Hadia's International Belly Dance Academy archive
Date: May 2014
May 10, 2014
Magical Morocco Tour: Fez to Casablanca
July 28/29 : Casablanca
After the mystique of Fez “le Bleu”, we are ready for our trip south west to the city of Casablanca. Upon our arrival we will check in to our rooms at at the Hotel Al Mounia in Casablanca, which will also be our choice for a scrumptious dinner.
In afternoon, your guide will take you on a monumental tour exploring Casablanca, the largest port of the Maghreb, and “capital in all but administration.” 
Next, you will visit the Habous quarter to be introduced to your first Spanish Moorish ambiance of a lively market in old Casablanca, then of course the Art Deco colonial downtown with the real flavor of the Mystic French connection.
Your guide will introduce you to La Corniche and Ain Diab shoreline. This will give you an idea of the creative architecture in neighborhoods of the well off Moroccans of Anfa quarter, and also the inclusive resort of La Corniche. And of course, you will not miss the great mosque of Hassan II, the second largest mosque in the world. Finally, you will return to your hotel for dinner.
July 30: Casablanca – Montreal or New York
You will take a morning drive to the airport in Casablanca. We will assist you with checking and wish you a wonderful trip back home. Those of you who depart from Marrakech will take the train directly to the airport for your connection.
May 7, 2014
Magical Moroccan Tour: Marrakech to Fez
July 26: Marrakech – Fez
Now that we have been completely captivated by Marrakech’s Magical beauty and immersed ourselves in the vibrant living folk traditions of the people of Morocco, it is time to fall under the timeless spell of the country itself. After our morning departure on the train, we will spend our day en route to Fez, which will give us our first taste of Moroccan daily life outside of the impressively modern cities of this fascinating North African country. This is where we will experience the best of Arabic, Berber and French people, as they merge to create a unique and truly magical culture.
As we arrive into the oasis of Fez ‘le Bleu’, we find a city that captivates the imagination and provides satisfaction for every possible taste. Little surprise stops along the way will include visits to Berber villages, a wealth of scenic views and traditional markets, before we arrive in Fez, home of the Sacred Music Festival, where a yummy dinner at our hotel awaits us.
July 27: Fez
We will spend our next day exploring the majestic city of Fez, beginning with visits to the Mellah, the King’s palace and the Bat’ha museum of Moroccan Arts. The remainder of our morning will be spent on a walking tour of the Medina (the old city), a walled city with a maze of medieval twisting alleys, blind turns, mosques, shrines, fountains, workshops, and numerous markets. We will break for lunch at a typical local Moroccan restaurant, before continuing to explore and shop, shop, shop!
We will also have the completely relaxing and renewing experience of treating ourselves to an authentic, traditional Moroccan bath called a “hamam”. Although the baths of Middle Eastern countries are famous throughout the world, Morocco is famous for its traditional and all natural products such as Rasoul and Moroccan Argan Oil. Then we will end the day at our hotel with dinner and sweet dreams of the dessert, oh and don’t forget the deserts!!
May 5, 2014
Magical Moroccan Tour: Marrakech
If you missed the first posting, click here!
July 19/20:
It’s “All Aboard the Marrakech Express!” on July 19th arriving in Marrakech the morning of the 20th. Our phenomenal Moroccan guide will be waiting for us at the airport before whisking us off to our hotel for warm welcome including Moroccan mint tea, sweets and a delightful presentation about our upcoming program for the exciting days ahead. Then we will be free to relax, get unpacked and have a nap before celebrating our first night in this incredible city with the opening festivities of the 49th International Festival of Folk Arts.
July 21: Marrakech
After breakfast, we will spend the morning with our guide exploring the majesties and wonders of Marrakech. We will being with a visit to the beautiful and historic Moorish edifice called the Menara, with its a magnificent pool surrounded by flowerbeds. The construction, built in 1866, was designed for the dignitaries, so that they could enjoy glorious sunsets with the snow-capped Atlas Mountains which provided an ethereal backdrop. The pool is also an innovative, functional irrigation system belonging to an ancient architectural style adapted to the desert lifestyle. We will visit several other impressive sights, including the Koutoubia Minaret (identical to la Giralda tower located in Sevilla, Spain), and the Saadian tombs, which demonstrate Moorish architecture at its greatest. The tombs, a collection of sixteenth century mausoleums, were hidden behind walls until their discovery in 1917. Next will be visiting the museum of Dar Si Said, featuring a very impressive display of Berber arts and crafts from all over Morocco. Next will we visit Bahia Palace, which exemplifies Moorish splendor at its finest. It is situated in the heart of the Mellah, and continues to host dignitaries to this day. The tour will end at the colorful souks (markets) of Marrakech. An hour is offered for you to mingle or take a drink at the square Jamaa El Fna before we return to the hotel before being whisked off to our second evening at the festival for more fabulous performances!
July 22, 23 and 24th: Marrakech
We will spend the next three days taking our very special and exclusive workshops with the Festival performers. These day time workshops will be held in the performers’ tents (their temporary homes for the week) and will include the Ahwash of Houwara group, the Chikhat of Al Aita Hawziyya and the every famous Guedra dancers. I will also be teaching my Body Logic magic and Egyptian oriental classes, as well as reviews of the workshops. We are also planning a session of Morocco’s own version of Egypt’s Zar ceremony. For the extra energetic and adventurous, our guides will be happy to offer us optional excursions to some of the special sites in the regions surrounding Marrakech. Our evenings with treat us to yet more amazing dancers and musicians from all corners of the country at the Festival.
July 25: Marrakech
Finally, a day off to immerse ourselves in the exotic handcrafts, artwork and riches of the endless souks of the city. Then if time permits Hadia will treat you to a review of our fabulous folklore and her orientale classes. Then we will celebrate our brief but unforgettable expérience in Marrakech with the Festival’s Grand Finale Closing Ceremony before we head over to Fez in the morning!l!
For full details, including, registration forms, dates, prices, payment options, our super interesting flight deal and deadlines for flight booking and tour payments, just click on the link below:
http://www.hadia.com/travel/morocco2014
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me directly on Facebook or drop me an email at hadia@hadia.com, or you can also reach me by phone: 902 640-2473 or 514 969-2220.
