THE FUND FOR GLOBAL HUMAN RIGHTS: MOROCCO
February 3 – 11, 2024
Morocco is a vibrant North African nation at the mouth of the Mediterranean Sea where African, European, Arab, and Berber cultures intermingle to form a rich and diverse country. In Morocco, the ancient and modern exist among beautiful landscapes, stunning architecture, and creative cultural expressions.
On this enriching nine-day trip to Morocco, you will see how The Fund for Global Human Rights helps grassroots groups expand economic opportunity, freedom of expression, and political inclusion for marginalized communities, including women and youth. Despite its relative stability, Morocco still grapples with serious human rights issues, such as severe restrictions on certain forms of expression, crackdowns on migrants, and gender discrimination. Meet brave and inspiring Fund grantees addressing these and other issues and learn how they creatively effect change in their communities. Along with your fellow travelers and Fund staff, you will have the opportunity to explore and appreciate how The Fund and its local partners are driving long-term social change.
ITINERARY:
Day 1 – Saturday, February 3: Arrivals
Marhaba! Welcome to Morocco! As you arrive today, you will be met at the airport by a driver who will transfer you to your hotel. Check in and settle into your room and enjoy your first day in Morocco.
Dinner will be on your own this evening.
Overnight: Villa Mandarine
Day 2 – Sunday, February 4: Rabat
In the morning, convene as a group for breakfast together with introductions and an overview of the week ahead. Afterward, set off for a day of sightseeing to explore Rabat; the capital of Morocco, known for its Islamic and French-colonial heritage. Located on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg, Rabat is a city with impressive architecture and gardens within modern infrastructure and amenities.
Today’s sightseeing will include a walking tour through the Medina of Rabat, the enchanting old city center. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kasbah Oudayas, built on a bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the BouRegreg estuary, a real fortress dating back to the XII century. With its monumental Almohade portal, the Andalusian influence is omnipresent with the uniformly lime-covered walls, the dominant blue doors, and the wrought iron windows. During the tour, you will also stop for lunch.
In the evening, reconvene for a Welcome Reception before dinner to kick off your journey ahead.
Overnight: Villa Mandarine
Day 3 – Monday, February 5: Partner Visits in & Around Rabat
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning before setting off for a morning with The Fund for Global Human Rights’ partners in Rabat. More details of these partner visits will be provided closer to the trip.
If time allows in the afternoon, you may be able to visit the Mohamed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, the first museum in Morocco dedicated entirely to modern and contemporary arts. Afterward, travel back to the Villa Mandarine in Rabat to rest before dinner.
In the evening, come together as a group to have dinner and reflect on all that you experienced and learned today.
Overnight: Villa Mandarine
Day 4 – Tuesday, February 6: Trip to Khemisset
After breakfast, the group will transfer to Khemisset for a morning grantee visit. The Berber city of Khemisset has a majority population of Zemmour who speak the Central Atlas Tamazight dialect. Situated between the cities of Rabat and Meknes, Khemisset lies at the edge of the Moroccan upland plateau among intensely cultivated fields of wheat and citrus fruits. The drive is about 1.5 hours (55 miles).
The group will have lunch and then transfer to Rabat and engage in another grantee visit.
An optional sightseeing visit may include the 12th Century Hassan Tower – Rabat’s most impressive site. An excellent example of Moorish architecture, it stands over an incomplete mosque –the largest mosque in the Muslim world. Marvel at the exquisite tile work, the ceiling with its motifs and sculptures refined by Moroccan master craftsmen. Afterward, enjoy a scenic drive through the Ville Nouvelle (the new town of Rabat) and a walk on Mohamed V Avenue.
Dinner will be at Le Ziryab.
Overnight: Villa Mandarine
Day 5 – Wednesday, February 7: Trip to Mohammedia
After breakfast, the group will transfer to Mohammedia (40 miles / 45 minutes) for a morning visit and grantee visit that will include lunch.
Mohammedia – known until 1960 as Fedala – is a port city on the west coast of Morocco between Casablanca and Rabat. It hosts the most important oil refinery in Morocco, the Samir refinery, making it the center of the Moroccan petroleum industry. Fedala was renamed Mohammedia in 1960 in honor of King Mohammed V. Today, the city serves as both a seaside resort and a manufacturing center.
After lunch, the group will transfer to Rabat and engage in another grantee visit.
Dinner will be at the guests’ discretion and on their own. In the evening, everyone should pack their bags to check out in the morning before traveling to Marrakesh.
Overnight: Villa Mandarine
Day 6 – Thursday, February 8: Casablanca & Marrakesh
Today the group will check out from the hotel in Rabat and transfer to Casablanca (1 hour) for a morning grantee visit and lunch.
Casablanca is Morocco’s largest metropolis and its industrial hub. The city also has a rich architectural heritage made from a blend of French-colonial design and traditional Moroccan style which is known as Moresque architecture. Developed back in the 1930s and heavily influenced by Art Deco, it embraced decorative details such as intricate tile work and ornate iron balconies. You will notice that some of the era’s gems have been magnificently restored, whilst others lie in disrepair.
Then, depart along the highway to Marrakesh; Pearl of the South, City of Palms, The Red City – just a few of the nicknames Marrakesh has acquired over the years. Part Berber, part Arab and part African, Marrakesh is the heartbeat of Morocco where palaces and monuments of unrivaled refinement sit calmly along with luxury hotels, sophisticated bars, and fancy restaurants. Marrakesh’s thousand-year history and winding souks in the old medina make it one of the most interesting cities in the world.
If time permits the group can take a tour of the Hassan II Mosque on the way.
Tonight enjoy a leisurely dinner at the hotel. For those who would like the guide can take a stroll in Jemaa el-Fna square. Most of the monuments will be closed by this time.
Overnight: Les Jardins de la Medina
Day 7 – Friday, February 9: Marrakesh
Today after breakfast you will visit with one of The Fund’s local partners. Enjoy a group lunch before your free afternoon to explore the local market. Travelers can either participate in a guided tour or explore on their own.
From here enjoy a fascinating walk through the “The Medina”, where your guide will take you to see real Moroccan life in old neighborhoods of “Marrakeshis”. The Medina of Marrakesh is one of the largest Medinas in Morocco and the most populated in North Africa. Walk through the Labyrinth of Souks; this maze of colorful alleys and small squares is home to a bewildering number of stalls and ateliers. Each section of the souk has its own specialty, with alleys devoted to everything from spices and ironwork to the ingredients necessary for casting magic spells. This is your opportunity to enjoy some shopping and purchase your Moroccan souvenirs & gifts.
You will find yourself in the famous Jemaa el-Fna, the city’s main square. No one is really certain how it came into being, but over the years, the square has become the beating heart of Marrakesh, where fire eaters, mime artists, snake charmers, and street musicians perform at every turn.
End up at Koutoubia mosque, an emblem of Marrakesh. It is not possible to enter the mosque, but its beauty can be admired from the gardens and the square. Built in the 12th century, the Koutoubia’s minaret is considered one of the highlights of Islamic religious structures in North Africa and the inspiration for the architects of the Giralda in Seville and the Hassan Tower in Rabat. This famous landmark dominates the local skyline and can easily be spotted from all over Marrakesh.
The group will dine around Jemaa el-Fna this evening.
Overnight: Les Jardins de la Medina
Day 8 – Saturday, February 10: Marrakesh
This morning, guests can have the option to explore more of Marrakesh, enjoy a rejuvenating “Hammam,” a steam bath, (at additional cost), or partake in an amazing Moroccan cooking workshop.
For those opting to roll up their sleeves and cook, they will follow the chef’s instructions and learn the secrets of Moroccan cuisine. First you are shown how Moroccan bread is made. Then you will participate in a Moroccan tea ceremony. Next, work at your own workstation alongside the instructor to prepare a delicious Moroccan meal including salad, a main course, and dessert. Dine on the mouth-watering lunch you’ve prepared.
For those enjoying the sights and sounds of Marrakesh, possible stops include Koutoubia mosque, to admire the gardens and square, and a visit to Dar El Bacha museum, the former private residence of Thami El Glaoui, which is an exhibition of gorgeous Moroccan design and Islamic art.
On your last evening together, there will be a special farewell dinner at Le Yocout, one of the finest Moroccan restaurants.
Overnight: Les Jardins de la Medina
Day 9 – Sunday, February 11: International Departures
Enjoy one final group breakfast together today. An airport transfer will be arranged for you, based on your departure time, either returning home or continuing your travels.
If you would like to spend more time in Morocco, the Elevate Destinations team can assist you with extending your room booking in Marrakesh or planning a customized journey in Morocco or any neighboring countries. Take a look at some of our sample Morocco itineraries here.
