Morocco with Silvia Favela

Let's raise a glass together to an exciting trip ahead during your welcome dinner! Tonight's dinner will be at a local restaurant, just a 5-minute transfer away from the hotel. It will feature a 3-course menu, including a selection of salads for starters, a delightful barbecue main course, and a delicious dessert. Please note that drinks are not included and should be purchased at the venue. Kindly be aware that the menu might be subject to change based on the confirmed restaurant.

Overnight in Marrakech.

Breakfast is included and will be served buffet-style. It includes a variety of options, such as hot dishes, a selection of cold cuts, exquisite pastries, and fresh fruit. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

After a brief 15-minute private transfer, you'll step into the bustling Medina, where the vibrant colors of textiles and the echoes of skilled artisans plying their crafts will welcome you. You'll meander through narrow labyrinthine streets, with each corner revealing a new facet of the city's rich culture. There will be ample time to explore the souks featuring pottery, woodwork, carpets, and spices. Amidst your exploration, we'll take a tranquil break at Dar El Bacha, a magnificent palace showcasing Moroccan architecture at its finest. This oasis offers respite from the bustling streets, where you'll be welcomed by the inviting aroma of Moroccan tea and an array of delectable sweets. Coffee or tea and typical Moroccan pastries are included during your visit. Restrooms will be available at the Dar El Bacha café. Please note you will be walking between 1 and 1.5 miles during this tour.

After midday, you'll be picked up at your hotel. Following a 15-minute transfer, you will arrive at the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, once the legendary designer's home. Step into his creative universe, where haute couture, art, and Moroccan inspiration seamlessly blend. Explore his iconic fashion collections, sketches, and photos of his personal life. Depending on your interests, you can spend one or two hours in the museum. Time seems to fly inside this amazing place. Your journey through the museum wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Majorelle Garden, a lush oasis that Yves Saint Laurent and his partner, Pierre Bergé, lovingly restored. This botanical paradise, with its exotic plants and vibrant blue buildings, reflects their shared passion for Marrakech. You'll have an hour to explore its labyrinth of crisscrossing alleyways on different levels and boldly colored buildings that blend both Art Deco and Moorish influences. Restrooms are available at both the YSL museum and Majorelle Garden. Please note that you'll be walking approximately half a mile to a mile during this tour.

You'll be picked up at Majorelle Garden for a short 15-minute journey to the Medina to begin a delightful street-tasting tour. Imagine wandering through the intricate maze of Marrakech's bustling streets, where every twist and turn reveals a hidden culinary gem. Your Guide, a true connoisseur of the city's food culture, will lead the way. With their expertise, they'll slow down the chaotic rhythm of the city and help you make sense of its vibrant tapestry through its tantalizing food and lively markets. As you follow your Guide through the labyrinthine alleyways, you'll encounter a world of flavors. From sizzling grills and fragrant spices to exotic fruits and delectable pastries, each stop offers a new chapter in Marrakech's culinary story. The tour includes some unique local treats like harira and sfenj, as well as other delicious snacks such as olives, nuts, exotic spices, dried fruits, mint tea, and grilled meats. Please note that this tour does not include dinner, and you will have free time after the tour to dine on your own. During this tour, you can expect to walk approximately half a mile to a mile.

Overnight in Marrakech.

Today, you'll be picked up from your hotel before sunrise, embarking on a 45-minute journey to the countryside. Upon arrival at the launch site, the hot air balloon staff will welcome you and provide a briefing about the activity. Climb into the balloon basket, and your approximately 1-hour flight will begin. This sunrise hot air balloon tour in Marrakech promises an unforgettable experience. You'll ascend gently into the tranquil morning air, suspended in a wicker basket. Below, the countryside stretches out, the vast desert seems endless, and the majestic Atlas Mountains loom in the distance, creating a breathtaking backdrop for your journey. As you gracefully glide above the landscape, the only sounds are the occasional whisper of the flame heating the balloon and the gentle rustling of the wind. After the activity, a simple yet delicious breakfast is served in a tent. It's a wonderful opportunity to share your photos with the group while enjoying a cup of coffee. After breakfast, you'll head back to the hotel for check-out and a quick refresh before beginning your journey to the desert.

Breakfast is included and will be served in a tent in the countryside after the hot air balloon ride. This breakfast is simple but delicious, featuring coffee, tea, and local pastries.

After checking out from the hotel, bid farewell to Marrakech for a while and embark on a 40-minute transfer to Chef Tarik's house, where an exciting culinary adventure awaits. Step into his atelier, a hidden gem where tradition meets innovation, and immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and fragrances of his garden. Here, you'll uncover the essence of Moroccan cuisine from the ground up. In this hands-on cooking class, Chef Tarik will guide you through the art of crafting traditional Moroccan dishes, using the freshest ingredients harvested from his own garden. You'll learn the secrets of aromatic spices and the delicate balance of flavors that define Moroccan cuisine. Together, you'll prepare three different Moroccan salads, three delicious varieties of tagines, and a special dish with couscous. Once the dishes are ready, it's time to savor the fruits of your labor. Picture yourself having lunch in a tent in the enchanting garden, where the air is filled with the aroma of your creations. After the cooking class, the day continues with a 1.5 hour transfer to the desert camp.

Enjoy a Moroccan-style lunch featuring your own creations in the serene garden of Chef Tarik's atelier. Lunch is served in a comfortable tent in the garden and includes salads, tagines, couscous, and fresh juices. Restrooms are available for your convenience. Please be aware that the menu may change based on the chef´s decisions.

Escape the bustling streets of Marrakech and embark on a scenic 1.5-hour journey to the Agafay Desert, where a comfortable camp awaits amidst the endless dunes. Stops for bathrooms/snacks will be made along the way as needed.

After arriving at the desert camp, you'll have some free time to settle in and explore the glamping areas and their surroundings. Dinner is included and will be served in the main tent, featuring a 3-course set menu. The dishes consist of simple yet incredibly tasty Moroccan cuisine. Please note that alcoholic drinks are not available, but soft drinks can be purchased on-site. Please be aware that the menu may change based on the confirmed camp.

Overnight in the Agafay Desert.

Breakfast is included and will be served in the main tent, featuring buffet style. It includes a variety of breads, pastries, a selection of jams, fresh fruit, and natural juices. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized camp.

Lunch is included and will be served in the main tent, featuring a 3-course set menu. The dishes consist of simple yet incredibly tasty Moroccan cuisine. Please note that alcoholic drinks are not available, but soft drinks can be purchased on-site. Please be aware that the menu may change based on the confirmed camp.

As the sun begins to set and the cool desert breeze sweeps through, it's time to meet the most iconic inhabitant of the desert: the camel. Experience an unforgettable camel ride as the sun dips below the horizon. The tranquil rhythm of the camel's footsteps allows you to immerse yourself in the boundless beauty of the desert, with the ever-changing colors of the sky as your backdrop. The experience lasts approximately 1.5 hours, during which you'll find yourself captivated by the serenity and grandeur of this unique landscape.TrovaTrip works in tandem with the local operator to ensure that all animals are treated humanely and respectfully. Please note there is a 220lb weight limit for this activity.

Dinner is included and will be served in the main tent, featuring a 3-course set menu. The dishes consist of simple yet incredibly tasty Moroccan cuisine. Please note that alcoholic drinks are not available, but soft drinks can be purchased on-site. Please be aware that the menu may change based on the confirmed camp.

Overnight in the Agafay Desert.

Breakfast is included and will be served in the main tent, featuring buffet style. It includes a variety of breads, pastries, a selection of jams, fresh fruit, and natural juices. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized camp.

Leave the desert behind and embark on your journey to the breathtaking ocean coast, where the mesmerizing landscapes of Essaouira await. A planned stop at Val d'Argan for a winery visit and lunch will be at midday. Restroom and snack stops will be made as needed along the way.

After a 2.5-hour journey from the camp, we'll make a stop at Val d'Argan, a hidden gem nestled along the route to Essaouira. Here, you'll discover a boutique winery surrounded by extensive vineyards and picturesque landscapes. Immerse yourself in the world of winemaking as you explore the vineyard's grounds. Your Guide will lead you through the vineyard, unveiling the secrets of their winemaking process. Witness the meticulous care that goes into cultivating the grapes and learn about the art of crafting their exquisite wines. During the tour, you'll have the opportunity to taste four wine ranges, including red, white, rosé, and gray, accompanied by olives and cheese. Lunch, featuring traditional Moroccan dishes, is included at the winery. You can purchase beverages on-site, but please bring cash as credit cards are not accepted. After lunch, a brief 30-minute transfer will whisk you away to your hotel in beautiful Essaouira.

Your visit to Val d'Argan vineyards includes a full wine tasting and lunch. The winery restaurant serves typical Moroccan food. Please note that the menu will be determined by the chef on duty.

We're in the final stretch of our journey to the ocean coast. Only 30 minutes separate us from Essaouira. Find a seat and savor the views.

Overnight in Essaouira.

Breakfast is included and will be served buffet-style. It includes a variety of options, such as hot dishes, a selection of cold cuts, exquisite pastries, and fresh fruit. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

The hotel is conveniently located near the beach, so for the surf lesson, you can either take a quick 5-minute transfer or choose to enjoy a 30-minute walk, depending on the group's preferences. Once on the beach, the instructors will provide a briefing about the activity, and it will be time to put on the neoprene suit. No prior knowledge of surfing is necessary; it's a guided activity for beginners to learn basic skills and try riding the waves. Sharing the waves with your fellow Travelers will be the highlight of your day and bring more than a few smiles. The lesson typically lasts around 1.5 hours, and afterward, you'll have some free time to enjoy the beach with the group. Please note that swimming skills are necessary for this activity.

A short 5-minute walk from the hotel, you'll discover Chez Driss, a renowned coffee shop where you'll partake in a traditional Moroccan tea ceremony. Immerse yourself in this age-old tradition as you savor the aromatic brew alongside exquisite pastries. The cozy ambiance and authentic decor will transport you into the world of Moroccan hospitality. Chez Driss Patisserie is the perfect place to unwind in a courtyard surrounded by local artists' paintings, all while enjoying the flavors of Morocco and the cool ocean breeze. Please note that this tour does not include a transfer, as it's only a 5-minute walk from the hotel. Coffee and pastries are included, and additional food and drink can be purchased on-site.

Overnight in Essaouira.

Breakfast is included and will be served buffet-style. It includes a variety of options, such as hot dishes, a selection of cold cuts, exquisite pastries, and fresh fruit. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

It's time to return to Marrakech. The transfer departs from Essaouira in the morning and lasts approximately 3.5 hours, with scheduled stops for restroom breaks and shopping along the route.

After a 15-minute transfer, you will reach a traditional Moroccan Hammam. Step into a world of soothing steam and tranquil ambiance, where centuries-old rituals of cleansing and rejuvenation await. Before entering the main Hammam area, you'll be directed to the changing rooms. Here, you'll disrobe and put on your swimsuit. You can leave your personal belongings in a secure locker provided. After changing, you'll spend some time in a warm room to acclimate your body to the heat. Then, you'll move on to the steam room, which is the heart of the Hammam. As you enter, you'll immediately feel the intense heat and humidity. The experienced staff will guide you through the process, which involves several steps: you'll be gently doused with warm water to open your pores, softly cleansed with homemade soaps, followed by a gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin cells, and finally rinsed with warm water to eliminate the soap and exfoliated skin. After the intense heat of the steam room, you'll transition to a cooler area. In this outdoor courtyard, you'll be served refreshing mint tea, and you can enjoy a more relaxed and fun time by the swimming pools. The Hammam experience typically lasts about 1 hour, followed by another free hour to spend at the pools. It's important to note that the Hammam sessions are conducted separately by gender, while the swimming pool area is gender-mixed. The Hammam provides towels and lockers for your belongings. Please be aware that the Hammam experience usually involves partial or total nudity.

The farewell dinner will take place at Palais Dar Soukkar, an exceptional venue situated around 20 minutes away by transfer from the hotel. During the dinner, you'll be treated to a feast of traditional Moroccan cuisine with a set menu rich in flavors and aromas. While savoring your meal, be prepared for a captivating show that includes mesmerizing belly dancers, thrilling musicians, and other dazzling performances that celebrate the vibrant heritage of Marrakech. Please note that drinks are not included and should be purchased at the venue.

Overnight in Marrakech.

Breakfast is included and will be served buffet-style. It includes a variety of options, such as hot dishes, a selection of cold cuts, exquisite pastries, and fresh fruit. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.