12 Day Exotic and Mystical Morocco Gourmet Immersion Tour

Accommodation

4 and 5-star hotels, resorts and country-style accommodations are also personally selected for not only their quality but also their location, services, hospitality and the relationships built up over the years. We want to ensure you are not only very comfortable and relaxed but also get to experience all aspects of a region's terrain and lifestyle.

Accommodation selected (subject to change)

Due to the nature of Morocco and the distances you will be travelling to see as much as you can. Some stays on this tour are only for one night.

Hotel Le Doge Relais and Chateaux - 1 night (Casablanca, Grand Casablanca Region)

In the heart of the Art Deco district of Casablanca, Le Doge is a gem of a hotel, where authenticity and sophistication are key. Legend has it that it was an Italian entrepreneur who gifted this little gem to his wife, who he met in Morocco.

The building’s 30s architecture is carried through in the interior décor and the conservation of central period elements. A quiet refuge in the heart of Casablanca, the intimate Hotel & Spa Le Doge has a glamorous "Casablanca of yesteryear" feel. The luxury hotel is filled with authentic Art Deco furniture and objects, and has 16 rooms named for 1920s and '30s cultural icons like Coco Chanel and Charlie Chaplin.

The property includes a hammam steam room, sauna, hot tub, full-service spa, and fine French restaurant. Located on a quiet side street in Casablanca's central Art Deco district, the Hotel & Spa Le Doge is a two-minute walk west of Place Mohammed V and a block north of the Church of the Sacred Heart. The Abderrahman Slaoui Museum of Moroccan art is a block east.

Riad Myra 5 star - 2 nights (13 Rue Salaj, Fès)

Soaring arches, sumptuous brocade, intricate mosaics, glittering coloured lanterns, candlelit courtyards, tranquil Hammams. Traditional and user-friendly Riad Myra is owned by a respected Moroccan family known for running a well-regarded restaurant in Marrakech.

Dreamily furnished with traditional Moroccan pieces and English antiques, romantic drapery and blue tiles, open onto the striking central patio (and its lavish centerpiece, a marble fountain), which doubles as an atmospheric dining space come dinnertime. Also offers an elegant hammam offering traditional Moroccan baths and treatments; upstairs, there’s a beautifully tiled terrace looking out over the old medina — it’s an impossibly charming place for a leisurely Moroccan lunch.

Located in Fes El Bali, a neighbourhood in Fes, it is near the airport. Medersa Bou-Inania and Blue Gate are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Parc Jnane Sbile and Atlas Garden.

Luxury Desert Camp - 1 night (The Sahara)

Riad Elegancia - 3 nights (Marrakech, Bab Doukkala)

This charming luxury riad offers one of the most authentic riad experiences in the city, including all the modern luxury touches of a five-star, boutique hotel.” Located behind Marrakech’s towering pink walls, hidden in one of the Medina’s unsuspecting alleys close to the Bab Doukkala mosque and vibrant Jemaa El Fna square you’ll find Riad Elegancia.

Set over three levels and built around two patios, the building remains loyal to its Arab-Andalusian architectural roots. The riad’s interiors pay homage to true Moroccan craftsmanship, with traditional features running throughout the property including a magnificent chandelier hanging in the atrium.

Features include a hand-carved or painted cedarwood ceiling, with nickel silver and chiselled copper features, smooth and shiny tadelakt (plaster), and colourful zelliges (Moroccan tiles) in geometric patterns. Painted with Morocco’s distinctive colour palette of Majorelle blue, yellow, pink and green, Riad Elegancia’s rooftop is a destination in itself. Up there, you’ll find a sophisticated space to relax and soak up the 360 views of the ancient Medina. Take a dip in the rooftop swimming pool which, during the winter months, is heated for guests’ comfort. There’s also a sundeck, a Jacuzzi and a restaurant and bar area, both great spots from which to enjoy the city’s unrivalled sunsets over a cocktail.

Dining at Riad Elegancia is an important part of the guest experience, with breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner served throughout the day. Meals are prepared by the riad’s resident female “Tabakha” (Moroccan chef) using fresh produce, which is selected daily from the market.

Head down to the basement level to find the riad’s beautiful “Espace Raha” Oriental Hamman & Spa, a peaceful sanctuary and welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. This intimate and private space is dedicated to beauty and wellbeing. Features include a traditional Moroccan hammam made from marble, two treatment rooms including one for couples, a relaxation area, a fitness room with the latest cardio and weight training equipment, and mats for rooftop Yoga.

Villa De L'O - 2 nights (3, rue Mohamed Ben Messouad, Essaouira)

The Villa De L'O dates back to the 18th century, but in its present incarnation, it’s an ornate contemporary-luxe boutique hotel, whose young French owner has outfitted it in a style that’s more colonial than Arabian, equal parts modern and classic, full of custom finishes, painstakingly collected antique furnishings, high-end designer linens and unique objects from all over the world.

You’re at the edge of the medina, inside the old city walls — but more importantly, you’re just yards from the beach, which is likely why you’re in Essaouira in the first place. A tiny spa offers hammam, massage and body treatments, and your hosts know the city’s restaurants inside and out.

Program

Why Choose This Tour

Cities like Fez, Marrakech, and Casablanca evoke images of medinas, spice markets, and couscous, while the geographic extremes - from the Atlas Mountains to country resorts to camels in the desert - make it eminently photogenic. The mad circus of Marrakech’s Djemaa el Fna square, packed with incense, salesmen, and snake charmers, is so bizarre and entertaining you’ll be looking for the hidden camera.

This tour is ideal if you have always wanted to travel to Morocco, but don’t want to travel on your own or deal with all of the arrangements. Small group tour of only 14 fellow travellers, allows for more comfort, more flexibility and more opportunity to see and reach deeper into the culture. In addition, this Food Tour is perfect to tack onto your existing holiday plans.

This tour offers a relaxed planned itinerary. Therefore, if you like to have all the logistics taken care of to allow for flexibility and spontaneity this tour is for you. Whether you are a seasoned traveller or rather, this is your first time overseas, you are welcome. Perfect food tour for singles, couples, seasoned travellers and retirees who enjoy the camaraderie, comfort and assurance of a group setting.

Above all, if you enjoy meeting new people and new experiences. This food tour in Morocco is for you. It is not necessary to have great cooking skills, just a love of beautiful food and adventure.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Welcome to Casablanca

Upon arrival at Casablanca Airport, you meet your dedicated driver who will pick you up from the airport with a sign with your party’s name on it. Head to the city centre where you’ll check into your hotel and have the rest of the afternoon at leisure. You will then head to one of Casablanca's beautiful garden restaurants where the locals go for a welcome dinner of classic Moroccan dishes for your introduction to the country’s cuisine!

Approximate driving time: 30 minutes
Overnight in Casablanca
Meals provided: Dinner

Day 2: Meknès, Volubilis, and Fes

After breakfast, you head to Casablanca’s iconic Hassan II Mosque the second-largest functioning mosque in Africa and is the 7th largest in the world. Enjoy a guided tour inside the architectural masterpiece, then depart to Fes with stops en route to visit Meknes and Volubilis, the Roman ruins from centuries ago. You will tour the ruins and the stunning imperial gates that dot the neighbouring city of Meknes.

After the tour, enjoy lunch at a local vineyard, featuring a tour of the property, wine tasting, and a meal made with local fresh produce. You will sample the famous Moroccan vin gris (gray wine) and pair wines with locally sourced cheeses. A scenic drive to Fes, you arrive at the hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner is at the hotel giving you time to relax beforehand.

Approximate driving time: 4 hours
Overnight: Riad in Fes
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 3: Fessi Cuisine and Cooking Class

After breakfast, head out to the markets to shop for local produce as part of the cooking class! After picking out fresh ingredients, you will then learn how to make a classic Moroccan dish and just like the locals this will depend on the ingredients you pick up that day. The class concludes with a communal lunch of what you cooked that day.

After lunch, a guided visit to the cultural capital of Morocco will begin. Founded in 781AD, Fes is now considered the world’s largest car-free urban zone. Beware of mule-drawn carriages that speed through the alleyways. You check out a local pharmacy with its mysterious canisters of roots, flowers and powders and discover the medina’s Jewish quarter, the medersas (schools), and the legendary tanneries, where ancient techniques are still used to prepare Moroccan leather. You will also stop by the world’s oldest and longest-operating learning institution, the University of Al Quaraouiyine, founded in 859 AD, along with a visit of the souks and artisans’ quarters.

You’ll then experience a Fes tasting tour, during which you’ll visit three different food souks. Try traditional Moroccan street food, including dried meats, milawi, harsha, briwats, spicy sardines, spicy potato cakes, soups, olives and more. Investigate traditional cooking methods by visiting a furnace where the water for the hammam (communal bath house) is also heated, and a 400-year-old furan (communal oven and bakery). Afterwards, the rest of the evening is at your leisure.

Overnight: Riad in Fes
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (as part of the tasting tour)

Day 4: Into the Sahara

The day begins as you embark on an early morning scenic drive that leads you to the golden dunes of the Sahara! With several panoramic vistas on the way. The drive will lead you to the very end of the paved roads where we will then hop out from the car and onto the camels that will take you on a beautiful path through the tall sand dunes arriving into the luxury camp.

Mint tea will be served as you arrive, after which you’ll have some time to enjoy the camp and contemplate the peaceful quiet of the Sahara. Dinner will then be served followed by a campfire and some live music by the camp’s staff who will perform tribal music for the group. You can then enjoy the starlit sky before going to sleep in the comforts of your well-appointed luxury tent.

Approximate driving time: 9 hours
Overnight in The Sahara.
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 5: The Dades Gorges

Fresh from the Saharan adventure, this is the day you will explore the mesmerizing rock formations and twisty roads of the gorges of the Atlas Mountains! The day begins with the Sahara sunrise over the dunes from the luxury camp, and optional sandboarding followed by a hearty breakfast and a departure from camp for the Todgha Gorges, otherwise known as Morocco’s ‘Grand Canyon’.

After lunch near the Gorges and opportunities to take photos, you continue on to check in at our property where you’ll have the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Dinner this evening is at the property, which is renowned for its European-Moroccan fusion cuisine that changes daily and is locally sourced.

Approximate driving time: 5 hours
Overnight: Boutique Hotel in Boumalne Dades
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 6: Across the Atlas Mountains

Fresh from a good night’s sleep, you head to the ancient fortress of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou. A UNESCO world heritage site, located in the foothills on the southern slopes of the High Atlas Mountains, where parts of Game of Thrones were filmed. The fort of Ait-Ben-Haddou is a striking example of southern Moroccan architecture. It is an extraordinary ensemble of buildings offering a complete panorama of pre-Saharan earthen construction techniques.

After lunch near the Kasbah, you’ll continue towards Marrakech on one of the most scenic drives you’re likely to take in your life, venturing through the snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas mountains and back down on the other side into the dry flat plains of Marrakech. Upon arrival, you check in and enjoy a wonderful dinner together.

Approximate driving time: 6.5 hours
Overnight: Riad in Marrakech
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 7: Historical Marrakech

After breakfast at your hotel, you will head out for a jam-packed day of sightseeing in Marrakech! Visit the Koutoubia Mosque (the iconic sight of Marrakech), the Bahia Palace (a stunning example of traditional Moroccan architecture), and the Saadian tombs (an ornate resting place). Afterwards, head to the medina for lunch, followed by afternoon visits to the medina and the souks. You will delve into the myriad pathways of the Souk, which refers to the markets.

The markets of Marrakech are located in a serpentine set of alleyways which your expert guide will lead you through. You’ll see the different sections, including the stalls where fresh produce, baked goods, spices, and herbs are sold. In the evening, visit the famous Djemaa el Fna square, which becomes especially lively at night. Browse the stalls where juice vendors sell fruit juice of every flavour imaginable, and experience a tasting at a food stall where you’ll get to try local favourites, including the famous Marrakech tanjia.

Overnight: Riad in Marrakech
Meals provided: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (as part of food stall tasting)

Day 8: Modern Marrakech and Desert Cooking Class

After a morning at leisure, you will head to the culinary arts museum, which will give you an in-depth history of Moroccan cuisine and all the influences - Berber, Arab, Jewish, Portuguese, Spanish, and French - that have shaped it over the centuries. You will meet the incredible women at the Amal Association, a not-for-profit restaurant and cooking school assisting women in training in the hospitality industry. Here we enjoy a delicious lunch and partake in a dessert pastry cooking class.

Your afternoon and evening are free to enjoy Marrakech and discover its bustling market scene. Just a short 15 minutes walk from our hotel are two popular markets to visit. Head to Jemaa el-Fnaa in the square in Marrakesh's medina quarter. It remains the main square of Marrakesh and comes alive after 9 pm, 3 minutes from Jemaa el Fnaa is Souk Semmarine another bustling market offering everything from colourful clothing and fabrics to antiques, food and spices.

Overnight: Raid in Marrakech
Meals provided: Breakfast and lunch

Day 9: Drive to The Ocean and Essaouira

After breakfast, you will be driven west to Morocco’s Atlantic coast for a stay in the charming city of Essaouira. You will stop en route at a local argan oil co-op and see the tree goats, followed by lunch at a vineyard on the outskirts of the city. You will check in to the villa, relaxing for the afternoon until dinner with the rest of the evening at leisure.

Approximate driving time: 3 hours
Overnight: Villa in Essaouira
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 10: Exploring Essaouira

Today you will explore the city’s old ramparts, the medina, the artisan cooperatives, and the Jewish heritage sites. You learn all about the city's history and the influence left over the centuries by the Carthaginians, Romans and Portuguese. You will visit the harbour, which is a photographer’s dream, with fishing nets laid out on the quayside, boats unloading their catches and the smell of freshly-grilled sardines and lobster in the air.

After a half-day guided tour, you are free to enjoy lunch at your leisure and spend some time at the medina or an afternoon relaxing by the beach. You’ll then head to a local dairy farm for dinner where you’ll feast on a sampling of cheeses, fresh salads, and other local dishes!

Overnight: Villa in Essaouira
Meals provided: Breakfast and dinner

Day 11: Essaouira to Marrakesh and our Final Night Cooking Class

After breakfast, you will be driven back to Marrakech and given the day free to enjoy lunch and the afternoon at your leisure. As an optional extra, you can enjoy the afternoon at a traditional Moroccan hammam and spa. Let your guide know if this is something you would like to do.

In the late afternoon, roll up your sleeves for an immersive and fun cooking experience! Accompanied by a local “dada”, or expert cook, you dig into all of the key components of a Moroccan meal, starting with how to prepare the famous Moroccan mint tea and bake Moroccan bread.

From there, the hands-on portion of the course begins as you prepare a main course of chicken and preserved lemon tagine, along with a tomato and cucumber salad and an eggplant salad. The class ends with a dinner where you eat your very own masterpiece in a privatized venue, along with a special farewell celebration!

Approximate driving time: 3 hours
Overnight: Riad in Marrakesh
Meals: Breakfast and dinner (as part of the cooking class)

Day 12: Departure and Farewell

After breakfast, you will check out and organise your transfers to Marrakech or Casablanca for your departure flight. You are recommended to select an outbound flight departing after 3:00 pm for an included transfer. Pure Food Cooking Tours Team wishes you all the best for your onward journey. For those of you continuing your Moroccan adventure, hope the wonderful experience continues.

Approximate driving time: 0.5 hours for Marrakech or 3 hours for Casablanca
Meals included: Breakfast

Guides

The tour guides are personally selected for their knowledge of the regions, their spoken English and their humour. This ensures you enjoy informative, interesting and fun guided tours. They do when necessary use whispers or small group microphones to ensure you can wander at your own pace without missing out on understanding the history and unique aspects of each area you visit.

This food tour is not about racing you around the country. It is preferable to stay in each of the accommodations for a minimum of 2 -4 nights giving you an opportunity to unpack and settle in. (where applicable). Due to the nature of Morocco and the distances to travel to see as much as you can, some stays on this tour are only for one night.

Moderate walking

Moderate walking is involved on guided tours, and this tour can certainly accommodate people who are a little slower on their feet. Luggage services are available to assist with retrieving luggage off and on our bus and to and from the hotels/rooms if required.

Tour suitability

The tours suit couples, singles and people of all ages. The tours are privately booked with a minimum of 10 and maximum of 14 guests so that you get personalised attention, comfort when travelling and the opportunity to visit boutique establishments, restaurants, and unique venues not suitable for large number tours.

Included excursions

Guided tours

Hassan II Mosque
Meknes & Volubilis Roman Ruins
Ait Ben Haddou Unesco World Heritage site
Medina Jewish Quarter in Fes
Marrakech Souks
Dades Gorges

Other excursions

Market Food Tour in Fes
Djemaa el Fna square
Market Tour in Marrakech
Argan Oil tour
Wine tour and tasting
Scenic visits through the Sahara
Camel ride in the Sahara
Tree goats
Local dairy farm visit

Location

Morocco, described as being dazzling and beguiling, the hustle and bustle of the various Medinas, is intoxicating, and the serene calmness of the mountains is invigorating. The enticing smells of the spices and the ochre colour of the mud-brick houses will be embedded fondly in your memory.

Beaches and Berbers, medinas and mosques, souks and sand dunes… Morocco has variety, mystery, history and exotic culture that has fascinated travellers since long before the modern traveller arrived. Affordable and only a short ferry from Spain, Morocco’s mix of traditional and modern strikes the perfect balance between the intensely exotic and comfortingly familiar. With knowledgeable and insightful guides and warm and generous locals who truly enjoy showing and sharing their country with you.

During the tour, visit Medinas, Mosques and markets, as well as discover where the Moroccans make and paint their pottery, dye and make leather goods, weave the famous Moroccan rugs, gather the argan nuts and turn them into products, and buy and eat fresh seafood right off the boats. To experience as much of Morocco as you can without lifting a finger is easy. The itinerary will maximize your time so you can experience the many different cultures of a fascinating country.

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Food

The menus, selected restaurants and dining experiences are hand chosen to give you a variety of tastes and flavours allowing you to experience foods from the land, sea, city and mountain. Pure Food Cooking Tours consciously includes zero-kilometre venues, restaurants and foodie visits with slow food accolades that support sustainability, preservation of tradition and local produce.

This tour can certainly cater for dietary intolerances and can accommodate coeliac, dairy-free and vegetarians.

The cooking classes are for everyone from the novice cook to the budding chef and are fun and informative giving you an opportunity to pick up some new skills and learn about the cuisine.

Chef Dominique Rizzo

Chef Dominique Rizzo has been running her food tours for over 10 years and is a complete professional with attention to detail and service. On tour, she is on call to assist you any way she can. This tour is about creating a memorable travel experience of a lifetime for YOU. Her desire is for you to enjoy a relaxing holiday where you can get the most out of your time away. She has selected the best so you can completely immerse yourself in the culture, lifestyle, food and wine of a region.

The following meals are included:

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:

Vegetarian
Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
Lactose Free
Other dietary requirements on request

If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation

Things to do (optional)

The places you visit do include some of the main tourist sites of a region. Although, unique to Dominique Rizzo Tours are the sights and activities that are personally booked for these tours alone. This tour includes everything! Even days and evenings off from the tour for you to relax on your own or to further explore a destination. There are no hidden costs, add ons or payments that are further required to complete the full itinerary.

You are welcome to opt out of any of the activities to do your own thing, although each of the activities has been selected to give you an opportunity to see, do and taste as much of the region as possible with siesta time in- between.

What's included

Fully escorted tour, 12 days, 11 nights in the beautiful scenic surrounds of Morocco
Specialised escorted service of Chef Dominique Rizzo, Director and Curator of Pure Food, Wine Culture Tours in conjunction with “Experience Morocco” travel company
Private guides for 12 days
Pick up transfer from Casablanca Airport on the tour start date
Transfer to Casablanca / Marrakech Airport/train station or hotel on the tour finish date
Air-conditioned spacious private bus with own private driver
All accommodation and hotel taxes in bespoke accommodation, 4 and 5-star hotels, riads and spa resorts selected for their personalised service, amenities, locations and their food (room upgrades are available upon request, prices to be quoted upon application)
Dominique signature shopping/travel tote bag/maps, travel hints and tips, Arabic language brochure, details of hotels
All privately escorted visits and tastings
Meals: All breakfasts are provided, 8 lunches and 10 dinners are also included, and some morning/afternoon teas
Beverages: All beverages with meals including wine, beer, juice, soft drink, tea and coffee
All guided tours as specified in the tour are included / All transfers by bus, car, taxi as specified in the tour itinerary
Admission to all historical sites, galleries and museums mentioned in the itinerary
Tips for restaurants and guides

What's not included

Airfares
Everything not included in the itinerary (tour inclusions)
General expenses - phone calls, laundry, room upgrades
Transfers outside of the tour dates and allocated transfer times for departures, personal transport outside the tour dates, excess baggage, security and government taxes outside the tour dates Beverages and meals outside of described “tour inclusions”
Room service beverages and meals when not participating in the scheduled meals
Tourist taxes where applicable in some hotels
Travel and medical Insurance
Tips for restaurants and guides

How to get there

Recommended Airports

CMN

Mohammed V International Airport

22 km

Transfer included

Arrival by airplane

Please ensure your departure flights are later than 3 pm on the departure date for the included transfer especially departing from Marrakech.

Airport: Mohammed V International Airport Airport transfer included: Mohammed V International Airport No additional charges. You can request this in the next step.

Cancellation Policy

A reservation requires a deposit of 15% of the total price.
The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.

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Accommodation selected (subject to change)

Hotel Le Doge Relais and Chateaux - 1 night (Casablanca, Grand Casablanca Region)

Riad Myra 5 star - 2 nights (13 Rue Salaj, Fès)

Luxury Desert Camp - 1 night (The Sahara)

Riad Elegancia - 3 nights (Marrakech, Bab Doukkala)