Where Old Meets New

Morocco Photo Tour

The experience of traveling is about not only learning how we are different, but how we are similar. As we begin to understand the local culture, our experiences and greater understanding will translate into great photos. To understand a culture you must understand the people, and people are most easily understood through food: everyone has to eat. In most cultures, food is a point of pride and a way for locals to share customs/traditions. When people eat, they are relaxed and they are enjoying themselves. In Fes our local Moroccan guide's local knowledge will give us opportunities to share in this culture both in formal and informal settings throughout this tour.

All of these things will help us stay more grounded and closer to the people, which is where we like to take our photographs. By the end of this trip you will have a greater understanding of how your camera works and how to get a great photo when you want to take a great photo. Our concern is not only a great travel experience but also a great photographic learning experience. Your photographer/instructor will help you every step of the way as we explore culturally significant and exquisite locales from Marrakech to Chef Chaouen. All of this adds up to a great photography and cultural experience.

Itinerary

Our journey begins in the capital city of Casablanca. The next day begins early with a sunrise shoot at the fourth largest mosque in the world the King Hassan II Mosque followed by a tour/shoot of the interior. After lunch we'll head to Chef Chaouen (the blue city) by private transportation. We'll do a sunset shoot from the hotel itself and settle in for a relaxing dinner.

Day 3 Will also start at sunrise with a walk up the hill to the Spanish Mosque to photograph the city as the sun floods the city with the morning light. The rest of the day will be spent exploring the market and the picturesque medina with photos available around every corner.

Day 4 We'll head to Fes after breakfast with a stop in the ancient Roman city of Volubilis. If the conditions are right you'll get a chance to do some long exposures with ND filters. We end the day in Fes with a dinner in the medina.

Day 5-6 Begins early with a shoot at the famous tanneries of Fes where we'll have an opportunity to photograph the facility up close and personal. We'll be led by a local who will help everyone navigate through the maze that is the Fes medina. For lunch we'll take in a traditional Moroccan meal and discover the diversity that is Moroccan food. The day will end with a magic hour shoot in the Medina. On Day 6 you may take the day to shop or head out in the morning for a shoot at the ancient caravan museum. The day will be spent exploring other parts of Fes and shooting the details of the city.

Day 7 We start our journey into the desert, heading to Merzouga where we will spend the night in the famous sand dunes of Morocco. Our mid afternoon arrival will allow us time to photograph the amazing dunes and set up for a sunset shoot.

Day 8 - After a sunrise shoot of the dunes we'll head to Tinghir for a relaxing afternoon and evening.

Day 9 - We'll have a slow start and head to to Ait Bin Haddou with a stop in Ouarzazate to visit the famous movie studios! Ait Bin Haddou is home of a World Heritage site and the filming location for Game of Thrones and Gladiator. Again we'll finish with a sunset shoot of the ancient town.

Day 10 After a sunrise shoot we'll head over the Atlas mountains to finish the day in Marrakech, home of the famous night market. This first night will be at the night market.

Day 11-12 Will be spent in Marrakech photographing the souks, the Palais, the Marjorelle Gardens, madrassas, etc. Both evenings in Marrakech will be spent at the night market, taking in the hustle and bustle that makes this so famous.

Day 13 Your last day in on this photo tour will end with a sunrise shoot in the market before breakfast.
Transportation

You will be responsible for all international transportation requirements. This photo tour will begin in Casablanca (exact hotel and meeting location will be provided after registration) and end in Marrakech. If you would like a transfer from Marrakech to Casablanca please let us know. Once the photo tour begins, all internal transportation costs are included in the registration fee (including airport transfers: Casablanca Airport to Hotel (Day 1) and Riad to Merrakech Airport (Day 13). We will be using private van and walking within city limits; for travel between cities a 14 seat sprinter van will be used so that everyone has plenty of room. We will begin our trip with a meet and greet on Day 1in Casablanca and end with a farewell meal Day 12 and departure on Day 13 in Marrakech. It is best to fly into Casablanca and out of Marrakech. If you require a transfer from Marrakech to Casablanca the additional fee is $100/vehicle.
Accomodation

You will be staying in riads and dars, with the exception of one night spent in a western style hotel . Riads and and dars are converted homes once belonging to the elites of the city. They are also inside the medina (walled city) helping to keep us close to the action. They are an oasis within the hustle and bustle of the inner city.
Meals

On your journey you will have the opportunity try everything from street food to a fine Moroccan meal. There is more to Moroccan food than a tagine but be prepared to eat a lot of meat and starch. French fries are a staple in this neighborhood and are often served with even when not ordered. . In total there will 35 meals of which all Breakfasts, 1 lunch and 4 dinners are included in the registration fee. Alcoholic beverages are not included.
Medical

Visa requirements for visiting Morocco. Citizens of most western countries with a valid passport are not required to apply for an entry visa to Morocco for stays less than 90 days. For a list of which countries fall under this exemption please follow this link: VISA REQUIREMENTS. For those needing a visa please follow this link: Visa application. You are responsible for fulfilling your own visa requirements. Please take care of this 2 months in advance.
Documents

Visa requirements for visiting Morocco. Citizens of most western countries with a valid passport are not required to apply for an entry visa to Morocco for stays less than 90 days. For a list of which countries fall under this exemption please follow this link: VISA REQUIREMENTS. For those needing a visa please follow this link: Visa application. You are responsible for fulfilling your own visa requirements. Please take care of this 2 months in advance.
Gallery