Culinary Tour to Marrakech Morocco

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the vibrant flavors and timeless culture of Morocco. This exclusive culinary tour will immerse you in Marrakech's bustling souks, teach you the secrets of authentic Moroccan cooking, and treat you to unparalleled luxury in some of the country's finest accommodations. From historical gems and the magical Medina to the majestic Atlas Mountains, this is your gateway to a world of culinary delights and cultural treasures.

Having visited Morocco over a dozen times, I feel deeply connected to this country and am excited to share this unique itinerary with you. Really, it's two trips in one! Spend the first few days exploring the vibrant and historical city of Marrakech, and then get whisked just a short distance away to a place that feels like an entirely new paradise--the serene and fertile lands of the majestic Atlas Mountains and Ourika Valley. All week long, you'll experience Morocco's rich culinary traditions, incredible architecture, gorgeous landscapes, history, and culture.

Prepare to feel enthralled with this beautiful place that welcomes guests like a warm hug!

Tour Highlights

Expertly Curated Itinerary: Unique experiences you won't find in any guide books.
Luxurious Accommodation: Stay at a stunning Kasbah perched in the Atlas Mountains, and an elegant Riad nestled in Marrakech’s historic medina.
Cooking Classes: Master the art of Moroccan cuisine through immersive hands-on cooking classes with expert Dadas and enjoy your creations with select wines.
Cultural Experiences: Discover the iconic Majorelle Garden, Marrakech souks, and picturesque Berber villages with a knowledgeable and charming multi-lingual guide.
Relaxation and Wellness: Free time to unwind, take in breathtaking sunset views by an infinity pool, and enjoy optional spa treatments, such as a glorious hammam ritual and relaxing massage.

About your host, Joanne Weir

Awarded the first International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) Julia Child Cooking Teacher Award of Excellence

Awarded the IACP's Award of Excellence, Culinary Tour Operator of the Year

James Beard Foundation Best Cookbook, General Category Award for Weir Cooking in the City (Simon & Schuster, 2004)

Scroll down for more details!

* Price based on double occupancy. Limited availability for single occupancy rooms. Single supplement charge of $1500.00 applies for solo travelers. Airfare not included. Deposit of $2000.00 per person required to secure a spot. Please read the tour terms linked here.

Reserve Your Space

Marrakech offers incredible hotel options and the most authentic and palatial are the historical riads in the heart of the bustling Medina. Originally, these centuries-old homes accommodated royalty and wealthy families. From the exterior, they look very unassuming; however, once you step inside, they are filled with elaborate architectural details like colorful mosaics, intricate carvings, geometric patterns, floral motifs, arches, and columns, adding to the overall grandeur and elegance of the space. There is always a central courtyard with rose petals floating in a central fountain and palm trees reaching the open sky.. Riads are works of art, and these days, many have been lovingly restored and transformed into luxurious hotels. We've chosen one of the most gorgeous.

Riad Nashira features a lush courtyard oasis, indoor and outdoor pools, a spacious sun terrace, and well-appointed rooms**. This 5-star, tranquil retreat is a short stroll away from major attractions like Medersa Ben Youssef, the Marrakech Museum, the Souk, and the iconic Jemaa el-Fnaa Square; it offers the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration.

For the remaining two nights of our adventure, we'll head to the Atlas Mountains and stay at another gorgeous property, Kasbah Bab Ourika. This boutique hotel is the perfect place to soak up a different side of Moroccan life, enjoy warm and inviting Berber hospitality, and bask in the stunning landscape. Perched on a hilltop at the apex of the Atlas Mountains, this kasbah has 360° views and looks down to the river, green fields, and groves of olives, oranges, and lemons and up to the dazzling snowy mountain peaks in the distance.

Kasbah Bab Ourika

Writer Alex Preston describes this wonderous place well, stating that "There is a quality of silence, up here in the clear, still air, a sense of timelessness that tricks you into believing that the fortress-like building, with its rose earth walls and cool courtyards, might have been here forever..." (Harpers Bazaar). Yet, we'll still have an easy commute back to Marrakech when our tour concludes.

**Please note: These are two fabulous properties, yet if you want to take things up a notch, please inquire about room upgrade availability.

Morocco is a feast for the senses. Picture spices piled into high conical peaks, sands shifting on the Sahara, terraced hillsides next to snow-capped mountains, frothy mint tea, and feeling welcomed like a warm hug. Whole cities are painted blue, tasty morsels steam bake in earthenware tagine pots, and camels bleat as they traverse the desert. It's an intoxicating place, and together with my Moroccan associate, we've gathered our favorite flavors, sensations, and unique experinces to share with you. This itinerary is not like any you'll find in a guidebook.

Get immersion into the heart of Marrakech.

Prepare to immerse yourself in this beautiful city's flavors and culture as our knowledgeable guide, and my dear friend, Mustaffah, takes us through the famous "souks" (markets), and marvels of architecture and history, like the extraordinary Ben Youssef Madrasa. We'll explore the stunning Majorelle Gardens, where you can see for yourself whyYves Saint Laurent felt so inspired here! Next door, we can visit the Berber Museum or YSL's own historic collection.

Don't be surprised if you feel transported to another eras as we stroll through the alley ways of the 16th century Jewish Mellah quarter before reaching the breathtaking Bahia Palace. Everywhere you look you'll see how this vibrant, historic city has embraced people from a variety of backgrounds through the centuries.

Of course, we'll reserve some time to shop, and I'm happy to guide you to my favorite places where I've discovered some incredible hand-crafted artisanal treasures. One evening we'll join the excitement at the historic cultural center of Marrakech, DJema el-Fnaa. Picture yourself strolling through an exhilerating scene, where Berber musicians fill the air with music, and Gnaoua dancers, snake charmers and acrobats provide an exhilerating for the eyes. So much to do and see!

"Joanne’s culinary journey to Morocco is a full immersion into the Berber’s culinary culture, from food markets, cooking with local chefs, touring vineyards, to experiencing the diversity of the desert. We came home knowing and loving the country."
- Peggy & Graham

Enjoy 360-degree views of the Atlas Mountains

Less than an hour from Marrakech, you'll experience a different side of Moroccan life. Imagine the scenic views as you venture into the lush Ourika Valley, stopping at a Bio-Aromatic Garden. Enjoy a guided tour exploring aromatic and medicinal plants, a hands-on bread-making workshop, and a tasting session featuring freshly pressed oils and local-cured olives. I don't want to spoil all of the surprises, but this is where you'll meet local women who will teach you how to make traditional Berber bread in a wood-fired clay oven! Savor a garden-to-table lunch before continuing to the breathtaking Kasbah Bab Ourika, where you'll check in to your luxurious retreat. Then, we'll meet for dinner, surrounded by panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains.

The next day, savor a serene breakfast overlooking the majestic mountains. Then, set out on a guided trek to discover traditional salt production and visit a nearby Berber village. Continue to a saffron garden, an enchanting destination where you'll learn about this precious spice and enjoy a delectable lunch in a local home, offering an authentic taste of Berber hospitality.
Don't worry; we'll ensure you have time to soak in a luxurious spa treatment and enjoy the 360-degree views. Yet, we also have a few optional adventures that may be too tempting to miss!

As the New York TImes (2024) describes:

"The Ourika Valley in Morocco seemed like the dreamiest of escapes: silvery-green olive groves that give way to the dramatic reddish ridges of the Atlas Mountains, simple guesthouses and luxurious boutique hotels, farm-fresh cuisine, hiking, horseback riding — and all just an hour’s drive from Marrakesh" (NYT, 2024).

Moroccan cuisine is as sophisticated and diverse as its aromas and flavors. It holds an enduring legacy, a continuous thread of culinary traditions passed down through generations. At the heart of this rich culinary heritage are the Dadas, traditional Moroccan women who have faithfully guarded and nurtured their culinary traditions for centuries.
Dadas are the heart and soul of the Moroccan kitchen.

Create delicious memories.

You will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience to cook alongside these Moroccan culinary treasures in exclusive cooking workshops Under their guidance, learn their mastery of blending spices, and discover the secrets of crafting traditional tagines and side dishes paired perfectly with wine.

Learn how to make classics, such as a four-step method to make the lightest, fluffiest couscous you can imagine. Then discover how to combine the area's incredible ingredients that you'll braise in your own tagine over a charcoal-fire clay brazier! We can also make a classic savory pie called basteeya. Imagine whisper-thin phyllo dough, called warka, that's brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with ground nuts and spices, and layered sheet after sheet. Add the succulent filling, wrap it up and bake to golden perfection! To round out our meals, we'll create colorful trios of salads with seasonal vegetables and desserts.

You will be amazed at how easily you can use these techniques to bring the flavor to the table at home.

The price for this tour is $6950.00 US per person, based on double occupancy. A deposit of $2000.00 US per person is required to register for this tour. Limited single occupancy rooms available and a single supplement charge of $1500.00 US applies for solo travelers. Please read the Terms and Conditions for details.

We strongly recommend trip insurance.
Policies vary, so be sure to review the details and make sure that it suits your needs.

Your tour begins with a private transfer to Riad Nashira, followed by an evening reception and dinner on the first day. The tour concludes with breakfast and a return transfer to Marrakech on the final day of your tour. We will arrange for your pickup at the Marrakech airport or Central Marrakech locations and will transport you directly to our accomodations at approximately 4pm on Day one. We will transport the group to Marrakech Airport on the final day of the tour at approximately 9am on the final day.

East Coast friends-- United Airlines now offers direct flights to RAK from New York!

We are committed to following Country, State and local health guidelines to the best of our ability during this tour.

Included:

Limited group size and carefully curated itinerary
Meals- breakfast, lunch and dinner (one exception) with wine
Accommodations for 6 nights
Hands on and demonstration cooking classes
Excurions and day trips with knowledgeable and friendly multilingual guides
Tastings
Transportation during the tour
Private transfer from Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK) or central Marrakech hotel to our Riad
Group transfer to the airport (RAK) on the final day.

Not Included: