The Grand Morocco Food & Wine Tour

FEZ, ARRIVAL

Welcome to Fez, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital, where the medieval medina stands next to magnificent palaces and majestic religious schools and mosques. Stay in a magnificent riad or luxury boutique hotel, you’ll find yourself in an oasis of peace in the middle of the fervent city.

COOKING CLASS

What about experiencing a first traditional Moroccan cooking class? You´ll learn how to create some of the city’s most famous dishes. The class will start with a visit to the maze-like souks to shop for various herbs, spices and other classic ingredients. Then, enjoy a unique hands-on session and savor it all in a quiet and magic atmosphere.

FEZ PRIVATE TOUR

This morning 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, Fez 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.

The tour of the medina will be followed by a high quality Moroccan lunch at a fine restaurant.

Free evening. 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 our riad.

MEKNÈS AND ITS WINES

After breakfast, make your way to Meknès, a small town just west of Fez, a laidback and quiet place, yet with a grand and fascinating history. An imperial city, Meknès 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.

The tour will be followed by a visit to one of the most renowned Moroccan wineries, framed in the appellation AOC Guerrouane, 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,  return to Fez, relax. We will assist you on your dinner plans.

ON THE WAY TO THE DESERT

Today, 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. Then stop for a quick lunch in Middelt before arriving in Erfoud for a 4×4 ride to the Merzouga desert camp.

NIGHT IN THE DESERT

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. Enjoy a camel ride at sunset to fully appreciate the magnificent surrounds. Back to the camp for a delicious dinner, we'll make sure you try medfouna - a type of spiced Berber pizza - which is essentially fresh bread stuffed with meat and herbs, and cooked over the campfire.

Then retire to your cozy tent for a night under the stars.

FROM THE DESERT TO SKOURA

Today, you’ll be transfered 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, learn all about the nomadic Berber tribes, their culture and way of life. Enjoy a traditional home-made meal before heading to Skoura. On your way you’ll make a second short stop at the Todra Gorges.

DAR AHLAM

Upon arrival to Skoura be transferred in 4×4 to Dar Ahlam, a beautiful and secluded hotel, housed in a 9^th 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.

SKOURA HIKE

This morning enjoy a hike across the Skoura palm grove, situated along the Route of 1000 Kasbahs, led by our knowledgeable local guide and learn all about the local agriculture and crafts, and the future of the region. After this active stroll, 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 19^th century fortress lit by candlelight. Prepare to be blown away!

AIT BEN HADDOU

Today be transferred from Skoura to Marrakech. Along the way you’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 17^th century, and today there are still several families who live there. Depending on the time available, you’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, enjoy a meal at one of our locals’ favorite restaurants, where you'll get to try an array of authentic dishes.

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 you’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 you’ll pass in the city include the grand 12^th century Koutoubia mosque and the ornate Bahia Palace. The city tour will be followed by a traditional and tasty lunch (we’ll take care of all your restaurant’s bookings).

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 your hotel oasis to pamper yourself.

END OF JOURNEY

Today, private transfer to Marrakech airport, or to your next destination in case of any extension