Travel with Strabo Photo Tour Collection

©Karen Gordon Schulman

Magical Morocco with Photo Leader Karen Schulman March 19-April 3, 2016 Tour Highlights ~ A Photographic and Cultural Adventure • • • • • • •

Jemaa el Fna Square and the ancient city and souk of Marrakech The striking Kasbahs of Morocco Two evenings in the Sahara with a traditional camel ride Fortified harbor of Essaouira, with quaint whitewashed buildings and blue doors Chefchaouen & The Rif, with picturesque blue-washed buildings The heart of Morocco, medina of Fes el-Bali Unique visits with our expert Moroccan guide

For more information or to register contact the Strabo Photo Tour Collection: 607-756-8676 www.phototc.com

Magical Morocco Photo Tour with Karen Gordon Schulman We invite you, the inquisitive traveler, to join photographer Karen Gordon Schulman on this special tour of Morocco. We will have a cordial welcome in this country with its irresistible allure and warm hospitality. Combining the history and natural beauty of this rich and fascinating country with first-person encounters, we will visit native villages, ancient medinas, and craftsmen’s workshops, sharing experiences and sipping mint tea: symbolic of the warm, sincere Moroccan generosity. We will enjoy the sights in vibrant Marrakech and ancient Fes, rug shopping, palace visits, an unforgettable journey into the Sahara on camelback for sunrise, and much more. Hotels are comfortable, as is the private, air-conditioned coach for land transportation. An expert local Moroccan guide will add his unique touch to this extraordinary trip, sharing his insights into and his love of this exotic land. Travel with Karen to the exotic souks, the dramatic Sahara, photographing veiled women, laughing children, and the exquisite scenery. Photographic artist, writer and educator, Karen Gordon Schulman is based in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. She majored in education and psychology at Penn State and continued her studies at UCLA in 1979 to shift gears and study fine art and commercial photography. She uses a camera to capture the essence of a place and as a tool in the lifelong process of selfdiscovery. She is known for her hand colored black and white imagery and eclectic travel photography. Her current passion is exploring the exciting world of ‘iPhoneography.’ In addition to creating art with her own iPhone, Karen leads iPhone and iPad specific photo workshops throughout the year and offers guidance during international photo tours to those who are interested. Since 1985, when Karen created Focus Adventures, she has been offering small group photographic workshops and tours that emphasize using the camera for enrichment of creative spirit and development of personal vision. She has experience working with all ages, from 7 to 70 and beyond, and is dedicated to incorporating trip participants’ personal awareness with once-in-a-lifetime travel opportunities. Karen has been working with Strabo Photo Tour Collection since 2000. "I encourage each person to give themselves permission to make mistakes, permission to create," Karen says. "The more we learn to “see” with our mind, heart, and spirit, the more of an adventure life becomes. I welcome all skill levels and enjoy offering guidance to those with stronger left-or right-brain approaches to photography, to strengthen the other side." “On a photo tour, I enjoy guiding participants to expand their creativity and/or technical skills, increase their confidence and have fun! Instruction can be as much or as little as they prefer. I look forward to seeing you on one of my tours!” www.focusadventures.com

Itinerary March 19 Depart Home Depart home on an overnight flight to Casablanca, arriving early morning March 20. If your flight arrives later in the day it will be necessary to spend an additional evening in Casablanca. Contact Strabo to arrange additional evening and transfer. March 20

Arrive Casablanca early morning The local guide will meet us upon arrival in Casablanca, and we will board the deluxe, airconditioned coach. We will have our first photography session outside the King Hassan II Mosque. North of the medina and rising up on a point above the Atlantic Ocean, the mosque is the largest religious monument in the world after Mecca. King Hassan II Mosque, building cost estimated at $750 million, is entirely funded by citizen donations. It was completed in 1993, after 6000 Moroccan craftsmen worked on it day and night for five years. The 200m high minaret of this vast new mosque floats above the skyline of Casablanca, the sun glancing off its façade of pale marble and glazed tile and from the three gilded balls at its summit. The tower is offset from the enormous rectangular twenty-two acre prayer hall; three times the size of St. Paul’s Cathedral. After lunch our group will enjoy a tour, where we will have an opportunity to photograph in one of the world's most famous cities, Casablanca. Overnight LE MERIDIEN MANSOUR. (L, D) March 21-22 Essaouira Driving south, we will travel to El Jadida, where we will photograph the ancient Portuguese fort and cistern. Lunch will be at a lovely oceanfront restaurant with incredible gardens. Our final destination is Essaouira, a charming place of white shops and houses, set against a clear blue sky. Over the centuries it has been home to Phoenicians, Romans, Portuguese, and a large Jewish population. We may have time in the evening for a leisurely stroll through the town or along the colorful harbor. Karen will organize a photography session at dawn, walking to the harbor for sunrise. Essaouira (pronounced Esa-weera) is the most popular of the coastal towns, with magnificent beaches and relaxed atmosphere. The fortifications of the old city are a mixture of Portuguese, French, and Berber military architecture, and their massiveness lends a powerful mystique. You’ll find narrow lanes, whitewashed houses with blue painted doors, tranquil squares, pleasant cafes, and artisans in tiny workshops carving away at fragrant thuya wood. We will spend the day exploring this delightful place, with time to absorb the unique flavor of the old town, the harbor, and the friendly people. Essaouira is full of the irresistible angles and picturesque sights that are so attractive to photographers. Overnight RIAD AL MEDINA. (B, L both days)

March 23 Marrakech After breakfast we will take a picnic lunch with us to enjoy enroute, or we will dine just outside Marrakech, the city of drama. In the afternoon we will have an introduction to the famous Djemaa el-Fna Square, perhaps the greatest open-air spectacle in the world, where one can see the colors and feel the pulse of Morocco. Drift with the smells and sounds of the souks. Marrakech follows the beat of an African drum. This imperial city has been almost continually occupied since Neolithic times, and was once the Berber capital. Traveling back in time 2,000 years, we’ll see snake charmers, magicians, acrobats, and dancers, delighting children and adults alike. Overnight HOTEL EL ANDALOUS. (B, L) March 24 & 25 Skoura We will stop to visit the exquisite Majorelle Garden. It is part of the former residence of French artist Louis Majorelle, beautifully renovated by the late couturier Yves St. Laurent. In among the floral smorgasbord is what was Majorelle’s deep-blue villa, which is simply breathtaking. Driving south from Marrakech, we will cross the High Atlas Mountains at 7,400 feet, with panoramic views of arid mountains and lush oases shadowing the rivers far below. Given time we will photograph the ruins of an abandoned Kasbah, with unique mosaic tiles, and beautiful arches. Our destination for tonight, a renovated Kasbah hotel provides and ideal location for private photography in the early morning and late afternoon. We’ll spend the next day in and around the hotel. There is a small palm grove close by, we can photograph as we take a leisurely walk through the gardens. This afternoon there will be free time, so you can enjoy more photography within walking distance of the hotel or relax amongst the gardens and veranda of Kasbah. KASBAH BEN DAMIETTE. (B, L, D both days) March 26 & 27 Erfoud – Merzouga A drive along the “Valley of the Thousand Kasbahs” will take us through stony desert landscapes with many villages and Kasbahs. Turning off the main road this morning, we will enter the stunning Dades Gorge, filled with unusual red rock formations and fascinating villages and Kasbahs. On the way we may see Berbers tending their camels or sheep, women swathed in dark haik, embroidered with vivid colors, or children playing soccer in a stony desert field. After enjoying a picnic lunch enroute, we will continue to Erfoud, an oasis region at the edge of the Sahara. We will travel by Land Rovers to our Berber tents in the desert. We are invited to enjoy Sudanese music and dance at Khmlia, where we learn about life in the Sahara. A camel ride awaits us at sunset, or sunrise, taking us into Morocco’s only genuine Saharan Erg – a huge, drifting expanse of sand dunes that typify much of the Algerian Sahara. The dunes themselves are fascinating, especially as the sun reaches the horizon and the colors change

from pink to gold to red. This will be your most extraordinary and unforgettable desert experience. Don’t forget to pack your bathing suit in your overnight bag. Overnight AUBURGE DU SUD. (Accommodations are in typical Berber tents with mattress and blankets, next to the lodge with bathroom. Comfortable rooms may be available in the lodge, though these cannot be guaranteed - nor can a single room). (B, Picnic L, D; B, L, D) March 28 Midelt After sunrise photography in the Sahara we will have breakfast and return to Erfoud. Your escorts will take into account the interests of the group, and stop for photographic opportunities they feel appropriate and timely. Examples of such locations are the spectacular Ziz Valley, often called the “Grand Canyon of Morocco,” which offers sweeping vistas and landscape photography. Overnight KASBAH TIMNAY (B, L, D) March 29 & 30 Fes After breakfast we begin our drive to Fes. We climb into the Middle Atlas, the moorlands, and granite outcroppings; brooding skies and sheep pastures may remind you of the British Isles. We may have time to stop in the quaint village of Ifrane, where you’ll have to remind yourself you are in Morocco. The French built it in the 1930’s as an alpine resort. Our final destination is Fes, the most completely Islamic medieval city in the world. We will have our first introduction to this vibrant city late this afternoon. The next day we will enjoy a full-day guided tour of Fes, Morocco’s oldest imperial city and the center of culture and religious learning. Fes is arguably the symbolic heart of Morocco, as all the great dynasties have left their mark on the city; it has, however, retained its Arab identity. The medina, Fes el-Bali, is one of the largest living medieval cities in the world. Its narrow winding alleys and covered bazaars are intricate in their design and are awash of brilliant colors – a veritable assault on the senses as you squeeze past recalcitrant donkeys and submit to the sounds and smells of this jostling city. The dye makers, hills of spices, vats of tanners, and palaces of merchants will beckon us. During a visit to a tannery we can watch the tanners as they work in the varied colors of this land. After lunch in the medina, we’ll continue our explorations, with time to shop for beautiful crafts and caftans. We return to the beautiful sights and sounds of Fes el-Bali, where we will learn about the different styles and techniques employed in the creation of Moroccan rugs. If we want to make a purchase, we will follow the ancient Moroccan custom of bargaining for our choices, as we sip mint tea. This afternoon we’ll enjoy photographing the winding streets of Fes. Overnight HOTEL RIAD YACOUT (B, L, D; B, L) March 31 – April 1 Chefchaouen This morning we depart early for the Rif region of Northern Morocco, and the town of Chefchaouen (shef-shau-en), built in to the mountainside. The town was founded in 1492 by Moorish exiles from Spain, often called Chaouen by Moroccans. Chefchaouen was

known as the hashish capital of Morocco and has been a favorite haunt of backpackers for years. Hash has been grown, since the fifteenth Century, and is called Kif being the short version of the Arabic word for pleasure. Our accommodations are set in the hillside just above the town, away from the hustle and bustle of the medina, yet walking distance to the areas we will be photographing. In the medina, people sell all sorts of vegetables and fruits amid the narrow cobbled alleyways of whitewashed walls and blue doors. Chaouen offers many native handicrafts that are not available elsewhere in Morocco, such as wool garments and woven blankets. The goat cheese native to the area is also popular. Pack mules are still lead throughout the streets carrying many of the hand crafted goods and supplies as they have for centuries. The eager merchants are more than willing to discuss their merchandise and engage in the timehonored art of negotiation. The open-air market is one of the oldest and most charming, with steep, narrow streets, paved with stones that have been polished by the thousands of feet, which have trodden throughout the medina for centuries. The homes are painted white, azure blue, indigo, and purple and have blue shutters and elaborately decorated doorways. Notice the small squares, ornate fountains and ochre tile. Overnight DAR CHEFCHAOUEN. (B, D; B) April 2 Chefchaouen - Casablanca This morning we depart early for the Capital City of Rabat. There are areas closed to traffic, making this an ideal location for our last photo opportunity. The Oudaia Kasbah interior is a delightful whitewashed Andalusian village built by refugees, combining winding city streets, public gardens and iridescent blue and white houses. Re-boarding the coach, we’ll arrive in Casablanca in time to freshen up before enjoying a farewell dinner. Overnight LE MERIDIEN MANSOUR. (B, L, D) April 3 Casablanca – Home After an early breakfast, we’ll leave for the airport for the late morning flight home. (B) Note: This itinerary has been carefully constructed to assure participants the best Morocco has to offer. However, should events arise that are beyond our control, itinerary, activities and hotel arrangements are subject to change without notice. Be assured we will make substitutions as similar in quality and interest as possible.

General Information Estimated Land cost: $3995, based upon minimum of 8 paying passengers in shared accommodations, maximum of 12. There will be a small group surcharge of $300 with 6-7 paying participants. Single room supplement: $695 single rooms are subject to availability and are not guaranteed. We try to accommodate single travelers who request single accommodations, as

well as single travelers who are looking for a roommate. If a single room is requested and we are unable to find a suitable roommate, or you are in a single for another reason, you will need to pay the single supplement. The land cost includes: • Land transportation: All group ground transportation in Morocco. A driver and a guide bilingual in Moroccan and English will escort you. • Accommodations as listed in itinerary, based on two people sharing a room. • Meals as indicated in itinerary, (b = breakfast, l = lunch, d = dinner). • Photo instruction as needed. • Miscellaneous fees and service charges: All porterage fees that are included in the itinerary; service charges, hotel taxes, and park entrance fees. • Predeparture information: You will receive information on all aspects of the tour, including packing recommendations, plus readings on the history, culture, and ecology of Morocco. The land cost does not include: International air fare; transportation and transfers for those not traveling with the group; air tax; foreign airport taxes; excess baggage charges; passport fees; meals not listed in the itinerary; personal medical and travel insurance; any activities not specified in the tour itinerary, or those listed as optional; all items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone charges, beverages; film and processing, medical expenses, and room service; tips for meals not included in the itinerary; for exceptional service - optional or additional tips to hotel staff such as porters or wait staff is always appreciated. Upon the completion of your trip, gratuities to the local guides and the drivers are customary. Please contact Strabo Tours if you would like rates on International Airfare. Please note on your trip application form if you would like us to assist you with your airfare needs, a charge will be added for this service. If making your own arrangements, it is important to discuss flight days with Strabo Tours before booking any airline tickets. This will avoid you having to pay airline cancellation penalties. Deposits, Cancellations AND Refunds A deposit of $750 ($500 on domestic tours) per person is required. Specific tours may require an additional deposit due to accommodation bookings or transportation requirements. If applicable these will be noted on your invoice. Payment in full is required when bookings are made less than 120 days before the departure date. Space is subject to cancellation by Strabo if payment is not received when due. If a passenger wishes to cancel they must send notification in writing to: Strabo International Tour, Co., P.O. Box 580, Dryden, NY 13053; fax 208-545-4119. At the time we receive your notification, the following per person charges apply: • 91 days or more before departure: $300 cancellation fee ($150 fee on domestic tours), plus Strabo’ costs, as well as fees that are charged by the suppliers providing the services included in your tour, and/or the airlines providing the air transportation. • 61-90 days before departure: $500 ($250 on domestic tours) minimum cancellation fee, plus Strabo’ costs, as well as fees that are charged by the suppliers providing the services included in your tour, and/or the airlines providing the air transportation. Fees may range from 25% to 100% of tour costs. • 60 days or less before departure or anytime after departure: NO REFUND. Refunds for services that are voluntarily not used by you cannot be made.

Insurance Each participant must be covered by medical insurance that is valid overseas. We strongly urge you to evaluate your risk and to take out insurance on your trip. It is vital for you to realize that if you experience a delay or find it necessary to cancel or cut short your trip for any reason, you will lose part or all of the sum you’ve invested in it (see the section “Deposits, Cancellations and Refunds” in the trip brochure). Travel insurance helps to minimize the risk of monetary losses you would incur in the event of a delay of your departure due to weather, airline strike, missed connection, etc., your inability to travel for reasons such as illness, injury, unforeseen financial complications and other personal circumstances, or if you were required to cut your trip short for medical or any other reasons. There are restrictions and limitations on any insurance program. For this reason, please read carefully the enclosed pamphlet, which outlines their program of trip cancellation, baggage, and medical insurance. Trained agents are available to answer your questions, so don’t hesitate to call the toll free number in their brochure. It is to your advantage to apply for insurance at the earliest possible time, so don’t delay in making a decision. Fitness and health The trip is not strenuous, and anyone who is reasonably fit and in good health should be able to participate. The international flight from JFK/New York City is six and a half hours. Some days the group will spend several hours in a vehicle traveling between destinations. Rest stops and photo stops are planned approximately every two hours. The maximum altitude you will reach on this trip is about 10,000 feet above sea level, while sitting in the coach. If you have any questions about your ability to participate in this trip, please contact Strabo Tours at 607-756-8676 for more information. You should also be aware that medical services or facilities might not be readily available during all or part of your trip. This could include emergency medical care, presence of physicians, or adequate medication. If you have any special needs or any physical condition that you feel might prevent you from fully participating, please contact Strabo Tours with your concerns (607)756-8676.