SPAIN + MOROCCO

September 29, 2017 – October 7, 2017

Cooking Class. Volunteer. Camel Trek. Sandboard. Luxury Camp in Sahara Desert.

Our first few days will be in Barcelona, Spain, exploring everything from the cuisine, to historical sites, to the nightlife!

Following that, we fly to Marrakech to begin our trek through Morocco. We will caravan on a 4-day journey through the High Atlas Moroccan mountains, to the dunes of the Sahara desert, spending two nights in a luxury Saharan camp underneath the starry Africa sky. 

Meeting point: Barcelona, Spain

$1999

Multi Occupancy

*Prices is per person.

PRICES INCLUDES

• Accommodations (standard hotels, riads, and luxury camp excursion)

• Entrance fees to all scheduled activities (listed above)

• Ground transportation to scheduled activities (and round trip flight between Barcelona and Marrakech)

• 8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners

PAYMENT

Choose to pay the full amount or a deposit to reserve your spot. By choosing to pay the deposit, you will be enrolled in our automatic payment plan option. Click “reserve your spot” for more details and to register.

Full Itinerary:

Finally, you have arrived in the beautiful city of Barcelona! Once settled, join us for the group dinner. We will introduce you to your fellow travelers and go over some important information regarding the trip.

Following dinner, it’s time to hit the town! Taking in all that this city’s rich nightlife has to offer, we will be sure to sample a few vibrant establishments along the way.

Today, we’ll be rolling up our sleeves and diving into the art of Spanish cuisine with a cooking class. From learning about classic aromatic spices to traditional Spanish cooking techniques, it won’t be long before you’re whipping up your own tapas! But, let’s be honest, the only thing better than making this delicious food, will be eating it!

In the afternoon, it’s time to explore out and up. We will spend the rest of the day touring the many sites of Montserrat. Hear the story of the black Madonna – patron saint of Catalonia, and marvel at the stairway to heaven monument; the perfect spot for a stunning, panoramic photo op.

Want to catch a Sardana dance, or peruse the stalls at la Boqueria? Well, today’s itinerary is completely up to you! Explore on your own (or with friends) and enjoy your own personal taste on some things this city has to offer.

As the night falls, we will say farewell to Spain, catching a short, late-night flight to the Red City – Marrakech. We’ll settle into our hotel for a good night’s rest because tomorrow we take on Morocco!

The group will meet early this morning to begin our trek through Morocco. We will depart from Marrakech, headed towards the Atlas Mountains, passing many Berber villages along the way. One of our stops, the Ksour of Ait BenHaddou, was once an important stop along the caravan routes that carried salt from the Sahara and on return, gold and ivory.

Later, we arrive in small a Berber village inhabited by over 300 families who live in beautifully painted crenulated Kasbahs, with their own henna fields, water wells, livestock and gardens. After a quick cooking lesson, we will be served a traditional lunch by a local Berber family. We will overnight at a lovely hotel nearby.

Departing from the hotel this morning, we will head straight for the desert camp. Throughout the drive, take some time to take in the scenery. You will be left awestruck by the beauty of Todra Gorge.

As evening falls we retreat to the comforts of our luxury desert camp. Set between sand dunes in the African Sahara, enjoy a campfire dinner under the glow of the starry Moroccan sky. The camp is equipped with a full kitchen, serving fine Moroccan dishes for our entire stay.

Before today ends, you can call yourself a camelteer! We will set out on a camelback caravan, led by our local Berber guides. Our journey will lead us to a nearby village and school, allowing us to learn and experience the simplicity of the Berber lifestyle. Be present as we offer a donation to the school, aiding with supplies and other resources.

Back at the camp, enjoy the evening at your own pace. Choose to sandboard through the dunes, or just relax in one of the many areas around camp.

We will say goodbye to our desert camp and prepare for a long journey, as we make our way back towards Marrakech. Along the way, there’s an assortment of stops. passing the volcanic mountains of Sarhro and the lush oasis of Draa Valley. We will reach Marrakech with plenty of time to relax for the evening.

Take advantage of the flexibility in today’s schedule. Venture out into Marrakech, exploring the city on your own. Need suggestions? Take in the ornate beauty of Bahia Palace, pick up souvenirs at Marrakech Souk or Jemma el-Fnaa, enjoy the many street entertainers – from talented musicians to snake charmers, and be sure to enjoy exquisite Moroccan food. This city is sure to cast its spell on you by nightfall!

We will then catch another evening flight to Barcelona.

After our final breakfast together, you may depart for your onward travels. Say, “see you later” to your new-found travel buddies! We are sure we wiil meet again!