan. You can participate in the tour by booking your seat and paying only $500 (click the blue button "Book Now" on the top right of this page). Then another $500 1 month before the start of the tour (don't worry, we will send you a reminder) so we can send you your flight ticket. Then the remainder of the tour price will be due after your arrival to Morocco and before the start of the tour.

Is it comfortable to ride a camel?

Riding a camel for the first time can be tricky but a very fun experience. We have prepared a very informative article in our blog with tips on how to ride a camel and to pack for your trip. please see the article here: https://tourmorocco.co/what-to-know-about-visiting-the-sahara/
(link is also available in the footer of this page under "Blog")

What is your cancelation policy?

You can cancel your reservation for the tour 45 days before the start of the tour free of charge. If you cancel after that, the following charges apply:

**30-45 days before the start of the tour: $500
**less than 30 days before the start of the tour: $1000

Please contact our customer service team if you have any questions at: booking@tourmorocco.co

Covid 19 Travel requirements?

Because of the Covid 19 pandemic, we try to make sure that you are aware of the requirements to visit Morocco and to return back to the US.
First, to visit Morocco, you need to have your original Covid 19 vaccin certificate (also called passport). Make sure you have the actual certificate and not the electronic version so in case your phone is off, you will be able to show it to the authorities in Morocco. You will be asked to show it first at the airport after your arrival.
Then for your return flight back to the US, you will need to have a negative PCR test. We will arrange for the tour participants to go take the PCR test at a discounted rate in the day before the flight back day. The cost of the test will be communicated it to you before hand.

What are the travel requirements to Morocco?

First you need to have a valid passport (with validity higher than 6 months) and a travel insurance if you would like to acquire one. As a US citizen, you don't need a visa to visit Morocco. Please refer to our FAQs for more details

Where can I view your FAQs

You can find answers to our Frequently Asked Questions here: https://tourmorocco.co/faqs/
or get in touch with us with your questions here: https://tourmorocco.co/contact/
(Both links are available in the footer of this page under "SUPPORT")

from C$3,675

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