Culinary Tour from Marrakech to the Sea, Morocco

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Everywhere you look, there's something exotic and sensuous around every corner. It's hard to find words to describe this magical place, but the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes are simply mesmerizing! From the moment you land in Marrakech, it's as if you've been transported to an exotic new world. With so much history and beautiful scenery around us, we'll make sure to explore it all, and I hope you like surprises because I have several in store for you! 

Discover the magic and flavors of Morocco.

Throughout our week together, we'll enjoy luxurious accommodations and sumptuous food, while we immerse ourselves in Moroccan history and culture from bustling Marrakech to the tranquil coast. We'll stay at a gorgeous property just minutes from the ramparts of the Medina--or old city center-- where we can meander the narrow passageways and discover local shops selling everything from spices and preserved lemons to slippers and hand-painted pottery. In addition, we'll visit the famous souks, where I've found some of my favorite treasures.

Since this is a culinary tour, we will definitely spend some time cooking!  I can't wait to join my Moroccan friends to show you how to make some of the classics, such as a four-step method to make the fluffiest couscous you can imagine. We'll also show you how to combine Morocco’s incredible ingredients and spices to braise in a tagine over a charcoal fire in clay braziers!

Yet, there is so much to see in Morocco, so I will take you to a few spots off the beaten path. In fact, we'll head out to a much more rural part of the country and explore a place making the most delightful wines!  It's on the way to the coast, and since my last group loved it so much, we'll make an adventure of it and spend the night at a lovely riad in the delightful little town called Sidi Kaouki. From here, we can explore the seaside white-walled city Essaouira, cook with a local family and learn how to make traditional Berber bread.

I'm excited to share this enchanting part of the world with you. Get ready for the trip of a lifetime!

 

* Price based on double occupancy. Limited availability for sIngle occupancy rooms.  Single supplement charge applies for solo travelers. Airfare not included. Deposit of $2000.00 per person required to secure a spot.  See tour terms here.

 

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We won't need to go far for some of the best Moroccan experiences, such as glorious spa treatments and a swim in the tranquil pool, yet this tour is about immersing ourselves in the culture. Together with our knowledgeable guide, we'll walk through the famous "souks" (markets) and visit historical sites, the incredible Marjorelle Gardens, Bahia Palace, and Jemaa el-fna square in the medina. Then, one night, we can head out to one of the finest restaurants in town for an optional feast!

While I don't want to spoil all of the surprises in our itinerary, I'll definitely take you to a few spots that are off the beaten path. In fact, we'll head out to a much more rural part of the country and explore a place making the most delightful wines! It's on the way to the coast, and since my last group loved it so much, we'll make an adventure of it and explore the white-walled seaside village Essaouira.  

Then we’ll drive to our home for the night-- a lovely riad in the delightful little town called Sidi Kaouki. Whether the village's namesake, Sidi Kaouki, was a vet who saved goats from a plague epidemic, or a lord who came from the Middle East to find peace, this is the kind of town where you'll likely see camels chew nonchalantly on the beach! 

The following day, we’ll join a local family to cook some of their favorite dishes.  Before we find our way back to Marrakech for our final nights, perhaps we should stop to learn how to make traditional Berber bread or gather argan seeds to press into Morocco's famous oil with local women?! 

As I said, I like surprises, so I'm not going to share any details about our final night in Marrakech, but it will be unforgettable!

Marrakech offers a vast number of incredible hotel options.  From traditional riads in the heart of the bustling Medina, to palacial luxury resorts, there is certainly something for everyone and I love to treat guests to unique accomodations that have it all!  Our home base for this adventure in Marrakech will be the exclusive family-owned Palais Mirage d'Atlas in Palmeriae. This lush and welcoming oasis is ideally situated in the exquisite district of Marrakech.  With perfectly appointed villas and suites, lush gardens, a finess center, spa, and relaxing pools surrounded by swaying palms, we'll have everything we need to feel rejuvenated for our daily activites.  

Yet, I have planned a special outing that will take us away to another blissful place for a night in Sidi Kaouki.   During our week, we'll head toward the Atlantic Coast and stay at the lovely Kaouki Riads. This beautiful boutique hotel is just a few steps from miles of gorgeous sandy beaches and offers stunning views over the coast and mountains. With its lovely private and shared gardens, a selection of swimming pools, a professionally managed hammam, and a tennis court, this place has something for everyone. It’s the perfect place for us to soak up Moroccan rural life during our excursions in this beautiful region.

 

Moroccan cuisine is as sophisticated and diverse as its aromas and flavors. The food is truly a culmination of centuries of trade and cultural amalgamation, and the history associated with it, shapes the way its people eat their favorite meals.  
Starting with the Berbers over 2000 years ago, local ingredients including olives, figs, and dates were used to prepare lamb and poultry stews. Then the Romans, Phoenicians, and Carthaginians introduced new recipes and ingredients. Arabs brought new types of bread and introduced new spices such as cinnamon, ginger, saffron, and caraway to the region. The Jewish people introduced the Moroccan people to various pickling and preservation techniques for fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, the Moors in southern Spain shared their sweet-and-sour combinations and delicious savory pies called pastilla. No wonder that Moroccan food is so unique!

My Moroccan friends and I will teach you how to make classics, such as a four-step method to make the fluffiest couscous you can imagine. We'll also show you how to combine the area's incredible ingredients and spices to braise in a tagine over a charcoal fire in clay braziers! 

We’ll have to make a giant pastilla that’s wrapped in the thinnest type of phyllo dough you’ve ever seen.  To round out our meals, we’ll make colorful trios of salads with seasonal vegetables and sumptuous desserts, such as Sweet Bisteeya with Orange Blossom Custard and Almonds

All of this might seem exotic and complicated, yet you’ll be amazed at how easily you can use these techniques to bring the flavor to the table at home.  

The price for this journey is $6500.00 US per person, based on double occupancy. A non-refundable deposit of $2000.00 US per person is required to register for the journey. Limited single occupancy rooms available and a single supplement charge of $2000.00 US applies for solo travelers. See the Terms and Conditions for more details.

Meals, wine, accommodations, cooking classes, day trips, tastings, transfers from Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK) or central Marrkesh hotels to and from our hotel, as well as transportation during the tour, are included. One optional dinner not included. Airfare is not included in the package price. Your journey begins with an evening reception and dinner on the first day and concludes with breakfast on the final day of your tour. We will arrange for your pickup at the Marrakech airport and will transport you directly to our accomodations on the first day of your journey. 

We are committed to following Country, State and local health guidelines to the best of our ability during this tour.