Workshop

Capture the colours, culture, and beauty of the Maghreb in a guided workshop tour

Join me on this appreciation of Morocco through an artist’s eye. We will paint and sketch and experience meetings with local artists and appreciation of artistic spaces around the country. Non-painters are welcome and will have plenty to enjoy as well!

Day 1 CASABLANCA
Marhaba–welcome to Morocco! Your private transfer will meet you at the airport to bring you to our hotel in the heart of Casablanca. We’ll meet in the afternoon for a Welcome Meeting before venturing out with our sketchbooks and cameras to the majestic Hassan II Mosque. Afterwards we’ll enjoy dinner together out on the town. (D)
Day 2 CASABLANCA
This morning we’ll tour Casablanca’s Art Deco neighborhood and historic center, enjoy lunch together and visit a local art gallery before returning to the hotel to relax and prepare for our departure tomorrow. Dinner is on your own at the hotel or a nearby restaurant. (B, L)
Day 3 MARRAKECH
We’ll take a comfortable train to Marrakech this morning (3.5 hours). Take a picnic lunch with you or buy one on the train. After we check-in to our hotel inside the historic walled medina of Marrakech, we’ll get hands-on in an Arabic calligraphy workshop to learn the technique of this beautiful script. This artistic writing is the perfect element to add to your watercolor. We’ll follow the workshop with dinner at a local cultural cafe. (B, D)
Day 4 MARRAKECH
Today we paint. Capture the colors and corners of the beautiful Moroccan design in our hotel and neighborhood. We’ll break for lunch mid-day and painting continues in the afternoon. Alternatively, take a dip in the pool or get a spa treatment. This evening we walk through the medina into Djemma El Fna square for a sensory treat and tasting-style dinner in the night market. Capture photos and inspiration for tomorrow’s painting workshop. (B, L, D)
Day 5 MARRAKECH
Spend the morning painting at one of Marrakech’s beautiful gardens. The red city is home to lush oases throughout, each one offering a different element of inspiration. From historic architecture to bright colors or fragrant flora, you’ll have plenty of time to capture the feel of Morocco’s exotic gardens with your paintbrush. Return to the hotel in the afternoon for free time or perhaps a traditional Moroccan spa. Dine at the hotel or a nearby restaurant. (B)
Day 6 MARRAKECH
Today we’re off to the mountains to experience the peace and quiet of life in the countryside. We’ll paint the green, red and purple hues of the Atlas and enjoy a typical lunch. Return to Marrakech for a free evening and dinner at your leisure. (B, L)
Day 7 ESSAOUIRA
After breakfast and a leisurely morning, we head westward to the enchanting seaside town of Essaouira. This beautiful city with an artistic and bohemian vibe is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Medina. It is easy to spend several days here wandering the charming medina, watching the sunset over the Portuguese ramparts and grooving to live music in the city’s quaint restaurants and bars. Tonight we can have dinner at one of the city’s charming spots and maybe hear some live music as well. (B, D)
Day 8 ESSAOUIRA
Get oriented to the city on a gentle walk and enjoy a fresh fish lunch. After lunch, find a place to sketch or relax and enjoy some gelato on the main square. We’ll regroup late afternoon for a sunset camel ride on the beach and celebratory dinner together. (B, L, D)
Day 9 DEPARTURE DAY
Goodbye Morocco! We say ma salama but feel free to extend your stay to enjoy the vibe of this quaint city. It’s an excellent place to unwind! Book your departure transportation in advance with Summer. There are private transfers, comfortable buses and even limited flights out of Essaouira. Please allow 3 hours to get to Marrakech, 5 hours to get to Casablanca and 30 minutes to get to the Essaouira airport. (B)

Physical Activity Rating: 2 (Long walks, uneven pavement, narrow stairs)
Culture Shock Rating: 3 (Language, crowded spaces)

PRICE: $3600 per person based on double occupancy. Single Supplement $550.

Price Includes: 8 nights boutique riad or hotel; 8 breakfasts; 4 lunches; 5 dinners; Guided tour in Casablanca; Calligraphy Workshop; Camel Ride; Train and Private Transportation, Expert tour host; Airport transfer in from Marrakech Airport. Additional pre-accommodation or post-accommodation hotel nights in Marrakech $200 or Essaouira $200. Single Supplement upon request.

Not Included: Optional activities/excursions; Other tips, meals (approximately $10-25 per meal), drinks or personal expenses; International flights (direct to Casablanca from Montreal or NYC on Royal Air Maroc or to Marrakech via most European cities on AA/Iberia, Delta/KLM, Air France, etc.) Casablanca airport is connected to Marrakech by train (approximately 2 hours high-speed) ; Travel insurance (required; World Nomads, Travel Guard, Allianz, Safety Wing or maybe your credit card–please check for repatriation coverage).

PLEASE NOTE: A $600 USD deposit per person is required to reserve your space, payable by check, wire transfer or PayPal with the remaining balance due by March 14, 2024. Credit card payments may incur a 3% surcharge. This itinerary is subject to change depending on weather, availability of activities, unforeseen circumstances, emergencies, etc. Cancellations between 180 and 120 days prior to the departure date will be refunded 50% of the total tour cost less the non-refundable deposit. Cancellations less than 120 days prior to the departure date will be charged in full.

This tour is a curated experience of Morocco, highlighting its people, food, art and natural beauty through painting with an instructor. As your private escort, I will encourage exploration, inspiration and reflection through local interaction and personalized experiences. Accommodation is in locally-owned hotels and riads chosen for their location, charm, and support of local business. While we have private transportation, interaction with locals is encouraged, whether it be the taxi driver, receptionist or other hotel staff! Free time will be given when possible to allow you to choose independent activities, in order to gain unique personal experiences and an element of adventure is always to be expected! Attendance at included activities is not mandatorybut no reimbursement will be made for
non-participation. For more information or to book a space, please contact me directly.
+1.323.875.8055
summer@summerdavistravels.com