MOROCCO 2025
Morocco, a trip across exotism
CÚRATE Trips takes you in this new amazing 10-day journey limited to 18 participants across luxury Morocco. Through the land where time stands still – visit the exotic cities of Fez and Marrakech, as well as several fascinating terracotta-colored towns made from adobe and historic sites along the way.
By the hand of CÚRATE Trips team and the best local guides you’ll learn all about this vibrant country and its world-famous cuisine embracing the Mediterranean Diet from our cooking classes and interactions with locals to tours around its markets.
You’ll get the chance to learn how to make some of Morocco’s most delicious dishes such as tagine or zalouk; visit ancient kasbahs; and get to sleep in the desert under the stars.
Our journey will take us from the labyrinthine Medina of Fez with over 9,000 streets to the impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou and on to the dazzling city of Marrakech with its exquisite architectural sights, all while sampling Morocco’s delectable food and drink along the way. Limited to 18 participants.
Day 1
Fez, arrival
Day 2
Fez
Day 3
Fez - Meknès - Fez
Day 4
Fez - Sahara Desert
Day 5
Sahara Desert - Tinejdad - Skoura
Day 6
Skoura
Day 7
Skoura - Ait Ben Haddou - Atlas - Marrakech
Day 8
Marrakech
Day 9
Marrakech
Day 10
Marrakech, end of journey
itinerary
It’s time to discover this signature 10-day program across Morocco through enjoyable and comprehensive show-cooking and intimate visits, and only-well-connected experiences under the expert guidance of the local team and the most illustrious local cooks and professionals, while in the hands of the local connoisseurs from Paladar y Tomar.
Take part in a dream program that contains unimaginable visits in Northern Africa along with the valuable insight only locals can give, leaving you well versed in many foundations and techniques of Moroccan gastronomic culture and the Mediterranean soul.
Day 1
WELCOME TO MOROCCO
Welcome to Fez, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital, where the medieval medina stands next to magnificent palaces and majestic religious schools and mosques. Our hotel is a magnificent riad, you’ll find yourself in an oasis of peace in the middle of the fervent city.
FEZ COOKING CLASS
Enjoy the first traditional Moroccan cooking class, where we’ll learn how to create some of the city’s most famous dishes. The class will starts with a visit to the maze-like souks to shop for various herbs, spices and other classic ingredients. We’ll then get to sit down together and sample our creations in our first dinner.
Dinner
Riad Palais Amani
Day 2
EXPLORING FEZ'S ANCIENT MEDINA
We’ll enjoy a private tour of Fez and its medina, the world’s largest car-free urban area and the biggest labyrinth on the planet, where donkeys and carts still roam and rows of tanneries and fine leather shops can be found hidden down its maze of alleyways. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the medina was founded in the 9th century and is home to the oldest university in the world. In the 13th to 14th centuries it even replaced Marrakech as the capital of the kingdom. Today, many of its exquisite structures remain, including palaces, mosques, noble residences and fountains.
Our tour of the medina will be followed by a quality Moroccan lunch at a fine restaurant.
The afternoon will be free for you to do as you choose, whether that’s exploring the exotic Jnan Sbil gardens or visiting the intriguing Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts or enjoying a hammam purifying ritual back in the riad.
Breakfast, lunchRiad Palais Amani
Day 3
THE IMPERIAL CITY OF MEKNES
After breakfast, we’ll make our way to Meknes, a small town just west of Fez, a laidback and quiet place, yet with a grand and fascinating history. An imperial city, Meknes was once the home of the sultanate during the 17th century. On our tour, we’ll pass much of the city’s grand Moorish architecture, including opulent palaces, striking religious schools, grand mosques and the imposing city gateway.
MOROCCAN WINERY
The tour will be followed by a visit to one of the most renowned Moroccan wineries, where we’ll explore the vineyards and enjoy several tastings with lunch. Red, white and grey fair trade wines are produced in the region. After lunch, we’ll return to Fez, and get together for dinner.
Breakfast, lunch, dinnerRiad Palais Amani
Day 4
ON THE WAY TO THE DESERT
Today we’ll travel from Fez to Merzouga, a small town within the Sahara Desert. Weather permitting, we’ll pass by Ifrane, high in the Atlas Mountains, and known for its Alpine-style architecture and ski slopes, or Azrou covered in cedar forests. We’ll then stop for a quick lunch in Middelt before arriving in Erfoud for our 4×4 ride to the Merzouga desert camp.
NIGHT IN THE DESERT
We’ll set right in the middle of undulating red sand dunes. This part of the desert is called Erg Chebbi. Legend has it that a noble family refused to help a poor woman in need, so God punished them by burying them under mounds of sand, which created the dunes. Here we’ll enjoy a camel ride at sunset to fully appreciate our magnificent surrounds. We’ll return to camp for a delicious dinner, where we’ll try medfouna a type of spiced Berber pizza, which is essentially fresh bread stuffed with meat and herbs, and cooked over the campfire. We’ll then retire to our luxurious tents for a night under the stars.
Breakfast, lunch, dinnerDesert Camp
Day 5
FROM THE DESERT TO SKOURA
Today, we’ll transfer from Merzouga to Skoura, a fertile oasis on the edge of the desert, filled with vast palm groves. Along the way we’ll stop the Ksar El Khorbat Foundation set in an old ksar (fortified village) dating back 1860 built of soil. The Foundation aims at developing the economy of its inhabitants through the ecotourism. Here we’ll learn all about the nomadic Berber tribes, their culture and way of life. Enjoy a traditional home-made meal before heading to Skoura. On our way we’ll make a second short stop at the Todra Gorges.
DAR AHLAM
Upon arrival to Skoura we’ll be transferred in 4×4 to Dar Ahlam, a beautiful and secluded hotel, housed in a 9th century champagne-colored Moroccan castle, called a Kasbah. The rest of the afternoon will be free for you to relax and indulge in Dar Ahlam’s range of luxurious facilities.
You could choose to enjoy a traditional hammam or a revitalizing massage, swim in the outdoor heated pool or explore the gorgeous gardens before our dinner.
Breakfast, lunch, dinnerDar Ahlam
Day 6
SKOURA HIKE
This morning we’ll hike across the Skoura palm grove, situated along the Route of 1000 Kasbahs. We’ll be led by our knowledgeable local guide and learn all about the local agriculture and crafts, and the future of the region. After our active stroll, we’ll enjoy a delicious picnic lunch of traditional Moroccan produce.
AN INDULGENT DINNER
Back at Dar Ahlam, explore the hotel to find your private little corner in which to relax and unwind. Dinner tonight will be enjoyed in total privacy. There’s no set menu or dining area, instead chefs create dishes from gourmet recipes, using local seasonal produce sourced from nearby villages. Dining might be in space of this 19th century fortress lit by candlelight. Prepare to be blown away!
Breakfast, lunch, dinnerDar Ahlam
Day 7
AIT BEN HADDOU
Today we’ll transfer from Skoura to Marrakech. Along the way we’ll make a stop at Ait Ben Haddou, located on the lower slopes of the soaring Atlas Mountains. A fortified village made from traditional mud brick, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most famous ksars in the region, and one of the best examples of typical southern Moroccan architecture. This giant sand castle-like structure was built around the 17th century, and today there are still several families who live there. Depending on the time available, we’ll walk up through the village, marvelling at the defense towers, gateways and motifs carved into the clay bricks. Time for lunch in the area, and time to continue our road through Tizi n’Tichka mountain pass before reaching Marrakech.
MAGIC DINNER IN MARRAKECH
Tonight, in the Red City, we’ll enjoy a meal at one of the locals’ favourite restaurants, where we’ll get to try an array of authentic dishes.
Breakfast, lunch, dinnerHotel La Mamounia
Day 8
MARRAKECH
One of Morocco’s most exotic cities, Marrakech will dazzle all the senses. Known as the ‘ochre city’, Marrakech is filled with both grandeur and charm, from its mosques to its old medina. Today we’ll go on a city tour, visiting sites such as the lush Jardin Majorelle, which was designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle. It’s filled with elements of Moorish charm, as well as Art Deco touches, lotus-filled pools and exotic plants. Other places we’ll pass in the city include the grand 12th century Koutoubia mosque and the ornate Bahia Palace. Our city tour will be followed by a traditional and tasty lunch.
FREE EVENING
The evening will be free to do as you please, whether that’s shopping the rabbit warren of underground souks for glittering lamps or experiencing the sounds and smells of Jemaa el-Fnaa square, or simply stay at the Mamounia oasis to pamper yourself.
Breakfast, lunchHotel La Mamounia
Day 9
MARRAKECH COOKING CLASS
Today we’ll take a cooking class in Marrakech and learn all the local tips for making the traditional dishes. The workshop will be conducted by a dada (a traditional Moroccan female cook). We’ll then eat our labor for lunch, before enjoying a relaxing afternoon.
FAREWELL DINNER
In the evening, we’ll be treated to a special surprise farewell dinner, details of which we can’t reveal!
Breakfast, lunch, dinnerHotel La Mamounia
Day 10
END OF JOURNEY
Today, private transfer to Marrakech airport, or train station, or to your next destination in case you decided to extend your trip.
Price & Booking Terms
DATES:
- NOVEMBER 09 – 18, 2022 (9 nights / 10 days)
INCLUDED:
- 9 Nights accommodation on bed and breakfast basis
- 8 lunches and 7 dinners
- Private deluxe transportation throughout
- Private Fez & Marrakech Airport transfers in and out
NOT INCLUDED:
- Personal purchases and expenses
- Travel insurance
- Medical insurance with international coverage
- Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses
PRICE:
Total journey: €8,600
*Rates are in Euros per person, on double occupancy basis
BOOKING DEPOSIT:
-
At the time of reservation: 30% of journey cost per person
- 120 days before departure: Balance due
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
- Payment method: Bank transfer or major credit cards are accepted (Visa, American Express, Mastercard).
The Experts
KATIE BUTTON
Chef Katie Button was born in the South, raised in the North, and educated in Europe. Four-time James Beard Award nominee and cookbook author, Katie Button is the co-Founder and CEO of Katie Button Restaurants in Asheville, North Carolina, including the beloved Cúrate Bar de Tapas, Cúrate Spanish Wine Club, and La Bodega by Cúrate. A Southern chef with a scientific mind, Button honed her craft in the kitchens of some of the world’s best chefs, most notably Ferran Adrià and José Andrés, before venturing out to open her own restaurant with husband Felix Meana and her family. Katie Button was featured as one of Food & Wine’s 2015 Best New Chefs. Cúrate was named as one of the “40 Most Important Restaurants of the Past 40 Years” by Food & Wine and one of the “Most Important Restaurants of the Decade” by Esquire.
FÉLIX MEANA
Originally from Roses, a small town on the Costa Brava in Catalunya, Spain, Felix Meana jumped in to the deep end of the hospitality industry at 19 and finally worked as front of the house service manager for five years at Ferran Adrià’s world famous restaurant, elBulli. Then he moved to Washington DC with José Andrés at ThinkFoodGroup (it was here where he met Katie Button), and he worked as Director of Service and helped with developing and opening new restaurants, including The Bazaar by José Andrés in SLS Hotels across Beverly Hills, CA, Las Vegas, South Beach, Miami, and Puerto Rico. Co-partner at CÚRATE, Felix’s close relationships with Spain, coupled with a sense of adventure and desire to share that with others, has helped him build a unique travel experience through Cúrate Trips.
VALESKA IDARRAGA
Valeska inherited a taste for gastronomic culture from her French father and a talent for cooking from her Basque grandmother, a good reputed chef in that times. After studying Economics and Journalism in her native Barcelona, she went to Switzerland to pursue hotel management studies and she worked at some of the most prestigious hotels. Valeska speaks five languages. She is a Certified Sherry Wine Cellar Advance Expert, WSET 2 certified and WSET 3 candidate. Valeska is co-founder at Paladar y Tomar, she is marketing director and manages client relationships and operations at CÚRATE Trips.
FERNANDO PAREDES
Fernando Paredes is the CEO, financial director, and wine responsible of Paladar y Tomar. The Barcelona native was well into a career in economics when he discovered his true callings—travel, food, and wine. He entered the tourism industry as General Manager of a bespoke travel group, earned a degree in Food Event Design from the European Design Institute, became a Certified Sherry Wine Cellar Advance Expert and passed WSET 2 (Wine & Spirits Education Trust) with distinction. He is now a WSET level 3 candidate. Fernando’s journeys, and passion for food, have taken him to all corners of the world and now besides his many responsibilities he personally leads every tour at CÚRATE Trips.
8 Reasons to join us
At CÚRATE Trips the excellence of the landscape’s cuisine along with its breathtaking natural surroundings, exceptional wine varieties, and tranquility of the hand-picked singular accommodations create a getaway unparalleled in value and authenticity. Participate in a transformative trip.
Hand-picked Accommodations
CÚRATE Trips benefit from the expertise of Paladar y Tomar curating every hotel in search of the most unique nature of each location. This allows us to cater for every different type of personality and taste and have selected for this occasion singular hotels with immense value that enhance every moment. Our stories start from the moment you arrive.
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