MAJESTIC A FEAST FOR THE SENSES AND THE MIND March 2 – 15, 2012

Featuring: Expert Guide Seddik Assim & Host Alex Ros ITINERARY

Friday, March 2, 2012 Depart USA • Depart the U.S. on an overnight flight/s to Casablanca, Morocco

Saturday, March 3 Arrive Casablanca, Morocco • Welcome at the airport and transfer to hotel in Casablanca. • Day at leisure. • Evening welcome cocktail at the hotel. HOTEL KENZI TOWER (Superior First Class)

Sunday, March 4 CASABLANCA | BEN SLIMANE | • Morning tour of cosmopolitan Casablanca: • Visit the awe-inspiring Hassan II , the country’s most impressive modern architectural achievement, reflecting the beauty and intricacy of Moroccan traditional arts. • See the city’s attractive 1930’s art deco architecture in the streets and boulevards dating from the French Protectorate. • Explore the rich history of coexisting faiths in Morocco through visits to the main church of Casablanca with its notable stained glass work and to the unique Jewish museum—the only one of its kind in the Arab World. Ø By special arrangement, Jewish Museum curator University of Rabat professor Simon Levy will lead our visit with unique insights on the Jewish heritage of Morocco. • Travel to the rich plains and vast vineyards of Ben Slimane for lunch and a special wine tasting at the Thalvin winery. • Continue to Rabat, Morocco’s capital, for the night. (B, L) | HOTEL LA TOUR HASSAN (Superior First Class)

Monday, March 5 RABAT | | FEZ • Enjoy a morning tour of royal Rabat: • Stroll through the attractive winding alleys and visit the Moorish Garden of the medieval fort of Oudaya, • Tour the Kasbah of , a 14th century royal necropolis built over the remains of the Roman city of Sala Colonia, • Explore the richly decorated Mausoleum of King Mohammed the V and the adjacent unfinished 12-century Hassan Tower, • Visit the Museum of Antiquities, with its excellent collections from various pre-historic, Punic, Roman, and Islamic sites in Morocco. • Continue to Meknes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and imperial capital of the infamous sultan Moulay Ismail—and see the impressive Bab El Mansour main gate, the 17th century granaries and imperial stables, and tour the spice market. • After the short drive to Fez, check into the beautiful Palais Jamais Hotel for three nights. (B, L, D) | PALAIS JAMAIS (Luxury Room, Medina View)

Tuesday, March 6 FEZ • Visit fascinating Fez today. Founded in the 9th century, Fez was the first capital or Morocco and is said to be the most complete medieval city of the Arab world, still retaining the look and feel of the era. • Tour the ramparts for a generous introduction to the history and the culture of the ancient city. • Take a sense-stimulating guided tour inside (old Fez) across food and spice markets, handicraft quarters, auction markets and colorful souks. • Visit schools dating from the medieval era and meet with a schoolteacher and her students. • Enter artisan workshops and discover the secrets of their ancestral arts and skills. • Visit the public bakeries and pastry makers in their residential quarters and see their historic fountains, and sanctuaries. • Morning highlights include visiting the 14th century Medersa (theological school) with its exquisitely intricate architecture, and the Karaouine Mosque, founded by a woman in 857 AD and once the oldest university in the world. • In the afternoon, visit the Museum of Traditional Art housed in a royal palace. • Continue to Fez El Jedid (new Fez) for a stroll in the Jewish quarter and visit its 17th century synagogue. • Learn about the production of traditional Moroccan tiles at a local pottery workshop. (B) | PALAIS JAMAIS (Luxury Room, Medina View)

Majestic Morocco | March 2-15, 2012 | Page 2 Wednesday, March 7 FEZ | VOLUBULIS • This morning, drive north into the Rif Mountains to discover the haunting ruins of , the Roman Empire’s most remote outpost dating back to the third century BC. Take a comprehensive tour of the extensive site, marveling at the Triumphal Arch and excellently preserved beautiful mosaics in many roman homes. Ø By special arrangement, on returning to Fez, Abdelfettah Seffar, a craftsman and cultural entrepreneur recently featured in The New York Times, will give our group a private talk on on traditional Moroccan arts in his sumptuous Riad. We will also have lunch in Mr. Seffar’s Riad. • Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to explore Fez independently. (B, L) | PALAIS JAMAIS (Luxury Room, Medina View)

Thursday, March 8 Fez | IFRANE | MIDELT | MIDDLE ATLAS | Erfoud • Depart Fez on a beautiful journey across the Middle Atlas Mountains today, passing through a remarkable diversity of landscapes. • Begin by driving through a one of the most fertile and well-cultivated valleys in Morocco up to Ifrane, a charming ski resort reminiscent of the Swiss Alps, for a short stop. • Continue for lunch at Midelt, at an altitude of 5,000 ft. • Drive on through magnificent cedar, pine and oak forests, to reach the Saharan plateau before ascending up to the High Atlas for exceptional views of date palm valleys, fortified mud-brick villages, and varied geological formations. • En route, observe lifestyles unchanged for centuries where nomad shepherds live in black tents and move seasonally with their herds of goat and sheep between mountain and desert. • In the last leg of the journey, pass through Tafilalet country, home of the current royal family, and follow the legendary Ziz valley along a deep canyon down to Erfoud, gateway to the Sahara and our home for the night. (B, L, D) | HOTEL CHERGUI (First Class)

Friday, March 9 RISSANI | SAHARA DESERT • Enjoy a morning excursion to Rissani, home to the mysterious remains of an old caravan center, stopping en route to admire trilobite and other minerals of the region. • Visit ksar Ouled Abdelhalim and the remains of its 18th century palace, still inhabited by royal descendants. • After lunch, take 4x4 vehicles into the enchanting Sahara Desert at Merzouga for a sunset excursion to its breathtaking dunes. • Engulfed in desert silence, watch the sun set while riding camels across the dunes to our private camp for the night. • Enjoy a traditional dinner by candlelight as local musicians entertain us around a campfire. (B, L, D) | PRIVATE DESERT CAMP

Saturday, March 10 SAHARA | TODGHA GORGES | DADES VALLEY | Ouarzazate • Early risers can watch the sun rise over the sand dunes before breakfast. • Return to Erfoud by 4X4 and then continue by bus through a desert of stones and lunar landscapes towards the magnificent Todgha Valley, passing through beautiful green oases inhabited for millennia. • At Todgha take in the spectacular views along a narrow canyon ending in striking gorges and visit its oasis and some of the old fortified villages. • Continue to Dades to explore its spectacular gorges and stunning rock formations. • Pass through the Skoura oasis en route to Ouarzazate, home of the powerful Berber tribe the Glaoua family, where we spend the night. (B, L, D) | HOTEL BERBERE PALACE (First Class)

Sunday, March 11 OUARZAZATE | AIT BEN HADDOU | Marrakech • Visit Ouarzazate’s vast Kasbah Taourirt, the 20th century capital of the Gloaua dynasty and where the French foreign legion once had its base. • Continue across a spectacular barren region where many movies have been filmed to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou, one of the most beautiful displays of the Berber architecture. Take a guided tour of the impressive 11th-century Kasbah. • After lunch, drive along the river Imini to Marrakech, through stretches of desert and farmlands, passing picturesque rock formations and remains of historical Kasbahs en route. The road zigzags higher to Tizi N’tichka pass (7500 ft), snow covered in winter, and then descends into cultivated terraces of pine and oak forests as it leads towards Marrakech. (B, L, D) | LES JARDINS DE LA KOUTOUBIA (Patio View)

Majestic Morocco | March 2-15, 2012 | Page 3 Monday, March 12 MARRAKECH • Begin your exploration of storied Marrakech with a morning guided tour including: • The Koutoubia , a symbol for the city for over 800 years. • The with its lovely courtyards and late . • The private museum of the Dutch historian Birt Flint which traces the old caravan routes across the tribes of the desert. • The remains of the 16th century El Badia palace and the . • In the afternoon enjoy a horse carriage to the Majorelle Gardens, property of the late Yves St. Laurent, and see some of his works while leisurely exploring his exotic garden. • Arrive at Jemaa El Fna Square at the perfect time—sunset, when the magical square comes alive with snake charmers, jugglers, dancers, fortune tellers, storytellers and traditional musicians. • Dine independently this evening, perhaps at one of the many nice restaurants above the enchanting square. (B, L) | LES JARDINS DE LA KOUTOUBIA (Patio View)

Tuesday, March 13 MARRAKECH • Delve deeper into Marrakech today with a special in-depth morning visit of the ancient maze-like Medina. During the tour: • Tour the 16th century Medrassa Ben Youssef, a home and school for students, considered a highlight of . • Visit Private Museum of “The Moroccan Art of Living” next to the old “Chroub Ou Chouf” fountain. • See the oldest remains of early Marrakech at the archaeological site of “The Koubba Almoravides.” • Walk through the Museum of Photography and its beautiful collection of old pictures of the city. • Explore the hidden areas of the artisan workshops, and pass through the medieval Fondouks that were once hotels for caravan traders • A sumptuous old government palace that now hosts the Museum Of Marrakech • Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to further explore Souks for shopping, return to places you have found especially interesting in the city, or simply relax and enjoy the facilities at our hotel. (B) | LES JARDINS DE LA KOUTOUBIA (Patio View)

Wednesday, March 14 Marrakech | TALATASTE • Step far off-the-beaten-track on a morning excursion to the magnificent Zat valley, with its spectacular scenes and a cultural richness that remain largely undiscovered by tourists. • Discover ancestral local pottery-making in the Berber village of Talataste and meet with the artisans. • Visit the village’s elementary school and rural education center and learn how a charitable organization sponsors this work. • Have a typical Berber lunch at a local home before the drive back to Marrakech. Ø Back in Marrakech, by special arrangement, attend a panel at the home of a religious scholar on Morocco’s tolerant version Islam, led by an Imam and moderated by a university professor from Cadi Ayyad University of Marrakech. • Enjoy a final afternoon at leisure • Gather for a farewell dinner tonight at one of Marrakech’s best restaurants. (B, D) | LES JARDINS DE LA KOUTOUBIA (Patio View)

Thursday, March 15 Marrakech | U.S. • After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport for your international flights back home. (B)

NOTE: - A shorter, 9-night version of the itinerary is available. Participants on this version (“Highlights of Morocco”) will begin their journey in Fez on March 5 and end in Marrakech on March 14. Please request a separate itinerary at [email protected]. - Alex Ros, President of Open Sky Expeditions and your host for the tour, will be spending at least six weeks in Morocco over the winter conducting additional scouting work in preparation for this tour. A few minor adjustments to the sightseeing, for the betterment and enhancement of the program, will likely be made.

Majestic Morocco | March 2-15, 2012 | Page 4 PROGRAM RATES: $6,795 per person, double occupancy* Single supplement: $1,695

PROGRAM INCLUSIONS: § Complete program of tours and excursions as described in the itinerary. § 1 night at the Hotel Kenzi Tower in Casablanca, 1 night at the Hotel La Tour Hassan in Rabat, 3 nights at the Palais Jamai in Fez (medina view), 1 night at the Hotel Chergui in Erfoud, 1 night in the Sahara in a private desert camp, 1 night at the Hotel Berbere Palace in Ouarzazate, and 4 nights at Les Jardins de la Koutoubia in Marrakech (patio view). § All meals as noted in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). § House wines, beer, bottled water and soft drinks included at all lunches and dinners —and bottled water on all excursions. § Baggage handling and airport transfers in Morocco on arrival and departure, regardless of date or arrival or departure. § Gratuities to all guides, drivers, and wait staff for group meals. § Open Sky Expeditions Owner Alex Ros as your personal host and Tour Leader § Seddik Assim, one of the most coveted guides in the country, as your Guide throughout the journey § A detailed Destination and Travel Information Packet –including a recommended reading list– to assist with planning prior to departure. § A complimentary travel wallet and travel notebook with your final documents.

NOT INCLUDED: § International airfare § Tourist entry visas, reciprocity fees, passport fees, and photos if required. § Medical, accident, baggage or cancellation insurance. § Personal items and other expenses not specifically mentioned as included.

*Rates based on current inclusions and will apply only with a minimum of 6 travelers on the program. Program limited to 18 travelers.

A NOTE ON WEATHER: March is widely considered an ideal time to travel to Morocco. While a good half of the year can be oppressively hot in Marrakech and the southwest, the dawn of spring brings very comfortable temperatures throughout Morocco with average highs in the low 70s (mid 60s further north), low humidity, and fresh nights in the 50s.

A FEW PROCEDURAL NOTES FOR THE TOUR: • A deposit of $900 per person is required to reserve space on the tour. This is payable via check or by any major credit card. • Final payment will be due 60 days before departure – payable by check only. • All cancellations of confirmed reservations are subject to a $300 per person administrative fee. o Additionally, cancellations received between 61 and 90 days before departure will be assessed a 25% cancellation fee of the total tour cost per person. o Cancellations received between 60 and 46 days before departure: 50% of tour cost. o Cancellations received between 45 and 31 days before departure: 75% of tour cost. o Any cancellations received within 30 days of departure: 100% of tour cost. o Trip Cancellation Insurance is recommended.

FOR ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL OPEN SKY EXPEDITIONS AT (347) 770-6736 or EMAIL AT [email protected]

Majestic Morocco | March 2-15, 2012 | Page 5 OPTIONAL 2-NIGHT EXTENSION TO :

Thursday, March 15 Marrakech | ESSAOUIRA • Relaxing coastal Essaouira serves as an ideal counterpoint to bustling Marrakech. Drive this morning through Argan forest to this attractive 16th century former Portuguese fortress to which the Moroccans added a fortified town in the 18th century, making for a delightful fusion that charms many of its visitors. Some say that Essaouira is the kind of place where you’ll sigh deeply and relax enough to shrug off your guarded attitude and just soak up the atmosphere... • Take tour of the town today: • Explore the colorful markets • Navigate the whitewashed medina • Visit the 16th century Portuguese fortress and the Museum of the city • Discovery the art galleries and the cabinet-making workshops • Take photographs in the beautiful fishing harbor • Remainder of the day at leisure (B) | L’HEURE BLEUE Luxury Boutique Hotel

Friday, March 16 ESSOUAIRA | VAL D’ARGAN • Take a morning excursion to the vineyards in the tribal country of Chiadma, on the outskirts of Essaouria. • En route, stop at the belvedere of Essaouira for a marvelous panoramic view of the city and its two islands. • Continue inland across the thuya and argan forest and stop at one of the argan oil women’s cooperatives (this oil, unique to southwest Morocco, world-renowned for its nutritive, cosmetic and numerous medicinal properties.). • Arrive at the Val d’Argan vineyards, property of the Melia family from France, for a tour of the wintery and a wine tasting, followed by lunch. • Relax this afternoon back in Essaouira (B, L) | L’HEURE BLEUE Luxury Boutique Hotel

Saturday, March 17 Essaouira | Marrakech | U.S. • After breakfast transfer back to the Marrakech airport for your return flight home.

EXTENSION RATE: $985 per person

Updated: 12/14/11

Majestic Morocco | March 2-15, 2012 | Page 6 YOUR MOROCCO EXPERT & LEAD GUIDE FOR THIS PROGRAM:

Seddik Aassim has been the guide of choice for top U.S. alumni groups visiting Morocco, including those from Harvard, Yale, and many of the most reputable U.S. educational institutions. A graduate of the University of Marrakech (Cadi Ayyad), he has over 25 years of experience guiding English-speaking groups throughout his home country. A recent traveler appropriately described him as “a walking encyclopedia.” Seddik is not only an amazing resource on all things Moroccan, but also a gifted presenter and storyteller. He lives in Marrakech with his wife and three children.

YOUR OPEN SKY EXPEDITIONS HOST & TOUR LEADER FOR THIS PROGRAM:

Alex Ros is the owner of Open Sky Expeditions. A Harvard graduate who speaks six languages and has traveled to over 70 countries, Alex has extensive in-depth knowledge of the high-end travel business, including leading and arranging a combined 19 luxury tours to Morocco. For over eight years he operated and directed dozens of international programs for one of the world’s top operators of high-caliber educational programs aboard small ships. His experience includes developing countless unique itineraries, conducting reconnaissance missions to over fifteen countries in the continent of Africa alone, and personally leading hundreds of travelers on scores of international tours. Alex is also an accomplished photographer and musician. He will be spending most of the winter prior to the tour in Morocco refining this program to make it the most exceptional he has put together to date.

ABOUT OPEN SKY EXPEDITIONS:

Open Sky Expeditions is a boutique international tour operator specialized in expertly crafted journeys for select travelers throughout the Americas, Africa, and the Mediterranean. It is our mission to deliver unique, in-depth, and meaningful travel experiences to the most discerning clients. We have first-hand and on-the-ground knowledge of all our travel destinations and work only with top-rated providers with a proven record of outstanding performance. Excellence in tour design and implementation is our top commitment. See www.OpenSkyExpeditions.com for more information.

Majestic Morocco | March 2-15, 2012 | Page 7 REGISTRATION Majestic Morocco | March 2-15, 2012 | MOR-0312A

Please call Open Sky Expeditions at (347) 770-6736 to inquire about availability on this program and to hold your reservation until we receive this form and your deposit. This form should be sent with your deposit check or to the following address: Open Sky Expeditions, 35 Journal Square (Capital One Building), Suite 472, Jersey City, NJ 07306, USA. Alternatively, you may fax us this form at (347) 344-6990 and pay the deposit by credit card. To do so, you can either include your credit card details below, or if you prefer, you can call us directly and provide us the details over the phone.

Enclosed is my check OR credit card number for $ ______($900 per person, check made payable to Open Sky Expeditions) as a deposit to hold ______place(s) on this “Majestic Morocco” program (code MOR-0312A). I understand that final payment is due sixty (60) days prior to departure. (CREDIT CARD # ______EXP ____/____ ☐ Visa ☐ Amex ☐ MC ☐ Discover )

Names: (1) ______Dr./Mr./Mrs./Ms. First Middle Last (as it appears on passport) (2) ______Dr./Mr./Mrs./Ms. First Middle Last (as it appears on passport) Address: ______

Telephone: (Day) ______(Evening) ______

Email/s: ______Fax: ______

May we send your pre-departure documents by email (except your final mailing)? ☐ Yes ☐ No, I prefer hard copies.

Please select the appropriate accommodation type: ☐ Twin Beds ☐ Double Beds ☐ Single Occupancy ☐ Share (name of roommate ______) ☐ Share, please assign roommate (cannot be guaranteed)

Each traveler must sign below: I/We have read the “General Information” section and agree to its terms.

(1) ______(2) ______Signature Date Signature Date GENERAL INFORMATION Responsibility: Open Sky Expeditions acts only as an agent for the independent suppliers that provide hotel accommodations, transportation, sightseeing, activities, and other services connected with this tour. Said services are subject to the terms and conditions of the respective provider. Open Sky Expeditions and its employees, agents, representatives, and assignees accept no liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay, or any other occurrence that might result from the negligence, defect, error or default of any company or person in the performance of said services. Responsibility is not accepted for losses, injury, damages, cancellations, or expenses of any kind due to sickness, weather, strikes, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature, local laws, or other situations of force majeure. All services and accommodations are subject to the laws and regulations of the country in which they are provided. Open Sky Expeditions is not responsible for any baggage or personal effects of any individual participating in any of the tours and activities arranged by Open Sky Expeditions. All travelers are responsible for purchasing their respective insurance policy(ies) to cover expenses and handle emergencies associated with the loss of luggage, personal effects and any other insurable losses associated with their trip. Payment Schedule: A deposit of $900 per person is required to reserve a space on this tour. Payments should be made by check or credit card and sent to the address or fax number listed on the registration form. Final payment is due 60 days before departure. Credit cards are not accepted for final payment. Cancellation Policy: All cancellations of confirmed reservations are subject to a $300 per person administrative fee. Additionally, travelers are subject to any cancellation fees assessed by the purveyors of services, including airlines and hotels used in the itinerary. Cancellations received 61-90 days of departure will be assessed a penalty of 25% of the total program cost per person. Cancellations received within 46-60 days will be penalized 50% of the program cost. Cancellations received within 31-45 days will be penalized 75% of the program cost. Cancellations received within 30 days of departure will be assessed a penalty of 100% of the total program cost. All requests for cancellations must be made in writing. These cancellation policies apply in every instance and no exceptions will be made. Refunds: Leaving a trip in progress for any reason whatsoever will not result in a refund. No refunds will be made for any part of this program in which you choose to not participate, including but not limited to hotels stays, air or land transportation, meals, tours or other sightseeing arrangements. Insurance: Travelers with Open Sky Expeditions must carry overseas medical insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation coverage. We strongly recommend purchase of a comprehensive policy that also includes trip cancellation insurance covering illness or accident both prior and during the program as well as coverage for baggage loss or delay. Details on all of these insurance options will be sent to you with your pre-departure information materials. Please take extra care reading the section on insurance and as well as all third party insurance materials. Itinerary: The itinerary, accommodations, and arrangements are subject to change or modification at the discretion of Open Sky Expeditions. Every reasonable effort will be made to operate the program as planned, but changes may still occur after the final itinerary is sent to you. By booking a reservation with Open Sky Expeditions, travelers understand that amenities, types of transport, routes, schedules, and itineraries may change without prior notice due to circumstances or events in the location due to, but not limited to, mechanical breakdowns, flight cancellations, illness, strikes, weather, political disputes, border crossing problems and other unforeseen factors. Rates: Open Sky Expeditions will do everything possible to preserve the prices listed in the original marketing materials you receive. However, between the dates these prices are published and the trip’s actual departure date, unforeseen and exceptional cost increases may occur due to currency fluctuations, taxes, airfare and transport cost increases, or others that may force Open Sky Expeditions to assess a surcharge. If that unusual occurrence were to take place, the assessed surcharge will reflect only the specific cost increase. If the increase were to exceed 10% of the original cost of the tour, you may cancel within 10 days of receiving said notification and obtain a full refund.

Majestic Morocco | March 2-15, 2012 | Page 8

Majestic Morocco | March 2-15, 2012 | Page 9