🌑☀️ Where Sun Meets Moon

🇲🇦 Morocco: A Solar Eclipse Yoga Adventure

July 22 – August 3, 2027

There are moments in life that feel larger than the ordinary.

Moments when the world slows, the sky shifts, and something inside us opens.

This journey to Morocco is built around one of those moments.

Over 13 unforgettable days, we travel across Morocco — through ancient cities, desert landscapes, mountain passes, and coastal towns — culminating in the breathtaking moment when the moon passes directly between the Earth and the sun during the Total Solar Eclipse of August 2, 2027.

For nearly five extraordinary minutes, daylight will fade to twilight as the sun's luminous corona appears in the sky — one of the most powerful celestial experiences we can witness in a lifetime.

And we will be there together to witness it. ✨

🐪 A Journey Through the Soul of Morocco

This is not a retreat that stays in one place.

It is a moving journey through Morocco, unfolding across landscapes that have carried traders, mystics, nomads, and travelers for centuries.

🕌 Our adventure begins in Marrakech, where vibrant souks, fragrant spices, and labyrinthine streets introduce us to the rhythm and color of Moroccan life.

⛰️ From there we travel through the dramatic passes of the Atlas Mountains, following ancient caravan routes toward the valleys and kasbahs of southern Morocco.

🏜️ The land gradually opens into the vastness of the Sahara Desert, where golden dunes stretch endlessly toward the horizon and the silence of the desert invites deep presence.

Here we ride camels across the sand at sunset and spend a magical evening in a luxury desert camp beneath a sky overflowing with stars. 🌌

💙 As our journey continues north, we explore the legendary city of Fes, one of the world's most fascinating medieval cultural centers, and wander the peaceful blue-painted streets of Chefchaouen, nestled in the Rif Mountains.

🌊 Finally, we arrive at the northern coast of Morocco in Tangier, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean.

And here, on August 2, 2027, something extraordinary will happen.

🌘 When the Sky Goes Quiet

During the eclipse, the light softens.

The temperature drops.

The world grows still.

For a few powerful minutes, the moon will completely cover the sun — turning day into twilight and revealing the sun's radiant corona in the sky.

Northern Morocco lies directly in the path of totality, making it one of the most favorable places in the world to witness this rare celestial event.

Together we will gather in Tangier, from our hotel or the beach, at a spot chosen for the clearest view, to watch one of nature's most awe-inspiring phenomena unfold above us.

It is a moment that cannot be captured fully in photographs.

It can only be felt. 💫

🧘 Yoga, Culture, and Connection

Most days begin with a 75-minute morning yoga practice with Jill Knouse, shaped around our travel, activities and experiences. These practices weave the journey together, creating space to integrate the beauty, wonder, and intensity of it all.

Along the way we will share:

🌅 Morning yoga most days

🍲 Nourishing Moroccan meals

🧿 Guided explorations of ancient medinas

🎶 Cultural encounters with artisans and musicians

👩‍🍳 A Moroccan cooking class

🥾 Walks through dramatic landscapes like Todra Gorge

⭐ Desert nights beneath vast Saharan skies

💛 Laughter, conversation, and meaningful connection with fellow travelers

This is not about escaping life.

It is about fully inhabiting it.

🌍 A Rare Moment in Time

Total solar eclipses are among the rarest natural events we can experience.

The August 2, 2027 eclipse will be one of the most spectacular visible anywhere on Earth for decades.

To witness it while traveling through one of the most beautiful and culturally rich countries in the world makes this experience even more extraordinary.

This is a journey for the curious, the adventurous, and the open-hearted.

A chance to move through ancient landscapes, connect with remarkable people, practice yoga in unforgettable places, and stand beneath a sky that reminds us just how vast and mysterious our world truly is.

And perhaps, along the way, we remember just how extraordinary this world can be. 🌞🌚

🧭 ABOUT THE JOURNEY

⠀

🐪 Is this trip right for me?

This is a moving journey, not a stay-in-one-place retreat. Over 13 days we travel from Marrakech through the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara to Fes, Chefchaouen and Tangier, sleeping in seven different places. There are a few long travel days with stops along the way, early mornings, lots of walking in the medinas, and real summer heat. If you love adventure, culture and moving through a country with a group, you'll be in your element. If you prefer to unpack once and stay put, this may not be the right fit, and we're always happy to talk it through with you.

⠀

👥 How many people are in the group?

Approximately 20 guests.

⠀

🧘 Do I need yoga experience?

No. We'll practice a mix of vinyasa, hatha, yin, restorative and yoga nidra. Whether you have lots of experience, a little or none, we'll offer modifications to take things up or down a notch, so the practice meets you where you are.

⠀

🌅 How often do we practice yoga?

Yoga happens most days, in the morning, shaped around our travel, activities and experiences. Each class runs about 75 minutes, and our first session is the morning of July 23 in Marrakech. If there's time and space for more yoga along the way, we'll add it!

⠀

🟫 Should I bring my yoga mat?

We're working out the best plan for mats with our team in Morocco and will let you know soon whether to bring your own.

⠀

🙋 Can I come on my own?

Absolutely! We create safe and engaging experiences that let solo travelers, pairs and groups all thrive. If you'd like a roommate, reach out and we'll help.

⠀

🌴 Will I have any free time?

Yes! We have a free day in Marrakech and a free afternoon in Tangier after the eclipse. Most other days are planned together, with downtime built in where we can, especially in the heat of the afternoon.

⠀

🛡️ Is Morocco safe?

Morocco is a popular and welcoming destination, and traveling as a group with a guide the whole way adds a layer of ease. Still, any place in the world can be safe or unsafe, so we ask everyone to keep their wits about them. Be mindful of your belongings at all times, especially in crowded medinas and markets, where pickpockets can be active. Wear a cross-body bag that zips, keep your phone and wallet close, and politely decline unofficial "guides" who offer to help. Before you travel, check the US State Department's travel advisory for Morocco at travel.state.gov.

⠀

👭 Is Morocco a good place for women travelers?

Yes. Some of our guests travel as women on their own or with friends, and we move through Morocco together with an experienced guide. Dressing modestly and staying with the group in busy areas makes moving through the medinas easier and more comfortable.

⠀

🗣️ What languages are spoken?

Arabic and Tamazight (Berber) are the official languages, and French is widely spoken. You'll find English in hotels and tourist areas, and our guide speaks English throughout. A "shukran" (thank you) goes a long way!

⠀

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

🌑 THE ECLIPSE

⠀

📍 Where will we watch the eclipse?

In Tangier, on August 2, 2027! Our team chooses the exact spot in advance, at our hotel or on the beach depending on the sun's position, so we get the clearest view.

⠀

⏱️ How long is totality?

Nearly five minutes in northern Morocco, which is unusually long for a total eclipse.

⠀

☁️ What if it's cloudy?

Weather can never be guaranteed, but northern Morocco has historically had clear skies about 70 to 80 percent of the time in early August. That makes it one of the strongest viewing regions anywhere along the path of totality.

⠀

🕶️ Do I need eclipse glasses?

No need to bring your own. We'll have eclipse eyewear for everyone. Never look directly at the sun without certified eclipse glasses, except during the minutes of totality.

⠀

📸 What camera gear should I bring for the eclipse?

Your phone or camera is plenty. If you plan to photograph the partial phases, you'll need a certified solar filter for your lens. Many people find the best plan is to take a few photos, then put the camera down and simply be there for totality. 💫

⠀

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

✈️ GETTING THERE AND HOME

⠀

🥂 When and where do we first gather?

Our first gathering is our welcome dinner at 7pm on July 22 at our hotel in Marrakech.

⠀

🛬 Which airports do I fly into and out of?

Fly into Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) and out of Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport (TNG) on August 3. If you're arriving on July 22, aim to land in the morning or around midday, so you have time to settle in and rest before our 7pm welcome dinner. Our hotel is just 20 minutes from the airport, and your pickup from Marrakech Menara is included. Since we start and end in different cities, book a multi-city ticket rather than a round trip.

⠀

🗺️ What if I'm not flying into Marrakech?

That's fine, just plan your timing so you reach our Marrakech hotel before our 7pm welcome dinner on July 22. Our included pickup is from Marrakech Menara Airport only, so if you're arriving in Casablanca or another city, you'll need to build in travel time to Marrakech by train, domestic flight or car. Let us know your plans and we're happy to help you arrange the connection.

⠀

🚄 Are there other ways to come and go?

Yes, lots! Morocco has several international airports, including Casablanca Mohammed V (CMN), Marrakech Menara (RAK), Tangier Ibn Battouta (TNG), Fes-Saïss (FEZ), Rabat-Salé (RBA) and Agadir Al Massira (AGA). Casablanca has the most long-haul flights. From Tangier, Al Boraq, the high-speed train, gets you to Casablanca in about two hours, and the ferry ⛴️ crosses to Spain in about an hour. Wherever you need or want to adventure next, we're happy to help you make arrangements, including shuttle, train or ferry connections for an added charge. Tangier will be busy during the eclipse, so book early!

⠀

😴 Can I arrive early?

Yes, and it's even better if you can swing it! Coming in a day or two early gives you time to rest and settle into the time zone before we begin. An extra night at our Marrakech hotel on July 21, including airport pickup and breakfast, is $200 per person in a shared double or twin, or $400 for a single. Hoping to arrive two days early? Reach out and we'll arrange it.

⠀

🌍 Can I add travel before or after?

Absolutely! 🇪🇸 Spain is about an hour by ferry from Tangier. 🇵🇹 Portugal is a short flight from Casablanca, and 🇪🇬 Cairo is a nonstop flight away. Before the retreat, Essaouira on the Atlantic coast and the villages of the High Atlas are lovely. Tell us your plans and we're happy to help.

⠀

🚐 How much time do we spend on the road?

A few days include long drives, like crossing the High Atlas and traveling from the Sahara to Fes. We'll make stops along the way for meals, views and stretching. Mountain roads can be winding, so if you're prone to motion sickness, bring whatever helps you.

⠀

🕐 What time zone is Morocco in?

In summer, Morocco is 8 hours ahead of the US West Coast and 5 hours ahead of the East Coast.

⠀

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

🛂 PASSPORTS, INSURANCE AND HEALTH

⠀

📘 Do I need a visa?

US passport holders don't need a visa for stays of 90 days or less. Your passport must have at least six months of validity when you arrive, plus a blank page for the entry stamp. If you hold a passport from another country, please check the requirements for your citizenship.

⠀

🛟 Is travel insurance required?

Yes. Every guest must carry a travel medical policy with at least USD $100,000 in emergency medical coverage and USD $250,000 in emergency medical evacuation and repatriation coverage, and we'll ask for proof of coverage before departure. We also highly recommend a comprehensive policy with Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage. CFAR usually has to be purchased within 14 to 21 days of your first payment, so it's best to buy it when you book. Make sure your policy covers your entire trip, including flights and any extra days before or after.

⠀

💉 Do I need any vaccines?

No vaccines are required to enter Morocco from the US. The CDC recommends being up to date on routine vaccines, including measles (MMR), and suggests hepatitis A and typhoid for many travelers. There's no malaria in Morocco. Check with your doctor or a travel clinic four to six weeks before you go, and see the CDC's Morocco page for current recommendations. If you're adding travel before the retreat, check whether your route requires proof of yellow fever vaccination.

⠀

🥗 Can you accommodate dietary needs?

Yes. Traditional Moroccan cooking leans on meat, bread and couscous, so vegetarian and gluten-free guests will see a little less variety, but we'll make sure you're well fed. Please add your dietary needs to your WeTravel registration and keep them up to date, so we can share them with our team in Morocco.

⠀

💧 Can I drink the water?

Stick to bottled water, which is provided daily in our vehicle.

⠀

🩺 What if I get sick during the trip?

Bring a copy of your travel insurance policy and your health insurance cards. Your guide and our team will help you get care if you need it.

⠀

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

🏡 ACCOMMODATIONS, MEALS AND ACTIVITIES

⠀

🛏️ Where do we stay?

In carefully selected boutique hotels, traditional riads, and a luxury desert camp in the Sahara. All rooms are twin share unless you booked a single.

⠀

❄️ Is there air conditioning?

Yes! Our vehicles and all of our accommodations, including the luxury desert camp, are air-conditioned.

⠀

🧳 Do I need a separate bag for the desert night?

No. Your luggage comes with you to the desert camp.

⠀

🍽️ What meals are included?

Breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, including our free day in Marrakech, with soft drinks at meals. Alcohol isn't included.

⠀

🍷 Is alcohol available, and can I buy wine to have on hand?

Morocco is a Muslim country, and alcohol is only served in some hotels and restaurants, at your own cost. Larger supermarkets in cities like Marrakech, Fes and Tangier sell beer and wine, usually in a separate section, and Morocco makes some lovely wines of its own. Drinking in public isn't allowed, so enjoy it in licensed restaurants or your accommodations. Some of our riads may not serve alcohol, so having a bottle of your own can be nice.

⠀

🐫 Do I have to ride a camel?

No. The camel ride is optional, and we can make other arrangements to get you to camp.

⠀

🎈 Can I add a hammam or hot air balloon?

Yes! Both are optional add-ons for our free day in Marrakech. Let us know you're interested and we'll arrange it.

⠀

🥾 How much walking is there?

Quite a bit. The medinas of Marrakech, Fes and Chefchaouen are best explored on foot, on narrow, uneven and sometimes steep streets, and many riads have stairs and no elevator. You should be comfortable with moderate walking, a guided hike, and occasional uneven ground.

⠀

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

💰 MONEY AND PRACTICALITIES

⠀

💵 What currency is used?

The Moroccan dirham. It isn't easy to get outside Morocco, so plan to withdraw cash from an ATM when you arrive. Cards are accepted at larger hotels and shops, but you'll want cash for markets and small purchases.

⠀

🧿 Will there be time to shop, and should I bargain?

Yes, and yes! The souks of Marrakech and Fes, the ceramics workshops and the artisan visits are wonderful for shopping. Bargaining is expected in the markets, and it's part of the fun, so keep it friendly. Bring cash, and leave room in your suitcase!

⠀

🤝 How much should I tip?

Tips for guides and drivers aren't included. We'll share tipping guidance closer to departure.

⠀

👕 Is laundry available?

Yes, laundry service is available along the route for an extra charge.

⠀

🎒 What should I pack?

Light, breathable layers that cover your shoulders and knees, which is respectful in the medinas and villages and keeps the sun off. Also bring sun protection, a hat, comfortable walking shoes, and a light layer for desert nights. We'll send a full packing list with ample time for you to get organized.

⠀

🔌 What plugs does Morocco use?

220V, with the round two-pin European plugs (types C and E). Bring an adapter.

⠀

📱 Will my phone work, and how will we stay in touch?

We'll have a WhatsApp group for the whole journey, so please download WhatsApp before you go. Most of our hotels and riads have wifi, though it can be spotty in some rooms and limited in the desert. To stay connected on the road, we recommend an international plan from your carrier or an eSIM purchased before you leave. Mobile coverage is good in the cities and along main roads, and lighter in the mountains and desert.

⠀

🚫 Can I bring a drone?

No. Drones are effectively prohibited in Morocco without special authorization, and they can be confiscated at customs. Please leave yours at home.

⠀

🍵 Any cultural tips?

Dress modestly, and ask before photographing people. Most active mosques in Morocco are closed to non-Muslims, so we'll admire some from the outside. Say yes to the mint tea!

⠀

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

📝 BOOKING AND PAYMENT

⠀

✅ How do I book?

Through WeTravel. A $1,350 non-refundable deposit reserves your space.

⠀

📅 When is final payment due?

90 days before the retreat begins, on April 23, 2027.

⠀

💳 Are payment plans available?

Yes, through WeTravel, under the terms on the payment page.

⠀

↩️ What if I need to cancel?

If you cancel more than 90 days before the retreat, payments are refunded minus the $1,350 deposit. Cancellations within 90 days are non-refundable, which is why we highly recommend Cancel For Any Reason travel insurance.

⠀

👯 I want to share a room, but my friend hasn't booked. What should I do?

Reach out to us. We're happy to help find you a roommate!

⠀

💌 Who do I contact with questions?

JuanPa at juanpablo@jillknouseyoga.com, or Jill at jill@jillknouseyoga.com.

⠀

We cannot wait to share this adventure with you! 🌞🌚✨