Morocco: cuisine, culture and coast

Upon arrival in Marrakesh, you will be met and greeted by our representative and taken via private transfer to the luxurious Villa Des Orangers hotel.

Spend the rest of the day and evening at leisure in blissful surroundings, preparing for the first full day of your luxury Morocco family holiday.

Spend the morning uncovering the hidden secrets of the medieval capital of Morocco, across old fountains, Koran schools, and historical gates.

Visit an old bakery, the furnace of which heats the public steam bath, before discovering the old caravanserais and the workshops of different artisans found in this part of the city.

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided visit to Marrakech old town, passing through local food markets before stopping at the spice square to learn about the herbs and spices used in Moroccan cooking.
On the main square of Jemaa El Fna, classified by UNESCO as an oral world heritage site – explore the sights and smells, before sitting at one of the best stalls to sample their delights.

This morning you will be introduced to the fascinating world of Moroccan cooking during a family-friendly cooking class led by an experienced chef.

Learn how to prepare Moroccan appetizers and a traditional main dish such as a Tagine of chicken in preserved lemon sauce or a lamb with almonds and prunes, whilst hearing of the rich history of Moroccan cuisine.

In the afternoon, you’ll discover the colourful Souks in the Medina of Marrakech, led by a local guide who will navigate you through the stalls to smell local spices and oils and feel the texture of the handmade fabrics, before ending with another visit to Jemaa El Fna to witness authentic Moroccan entertainment.

Journey to the desert of Agafay, an area 40 km from Marrakech (35 minutes) with a micro-climate similar to that of the Sahara. Whilst there are no dunes here, the Agafay is a mineral desert set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Atlas Mountains. Take in panoramic views with a camel ride, before enjoying lunch in a traditional Bedouin tent.

Back in Marrakech for your final evening, you’ll dine at Dar Moha once the Marrakesh residence of Haj Idder, chamberlain of Pasha Glaoui, Lord of the Atlas. This house, adjacent to the Pasha’s Palace, came into the hands of Pierre Balmain who stayed here on his frequent visits to Marrakesh. Today this Riad is run by Chef Moha who outdoes himself as a culinary artist.

You’ll leave Marrakech behind you this morning as journey from the city into the Atlas Mountains via private transfer.

Spend the afternoon and evening in the luxury of Kasbah Bab Ourika.

Your day will start early today as you head into the lush Atlas landscape for an unforgettable authentic Berber experience. You’ll meet with the local community to discover ancestral activities such as baking bread, preparing a traditional tagine, and making art and crafts. Strolling through the village, you’ll see farmers, shepherds and artisans all hard at work.

Return to the blissful Kasbah Bab Ourika for a relaxing evening and delicious dinner.

Spend the morning at leisure at Kasbah Bab Ourika, before heading for an unforgettable lunch experience.

Set amidst Morocco’s breathtaking Atlas Mountains, Kasbah Tamadot offers a fusion of Moroccan and international cuisines, prepared with the finest local ingredients. Dine on the terrace with panoramic mountain views or in the elegant dining rooms, before exploring the lush gardens or relaxing by the pool in this enchanting oasis.

Return to Kasbah Bab Ourika for your final evening in the mountains.

Leave the mountains behind this morning as you head for the charming seaside historical city of Essaouira.

On route, you’ll stop at a women’s cooperative making traditional Argan oil, before arriving in Essaouira and enjoying a guided stroll through the colourful spice markets, the old Portuguese fort, the fishing port, and the traditional cabinet-making workshops.

Dine on a seafood lunch before heading to your hotel, the Heure Bleue.

Spend the morning at leisure by the coast or poolside, before experiencing a traditional mint tea ceremony and discovering the well-kept secrets of Moroccan sweets during a pastry-making workshop. Try your hand at making gazelle horns, ghoriba, baghrir pancakes or msemen…

Return to Heure Bleue Hotel for a relaxing evening.

Today you’ll visit the property of the Melia family, whose vineyards are situated on the outskirts of Essaouira in the tribal country of Chiadma. Enjoy a guided visit to the vineyards and the winery before tasting Val d’Argan wines – produced here in red, rosé or white and exported to different parts of Morocco and abroad.

Dine on a freshly prepared lunch at Val d’Argan before returning to Essaouira for your final afternoon and evening.

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Marrakech airport for your international flight home.