Transfer to La Maison Arabe; cooking lesson and lunch

A historic hotel in the heart of the city’s fascinating medina, or ancient Arab quarter with its winding streets and intriguing shops, is the launching pad for this exotic adventure. A perfect introduction to Moroccan culture and a delightful lunch, you proceed to a hands-on half-day cooking workshop, conducted either by a dada (traditional Moroccan cook) or a chef from the hotel’s legendary restaurant. A maximum of 10 participants work alongside a translator (Arabic/English/French), using easy-to-use equipment, so you can reproduce the recipes at home in your own kitchen. Your final product is your own lunch—preparing either an appetizer and a main dish, or a main dish and dessert.

You are free to enjoy the remainder of the day, which may include strolling the winding streets of the nearby medina, or using one of two hotel swimming pools: the heated one in the hotel’s garden patio, or the larger pool at the hotel’s country club at La Palmeraie, just 15 minutes away from the city center via complimentary hotel shuttle. The luxuriant garden setting also has a restaurant and three neighboring 27-hole golf courses. The in-town hotel has a new spa with traditional hammam steam room, which features natural beauty and body products from the region.

For dinner this evening, you can eat in one of the hotel’s restaurants, or the concierge has a range of suggestions.

Guided Tour of Medina, full-day easy city walking

After a delightful breakfast that includes plenty of fresh fruit and tempting Moroccan cakes, you set off for a day of exploring the medina and its labyrinth of narrow streets and famous souks or markets on a private guided tour in Marrakesh. On the day’s route are the Dar Si Said (the Museum of Moroccan Arts), the Palais De Bahia (a haven of shady courtyards and blue mosaic walls built for Bou Ahmed that also included quarters for his four wives and 24 concubines!). You also visit the Jewish Quarter or Mellah where your guides point out the distinctive style of architecture used in this neighborhood in contrast to the Arab style. You continue on to the intricately carved Saadian Tombs, constructed during the reign of Sultan Ahmed El Mansour in 1557. Your final stop of the day is at the Maison de la Photographie, exhibiting photographs taken in Morocco from the 1870s to the 1950s, one of the few places open to the public that provides an overview of photographic history in Morocco. During this busy day, you have a break for lunch in the shady inner courtyard of the Café Arabe. Later in the afternoon, your guide returns with you to your hotel, where you may continue your own explorations into the evening.

Departure

After a relaxing morning at your hotel, you depart at your leisure for your onward travels.