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Home , Casablanca, Hassan Tower, Marrakesh, Meknes, Mellah, Tangier

MUSEUM TRAVEL ALLIANCE

Morocco: Land of Mists & Mysteries March 8–21, 2019 MUSEUM TRAVEL ALLIANCE

Dear Travelers and Friends,

Over the last 10,000 years, the country Edith Wharton called “a land of mists and mysteries” has been home to , , sub-Saharan Africans, Romans, the French, and more. I hope you’ll join us March to discover the art and architecture of on this exciting journey, which for the first time includes the rarely visited UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tétouan. A guest lecturer will join us on our trip, and we'll be greeted locally by museum curators and professionals in their fields at some of the many locations we will visit. This access to experts is a feature of all the trips offered by the Museum Travel Alliance.

Our exploration begins with a visit to the monumental Hassan II , the largest in Morocco, in . From there we will venture to the of , to marvel at the unfinished and stunning and the white tomb of King Mohammed V. We will then travel by high-speed train to to discover the unique blend of cultural influences displayed in the Museum. In nearby Tétouan, admire the diversity of Moroccan arts, from traditional handicrafts to contemporary canvases.

In Fes, spend four nights in a palace that was once the residence of the of Jamaï, learn how Moroccan ceramic are produced and explore the , or old Jewish quarter. Marvelous , a 17th- century rival to Versailles, is our base for a visit to , one of the best-preserved Roman towns in North . In , the great public square of Djemaa el-Fna is a special highlight, as are the opulent Majorelle Gardens. We will also visit the new Yves Saint Laurent Museum, dedicated to the designer who found his muse in the “red city.”

I hope you will join us on this immersion in the diverse arts and cultures of Morocco. You will also enjoy traveling in the congenial company of members from a number of museums and cultural institutions.

Sincerely,

Jim Friedlander President, Museum Travel Alliance

HIGHLIGHTS

EXPLORE seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the lesser-known city of Tétouan

SPEND four nights in Fes at the luxurious Palais Faraj, once the residence of the Grand Vizier of Jamaï TOUR Meknes, a 17th-century rival to Versailles; and the well-preserved Roman ruins at Volubilis WATCH master craftspeople create exquisite ceramics by hand at a family-run studio near Fes

GAIN insight into the work of conservators on a behind-the-scenes look at a 12th-century (Islamic pulpit)

DISCOVER the recently opened YSL Museum in Marrakesh, dedicated to the designer who found inspiration in Moroccan culture Morocco: Land of Mists & Mysteries March 8–21, 2019

TUESDAY, MARCH 12: TANGIER / TÉTOUAN Drive to nearby Tétouan, with its UNESCO-recognized medina. Tour the Museum of Modern Art, housing a permanent collection of contemporary Moroccan art, and view traditional Moroccan costumes, jewelry, embroidery, weapons, and musical instruments at the Ethnography Museum. Return to Tangier for an evening at leisure. B,L

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13: TANGIER / FES Travel to Fes, the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities, stopping for lunch in the magical blue city of . Upon arrival in Fes, check in at the luxurious Palais Faraj . Gather for a lecture before dinner. B,L,D

THURSDAY, MARCH 14: FES Visit the Nejjarine Funduq, an 18th-century (inn) that is now a museum of wooden arts and crafts. Nejjarine Funduq Explore the Al Karaouine Mosque, including the reopened library (pending confirmation). In the afternoon tour the Medersa Bou Inania and/or the Medersa el Attarine, both FRIDAY, MARCH 8: DEPARTURE great examples of , and explore the Depart on an overnight flight to Casablanca. tannery quarter. B,D

SATURDAY, MARCH 9: CASABLANCA / RABAT, FRIDAY, MARCH 15: MEKNES / VOLUBILIS MOROCCO Drive to Meknes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see Arrive in Casablanca and continue to the vast Hassan II the beautiful Bab Mansour gate and shrine of Moulay Mosque, to admire its dramatic architecture and interiors. Ismail. Continue to the Roman town of Volubilis, where After lunch, drive along the coast to the capital city of Rabat, houses are adorned with from the 2nd and 3rd to check in at the Sofitel Jardin des . Gather this centuries. Return to Fes for an evening at leisure. B,L evening for introductory remarks and a welcome dinner. L,D SATURDAY, MARCH 16: FES SUNDAY, MARCH 10: RABAT Drive to the Fes Ceramic Factory / Art Naji Following a morning lecture, the day’s touring begins with Studio to view ceramists at work and learn the and the Hassan Tower and the white marble tomb of King secrets of Morocco’s famously beautiful . Continue Mohammed V. At the Archaeological Museum, admire to Dar Batha Museum, the city’s museum of traditional the collection, which offers an overview of Morocco’s MoroccanDepart arts, set in a gorgeous 19th-century palace impressive history. In the afternoon, visit the ancient that is itself a work of art. Lunch and the afternoon are necropolis ruins and the Mohammed VI Museum at leisure, perhaps to enjoy a mint tea or shopCordoba for local of Modern & Contemporary Art. This three-story Moorish handicrafts. Tonight, dine at one of the city’s charming riads (traditional houses with interior courtyards). B,D building features over 400 pieces byAtlantic 200 Moroccan artists. Dinner is at leisure. Ocean B,L

MONDAY, MARCH 11: RABAT / TANGIER Strait of Tangier Travel by the new high-speed train to Tangier. Upon Tétouan arrival, visit the American Legation Museum, the only U.S. National Historic Landmark outside the , and Volubilis Rabat Fes tour the Kasbah Museum, also known as the Museum of Meknes Moroccan Art and Antiquities. Time Islands permitting, admire Casablanca the Moulay Hafid Palace (PalaisFunchal des Institutions Italiennes), Tangier’s most beautiful building. This evening, dinner is at MOROCCO the hotel. B,L,D

Marrakesh

Canary Islands Arrive Arrecife Tenerife Gomera Island

WESTERN

MAURITANIA SUNDAY, MARCH 17: FES / MARRAKESH Begin the day with a glimpse into Morocco’s Jewish heritage on an exploration of the picturesque mellah, once one of the largest Jewish quarters in the country. Then, fly to the fascinating “red city” of Marrakesh and check in at the Four Seasons Resort Marrakesh. Dinner tonight is at a popular local restaurant. B,L,D

MONDAY, MARCH 18: MARRAKESH Visit Ben Yousef Medersa, a beautifully restored Koranic school, to discover this masterpiece of 16th-century Colorful Moroccan Tagines architecture before a special visit to the Museum. In the afternoon walk through the medina to the vibrant Djema-el-Fna Square, where dancers, story-tellers, ACCOMMODATIONS and snake charmers still practice their trades. We will also SOFITEL JARDIN DES ROSES (2 NIGHTS) stop at the El Badii Palace to see the Koutoubia minbar (pulpit), beautifully restored by conservators. Conclude with FARAH TANGIER (2 NIGHTS) a cocktail at the MACMA (Musée d’Art et de Culture PALAIS FARAJ (4 NIGHTS) de Marrakech). B,L,R FOUR SEASONS RESORT MARRAKESH (3 NIGHTS) TUESDAY, MARCH 19: MARRAKESH FOUR SEASONS CASABLANCA (1 NIGHT) Stroll in the lush Jardin Majorelle before a curator-led visit to the Berber Museum, with its rich collection of Berber objects. Then, enjoy a private visit to Villa Oasis, the home Palais Faraj, Fes of the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent (pending confirmation). After lunch, discover the recently opened YSL Museum, full of couture gowns and the history of the designer’s time living in Marrakesh. The balance of the day is at leisure. B,L

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20: MARRAKESH / CASABLANCA This morning, visit a few contemporary galleries to gain insights into Morocco’s current art scene. Following lunch, drive to Casablanca and the Four Seasons for a onenight stay. Gather this evening for a festive farewell dinner. B,L,D

THURSDAY, MARCH 21: CASABLANCA / RETURN Transfer to the airport for flights home. B PROGRAM RATE DISCLAIMER: The itinerary is subject to change at the $10,699 per person, double occupancy discretion of The Museum Travel Alliance. For complete $12,299 single rate details, please carefully read the terms and conditions at RATE INCLUDES https://museumtravelalliance.com/faq.php n Twelve nights accommodations as per itinerary n Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca D=Dinner, R=Reception); bottled water and coffee/tea with all meals; wine and beer at welcome and farewell dinners n Airport/hotel/airport group transfers for all participants on suggested flights n Guided sightseeing by private motorcoach and entrance fees for all included visits n Enrichment program of lectures and talks n Taxes, service, and porterage charges; gratuities to local guides and drivers

NOT INCLUDED IN RATE International airfare; passport fees; meals not specified; alcoholic beverages other than as noted in inclusions; personal items and expenses; airport transfers other than for those on suggested flights; trip insurance; baggage in excess of one suitcase; any other items not specifically mentioned as included. Djema-el Fna Square

MUSEUM TRAVEL ALLIANCE MOROCCO: LAND OF MISTS & MYSTERIES n MARCH 8–21, 2019 RESERVATION FORM

To reserve a place, please call The Museum Travel Alliance at 212-324-1893 or 855-533-0033, fax: 212-344-7493; or complete and return this form with your deposit of $1,000 per person (of which $500 is non-refundable for administrative fees) payable to The Museum Travel Alliance. Mail to: The Museum Travel Alliance, 1040 Avenue of the Americas, 23rd floor, New York, NY 10018-3721.

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I/We confirm that I/we have carefully read and agree to the Terms & Conditions of this Program (see https://museumtravelalliance.com/faq.php to review or call for a copy). I/We agree to full payment 120 days prior to departure. Each participant must sign below.

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______On the front cover: Moulay Ismail, Meknes B_19LNDCMN0308_MTA