Photo by: Ron Rosenstock
Location: Sahara Morocco
PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR

Morocco Mystery 2024

• Jemaa el Fna Square and the ancient city and souk of Marrakech
• Two evenings in the Sahara with a traditional camel ride
• The heart of Morocco, medina of Fes el-Bali
• Rif Mountains and the blue washed town of Chefchaouen
• Unique visits with our expert Moroccan guide
• Casablanca, photograph the King Hassan II Mosque

Region

Africa

Destination

Morocco

Dates

November 7-19, 2024

Duration

12 days

$4595

per person, double occupancy*

*U.S. dollars based upon minimum of 7 participants. There is a small group surcharge of $400 if 5-6 participants. We try to accommodate travelers who request single accommodations, as well as travelers who are looking for a roommate. If a single room is requested (subject to availability), or if we are unable to find a suitable roommate, there is a single room surcharge of $695.

Overview
Photos
Testimonials
Itinerary

Tour Overview

This photo tour itinerary encompasses Marrakech, Fes, Northern Morocco in the blue washed town of Chefchaouen, and also spends two evenings in the Sahara, giving participants more opportunity to capture the pink and purple hued sunsets over the dunes. Photograph in the King Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. In Marrakech you will visit the famous Djemaa el-Fna Square, perhaps the greatest open-air spectacle in the world. Traveling back in time, you will see snake charmers, musicians, magicians, acrobats,...

This photo tour itinerary encompasses Marrakech, Fes, Northern Morocco in the blue washed town of Chefchaouen, and also spends two evenings in the Sahara, giving participants more opportunity to capture the pink and purple hued sunsets over the dunes. Photograph in the King Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. In Marrakech you will visit the famous Djemaa el-Fna Square, perhaps the greatest open-air spectacle in the world. Traveling back in time, you will see snake charmers, musicians, magicians, acrobats, and dancers. Fes is an ancient city, with its spectacular medina – where time seems to have stood still and photographs beckon around every corner. You will see veiled women and laughing children, donkeys pulling carts, and vendors carrying huge mounds of bread on trays above their heads.

Combining the history and natural beauty of this rich and fascinating country with first-person encounters, we will visit native villages, ancient medinas, and craftsmen’s workshops, sharing experiences and sipping mint tea: symbolic of the warm, sincere Moroccan generosity. Hotels are comfortable, as is the private, air-conditioned coach for land transportation. An expert local Moroccan guide will add his unique touch to this extraordinary trip, sharing his insights into and his love of this exotic land.

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Photo Leader

Ron Rosenstock

Ron and Ismail were the dream team! I feel very fortunate to have had such amazing tour leaders. Over all, loved the trip.”
— N. Greenberg
I enjoyed the food, the shopping (where we were supporting the communities of artisans), the landscape, and the architecture. I think the diversity of places is part of what made the trip so outstanding.
— K. Kassap

Dear Ron,

Thank you for such a fantastic photo tour! I found it was a perfect balance of photo opportunities and learning about Morocco’s culture, people, history and economy. As I’ve been reviewing my photos, I find myself saying, “Wow— we were actually there!” Your evening photo talks were useful and informative— they’ve helped me to become a more relaxed and better photographer.

Regards,
Joanne

— Joanne Shapiro

At the end of 2018, my husband, Mark, and I went on a 17 day tour to Morocco with Strabo Tours. Led by renowned photographer, Ron Rosenstock, cultural ambassador, Ismail Bourqqadi, and our excellent driver, Yassim, we journeyed by van from King Hussan II’s amazing mosque in Casablanca to the enchanting blue town of Chefchaouen and then the tannery, weaver and pottery workshops of Fes. After traversing the snow capped Atlas Mountains, we slept 2 dreamy nights in desert tents after walking on foot and riding camels in the Merzouga dunes.

Next we travelled through the Land of 1000 Kasbahs, stopping at abandoned, but perfectly preserved shrines; fossilized marble, rug and spice shops; Yves St. Laurent’s Cactus Garden, and the Marrakech Medina with its’ musicians, snake charmers, etc. Lastly, 5 of our band of 7, went on an extended jaunt to the beaches of Essaourra, where Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley and Cat Stevens used to hang out and saw nearby goats in argon trees.

Needless to say, it was the trip of a lifetime! There was plenty to eat, the lodgings were fantastic (often hidden in fountained courtyards behind busy alleys), but most important were the Moroccan people and places, that anyone would appreciate experiencing, but are especially inspirational to artists. We were the only couple and Mark was the only one without professional photographic equipment, but he took great pictures with his iPhone and we all enjoyed each other’s company. With Ron’s 20+ years taking artists all over the world, no matter where you go with him, you’re bound to have an incredible time. His Ireland trip should be special, because he had a house there for many years and really knows the lay of the land.

— A Dunkelman

Trip was a 10! I think the Sahara was the best. Loved sleeping in berber tents. The photography was gorgeous and many wonderful photo opportunities. Ron always knew where to be when for best photographs. I’ve known him since 1982 when I went to Ireland, and I always wanted to do his Morocco trip after seeing photos and notices on Facebook from him. His energy, enthusiasm and humor was contagious. I liked his photo talks every so often as he wanted us all to see different things and find our own vision. He showed us examples of his work and other photographers that influenced him. Always informative of our daily activities and culture of Morocco. I loved the variety of hotels and lodges.

— A Converse

My recent experience in Morocco was enriched by the kindness and friendliness of its’ people. Never did I feel any concern about being an American in a Muslim country. I was struck by how profound, personal, respectful, and diverse their religious connections are and felt privilegedthat I could meet and be in an Islamic community that is far different from what is portrayed in the news media. Along the way I met and spoke to many Israeli tourists who see Morocco as a “must visit” place to go.

— S.W. Pitlik

Ron was great, not only was he open and knowledgeable as an instructor, but a wonderful person. Couldn’t have asked for better.

— N. Taveras

The Town of Chefchaouen was the highlight of the trip, a delightful place. Hope you keep it on your itinerary.It is obvious that Ron loves what he is doing. From start to finish he is helpful, knowledgeable, gets to know everyone and gives extra assistance where needed.

— K. Clarkin

We found the Moroccans to be hospitable and friendly, who are proud of their country and love their King. Our marvelous guide Ismail was about the best we have ever known, and we are experienced travellers. The country is exotic and beautiful – a must see! We felt safe at all times.

— T. & J. Beers
More Testimonials

Tour Itinerary

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November 7: Home

You will depart on an overnight flight from the U.S. to Marrakech, Morocco. We recommend your arrival to be tomorrow (November 8), by 4PM, in order to take part in the planned events. PLEASE NOTE: Your international airfare will be booked multi-city, Home/RAK, and CMN/Home.

November 8-9: Marrakech

You will be transferred from the airport to the hotel upon arrival. Meet this evening for an introductory meeting followed by welcome dinner.

Traveling back in time 2,000 years, we’ll see snake charmers, magicians, acrobats, and dancers, delighting children and adults alike. Enjoy another day in this imperial city that has been almost continually occupied since Neolithic times, and was once the Berber capital. Capture a glimpse of daily life, as we stroll the narrow streets. Late this afternoon you will meet everyone in the hotel lobby for a brief introduction and off you go to a photo shoot, the famous Djemaa el-Fna Square, perhaps the greatest open-air spectacle in the world, where one can see the colors and feel the pulse of Morocco. Overnight MARRAKECH RIAD. (D; B, L)

November 10-11: Skoura

Your destination for the next two evenings is a renovated kasbah hotel, providing an ideal location for private photography in the early morning and late afternoon. The setting is the middle of a palm grove with lush greenness and olive tree branches, the hotel also offers a garden all its own. Skoura provides a respite from the busy medinas of Fez and Marrakech. Ron will provide photography presentations during the middle of the day or evening at the hotel. Overnight KASBAH SKOURA. (B, L, D both days)

November 12-13: Erfoud - Merzouga

Today your destination is the Sahara where you will have two days to capture the sunset and sunrise over the dunes. After enjoying lunch en-route, continue to Erfoud, an oasis region at the edge of the Sahara. The next day you are invited to enjoy Sudanese music and dance at Khmlia, where we learn about life in the Sahara (participants can take donations of school supplies to the Sudanese school). If there is time this afternoon, enjoy your camel ride for sunset photography, or perhaps rise early for sunrise. Camels will carry us to the Erg Chebbi, Morocco’s only genuine Saharan Erg – a huge, drifting expanse of sand dunes that typify much of the Algerian Sahara. The dunes themselves are fascinating, especially as the sun reaches the horizon and the colors change from pink to gold to red. This will be your most extraordinary and unforgettable desert experience. Don’t forget to pack your bathing suit in your overnight bag. Overnight AUBURGE DU SUD. (Accommodations are in the lodge or in typical Berber tents with mattress and blankets, which now have their own bathrooms and dining tent) (B, L, D both days)

November 14-15: Fes

After sunrise photography in the desert, have breakfast and drive north to Fes. Your escorts will take into account the interests of the group and stop for photographic opportunities they feel appropriate and timely.

Fes, arguably the symbolic heart of Morocco, as all the great dynasties have left their mark on the city; it has, however, retained its Arab identity. The medina, Fes el-Bali, is one of the largest living medieval cities in the world. Its narrow, winding alleys and covered bazaars are intricate in their design and are awash with brilliant colors – a veritable assault on the senses as you squeeze past recalcitrant donkeys and submit to the sounds and smells of this jostling city. The dye makers, hills of spices, tannery vats, and palaces of merchants will beckon us. During a visit to a tannery we can watch the tanners as they work in the varied colors of this land. Overnight FEZ RIAD. (B, D; B, L)

November 16: Chefchaouen

From Fez, arrive late this afternoon in the Rif region of Northern Morocco and the town of Chefchaouen (shef-shau-en), built into the mountainside. The town was founded in 1492 by Moorish exiles from Spain, often called Chaouen by Moroccans. Chefchaouen was known as the hashish capital of Morocco and has been a favorite haunt of backpackers for years. Hash has been grown since the fifteenth century, and is called Kif, the short version of the Arabic word for pleasure.

In the medina, people sell all sorts of vegetables and fruits amid the narrow-cobbled alleyways of whitewashed walls and blue doors. Chaouen offers many native handicrafts that are not available elsewhere in Morocco, such as wool garments and woven blankets. The local goat cheese is also popular. Pack mules are still led throughout the streets carrying many of the handcrafted goods and supplies as they have for centuries. The homes are painted white, azure blue, indigo, and purple and have blue shutters and elaborately decorated doorways. Notice the small squares, ornate fountains and ochre tile. Overnight CHEFCHAOUEN HOTEL (B, D)

November 17-18: Casablanca

Enjoy another photo shoot in Chefchaouen this morning with Ron. Late morning you will leave the mountains behind and make your way south towards Casablanca. Enjoy photo opportunities and lunch today in Rabat. Continue on to your accommodations in Casablanca.

The next day will be a full day of photography in Casablanca from the local markets, architecture in the French Quarter, and an interior tour of King Hassan II Mosque. There will be additional photography outside the mosque as well. Overnight CASABLANCA  (B, L; B, D)

November 19: Casablanca - Home

You will be transferred to the CMN airport for your flight home. (B)

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