General Itinerary


Medinas, Mountains, Oasis and Ocean.

All journeys: 'Essence of Morocco' - 'Cultural Fabric' - 'Artisan's Journey' follow the same route -
with time to absorb the varied landscapes of cities, towns and villages we visit - and all that lies between.

However they differ slightly from one another in content; 
 the workshops and creative sessions include different media and subjects,
also the sites, museums, shops and galleries we visit will vary.

We meet in..... 
Marrakech

Our first day involves arriving, settling in and orientating ourselves within this new culture and vibrant environment.
​You'll be collected from the airport and taken to our tranquil Moroccan/French riad located within the old Medina walls of Marrakech. 

We walk out each day into the colourful hustle and bustle of the souks, cafes, shops, palaces, gardens, galleries and museums - 
Be inspired by - The Museum of Berber Life, Yves Saint Laurent Museum, Medersa Ben Youssef, Jmaa El Fna square, Le Jardin Secret, Majorelle Gardens, Oasis de Ville, Dar Si Said Museum, El Glaoui Palace and all manner of sensory delights in between. 

We have 4 nights in Marrakech and our busy days are balanced with calm respites in tranquil gardens and the peace that dwells within the walls of our riad at day's end.
My intention is to help you to see the authentic Morocco - a hybrid of different cultures - and identify the styles as we roam and explore.

​There are traces of the old world at every turn and innovative designers and craftspeople displaying their work utilising both traditional and contemporary designs and techniques. The energy of the 'handmade' makes the Souk pulse with inspiration.
 On the morning of Day 5 we drive out of Marrakech and make our way up and over the legendary....
High Atlas Mountains
Passing gardens, orchards, fields of seasonal crops and grazing animals. Catching glimpses of daily life in the villages of flat-roofed, mudbrick houses that step up the mountain sides and cluster in the river valleys.
Beautiful views from the high mountain pass of Tizi n'Tichka (2,260 m) before we make our way through the Ounila Valley.
We stop for lunch and roam the El Glaoui Kasbah.
Continuing in the afternoon to Morocco's southern city of Ouarzazate and on through the high desert landscape                    of the Anti Atlas. 

At day's end we arrive in the.....
Draa Valley
​where the date palm oasis stretches on for 160 kms to the edge of the Sahara and is known as the Sea of Palms.
​
Our Amazigh kasbah accommodation for the next 4 nights is here in a palm garden village on the banks of the Draa River (Morocco's longest river).
Our days are spent soaking up this peaceful and simple environment and indulging our creative selves in a variety of slow art workshops to gain a sense of place.
We explore a 500 year old Kasbah.
​Drink mint tea on the terrace at sunset with beautiful views stretching down the valley. Slow wandering through the gardens and date palms fringing the river. Starry nights of traditional music and dance. A visit to the local souk and a large jewellery emporium. Time to chat with the locals and experience their warm hospitality. And moments of simply sensing thousands of years of human habitation while watching the light make dramatic colour changes on the ancient valley walls.

​Day 9 and we're on the road heading west.....
Through a dry, mineral-rich landscape, south of the Atlas Mountains. 
We pause at a small village carpet co-operative and later enjoy lunch in the Valley of Saffron before heading into the
Souss Valley. Our accommodation for the night is in Taroudant and dinner in the elegant calm of our French Riad's garden courtyard. 
​

​​The next morning we continue our westward journey to reach the Atlantic Ocean - and then hug the coast - travelling north.

​We stop for 2 nights just south of Essaouira to experience a very special atmosphere - a beautifully designed European/Moroccan Villa. 

A chance for another slow, simple workshop here, if you like. Enjoy the paintings, books, furniture and antiques; the elegant interiors and the garden with a large pool.
​Also delicious food prepared by the in-house chef.
​
A short drive on the morning of Day 12 - north to my home town - 
Essaouira
We settle in for 3 nights (longer if you desire) in a different atmosphere. Salty sea air and the cry of Atlantic gulls combine with the Call to Prayer here. Our Moroccan Riad is within the Medina walls with roof terrace views of the beach. We'll spend time roaming the ramparts of this ancient fortified town; the backstreets and alleys. Visiting the port with the famous blue fishing boats, dropping into artisan's workshops, boutiques and specialty shops and enjoying a very relaxed shopping experience. Some great atmospheric restaurants and cafes, beach walks and watching the sunset into the sea over the island of Mogador. 

On the morning of Day 15 we make the 2.5 hour drive east to Marrakech, for the final night of our journey.
Time for last minute shopping in the afternoon and a meander around the souk - reflecting on the differences of this second visit. 
Our final meal together in the evening and confirming airport transfers for your flights out the following day.

Of course, you might like to extend your time in Essaouira and/or visit more of Morocco. There are many options.