Allal Yamine presents: Sahara Dance Gathering
2010 Itinerary

Saturday 30-10-2010 Arrive Marakech Airport - transfer to our first hotel. In the heart of the old town, Hotel Ali is a budget hotel in a fabulous position. It overlooks the Djemaa el Fnaa, a huge square with food stalls, snake charmers, horse drawn carriages, fresh juice stalls, dancers, drummers, street entertainers. The hotel has its own bureau de change, pizzeria and restaurant. The shared rooms have their own en suite bath/shower rooms and there is a Hammam (steam room and massage parlour) in the basement. There is a rooftop terrace with a grandstand view of the square and a view of the illuminated Koutoubia mosque and the adjacent gardens. Out of respect for Islamic culture you are asked to dress modestly and cover arms, legs and breasts!
There will be a ‘welcome’ meeting at the Hotel Ali at 6.00pm.

Sunday 31st Depart 7.00 am by coach for Dar Sidi Bounou, our desert destination (visit http://darsidibounou.com . It is a 11 hours journey but we think you’d prefer to spend time in the desert rather than two days on the bus! It is a stunning journey through the High Atlas Mountains, then the Anti Atlas Mountains and finally the Palmeraie, the date palm plantation following the path of the river Draa and the Valley of the Kasbahs (castles). We will stop for comfort breaks along the way and a leisurely lunch in Ouarzazate (pronounced Waarzazat!), home of the film studios where Alexander the Great, The Sheltering Sky and many other films with desert locations were shot. Get them out on DVD to see where we’re going! We will arrive early evening for dinner. On the assumption that you will want to crash out nothing has been arranged for this evening but it will be an opportunity to get to know your fellow guests. Bring your own alcohol – we will provide bottled water with every meal. You may need to know there are cats, dogs (and sheep!) on site in case you are allergic. Some food preferences and sensitivities can be catered for. Let us know in advance.
The accommodation is in traditional Berber tents within the grounds of a traditional daub house, plus huts or Nwalas in the form of cabins.

Monday 1st November In the morning - an introduction to the Sahara Dance Gathering programme and a chance to explore the immediate vicinity and the on-site souk. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will all be provided at the guest-house throughout your stay. The food is Moroccan (i.e. Mediterranean and absolutely delicious!) In the afternoon a choice of workshops. In the evening there will be live music.

Tuesday 2nd November Dance workshops during the day ladies day with the local ladies of Sidi Bounou, trance established group, Hena, trance dance, cooking and much more this is for women only. Hilary will be there and local ladies.: folk music at night.

Wednesday 3rd November Tour of Bounou village in the morning with a visit to the Kasbah (a UNESCO World Heritage site) or a camel trip (optional extra - c£20). Workshops in the afternoon. Dinner round the fire on the dunes in the evening with a local Gnawa band and some Trance Music.

Thursday 4th November Choice of workshops during the day. In the evening a chance to show off your dance skills with a final performance!

Friday 5th November Return journey to Marakech (I promise you the view looks altogether different in reverse!). Back to Hotel Ali for a hammam (for an additional fee) and buffet dinner.

Saturday 6st November The whole day to explore Marrakech, either browsing in the medina and spending the last of your dirhams or visiting the Bahia Palace, the Saadian tombs, the Medersa (ancient and fascinating Koranic School) or a trip out to the fabulous Majorelle garden. Private, farewell dinner on the hotel terrace. there will be a visit to La Maison de la Photo, photos of Morocco between 1870 till 1950, you will love this show, prints are available to buy. Transfers to Marrakech airport for the flight home. You will have to vacate your room by 10.00am.

Sunday 7 th November Transfers to Marrakech airport for the flight home. You will have to vacate your room by 10.00am.

The time table of workshops and activities at Dar Sidi Bounou may vary.

Help will be at hand for people who choose to extend their stay to explore more of Morocco. Please don’t hesitate to ask any questions. We are here to help you get the best out of your holiday. This itinerary may be subject to change.

* Your dance and frame drum teacher is Hilary Thacker, djembe drumming lessons courtesy of Allal Yamine. Hilary loves the desert and is a world renowned professional Egyptian style belly dancer performing and teaching throughout the UK and Middle East. Participants of all levels and ability are welcome from complete beginners to advanced students who would like to widen their repertoire and become more familiar with North African rhythms.

The price of this trip is £475

What is included in the cost of the trip:

• Transfers to and from the airport in Marakech on 30th October and 6th and 7th November 2010.
• 3 nights stay (in shared room) at the Hotel Ali. Bed and Breakfast.
• Coach to and from M’hamid Dar Sidi Bounou.
• Shared (maximum of 4 sharing) accommodation in tents, all meals at M’hamid Dar Sidi Bounou are included (5 nights).
• Six - 1 ½ hour belly dance and frame drum classes with Hilary (drums will be provided).
• Three Drumming lessons (drums will be provided).
• Evening entertainment.

What is not included in the cost:

• Flights.
• Day trips from M’hamid Dar Sidi Bounou.
• Lunch and evening meals while in Marrakesh.
• Holiday insurance.

We recommend:
• You take as little luggage as possible, you will be responsible for carrying your own bags to and from the coach.
• You go prepared to relax and chill out, there are no TV’s so take a good book enjoy the atmosphere at M’hamid Dar Sidi Bounou.
• If you enjoy drinking alcohol, bring it with you.
• Take medication, for upset stomachs and travel sickness (there are no pharmacies in the dessert!).
• Take Sun tan lotion and insect repellent.
• Out of respect for Islamic culture you are asked to dress modestly and cover arms, legs and breasts!

*Single or twin accommodation may be available at an additional premium, please contact us for details.

Where possible we will try to room you with friends from your party.

Please note:
• There are flights to Marrakech from Edinburgh (Ryanair), Heathrow (Royal Air Maroc), Gatwick (Easyjet and Atlas Blue), Luton (Ryanair), and, possibly, Bristol (Ryanair). Do not book your flight until your place has been confirmed by email. The minimum number of people on the trip is 12.
• Closing date for bookings is 31st July 2010.
• £100 non-refundable deposit and final payments are to be paid by cheque to Allal Yamine who is acting as agent for the collection of payments for Sahara Dance. Deposits and balance will only be refunded if the trip is cancelled. There will be no refunds for flights or other expenses incurred. Please see details on website. By paying your deposit you will be accepting the terms and conditions of this event.
• The final balance is due by 1st September 2010