A typical itinerary for our Marrakech gastronomy holiday

Day 1

Arrival and welcome drinks

After being greeted at the airport by your man in Marrakech, Ahmed El Jabri (The Sectary General of Guides). You will then be driven through the bustling streets of Marrakech. On reaching the magnificent Dar Al Basha (Pasha's Palace), it’s a short walk to your enchanting boutique hotel, Riad Nasreen, where you will be given a typically Marrakshi warm welcome and have a chance to freshen up. Before dinner you will enjoy some early evening drinks and be given an introduction to the holiday. For those who want to have either their hands or feet tattooed, a henna tattooing show (usually part of the Moroccan welcome tradition) will take place at the riad.

Unforgettable dinner

Dinner tonight will be hosted by Mohamed, Abdul Zac and Mahacine on the riad’s enchanting roof terrace. Here, you will be treated to a mouth-watering selection of local dishes and delicacies. And with your chef and cooking tutor, Mahacine, on hand to explain the history and flavours of the various dishes, this evening will serve as the perfect introduction to North African cuisine!

Day 2

Cooking class, a tour of the ancient souk and lunch

Following a delicious Moroccan breakfast on the private roof terrace you will take part in a cooking lesson hosted by Mahacine in the riad’s beautiful courtyard. This morning we learn how to cook a variety of Moroccan dishes, which we will later enjoy for lunch. While lunch is cooking Ahmed will take you on a guided tour of Marrakech’s ancient souk. Here you will sample various delicacies and visit a Berber pharmacy to sample spices, herbs and natural cosmetics. As well as this you will have the chance to try your hand at some playful haggling with shopkeepers (all under the watchful eye of Ahmed, of course). It’s then back to the riad to enjoy the fruits of your morning’s labour.

Relaxing afternoon, cooking demonstration and dinner

You are able to spend this afternoon at your leisure, perhaps strolling around some of the city’s stunning palaces, mosques or medinas. Ahmed will be more than happy to accompany you if you would like. As early evening draws in we enjoy some drinks and a cooking class with Mahacine where you will learn how to make Moroccan deserts. For dinner tonight Ahmed will guide you through the winding streets of the ancient medina to a beautiful restaurant boasting an exquisite local menu.

Day 3

The Bab Doukkala Arcade, cooking lesson and lunch

After another hearty breakfast, Ahmed will take you to the nearby spice shops situated in the famous exotic Bab Doukkala arcade (commonly called Swiqa). After taking in all the exotic aromas and flavours you will return to the riad with a selection of their finest spices, which you will then make use of in this morning’s cooking class. Here you will prepare lunch; a classic tagine (tanjia) which you will take to one of the city’s communal ovens to be cooked. The tanjia shall be accompanied by an exquisite variety of traditional Moroccan salads.

A relaxing afternoon sipping mint tea and cooking demonstration

Following lunch on the roof terrace you have the afternoon to relax. There is the chance to visit the riad’s hammam where Abdul Zac will scrub and pummel you within an inch of your life! Alternatively, those who are less physically inclined can enjoy a refreshing cup of mint tea and some Moroccan pastries while taking in the hustle and bustle of the main square. As the sun sets and turns the city a blazing shade of red, we gather in the riad’s courtyard for a class on how to prepare traditional Moroccan drinks, including teas, tonics and Berber whisky.

An evening in the French Quarter

Tonight, following some early evening drinks at the riad, you will visit the city’s French Quarter and dine at one of Marrakech’s most acclaimed restaurants, Villa Rosa. Afterwards, for those who want to, there is the chance to check out some of the area’s chic bars and clubs.

Day 4

Breakfast, Q&A session and home

Breakfast on the roof terrace is followed by a final question and answers session, where you have the chance to pick up some final tips on the secrets of Moroccan cooking.

But soon it’s time to bid farewell to Ahmed, Abdul Zac, Mohamed and Mahacine, as you are then driven through the labyrinthine streets of Marrakech and on to the airport.