Day 1:
Marrakech
Welcome then transfer to your place of accommodation in Marrakech.
Nicknamed the pearl of the south, Marrakech was founded by the Almoravids in the 11th century, it is the second oldest imperial city in Morocco, it is still the most extraordinary today. It is the true capital of the south.
Check-in at your hotel and then, depending on the time of arrival, free lunch and walk through the Red City and its famous historical monuments.
Visit of the medina, labyrinth of alleys, covered or not, lined with sometimes sumptuous houses in spite of appearances, leading to populous squares. Above the rooftops of this flat city rise many minarets and in particular the mighty Koutoubia Tower.
Dinner and accommodation in Marrakech in a 3 * hotel (local standards).
Optional :
- Guided tour of the city of Marrakech (Cf § CONDITIONS, options)
- Night in a riad in Marrakech (Cf § CONDITIONS, options)
Day 2:
From Marrakech to the Village of sculptors via Essaouira
Departure for Essaouira after breakfast, arrival at the end of the morning. Lunch then free time in the city.
Built on a rocky peninsula, surrounded by pink ramparts, the former Portuguese Mogador is a town reminiscent of the days when Spain, Portugal and England fought to maintain control of its coasts. It has everything to seduce: elegant architecture, a peaceful atmosphere, a typical Portuguese port with fine examples of Moorish and Portuguese art. Essaouira is known for its thuja wood cabinetmakers, the silver souk, and art galleries.
At the end of the day, drive to the village of Sidi Kaouki located 35kms from Essaouira; meeting with the sculptor and installation.
Dinner and overnight at the Riad
Note concerning the wood carving workshop
Workshop carried out under the supervision of the famous sculptor and decorator Mohamed Boudarqa.
Author and sculptor for many years, Mohamed Boudarqa is interested in the manufacture of statues and other decorative objects in wood.
During half-days, Mohamed Boudarqa introduces you to his art: making a small sculpture in thuja wood (wood from the surrounding forests), learning about the various sculpture techniques, learning how to handle tools,. ..
(210 Kms, around 4h00 of journey)
Day 3:
Sculptors ‘village – Essaouira – Sculptors’ village
After breakfast, 1st part of the sculpture workshop.
Lunch in the fishing village then departure for Essaouira for a guided tour of the most famous monuments of the Pearl of the Atlantic.
The visit begins with a journey through the heart of the medina; we take narrow streets that lead us to our first stop, the Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdallah museum, located a stone’s throw from the street of the same name. We then go back to the north of the city to complete our walk on the Sqala de la casbah, a fortified and elevated platform, 300 meters long, offering a magnificent view of the city on one side and the ocean of the other. La Sqala is home to dozens of bronze cannons that were melted down in Spain.
A few meters below, we visit some of the best artisan workshops in the city.
We end the half-day with the essential visit of the souks of Essaouira: they are no exception to the rule; those are places where quantities of marquetry, painting, sculpture, ironwork and ceramic objects are sold etc…
If timing allows: also visit the silver jewelry souks and discover the folklore of Gnaoua (performed by the black Tuareg of the African desert) which characterizes this city. Those who wish can participate in the dances.
Free dinner in town then return to Sidi Kaouki.
Night at the Riad .
List of sites included in the guided tour of Essaouira (included in the price of the trip):
- Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdallah Museum
- La Sqala de la casbah
- The craftsmen’s workshops
- The souks of Essaouira
- The Medina
Note: if the group has more than 25 people, the workshops will be carried out in 2 groups.
Day 4:
– Essaouira – Sculptors’ village
After breakfast, part 2 of the sculpture workshop.
Lunch at the Riad at the sculptor’s house then free time in the afternoon: Tifaouine beach, Sidi Kaouki or Essaouira beach.
In Essaouira, we offer a walk to the port through the famous Porte de la Marine built in 1769, Continuation along the walls to the Sqala of the port. At the sight of the Spanish cannons, the whole historical past of Essaouira resurfaces.
At the foot of the ramparts, the port offers its spectacle of colors, sounds and smells of fresh fish! Take advantage of improvised barbecues between nets and pots to taste the fruits of the peach, Couldn’t find fresher.
Finally, we end the day with a well-deserved rest on the beautiful and long sandy beach. Walkers, surfers, windsurfers, divers or simply vacationers looking for a tan, there is something for everyone … if the wind is not blowing too hard!
Overnight at the Riad.
Note: if the group has more than 25 people, the workshops will be carried out in 2 groups.
Day 5:
Essaouira – Amizmiz
In the morning, 3rd and last part of the sculpture workshop.
Lunch in the fishing village then drive to Amizmiz, crossing an argan and juniper forest. Arrival at the end of the day, welcome and installation with the locals.
Dinner and overnight in a lodge with the locals.
Note: if the group has more than 25 people, the workshops will be carried out in 2 groups.
(265 Kms, approximately 4h30 of journey)
Day 6:
DAY 6: Amizmiz
The morning is devoted to the 1st part of the pottery workshop.
Then, meeting with artisans of the city, specialized in the decoration on the bones and the manufacture of wooden chest.
Lunch at the inhabitant then departure for a 3 to 4 hour hike through the Berber villages of the Amizmiz region. Return to the village at the end of the day.
Dinner and overnight in a lodge with the locals.
Note concerning the pottery workshop:
Workshop with Omar RIGRAGY, one of the largest families in the village who has a professional relationship with Jewish artisans in the region.
The first part of the workshop is to prepare the rammed earth so that it is ready to be used for making jars, tagines and other objects.
The second part of the workshop consists of making one or the other object: from creation to finish (creation, cooking, …)
Depending on the number of people, the group is divided into small groups of 5 to 6 people maximum divided into different families of craftsmen.
So, whatever the number of participants, everyone carries out the workshop at the same time.
Rammed earth objects need 24 hours to dry. During the first phase of the workshop (D6), participants therefore make an object that they can take with them.
Optional :
- Méchoui dinner (Cf § CONDITIONS, options)
- Evening dedicated to Berber folklore of Ait Mizane: dances and participation with local artists (Cf § CONDITIONS, options).
Day 7:
DAY 7: Amizmiz – Marrakech
After breakfast, 2nd and last part of the pottery workshop.
Lunch with the locals then transfer to Marrakech.
Arrival in the capital and installation at the 3 * hotel.
Free time in the city in the afternoon, last shopping.
Dinner on your own in town & overnight at the 3 * hotel.
Optional :
- Night in a riad in Marrakech
(55 Kms, about 1 hour journey)
Day 8:
DAY 8: Marrakech, return flight
(65 Kms, about 1 hour journey)
After breakfast, free time in the city until transfer to the airport.
Return flight.
