Friendship Force World Conference 2016

Jump to: Thurs 09.15. | Fri 09.16. | Sat 09.17. | Sun 09.18.

Payment and cancellation policy: Full payment is due at the time of registration. Please note that there are no refunds after July 31, 2016.

Note: Any local costs are listed in Moroccan Dirham as MAD.

Guide to Activity Levels
Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Level 4
Easy	Moderate	Active	Strenuous

FRIDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER (Afternoon Tours)

The Marrakesh That Was

Time: 1:15pm-4:45pm
Price: $35
Tour Activity Level: Level 2

Our walk takes us along labyrinthine alleyways past mosques, hammams, and carved wooden fountains with kuffic inscriptions, to the 14th century Ben Youssef Medrassa, a former Koranic school noted for its extraordinary latticework. From here we stop at the 12th century Kubba El Baroudyine with its beautiful dome, and then the 19th century Menebhi palace, owned by a Moroccan vizier. Leaving via the colorful souks, where craftsmen practice their traditional handwork, we emerge onto the famous Djemma el Fna Square to mingle with musicians, acrobats, snake charmers and story tellers.

Ziplining Over the Gorge

Time: 1:15pm-4:15pm
Price: $55
Tour Activity Level: Level 4

Just 30 minutes outside Marrakesh, touching the pristine forests of Toubkal National Park, is the Terres D'Amanar estate. If you have always wanted to zipline across a 700-foot gorge, here's your chance! The courses are gradual slopes so you'll move gently and smoothly, all the while appreciating the views that surround you. Still want more? Why not cross the Tyrol suspension bridge or tight rope bridges? Safety is paramount here, as is an unforgettable experience.

Souks and Shopping

Time: 1:15pm-4:45pm
Price: $25
Tour Activity Level: Level 1

"What an emporium: mountains of tumeric, paprika, salted almonds and dates, leather yellow slippers laid out in rows, ostrich eggs and incense, chameleons in wire cages, and beef tenderloins nestled on fragrant beds of mint..."

Marrakesh: Through Writers' Eyes

A half day guided tour through the colorful souks of Marrakesh. Divided into according to wares sold, this grand labyrinth features hand-crafted Moroccan goods such as babouche slippers, woodworks, brassworks, ironworks, bronzeworks, jewellery, kaftans, carpets, spices, pottery, and antiques.

Camel Ride

Time:1:15pm-3:45pm
Price: $55
Tour Activity Level: Level 3

'More than a working animal, the camel is a companion, a competitor in races, a source of pride, a measure of wealth, a hero in poetry'. You'll spend one hour getting to know your new long-lashed friend as you bob and sway together around a palm grove.

"On horseback you feel as if you're moving in time to classical music; a camel seems to progress to the beat of a drum played by a drunk." -Walter Moers

FRIDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER (Evening)

Evening in the Medina with Dinner

Time: 6:00pm-10:00pm
Price: $75
Activity Level: Level 1

At dusk we journey on a fleet of horse-drawn carriages to the medina and, walking in small groups, our guides teach us about the storytellers, acrobats, musicians, painters and fortune tellers we find in this carnival for the senses. Afterwards we sink into the velvet seating of the Dar Essalam restaurant, location for the 1956 Hitchcock film The man who knew too much. This 15th century palace has the opulent architecture of an ancient museum. The menu: Moroccan appetizers with kesra bread, a tagine of chicken with lemon and olives, orange slices in cinnamon and rose water, tea, coffee and water. Full tummies are guaranteed; just sit back and enjoy the bellydancers and musicians. A bus will take you back to the hotel at 10 pm, otherwise feel free to explore the medina further and return on your own by taxi.

SATURDAY, 17 SEPTEMBER

Hot Air Ballooning (2 spaces left!)

Time: 5:00am-9:00am (Note: Plenary session begins at 9:30am)
Price: $300
Tour Activity Level: Level 2

At sunrise a 35-meter balloon will carry you high over Berber villages, the grand palm grove of over 100,000 palm trees, and 800 year old, ochre-colored Marrakesh. To the north, the hills of Djebilets are clearly visible, and to the south, the majestic High Atlas Mountains. The flight lasts for approximately one hour. Upon landing, landrovers take you to a local Berber home for a typical country breakfast of homemade Berber bread with olive oil and Moroccan mint tea. You'll receive a diploma as a souvenir of your flight.

Bellydancing for Beginners Time: 8:00am-9:00am Price: This event is optional and free for all attendees. Activity Level: Level 1
	Join our professional bellydancer for an hour-long beginners’ class by the pool. For women and men, young and old, dancers and non-dancers. How to participate: Just come to the hotel swimming pool at 8:00am. Eat a light breakfast beforehand and wear cool, loose clothing.

SUNDAY, 18 SEPTEMBER

Driving and Lunch in the Atlas Mountains

Time: 12:30pm - 5:00pm
Price: $115, includes lunch
Tour Activity Level: Level 3 (mule ride); Level 2 (walking)

Your first stop in the Atlas Mountains is the beautiful Kasbah de Toubkal. Near the highest peak in North Africa, it's only 40 miles from Marrakesh but the seclusion feels complete. Leaving your jeep at the village you'll reach the Kasbah via a steep, stony, shaded hill - either on foot, or on a mule (about 15 minutes, MAD 120 payable to the mule's owner). While enjoying your lunch on the Kasbah's sunny terraces, savor your breathtaking surroundings which have often been used as a backdrop for films set in Tibet. Your menu today: a main course of veal cooked with plums and almonds or rabbit and olive tagine, both with a mixed Moroccan appetizer, fruit dessert and tea, coffee or soda. After lunch walk/ride to your jeep and enjoy a leisurely drive through the mountains and berber villages, with scenic photo stops along the way.

Gardens by Horse and Carriage

Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm
Price: $38
Tour Activity Level: Level 1

Marrakesh's three glorious gardens are the focus of this leisurely ride by horse and carriage. First the Menara Gardens, with its small Saadian pavilion mirrored in still water with the Atlas Mountains and olive groves in the background. This pavilion was used by sultans for romantic interludes. Next, we cross the Agdal Gardens and along the old city ramparts, to the lush botanical Majorelle Gardens, privately owned by Yves St. Laurent. The perfect stop for an afternoon stroll.