SOLD OUT
16 th – 26 th April 2024
A 11 Day tour of Morocco
Hosted by cultural expert Sarah Corbett and her daughter Amber Corbett.
£3400 per person
A 10 % discount is available for those wishing to share accommodations
Day One – Tuesday April 16th
Marhaba!
Welcome to Morocco.
Arrivals – You’ll either fly into Marrakech or Casablanca airport. A private transfer from Marrakech airport to your accommodation is included in the tour price. If you require a private transfer from Casablanca airport, then this can be arranged at cost. Just let us know at point of booking your air travel to Morocco.
Getting there – Your journey from the airport to your accommodation will be made easier, with assistance along the way. You’ll be met at arrivals by your personal driver & assisted with your luggage right to the front door of your Marrakech home.
And relax – We will be there to greet you at the guesthouse, whatever time you should arrive. We will stay in a luxurious, boutique Riad in the heart of the majestic Medina of Marrakech. The ancient walled city is the setting of a million stories, just waiting for us to write our own.
There’s time to settle into your large en-suite room, before meeting the other tour guests for a traditional dinner. As we may all be weary from travels, dinner will be a relaxed affair served in the comfort of our Riad roof garden.
Day 2 – Wednesday April 17th
A day of exploration.
First to the magnificent Majorelle Gardens and the Yves St Laurent Fashion Museum.
Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé bought Jardin Majorelle in 1980 to preserve the vision of its original owner, French landscape painter Jacques Majorelle, and keep it open to the public. The garden, started in 1924, contains a psychedelic desert mirage of 300 plant species from five continents. At its heart lies Majorelle’s electric-blue art deco studio, home to the Musée Berbère, which showcases the rich panorama of Morocco’s indigenous inhabitants through displays of some 600 artifacts. The fashion museum in next door to the gardens and is entirely devoted to the work of the legendary fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent.
After lunch we will take a caleche ride around the ancient ramparts of the red city.
Day 3 – Thursday 18rd April
A morning walk through the medina will take us to the inspirational MAP museum, a celebration of Adornment from around the world. We will tour the collection, and enjoy lunch on the superb terrace.
The afternoon visits will be to the magnificent ruins of the El Badi palace and the nearby Bahia palace. We will pass through the Mellah ,which was the home to the Jewish population of Marrakech, as we walk between these amazing monuments.
There is an option to visit a Spa in the afternoon
Day 4 – Friday 19th April
An early start today. It’s time to hit the road for the first leg of our journey through Southern Morocco. This stretch of road will take us through stony desert plains, wine and argan growing regions and finally to the Atlantic sea!
Our transport has ample space. You can get comfortable, sit back and enjoy the changing scenes and climates. Camera at the ready to capture some scenes along the way!
Argan lands – As we head closer to the Atlantic Coast, the landscapes become lush with Argan trees. There will be an opportunity to stop at our favourite Argan cooperative, where women press argan oil by hand and process it to create a variety of products. Here you can watch a production demonstration, but also buy organic, cosmetic and culinary argan products.
Sleepy beach town – You’ll feel the atmosphere change as soon as the fresh sea air hits you in Essaouira. As we approach the seafront, the island of Mogador will be visible laying just off the Atlantic coast.
Get ready to enjoy the ultra relaxed vibes of this musical, surf town.
We will stay in the Médina quarters of Essaouira, in a charmingly converted school full of history and character.
We will arrive in time to explore and enjoy sunset from the beach and the Scala
Scala – Essaouira boasts an impressive sea defense called Scala the Kasbah. By order of Sultan Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah, it was built in 1765 by French architect Théodore Cornut. We will explore the recently restored Scala together. Both its construction and views are magnificent.
In the evening we will eat at Umia.
Day 5 – Saturday 20th April
The joy of Essaouira, is that we can take our time. The Médina is much smaller than that of other places we will visit, so it takes less time to get around.
No early start required today, so we can enjoy a traditional breakfast spread, at our own pace.
We will visit some wonderful shops and dealers in Essaouira, with a fine selection of Jewellery, and textiles on offer.
There is plenty to see and there are lots of art galleries and fashion designers to find here too.
There is an option to visit a museum of go horse riding today.
If you have a taste for delicious seafood, then you won’t find anything quite as fresh as the fish on offer in Essaouria. Quite literally from port to plate, the flavours are on a whole new level.
In the evening we will get together for a delicious meal, with the option to try some freshly caught fish. Don’t worry though, we will accommodate our guests who prefer their food grown on land! Our favourite restaurant will always get fresh Lobster for us it we would like it!
Day 6 – Sunday 21st April
On the road again! After another relaxed breakfast, we will head along the scenic, coastal road before travelling inland. En route we will stop to eat lunch by the sea in Agadir. Keep your eyes peeled for goats in trees grazing in the first part of the journey, and for camels grazing in the second !
By the afternoon we will reach our destination, the historical walled town of Tarroudant. This town is said to hold mystical powers, which is not a far-fetched idea when you experience the traditional old Médina. This is a taste of how most of Morocco felt 30 years ago.
Jannah – In Islam, Jannah is the name of the holy paradise garden… heaven. At our stunning accommodation in Taroudant, you may well feel that you are in paradise! Each of our private bungalows is nestled into a lush tropical garden, with several pools to cool off in.
There is a great massage here, so let us know if you would like to book one ahead !
You certainly won’t go hungry in Taroudant. After settling into our spacious accommodations, we will make our way to the patio or conservatory for some pre dinner drinks before enjoying a many courses meal, with a fusion of European and traditional Moroccan recipes.
Make sure to save room for dessert!
Day 7 – Monday 22nd April
Breakfast can be enjoyed in the cool morning climate of our garden paradise. Shortly afterwards, we will take a short drive to the sweet, traditional Médina in Tarroudant.
The Médina here has it’s own unique energy, which feels much less tourist centred than other towns. There are rare, exquisite pieces of adornment tucked away in galleries here, where dealers will show you warm, Southern hospitality. The medina has small traditional shops selling artisana and clothing which is made locally.
Chill by the Pool – For anyone feeling ready for a chill out, today is a good opportunity to take a break. The driver is available to take guests back to the hotel to relax, swim or enjoy a massage; just let us know if you prefer to participate in just a half day of souk time.
There is a heated pool, as well as a dreamy infinity pool in the gardens of our accommodation, with pool attendant service for drinks or snacks. Not to mention a spa…
Rendez-vous- The evening offers an opportunity for all guests to catch up over dinner and drinks at the poolside. At this point we have usually formed new friendships with one another, so this is a special moment under the stars to talk about what we have learned so far, as well as what we are still hoping to find as our journey continues.
Day 8 – Tuesday 23rd April
Have a good stretch this morning, because today will primarily be for travelling. Although we will spend much of the day on the road, we will break the journey up with some interesting stops.
Our route takes us through the Siroua region of the Anti Atlas. Jebel Siroua is an old stratovolcano that rises 3,304 meters above sea level. Of course we won’t reach that summit in our vehicle, but the views along the way are a treat.
Saffron – The Siroua region is saffron country. Historically this region was made wealthy by saffron production, which of course means the traditional jewellery of the region was exquisitely made of precious, expensive materials. Sarah will talk more about this along the way, as the passing scenery paints a picture of life as it once was here.
We will have access to locally grown, high grade saffron from cooperatives. We will stop to visit shopkeepers in sleepy southern villages. Some very unusual pieces of jewellery and fabulous local textiles and carpets can be found here.
Our lunch today is a simple rural meal which is often the most memorable meal of the trip for all of the right reasons! The Harratin women of Soukana descent run a wonderful modest restaurant with pride. Their dishes are whatever is fresh on their farm today, simple food with stunning flavours.
By afternoon we will arrive in Aït Benhaddou – Aït Benhaddou translates to family of Benhaddou. This historic Ksar once belonged to a wealthy and powerful family, and it sits positioned along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech.
Now a UNESCO world heritage site, it is often used as the backdrop for cinematic works.
We will enjoy a sunset walk in the ancient kasbah.
We will stay here for two nights in a chic contemporary desert home.
Our meal tonight will be served in the dining room of our beautiful accommodation.
Day 9 – Wednesday 24th April
This morning we will explore the Ancient Kasbah of Ait Benhaddidhu and visit the art gallery of Hafida Zizi, whose naive art has become famous and popular worldwide.
We will have the opportunity to meet and paint with Hafida
There will be a kasbah tour for those who do not wish to paint.
In the afternoon we will visit Ouarzazatte, a sleepy trading post on the route to the Sahara.
Known as the gateway to the Sahara, it is home to the monumental Taourirt Kasbah. Here we will visit what we call “the strip”, which is really a row of exciting shops belonging to keen traders.
The Ouarzazate Strip – There is really something for everyone here. We’ve known and done business with most of these traders for decades. It’s a great spot to meander from shop to shop, checking out a plethora of antique jewels and textiles.
As the shops are laid out side by side, we don’t necessarily need to all stick together. Sarah and Amber will never be more than a few meters away if you should need their assistance or advice, but you should feel free to browse at your own pace. Many of the shops have a secluded room where their best treasures are hidden !
If anyone is feeling all shopped out, there’s the option to visit the local film museum or go for a zoom around on a quad bike.
Savour the calm – On our last night in Aït Ben Haddou, we will make the most of our final Draa Valley sunset.
Tomorrow we cross the dramatic High Atlas Mountains for our return to Marrakech.
Our meal tonight will be served in the dining room of our beautiful accommodation.
Day 10 – Thursday 25th April
Today our journey comes full circle, as we make our way back to vibrant Marrakech.
The souks await us, but before we get there we must travel through the steep, dramatic landscapes of the High Atlas Mountain range.
Have your cameras ready, as you will want to capture these views to keep forever.
We will stop for lunch in the mountains and arrive in Marrakech by the afternoon.
This afternoon there will be time to visit some souk shops for those last few gifts and ones that got away, before we enjoy dinner in Le Grand Café de la Poste, a wonderful restaurant located in Gueliz.
Day 11 – Friday 26 th April
Our shared adventure draws to a close and we say our farewells.
You’ll have free time before your departure, to spend as you choose. If you should need assistance with practicalities or organization, then Amber will be available.
Airport transfers will be available as required, but be sure to advise us in advance as to the time of your flight departure. It is advisable to arrive at Marrakech airport several hours prior.
New Friends, New cultural understandings – As well as a wealth of knowledge, learning and your selection of adornments – our tours offer something that money can’t buy. We hope that the most valuable reward of your trip, will be the human connections you make. Each of our tour guests has their own unique experience, but we all share an interest in the culture of adornment. Many of our tour guests forge lifelong friendships and stay in touch by means of our social media platforms.
Included: Accommodation, transport between cities, transfers in Marrakech, entry to monuments and museums, meals taken in our accommodations.
Not included : Flights, drinks, lunches, tips, visas.
