Salaam alykum! Welcome to the vibrant city of Marrakech, where the aroma of exotic spices dances through the bustling streets. As you arrive, take some time to soak in the city's enchanting energy, before gathering with your fellow food enthusiasts in the early evening. Prepare for a sensory delight as you experience your first taste of Moroccan culinary tradition, lovingly prepared by a revered local female chef. Taste the flavors that make Marrakech's cuisine distinct, a tantalizing prelude to the gastronomic adventures that await you on your journey through the Anti-Atlas Mountains and the vast Sahara Desert.

This morning you will explore the world famous souks of Marrakesh with a female local chef, and pick up the ingredients you’ll need to cook up an authentic tajine. Learn the secrets of Morocco’s national dish during a hands-on cookery class at your host’s local guesthouse, followed by a delicious lunch where you’ll have the opportunity to taste your hard work.  In the afternoon, embark on a guided tour of the remarkable Walled City, that will cover architectural masterpieces like the Bahia Palace and the Koutoubia Mosque, famous for its minaret. Your evening is free to explore the labyrinth that is Marrakesh Medina and be energized by the snake charmers and fortune-tellers that enchant Jemaa-el Fna, Africa's largest city square, by night.

Your next stop is UNESCO World Heritage Site Kasbah Aït Benhaddou. This was an important layover on the trading route between the barren Sahara and the oasis of civilization in Marrakesh. It is one of the best-preserved earthen clay settlements in Africa and has been frequently used in movies, from Lawrence of Arabia to The Living Daylights and Gladiator. Enjoy a mouth-watering lunch of traditional local dishes at a co-operative of women from surrounding villages who will also make us tea. In many southern Moroccan communities, women face limited education and job prospects. The association we visit offers opportunities for women to utilize their cooking skills and host visitors for tea or locally made meals. After the meal, you’ll explore the Kasbah and take in the breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding remote desert. 

Set off into the mighty Sahara today in search of authentic Berber cuisine, driving along the date palm-lined roads of the scenic Daraa Valley. Make a pitstop in the village of Tamegroute, to admire its Koranic Library, stocked with some of the oldest books in Morocco. For lunch, try medfouna, also known as ‘Berber pizza,’ a homemade bread stuffed with onions, tomatoes, and spices, traditionally eaten by tired workers returning from the fields. Next, go off-road in a 4WD into the otherworldly landscapes of Erg Chigaga, the largest ‘sand sea’ in Morocco. Once it gets too sandy to drive, continue by camel to the heart of the dunes to witness a true desert sunset. Enjoy an al fresco dinner under the stars, that fuses Moroccan and French cuisine, served by candlelight.  Think vegetable soup, Moroccan savoury pastries, tagine – beef or chicken – and chocolate soufflé for dessert. Yum! Or Bnin! As the Moroccans might say.  

Wake up to the golden hues of the Saharan sunrise before embarking on another 4WD adventure, over the dunes towards Tissint, an oasis nestled amidst the desert, famous for its waterfalls that form a life-giving lake for the locals. Venture to the village of Tissekmoudin, to explore its granary and enjoy a picnic lunch. Today we store our money and valuables in a bank, while the ancient Moroccans used fortified granaries to preserve their precious goods. Later, immerse yourself in a local bread-making class, learning the traditional techniques of baking under the desert sands. As the day draws to a close, savor the authentic flavors of Mechoui, a slow-cooked lamb dish cooked underground – a true local delicacy (vegetarian options available).

After so much desert exploration, a day of relaxation is in order. On the drive to our next hotel, we will stop at the Akka village granary to admire another historic desert fortress, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. After that, we will have the afternoon and evening free at our hotel to refresh after nights spent camping in the desert. Take a dip in the pool or enjoy the serene beauty of the surrounding desert. All meals will be provided on-site to make the day as leisurely as possible before going on to the main attraction tomorrow. This tranquil resort is the staging point for the spectacular Amtoudi Granary.

Head to Amtoudi granary today, an architectural wonder nestled amidst the heart of the Id Aissa Oasis. Begin with a 30-minute hike, to the top of the summit, where this magnificent structure stands in all its glory, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding desert landscapes. Meet Mohamed, a remarkable doorkeeper who has dedicated 25 years to preserving this historic granary. With a deep reverence for the structure and the community it serves, Mohamed will unveil the secrets of these fortified granaries, whose primary function was to safeguard the village's crops and wealth. After a picnic lunch, venture to the Guelta, another serene oasis in the desert. Cap off your day with a visit to the local market before enjoying a home-cooked meal with a local family, immersing yourself in their traditions and customs, and gaining a deeper understanding of the region's culinary heritage.

The oasis of Tafraoute is a seat of Berber tradition, practically unchanged by the shift of power from Arab to French empires. In the 20th century, its relaxed beauty attracted hippies and wanderers from around the world who left their unique mark on the village. During your stay here, we will see the Les Roches Peintes (The Painted Rocks), striking brightly colored stones painted by Belgian artist Jean Verame. From atop the rocks, the stark contrast of the monochrome desert surrounding us reminds us of what an unlikely place for public art this is. Surrounded by the Anti-Atlas Mountains, this scenic valley is a cool retreat from the desert. Enjoy some relaxation time at your 4* hotel with pool or, should you wish to adventure further, there’s an optional walk to admire the striking landscape or visit a traditional hammam. 

Your next destination is the beautiful seaside city of Essaouira, fortified against ocean invasion by golden stone ramparts, known as ‘Skala de la Kasbah.’ Soak up the aromas and flavors of the UNESCO world heritage listed Medina and then meet the women behind a female-led Argan Co-op. Argan oil is one of Morocco’s most precious exports. The nimble tree goats who climb trees to eat the skin off of the nuts of the argania tree are almost as famous as the oil itself. At the Co-op, you’ll learn the process of harvesting and pressing argan oil and watch as the workers craft raw oil into various beauty products. If we’re lucky, you’ll also see some cute climbing goats along the way. Enjoy a fabulous seafood dinner in Essaouira tonight. 

Explore Essaouira Medina today and discover the secrets of the city’s Jewish Quarter. Though the population has dwindled, silversmiths keep the legacy alive in this vibrant port town. A very special interactive lunch awaits today. First, you’ll search the colorful souks for salad and vegetables like the locals do and then select your fresh catch from the fishmonger. After you’ve sourced your favored ingredients, sip a cup of sweet mint tea while your haul is grilled for you for an unforgettable seaside lunch. Then your evening is free to explore the dynamic culinary scene of Morocco’s seafood capital, or explore the city's famous tide pools before catching the breathtaking sunset from the beach.

Lose yourself in Essaouira this morning as you enjoy more free time, before returning to the dreamy cultural capital of Morocco. Do some last-minute souvenir shopping or and sightseeing or indulge yourself with a luxury hammam & massage session, the choice is yours. Meet with your fellow intrepid gourmands for your grand finale dinner, at a beautiful local restaurant that specializes in traditional Moroccan cuisine, where you will toast to the end of a spectacular adventure. 

After breakfast, we will part ways. No doubt, the morning will include a recap of all of the amazing places we’ve been. For early risers, there is an optional hot air balloon ride. From here, you can extend your stay in Morocco or catch an included group shuttle to Menara Airport. Once you arrive back home, it will be time to put your newly acquired spices to good use!