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SPRING BREAK 2010

Program is full. CGE thanks you for your interest.

DATES: March 5 - 13, 2010*

COST: $2300; this is our lowest-priced program of the year--the cost is all-inclusive and covers roundtrip airfare from Washington DC to Casablanca, all breakfasts and dinners, and the entire week’s stay in 4 star hotels and spas.

ELIGIBILITY: This program is open to the entire Mason community (students, alumni, faculty, staff) and the greater general public.

CONTACT: Shanaz Tihal or Kevin Stoy, The Center for Global Education, 703.993.2154

CREDITS: One credit in Communications 399, History 398, or New Century Learning 395, available for an additional cost of $326

FACULTY DIRECTOR: Professor Nadia Duchelle , Department of Modern and Classical Languages, George Mason University

REGISTER ONLINE and submit the $350 non-refundable deposit by 12.4.2009 to secure your spot on the program and then pay the remaining $1950 to the Mason cash office by 12.10.2009. The CGE office can take VISA or Mastercard payments for deposits only.

ITINERARY

MARCH 5: Overnight flight from Washington DC to Casablanca. By the next day you'll be in Morocco!

MARCH 6: DAY 1, CASABLANCA
Afternoon arrival and assistance to the hotel. Dinner and free time to enjoy your first evening in Casablanca.

MARCH 7: DAY 2, CASABLANCA / RABAT
After breakfast, explore Casablanca with visits to the Central market, Habous district, Royal Palace, Mohamed V square, residential area of Anfa, and the Hassan II Mosque. Optional seafood lunch at a restaurant on the coast. Afternoon in Rabat, the capital of Morocco, including Medina with the Kasbah of the Oudayas.

MARCH 8: DAY 3, FES
After breakfast, full-day tour of the holy city of Fes, a jewel of Spanish-Arabic civilization. Opportunities to tour the Andalusia mosque, Museum of Moroccan Art, Rsif Mosque, the Medersas around the Karaouiyne Mosque, and the Kissaria -- the city's commercial center. An amazing variety of locally produced goods are on sale in this incredible maze of goods including cotton fabrics, silk, brocade work, slippers, and much more. Plenty of time for shopping in the afternoon.

MARCH 9: Day 4: FES / BENI MELLAL / MARRAKECH 
After breakfast, departure to Marrakech passing by the ski resort of Ifrane and the village of Azrou. Lunch in Beni Mellal, one of the agricultural centres of Morocco. Arrival to Marrakech in the late afternoon, check-in at the hotel in Marrakech.

MARCH 10: DAY 5, MARRAKECH
After breakfast, full-day tour of Marrakech, which includes the Menara gardens pictured below, the Koutoubia Minaret (the twin tower of la Giralda in Sevilla, Spain), the Saadian tombs, which demonstrate Moor architecture and consist of splendid mausoleums built in the sixteenth century; the museum of Dar Si Said, which has the best display of Berber arts and crafts; the remains of the Badii Palace, a historical monument chosen to host the annual National Festival of Popular Art; and the Bahia Palace, which still hosts dignitaries in the heart of the Mellah (Jewish quarter) today. Lunch at the hotel then a walk through the colorful souks of Marrakech in the afternoon. Conclude the day with a sunset beverage in a spot that overlooks Jamaa El Fna Square. Optional dinner at "Chez Ali" under Berber tents with fantasia show. Overnight stay in Marrakech.

MACH 11: DAY 6, MARRAKECH / OURIKA / MARRAKECH
Excursion to the Ourika Valley where we will visit Berber souks and Jewish Shrines. Lunch, then plenty of time in the afternoon for shopping. Return to Marrakech for dinner and overnight at the hotel.

MARCH 12: DAY 7, MARRAKECH / CASABLANCA
After breakfast at hotel, the morning will be yours to spend however you will. In the afternoon, departure to Casablanca. Dinner & overnight's stay in Casablanca.

MARCH 13: DAY 8, CASABLANCA

After breakfast at hotel transfer to Mohammed V airport for flight departure. Assistance with departure formalities.

*CGE reserves the right to make changes to a program in light of currency fluctuations, changing security and safety conditions, or any other unforeseen circumstances.