Spring Break in Morocco 2012 a prograM for k-12 educators

March 8-18, 2012

spring Break in Morocco March 8-18, 2012

The Center for Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Texas at Austin will conduct a ten-day tour of Morocco over spring break 2012 designed especially for K-12 educators.

This tour will include visits to Rabat, the contemporary sea-side capital of the Kingdom of Morocco; the imperial cities of Meknés, Fez, and Marrakech; a visit to the sand dunes of near Erfoud on the edge of the Sahara; a tour of Morocco's Hollywood, Ouarzazate; a visit to the ancient Berber fortress of Ait-Ben-Haddou; and Essaouira, the Portuguese-built fort city on the Atlantic.

You will be accompanied by an academic representative from the University of Texas, who will help you process the experience for your classroom, along with a fully qualified English speaking-guide. Space is limited, and preference will be given to those who teach world cultures, history, and geography; curriculum specialists, library/media specialists, or others in support roles for world studies teachers.

The Center for Middle Eastern Studies is a licensed provider of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) by the State Board of Educator Certification, and will award professional development hours for the program.

The per-person land cost for this program is $1,825. This includes:

• Local transportation

• Double accommodations within Morocco

• Breakfast and dinner daily

• Tour guide fees and gratuities

• Site entry fees

The fee does not include:

• Air Fare (see note)

• Passport and visa fees

• Independent travel, transportation, sightseeing or meals outside of group activities

• Spending money for souvenirs, personal purchases, telecommunications and Intetnet, etc.

• Health insurance, pre-departure check-ups and inoculations

• Travel insurance (highly recommended)

inforMation

Eligibility: ALL Participants should be educators in a K-12 institution, ideally teaching world studies or other subjects related to Morocco or North Africa (curriculum specialists, library/media specialists, and instructional aids are welcome). We cannot accept children under 18 due to insurance and liability reasons. Participants may bring a non-teaching travel companion.

Operator: This program will be operated and booked by Caravan-Serai Travel, Inc., of Seattle, Washington, under agreement with the University of Texas.

Deadlines: Reservations and a non-refundable deposit of $500 are due by December 31, with the balance due by January 8 (60 days prior to departure). Please note that we may stop taking reservations sooner if the program fills up—check the Web site or contact Christopher Rose at (512) 471-3582, csrose@austin.utexas.edu.

Deposit: Your reservation will be confirmed upon receipt of your deposit of $1,500.00.

Final Payment: The full balance is due by January 8, 2012 (60 days prior to departure).

Airfare: Group airfare will be arranged and booked by Caravan-Serai travel—according to current market rates, the fare from Houston/Dallas should be approximately $1,300 including taxes. Caravan-Serai will make reservations to/from your home airport.

Accommodations: All accommodations will be in tourist-class hotel facilities that are rated annually by the Moroccan Ministry of Tourism at 4 star or higher. Accommodations are in double (shared) rooms with private baths. (Couples traveling together are considered to be sharing accommodations, as rooms are priced per person.) Triples, quads, and adjoining rooms connected through a private door are not available.

Single supplement: Single supplements are subject to availability and may purchased for an additional $525..

Board: Breakfast and dinner will be included in each day’s program, as will two bottles of water for each person on the program. Lunch will largely be on your own; inexpensive meals can be had for between $5 and $10 per day.

TSA Secure Flight™ Under the Transportation Security Administration’s Secure Flight™ Program, we must provide passport information, date of birth, and gender of each traveler to the airline(s) operating our flights to, from, and within the United States. Further, the name on each traveler’s airline ticket must exactly match the name on his or her passport.

This information is collected on the reservation form and will be provided to the airline at the time of booking

provided that you have given it to us. If you have not yet received your passport, please provide us the pertinent information as soon as possible. We must provide this information to the airline at least 48 hours prior to departure or your reservation will be cancelled. Failure to provide the required information before the 48 hour deadline or to obtain a passport in a timely manner can jeopardize your participation in the program, and will not result a waiver of cancellation fees.

Proof of Citizenship: This tour requires a current passport. The Kingdom of Morocco requires that your passport be valid for 6 months after the tour return date.

Entry Visa: No visa is required for U.S. citizens to enter Morocco.

Non-U.S. citizens are responsible for determining the appropriate entry requirements of the Kingdom of Morocco by contacting the nearest Moroccan Consular office, and for obtaining a visa in advance if it is required of your nationality. Non-citizens are also solely responsible for making sure that they have the appropriate documentation and clearance to re-enter the United States at the conclusion of the program, as well as any countries that we may transit en route to Morocco. The University of Texas and its agents cannot assist non-citizens with re-entry clearance or procedures.

Sample Schedule

Thurs, March 8, 2012

Departure via overnight flight to Casablanca.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Arrive in Casablanca in early afternoon. Board the bus for a tour of Casablanca. See the impressive Hassan II Mosque and stroll along the Ain Diab corniche. We then depart for Rabat (about an hour’s drive from Casa) for dinner and overnight.

Saturday, March 10, 2012

After breakfast, we will briefly tour Rabat, Morocco’s capital, before departing for fabled Fés (Fez), the oldest of the Imperial Cities, known for its spiritual and educational contributions to Moroccan culture.

En-route, we will stop at the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the sacred shrine town of Moulay Idriss for lunch. We will continue on to Meknés, “The Moroccan Versailles,” which was founded at the end of the 17th century by Moulay Ismail. Arrive for dinner and overnight in Fes. Accommodation in Fes will be in a riad, a traditional Moroccan courtyard house.

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Spend the day exploring Fes including the medieval medina, where the craftsmen still work in their age-old traditions. Dinner and overnight in Fes.

Monday, March 12, 2012

After an early breakfast depart for Erfoud. Along the way, we will climb into the Atlas mountains to Ifrane, a ski resort also known for Al-Akhawayn University, one of Morocco’s leading research institutions. We will stop at Azrou, a Berber village known for its handicraft cooperative. Continue on to Midelt and the Ziz River valley through fortified villages and on to Erfoud for dinner and overnight. After arriving in Erfoud, an excursion by Land Rover to the Merzouga Dunes at the edge of the Sahara for sunset.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

After breakfast depart for Ouarzazate. Along the way visit the ruins of Ksar Abbar. The road to Ouarzazate passes through Tenghir and the Toda Gorges, sheer walled canyons carved into the mountains. Pass through the Dades Valley and visit Al Kala’a M’Gouna. Dinner and overnight in Ouarzazate.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

After breakfast spend some time exploring Ouarzazate, Morocco’s Hollywood, before departing for Marrakesh. Visit the kasbahs of Tifoutout and Taorirt, then on to Ain Ben Haddou, another majestic kasbah, nestled in the midst of a forest of almond trees. Continue on through the Tiz-In-Tichka Pass at 2260 meters, enjoying spectacular mountain scenery and views of the valleys below. Arrive in Marrakesh for dinner and overnight.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

The day is devoted to exploring Marrakesh, the “Pearl of the South.” Marrakesh was founded in the 11th Century by the Almoravides. Stops may include the Koutoubia Minaret, the Saadien Tombs ~ a 14th Century necropolis, the Dar Si Said Museum, Agdal and Menara gardens, Bahia and Bedii places and the tanners square. Continue on to the souks with their narrow paths known for their fascinating colors, and the Djemaa El Fna, filled with fascinating characters, fire eaters, teeth pullers, fortune tellers, spice, nuts, and incense merchants, story tellers, snake charmers, and tame monkeys, to name a few! Dinner and overnight in Marrakesh. Accommodation in Marrakesh will be in a riad, a traditional courtyard house.

Friday, March 16, 2012

After breakfast depart for Essaouira on the Atlantic coast. Stop along the way at Magador and Chichaoua. Essaouira is an excellent example of a Portuguese port and is an exotic blending of Moorish and Portuguese art and architecture. Traders and artists have gathered here since the 18th century. Dinner and overnight in Essaouira.

Saturday, March 17, 2012

After breakfast depart for Casablanca. Stop along the way at El Jadida, another former Portuguese stronghold with a spectacular 1100 square meter underground reservoir, for a tour before continuing on to Casablanca. Dinner and overnight in Casablanca.

Sunday, March 18, 2012

After breakfast, we head to the airport for our flight home.

Note: this schedule should not be considered definitive.

Caravan-Serai Tours TERMS & CONDITIONS

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General Terms & Conditions The bookings and travel arrangements made by Caravan-Serai, Inc. are in consideration of the mutual promises contained in these terms and conditions, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt, adequacy and sufficiency is hereby acknowledged by the parties, the parties further agree as follows: Prices All prices are per person and based double occupancy accommodations as noted per itinerary, English-speaking qualified guides and lecturers, air-conditioned transportation (car or bus) and transfers, meals as described in itineraries, and baggage handling. Prices, unless otherwise stated for the specific tour, do not include passport and visa fees, gratuities, laundry, all drinks except those served with meals, room service, phone calls, telexes, faxes, excess luggage. All tour-specific inclusions and exclusions are listed for each tour. Payment Conditions, Cancellation, Delays and Refunds Cancellation by Client A non-refundable deposit of $500USD is required when reservations are made. Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure. Cancellation: Must be made in writing. Deposit towards booking constitutes full knowledge and acceptance of our cancellation policy. Cancellation must be received in writing, along with all travel documents, before it will be processed. Regardless of the cause, the following terms will apply upon cancellation.

Deposit is non-refundable 45 - 59 days before departure: Caravan-Serai will refund 50% of tour price refunded. 20-44 days prior to departure: Caravan-Serai will refund 25% of tour price refunded. 19 days or less prior to departure: Caravan-Serai will not refund any part of the tour.

Cancellation or Changes by Caravan-Serai Caravan Serai Inc. reserves the right to cancel or postpone the tour prior to departure for any reason including insufficient number of participants. Caravan Serai Inc. has the right to substitute or change the tour.

Caravan-Serai Tours TERMS & CONDITIONS

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In the event that the tour is cancelled due to circumstances beyond the control of Caravan-Serai or due to Force Majeure, Caravan-Serai is not liable for any loss to the client. Please see the following clauses on Circumstances Beyond Our Control and Force Majeure. Circumstances Beyond Our Control: Every effort will be made by Caravan-Serai Tours and its agents and staff to execute our itineraries as outlined. Caravan-Serai Tours and its agents cannot be held responsible for changes made necessary by circumstances beyond our control. In addition, we reserve the right to make any alterations, additions, or omissions in the program when in our opinion they are necessary for the comfort and well being of the group. Pace: Many of our programs (particularly the Yemen, Levantine, and Iran programs) require participants to be able to stand for extended periods, walk reasonable distances on uneven ground, climb into small tombs and around ruins, and climb on and off buses without difficulty. We reserve the right to return any client deemed to be a hindrance to the well being of the group (for physical or mental reasons) back to their country of origin at their own expense. Caravan-Serai Tours will only take this step after careful consideration, discussion, and mutual agreement. Baggage Baggage allowances and fees vary from airline to airline. Please refer to the rules of the airline you are traveling on for their specific guidelines. Single Supplement Varies per tour, please contact our office for rates. If you register as a single and wish to have a roommate, we will make every effort to pair you with another single traveler, however this is not guaranteed. We must collect the single supplement with final payment. Should you be paired with another traveler, we will refund the full amount of the supplement upon confirmation of the other traveler. Insurance We highly recommend you purchase trip cancellation and interruption travel insurance through your local travel agent. Failure to buy trip insurance waives all liability of Caravan-Serai for damages to the client that would have been covered by travel insurance. In the event that Caravan-Serai makes a refund for any reason for damages covered under an insurance policy, the holder of the insurance policy hereby agrees to assign all insurance claims to Caravan-Serai or their appointed representative. Client agrees to assist Caravan-Serai or their appointed representative in all claims against the insurance company, including, but not limited to: signing an assignment of claim, depositions, correspondence by mail and phone, appearance at court hearings, etc. Caravan-Serai, Inc. Responsibility In the event of any breach of these terms by Caravan-Serai, Inc., Customer's damages shall be limited to the total price Customer paid for tour. In no event shall Caravan-Serai, Inc. be liable for any incidental, contingent, or consequential damages. The making and acceptance of final payment shall constitute a waiver of any and all claims, known or unknown, liquidated or contingent, by the Customer against by Caravan-Serai, Inc.

Caravan-Serai Tours TERMS & CONDITIONS

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The parties agree that under no circumstances shall Caravan-Serai, Inc. be responsible for any liability, loss, or damage, caused by the Customer, airline, hotel or other accommodations, convenyancing, or any third party, whether or not contracted with by Caravan-Serai, Inc. CARAVAN-SERAI, INC. MAKES NO EXPRESS WARRANTIES HEREIN. ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND ALL OTHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE EXCLUDED. Force Majeure Caravan-Serai, Inc. shall not be responsible for errors, delays, failures, or omissions, under this Agreement due to any cause beyond its control, including but not limited to, employee, subcontractor acts and/or omissions, labor disturbances, riots, fires, earthquakes, floods, storms, lightning, epidemics, war, disorders, hostilities, expropriation or confiscation of properties, failure of and delays of carriers, interference by civil or military authorities, acts of God, perils of the sea and the like. Entire Understanding, Choice of Law This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties hereto (final and integrated) with respect to the subject matter hereof and the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement supersedes all prior and concurrent oral statements and representations and is the final and integrated intent of the parties. This Agreement may not be changed orally but only by an agreement in writing signed by the party against whom enforcement of any waiver, change, modification, extension or discharge is sought. This Agreement shall be interpreted and enforced in accordance with the substantive and procedural laws of the State of Washington. If there is a determination by a court of competent jurisdiction that one or more of the Agreement clauses are found to unenforceable, illegal, or contrary to public policy, the Agreement will remain in full force and effect except for the clauses found to be unenforceable. Waiver, Jurisdiction, Attorney’s Fees No act, omission or delay by Caravan-Serai, Inc. in enforcing any right under this Agreement shall waive any right under or breach of this Agreement by the Customer. Caravan-Serai, Inc.'s waiver of a breach of any provision of this Agreement with respect to the Customer shall not operate or become construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach by the Customer. Any and all claims by Customer against Caravan-Serai, Inc. shall be brought within two (2) years from the date of the occurrence or the date by which Caravan-Serai, Inc. completed its services, whichever is earlier. For any controversy or claim arising out of, or relating to this Agreement, or its breach, all parties shall submit and not object to jurisdiction and venue in the King County Superior Court, State of Washington, Seattle Case Assignment Area. The parties agree to waive the rule of construction, which construes the Agreement against the drafter thereof. Should it be necessary for Caravan-Serai, Inc. to contact an attorney to enforce the terms of this Agreement, Caravan-Serai, Inc. shall be entitled to attorneys' fees and costs (including the fees and expenses of expert and fact witnesses) reasonably incurred or made by the Caravan-Serai, Inc. in its collection efforts prior to suit, preparing for suit, during suit, on appeal, on petition for review, and in enforcing any judgment or award, from the party or parties who do not substantially prevail. Customer shall also be responsible for any of Caravan-Serai, Inc.’s costs in sending Customer to collection.

Caravan-Serai Tours TERMS & CONDITIONS

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Control The terms contained herein shall take precedence over any inconsistent or contradictory terms contained in any proposal, Invoice, purchase order or other document regarding Caravan-Serai, Inc.’s services. All terms and conditions of this Agreement shall survive the completion of Caravan-Serai, Inc.’s services to Customer and/or any termination of the parties’ relationship. I have read and agree to these terms and conditions. Signature of traveler 1 Date Signature of traveler 2 Date Tour Name and trip date Please note that your registration is not confirmed until we receive a signed copy of these Terms & Conditions.

Spring Break in Morocco A 10–day study tour of Morocco for K–12 Educators

An outreach project of the Center for Middle Eastern Studiesat the University of Texas at Austin

Deposits are due by December 16, 2011

Section A. Participant Data (please complete Section A and B and the checklist; non-teaching companions complete only Section A and the checklist).

1. Title: Mr. Ms. Mrs. Dr.

2. Name as it appears on your passport:

3. Nickname or name you commonly use, if different:

4. Home address:

5. Home phone:

6. E-mail:(Primary communication will be through e-mail)

7. Cellular/Mobile telephone number:

8. Are you a citizen or permanent resident of the United States? Yes No

I do not currently have a valid passport.

9. Preferred Airport of Departure:

10. Passport number (and issuing country if non-US):

11. Date of issue: 12. Date of Expiry:

13. Place of issue:

14. Date of Birth (needed for TSA Secure Flight™):

15. Preferred Roommate (if you have one):

Please check here if you are interested in purchasing a single supplement ($525). Please note that unpairedtravelers will be charged the single supplement (see Terms and Conditions).

16. Name of School/Institution:

17. Position Title:

18. School/Institution Address:

19. Work telephone:

20. Work fax:

21. Current grades/subjects taught (also include grades/subject you will teach next year if they will differ):

Section B: Professional Data

ChecklistA deposit of $500 will confirm your place in the program, and is due by December 16, 2011. The balance will be due January 8, 2012.

I have enclosed: $500 deposit

Other amount: _______

The full balance of $1,825 (please do not include airfare until rates are confirmed.)

Enclosed is a check made payable to Caravan-Serai Travel

Please charge my credit card (American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa) for the amount indicated above.

Name on Credit Card:

Credit Card Number:

Expiration Date:

Billing Zip Code:

My signature below verifies that I understand the costs and payment schedule:Signature:

Submit to:Christopher Rose, Outreach Director

Center for Middle Eastern StudiesThe University of Texas at Austin

1 University Station F9400 (WMB 6.102)Austin, TX 78712-0527

csrose@austin.utexas.edu(512) 471-3582