12 The Artisans Trail

Duration

11 Days

Max People

40

Min Age

3+

Pickup

Comfortable Car

The Artisans Trail in Morocco is a vibrant route that showcases the incredible craftsmanship and rich cultural heritage of the country. Along this trail, visitors can explore a variety of workshops and studios where skilled artisans create traditional Moroccan handicrafts, including intricate ceramics, beautiful textiles, and exquisite woodwork. As you travel through picturesque towns and bustling souks, you’ll witness the time-honoured techniques passed down through generations, immersing yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavours of Moroccan art. This journey not only celebrates the creativity of local artisans but also offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the rich cultural tapestry of Morocco

Included/Excluded

  • Accommodation at the hotel
  • transportation
  • Local guides
  • breakfast
  • taxes
  • Monuments visited
  • Lunches
  • drinks
  • Gratuities

Tour Plan

Day 01 Marrakech Arrival

Get ready for an adventure of a life time as you arrive in the enchanting city of Marrakech! Your friendly guide and driver will be there to whisk you away to your hotel.

Marrakech, proudly known as “the red city,” this captivating city is one of the world's great gems, blending legend with vibrant culture. Imagine exploring the flat plains and gazing up at the majestic High Atlas Mountains that create a breathtaking backdrop for your journey.

As the sun begins to set, make your way to the lively Djemâa el Fna square! Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere filled with stalls of dried fruits and the enticing aroma of freshly squeezed orange juice. The square transforms into a lively hub of excitement, with a myriad of small restaurants springing to life. Experience the heart and soul of Marrakech, where fire eaters, mime artists, snake charmers, and street musicians create a captivating spectacle at every turn!

Every corner of Marrakech pulses with energy, sophistication, and a hint of mystery. Get ready to lose yourself in its charm! Your unforgettable adventure begins now!

Day 02 Marrakech

Start your day with a breakfast, and get ready for a half day guided tour Historic tour of Marrakech

First, visit the stunning Koutoubia Mosque, known for its impressive minaret.

Next, marvel at the opulent Badii Palace, built between 1578 and 1603, featuring 360 grand rooms that echo tales of history. Then, explore the whimsical Bahia Palace, a true gem of 19th-century Moroccan architecture, completed in 15 years.
Don’t forget the Dar Si Said Museum, a cosy spot that beautifully showcases art and culture.

Optional lunch at Café Clock Marrakech – known for its amazing and diverse culture of Morocco through music, art and cuisine.

After Lunch with an expert guide embark on a captivating journey through the vibrant heart of Marrakech with the Artisan Tour, where the rich tapestry of Moroccan culture unfolds before your eyes. This immersive experience invites you to explore the city's bustling souks, where the air is filled with the scents of exotic spices and the sounds of artisans skilfully crafting their wares.

As you wander through narrow, winding alleys, you'll encounter skilled craftsmen at work—potters moulding their clay into exquisite ceramics, textile weavers creating intricate patterns on traditional looms, and metalworkers shaping delicate filigree jewellery.

Each artisan proudly showcases their unique techniques passed down through generations, revealing the deep-rooted heritage of Moroccan craftsmanship.

Enjoy the evening at leisure with your guide and driver at disposal.

Day 03 Marrakech

This morning after breakfast Embrace the magic of the day with your guide and driver enjoy a visit to the famous Majorelle Gardens. These captivating gardens, created by the talented French painter Jacques Majorelle in 1924 and opened to the public in 1947.

Enjoy optional lunch at Café Majorelle.

After lunch your guide and driver will take you to your designated pick-up point. Hop on to transport of the afternoon – A Side Car for a thrilling ride and a visit to the famous Jean-François Fourtou home.

Prepare to have your perceptions skewed and your impressions tilted in this 25-acre site, which was originally bought by the artist’s family with a view to creating a family home. Jean-François Fourtou, who studied at École National Supérieure des Beaux-Arts de Paris, delights in recreating visions from his childhood and dreams – for example ‘The Giant’s House’ recalls the feeling of being a child in a relative’s home where everything seems huge, and where you are dwarfed by objects as basic as a toilet seat. ‘The House fallen from the Sky’ is a disconcerting journey into a dream of a house, quite literally, falling from the sky, with details – topsy-turvy as they are – lovingly recreated. Wander the grounds to discover other-worldly shapes hanging from trees and an army of sculpture-workers tending the vegetable plots.

This evening dinner reservations has been made at Comptoir Darna with an entertainment show of belly dancers and great music.

Day 04 Marrakech - Essaouira

After breakfast, let’s set off on an adventure to Essaouira! Known for its breezy charm, this stunning port city on Morocco’s Atlantic coast is a treasure waiting to be explored.

As you stroll through the vibrant medina you will find artisans hard at work crafting. Surrounded by the 18th-century seafront ramparts of the Skala de la Kasbah, you will be enchanted by the rich history and breathtaking ocean views. Picture old brass cannons standing proud along the walls, whispering tales of the past.

Your Riad for you stay in Essaouira has been lovingly created by the owner. Witness a truly contemporary take on Moroccan Design in a heritage setting, utilising all the Traditional Artisanal skills of the Moroccan craftsmen

This evening enjoy a Gwana music lesson, steeped in the rich cultural heritage of the Gnawa people, offers an enchanting auditory experience that draws listeners into a world of deep hypnotic trance. At the heart of this tradition lies the sintir, also known as the guembri, a beautifully crafted skin-covered lute that produces resonant, low-toned melodies. The sound of the sintir, with its rhythmic strumming, serves as a foundation for the vibrant and communal nature of Gnawa music.

As the music unfolds, it envelops listeners in a unique ambiance, evoking feelings of celebration, community, and spiritual connection. Gwana music not only entertains; it serves as a powerful form of expression and a vital link to the Gnawa's ancestral roots. Embrace the freedom to relax and explore!

Day 05 Essaouira

This morning after breakfast enjoy a full day guided historic and artisan tour around Essaouira with your guide and driver.

Embark on a captivating journey through the enchanting coastal city of Essaouira, renowned for its rich artistic heritage and vibrant culture. As you wander the narrow cobblestone streets lined with traditional blue and white buildings, you'll discover a treasure trove of artisan shops showcasing the skill and creativity of local craftsmen. Start your tour at the bustling medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you’ll be greeted by the melodic sounds of nearby waves crashing against the historic ramparts.

The air is filled with the enticing aromas of freshly baked bread and roasted nuts, inviting you to take a pause and indulge your senses. Explore the lively souks, each stall brimming with unique handmade goods. Marvel at the intricate woodwork created by talented thuja wood artisans, whose pieces range from stunning furniture to delicate trinkets.

Don’t miss the opportunity to observe master potters shaping colourful ceramics, their vibrant mosaics reflecting the hues of the ocean and sky. As you roam through the artisan workshops, you might catch a glimpse of skilled weavers transforming threads into beautiful rugs, each telling a story of tradition and craftsmanship. Engage with these artisans to learn about their techniques and the cultural significance behind their creations.

The evening will be yours to enjoy at leisure with your guide and driver at disposal.

Day 06 Essaouira - Asilah

This morning, continue your journey by leaving Essaouira and traveling up the Atlantic coast until you reach the coastal town of Assilah. Nestled along the Atlantic, this small town undergoes a vibrant transformation each summer as it hosts the Assilah Art Festival. This annual celebration turns the town's medina into an open-air gallery, where local and international artists come together to transform the city's walls into canvases and its streets into a living masterpiece. In this way, art becomes a language that transcends boundaries.

Enjoy the evening at leisure with your guide and driver at disposal

Day 07 Asilah

This morning, after breakfast at your hotel, prepare to embark on a captivating full-day guided Artisan tour of the enchanting coastal town of Assilah.

The Artisan Tour is a remarkable journey that invites you to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of craftsmanship and creativity that defines this charming locale. As you meander through the town’s picturesque, sun-drenched streets, you’ll be greeted by the vibrant colours and enticing aromas that fill the air.

You’ll witness local artisans passionately engaged in their crafts, each dedicated to preserving the artistry that has flourished in Assilah for generations. Explore the lively markets where intricately painted ceramics showcase bold, flourishing patterns, and elegant woven textiles shimmer with rich, vivid hues. Marvel at the delicate handcrafted jewellery that glistens under the warm sun, and admire the intricate woodwork, where every curve and detail tells a story steeped in tradition.

With each step, you’ll not only observe the talent and skill of these artisans but also feel the heartbeat of Assilah—an unforgettable blend of culture, history, and artistic expression.

Day 08 Asilah - Fes

This morning leaving behind the Atlantic coast head in land to the historic city of Fes.

Along the way, make a stop at Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunningly preserved Roman ruins that evoke a sense of wonder. After lunch in Meknes continue on your journey,

As the day unfolds, you'll arrive in the vibrant city of Fes, where you can unwind for the evening in a charming traditional riad. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and lively ambiance that fills the air!

The evening will be yours to enjoy with your guide and disposal

Day 09 Fes

This morning enjoys a full day historic and artisan guided tour of Fes. Embark on an exhilarating journey through 1,300 years of Moroccan heritage with this adventurous tour in the enchanting city of Fes. As you navigate the winding alleys of the medieval New Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, prepare to immerse yourself in a vibrant tapestry of colours and sounds.

Get ready for a fascinating walking tour of the architectural marvels of the Medersa—a stunning 14th-century religious college that boasts some of the most intricate tile work you’ll ever see. Each corner turned brings a new surprise, making your exploration of Fes a heart-pounding adventure filled with culture and history at every turn. After lunch at the second Café clock venue continue on your artisan tour.

Your guide will lead you through bustling souks and hidden workshops, where skilled artisans bring traditional crafts to life. Feel the thrill as you enter the bustling bazaars, where exotic spices fill the air and the allure of local cafes beckons you to stop for a refreshing mint tea.

The evening will be at your leisure with your guide and driver at your disposal.

Day 10 Fes

Today enjoy your morning at leisure with your guide and driver at disposal.

After lunch head to a private lesson learning the art of weaving!

In the heart of Fes, a city renowned for its rich history and vibrant culture, an enchanting lesson in the art of weaving unfolds. As you step into a traditional weaving workshop, the air is filled with the soft sounds of looms clattering and the faint aroma of natural dyes, hinting at the craftsmanship that awaits.

Your instructor, a seasoned artisan with years of experience, welcomes you with a smile. He begins by sharing the history of weaving in Fes, a tradition passed down through generations, illustrating how each piece reflects the unique cultural and artistic heritage of the region. As you listen, you’re captivated by tales of ancient techniques, patterns, and the significance of colours used in Moroccan textiles.

With hands-on guidance, you will be introduced to the various materials—from luxurious silks to sturdy wool—with which you can work. The instructor demonstrates the delicate process of preparing the loom, threading the intricate patterns that will be woven into the fabric. You grasp the basics of weaving, feeling the smooth fibres slide through your fingers as you begin to understand the rhythm and flow of this ancient craft.

By the end of the lesson, you emerge not only with a newfound appreciation for the art of weaving but with your very own piece—a small rug or tapestry that captures your personal touch, a reminder of a beautiful day spent in the enchanting city of Fes, where creativity and tradition intertwine seamlessly.

The evening will be at leisure with your guide and driver at disposal.

Day 11 Fes - Casablanca

After breakfast, set off for Casablanca. Upon arrival, you'll be amazed by the breathtaking Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world! Prepare to be captivated by its stunning architecture and intricate details. It's sure to be a truly unforgettable experience!

This evening wraps up your Artisan tour of Morocco with a delightful dinner at your hotel this evening

Day 12 Casablanca - Departure

On your departure day, you'll be whisked away to the airport, where you'll carry with you a heart full of joyful memories from your incredible Moroccan artisan adventure. With a smile on your face and stories to share.

Tour Map

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