Gilah Rosner, PhD has been Joan Borysenko’s teaching and creative partner for the past 10 years, as they’ve combined their decades of experience in the fields of health, healing and spirituality to offer fabulous live retreats and rich online programming that nurtures and inspires. Gilah brings vast experience developing and directing educational programs both in medicine and in spiritual communities. She has served as a resident manager in a spiritual retreat center, a pastoral care intern, a creator of women’s rituals, education director in a synagogue, teacher of Kundalini yoga and Kabbalah, veggie centric caterer and herbalist. While on the faculty of U of Pittsburgh Medical School in pathology and molecular genetics, Gilah’s interests turned to spirituality and healing practices. She left academic medicine in 2000 and has never looked back.

Addi Ouadderrou is a native Moroccan from the Sahara desert region, and an expert on Moroccan culture, with over 25-years of experience in directing deep-dive cultural tours into Moroccan history, life, arts, languages, food, dance music and more. Addi is the owner of Moroccan Caravan Tours, and is the tour leader and manager. Addi is fluent in six languages and takes pride in sharing his extensive knowledge of Morocco’s diverse culture. His warmth, humor, caring for each participant’s needs and his extensive personal connections with Moroccans in every sector of life all add a lively depth to every tour.

Sandra Youssef Clinton is a renowned landscape architect and mixed-media artist in the Washington, DC regions, and is the founder of CLINTON+RIES Landscape Architects. Sandy has traveled extensively in Morocco and throughout the world. Sandy will enhance our experiences of landscapes, gardens, architecture, and horticulture as she shares her design expertise throughout the tour. Since 2018, Sandy has partnered with Addi to further enhance their breadth of tours. Her keen eye, design acumen, plant knowledge and joyful disposition bring added richness to each adventure.

DAY 1 – Sun, Oct 4     Depart USA to Casablanca, Morocco
Arrange your flight to Casablanca (CMN Airport code) to arrive no later than 10:30 am on Day 2 (Mon, Oct 5) of this itinerary.

DAY 2 – Mon, Oct 5     Casablanca to Rabat
Arrive at Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca, meet Gilah and our fabulous tour guides Addi and Sandy, and transfer to our luxury van for a visit to the opulent Hassan II Mosque. This stunning mosque with its iconic 689 ft-tall minaret is set on a rocky outcrop abutting the Atlantic ocean. Next, we’ll enjoy a fabulous lunch at Dar El Kaid, an exquisite restaurant (originally a synagogue) that serves traditional Moroccan culinary delights in an atmosphere replete with Moroccan decorative arts including tile mosaics, intricately carved wood, fountains, marble staircases, sculpted copper ceilings and enormous chandeliers.

After a leisurely lunch, we’ll drive north along the coast to the imperial city of Rabat where we’ll check into our riad followed by dinner. If time allows, we will take an evening stroll through the historic Kasbah Des Oudayas. (1 night in Rabat). (L,D)

DAY 3 – Tue, Oct 6     Rabat to Fes via Volubilis
After breakfast, we depart for one of Morocco’s most historic and spiritual cities – Fes. On the way, we will visit the sacred citadel of Moulay Idriss -the cradle of Sufism in Morocco where we will enjoy lunch, then we will proceed to the Roman ruins at Volubilis for a beautiful walking tour.

Following our tour, we’ll take a picturesque drive through lush, rolling hills and valleys, landing in the valley between the Rif and Middle Atlas Mountains, where Fes was founded. Check in to riad and enjoy dinner and a restful night. (1st night in Fes). (B,L,D)

DAY 4 – Wed, Oct 7     Explore Fes
After breakfast we’ll begin our morning in Fes at the decorative gates of the Royal Palace followed by a panoramic view of this historic city. After which, we will drop into the valley, taking in the works of tile and mosaic artists. For the remainder of the day, we’ll explore the heart of the Fes Medina, where each section specializes in certain types of foods, wares, and handmade arts and crafts, such as embroidery, weaving, metal work, and more. We will have an opportunity to see artisans making exquisite items using centuries-old techniques. Of special interest are the ancient leather dyeing vats. At lunch, we’ll sample some local delicacies in the beauty of a traditional old home turned restaurant. Dinner and 2nd night in Fes. (B,L,D)

DAY 5 – Thu, Oct 8     Further Exploration of Fes
After breakfast, we’ll stroll through the former Royal Gardens of Jnan Sbil, the largest public open space in Fes, with a focus on many types of moving water, reflections, and garden rooms of different styles. We’ll enter the medina one last time to take part in a very special Sufi ceremony and lunch in a family home built in the 1400’s. Here we’ll witness the strong sense of spirituality, mysticism and transcendence, expressing itself through Sufism. If time allows, we’ll end the day at an overlook where we may purchase drinks before having a light dinner and returning to the riad for our last night in Fes. (B,L,D)

DAY 6 – Fri, Oct 9     Fes to Midelt
Following breakfast, we begin our drive south to the apple capital of Morocco, the small town of Midelt. On the way, we’ll be crossing the Atlas Cedar Forest and picturesque landscapes, and may even have the opportunity to spot a few Barbary Macaques in the forest. Dinner and overnight in Midelt. (B,L,D)

DAY 7 – Sat, Oct 10     Midelt to Mezguida
Today, after breakfast, we continue our drive south, crossing into the High Atlas Mountains at their eastern edge, driving through the Ziz Valley, and finally dropping into the Tafilalet Oasis/ Palm grove. We’ll make a stop in Erfoud to see and learn about fossils for which this area is known. Then off to the tiny village of Mezguida for some wonderful Amazigh hospitality at Addi’s family home and guesthouse.

This evening you will pack your minimalist overnight bag for tomorrow: include toiletries, change of clothes, necessary medications, bathing suit, phone charger.
Dinner and overnight in Mezguida. (B,L,D)

DAY 8 – Sun, Oct 11     Rissani to Erg Chebbi Sand Dunes and Camel Trek
Following breakfast, we head to nearby Rissani, a former hub for trans-Saharan trade. We will explore its local markets, learn about medicinal and culinary spices and how they are used for preparation in local cuisine, and experience how locals live and shop for their daily needs. Also, today, we will have the opportunity to enjoy a presentation about textiles and jewelry. This is an opportunity to learn about Amazigh textiles, motifs, and techniques, and their uses in local culture.

Later in the afternoon, we go deeper into the desert until we reach the golden sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. In the late afternoon, we’ll journey on a magical camel trek across the dunes for a festive dinner, music, and dancing at our luxury desert camp. Be prepared to join the drumming, singing, and dancing circle! You’ll have only your overnight bag. Everything else stays at our guesthouse in Mezguida. (B,L,D)

DAY 9 – Mon, Oct 12     Return from Camp and Gnawa Lila and Healing Ceremony
After returning from our camel excursion, we’ll take a short ride to visit the Gnawa Village in Khemlia, where we will enjoy a nomadic lunch specialty – stuffed bread.

Following lunch, we’ll participate in a Lila and Healing Ceremony, with the Gnawa community. Afterwards, we’ll head back to the hospitality of Mezguida and enjoy dinner and overnight at our guesthouse (last night in Mezguida). (B,L,D)

DAY 10 – Tue, Oct 13     Mezguida to Todra Gorge to Ouarzazate
First thing today, we’ll explore a 17th century adobe village. We’ll then continue west through the Todra Gorge and Dades Valley, full of unique landscapes, villages, and picturesque scenes. After lunch, we continue westward on a high desert plateau and through the lush Rose Valley, to end our day in the movie-making capital of Ouarzazate. (B,L,D) (1 night Ouarzazate)

DAY 11 – Wed, Oct 14     Ouarzazate to Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou to Marrakech
After breakfast, we’ll visit the Labyrinth du Sud bazaar that houses a treasure trove of exquisite artifacts, handcrafted rugs and jewelry. Ouarzazate is a town known for film production, and we’ll see some dramatic movie sets on our way out of town.

Today our ride is topped with amazing views, winding roads, and terraced hillsides, as we cross the High Atlas Mountains. One of the highlights today is the UNESCO World Heritage site Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou – an adobe village which grew over time to create a fantastical scene cascading down a hillside. Along our ride today, we will visit a women’s cooperative that specializes in making famous Argan Oil. The evening will take us into lively and bustling Marrakech, where we will enjoy a delicious dinner and overnight at our riad in the Marrakech Medina. (1st night Marrakech) (B,L,D)

DAY 12 – Thu, Oct 15     Marrakech
Following breakfast, we will explore Marrakech, including the newly restored Ben Youssef Madrassa, followed by an enhanced tour of a hidden gem, Le Jardin Secret (The Secret Garden), created on the grounds of a historic site. If time allows, we’ll take in the Slat al Azama Synagogue, and other points of interest. We will then enter the lively souks (“markets”) to experience colors, fragrances, and crafts. Our day ends with cocktails and dinner at the riad. (B,L,D) (2nd night Marrakech)

DAY 13 – Fri, Oct 16     Marrakech to Anima Gardens to Essaouira
After a leisurely breakfast, we leave Marrakech, taking one last stroll through the lively streets of the Medina. This morning, we visit Anima Garden, a sculpture and botanical garden located south of Marrakech – a beautiful place to wander through designed nature and meditate with the birds and flowers! Following lunch (on your own at the Garden) we continue westward to Essaouira, a historic ocean front town on the Atlantic coast of Morocco, dating back to the middle ages. Originally named Mogador in the 1500’s, it has been occupied by the Portuguese, Spanish, and French. The present-day city of Essaouira was built during the mid-18th century by King Mohammed III. An optional (and highly recommended) traditional hammam (Moroccan bath) and massage experience is available to those interested!

Alternatively, feel free to stroll the beach at sunset. Dinner and overnight at our riad in Essaouira. (B,D) (1st night Essaouira)

DAY 14 – Sat, Oct 17     Exploration of Essaouira
We will explore Essaouira’s markets within the ancient walls of the Medina, visit its lively and active fishing port, climb the ramparts to overlook the Atlantic ocean, walk the beaches, and watch artists create their wares. We may visit a silver jewelry co-op, and woodworking co-op, and dine on fresh fish or other delicacies for lunch. Take time to enjoy the ocean breezes, catch a sunset cocktail from a beautiful rooftop overview, and shop in the small streets filled with artisans. We’ll enjoy a Farewell Dinner at our Riad. Overnight in Essaouira. (B,D – Lunch on your own in the medina, potentially at the deliciously hip Fishburger restaurant). (2nd night Essaouira).

*Schedule subject to change based on availability, market days, and elements out of our control.

DAY 15 – Sun, Oct 18     Transfer to Casablanca Airport and Bon Voyage!
After an early breakfast we will depart for our drive to Casablanca Mohammed V Airport to fly home. Participants are responsible for arranging their departing flights to leave no earlier than 3 pm this afternoon. (Light Breakfast included. All other meals on your own.)

COST: $4850 per person double occupancy / $5650 per person single occupancy

PLUS: $300 PER PERSON out-of-pocket touring expenses for entry fees, porters, housekeeping, servers, special cultural guides etc. These tips/fees will be paid by our tour guide throughout the trip. Please pay in US cash at the outset of the tour.

Please note: Registration is limited to 12 people.

Payment:

• Non-refundable deposit of $1000 due at registration
• Full payment is due by June 4, 2026 (120 days prior to tour departure), or you might forfeit your spot to a paying participant
• If you must cancel, there are no refunds until we fill your spot with another guest
• 60-120 days before tour departure date, 100% of total tour cost paid minus deposit will be refunded, IF another paid guest has taken your place
• Within 60 days of tour departure date or no-show, full payment will be retained and is non-refundable

INCLUDED IN THIS TRIP:

• 1^st class private air-conditioned van transportation throughout the tour. You will be met and dropped off at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca
• Charming accommodations as indicated in the itinerary or similar
• Admission to historical sites and gardens during scheduled guided group tours
• Visit to an adobe village in southeastern Morocco, and many other cultural treats along the way
• Nearly all meals as indicated (B= breakfast, L= lunch, D= dinner)
• Water is provided at meals, and you can fill your small bottles for day trips
• First-rate tour leaders, professional driver and licensed tour guides for specialty locations
• Unique surprises

NOT INCLUDED:

• Airfare
• Travel insurance and personal health insurance (mandatory)
• Passport fees and related paperwork
• Private vehicle/transfers for anyone who must arrive or leave earlier than the rest of the group
• Shopping, massages, hammam visits, wine, liquor or anything not named in this package
• Excess baggage, telephone, laundry, room service, personal and medical expenses
• Out-of-pocket expenses paid along the way by the tour director (see above)
• Tips for Driver and Guides

INTERESTED?

Step 1: Contact Gilah at gilah@joanborysenko.com to indicate your interest and/or ask questions. Let’s chat!

Step 2: Gilah will provide you the private registration link, which is through Moroccan Caravan Tours.

Step 3: Gilah will provide a link for your nonrefundable deposit of $1000. Both completed form and non-refundable deposit are required to register. Balance payments will also be made directly through Moroccan Caravan Tours.