Morocco embodies a culture of rich traditions with a captivating past. On this 12-day tour, you will discover Morocco with an immersion into its seven timeless cultural crafts, as you meet with master artisans who continue to practice their time-honored yet slowly vanishing traditional arts. From designing your own elaborate kaftan dress under the tutelage of Morocco's leading designer to witnessing an exquisite Moroccan rug being masterfully woven, travelers will experience firsthand an exclusive...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Casablanca – The Contemporary Life
Casablanca is a cosmopolitan city boasting the title of Morocco’s economic capital. Art galleries display contemporary works inspired by the rich culture and history of the country. Wide boulevards and art nouveau structures harken back to the days of French colonialism. Palm trees line the roadways and the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean lap against the beaches and beachfront district of Corniche. Your flight lands at Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca. Your private transfer meets you at baggage claim and escorts you to the comforts of your luxurious hotel located in the city center. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy an immersive experience in the bustling city.
The warm air contains a fragrant hint of the sea, mixed with exotic spices emanating from the local restaurants. The palm fronds rustle in the breeze. Hassan II Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the world with an area encompassing nearly five acres set against the backdrop of the ocean. The minaret stands more than 650 feet tall. Intricate decoration encompasses the walls and floors through a series of geometric designs in-line with ancient tradition. You can hear the water splash against the rocky promontory on which the mosque stands. The mixture of radiant blue, yellow, and green tiles accentuates the latticework adorning the walls. The beauty of the mosque alone is enough to showcase the elaborate handcrafted works of traditional Moroccan artisans.
What's Included:
Day 2
Fes – Touching of the Past to See the Present
Day 3
Fes – A Particular Fes
Day 4
Fes – Becoming an Artisan of Tradition
Day 5
Erg Chebbi – Vision of the Desert
Day 6
Ouarzazate – Hidden Oasis on the Old Road
Day 7
Marrakech – Business in the Kasbahs
Day 8
Marrakech – Garden Walls and Colorful Weaving
Day 9
Marrakech – The Depths of Old Marrakech
Day 10
Essaouira – A Taste of the Moroccan Vine
Day 11
Essaouira – Crafting Essaouira
Day 12
Essaouira – Connecting Moroccan Tradition with the World
Trip Highlights
- Immerse yourself in 7 traditional Moroccan handcrafted arts, meeting master artisans who continue to practice their slowly vanishing customary crafts
- Learn the cultural art and tradition of crafting leather slippers, from dyeing the materials to sewing the shoes, during a private tour
- Shape a tagine clay pot under the guidance of a master potter, before using the traditional cooking tool to make a delicious Moroccan meal
- Enjoy the gorgeous art and intricate crafting of renowned Moroccan lamps to find graceful glassware and detailed metalwork
- Witness the delicate art and intense focus needed to craft mosaics of zellige tiles as made by master craftsmen
- Design your own personalized kaftan by shopping for materials in a traditional souk (open-air marketplace) and shape it to your preference with a master-weaver
- Experience the skilled threading of exquisite Moroccan Berber rugs, produced by adept women's' cooperatives
- Relish the woodwork of a master carver who works with thuya wood to create remarkable pieces of functional art, from tables to jewelry boxes
- Spend a night in a luxury camp beneath the expansive skies and stars of the Sahara Desert
- Indulge in the comforts of luxury accommodations and the captivating culture that have enchanted countless imaginations across the world
Detailed Description
Preserved art and continued traditions connect a culture to its heritage. History perseveres in the enchanting artistry of Morocco as crafted by artisans passionate to continue in the fading traditions found deep in the country’s roots. Your 12-day hands-on tour takes you through the mountains, valleys, desert and coastline of Morocco for an immersive tour of culture, history, and artistry as told through the storied pasts of artisan tradition. The discoveries begin with your arrival in Casablanca. Your private transfer meets you at Mohammed V Airport and escorts you to your hotel located in the heart of the city. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the economic capital of Morocco. Visit Hassan II Mosque or stroll along the luxurious Corniche district.
The following morning, your private transfer meets you at the hotel and escorts you to the Imperial City of Fes, stopping first in the capital of Rabat, and antique city of Meknes, and at the Roman ruins of Volubilis. The next day, you have a guided tour of the preserved cultures of the city embodied in the Medina. Explore the tannery and visit a leather slipper workshop to learn the art of the craft by making your own under the guidance of a master craftsman.
Next, you continue your discoveries of the remarkable city by shaping zellige tiles and clay pots before partaking in a cooking class to learn the captivating flavors of proper Moroccan cuisine. Your private transfer meets you at the hotel and escorts you east towards Erfoud. Pass through the city of Midelt situated between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains. Once in Erfoud, you travel into the Sahara Desert to relish the gorgeous expanse of the sand and sun at a luxury camp far from civilization at Erg Chebbi.
You visit the town of Boumalne Dades in the Dades Gorge amidst an oasis of fig trees. Travel the Road of 1,000 Kasbahs, which paves a path through the Sahara to the city of Ouarzazate. Explore the historic kasbah at Ouarzazate and the nearby fortress town of Ait Ben Haddou before reaching Marrakech in the evening. An introductory guided tour takes you through the vibrant life of Djemaa el Fna Square. Next, you visit the majestic Majorelle Gardens before meeting a celebrated kaftan designer, with whom you craft you own personalized garment. Traverse the maze-like lanes of the souk and visit with a local artisan lamp maker to watch a master craft the elegant designs of the famous Moroccan light fixtures.
You leave behind the vibrant, cultural city of Marrakech, heading for the coastal town of Essaouira. Relish the refreshing flavors of Morocco on a wine tour overlooking the magnificent landscape. Once in Essaouira, you can explore the streets and historic walls pressed against the Atlantic Ocean. The following day, you meet with woodcarvers crafting unique and treasured artistry from thuya wood. Help shape the trinkets to create an unforgettable jewelry box or tabletop. Delight in the remainder of the day at your leisure to discover the culture and charm of the coastline. On your final day, your private transfer meets you at the hotel and escorts you to Casablanca for your flight home.
Starting Price
$3,511 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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