Highlights:

• Explore, shop and discover the beauty of towns such as Marrakech, Fes, the blue city of Chefchaouen, and Casablanca
• See many traditional crafts such as embroidery, carpet and cloth weaving
• Participate in textile workshops
• Attend a traditional Moroccan cooking class
• Wander the markets to see the colourful mounds of spices, to examine the intricately woven carpets, and to be inspired by the traditional patterns
• Berber cultural experience
• A special visit to the Yves St Laurent collection of north African textiles
• Camel  safari and overnight glamping in luxury tents in the Sahara Desert

Day 1    Thu    Sep 16        Arrive Casablanca
Arrive in Casablanca, the economic capital of Morocco, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, where you will check in and after some time to refresh take a short walking tour. Dinner will be served at the hotel. (D)

Day 2     Fri    Sep 17           Casablanca-Chefchaouen
After breakfast, we will visit the Hassan II Mosque before leaving by coach towards Chefchaouen, the blue city in the Rif Mountains, established to protect religious refugees. On route, stop at Rabat, the capital city and residence of the King, we will have some time to enjoy the beautiful coastal city. Continue travel to Chefchaouen for overnight. (B D)

Day 3     Sat    Sep 18          Chefchaouen-Fes
This morning we will explore the many small streets of the medina. The town is home to Berber tribe people, Muslims, Jews and Moors and this is reflected in a rich cultural heritage. In the late afternoon we will leave Chefchaouen for Fes visiting the Roman city of Volubilis on the way. (B D)

Day 4     Sun    Sep 19        Fes
Today’s tour starts with a visit to the Chouara tannery, the biggest tannery in the continent where colorful leather is produced, next stop will be at the Fundouk Nejjarine, a beautifully restored 18th century inn, before finishing at the Qaraouiyine Univerity which is the oldest institution of higher education in the world. We’ll attend a unique workshop called Dar al Tiraz, a place of art and of knowledge, entirely dedicated to handwoven figured weaves. The Jardin des Biehn hotel and cafe is our next stop to view the private collection of textiles and artifacts belonging to the owner Michel Biehn. (B D)

Day 5     Mon    Sep 20       Fes
This morning you will visit the Mederssa Bouaanania, the perfect example of gorgeous Merenid architecture. Later on you will visit the workshops of weaving and embroidery. Then we head to the cherry capital of Morocco, the town of Sefrou. Visit the Cherry Button Cooperative where you can practice making needle weaving buttons, then check out the nearby village of Bhalil known for its cave houses as well as the making of jellaba buttons. (B D)

Day 6     Tue     Sep 21        Fes-Erg Chebbi Desert
Today drive South onwards to the Moroccan desert, pass by berber villages in the middle Atlas mountains and pretty fertile lands. We will visit a great landmark for women of the Moroccan south Kasbah Myriam. This kasbah-styled workshop helps Berber women develop their embroidery and weaving skills. We arrive at the Erg Chebbi desert in the late afternoon and take a 4x4 to the camp!  Enjoy dinner by the campfire and some gnaoua music, your Room for tonight will be a Basic Bedouin-style tent. (B D)

Day 7      Wed   Sep 22       Erg Chebbi Desert-Ait Ben Haddou
Today, bid farewell to Merzougaand head to Ait Benhadou kasbah. We will stop by the famous artisanal village of tazenakht which is the home of the famous "tazenakht carpet". You will see women weaving carpets behind the buildings along the road. You will also have a stop the lush M'goun valley known for its fertile lands and beautiful roses. Continue to Ait Benhadou and stop at the skoura oases, commonly known as the Road of One Thousand Kasbahs Skoura. Our final stop of the day will be the amazing Kasbah of Aitbenhadou where you will spend the night. (B D)

Day 8      Thu    Sep 23        Ait Ben Haddou-Marrakech
Perched on a hilltop and almost unchanged since the 11th century, Ait Benhaddou is one of Morocco's most iconic sites, we will spend some time here before departing for Marrakech. Arrive in Marrakech and check in to our hotel to relax. (B D)

Day 9      Fri     Sep 24           Marrakech
In the morning we will visit Les Jardins Majorelle, a striking cobalt blue oasis once owned by Yves St Laurent. See his collection of North African textiles at the Musee Berbere. (B L D)

Day 10   Sat    Sep 25          Marrakech
A Moroccan cooking class is included this morning. Morocco, and Marrakesh in particular, is a perfect destination for cookery classes. Its cuisine is rich, both in terms of history and the breadth of ingredients. At root Marrakeshi cuisine is Berber in origin, and flavoured with a host of spices from the Indian subcontinent. In the afternoon we will take a guided tour of Marrakech, the second oldest Imperial city called “the pearl of the south". Our historical sightseeing includes the Palace of the Bahia, the Dar si Said Museum, Saadian tombs and many other treasures. (B L D)

Day 11    Sun   Sep 26        Marrakesh-Tameslouht-Essaoira
Travel a short distance from Marrakech to the village of Tameslouht to meet with the ladies of the village cooperative. There will be classes in embroidery for us, along with lunch. Later we travel to the coastal city of Essaouira. (B L D)

Day 12    Mon   Sep 27       Essaouira
With an exquisite beach to the south, Essaouira has become one of Morocco's most popular coastal towns. Many of the country’s wood carvers and artists make Essaouira their home. We’ll explore the historic ramparts and meet souiri artists in their workshops, who are keeping the tradtion of marquetry alive, and specialzed in crafting Thuya wood, which is the signature tree of Essaouira. (B)

Day 13    Tue    Sep 28        Essaouira-Casablanca
During the morning we leave Essaouira for Casablanca with a stop in Safi, famous for its ceramics and textiles. Safi is the Moroccan capital of pottery and home to the biggest Tajine in the world. After some time in Safi, we continue travelling to Casablanca.  Upon arrival, check in to our hotel.  Enjoy our farewell dinner tonight. (B D)

Day 14    Wed   Sep 29      Depart Casablanca
Your tour ends after breakfast as you’re transferred to Casablanca International Airport in time for your onward flight. (B)

Please note: tour itinerary may subject to change.

Dates:  September 16 - 29, 2021

Price per person:            

Twin share: $4,530
Single room: $5,630
Deposit: $500

Inclusions:

• Arrival & departure airport transfer
• 13 nights twin-share accommodation with breakfast daily
• Transportation in Morocco including private coach and 4x4 jeep
• Lunches and dinners as stated in the itinerary 
• Embroidery demonstrations, workshops and Moroccan cooking class
• Comprehensive sightseeing with English speaking local guide
• Tips and porterage

Not included:

• International flights
• Passport and visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Items of a personal nature

Fitness level - Moderate
Tour participants will need to carry their own luggage, board a bus unaided, walk a mile, and navigate uneven surfaces including stairs.

For hotel details, please contact Opulent Quilt Journeys 877 235 3767 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.