Continuing Legal Education Conference and Retreat

October 5 to October 10, 2023 

Marrakech, Morocco 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conference Accommodations:  Marrakech Naoura Barriere 5* or Similar 5 Nights

 

Program A Itinerary: Marrakech 

 

10/5/2023 to 10/10/2023 

 

Marrakech with included City Tour on October 7, 2023 and optional tours for an additional cost on October 8^th & 9^th

Return to USA from Marrakech on October 10, 2022

 

05OCT2023    ARRIVE IN MARRAKECH, MOROCCO                                                                                              

Upon arrival in Marrakech Airport, please proceed through customs and immigration formalities. Our representative will meet you outside the Arrival Terminal with a sign with “GABWA “ 
We transfer to your hotel to rest. GABWA Welcome Cocktail Reception of Moroccan pastries and drinks upon group’s arrival. After check in at the hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure or review GABWA CLE CONFERENCE AGENDA   Overnight at the hotel.
Accommodation: Marrakech Naoura Barriere 5* or similar (5 Nights)  

 

06OCT2023    MARRAKECH                                                                                                                             (Breakfast/Lunch)     

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Meetings at Hotel for Continuing Legal Education Credits. 

Morning and afternoon coffee break

Lunch with soft drinks

UPDATE: Optional Cooking Class and Dinner Event in Marrakech for ALL attendees Available: Details available Mid-August.

 

07OCT2023    MARRAKECH CITY TOUR   Included                                                                                    

After breakfast, you will enjoy a full guided tour of Marrakech for Program.

 

We start tour in the Medina, the old walled section of town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This thousand-year-old city was long a political, economic, and cultural center. Marvel at its architectural jewels, including the soaring Koutoubia minaret. 

 

 

We continue to the Bahia Palace, and discover the intricate work done by the local artisans to decorate this splendid home built by a powerful Vizir for his Harem. The building includes one hundred and fifty rooms, countless courtyards and interior gardens, a veritable labyrinth of corridors, a Koranic school, hammams, a harem, stables. From there we will start exploring artisan quarters and the colorful Souks to interact with the real life of Marrakech people. Visit of the Saadian Tombs that are enriched by an opulent bounty of marble.

Continue to Dar El Bacha Museum, built in 1910 and was the residence of Thami El Glaoui, named Pasha of Marrakech by Sultan Moulay Youssef en 1912. It is one of the medina's finest examples of Riad architecture, dripping with Moroccan Zellige (colorful geometric tilework), intricate white plasterwork and heavy carved cedar-wood lintels. 

Then continue to the beautiful Jardin Majorelle; Yves Saint Laurent gifted the Jardin Majorelle to Marrakesh, the city that adopted him in 1966. Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé bought the electric-blue villa and its garden to preserve the vision of its original owner, landscape painter Jacques Majorelle, and keep it open to the public. The garden began cultivating in 1924 and thanks to Marrakshi ethnobotanist Abderrazak Benchaâbane, the psychedelic desert mirage of 300 plants species from five continents continues to be preserved. The garden is also home to the Berber Museum, which houses a small but spectacular collection of authentic Moroccan garments, weapons and jewelry, dating to the 19th century and before. The craftsmanship and artistry, particularly of the women's dresses, had surely not been lost on Yves Saint Laurent, who arranged to have his ashes scattered in the garden, where a small monument marks his passing.

 

Late in the afternoon, we will be strolling in the square of which the city is so famed, Jemaa El Fna,where hundreds of locals and tourists come to spend the end of the day watching jugglers, dancers, fortune tellers, story tellers and traditional musicians. 

 After the tour, back to your hotel to freshen up and get ready for a group dinner at a local restaurant. 

 

 

08OCT2023    MARRAKECH  :       Breakfast at the hotel. Day at leisure or you may want to sign in for one of the following activities: 

 

Option 1: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon (near Marrakech): 5AM to 10:30AM.    $350 Per Person  

 

 

Float above Morocco’s countryside and enjoy aerial views of the Atlas Mountains on a sunrise hot air balloon flight. Your activity starts with a 4x4 pick up from your hotel/riad ~1-hour before sunrise.

After about a 40-minute drive from Marrakech, you’ll arrive at the airfield where Moroccan tea will be served. You will see the preparation of the balloons flying that morning for about 20 minutes.

All balloons are green and red, the colors of Morocco flag. You’ll board and take off after receiving a short security briefing. First part of the flight is in high altitude to admire the region in its entirety:

Jebilet Mountains, Marrakech, and the Atlas Mountains. Second part of the flight is at low altitude over typical villages where you’ll see valleys, farms, kids going to school, etc. After a 1-hour flight,

you’ll be driven through the Moroccan bush in a kaidal tent where a typical Berber breakfast will be served. Expect to return to your hotel/riad or join your group at ~10-10:30AM.

Note: The activity will be confirmed the previous due day depending on weather forecast. Pickup time from hotel/riad is confirmed the day before the flight as well. Pickup is usually set up 1:15-hour

before sunrise. All flight times are approximate and subject to change due to weather conditions and weight restrictions.

 

Option 2: Camel Ride in the Palm Grove of Marrakech.  + $95 Per Person   1/2 Day 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After being picked up at your Marrakech hotel/riad, you’ll head to the Palmeraie, a picturesque palm grove on the fringes of the city, for a scenic camel ride experience. Meet your camel and learn how these hardy desert animals have been used for transportation for centuries, thanks to their ability to travel long distances without water. After a safety briefing, wear your Nomad Dress with the shesh (turban) and climb up on the back of the camel. Enjoy and relax as you go through the verdant grove. After a 30-min. ride, stop and enjoy a snack with mint tea under a Berber tent. While you continue your ride, grab your camera to take some photos of the beautiful sunset as the sky changes colors through the trees. When your ride is complete, you’ll be transported back to your hotel/riad in Marrakech.

 

 

09OCT2023    MARRAKECH   : Breakfast at the hotel. Day at leisure or you may want to sign in for one of the following activities:

Option 1: Excursion in the Atlas Mountains (Imlil Valley). + $150    Full Day 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After breakfast, enjoy a rich program in Amazigh (Berber) landscapes. The full day excursion covers the High Atlas Mountains and two valleys. Start with the Ourika valley, which is one of the most beautiful valleys in Morocco. Ourika is about 1-hour drive from Marrakech and is famous for its waterfalls (it takes 90-min. hard trekking to get to the waterfalls). On the way, you’ll visit a run-by-women cooperative that extract the Argan oil, unique to Morocco. Taking a secluded mountain road standing at 1,800 meters above sea level, you will pass through traditional Amazigh villages built from adobe and stones. Continue your day trip to the valley of Imlil, famous for its fruit trees (apples, walnuts, almonds, peaches, etc.). In Imlil, enjoy a typical lunch with a local family encircled with the snowy summits of the High Atlas Mountains. After lunch, cross the Kik plateau and get to the Takerkouste Lake used as Atlas Mountains water reservoir and as a generator of hydraulic power. Complete your exciting day trip with a drive back to your hotel/riad.

 

Option 2: Traditional Hammam and Massage. + $150 Per Person   3 to 4 Hours 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The hammam is a must-do activity in Morocco. Historically, the hammam was a public bathhouse for locals to clean off the dirt and grime invariably accumulated after traveling through the desert. Today, the hammam still serves this purpose for the locals, and also became popular as a therapy, a method of cleansing, and a place of relaxation. In the hammam, you’ll be submerged by a complete relaxation experience within an authentic oriental décor where you’ll be listening to your own body in an atmosphere filled with water, oils, essences and perfumes. Enjoy a 30-min. scrub with black soap or soothing spices eliminating toxins from your body. After Hammam, sway to the massage room where you will experience a 30-min. traditional Moroccan massage to eliminate tensions and gain energy and vitality.

 

 

Option 3: Cooking Class at The Bennounas Farm (Ourika Valley, near Marrakech).  +185 Per Person   4PM until after Dinner 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At 4PM, you’ll be picked up for a unique gastronomic experience, 20-min. drive from Marrakech. The cooking class is taking place on the terrasse of the villa in a spectacular décor with the Atlas Mountains in the background. The New York Times 3-stars Executive Chef will unlock the secrets of the Moroccan recipes he has mastered over the years. You’ll leave with an inside perspective on one of the world’s most highly cherished cuisines. Dinner with the Chef (cooked class food will be served). This activity includes a welcome drink and a brief introduction to the property with picking fresh produces from the garden if season permits; a traditional tea session, bread making and spices demonstrations; and the preparation of a 3-course meal (appetizer, traditional Moroccan dish, and dessert).

 

10OCT2023    MARRAKECH     DEPARTURES  After breakfast at hotel. We check out of the hotel and by private transfer from the hotel to the Airport to take your flight back home. 

 

Program A Pricing

Group Rates are based on a minimum of 44 Travelers

$2,650 Per Person based on Double occupancy

$3760  Per Person based on Single occupancy  

 

Plus;  The cost for  your selection (s) for the October 8th, 9th 

 

What’s Included in Program A Pricing 

• First 5 Star Hotel Accommodations as per itinerary 
• All Group Transfers and Transportation by private coach (Any Individual travelling outside of the group’s arrangement transportation will be arranged separately) 
• Local English-Speaking Guide
• Arrival Meet & Greet assistance; Departure Assistance
• Full Day Marrakech City Tour Sightseeing and admissions as per itinerary
• Meals as Indicated on the itinerary as included

 

Exclusions in Above Prices

 

• All Airfare, departure taxes and fuel surcharge, seat selection
• Personal Items
• Optional Tours
• Meals unless listed on itinerary
• Tips and Gratuities
• Early check- in and late check out of rooms
• Travel Insurance
• Increased Local Taxes
• Visa/Passport Handling Fees

 

 

Program A and Program B 

 

ROUTING 1:             ATL – CDG – RAK – CDG – ATL.    

 

AIRFARE:                    Economy Class Main Cabin Total:  $2037 (Holding 25 SEATS)

                                    Includes Taxes. $481.00 pp (Subject to change until tickets are issued)

 

 

                                    Premium Economy Total: $3,010 ( Holding 11 SEATS)

                                    Includes Taxes of USD  $481.00 pp (Subject to change until tickets are issued)

 

Itinerary 

1  DL 082   04OCT 3 ATLCDG 1600 0610  05OCT  

2  AF1276  05OCT 4 CDGRAK 0720 0940  05OCT  

3  AF1777  10OCT 2*RAKCDG 0620 1045  10OCT  

4  AF 688   10OCT 2*CDGATL 1400 1720  10OCT  

 

ATL = HARTSFIELD-JACKSON INT ATLANTA, GEORGIA

CGD = CHARLES DE GAULLE, PARIS

RAK = MENARA MARRAKECH, MOROCCO

 

 

Program C and Program D /(11 October) 

 

ROUTING 2:             ATL – CDG – RAK /– CMN - CDG - ATL

 

AIRFARE:                    Economy Class Main Cabin Total $1850  (Holding 12 SEATS)

                                    Includes Taxes $492.00 pp (Subject to change until tickets are issued)

 

Itinerary 

  1  DL 082  04OCT 3 ATLCDG 1600 0610  05OCT  

  2  AF1276  05OCT 4 CDGRAK 0720 0940  05OCT  

  3  AF1497  10OCT 2*CMNCDG 0730 1135  10OCT 

  4  AF 688  10OCT 2*CDGATL 1400 1720  10OCT

 

ATL = HARTSFIELD-JACKSON INT ATLANTA, GEORGIA

CGD = CHARLES DE GAULLE, PARIS

RAK = MENARA MARRAKECH, MOROCCO

CMN = MOHAMMED CASABLANCA, MOROCCO

 

 

• Based on Delta and Air France routings and schedules
• Taxes and fuel surcharges are subject to change and are not guaranteed until tickets are issued and will be re-quoted at time of final invoicing.
• All international and domestic fares are subject to change with confirmation of flights
• Seat deposits and airfare guarantees will be applicable.
• Deposit Due Date: 27FEB2023. 

$100 per Economy Class seat; $200 per Premium Economy Class seat; 

If the deposit is not received by 27FEB2023 seats will be released without notification

 

• Last day to cancel/reduce air seats without penalty: 25MAY2023
• From 26MAY2023, Partial cancellation, penalty of 150 USD for Economy and USD250 for Premium Economy and 500 USD for business per cancelled seat.

 

• Utilization requirement: 100%

 

• Specialty Fare Programs Update: Adjustments to SkyMiles Mileage Accrual

Effective for tickets issued on or after September 1, 2012, Delta will adjust its policy for SkyMiles mileage accrual earned on select unpublished Specialty fares. For more details regarding these changes, please copy the link

http://www.delta.com/skymiles/ways_to_get_miles/unpublished/index.jsp into your web browser.

• Group tickets are not eligible for upgrades.
• After ticket issue: tickets are non-refundable.

 

Note that name corrections are NOT permitted once the e-ticket has been issued.  Where the name has been misspelled, the reservation must be cancelled, and a new booking made in the correct name at same or higher fare for the same dates/itinerary and a new ticket issued.   

 

 

 

 

 

SmartBird World Travel 

955 Memorial Drive SE, Suite 532 

(Located at Madison Yards/Reynolds town)

Atlanta, Georgia 30316 

888.959.8996 | 404.480.4408 

www.sbworldtravel.com

 Office Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10AM to 7PM.; Sunday and Monday By Appointment

 

SmartBird World Travel | SB World Luxe Travel is the exclusive travel partner for the GABWA Educational Conference and Retreat to Morocco. Our advisors are available to assist the group collectively and individually with travel related issues and requests. 

 

SB World Luxe Travel is a boutique retail storefront agency of professional travel designers curating culturally immersive experiences for individuals, groups and corporate/organizational retreats and conferences. Luxury Lifestyle and Celebrity Travel Concierge Services. Polar Regions, Oceania, Africa, Asia, Middle East and Europe.  The agency is IATA Accredited, Members of ASTA and SITE. 

 

READY TO SECURE YOUR SPACE:  Register Below  and Deposit Today . Contact Debra H Brown with Questions or for Assistance. m.404.316.6170 or m.404.314.1249

 

Debra H Brown, President & Luxury Travel Designer 

Northstar Media/Travel Weekly Global Travel Marketplace  Advisory Board Member

Connections Luxury Leader

Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Board of Advisors 

 

 

TERMS & CONDITIONS FOR GABWA and SB WORLD TRAVEL & CRUISES LLC

 

 

DEPOSIT & FINAL PAYMENT:

                   

            INDIVIDUAL DEPOSIT/PLAN TO GO: 

To secure individual reservations within the group’s land allocation a non-refundable deposit of $450 is due per person. This amount is deducted from the final invoice. If the individual cancels, the deposit is converted to a administrative fee and retained by SmartBird World Travel. 

 

            Prices cannot be confirmed until all land and/or air arrangements have been booked as per the group’s final itinerary.

 

            ADDITIONAL DEPOSIT:

At times, additional deposits may be required for your arrangements and at times, this information may be advised after initial quote or confirmation. If applicable, we will advise you as soon as we are made aware of this by the supplier. 

 

• AIR DEPOSITS:

XXX AIRLINES

            MANDATORY SEAT DEPOSIT/AIRFARE GUARANTEE:     USD$ 100.00 PER CONFIRMED SEAT IN GENERAL

            Due within 14 days of flight confirmations

         

• DEPOSIT PAYMENTS:

All deposit payments, for land and/or air must be made via check or credit card only / Group leader/organization check or credit card only.

 

• FINAL PAYMENT AND DOCUMENT ISSUANCE:

            Final payment and valid passport copies* are due no later than 90 days prior to departure. For payments within 90 days of departure or if air tickets and documents need to be issued immediately after payment, a certified cheque, bank draft or wire transfer must be received. Normally air tickets and travel documents are sent out 30 days prior to departure.  

 

            The above are our normal final payment terms; however, certain arrangements may require the balance of payment earlier. 

 

Important: * These are required as per TSA requirements. Tickets cannot be issued without this information. 

 

CANCELLATION:

 

              I.         AIR:

         XXX Airlines Penalties

         101 days or more prior to departure             No penalty, less a $250 airline admin fee

         100 days or less prior to departure               100% penalty of deposit

 

Fully paid & Ticketed Files: As per airline rules. Full details will be advised upon confirmation of the flights and the written contract is received from the airline.

 

 

            II.   LAND ARRANGEMENTS: 

         General Group Land penalties*

         More than 91 days prior to departure                     loss of non-refundable deposits 

            Between 90-61 Days prior to departure                            75% of net tour price

         60 days or less prior to departure                           100% non-refundable

Important Note: Cancellation penalties for some travel arrangements may differ from our general conditions. In this occurrence, you will be advised of these addendums at the time of confirmation or prior to any penalties becoming applicable and as soon as we are notified of these special conditions. 

 

INSURANCE:

 

It is strongly recommended that clients purchase cancellation insurance to protect themselves against cancellation due to illness prior to or during travel. In the event a traveller becoming ill during a tour and has not purchased insurance, all hospital and medical expenses are the traveller's responsibility. Based on current cancellation policies the passenger may incur up to 100% cancellation penalties and should protect themselves with cancellation insurance.

 

Travel Insured Link for Purchase of Travel Insurance. 

 

http://www.travelinsured.com/agency?agency=53941

 

PASSPORT & VISA INFORMATION*:

 

Please ensure clients have arranged all documentation with the appropriate consulate well in advance of their departure from the USA and that passports are valid for the minimum validity required for ALL destinations being travelled to. The information following only applies to the itinerary booked with SmartBird World Travel Travel and does not cover any independently arranged destinations.

• PASSPORTS

Passports must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from your scheduled return date. 

 

 

• VISAS

At the time of this quotation, there is no visa requirement to Morocco for staying under 90 days.  Clients are required to have two consecutive blank pages in their passport. 

 

            *applies to US passport holders only. Please make sure that all destinations to be visited or transited verified with the applicable consulate(s) for entry requirements prior to departure, together with requirements for anyone travelling on non-USA passports

            

GENERAL:

 

    I.         CURRENCY AND PRICING FLUCTUATIONS

            This proposal is based on the current exchange rate(s). Should there be considerable currency fluctuations, we reserve the right to apply any necessary surcharges. In the event of any additional fuel surcharges by the Land Suppliers and/or airlines, we reserve the right to add these to the costs of the land package and/or airfare. Any applicable increases will be advised in writing prior to final payment. Prices are guaranteed once final payment has been made.

 

 

  II.         GROUP DEFINITION

a)     Land: A minimum of 10 paying adult passengers travelling on the same itinerary/ arrangements.

b)     Air: For most airlines, a minimum of 10 paying adults departing on the same date and travelling to the same destination on the same flights. Return travel on the same date from the same destination, however, approximately 10-25% of the group size may be permitted to vary their return travel date depending on the airline rules. For deviations, the airfare is subject to current airfare levels and airfare guarantees do not apply. 

 

c)     Should the number of passengers fall below the required minimum (10), the booking will be deemed as F.I.T. Travel. The group quote and rates will no longer apply.

 

 III.         TOUR ESCORT (LEADER) POLICY

            As defined separately in our land-only quotations and our air-only quotations. Costs will either include or exclude FOC (free of charge) land and/or air arrangements for a bonafide tour escort. The Escort must travel with the group in both directions when air is quoted.  Any FOC air tickets are offered as per the airline’s tour conductor policy. All air taxes must be paid for the FOC Tour Escort Ticket and will be included on the final invoice. Mileage points cannot be accumulated on a FOC ticket. 

 

 IV.         AMENDMENT FEES

SmartBird Travel  reserves the right to charge an amendment fee of USD$150.00 per proposal, when in excess of 3 proposals, and where extensive amendments are required. Once the group has been booked and confirmed, supplier charges may also apply for any changes made. 

 

   V.         FORCE MAJEURE:

We shall not be liable for any claims, losses, damages, costs, expenses, delays or loss of enjoyment, of any nature or kind whatsoever, resulting from events beyond our or a supplier’s reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, strikes, lockouts or other labour disputes or disruptions, wars, blockades, insurrections, riots, earthquakes, weather conditions, floods or acts or restraints imposed by government authorities

 

 

 VI.         RESPONSIBILITIES

SmartBird World Travel  and/or its agents act only as agents for the client in all matters pertaining to travel. They assume no responsibility nor liability in connection with the service of any train, vessel, carriage, aircraft, motor or other conveyances which may be used, either wholly or in part, in the performance of its duty to the passenger; neither will it be responsible for any act, error, or omission, or any injury, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned by reason of any defect in any vehicle or through the neglect or default of any company or person engaged in carrying out the purpose for which tickets or coupons are issued. In the event that it becomes necessary or advisable for the comfort or well-being of the passengers, or for any reason whatsoever, to alter the itinerary or arrangements, such alterations may be made without penalty to the operators. Additional expenses, if any, shall be borne by the passengers, conversely refund will be made to the passengers if any saving is effected thereby. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or event, during the time passengers are not on board their planes or conveyance. The passage contract in use by the airlines concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the airlines and the purchaser of these tours and/or passenger. The right is reserved to withdraw any or all tours should condition warrant, also to decline to accept or retain any passengers as Members of the tours. SmartBird World Travel or agent can assume no responsibility for lost tickets or coupons.