Morocco for Foodies

(10 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Fez, Marrakesh

This private culinary tour is an in-depth exploration of Morocco's rich and varied cuisine through private cooking classes, market tours, visits to artisan food producers and unique dining experiences. Along the way, enjoy private touring of cultural highlights and stay at Morocco's most luxurious hotels and resorts.

Begin in Fez, the intellectual, religious and gastronomic heart of Morocco. During private cooking classes, learn to prepare dishes such as Moroccan mezzes, tagine (tajine) and bisteeya (pastilla), as well as traditional Moroccan mint tea. During private cultural touring, explore Fez el-Bali ("Old Fez") and its medieval medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site crammed with narrow streets, tiny squares and busy workshops. See centuries-old mosques and universities, as well as the open-air tanneries. Also visit a local ceramic studio. If desired, visit other studios where artisans create traditional carpets, copperware, leatherwork and zellij tilework. Also tour Fez el-Djedid ("New Fez") to see the Royal Palace, and explore the mellah, the largest Jewish quarter in Morocco. One day, enjoy a private excursion to Meknes, a former imperial capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for cultural touring and to taste wines at a local winery and sample olive oil from a local press.

Continue to Rabat, Morocco's sophisticated seaside capital. Stroll through the beautiful Andalusian Gardens, and visit the landmark Kasbah of the Udayas, which perches on a hill above a scenic estuary. Perhaps stop for lunch or mint tea and pastries at an atmospheric cafe.

Next, visit Marrakesh, a beautiful city of pink buildings, bustling souks (markets), and upscale shops and restaurants. During private touring, explore exquisite Moorish gardens and architectural highlights such as Jardin Majorelle, Jardin Menara, the Palmeraie and the Bahia Palace. See important historic monuments and districts, including the Jewish quarter, Koutoubia Mosque, and Ali ben Youssef Mosque and Medersa. Enjoy a tour of the Djemaa el-Fna, the city's lively main square, which transforms each evening into a multisensory pageant of energetic street performances and tantalizing food stalls. Visit the spice souks, which are stocked with locally harvested saffron, cumin and other ingredients. Learn about Moroccan sweets during a private lesson. One day, take a private excursion to the Atlas Mountains to visit a Berber market and local home. Also enjoy lunch reservations at Kasbah Tamadot, an acclaimed luxury resort in a scenic location among the hills. One evening, enjoy an exclusive excursion into the nearby Agafay Desert for a sunset camel ride, traditional Berber entertainment, and a private candlelit dinner under the stars. Another day, take a private excursion to Essaouira, a whitewashed port on the Atlantic coast and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. En route, visit an argan oil producer, and learn about the unique process for creating this treasured local product. During private touring in Essaouira, explore the impressive fortifications and medina, and sample fresh seafood at stalls lining the port. Alternatively today, opt to remain in Marrakesh to continue your cultural touring.