Morocco – Deep Deserts
TBD
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Space Is Limited
This is a Digital Photo Destinations workshop.
The Destination
Join us on a magnificent journey through the highlights of Morocco’s diverse landscape, rich with history and culture. Explore ancient cities, walled forts, monumental mosques, and busy markets all surrounded by the soaring peaks of the Atlas mountains and the rolling dunes of some of the largest deserts in the world.
Hollywood has had a long love affair with legendary Morocco – Lawrence of Arabia, Patton, The Man Who Would Be King, Jewel Of The Nile, The Last Temptation Of Christ, Kundun, The Mummy, Gladiator, Hidalgo, Alexander, Kingdom Of Heaven, The Bourne Ultimatum, Prince Of Persia, Inception, and the list goes on. You will too.
The Program
This is more than a photo tour, this is a workshop! This is a unique opportunity to visit one of the most amazing places on this planet led by world-renowned photographers – John Paul Caponigro and Seth Resnick. We work closely with our exceptional local guides (some of the best we’ve ever worked with offering unparalleled customer service) who have an intimate knowledge of the area, to shoot in the most beautiful places at the best times. Most importantly, we’ll work closely with you to help you make the most of your personal adventure. We’ll help you energize your creative life and find new depth for your artistic vision. You’ll benefit tremendously from our guidance, advice, lectures, demonstrations and reviews. Creativity, composition, exposure, workflow, and post-processing are just a few of the topics presented. You’ll learn a tremendous amount from us during one-on-one reviews and from the other participants during group reviews. Together we’ll help you take your photography to the next level.
Itinerary
Day 1
Marrakech
We Explore one of the most interesting cities in Morocco – Marrakech. Winding your way through the lively medina (old town), with its colorful shops and souks (markets), and the famous Djemaa el’Fna with the snake charmers, acrobats and storytellers. Highlights include the Koutoubia Mosque, the Bahia Palace, and the Medersa Ben Youssef Koranic School.
Day 2
Marrakech to Ouarzazate
We drive south across the magnificent High Atlas Mountains and the col of Tizi-n-Tichka, through small Berber villages in the Ounila Valley to one of the most impressive and well-preserved kasbahs (fortified village) and UNESCO world heritage site, the ksar of Ait Ben Haddou (a film location in numerous famous films such as Gladiator, Alexander, The Mummy, Kundun, The Jewel of the Nile, and many more).
Day 3
Ouarzazate to M’hamid
We continue on through the mountains and the Draa Valley called Agdez along the life-giving Draa River clustered with huge date palm oases, a vital link between the Sahara and the north of Morocco for trading caravan routes. We go off-roads to the heart of several small Arab Berber villages steeped in traditional ways of life. After Zagora the landscape becomes more arid. Behind the small village of Tagounite, we’ll drive off-road to reach the windswept dunes of Erg Lihoudi.
Day 4
M’hamid to Chagaga Dunes
We visit the old kasbah of the village M’hamid before heading off road passing through a panoply of desert features – erg (sand dunes), reg (rocky desert), hammada (stony desert) and oases – before arriving at the Chagaga Dunes, the largest dune field in Morocco, far from civilization. Bivouacing in traditional tents under the stars provides a night to remember.
Day 5
Chagaga Dunes
We spend the day, from sunrise to sunset, immersed in the vast Chagaga dune fields, constantly changing with the light.
Day 6
Chagaga Dunes to M’hamid
We spend a final morning in the Chagaga dune fields before breaking camp and returning to M’hamid.
Day 7
M’hamid to Merzouga
Driving to Zagora and along the Draa River we turn to Tansikht, Rissani, and Merzouga. Arriving at the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi, we leave the car and mount camels to head into the sand dunes to our bivouac, enjoying the dunes both in golden hours and under the stars.
Day 8
Merzouga – Erg Chebbi Dunes
Enjoy the Erg Chebbi at dawn before returning by camel to a nearby hotel for a refreshing swim and a final walk at another location in the dunes.
Day 9
Merzouga to Fès
After a final morning in the dunes, we drive to Erfoud, famous for its dates and fossils, and then continue, via the Ziz Valley, to Midelt, to cross the Middle Atlas Mountains, heading east via Ifrane, often called ‘The Moroccan Switzerland’, to Fès, the oldest of the four imperial cities and the cultural, intellectual and spiritual capital of Morocco.
Day 10
Fès
We explore Fès, considered the Athens of Africa, it is famous for its historical monuments, rich heritage and handicraft. You’ll discover the mysterious Medina called Fès El Bali (another UNESCO World heritage site), with its narrow alleyways, shops, medersas, mosques, and residences. Highlights include: The Borj Sued and Borj Nord, The Quaraouine Mosque, The Bouanania Medersa, The Tanneries, The Nejjarine square and fountain, and the gates of the Royal Palace.
Day 11
Fès – Volubilis – Meknès – Fès
We venture to the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the imperial city of Meknès. Highlights include Bab Mansour el-Aleuj and Place el-Hedime, The Mausoleum Moulay Ismail, The Medersa Bou Inania.
Day 12
Fès to Chefchaouen
We head east, driving through green mountains, covered with trees, until we reach the blue city of Chefchaouen. The small, charming mountain city Chefchaouen filled with blue and white painted architecture is a photographer’s paradise.
Day 13
Chefchaouen
Visit the Kasbah of Chefchaouen, walk through the narrow lanes of the medina and enjoy the tiny shops offering special handicraft of the region, hike to the ruins of a small mosque overlooking the city from the top of a hill, enjoy a few refreshing moments at the hotel pool, before returning to the fascinating streets in the late afternoon and evening.
After exploring the city, we’ll convene for final group reviews sharing the images we’ve made together.
Day 14
Chefchaouen to Marrakech
Visit the Hercules caves before arriving in Tangier. After exploring the city, we’ll convene for final group reviews and a wonderful meal.
Our return to Marrakech includes a stop in legendary Casablanca.
Our final meal together will be a wonderful opportunity to share the many memories we’ve made together.
Day 15
Fly Home
Join us on this fabulous adventure!
included in trip:
– 14 days of transportation by bus, 3 days in 4×4 cars, including drivers and petrol.
– 15 nights in a hotel, or bivouac in the desert.
– All meals for 14 days (excluding alcoholic drinks).
– Water during the day.
– Entrance fees.
– Local guides.
Not included in the price:
– Airfare to and from Morocco
– Alcoholic drinks and drinks not consumed during meals
– Travel insurance
– Tips are customary in Morocco and are not included
– See more here.