Caravan-Serai is one of our favorite outfits for the Middle East and North Africa. Long-time subscribers of our blog will remember that this tour operator tailors unique itineraries for small groups. If you’re looking for trustworthy guides to Jordan, Iran or Morocco, they are one of the best.
Today, we’re sharing one of their upcoming tours to Morocco. Though it’s right around the corner (April is fast approaching!), this Culinary and Art Tour is one that’s very unique and shouldn’t be missed. Call WIT to book your Moroccan escorted tour today.
WIT Agent Gavi Piper returned from her trip to Morocco a few months ago, so we’re sure she’d love to tell you all about this colorful and delightful country. Attached are some of her photos from the journey!
Escorted Culinary and Art Tour of Morocco
April 18 – 27, 2019
Accommodations will be in authentic Moroccan bed and breakfast riads. A riad is a type of traditional Moroccan house or palace with an interior garden or courtyard, and many have been converted to accommodations for travelers. Local chefs will be doing cooking demonstrations with all local ingredients in each of the four cities to showcase the diversity of Moroccan cuisine. Space will be limited on this special tour, so reserve your space early!
Day 1 & Day 2: Arrival / Rabat
Welcome to Rabat, the capital of Morocco, also known as the White Imperial City. After assistance with airport formalities, we will be driven to a group welcome lunch. We will then check into a riad for the evening.
Rabat has a rich, long history and we will learn about it in art guided tours of colonial architecture left behind, along with a culinary tour of coastal influences in a group cooking class. Local sights include Hassan tower, the splendid Mohamed V Mausoleum, the Kasbah of Oudayas and the Medina. Overnights at RIAD KALAA.
Day 3 to Day 5: Fes
Three days are devoted to the sightseeing of Fez, the Medieval City, the most ancient cultural and spiritual city of Morocco. This medieval marvel has been frozen in a time capsule and houses the world’s oldest university, Karaouine Mosque, a World Heritage site.
Art guided tours include a visit through the old medina to see different craftsmen still operating in the old oriental tradition Fes El Jdid & the Jewish district. We will also visit the historic Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts and Batha Museum to learn about geometric patterns that make this area unique.
Hammam options will also be made available for anyone interested in experiencing a private treatment. We will have an evening cooking demonstration of Amazigh & Tunisian influences, as Fes cooks are considered the country’s most elegant and gifted. Overnights at PALAIS OMMEYAD.
Day 6 & Day 7: Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen is called the Blue City and is tucked away high in the Rif mountains. It remained shut off from the world for almost 500 years, forbidden to Christians until 1920. Now its narrow, labyrinthine streets, decked in shades of blue buildings with red tile roofs, are open to all. Its relaxed easy atmosphere is a strong contrast to the bustling bigger city life. The art tour will include historical visits to the Medina to relax along the Plaza Uta Hammam. We will learn about the influences of the neighboring Andalucían in the unusual octagonal tower of the Grande Mosque, visit the Kasbah, & enjoy the Ethnographic Museum, stopping for a moment to enjoy the breathtaking views it offers. We will visit the falls of Ras El Maa, and delight in a cooking demonstration of Mediterranean influences. Overnight in PARADOR.
Day 8 & Day 9: Tétouan
Tétouan, sometimes called the White City or The Daughter of Granada is also situated in the Rif Mountains and was built by Muslim refugees from Spain in the 15th century.
It is one of only two Moroccan Mediterranean port cities and is known for its craftsmanship and musical gracefulness. We will tour the Hispano-Moorish influence in the architecture of the Medina, a Unesco World Heritage site.
We will also explore Tétouan’s culinary influences from local Amazigh, Andalusian and Ottoman cuisine, brought by Algerian immigrants, in a cooking demonstration. Overnight in EL REDUCTO.
Day 10: Rabat / Depart
After breakfast, departure transfer to Rabat–Salé airport for return flight and assistance with boarding formalities.
