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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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.

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)