Alyra’s team is developing an amazing expedition for a Montreal high school that will combine learning about regional cuisine such as the couscous, pastry-making, bread-making, cultural immersion, and excursions in nature. The most important objective is to accomplish the IDP (international development project) in order to improve the quality of life of the members from a community in the highlands of Morocco.

PART 1 – Days 1-11: Community Project

• Potential projects (projects will be determined according to the number of students)
  -For 2 days we will do the road in 4 X 4 for 23 km. We prepare and distribute different “help baskets” that will cover everything they will need for cold and food for the difficult times of cold and poverty. -For 8 days: one group we will working in the construction extension of an sewing association from one of their communities . Other group have to renovate  an ancient “Kasbah” where the communities have their livestock. We will be dividing the kids to do the different tasks and alternating them.
• Workshops: -Regional cuisine: Couscous -Pastry-making -Bread-making -Textile workshop -Dance lesson
• Trek to caves in the region

Day1:Overnight flight
10 nights in the community
Private transport

PART 2 – Days 12-14 : Ouzoud and Essaouira

• Excursion to the Ouzoud Waterfalls. These beautiful falls are comprised of six streams of water, thundering down to the mossy sun-soaked rocks below, creating a cloud of mist. The falls are often crowned with a stunning double rainbow.
• Essaouira is a wall-enclosed Moroccan city featuring a beautiful sea-port and an immense fine sand beach.
• Essaouria’s bustling and well-protected Medina (the old Arab or non-European quarter of a North African town) is a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE and features the Sqala of the Kasbash, which was built to defend against attacks from the sea.

1 night in Ouzoud
2 nights in Essaouira
Private transport

PART 3 – Days 15-17 : Argan cooperative, Ourika and Marrakech

• Visit a women’s cooperative that produces local Argan Oil. The Souss Plain in South West Morocco is the only region in the world where Argan trees grow.
• Excursion to the Ourika Valley, famous for its seven waterfalls at Setti Fatma and the ski resort of Oukaimeden at its head. Ourika is a lush valley with green terraced fields beside a river, contrasted against the rocky sided foothills of the mountains
• Explore Marrakech, its medina, their souks (markets) and monuments.
• Visit Bean Youssef MedersaL an Islamic school that is home to some of the most beautiful art and architecture in Marraskesh.
• Visit the Koutoubia Mosque. The largest in Marrakesh, it is known for its magnificent minaret, the oldest of the three great Almohad minarets remaining in the world.
• Experience an authentic and beautiful belly dancing show.

2 nights in Marrakech
Private transport
Day 17: departure and arrival in Montreal

• Preps

  Travel documents
  A valid passport that expires at least 6 months after the date of your return flight back home.

  Luggage
  The least amount of luggage possible. We recommend bags that are practical and easy to carry. One large bag and a small day back-pack is ideal.

  Health
  We recommend you consult your local medical travel clinic (or doctor) a few months before leaving in order to ensure you have the necessary vaccines. Your medical insurance card might not cover costs incurred due to injuries or health costs when you are abroad. If you need to travel with medication of some kind, please bring a doctor’s prescription.

  Safety
  We recommend you bring a concealed belt that can hold your important documents, credit cards and currencies. It is illegal to take any objects found in archeological sites or any natural resources from any of the national parks, ecological reserves, protectorates or any other sites visited.

  Insurance
  Find information of our availaible travel insurance: All inclusive travel policy and Youth travel policy.

• These prices include

  • International flights from Montreal and back;
  • Alyra’s CO (Creative Organizer) accompanying the group 24/7;
  • Local transportation;
  • Lodging ( in the community and outside the community): multiple occupancy for students;
  • Food: 3 meals a day (local authentic food will be served);
  • Snacks and potable water at all times;
  • Organization of the community projects and coordination with the local community leader and members;
  • Non-alcoholic drinks and potable water during meals;
  • Activities/visits mentioned with local guides (when mentioned);
  • Entrance tickets for museums, parks, sites, etc mentioned in the itinerary;
  • Tips to local guides, drivers, restaurants, etc.;
  • 0.1% for the OPC (Consumer Protection Office);
  • Insurance Package: Medical, Interruption and Cancelation coverage;
  • Pre-trip prep: 2 meetings with the students/parents to prepare everyone for the trip;

• These prices do not include

  • Visa expenses (for non-canadian passports)
  • Souvenirs/gifts you decide to buy;
  • Transportation from the school to the airport and back;
  • Laundry and any other personal expenses;