Atlas Mountain Service

Atlas Mountain Service

Atlas Mountain Service

8 Days

Morocco

High Atlas Mountains (5), Marrakech (2)

Overview

Experience the unique blend of village life in the High Atlas Mountains and the bustling city life of Marrakech on this cultural service program. Work with local organizations on education, health, and cultural preservation initiatives in a remote Moroccan village, providing an exchange between students and locals while contributing to ongoing development projects. Afterward, explore the vibrant souqs and streets of Marrakech, contrasting the serene mountain life with the dynamic urban environment. This journey promises to leave you with lasting memories and a deeper understanding of Morocco’s rich culture and history.

Route Map

Atlas Mountain Service

Highlights

  • Engage in meaningful community service projects, contributing to education, health, and cultural preservation.
  • Learn Moroccan-style Arabic and immerse yourself in local culture through cooking classes, traditional parties.
  • Explore the bustling souqs of Marrakech, filled with fascinating wares from magic boxes to exotic spices.
  • Visit the Bahia Palace and an authentic spice shop, experiencing the rich history of Marrakech.
  • Enjoy dinner in Jemaa El-Fna square, where you can witness the lively market atmosphere and the call to prayer.
  • Reflect on your experiences and the issues you engaged with during group discussions and closing activities.
  • Shop for unique local goods in the Marrakech medina, practicing your bargaining skills.
  • Leave with a deep appreciation for the people and culture of Morocco.

Itinerary

Arrive in Marrakech where your tour director will meet you outside of customs. Drive to your community service village in the High Atlas Mountains. Enjoy a hearty dinner and a brief orientation of the surrounding area. Come together in the evening for a discussion about the week ahead, expectations in the village, and an introduction to the local culture.

Overnight: High Atlas Mountains

Begin your first full day in Morocco with breakfast and informal language lessons in Moroccan-style Arabic (Darija). Each morning, embark on a short hike to the service project site, working on education, health, and cultural preservation initiatives. Return to the guesthouse for lunch and enjoy a relaxing nap before continuing the project in the afternoon. Evenings will include cultural activities such as cooking classes, traditional parties, and group discussions.

Overnight: High Atlas Mountains

Explore the vibrant city of Marrakech, visiting bustling souqs filled with fascinating wares, the Bahia Palace, and an authentic spice shop. Conclude your day with dinner in Jemaa El-Fna square, where you can witness the bustling market atmosphere with smoke from kabob stands and the call to prayer. Reflect on your experiences and the issues you engaged with as a group during a closing discussion.

Overnight: Marrakech

Spend your last morning in Marrakech exploring the medina, walking through souqs, and practicing your photography skills. Shop for unique local goods after learning how to bargain like a Moroccan. In the afternoon, head back to the village for a proper goodbye to your friends and the community members you first visited on this trip.

Overnight: Marrakech

Wake up to the sounds of the historic Koutoubia mosque Adhan. Pack your bags and head to the airport for your flight home. Reflect on your time spent in Morocco, the experiences shared, and the lessons learned, carrying these memories with you for a lifetime.

Overnight: Flight home

This Trip Includes

  • Round-trip airfare
  • All accommodations on program
  • All transportation in-country
  • All meals on the program
  • All activities as outlined in the itinerary
  • A Tour Director available 24 hours a day from when you arrive until you depart
  • Sightseeing tours and excursions led by local guides as specified
  • Airport transfers and transportation between destination cities
  • Travel insurance for all participants
  • 24-hour worldwide emergency assistance
  • Support from GEC representatives abroad

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