EL CAMINO SMALL GROUP TRIP
Immersive Morocco Itinerary
Merhaba! Welcome to Morocco! On this immersive, 9-day experience, we'll indulge in slow travel by taking our time to deeply explore the rich and unique culture of this multifaceted country.
Day 1
Arrive: Merhaba! Welcome to Morocco! After you touch down in beautiful Marrakech, where our adventure sets off, a driver will be waiting to pick you up and sweep you away to a boutique riad, our accommodations for our first 5 days in the country.
From the city’s intoxicating energy to its international roots as a cultural melting pot, Marrakech is truly an enchanting place unlike any other. With its unique fusion of African, Arab, and European influences, expect to be immediately welcomed by a glorious array of vibrant colors and dazzling scents in the form of freshly brewed mint tea, orange blossom, and dashes of cumin. While Marrakech is a place rooted in a richly layered heritage and history, its modern elements are not to be overlooked. Packed with gorgeous design-led galleries, stunning riads, restaurants, miraculous craft, and cutting-edge art, there is something for every traveler here. It’s no surprise that jet-set creatives such as Yves Saint Laurent and Loulou de la Falaise loved and were inspired by this incredible place so much.
Afternoon: Enjoy what is sure to be the first of many mint teas while you rest and refresh before the activities commence. Or use this free time to explore the area and get familiarized with your new stomping grounds. We recommend tapping your city guide (curated by the team at majestic disorder) and visiting a legendary museum located just around the corner for an architectural fix. For all you coffee connoisseurs, do not miss the coffee shop located inside the museum for one of the best cups in the neighborhood.
Evening: At sunset, we’ll gather on the fantastic rooftop for warm welcomes, intros, and plenty of laughter alongside a glass of wine or refreshing chilled elderflower as we get to know each other. We’ll head to our welcome dinner tucked away behind a hidden wooden door inside an astonishing tranquil oasis. Here we’ll be treated to innovative seasonal and local dishes while dining beneath a canopy of banana trees, bamboo, and palms, decked out in the grooviest Moroccan decor.
Meals included: Tea, rooftop drinks, dinner
Day 2
Morning: Enjoy a traditional Moroccan breakfast at the riad to fuel up for the day. You will quickly see that every meal in Morocco consists of bread and mint tea and breakfast is no exception! A traditional Moroccan breakfast is a radiantly colorful spread and typically consists of an assortment of fresh seasonal fruits, from pomegranates to oranges and bananas, fresh orange juice and coffee, an array of jams, yogurt, and omelets alongside M'semen—a flat, square-shaped Moroccan pancake usually served with honey—and Beghrir, a tender, spongy crêpe-like dish.
Head out for the day for a fascinating journey through the souks of Marrakech’s historical medina that will dazzle all of your senses. We won't be taking the typical tourist route, but instead, we'll go behind the scenes to meet master artisans who are the keepers of these centuries-old techniques and hear their stories of familial traditions. One example is a metalworker who is carrying on the traditions passed down by the generations before him. Tucked away in the unassuming back alleys of the medina, we'll get to chat with him and witness his unexpectedly beautiful technique of hand-wrought metalsmithing, hammering, and carving brass, copper, and silver which results in magnificently intricate Picasso-like designs. He takes something as simple as a pair of scissors, which may seem like a common household tool, and transforms them into funky, gorgeous works of art. Expect to see a wide array of goods such as basketry, leather and metalwork, herbs, and spices. There will be time to shop and observe as wonderful crafts are being made before our eyes as we traverse the labyrinthine of alleyways.
Afternoon: Rest and recharge with a delightful rooftop lunch in the fashion district of the medina. We'll dine at a charming, multi-level, terraced café, known for its fresh salads, juices, smoothies, and cozy textile-lined nooks, overlooking the magnetic medina giving a different perspective of the hustle and bustle down below. This corner of the medina is home to an assortment of boutique shops and Moroccan design entrepreneurs offering the perfect locale to discover a blend of traditional and modern fashion, interior design, and homeware.
Evening: The rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy. Continue your exploration of the medina, which you can truly endlessly explore, or catch a taxi to the Yves St Laurent Museum where you can also visit the Majorelle Gardens. Just a stone’s throw away, you can discover one of our favorite concept stores, which houses a selection of gorgeous pieces from local creators, artists and designers. Tap your Eat, Play, Shop guide for all the details.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Day 3
Morning: Enjoy a traditional Moroccan breakfast at the riad as you reminisce with your new friends about yesterday’s activities. Depart on a visit to the gallery of a world-renowned Moroccan artist, filmmaker, and designer whose work is inspired by the cults and rituals of North African Indigenous communities, urban modern life, and pop art. Known as the Andy Warhol of Marrakech, his work recontextualizes fine art photography, traditional fabrics from the souks, and popular culture, fusing Western perceptions of Arabic society. His instantly recognizable style of portraiture has seen the delights of everyday people as well as celebs like Will Smith and Riz Ahmed behind his lens. But our artistic adventure doesn't stop there. We'll delve deeper into the world of creativity with a pottery class. This isn't just any class; it's hosted by a local family-owned studio with generations of experience in the art of ceramics. They've opened their doors for us to unleash our own artistic talents and craft our very own masterpiece.
Afternoon: Free time in the afternoon. Grab lunch before we reconvene for the big event of the evening. Tap your city guide for recommendations or explore on your own. This is a great time to check out some of the architectural gems in the city, like a 16th-century palace adorned with decorations from around the world, and another labyrinth-like palace built in the 19th century with a humbling, grandiose courtyard.
Evening: Depart the dizzying maze-like streets of Marrakech to a secluded luxury desert camp with views of the High Atlas Mountains for dinner in the Agafay Desert. We upgraded this experience for our 2023 trips to include a visit to a brand-new camp with stunning new yurts that invite you to relax and unwind in the vast landscape of many contrasts. Partake in an optional camel ride at sunset then head to our private tent for the rest of the evening. Together we’ll enjoy a three-course candle-lit dinner at the camp. Afterward, we’ll gather around the campfire for music and dancing before heading back to our riad.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Day 4
Morning: Enjoy a traditional Moroccan breakfast at the riad. Embark on an approximate 2-hour journey to Essaouira, a laid-back, artsy port city on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. We’ll stop along the way at an argan oil cooperative and some swoon-worthy roadside basket stalls.
Afternoon: You can still feel the charming and free-spirited atmosphere of this fortified fishing village dating back to the 18th century. Here we'll explore the cobbled streets of Essaouira's medina, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We'll learn about the city's vast architectural designs, check out the daily fish market and harbor, and meet an array of fishermen, artisans, musicians, and locals along the way.
Essaouira has played an important role both culturally and historically as a major international trading seaport. With its eclectic allure, psychedelic vibe, and marvelous color palette, it’s forever known as a great source of inspiration for sun-seekers and rock legends such as Jimi Hendrix, Robert Plant, Jim Morrison, and Paul McCartney.
Enjoy lunch at a new Scandinavian-Moroccan restaurant serving seasonal, experimental dishes in a bright and airy setting. Nearly everything in the restaurant from furniture to kitchenware is second-hand and they have started growing their own produce at a nearby farm with the goal of being fully self-sourced in the near future. The owners feel they have the responsibility to do their part in working toward a more sustainable and equitable food system.
After lunch, the rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace—soak up the sun on the beach, snake through the white-washed, textile-lined alleyways or even test out your surfing skills.
Evening: Meet back up with the group for an upbeat dinner. We’ll drop in at the most design-forward and vibrantly colorful culinary spot in this seaside hippie haven. Bursting with bohemian life, every nook here is lined with upcycled furniture, traditional wooly vintage baskets, and a crowd of cool creatives mingling around town. We’ll meet the Moroccan owner, designer, and entrepreneur behind this stunning multi-concept space. Afterward, we’ll drive back to Marrakech with the group.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner
Day 5
Morning: Enjoy a traditional Moroccan breakfast at the riad before we head out for the day. We’ll pop in at the studio of a female artist. We’ll head to the studio of a Belgian-born artist and designer. Taking cues from Morocco's vibrant colors, sun-soaked souks, and rich cultural traditions, her studio in Marrakech is as inspiring as a creative space can get, packed to the brim with her collection of funky and quirky graphic ceramics, textiles, and artwork handmade in Morocco. This is where having an extra suitcase to bring treasures home comes in handy!
Afternoon: For lunch, we’ll pop in at another design-forward location, a favorite spot among ECT Clubhouse members! Set on a nine-acre garden just outside Marrakech in the Palmeraie, this fairytale oasis is overflowing with lush gardens filled with palm trees, tropical plants, and artisanal details. The owner has invited us to explore the grounds and enjoy a delicious and festive meal together. After lunch, we have one more stop for the day. Remember the world-renowned Moroccan artist, filmmaker, and designer whose studio we visited on day 3? He just opened a new space and we’ll swing by for a quick visit to round off this inspiring day of creatively-focused excursions.
Evening: The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy. Hit up the nearby photography museum, take in the extraordinary hustle and bustle of Marrakech while people-watching at one of the city's main cultural spaces, or unwind with a luxurious spa or hammam treatment. We’ve got you covered for recommendations, whether you’re wanting wild or wonderfully relaxed.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Day 6
Morning: Enjoy the last breakfast at our lovely riad before departing on an approximate 6-hour journey to Draa Valley.
Afternoon: We’ll stop for lunch mid-journey and arrive at our next destination by early afternoon. For the next two nights, you’ll have a very special opportunity to be transported back in time and stay inside a true work of art & a phenomenal living piece of preserved history. This 16th-century kasbah (or fortress) has been in the same family for generations. Entirely handmade from the earth with dirt and straw, and adapted through the years with modern amenities, the kasbah is a true labor of love. Nestled in a valley of a palm oasis, the contrast of rich earth tones and lush palm trees will leave you breathless. Please look at the FAQ to learn more about the Kasbah accommodation to ensure you are comfortable with the basic nature and style of accommodations, which makes this a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Evening: Upon arrival to the kasbah, we’ll recharge with a rooftop mint tea before embarking on a fascinating experience through the earthen fortress and the local oasis. Just before sunset, we'll get involved in a basket weaving experience in the most stunning of settings. Basket weaving is a traditional craft found amongst indigenous communities all around the globe. The local environment dictates what natural materials can be used and the intrinsic techniques passed down from generations predicate the design. Here we will see how baskets are made with the local natural materials found in this region.
We'll celebrate our first night in the region with a magical evening in this 16th-century kasbah. Together we’ll enjoy dinner followed by traditional music with local musicians.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 7
Morning: Enjoy a delicious Moroccan breakfast of M'semen (a flat, square-shaped Moroccan pancake) stuffed with tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, omelets, orange slices drizzled with fresh honey, mint tea, and fruit. We’ll spend the day exploring an array of traditional craft workshops such as rug weaving, natural dyeing, and henna. Under the guidance of local artisans, we’ll gain insight into the culture’s craftsmanship and discover the spirit of Morocco while getting involved in various hands-on activities.
Afternoon: Delight your senses with a myriad of both new and familiar scents and flavors. We’ll gain a newfound appreciation for Moroccan cuisine during our outdoor cooking class where we’ll each get to make our own tagine for lunch using a concoction of intoxicating spices, herbs, and vegetables. Hailing from North Africa and named after the earthenware pot in which it is cooked, a tagine is a traditional dish slowly cooked over the fire, creating a balance of sweet and savory. The rest of the afternoon is yours to discover—roam around the stunning oasis or tuck away and read in one of the shaded nooks.
Evening: Enjoy a dinner of regional favorites such as couscous with preserved lemon before experiencing a one-of-a-kind evening filled with the sounds of traditional Amazigh music performed by local musicians outside in one of the kasbah’s interior courtyards.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 8
Morning: After a rooftop breakfast at the kasbah we'll say goodbye to our welcoming hosts. Embark on an approximate 6-hour journey through the spectacular Ounila Valley. For centuries, the Ounila Valley was the main passageway between Marrakech and the caravan routes of the Sahara. We’ll be making stops along the way at a rug cooperative and at a favorite kept secret of majestic disorder (think: secluded, off-the-beaten-path with a dash of fascinating history).
Afternoon: Mid-journey, we’ll enjoy a refreshing lunch at our favorite local café tucked away in the mountains offering a chance to catch a view of these snow-capped beauties.
Evening: Once back in Marrakech, we'll come together for our farewell dinner to celebrate and reminisce about all the magic experienced over the last 8 days. Enjoy a mouth-watering and vibrant menu at one of the city's top places for young creatives to gather. On an illuminated rooftop lined with palm trees, indulge in an array of fresh apps and main courses. This place is a creative haven and the perfect venue to wrap up our time together.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 9
Depart: Say your goodbyes over breakfast before heading to the airport. Leave Morocco inspired by the warmth of the Moroccan culture, the spirit of the rich artisanal crafts experienced over the last few days, and return home feeling renewed by the vast landscapes and stunning architecture found only in this wondrous place. (Depending on your time of flight, you may have spare time to explore before departing from Marrakech (RAK).
Meals included: Breakfast