Marrakech Culinary Week

DAY 1: PICK-UP FROM AIRPORT AND TRANSFER TO HOTEL

You will be met at the Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK) and transferred to your accommodation, which is a five-star restored riad with pool, situated in the ancient medina. Depending on your time of arrival, you may be able to visit the Majorelle Gardens. These striking botanical gardens, previously owned by Yves St Laurent, are set over 12 acres and contain the Islamic Art Museum of Marrakech.

DAY 2: MARRAKECH – GUIDED SIGHTSEEING

Marrakech Culinary Tour Today you can really explore the world-famous city of Marrakech, the second oldest imperial city, known as the Southern Pearl of Morocco, which has been an important stop for traders and travelers alike for centuries.

Your tour will include the Bahia Palace and the Saadian tombs. You will also visit the iconic Koutoubia Mosque, whose minaret dominates the center of Marrakech, before continuing on to the Djemaa el Fna, which is one of the main cultural spaces in Marrakech and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Here, you will have the chance to relax at one of the many cafés surrounding the square while you absorb the sights and sounds of this tantalizing city. Then, after lunch, experience the hustle and bustle of the aromatic souks of the Medina, as you wind your way through the labyrinth of narrow alleyways and mysterious bazaars selling hand-made rugs, lanterns, and spices.

The guided tour finishes in the famous square, which transforms as night falls into a huge open-air restaurant, crammed with stalls lit by gas lanterns, and where the air is filled with wonderful smells and plumes of cooking smoke spiraling up into the night.

DAY 3: MARRAKECH – COOKING class

Marrakech Culinary Tour - Cooking in Marrakech The influences from Africa, Tamazgha,Arabia, France ,and Spain create the distinctive cuisine for which Morocco is gaining worldwide respect. Spices, fruits, and nuts feature extensively and the ingredients are fresh, natural, home grown, and delicately balanced.

Today, you will take part in a culinary class with a Moroccan well known Chef .Small groups with a maximum of 8 participants will work together using modern equipment found in everyday kitchens.

You will see how Moroccan bread is made and experience a traditional bread oven, as well as learn to prepare a two-course meal. At the end of the workshop, you will dine on the meal you have prepared.

DAY 4: ESSAOUIRA

Today, you will be collected from your riad and drive for two hours and 30 minutes through lush valleys filled with orange groves and ancient olive trees until you arrive to Essaouira.

On the way, you will stop at an argan oil cooperative where you can watch the entire process and have the opportunity to buy some high-grade pure argan oil products. If you are lucky, you will also see the amazing spectacle of goats climbing the argan trees to reach the fruits.

When you arrive in Mogador ( Portuguese name for Essaouira you will join a short tour in order to see landmarks and help you get your bearings before taking you to your accommodation. You can choose to stay in a Medina riad with spa and hammam or at a retreat place outside of town .. Your driver will be available for you throughout your time here in order to provide transport whenever you require it.

DAY 5: ESSAOUIRA

Garlic oil and spices Enjoy today at leisure. Perfect for pottering, the souks are hassle free in comparison to Marrakech and are renowned for their rich and varied handicrafts. There are Souks (markets) all over the city, filled with textiles, jewelry, ceramics, musical instruments, and handmade wooden items. Art galleries and small boutique shops are nestled between an abundance of cafés where you can chat with the locals while sipping mint tea and chilling out.

Visit spice market behind the fish market to purchase high-quality spices including locally produced saffron and royal tea blends. If you have room in your luggage, perhaps buy a tagine to bring home and try out your new skills. It is also possible to choose your fresh fish from the fish market and have it grilled in front of you to eat at one of the open-air shared tables or nearby restaurants.