Global Philanthropy
Morocco
Modern Education in Ancient Worlds
Experience the magnificent Imperial Cities of Casablanca and Marrakech. The exotic blend of ancient and modern, African, Arabian and European influences is a fascinating mélange, with more to offer with every fresh look. But you will be no mere onlooker – during your stay you will work towards creative solutions in support of Morocco’s most disadvantaged children. Projects include a day at the L’Heure Joyeuse Center in Casablanca and the Maison Dar Tifl orphanage in Marrakech. Understand the early roots of this alluring country while exploring centuries-old markets, mosques, Kasbahs, museums, tombs and the vastness of the Atlas Mountains.
Days 1/2/3 - New York/Casablanca
Board your overnight flight to Casablanca, where you will be met and escorted to your elegant hotel facing the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy a short visit to the awesome Hassan II Mosque, one of the few mosques open to non-Muslim visitors. After Angkor Wat and Mecca, it is the largest religious monument in the world and can hold an astonishing 25,000 worshippers at prayer inside while accommodating 80,000 more in the esplanades around it. Explore the Habous Quarter, the French version of a 20th century Kasbah and the Central Market’s pyramids of exotic fruits, vegetables, spices and flowers.
L’Heure Joyeuse
Visit L’Heure Joyeuse, a center that operates several different community assistance programs including vocational training for single mothers, educational training and English classes for women, preschool education for children ages 3-5 years, and a medical treatment program for malnourished babies. Help prepare and serve a nutritious snack to the women who bring their babies for treatment, play and hand arts and crafts to the children, and deliver supplies to support the educational and medical programs.
Facing the Atlantic Ocean and close to the Hassan II Mosque, your hotel, the Riad Salam, combines modernity and tradition. Not far from the bustling city center, the hotel offers excellent accommodation and a large choice of restaurants, offering Moroccan, Italian and international cuisine. On site, the first spa center in Africa "Le Lido". All rooms are equipped with bathroom and separate toilet, balcony with ocean or garden view. THE RIAD SALAM (Meals Aloft; B, L)
Days 4/5/6/7 - Marrakech
Drive across the fertile plain of Chaouia and enter the famed red-walled Imperial City of Marrakech situated in an oasis of more than half a million palm trees. Walk through the labyrinth of streets of the Souk where hundreds of craftsmen work. Sip mint tea and soft drinks on a terrace overlooking the world-renowned Jemaa Lena Square, where fire-eaters, snake charmers, acrobats and jugglers perform surrounded by crowds of on-lookers. Explore the souks of
Marrakech on your own or visit the Bahya Palace and then the Palace of Dar Sis Aid, one of the finest museums in Morocco. The Bahya Palace is a fascinating sight to behold, with numerous gardens filled with the fragrance of jasmine and orange flowers. Representing a modern interpretation of classical Moroccan form, the Bahya offers a unique opportunity to experience a sense of Empires lost and won in the ebb and flow of time.
Maison Dar Tifl
Spend a day at the Maison Dar Tifl, an orphanage serving over 400 children ages 3-17 years, built in 1934 by Mohammed V and funded by four different sources including a government tax on Moroccan butchers. The Maison Dar Tifl concentrates its efforts in the following areas: basic needs, medical care, education, social values and religious education. The orphanage is comprised of seven pavilions that house the children by gender and age group. Other facilities harbor individual specialty activities including an art room, music room, computer lab, sports center and library. Volunteer projects may include playing games, doing crafts and painting a mural to beautify the space.
Ascend the Atlas Mountains for a unique day trip. Continue by donkey or mule to the Kasbah Du Toubkal, perched on a rocky outcrop at the foot of Jbel Toubkal – the highest peak in North Africa, where you enjoy lunch. A stunning restoration of an ancient fortress, you will be left breathless by the spectacular views. During your mountain excursion, stop off at a Berber village to learn about their lifestyle and culture. On your last evening savor a typical Moroccan dinner under tents with performances by jugglers, belly dancers, stories about Berber folklore and rounded out by a Fantasia show, which is a traditional war ceremony with horsemen. The Hotel Tichka Salam is mere minutes from the Djemas el Fna in the old city section of Marrakech. Relax at the restaurants, piano bar, boutique, pool or on the balcony of your luxurious room. HOTEL TICHKA SALAM (B; B, L; B, L; B, L, D)
Days 8/9 - Casablanca/New York
Return to Casablanca for a farewell dinner at Rick’s Café, a re-enactment of the café in the film Casablanca offering delectable French cuisine. The next morning, bid farewell to Morocco and all of the friends you have made as you board your flight home. THE RIAD SALAM (B,D; B,Meals Aloft)
Post-Extension to Fez, Volubilis & Rabat
Step back thousands of years in time into a maze of winding streets lined with tiny workshops of 30,000 craftsmen – Fez, established in 789 is the most complete medieval city of the Arab world with exquisitely built structures including the Kairaouine Mosque, Medersa Bou Inania, Dar Batha Museum and the Merinides Tombs. Wander amidst the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the megalomaniacal creation of Moulay Ismail, the Royal City of Meknes. Marvel at the beauty of superb Berber and Arabian horses at the Haras breeding center. See the rare antiquities housed at the private museum of the Dar Belghazi family and join them for a traditional lunch. Explore Rabat, a city representing the infinite variety of Morocco, set in a rich, amber colored landscape, dotted with distinctive nettle trees and elegantly combining an ancient era with modern culture. A rewarding experience in Rabat is a visit to the AMESIP Foundation to see how creative solutions are being implemented to care for neglected children and donate supplies to aid in their education.
Your Journey Includes:
- Superior accommodations throughout as indicated or similar.
- Breakfast daily. All other meals as specified in the itinerary.
- Service projects at L’Heure Joyeuse and Maison Dar Tifl on the main program; AMESIP on the extension.
- Complimentary bottled water throughout.
- Deluxe air-conditioned motor coach throughout.
- Services of a highly-trained English speaking guide.
- Applicable hotel taxes and gratuities for baggage handling.
- All entry fees to visited monuments.
- Complimentary passport wallet and baggage tags.
2010 Dates |
Main Trip Price/ Person Land Only |
Single Supplement |
Extension |
Single Supplement |
Apr
|
$2,095 |
$795 |
$1,295 |
$495 |
Jun
|
$2,095 |
$795 |
$1,295 |
$495 |
Oct
|
$2,095 |
$795 |
$1,295 |
$495 |
Dec 26
|
$2,095 |
$795 |
$1,295 |
$495 |
For more information, please contact:
Classic Escapes at (800) 627-1244