MOROCCO
FOOD & WINE TOUR
Morocco, a trip across exotism
CÚRATE Trips takes you in this new amazing 10-day Morocco Food & Wine Tour. Through the land where time stands still – visit the exotic cities of Fez and Marrakech, as well as several fascinating terracotta-colored towns made from adobe and some of the most historic sites along the way such as the imperial city of Meknès, the fortified kasbahs and the impressive and unique Sahara Desert.
By the hand of CÚRATE Trips team and the best local guides you’ll learn all about this vibrant country and its world-famous cuisine embracing the Mediterranean Diet from our cooking classes and interactions with locals, to tours around its markets.
You’ll get the chance to learn how to make some of Morocco’s most delicious dishes such as the famous and omnipresent tagine in more than six different ways, the festive cous-cous, and lovely cooked salads, zalouk and chakchouka among others, all well dressed with fresh herbs and varied spices.
But be also ready to sample the humble cuisine from the Sahara, based on local meats such as goat and camel, fresh dairy products and the lovely eggs preparation, the berber omelette.
Our Morocco Food & Wine Tour will take us from the labyrinthine Medina of Fez with over 9,000 streets to the impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou and on to the dazzling city of Marrakech with its exquisite architectural sights, all while sampling Morocco’s delectable food and drink along the way. Limited to 20 participants.
Day 1
Fez, arrival
Day 2
Fez
Day 3
Fez - Meknès - Fez
Day 4
Fez - Sahara Desert
Day 5
Sahara Desert
Day 6
Sahara Desert - Tinejad - HAY TAMASSINT
Day 7
Hay Tammassint - Ait Ben Haddou - Atlas - Marrakech
Day 8
Marrakech
Day 9
Marrakech
Day 10
Marrakech, end of journey
itinerary
It’s time to discover this signature 10-day Morocco Food & Wine tour through enjoyable and comprehensive show-cooking and intimate visits, and only-well-connected experiences under the expert guidance of the local team and the most illustrious local cooks and professionals, while in the hands of the local connoisseurs from Paladar y Tomar.
Take part in a dream program that contains unimaginable visits in Northern Africa along with the valuable insight only locals can give, leaving you well versed in many foundations and techniques of Moroccan gastronomic culture and the Mediterranean soul.
Day 1
WELCOME TO MOROCCO
Welcome to Fez, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital, where the medieval medina stands next to magnificent palaces and majestic religious schools and mosques. Our hotel is a magnificent riad, you’ll find yourself in an oasis of peace in the middle of the fervent city.
FEZ COOKING CLASS
Enjoy the first traditional Moroccan cooking class, where we’ll learn how to create some of the city’s most famous dishes. The class will starts with a visit to the maze-like souks to shop for various herbs, spices and other classic ingredients. We’ll then get to sit down together and sample our creations in our first dinner.
Dinner
Riad Palais AmaniDay 2
EXPLORING FEZ'S ANCIENT MEDINA
We’ll enjoy a private tour of Fez and its medina, the world’s largest car-free urban area and the biggest labyrinth on the planet, where donkeys and carts still roam and rows of tanneries and fine leather shops can be found hidden down its maze of alleyways. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the medina was founded in the 9th century and is home to the oldest university in the world. In the 13th to 14th centuries it even replaced Marrakech as the capital of the kingdom. Today, many of its exquisite structures remain, including palaces, mosques, noble residences and fountains.
Our tour of the medina will be followed by a quality Moroccan lunch at a fine restaurant.
The afternoon will be free for you to do as you choose, whether that’s exploring the exotic Jnan Sbil gardens or visiting the intriguing Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts or enjoying a hammam purifying ritual back in the riad.
Breakfast, lunchRiad Palais AmaniDay 3
THE IMPERIAL CITY OF MEKNES
After breakfast, we’ll make our way to Meknes, a small town just west of Fez, a laidback and quiet place, yet with a grand and fascinating history. An imperial city, Meknes was once the home of the sultanate during the 17th century. On our tour, we’ll pass much of the city’s grand Moorish architecture, including opulent palaces, striking religious schools, grand mosques and the imposing city gateway.
MOROCCAN WINERY
The tour will be followed by a visit to one of the most renowned Moroccan wineries, where we’ll explore the vineyards and enjoy several tastings with lunch. Red, white and grey fair trade wines are produced in the region. After lunch, we’ll return to Fez. Relax tonight on your own.
Breakfast, lunchRiad Palais AmaniDay 4
ON THE WAY TO THE DESERT
Today we’ll travel from Fez to Merzouga, a small town within the Sahara Desert. Weather permitting, we’ll pass by Ifrane, high in the Atlas Mountains, and known for its Alpine-style architecture and ski slopes, or Azrou covered in cedar forests. We’ll then stop for a quick lunch in Middelt before arriving in Erfoud for our 4×4 ride to the Merzouga desert camp.
SUNSET AT SAHARA DESERT
We’ll set right in the middle of undulating red sand dunes. This part of the desert is called Erg Chebbi. Legend has it that a noble family refused to help a poor woman in need, so God punished them by burying them under mounds of sand, which created the dunes. Here we’ll enjoy a camel ride at sunset to fully appreciate our magnificent surrounds.
We’ll return to camp for a delicious dinner, where we’ll relish a great home made dinner. We’ll then retire to our luxurious tents for a night under the stars.
Breakfast, lunch, dinnerDesert CampDay 5
HASSI LABIED OASIS
From the middle of the sand dunes, let's depart on the 4x4's to reach the Hassi Labied Oasis, one of the most unknown spots, very close to the border with Algeria. The natural beauty is spectacular and unexpected, the place can be considered a miracle in one of the most arid areas. This area, that was used by the old Paris-Dakar, looks like right out from a movie set with its dirt and stone roads, outlined on the horizon by the Boutcharfine mountains, and keeps the best kept secret; the Saf Saf oasis with its sources of crystalline water stream and home of the last nomads of the desert who resist changing their way of life.
UNWIND IN THE DESERT
Unplug tonight, this is your second and last night in the desert, a magic moment not to forget. A lovely aperitif will be set for sunset, one more traditional dinner will be served with care and passion, and let you go and enjoy the traditional Gwana music!
Breakfast, lunch, dinnerDesert CampDay 6
THROUGH THE 1001 KASBAHS ROUTE
Today, time to leave the desert across the 1000 kasbahs route on our way to Tamassint, at the entrance of Ouarzazate. Along the way we’ll stop the Ksar El Khorbat Foundation set in an old ksar (fortified village) dating back 1860 built of soil. The Foundation aims at developing the economy of its inhabitants through the ecotourism. Here we’ll learn all about the nomadic Berber tribes, their culture and way of life. Enjoy a traditional home-made meal before heading to Tamassint. On our way we’ll make a second short stop at one of the most iconic and well preserved kasbahs in Morocco: Kasbah Amridil.
SLEEPING IN THE MIDDLE OF A PALM GROVE
Find yourself in the middle of Ouarzazate's palm grove in a traditional ocher-colored palace, earth and rammed earth, with tataoui ceilings, zellige walls, zouak doors, where every suite is named after a gemstone. In the evening, the play of light sublimates the palace, the stars are clearly visible and the frogs and crickets break the silence of the night. Be ready for a restorative dinner tonight.
Breakfast, lunch, dinnerOZ PalaceDay 7
AIT BEN HADDOU
Today we’ll transfer from Ouarzate to Marrakech. Along the way we’ll make a stop at Ait Ben Haddou, located on the lower slopes of the soaring Atlas Mountains. A fortified village made from traditional mud brick, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most famous ksars in the region, and one of the best examples of typical southern Moroccan architecture. This giant sand castle-like structure was built around the 17th century, and today there are still several families who live there. We will then continue our road through Tizi n’Tichka mountain pass before reaching Marrakech just on time for lunch.
A DREAM EVENING AT LA MAMOUNIA
After check-in relax before we meet for dinner. You can check the Bars & Restaurants at La Mamounia, the garden pavilion by Pierre Hermé or the Tea Room by Pierre Hermé. Or you can go to the gym, stroll around the sumptuous gardens (8 hectares), enjoy the indoor or outdoor pool… Time is yours! Then we'll head for dinner for an international taste.
Breakfast, lunch, dinnerHotel La MamouniaDay 8
MARRAKECH
One of Morocco’s most exotic cities, Marrakech will dazzle all the senses. Known as the ‘ochre city’, Marrakech is filled with both grandeur and charm, from its mosques to its old medina. Today we’ll go on a city tour, visiting sites such as the lush Jardin Majorelle, which was designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle. It’s filled with elements of Moorish charm, as well as Art Deco touches, lotus-filled pools and exotic plants. Other places we’ll pass in the city include the grand 12th century Koutoubia mosque and the ornate Bahia Palace. Our city tour will be followed by a traditional and tasty lunch.
FREE EVENING
The evening will be free to do as you please, whether that’s shopping the rabbit warren of underground souks for glittering lamps or experiencing the sounds and smells of Jemaa el-Fnaa square, or simply stay at the Mamounia oasis to pamper yourself.
Breakfast, lunchHotel La MamouniaDay 9
MARRAKECH COOKING EXPERIENCE
We will attend today our second Moroccan cooking class in a legendary riad-hotel-cooking school, a real sanctuary of tranquility, in the heart of the ancient medina of Marrakech: La Maison Arabe. The workshop will be conducted by a dada (a traditional Moroccan female cook). We’ll then eat our labor for lunch!
FAREWELL DINNER
In the evening, we’ll be treated to a special surprise farewell dinner, details of which we can’t reveal!
Breakfast, lunch, dinnerHotel La MamouniaDay 10
END OF JOURNEY
Today, private transfer to Marrakech airport, or train station, or to your next destination in case you decided to extend your trip.
Dates & Prices
2023
DATES
PRICE
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
AVAILABLE SPOTS
2024
DATES
PRICE
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
AVAILABLE SPOTS
INCLUDED:
- 9-Night accommodation on bed and breakfast basis
- 8 lunches and 6 dinners
- Private deluxe transportation throughout
- Private Fez & Marrakech Airport transfers in and out
- VIP Meet & Assist airport service upon arrival and departure
- Travel insurance (cancellation & assistance & Covid-19 coverage)
- Two tour leaders throughout
- Limited to 20 guests
NOT INCLUDED:
- International flight
- Personal purchases and expenses
- Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses
PRICE:
- Rates are in Euros per person, on double occupancy basis.
BOOKING DEPOSIT:
At the time of reservation: 30% of journey cost per person.
- 120 days before departure: Balance due.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
- Payment method: Bank transfer or major credit cards are accepted (Visa, American Express, Mastercard).
The Experts
KATIE BUTTON
Chef Katie Button was born in the South, raised in the North, and educated in Europe. Four-time James Beard Award nominee and cookbook author, Katie Button is the co-Founder and CEO of Katie Button Restaurants in Asheville, North Carolina, including the beloved Cúrate Bar de Tapas, Cúrate Spanish Wine Club, and La Bodega by Cúrate. A Southern chef with a scientific mind, Button honed her craft in the kitchens of some of the world’s best chefs, most notably Ferran Adrià and José Andrés, before venturing out to open her own restaurant with husband Felix Meana and her family. Katie Button was featured as one of Food & Wine’s 2015 Best New Chefs. Cúrate was named as one of the “40 Most Important Restaurants of the Past 40 Years” by Food & Wine and one of the “Most Important Restaurants of the Decade” by Esquire.
FÉLIX MEANA
Originally from Roses, a small town on the Costa Brava in Catalunya, Spain, Felix Meana jumped in to the deep end of the hospitality industry at 19 and finally worked as front of the house service manager for five years at Ferran Adrià’s world famous restaurant, elBulli. Then he moved to Washington DC with José Andrés at ThinkFoodGroup (it was here where he met Katie Button), and he worked as Director of Service and helped with developing and opening new restaurants, including The Bazaar by José Andrés in SLS Hotels across Beverly Hills, CA, Las Vegas, South Beach, Miami, and Puerto Rico. Co-partner at CÚRATE, Felix’s close relationships with Spain, coupled with a sense of adventure and desire to share that with others, has helped him build a unique travel experience through Cúrate Trips.
VALESKA IDARRAGA
Valeska inherited a taste for gastronomic culture from her French father and a talent for cooking from her Basque grandmother, a good reputed chef in that times. After studying Economics and Journalism in her native Barcelona, she went to Switzerland to pursue hotel management studies and she worked at some of the most prestigious hotels. Valeska speaks five languages. She is a Certified Sherry Wine Cellar Advance Expert, WSET 2 certified and WSET 3 candidate. Valeska is co-founder at Paladar y Tomar, she is marketing director and manages client relationships and operations at CÚRATE Trips.
FERNANDO PAREDES
Fernando Paredes is the CEO, financial director, and wine responsible of Paladar y Tomar. The Barcelona native was well into a career in economics when he discovered his true callings—travel, food, and wine. He entered the tourism industry as General Manager of a bespoke travel group, earned a degree in Food Event Design from the European Design Institute, became a Certified Sherry Wine Cellar Advance Expert and passed WSET 2 (Wine & Spirits Education Trust) with distinction. He is now a WSET level 3 candidate. Fernando’s journeys, and passion for food, have taken him to all corners of the world and now besides his many responsibilities he personally leads every tour at CÚRATE Trips.
Morocco Food & Wine tour
8 Reasons To Join
At CÚRATE Trips the excellence of the landscape’s cuisine along with its breathtaking natural surroundings, exceptional wine varieties, and tranquility of the hand-picked singular accommodations create a getaway unparalleled in value and authenticity. Participate in a transformative trip.
Hand-picked Accommodations
CÚRATE Trips benefit from the expertise of Paladar y Tomar curating every hotel in search of the most unique nature of each location. This allows us to cater for every different type of personality and taste and have selected for this occasion singular hotels with immense value that enhance every moment. Our stories start from the moment you arrive.
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