OPM 30 Reunion Schedule
Day 1
Sunday, April 23
Arrival & Welcome
Arrive in Marrakech and enjoy a VIP pickup and transfer from the airport to the 5-star Sofitel Marrakech Palais Impérial. Over the next few days, you will truly experience the “imperial” treatment at the Sofitel through a combination or luxury amenities, Moorish architecture, and French hospitality… all situated minutes from the heart of Marrakech and the world-famous Jemaa el-Fna Square.
Check in at the private hospitality desk and get settled in before reuniting with your classmates for a private Welcome Reception in the gardens of the hotel. Indulge in the Moroccan Canapés and meet some special guests, including local dignitaries and expert resources, who will open the doors and provide the unique behind-the-scenes access of Marrakech in the days to come.
A one-hour, expert-led learning session that dives deep into the history and culture of Morocco will provide invaluable context for the once-in-a-lifetime experiences that lie ahead.
Enjoy an exclusive dinner and after-hours drink with your classmates at one of the Sofitel’s gourmet restaurants and bars, before turning-in for a restful night’s sleep.
Day 2
Monday, April 24
Discover Marrakech
Kick-off the morning with an elaborate breakfast in the gardens of Marrakech before you set out to explore the city with all its flairs and flavors.
Horse carriages await you outside the hotel to take you around the city, where you’ll witness the hustle and bustle of Moroccan lifestyle and culture. Disembark in the heart of Jemaa el-Fna Square where entertainers of all kinds – from snake charmers to Royal jugglers – welcome your arrival.
Your tour through the old town will not only take you to the Bazaar but provide an exclusive backstage look into how the tastes and flavors of Morocco are produced. Enjoy private presentations from the owners responsible for some of the finest spices, fragrances, and culinary delicacies in Morocco - from the production of argan oil to the creation of incenses.
The tour ends with an authentic lunch experience in the old town, with the best tastes Morocco has to offer.
In the late afternoon you have some time to explore for yourself before departing for a surprise dinner hosted by your fellow OPMers, Pierre-Yves and Chantal, at their tranquil farm residence.
Day 3
Tuesday, April 25
Atlas Mountains Escape
Today the natural beauty of the Atlas Mountain range, that has served as the backdrop of your travels, will be the focus of the day’s adventures. Set out in luxury SUVs and dive into the unspoiled nature, as you visit the hidden places in the mountains where the indigenous Berber-families still perform their artistic and handcraft skills. You will be welcomed with open arms by the Berber village with celebrations in your honor - dancing, singing, performances and true Moroccan hospitality – which is at the core of Berber tribes.
After some mingling with locals, tea and culinary tastings, you will continue through the impressive landscapes to the hidden places waiting to be discovered. Visits to ancient Kasbahs (old fortifications) and the hidden Oasis, with its vibrant greenery, highlights your trip through the Atlas Mountains.
Upon returning to Marrakech, you’ll get a special look behind the walls of some unique Moroccan Riads. The beauty of these homes is revealed beyond the entrance gates, with their traditional open areas in the center of the house, and the amazing water features.
In smaller groups, you will experience a Dine Around evening in the old town with lots of culinary highlights, intimate conversations, and musical entertainment - an evening for all the senses. Visit one of the hip bars in the city that will surely provide a different perspective of the Royal city of Marrakech – little Paris in Morocco!
Day 4
Wednesday, April 26
Marrakech À-La-Carte
Marrakech has so much to offer, so today you’ll be allowed to select the experience that intrigues you the most. Choose from a selection of unique experiences and create your own once-in-a-lifetime memories:
The Garden Architecture in the Islamic World
A backstage dive into the Gardens of Yves Saint Laurent and André Heller - 2 artists with 2 concepts, each offering a distinct experience. Visit with experts that take you behind-the-scenes and show you the world of horticulture like you’ve never seen before. Your visit culminates with a lunch served in one of Marrakech’s most iconic gardens.
Sunrise over the Dessert
Depart early in the morning for the dessert on the outskirts of the city where you’ll find not only a beautiful sunrise but the scenes of your vibrantly colored hot air balloons slowly inflating. Hop aboard one of the balloons with your fellow OPMers for a surreal ride overlooking the majesty of the city, mountains, and desert. Once landed a Champagne breakfast in the desert awaits, with all the delicacies you could ask for - an experience for all of your senses.
The Hammam Experience
The Arabic word hammam means 'spreader of warmth'. On the one hand, you can interpret it literally as hammams consist of different steam rooms and spread a lot of warmth. But they spread warmth also in a metaphorical sense: Moroccan people go to the hammam to catch up with friends, socialize, make business or even arrange marriages.
Going to the hammam is a very important ritual in the Muslim culture: The bathing and cleansing is an integral part of a Muslim's life, also because water is considered sacred in the Islam. And this is what you will experience today – a dive into the authentic Islamic culture with warmth and treatments followed by a cleansing lunch.
Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your disposal before being picked up for the most extravagant dinner event Morocco has to offer…
Day 4 (cont.)
Wednesday, April 26
A Royal Night in the Desert
Take a ride into the dessert where you will stop at a place where there is nothing but the sand dunes, enlightened torches and a red carpet. Camels are ready for you to ride into the desert to the tent in the distance where lights and candles illuminate the area. Arrive at the red carpet that finally guides your way into the Royal Tent Village that has been set up exclusively for you.
Grab a drink and sit down on the cushions where you are being offered Moroccan sweets and tea. Musicians are playing in the background and jugglers and acrobats will entertain you like Royalty has been entertained for centuries. It is one of the Arabian Nights that will be remembered for a lifetime with fire artists, open fire cooking and the stars in the sky creating an experience you’ll never forget.
Day 5
Thursday, April 27
Goodbye for now!
Departure Day or set out on the Post-Trip!