OVERVIEW
The Fes Festival of World Sacred Music is widely acclaimed as one of the world's great musical events and has earned media accolades from the world's most prestigious publications. This festival brings together performers from every corner of the globe for a week of artistic excellence in Fes, Morocco's oldest and first imperial city founded in 790 B.C by Moulay Idriss II and best known for its spiritual and educational contribution to the history and culture of the Kingdom.
This festival celebrates the world's spiritual traditions and it dissolves musical boundaries. We have crafted a program around the Festival dates (May 29-June 06 2009) that will deepen your understanding of the rich cultural heritage of Morocco. You will bring home not only memories, stories and beautiful souvenirs from Morocco, but also new ideas about music genres, hospitality, cuisine and design that will forever enrich your life.
PROGRAM ITINERARY (SUBJECT TO CHANGE BY THE PROGRAM COMMITTEE)
DAY 01 (Wednesday May 27, 2009): CASABLANCA / RABAT (56 Miles)
Warm greeting upon arrival by Gateway2Discovery's staff. As we depart from Casablanca, the economic capital of Morocco, we will stop at the magnificent Mosque of Hassan II, situated by the Atlantic Ocean and heralded as the third largest mosque in the world. We will then continue on to Rabat, the administrative capital of Morocco. Upon arrival in Rabat, our sightseeing will feature the outside of the Royal Palace, the Mohammed V Mausoleum, as well as the remains of the Hassan Tower built in 1196, which provides an excellent introduction to Moroccan history. As we walk through the narrow passageways of the Ouddaya, you will glimpse at the daily life of the local inhabitants, smelling freshly baked bread and admiring the decorative doors leading to family homes. Dinner and overnight hotel at your selected accommodation in Rabat. DAY 02 (Thursday May 28, 2009): RABAT / MEKNES / MOULAY IDRISS / FES (123 Miles)
Today, we will drive east into the countryside to continue our discovery of Morocco's Imperial Cities starting in Meknes. Our sightseeing will include famous gate of Bab El Mansour, Dar Jamai Palace and the remains of the Royal Stables and the tomb of Moulay Ismail. Continue to Fes, arrival, check-in and overnight at your selected accommodation.
DAY 03 (Friday May 29, 2009): FES / FESTIVAL GRAND OPENING
This morning, we wake up hearing the sound of the 'Moudan' prayer call emanating from the numerous minarets within the walled city of Fes. Fes, the first Imperial City of Morocco, is a leading intellectual, religious and cultural center. The Medina of Fes, a UNESCO world heritage site, is simply dazzling! With its narrow passageways, spice shops, shopkeepers and craftsmen still using ancient crafts techniques, the Medina has a world of its own. We will discover the Qaraouine University and the Koranic school.After breakfast, we will explore the Medina and visit the Arabian House to observe various craftsmen performing their work reminiscent of ancient techniques. Lunch will take place at a Moroccan restaurant. Free time at leisure. In the evening, get ready for the Fes Festival of Sacred Music Grand Opening.
Festival Program Schedule: 08:30pm: Bab Makina
Marcel Khalife with the Al Mayadin Orchestra, with Oumeima Al Khalil and Yolla Keryakos (Lebanon/Morocco/Greece), Tribute to Mahmoud Darwich
DAY 04 (Saturday May 30, 2009): FES / SIDI AHMED EL BERNOUSSI / FES
After breakfast, you can either skip the morning program events or depart for our excursion to the Sidi Ahmed El Bernoussi shrine located in the Rif Mountains where we will enjoy a tasty and memorable couscous lunch overlooking Fes. Sidi Ahmed El Bernoussi is a marabout (where a religious person is buried) of the 17th century. He was a sophist frequently visited by the Arab inhabitants of the village. This region is popular for Fantasia riding. Return to Fes and get for the Festival events.
Morning Festival Program Schedule: Batha Museum, Shantala Shivalingapa (India) Kuchipudi Dance
Bab Makina (08:30pm): Marwa Wright (USA) Gospel
DAY 05 (Sunday May 31, 2009): FES / MOULAY YACOUB / FES
After breakfast, you can either attend the festival events or opt for our morning excursion to the venerated hot springs of Moulay Yacoub known for their healing powers (spa fees not included). Moulay Yacoub is located in a small, peaceful and charming Berber village at the foothills of the Rif Mountains. The landscape dominates the Pre-Rifian hills abundant in green and colorful blossoms in spring and autumn and in grey and ochre in winter and summer. We will then return to Fes to attend the evening Festival events. Afternoon Festival Program Schedule: Batha Museum, Mohammad Motamedi (Iran), Songs: The Art of Radif
Evening Schedule (8:30pm): Part 1: The Whirling Dervishes of Konya (Turkey) From Eternity to Modernity. Part 2: Ziya Azazi (Turkey), Icons: Contemporary Dervish Dance
DAY 06 (Monday June 01, 2009): FES
Afternoon Festival Program schedule (4:30pm): Yuval Ron with Najwa Gibran (USA), Music in the Judeo-Arab Tradition Evening Festival Program Schedule (8:30pm):Didier Lockwood (France) with his String Sextet, with Ihsan R'Miki and the Zaman al Wasl Ensemble (Morocco) and Caroline Casadesus (vocals) Strings & Soul a creation by Didier Lockwood.
DAY 07 (Tuesday June 02, 2009): FES
Afternoon Festival Program Schedule (4:30pm): Women of Mayotte (Mayotte) Deba de Hamjago
Evening Festival Program Schedule, Bab Makina (8:30pm): Souad Massi Musk Rose - Honeysuckle (France/Algeria)
DAY 08 (Wednesday June 03, 2009): FES Afternoon Festival Program Schedule, Batha Museum (4:30pm): I Muvrini (France), Sacred and popular songs from China
Evening Festival Program Schedule (8:30pm): Abed Azrié with the Mediterranean Youth Orchestra & the Choir of the Institut Supérieur de Musique de Damas (France/Syria) The Gospel according to John
DAY 09 (Thursday June 04, 2009): FES / SEFROU-AIT BAHIL / FES
This morning, you can either skip the Festival events or participate in our excursion to Sefrou.
Afternoon Festival Program Schedule, Batha Museum (4:30): Divana (Serbia), Orthodox Sacred Songs Evening Festival Program Schedule, Bab Makina (8:30pm): Abed Azrié with the Mediterranean Youth Orchestra & the Choir of the Institut Supérieur de Musique de Damas (France/Syria) The Gospel according to John
Optional Morning Excursion:
Our excursion takes us to the ancient Jewish city of Sefrou located in the Middle Atlas Mountains. During the first century, missionaries converted the local population to Judaism. Sefrou served as an important stop for sub-Saharan caravans transporting goods to be sold in the European markets. We will visit the shrine of Sidi Lahcen Al Yussi, a well venerated Sufi master considered to be the custodian of this ancient outpost. Other highlights will include Mausoleums and synagogues. On our way back to Fes, we will stop at the ancient Christian village of Ait Bahil, a village of fascinating troglodyte dwellings cut into the limestone hills dating from a settlement begun by Christian elements of the Roman Second Legion. Return to Fes to attend the Festival activities.
DAY 10 (Friday, June 05, 2009): FES
Afternoon Festival Program Schedule, Batha Museum (4:30pm): Gabriel Garrido and the Elyma Ensemble (Switzerland) Baroque Music of Monteverdi
Evening Festival Program Schedule, Bab Makina (8:30pm): Sami Yussuf (United Kingdom) Spiritual Songs of the Arab World
DAY 11 (Saturday June 06, 2009): FES
Afternoon Festival Program Schedule, Batha Museum (4:30pm): Razbar Ensemle and The Ahl e Haqq Brotherhoods Mystical songs of Iranian Kurdistan
Evening Festival Program Schedule, Bab Makina (8:30pm): Loreena McKennit (Canada) The Book of Secrets - in the footsteps of Celtic legends
DAY 12 (Sunday June 07, 2009): FES / BENI-MELLAL / MARRAKESH (303 Miles)
After breakfast, we will depart to Marrakesh passing by Immouzer El Kander and Azrou, a Berber village known for its handicrafts cooperative. Continuation through the wooded and mountainous region. Arrival to Beni-Mellal. Independent lunch then and continuation to Marrakesh. Check-in, dinner and overnight stay at your selected accommodation.
DAY 13 (Monday June 08, 2009): MARRAKESH
The day will be devoted to the sightseeing of Marrakesh, the second oldest imperial city known as the "Pearl of the South" and home to the Saadian tombs, the Koutoubia Mosque, the Menara Gardens, the Bahia Palace and Dar Si Said Museum. Return to the hotel for lunch. In the afternoon, exploration of the souks and the world's famous Djemaa el Fna place with its various entertainments (story tellers, acrobats, snake-charmers, magicians, etc). Later on, a Diffa Fantasia dinner will be provided under caidal tents at the famed "Chez Ali" restaurant. Enjoy the fantasia spectacle that includes camel and horse shows, folkloric troops from different Moroccan regions and belly dancers. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
DAY 14 (Tuesday June 09, 2009): MARRAKESH / CASABLANCA
After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport in Marrakesh for your domestic flight to Casablanca Mohammed V airport to connect with your flight back home. End of our services.
After breakfast, transfer to Casablanca Mohammed V International airport for your return flight. Assistance with the boarding formalities. (B)
PROGRAM INCLUSIONS
• Accommodation for 10 nights in Fes at your selected accommodation on bed and breakfast
• Accommodation for 1 night in Rabat and 2 nights in Marrakesh at your selected accommodation on bed and breakfast
• Transportation in deluxe air conditioned vehicles throughout the program
• Entrance fees to all sightseeing as indicated in the program itinerary with the assistance of English speaking guides
• Excursions as indicated in the program itinerary
• Fes Festival entrance fees
• Luggage handling, tips at hotels and airports.
NOT INCLUDED
• Meals, alcohol drinks, mineral water, and other items of personal nature
• Deviations expenses from the itinerary and any special handling.
• International and domestic airfare. We offer competitive airfare from New York to Morocco
ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION:
Silver Choice: 4-star Hotels:
CITY
HOTEL
MEALS
NIGHT
RABAT
Chellah
Bed & Breakfast
01 Night
FES
Wassim
Bed & Breakfast
11 Nights
MARRAKESH
L'Atlas
Bed & Breakfast
02 Nights
Gold Choice: 5-star Hotels
CITY
HOTEL
MEALS
NIGHT
RABAT
Tour Hassan
Bed & Breakfast
01 Night
FES
Les Merinides
Bed & Breakfast
11 Nights
MARRAKESH
Meridien N'Fis
Bed & Breakfast
02 Nights
Platinum Choice: Riads & Deluxe 5-star Hotels
CITY
HOTEL
MEALS
NIGHT
RABAT
Riad Villa Mandarine
Bed & Breakfast
01 Night
FES
Sofitel Palais Jamai
Bed & Breakfast
11 Nights
MARRAKESH
Riad La Maison Arabe
Bed & Breakfast
02 Nights
NOTE: We will exercise our best efforts to secure the accommodations listed above, however, during busy seasons we may only be able to offer similar category accommodations. In this case, clients will have the option to agree or cancel their booking. In some instances, a request for a higher grade accommodation will result in an extra fee to compensate for the difference in price.
PROGRAM PRICE PER PERSON ($):
Silver Choice: 4-star Hotels
With 02 people: $2,990.00.
With 04 people: $2,650.00.
Single supplement: $350.00.
Note: Rates are subject to change without notice due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates beyond our control.
Gold Choice: 5-star Hotels
With 02 people: $3,955.00.
With 04 people: $3,395.00.
Single supplement: $950.00.
Note: Rates are subject to change without notice due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates beyond our control.
Platinum Choice: Riads & 5-star Deluxe Hotels.
With 02 people: $5,800.00.
With 04 people: $5,475.00.
Single supplement: $1,300.00.
Note: Rates are subject to change without notice due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates beyond our control.
