Itinerary

Day 1
Jnane Tamsna, Marrakech

Welcome aperitif and dinner in the enchanting private guesthouse gardens of Jnane Tamsna.

Day 2
Jnane Tamsna, Marrakech

After breakfast, tour ethnobotanist Gary Martin’s organic vegetable garden. Meet Erin Smith, Herbalist, who will give us information on local use of medicinal herbs and culinary. Our first cooking demonstration with chef Baija will be Chicken and Pear Tagine and Caviar d’Aubergine. We will then enjoy these dishes for lunch served in the garden.

After lunch, relax in the quietness of Tamsna. Clay court tennis and time by
the pool. Optional tour of the monuments, including the Palais Bahia and the Dar Si Said Museum for Moroccan Crafts.

Dinner under the stars.

Day 3
Kasbah Bab Ourika, Tnine

After breakfast, drive across the Haouz plain to the market town of Tnine Ourika to discover the Jardin de Senteurs et Cultures, a picturesque organic garden of aromatic herbs, planted by Jalil Belkamel. Here we’ll learn about essential oils used in aromatherapy, cuisine and massage.

Before our picnic lunch under a tented shade, there will be a demonstration on baking bread in traditional Tachelhit (Berber) clay ovens.

In the late afternoon we will travel up into the hills to Kasbah Bab Ourika. Bab Ourika perches majestically on a hilltop at the apex of the Ourika Valley, guarding the gateway to the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. With 360 degree panoramic views, this innovative new hotel receives warm sunlight all day, ending in spectacular sunsets. From its unique eyrie-like position it offers a birds-eye view of the Atlas, of traditional Berber villages and of the lush river valley below.

Day 4
Kasbah Bab Ourika, Tnine

After breakfast, we'll hike along mountain slopes to visit irrigation systems, home gardens and terraces of the Tachelhit Berber mountain agriculture. Lunch on the terrace. Afternoon free for rest, relaxation, hammam, and optional additional hiking. In the evening, cooking demonstration, followed by dinner at the Kasbah.

Day 5
Sidi Kaouki Inn, Essaouira

After breakfast, travel about two hours to the Atlantic coast to visit the Portuguese port of old Mogador, now known as Essaouira. We’ll enjoy a lunch of grilled fish at the port. Visit woodcarvers who produce artifacts of fragrant thuya wood, peruse the carpets and kilims to perfect one’s appreciation and eye for Berber design. Visit the music stores for the best selection of Gnawa and Andalous tunes. Sit in one of Essaouira’s French style cafés for journal writing and people watching. Afterwards, it’s off to Sidi Kaouki and Sidi Kaouki Inn for a night’s stay in a village setting. No electricity – just candlelight, stars and the sound of the waves. Stroll along one of the west coast’s most treasured beaches, have a camel ride, or a long walk. Dinner will be prepared by chef Khadija. Overnight at Sidi Kaouki Inn.

Day 6
Jnane Tamsna, Marrakech

A drive back to Marrakech, with a stop to observe the Berber women who have collected and cracked argan nuts for oil in the traditional way. Arrive back at Tamsna, have time to relax, have a swim, then dine ‘back home’ after our turf and surf adventure.

Day 7
Jnane Tamsna, Marrakech

In the afternoon, our guide Hisham will meet us for a foraging tour through the Medina to gain an overview of Moroccan cuisine and cooking ingredients. This afternoon, we’ll meet with Erin Smith, herbalist, to talk of tinctures and flavoured vinegars. In the evening, dinner in the Medina.

Day 8
Jnane Tamsna, Marrakech

After breakfast, a lesson on couscous made in the traditional couscousier. Lunch in the garden. Afterwards, we’ll forage through the spice market. Learn to identify true saffron. Participate in identifying the various ingredients of ras-el-hanout, the traditional mixture of herbs and spices used in many Moroccan dishes, especially tagine. A free night to dine out, watch belly dancing or stay at Tamsna.

Day 9
Jnane Tamsna, Marrakech

After breakfast, a cooking class with Baija on pastilla and kefta. Lunch at Tamsna. Afternoon free. Private guides available for personal excursions.
Evening presents our gala dinner complete with Andalous musicians. Au revoir!

Day 10
Departure

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