This is not a vacation.. it is a complete re-set. An opportunity to get lost and find yourself, to dive into another culture, to indulge in luxury and relaxation. Come spend a week with me riding camels through the Sahara, exploring the Medina, shopping the Souks, and doing sun salutations on a rooftop overlooking the most intoxicating city I’ve ever visited. And when you return home refreshed, re-energized and inspired, watch your regular old life take new shape.
The following itinerary was curated & written by Chelsea Gilson for Willow and Blair. Willow and Blair are the sole proprietor of the content and details are subject to change at their discretion. Please refer to their website for the most up to date itinerary: www.willowandblair.com. For booking inquiries, shoot me an email at [email protected]. I’d love to hear from you!
October 6-13, 2018
HIGHLIGHTS
- Welcome Reception
- Exploring the Medina
- Shopping in the Souks
- Djemaa el Fna Square
- Hammam Access
- Spa Treatment Voucher – Four Seasons Hotel
- Specially Curated Yoga Classes
- Dinner – Al Fassia
- Marrakech History, Art & Architecture Tour
- Bahia Palace
- Majorelle Jardin
- Lunch – Amal non-profit Women’s Centre
- Maison de la Photographie de Marrakech
- Cooking Class
- Private Luxury Glamping Tent in the Sahara
- Visit a Berber Village
- High Atlas Mountain Pass
- Camel Ride through the desert
- Lunch with a nomad family
- Exploration of historical desert villages
- Private transfers to/from Airport
ITINERARY
DAY 1 ARRIVE MARRAKECH
Salam Alikome! Welcome to Morocco!
Upon arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport, you will be met by a driver and assisted with your bags for a private transfer to your hotel. The Place Hotel is located in the heart of the city and a
great starting place to explore the top historical monuments, museums, and souks. There is a sauna and Hammam located inside of the hotel, as well as complimentary wifi, a full service
restaurant, and a swimming pool.
From 5 PM – 8 PM, you’re invited to a casual welcome gathering at the hotel to enjoy some traditional Moroccan tea, light nibbles and sweets.
Art Place Hotel Marrakech | Welcome Party
DAY 2 EXPLORE THE MEDINA – EXPERIENCE THE HEART OF MOROCCO
Today we explore the heart of Marrakech with a guided tour of the Souks, Medina, and Djemaa el Fna Square. The Souks of Marrakech are definitely the most lively, vibrant and colorful of all of Africa. Each area will coincide with a different trade, like dyers, blacksmith, shoe-makers, spices, and fabric sellers. The renowned Djemaa el Fna Square comes alive with storytellers, snake charmers, tooth-drawers and dancers every afternoon.
We will rest at a cafe terrace overlooking the square for tea to end the tour, before returning to the hotel to relax and freshen up. The hotel is located a short 2 minute walk (150 M) from the cafe, and you are welcome to stay longer to explore or have lunch.
In the late afternoon, we will meet at the hotel for a rejuvenating yoga class focused on alleviating any travel tensions.
Dinner will be at Al Fassia, a traditional Moroccan restaurant with dishes cooked and served exclusively by women. Locals generally cook traditional Moroccan food at home and dine out for more exotic meals, but they make an exception for Al Fassia. It is one of the only Moroccan food restaurants in Marrakech that doesn’t tie diners to a set menu, so you are free to order a la carte.
Art Place Hotel Marrakech | Meals: B, D
DAY 3 DELVING INTO THE ART, ARCHITECTURE AND HISTORY OF MARRAKECH
Following breakfast, we will embark on a guided tour through the history of Marrakech, a city that dates back to 1070. Marvel at the architectural monuments and landmarks, like the Koutoubia mosque, Saadian Tombs and the Mausoleum of the XVIth century dynasty. We will also visit the Bahia Palace of the 19th century, which is still often inhabited by the Majesty’s guests. Feel inspired by the beauty of the Jardin Majorelle, or as commonly referred to as Yves Saint Laurent gardens after the fashion icon purchased the property in 1980 and opened the nation’s first Berber museum.
For lunch, we will dine with the ladies of Amal Non Profit Women’s Center, a non-profit dedicated to the empowerment of disadvantaged women. Once nourished, we will carry on to the Maison de la Photographie de Marrakech, a famed photography Museum that features over 5000 images capturing life in Morocco from 1870-1950. The museum’s rooftop terrace boasts views of the Atlas Mountains.
Dinner this evening will be at the stalls of Djemaa el Fna Square, a must-do experience on any authentic trip to Marrakech. Freely roam through the stalls until you find one that speaks to you and enjoy a hot meal on a plastic table amongst locals. If you prefer to simply take in the experience and dine elsewhere, there are a number of cafes and restaurants offering western options surrounding the square.
Art Place Hotel Marrakech | Meals: B, L
DAY 4 SAHARA DESERT – HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS AND BERBER VILLAGES
Just as you start to acclimate to the hectic medina life, we’re off to explore the peace and serenity of the Sahara desert. After breakfast we will set out in 4WD cars out into the desert, where we will pass the Atlas Mountains. Expect flourishing valleys and authentic Berber Villages.
You will have the luxury of enjoying a private glamping tent for accommodations. Dinners will be eaten together under the stars, weather permitting.
Luxury Sahara Tent | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 5 SAHARA DESERT – ERG CHEGAGA
Waking early to catch the sunrise peak over the endless hills of sand, expect an illuminated landscape of soft pink and yellow hues. After breakfast, we will set off on camelback to explore the desert. We will ride to a small oasis and visit a nomad family, where we will enjoy lunch alongside them under their tent shelter. This will be a beautiful opportunity to learn more about the nomad culture, language and traditions. Tonight’s special camp side dinner will include local entertainment.
Luxury Sahara Tent | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 6 SAHARA DESERT – HISTORICAL VILLAGES AND HIDDEN TREASURES
After breakfast, will we begin our journey back to Marrakech. Along the drive, we’ll reach the historical village of Tamgroute, where we will visit the old Kasbah. Then we will drive through the Draa valley and Agdz to discover the hidden treasures of the Southern region and continue to Ouarzazate, where we will enjoy lunch at the Kasbah Taourirt. In the afternoon we will drive back to Marrakech through the High Atlas Mountains, on the way we will make a stop in Ait ben Haddou, the Unesco World Heritage Site deemed ‘the door to the desert’ for a short visit.
We will be back in Marrakech around 6:00 PM to check into our new accommodations at the Four Seasons.
Four Seasons Marrakech | Meals: B, L
DAY 7 SHOPPING, HAMAM, & COOKING LESSON
Morning meditation and yoga class at the hotel will prepare us for the last full day in enchanting Marrakech. We will set out for shopping in the Souks following breakfast, but the day is yours if you prefer to book a Hammam treatment or to just simply relax in the luxurious Four Seasons hotel grounds.
Our last group dinner will be a lively cooking class with Dar Les Cigognes Cooking School. We’ll venture into the markets to collect the produce for our specially curated menu before learning the magic of Moroccan spices in a gorgeous riad.
Four Seasons Marrakech | Meals: B, L, D
DAY 8 DEPART
We rise once more with a reflective meditation and yoga class at the hotel before saying our goodbyes over breakfast. Please notify us of your departure plans so we can arrange an airport transfer for you to Marrakech Menara Airport.
Meals: B
This tour is only available to women ages 18+. Group size is limited to 14 to keep the experience intimate and personalized.
Price Per Person for a Single Occupancy: $3950
Book with a friend on a twin share basis and both receive a 20% discount off the tour price
*Airfare not included
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love your photos from this trip, i have visited marakesh myself this year, very beautiful / colourful place✨?
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