| Total Cost | |
|---|---|
| Price per artist (single or double room) | $3000 |
| Non-artist accompanying | $2800 |
From the vibrant soul of Rabat to the coastal charm of Asilah, through the blue serenity of Chefchaouen, and into the timeless beauty of Fes – a 10-day artistic journey through Northern Morocco
Jan-Willem & Nancy, owners of the Shenandoah Art Destination, are teaming up with Moroccan Meraki to bring you the opportunity to travel to Morocco.
After arriving in Casablanca and visiting the Hassan II Mosque, we will travel through northern Morocco visiting Rabat, Asilah, Tangier, Tetouan, Chefchaouen (the Blue Pearl), Volubilis and Fes; staying in local riads & hotels. We will travel in an a/c van with a local tour guide as we experience these magical sights; introduce us to the wonderful local foods; all while having the opportunity to paint the extraordinary sites we will visit.
Antonio Gonzalez-Garcia, a watercolor painter born in 1990 in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain,
earned his BFA in 2013 from the Escuela de Artes y Oficios in Jerez. He later pursued his MFA
in 2016 and extended studies in Cultural Anthropology at l’École Supérieure d’Avignon in
France. Now based in Columbus, Ohio, USA, he is represented by the Sharon Weiss Gallery in
the Midwest and the Burkholder Agency on the East Coast. He has been a watercolor teacher
since 2014.
While my painting style is distinctive and unique from other painters, as an instructor, I adapt my
approach to each student’s level, ensuring they feel both confident and challenged while
enjoying the subject matter. During this art retreat, we will immerse ourselves in plein-air
painting, capturing the vibrant streets and gorgeous landscapes of Morocco. Along the way,
we’ll sketch local communities while diving into their rich culture and traditions.@antonio.xerez.art
https://www.antonioxerez.com/
artists of all levels to find inspiration around every corner, creating a personal visual journal of an unforgettable adventure.
A non-refundable deposit of $350 is required to hold your spot; balance is due June 15, 2025. Deposits are non-refundable, however, if minimum number of participants is not met, your deposits will be refunded to you. Once full payment is received, there will be no refund for
cancellation.
Once your reservation is made, you will be sent a list of necessary supplies to bring with you.
Travel Insurance: We strongly advise you to take out your own travel and personal insurance.
*Any issues with payment, please contact.
antonio.gzlz.grc@gmail.com
NOTE: Artists are responsible for bringing all their own supplies, easels, chair – whatever you require. Once your reservation is made, you will be sent a list of necessary supplies to bring with you. Keep in mind being plein-air sites, walking will be required and artist will be responsible for carrying their own materials/supplies.
Spend the whole day inside Asilah’s old city walls. Walk through narrow streets full of blue doors, white walls, and colorful flowers – perfect for painting or taking photos! Learn a little about Asilah’s history (it’s a mix of Moroccan, Portuguese, and Spanish cultures) and its famous Arts Festival, where artists paint murals on the walls every summer. For lunch, enjoy fresh fish at a local restaurant . In the evening, relax at your big hotel – swim in the pool, enjoy a drink, or just unwind.
Fun fact: Asilah’s medina is car-free, making it a peaceful paradise for artists and dreamers!
Kick off your day painting Bab Boujloud, the iconic blue-and-green gate that marks the entrance to Fez’s ancient medina. Dive into the labyrinth of 9,400 narrow streets, where every turn reveals spice stalls, leather workshops, and shops piled high with pottery, textiles, and handmade shoes. After lunch in a tucked-away café within the old city, brace yourself for the tanneries—a sensory adventure! Watch artisans dye leather in vibrant pits (grab mint leaves to ease the strong smells). Wander past centuries-old madrasas and mosques, their walls shimmering with intricate tilework, and haggle for treasures in the souks. Wrap up your day at your riad, where you can unwind on a rooftop terrace.
Tips: Wear comfy shoes, bring cash, and embrace the chaos—Fez is history alive!
From the vibrant soul of Rabat to the coastal charm of Asilah, through the blue serenity of Chefchaouen, and into the timeless beauty of Fes – a 10-day artistic journey through Northern Morocco
What sort of lodging accommodations will be booked?
Accommodations will be either a 3-Star to 5-Star hotel or a local riad.
Is it safe to travel in Morocco?
Morocco is a safe place to visit, especially when you travel with a private guide and driver, and respect the laws and local customs. The crime rate is low. However, just as you would when traveling in any foreign country, it’s a good idea to keep money and valuables in a zipped bag close to your body; maybe using a money pouch or passport bag that can be worn inside your clothing.
What are the requirements of a Passport/Visa?
If traveling from the USA make sure the expiration date of your passport is more than 6 months from the day you will return to the USA; if NOT, you will need to renew your passport. For another country, please check your requirements. It is also a good idea to have a copy of your passport on your phone.
Visas are only necessary if you are staying 90 days or more.
What is the recommendation for vaccines/medications?
Check CDC’s webpage for your destination to see what vaccines or medicines you may need and what diseases or health risks are a concern at your destination.
Make sure to get any refills needed for your prescriptions in plenty of time before your travel dates.
Is alcohol allowed to be consumed?
Yes, Morocco allows the consumption of alcohol. It can be purchased in licensed hotels, bars, and tourist areas. You can also buy alcohol in most major supermarkets.
Are there vegetarian options on the menus?
Yes.
Is water OK to drink?
Drink bottled water to be on the safe side.
How should I dress?
Before going, check what the season is for the timeframe you are going so you know what the range of temperature will be. Also, the temperature is going to vary from daytime to nighttime.
Casual attire is appropriate; all things lightweight and full coverage is ideal—loose trousers or maxi skirts are perfect. As a matter of cultural respect women should avoid short shorts and bare midriffs. A tunic dress or shirt with leggings or a full kaftan is great too. Not only does full coverage allow you to dress conservatively in Morocco, but it will also protect you from the sun. A headscarf may be required to go into the mosques we visit. A lightweight jacket/sweater is recommended for cooler evenings and the mountains.
Make sure you take comfy footwear for daytime – preferably closed-in shoes as the streets are often uneven and dusty.
Do they have regular toilets in Morocco?
Yes, but toilet facilities do not always provide toilet paper; you might want to have some with you. Your lodging will always include regular toilets and oftentimes, also bidets. Occasionally, when traveling in the country, you will stop at places with squat toilets.
Is there a way to do laundry during the tour?
Yes, many hotels and riads offer laundry services. This cost is not included in the price of your tour. Some riads do not provide washcloths; so pack one if needed.
What is the currency?
The currency in Morocco is called the dirham. There are bank notes (20/50/100/200) and also coins (dirham and centimes). For exchange purposes – $1.00 = 10 dirham.
The dirham is a closed currency, which means it can only be bought once you arrive in Morocco. You can exchange for the dirham at the airport, ATM machines or your guide will find local exchange places. You will need enough cash for personal purchases and tips. Keep in mind that the dirham is a closed currency so must be purchased and redeemed within Morocco.
Traveler’s checks are hard to exchange – not advised to bring.
Can I use credit cards?
Credit cards are accepted in most places, but not in the markets/souks. Keep cash for shopping in those places, and for tipping. Make sure your credit cards are active a few weeks before you travel to ensure they are not expired and will work when in Morocco. Also, it’s a good idea to alert your banks and credit card companies before travel so they don’t flag you for suspicious activity.
FYI – some credit cards have an exchange cost; some do not – check that out before traveling.
What is the position on tipping?
YES, you will need money for tips. While tipping isn’t mandatory in Morocco, it is expected to show your appreciation for servers and also the help in hotels/riads and city guides. 10% is recommended at restaurants & hotels/riads – and make sure you give to the desk at hotels or the main person at a restaurant and say “for the help”. rounding up the bill and leaving tips at restaurants and cafes is standard practice. Public bathrooms have attendants who keep them clean; 3-5 Dirhams is recommended for them.
You will also need to tip the driver and guide at the end of the trip – an acceptable tip for the guide is around $5.00 per day each person and driver around $3.00-5.00 per day each person.
Good link to read: https://touringinmorocco.com/tipping-in-morocco/
Can I barter for prices in the souks/markets?
Yes, negotiating is expected and welcome, however not in the malls where there are international retailers. The simple guide is that you should be aiming for around 30% – 50% of the asking price. However, having said this, – you can pay as much as you want; some people really need it. You just have to be ok with whatever price you settle on.
What is the electrical current?
Morocco operates on 220 voltage – most modern appliances will now take either 110 or 220, so you would just need an adapter for the outlet. The electrical outlets used in Morocco are type C and type E. The exceptions are hair dryers, curling irons and electric tooth brushes – do NOT use them without a converter; 220 will burn them up. Make sure they have USB plug-in ability as well if you think you’ll be needing that.
What is the protocol for taking photos of people?
If it is a specific vendor, or a person performing a task/duty – they might charge you; so you should ask and settle on a price before taking the photo.
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