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MOROCCO

Fez, Marrakech, Blue City, Essaouira, Safi, Sahara Desert

MOROCCO

SAHARA

PORTUGAL

ANDALUSIA

BARCELONA

PROVENCE

Experience the Medinas, Modernity, and Desert of Morocco.
Join us on our 9-day Morocco Photo Tour and Cultural Adventure and discover a realm of ancient allure and modern mystique. King Hassan II (1929-1999) once described Morocco as a country whose roots lie in Africa but whose leaves breathe in European air. This entwined identity, brimming with varied geography and dynamic multiculturalism, will inspire an equally diverse portfolio of outstanding landscape, people, and street photography. 

Our Morocco Photography Adventure explores the ancient cities of Fez and Marrakech and their UNESCO-listed Medinas, where history and culture emanate through every narrow alleyway. These cities are a photographer’s playground, fascinating patchworks of historical architecture beside highly contemporary design. Capture how their Berber, Arab, and African influences converge to create this modern-day Morocco.

Delving deeper, we will visit sites such as Chefchaouen, better known as the Blue Pearl or Blue City, owing to the sky and powder blue hues of its buildings and backstreets, and the Roman ruins of Volubilis. Although Fez and Marrakech are well known around the world, the former 16th-century Portuguese coastal colonies of El Jadida, Safi, and Essaouira are perhaps even more photographic than their inland counterparts. Your camera will enjoy deep sunsets over the Atlantic, lively street scenes, and crisp cream and white color palettes. And let’s not forget the people of Morocco, who we will capture in street scenes and portraiture.

But the journey doesn’t have to end there. Our 6-Day Sahara Photo Adventure promises a soul-stirring desert adventure on the horizon. Departing from Marrakech, we cross the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas mountains, a range that runs like a spine from southwest to northwest, separating vibrant cities from vast desert landscapes. Traverse this timeless land as you venture through centuries of architecture – from the Almoravid to Alaouite civilizations – each echoing tales from a bygone era.

From the barren desert to the stunning rust-red mountains outlined by lush green river beds, the contrast is spectacular and makes for awe-inspiring landscape photography. Experience ancient casbahs, embrace the hospitality and daily life of the indigenous Berber tribespeople, and sleep under starlit skies in our luxury tent camp.

These immersive 9-day and 6-day photography tours are more than just quests to capture exceptional images; they’re an invitation to elevate your craft and see the world through a new lens. Our expert photographer guides will not only lead you to the most photogenic locations under the best light but help you master the art of visual storytelling. Along the way, you’ll refine your camera techniques and discover how to navigate the challenges of photographing in a foreign land. You’ll also learn to anticipate a scene before capturing the decisive moment, elevating ordinary photos into extraordinary works of art. Combine the two for 15 wonderful days of magic in Morocco.

Join us for spirited discussions, enriching camaraderie, and moments of unforgettable inspiration. Whether you venture to the heart of Morocco’s urban life or set out for the Sahara, every step provides the ultimate backdrop to fuel your photographic exploration. Your visual odyssey begins here!

Our Morocco Photography Adventure explores the ancient cities of Fez and Marrakech and their UNESCO-listed Medinas, where history and culture emanate through every narrow alleyway. These cities are a photographer’s playground, fascinating patchworks of historical architecture beside highly contemporary design. Capture how their Berber, Arab, and African influences converge to create this modern-day Morocco.

Delving deeper, we will visit sites such as Chefchaouen, better known as the Blue Pearl or Blue City, owing to the sky and powder blue hues of its buildings and backstreets, and the Roman ruins of Volubilis. Although Fez and Marrakech are well known around the world, the former 16th-century Portuguese coastal colonies of El Jadida, Safi, and Essaouira are perhaps even more photographic than their inland counterparts. Your camera will enjoy deep sunsets over the Atlantic, lively street scenes, and crisp cream and white color palettes. And let’s not forget the people of Morocco, who we will capture in street scenes and portraiture.

But the journey doesn’t have to end there. Our 6-Day Sahara Photo Adventure promises a soul-stirring desert adventure on the horizon. Departing from Marrakech, we cross the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas mountains, a range that runs like a spine from southwest to northwest, separating vibrant cities from vast desert landscapes. Traverse this timeless land as you venture through centuries of architecture – from the Almoravid to Alaouite civilizations – each echoing tales from a bygone era.

From the barren desert to the stunning rust-red mountains outlined by lush green river beds, the contrast is spectacular and makes for awe-inspiring landscape photography. Experience ancient casbahs, embrace the hospitality and daily life of the indigenous Berber tribespeople, and sleep under starlit skies in our luxury tent camp.

These immersive 9-day and 6-day photography tours are more than just quests to capture exceptional images; they’re an invitation to elevate your craft and see the world through a new lens. Our expert photographer guides will not only lead you to the most photogenic locations under the best light but help you master the art of visual storytelling. Along the way, you’ll refine your camera techniques and discover how to navigate the challenges of photographing in a foreign land. You’ll also learn to anticipate a scene before capturing the decisive moment, elevating ordinary photos into extraordinary works of art. Combine the two for 15 wonderful days of magic in Morocco.

Join us for spirited discussions, enriching camaraderie, and moments of unforgettable inspiration. Whether you venture to the heart of Morocco’s urban life or set out for the Sahara, every step provides the ultimate backdrop to fuel your photographic exploration. Your visual odyssey begins here!

Group Size

4-8 Guests

Experience | Difficulty

  • Beginner, amateur, enthusiast and semi-pro photographers
  • DSLR, mirrorless, compact or iPhone cameras
  • Busy schedule
  • Travel by train, car or minibus
  • Moderate elevation changes and lots of walking
  • (non-photographers also welcome)

Weather | Sun

April – Temps 74/53 F  23/11 C  Sunrise 7:14 | Sunset 5:28 (17:28)
October – Temps 77/55 F  24/11 C  Sunrise 7:31 | Sunset 7:03 (19:03)

Includes

  • 9 or 14 Days
  • Travel, landscape, architecture, and people photography
  • Professional photographer | guide
  • Photo walks & discussions
  • Small group size (4-8 guests)
  • 4 or 5-star hotels and riads
  • Desert accommodations (luxury tent camp)
  • Breakfasts
  • 3 Dinners & 4 lunches (w/desert extension)
  • Local transportation
  • Private driver and guide

Travel Information

Arrival Airport: Casablanca, Morocco (CMN) – Transfer time to hotel in Fez 3hrs
Departure Airport: Marrakesh Menara (RAK) or Casablanca (CMN) – Transfer time 15 min or 2hr 30min
Train from Casablanca to Fez are easy (we will provide you with train information).
Flights from Casablanca to Fez are also available.
Our adventure begins at 11 AM on the first day and ends at noon on the last day.
Travel Visa: A visa may be required depending on your nationality. Go to Visa Map to find out.

Accommodations

Fez – Hotel Sahria, Riad Fes or similar
El Jadida – L’Iglesia Hotel or similar
Essaouria – Dar Maya, Villa De L’ô or similar
Marrakech – Riad BE Marrakech, Bellamane Ryad & Spa, or similar

Desert Accommodations

Boumalne Dades – Auberge Chez Pierre, Dar Jnan Tiouira Dades or similar
Merzouga – Desert Luxury Tent Camp
Marrakech – Sofitel Marrakech Lounge & Spa or similar

Helpful Links

> Do Goats Grow on Trees? – by Michael Chinnici
>
 Hotel Sahrai – by Michael Chinnici
> Riad Fes – by Michael Chinnici
Chefchaouen – The Blue Pearl of Morocco – By Laurie Cohen

Morocco 9 Day Prices & Dates

Photographer Leader

Photographer Leader

Laurie Cohen

Sept 28 – Oct 6/11, 2024
April 12-20/25, 2025
Sept 27 – Oct 5/10, 2025

*All prices are per person and based on double occupancy. Please select single occupancy for a private room. For your convenience, we offer optional early arrival and late departure accommodations so you can extend your stay before or after the trip. We typically stay in upscale boutique hotels in the 4 and 5-star category. Not all destinations offer these types of properties. We look for unique hotels that offer cultural, historic, and/or authentic features. Depending on the size of the group, smaller boutique hotels may have limited room inventory. In some countries or in remote locations, we may be limited to lodges or branded chain hotels. In Cuba, we stay in upscale family-owned Casas (bread & breakfasts). On all of our tours, breakfast is almost always included, but not guaranteed. Meal categories listed include (B) for breakfast, (L) for lunch, and (D) for dinner.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

MOROCCO 9 DAYS

Day 1 | Fez

We meet in the morning at our hotel in Fez. Over our first Moroccan mint tea we will discuss PWA’s “10 Guiding Principles of Photography” and our “THE ART OF SEEING” photographic technique, as well as an informal discussion on what the guests are trying to achieve in their photography, subject matters, styles and techniques.

We will explore the magnificent Imperial City of Fez, one of the largest medieval settlements of the world. We will have a local guide accompany us as we wander though its labyrinth-like Medina. Getting lost in its more than 9000 streets and alleys is part of the fun, and will give us the chance to experience this amazing open air museum.

In the evening we will enjoy our “Welcome Dinner” at one of our favorite Moroccan restaurants. (D)

Day 2 | Fez - Chefchaouen (the Blue City)

On day two we depart early for a day trip to Chefchaouen (better known as the Blue Pearl or the Blue City). Chefchaouen, or Chaouen for short, is known for its electric blue rinse that covers not just it’s houses, but it’s mosques and many of the buildings in the city. The custom dates back to the 15th century, when Jewish refugees fleeing the Spanish Inquisition settled here. They brought with them their tradition of painting things blue to mirror the sky and remind them of god. We will spend the day exploring this magnificent city perched high in the Rif Mountains. The photographic opportunities are endless. In the late afternoon we will return to Fez. (B)

Day 3 | Fez - Volubilis - Moulay Idriss

On day three after an early breakfast we will head out of Fez to the Ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis where we will spend the morning visiting the best preserved roman archeological site in Morocco. Extensive remains of its fine buildings survive surrounded by a fertile agricultural area covering over 40 hectares. Our second stop will be at the sacred town of Moulay Idriss, one of the most important pilgrimage centers of Morocco. Here we will have lunch.

After we will head back to Fez where we will photograph its street life, various colorful souks and squares, the beautiful stucco and wood carvings of the 14th century Bou Inania Madrasa and the mosaics that cover the Nejjarine Fountain among other interesting places, without forgetting a visit to the Chouwara Tanneries. What a wonderful day to be a photographer! (B)

Day 4 | Fez - El Jadida

On day four we go wander the empty streets of Fez early in the morning before dawn as the city awakes and comes to life, this will give us the chance to view a different side of the city and make for some great photographic opportunities. After breakfast we check out and bid Fez a farewell.

Next we’ll drive to our Riad in El Jadida, a small city on the Atlantic Coast. Here we will visit the 16th century fortified Portuguese colony, an outstanding example of the interchange of influences between European and Moroccan cultures, well-reflected in architecture, technology, and town planning. The surviving Portuguese buildings include the cistern and the Church of the Assumption, built in the Manueline style of late Gothic architecture. In the evening we will walk the ancient city walls and visit the fishing boats in the port. (B)

Day 5 | El Jadida - Safi - Essaouira

After breakfast we check out and drive south to the city of Safi. We’ll enjoy lunch in Safi, where we will have the chance to see the impressive and intact walls that surround the medina with a strong Portuguese and French influence, and catch a glimpse of the enchanting and incomplete Cathedrale Portugaise. Safi is a favorite of ours and you will see why when you arrive. After, we will take a drive along the coast on our way to Essaouria and enjoy and extraordinary landscape and seascape opportunities along the way.

Upon our arrival in Essaouria we will venture into its white-washed Medina streets, sprinkled with blue doors and windows, and enjoy the richness of its architecture and its decorations, a mixture of a Moroccan and European styles. We will walk to the lively fishing port and stroll along the Portuguese city walls and explore the technical difficulties of low light photography as we photograph a beautiful Atlantic sunset. (B)

Day 6 | Essaouira

On day six we take a break from traveling and enjoy this beautiful seaside city. We will have the opportunity to spend time photographing horses on the beach, or just relaxing and enjoying the surf. Visit the abandoned prison on the island opposite the city, or roam the streets of the Medina and venture high up on the massive seawall built to protect this seaside gem. Luckily we get a second shot at shooting the sunset. (B)

Day 7 | Essaouira - Marrakech

For those who feel like getting up early, we will have a morning stroll through the port as the fishing boats head out to sea. After breakfast we will drive to Marrakech and enjoy lunch at our Riad. Afterwards we will freshen up and begin exploring this exotic city.

In the evening we head to the lively Jemaa el-Fna square, where we will have dinner at one of the terraced restaurants overlooking the square and spend the evening applying our skills to the many photographic opportunities under low light conditions. (B)

Day 8 | Marrakech

On our second day in Marrakech we will circle the Koutoubia Mosque, wander through the Medina, a maze of narrow alleys and souks lined with market stalls and craftspeople, where we can spend our dirhams and capture the colorful chaos. We will step into magnificent sultans palaces, tiled courtyards and ancient mosaic covered graves. You will find endless photographic opportunities around every bend because after all Marrakech is a photographic paradise and a delight to the senses.

In the evening we will prepare for our wonderful “Farewell Dinner”, with great fun and laughter as we discuss all the highlights of the trip. (B) (D)

Day 9 | Marrakech

After a morning of photography we conduct our final group discussion, review our photos, trade contact information, and check out and bid you farewell. We urge you to extend your stay in Marrakech and make good use of everything you will learn on our photo adventure. If you are flying out of Casablanca, a taxi can be arranged to take you to the airport (approx. 2.5 hours drive). (B)

For those continuing on to the High Atlas Mountains and our 6-Day Sahara Desert Luxury Camp Extension, we will begin our day after lunch.

SAHARA DESERT 6-DAY ADD-ON

Day 1 | Marrakech

We meet after lunch and begin exploring the far side of the Marrakech’s Medina and working our way back to our Riad. In the evening we venture outside the Medina into the new city for a completely different side of Marrakech. (B)

Day 2 | Marrakech - High Atlas Mountains - Boumalne Dades

Today we depart Marrakech and head southeast crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the amazing Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Once crossed, everything changes. From the barren desert to the stunning red rock mountains outlined by lush green river beds, the contrast is spectacular and all that is needed for breathtaking landscapes.

It takes a good two days with photographic stops to arrive at our luxury tent camp outside Merzouga. Here you will also experience the authentic remote lifestyles of the indigenous Berber tribes people. Be prepared for many amazing photo opportunities. Our amazing day will take us through Aït Benhaddou including many wonderful casbahs and lush valleys. We will visit the Ksar and explore Berber architecture. We will explore the cities of Ouarzazate, Skoura, Roses Valley and Dades Valley before arriving at our hotel in Boumalne Dades. (B)

Day 3 | Boumalne Dades – Merzouga - Sahara Desert

After breakfast we leave Boumalne Dades for our drive to Merzouga. Our trek will take us to Tinghir. Here we will visit Todgha Gorges. After exploring we will continue on passing through Tinjdad, Jorf and Erfoud. Here you will begin to feel the beginning of the Saharan oasis of Tafilalet, and then finally on to Merzouga. In Merzouga we will switch to a 4-wheel drive Land Cruiser and head into the desert to our Luxury Tent Camp, complete with hot and cold running water, king size beds and duvets, shower and toilet.

Once in the camp we will position ourselves high up on a dune to capture the camel caravans passing through. Shooting in the desert at this time is truly an amazing experience, complete with a golden glow and long shadows. Here we will hopefully enjoy a magical sunset. Dinner followed by the beating of Berber drums around a fire pit. Overnight in our Berber Luxury Tent Camp. (B) (D)

Day 4 | Sahara Desert – Boumalne Dades

After a starry night in the desert (where temps can drop to 65º F), we are up early to climb the sand dunes and photograph a splendid sunrise. After breakfast we will ride camels back to our driver / guide in Merzouga. After a brief break we begin our return trip to Boumalne Dades and depending on conditions may take a different route back. Here you will experience a truly remote and extreme Morocco. Vast barren landscapes and very small villages. (B)

Day 5 | Ouarzazate - Dades Valley - Marrakech

After breakfast, we take off for Marrakech passing back through the cities of Ouarzazate, Skoura, Roses Valley and Dades Valley. After we cross the High Atlas Mountains and back to civilization. Once in Marrakech we checkin to our luxury hotel in the new city for a completely different Marrakech experience.

In the evening we will prepare for our wonderful “Farewell Dinner”, with great fun and laughter as we discuss all the highlights of the trip. (B) (D)

Day 6 | Marrakech

After breakfast, we review photos and trade contact information and bid you farewell. We urge you to extend your stay in Marrakech and make good use of everything you will learn on our photo adventure. If you are flying out of Casablanca, a taxi can be arranged to take you to the airport (approx. 2.5 hours drive). (B)

(B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner, (E) Excursion

 

May all who come as guests... leave as friends®

 

OPTIONS AND BENEFITS

Pricing

All prices are per person and based on double occupancy. Please select single occupancy for a private room. For your convenience, we offer optional early arrival and late departure accommodations so you can extend your stay before or after the trip. We typically stay in boutique hotels in the 4-star category. Not all destinations offer these types of properties. We look for unique hotels which offer cultural, historic and/or authentic features. Depending on the size of the group, smaller boutique hotels may have limited room inventory. In some countries or in remote locations, we may be limited to lodges or branded chain hotels. Breakfast is included only if included in our room rates.

Private Guided Adventures

We offer amazing private guided photo adventures, cultural tours and vacations for individuals, couples, families and groups. We can customize any of our published adventures, as well as others, to meet your individual needs, schedule, budget and interests. This may include the finest 5-star accommodations, business-class travel, and private guides and fixers who are able to make the impossible possible. If you are not interested in a photo-centric vacation, but you love our approach to private travel, we will be happy to design and deliver an amazing adventure focused on travel, culture and cuisine. Click here to request a quote. Feel free to call us at 1-888-834-0288 or contact us for more information.

Travel Insurance

We offer travel insurance through the internationally recognized Travelex Travel Insurance Company, as well as evacuation and medical transportation insurance through MedJet, one of the best in the industry.

The cost for travel insurance can be as low as 4% of the total trip cost, depending upon age and other factors. Knowing you have trip cancellation coverage can make a big difference should you have to cancel for some unforeseen reason. Travelex Insurance Services is a BBB Accredited business with an A+ rating. Click here to learn more about why you should consider travel insurance.

Rewards Program

Start earning points today and SAVE $200 - $900 off future trips!
Simply register for one of our amazing photo adventures and begin earning points today!

How The Program Works
For every adventure reservation you make with Photo Workshop Adventures, you earn valuable points which you can redeem on your next trip. This is a great way to save up to 8% off future trips. Our Rewards Program is designed with three tiers: Orange, Gold and VIP Members. Points may be applied towards balance payments on your next trip, or you may choose to accumulate points for a free trip in the future.

ORANGE REWARDS
All guests begin with our Orange Rewards Program (Level 1), which earns 4 points for every dollar you spend. You begin earning points immediately after your first trip. A $5,900 spend earns 23,600 points with a value of $236 USD.

GOLD REWARDS
With our Gold Rewards Program (Level 2), you earn 6 points for every dollar you spend. Orange Members who reach 120,000 accumulated lifetime* points (approx. 4-6 trips), automatically move up to Gold Rewards. A $5,900 spend earns 35,400 points with a value of $354 USD.

Additional Gold Benefits:

  • Earn up to double points during promotional events
  • Advance notifications for upcoming adventures and special offers

VIP REWARDS
With our VIP Rewards Program (Level 3), you earn 8 points for every dollar you spend. Gold Members who reach 350,000 accumulated lifetime* points (approx. 8-12 trips) move up to VIP Rewards. A $5,900 spend earns 47,200 points with a value of $472 USD, (8+/-% discount).

Additional VIP Benefits:

  • Earn up to double points during promotional events
  • Advance notifications for upcoming adventures and special offers
  • Ability to Gift or Transfer points to others
  • Receive complimentary airport transfers at the destination location*

Redeeming Your Points
Redeeming your points couldn’t be easier. You can always log in to your account to check your points balance. When you are ready to book your next trip, register and pay your deposit. When you go to pay your balance you will be given the option to apply your points and receive a discount.

THINK ORANGE Magazine

Subscribe to our Think Orange Magazine and eNews. THINK ORANGE is a wonderful mix of stories and tips related to travel, photography, adventure, culture, art, technology, cuisine, lifestyle, people and more. Our objective is to immerse you in a world you may only fantasize about. Raise your awareness and inspire your creativity. Perhaps even help make you a better photographer. We deliver similar experiential experiences that our guests enjoy on our photo adventures. Like all of our adventures, our blog is “photo-centric”, while also allowing you to experience all the nuances and cultural aspects of travel and adventure. Welcome to our world. We hope you enjoy. Our eNews is a great way to receive information about upcoming photo adventures, exciting new destinations, photography tips, special offers and more. Subscribe today!

Gift Cards

Give someone you know a Gift Card, good toward any of our Photo  Adventures, Photo Tours, Private Guided Tours, Online Courses, Prints or Merchandize. Our beautifully personalized eGift Cards and Certificates are delivered to you electronically. They are fully transferable and have a 2 year expiration date. They are available in any amount from $100 to $5000. It makes a great gift for anyone who loves photography, travel or adventure. Order now, or email for more information.

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