2021 DeBakey Morocco Program
| Travel Dates: |
June 1, 2021 -
June 9, 2021
Dates are tentative
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| Group Organizer(s): |
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| WTT Contact: |
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| Program Tuition: |
$3,190 USD
Airfare not included in program tuition
|
| Estimated Airfare: | $1,200 |
| Deadline(s): | Enrollment deadline forthcoming |
Tuition Calculator
There are two options for payment, including an interest-free installment plan. Follow whichever works best for your family. If we are within 90 days of travel, only the pay in full option is possible.
Program Tuition: $3,190
Pay in Full
$3,190.00
due today
Payment Plan
Pay a $500 deposit at the time of enrollment and establish an interest-free monthly payment plan. If you enroll today, your estimated* monthly payments would be:
$96.08
per month
All prices in United States Dollars.
Morocco Cultural Journey
Situated at the northern most extreme of Africa, Morocco has long attracted travelers who are lured by tales of its exotic markets, endless desserts, alluring coastline, and rugged mountains. Today it is a country that finds itself cautiously entering the 21st century while remaining loyal to deeply traditional roots. Upon arrival one is immediately captivated by the geographic diversity of Morocco’s landscapes. Whether navigating the heaving bazaar in Fez, winding your way through the narrow and tightly packed back alleys of Marrakech’s medina, surfing the perfect breaks of Essauira’s beaches, or hiking in the Rif mountains above the charming village of Chefchaouan, you will be entranced by amazing Morocco.
Cultural Journeys
Cultural Journeys allow travelers to gain insights into the heritage, history and modern realities of their destination by offering a broad diversity of experience. We rely on the expertise of our local staff to plan itineraries which not only explore the prominent sites but also make time for the lesser-known local gems and are intentional about regular interaction with local people.
Program Highlights
Check out some of the featured experiences of your program!
Learn to make traditional Moroccan cuisine in a private cooking class
Ride camels through rolling sands
Wander the blue-rinsed streets of Chechaouen's medina
Go surfing off the coasts of Essaouira
The Itinerary
We do everything possible to run safe, engaging, and immersive programs for our travelers, but given the unpredictable nature of international travel we must remain flexible in our planning. Changes to a schedule are uncommon but if inclement weather pushes us off course or an unexpected opportunity arises which travelers are excited about, we reserve the right to adjust programming in the best interest of the group.
| Day | Location | Description | Lodging |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 1 | USA - Morocco | Departure from USA | Airplane |
| July 2 | Casablanca (Arrival) | Students will arrive in Casablanca and be privately transported back to their hotel where a short Darija (Moroccan Arabic) orientation will be presented to them by our Moroccan program leader! | Hotel |
| July 3 | Casablanca - Marrakech | After breakfast around mid-morning, students will start their Moroccan adventure by visiting the Hassan II Mosque; the largest mosque in Morocco and the 13th largest in the world (its minaret is the world's tallest at 689 ft.). The walls are composed of handcrafted marble and the roof is retractable; it also stands on a promontory looking out to the Atlantic Ocean, allowing worshippers to pray over the sea. Students will take a guided tour inside the mosque and then pair up in groups to photograph it’s stunning exterior architecture. Afterwards we will head south on our first 3 hour road trip to Marrakech! | Marrakech Riad |
| July 4 | Marrakech | After breakfast, students will take a guided tour of Marrakech’s ancient medina. They will explore the heart of the medina by visiting the Bahia Palace or Ben Yousef. Students will also have the chance to experience the famous Jemaa el-Fna square, while their guide shares about the rich history and cultural life of Marrakech and Morocco! After lunch on a rooftop terrace, the group will visit Jardin Majorelle, a botanical garden preserved in the new part of Marrakech’s city limits. Following the garden the group will learn about Berber (Amazigh) culture by walking through the three part exhibition dedicated to preserving Morocco’s true identity. | Marrakech Riad |
| July 5 | Marrakech - Ourika | We will start out day early by heading to cooler temperatures, in the shadows of the High Atlas Mountains. 50km southeast of Marrakech, lies a blooming valley that is especially mood-altering, where almond and cherry orchards bloom manically and wildflowers run riot. Students will spend this day in nature - hiking Ourika Valley and then having lunch next to it’s running river. | Marrakech Riad |
| July 6 | Marrakech - Essaouira | After breakfast students will head to Essaouira, a small coastal city on the Atlantic Coast! Upon arrival, group will check into their Riad. Students will spend the afternoon exploring Essaouira’s medina and watch the sunset while drinking Moroccan tea on a rooftop that overlooks the main square and Essaouira’s famous port. | Riad Rayhane |
| July 7 | Essaouira | 2 hour surf lessons start at 10 am; private instructors from Bleu Kite Surf School will lead a beginners corse from Essaouira’s beachfront thats filled with horses, camels and kite surfers! Afterwards the students will enjoy an outdoor lunch with a sea view at Ocean Vagabond. The afternoon will be open for the group to do some personal shopping while enjoying vibrant beats of African music on every corner. Dinner will be served at a local gem, Loft (a restaurant that resembles a cozy wooden cottage in the mountains; but with plenty of Moroccan decorations, rugs and pottery in every corner. Loft as colorful and fun, as their food is delicious). | Riad Rayhane |
| July 8 | Essaouira - Marrakech | Essaouira - Marrakech: The group will depart for Marrakech shortly after breakfast. Everyone will spend the afternoon grabbing last minute treasures before the group’s farewell dinner at Attay Cafe! | Marrakech Riad |
| July 9 | Marrakech | Transfer to airport for flight home | Your own bed, eventually! |
Accommodations
In order to provide a safe and memorable experience, we follow strict guidelines when choosing program accommodations. Walking Tree partners with locally-operated, three-star equivalent hotels and guest houses which are centrally located, clean and safe.
Riad Baladin
Riad Baladin is situated in the nicest part of the old town of Essaouira, just a few meters away from the sea and a few minutes away from the main square. This Oasis offers 10 rooms with ensuite bathrooms in a typical Moroccan style, combined with a contemporary design. Breakfast is served on the roof-top terrace which boasts a panoramic view over the town and the sea. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel to keep you feeling connected. Students will be grouped in their rooms according to gender and availability.
Riad L’Heure d’Eté
This cozy raid will offer a comfortable escape from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech. Students will be roomed in double, triple or quadruple rooms based on gender. Breakfast will be provided at the riad and Wi-Fi connection is available throughout the hotel.
Safety and Support
EASY FUNDRAISING & PAYMENT
24/7 GLOBAL EMERGENCY LINE
HIGHLY VETTED PARTNERS
EXPERT LEADERSHIP
PRIVATE GROUP GUARANTEE
COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM SUPPORT
DEDICATION TO CULTURAL ENGAGEMENT
ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICING
My daughter’s experience in Morocco was extraordinary!! I really enjoyed seeing the pictures and hearing the stories about her adventures, but what brought me the most joy was the relationships she formed with the chaperones from her school and with Stafford and Said (Walking Tree’s Moroccan Country Directors and Program Leaders). She spoke of their characters and spirits which let me know these wonderful people went over and beyond the basics of the program. I am forever grateful for the love and care all four of you gave to her.
Beddar
Parent of Jadah, traveler on Morocco Cultural Journey
Your Adventure Includes
Estimated Airfare
In order to give our travelers the best possible price, we break out airfare from the Program Tuition. We will still handle all booking and ticketing via our flight partner who has access to special fares not available to the general public. Once confirmed, you will be invoiced for the flight roughly 75 days prior to travel.
Program Tuition Excludes: Travel insurance, baggage fees, passport/visa fees, laundry, souvenirs, and activities not listed on itinerary.
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Resource Center
Why should high school students travel abroad? What happens if a participant gets sick? How quickly do we need to enroll? We’re sure you have plenty of questions and we’ve got you covered! Visit our Resource Center to discover the answers to your most pressing questions and contact us anytime with additional questions.