Wendy Wheeler and Ian Reid
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
ARRIVAL TO MARRAKECH
Welcome to Morocco’s “Red City.” Upon arrival, your guide will welcome you at the airport. Together, drive to your Marrakech hotel, Villa des Orangers. You’ll have the rest of the day to relax or explore as you’d like.
The charming Villa des Orangers offers a tranquil oasis in the heart of Marrakech. Originally built in the 1930s, the riad was remodeled into a luxurious hotel that stays true to traditional Moroccan design. Gaze over the two central courtyards, each filled with orange trees and greenery, from your private terrace. Take a dip in the heated pool, experience a traditional Hammam treatment, and sample delightful Moroccan cuisine at the refined restaurant.
Overnight Villa des Orangers
Day 2
Marrakech Heritage & Street Food
This morning, your guide will lead you through the highlights of the bustling city of Marrakech. Gaze up at the towering Koutoubia Mosque, discover the intricacies of Moroccan design at the Bahia Palace, and immerse yourself in Morocco’s tantalizing gastronomic history at the Moroccan Culinary Art Museum.
In the late afternoon, enjoy a private sunset food tasting tour led by a professional local chef. Wander through the medina, taking in the vibrant colors of the handicrafts, textiles, and aromatic spices. Discover the stories behind Morocco’s culinary traditions while sampling a variety of local specialties. Throughout the experience, the chef will introduce Morocco’s spices, cooking techniques, and the cultural significance behind each dish.
Overnight Villa des Orangers
Day 3
Moroccan Cooking Experience
Start your morning with a visit to the Majorelle Garden and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. In 1923, French expatriate and painter Jacques Majorelle purchased four acres of land at the edge of a palm grove located not far from Bab Doukkala. Today, the property is nearly twelve acres, and crowded with the painter’s important botanical collection, which he enriched through the years with specimens from all continents.
The heart of the museum is the Yves Saint Laurent Hall, which houses a visual biography of YSL constructed from personal artifacts, design sketches, and rotating displays of clothing and accessories. Here, discover how Moroccan culture, landscapes, and art influenced this iconic fashion house.
In the afternoon, enjoy a hands-on cooking class at one of Morocco’s most renowned cooking schools. Guided by an experienced Moroccan chef, you’ll prepare a complete traditional meal using fresh seasonal ingredients. As you cook, the chef will teach you about Moroccan spices, tagines, couscous, traditional salads, bread making, and the Moroccan mint tea ritual. Finish your evening by savoring the dishes you prepared for dinner.
Overnight Villa des Orangers
Day 4
High Atlas Mountains
After breakfast, it’s time to leave the city behind and transfer to the High Atlas Mountains. The mountain range stretches from the Atlantic Ocean in the west to the Algerian border in the east. As you drive, you’ll pass Amazigh (Berber) communities and spectacular viewpoints. Upon arrival at your hotel, Kasbah Bab Ourika, check in and take the evening at leisure.
Kasbah Bab Ourika stands on a hilltop above the Ourika Valley. From your private terrace, look down at the valley, with its winding river, fruit groves, and green fields. Take a dip in your heated private pool as you gaze off at the snowy mountain peaks. In the evening, savor traditional Moroccan specialties made with organic, seasonal ingredients at a table in the Kasbah Gardens before returning to your pool villa.
Overnight Kasbah Bab Ourika
Day 5
Berber Culinary Experience in the Atlas Mountains
Meet your mountain guide for a gentle walk to the picturesque village of Aremd. Here, you’ll be welcomed into a local Amazigh (Berber) family home for a cooking experience. Prepare traditional dishes such as tagine and hand-rolled couscous using locally grown herbs, seasonal vegetables, preserved lemons, olive oil, and mountain spices. The family will also showcase their traditional bread baking technique, and together, you’ll participate in a Moroccan tea ceremony. Enjoy the dishes you created for lunch as the family shares more about Amazigh hospitality, agriculture, and daily life.
Overnight Kasbah Bab Ourika
Day 6
Essaouira
This morning, you’ll transfer from the High Atlas Mountains to Essaouira. En route, stop at a women’s argan oil cooperative to discover the traditional production process and enjoy tastings of culinary argan oil, homemade Amlou, local honey, and freshly baked Amazigh (Berber) bread. Continue to the Val d’Argan winery for a guided vineyard visit. Sample their wines with a guided tasting and savor a leisurely lunch featuring Moroccan cuisine paired with locally produced wines. Afterward, continue to your Essaouira hotel, Heure Bleue Palais, and take the evening to settle in.
Heure Bleue Palais is a charming Moroccan Riad steeped in history. Built in the late 1700s, this luxury property features Moroccan design throughout and includes a heated pool, three unique restaurants, and a hammam and spa.
Overnight Heure Bleue Palais
Day 7
Essaouira Pastry & Tea Traditions
After breakfast, meet a local chef for a hands-on Moroccan pastry workshop. Discover the sweeter side of Moroccan gastronomy as you learn to prepare a selection of traditional pastries, such as Kaab el Ghazal (Gazelle Horns), Ghriba, Fekkas, almond briouats, and other seasonal specialties. Learn how to utilize the tantalizing flavors of almond, orange blossom water, sesame, honey, and aromatic spices to make the pastries. Conclude your workshop by enjoying the pastries you prepared alongside Moroccan mint tea.
The afternoon is yours to explore Essaouira as you wish. Wander through the UNESCO-recognized medina, lively fishing port, artisan workshops, and galleries that make this Moroccan port city so captivating.
Overnight Heure Bleue Palais
Day 8
Departure Day
After a final breakfast in Morocco, it’s time to begin your journey home. You’ll have a private transfer to Marrakech Airport in time for your flight. Leave Morocco having discovered its unique culture and culinary delights.
