A typical itinerary for a painting holiday to Marrakech

Day 1

Welcome drinks & candle light dinner on the Riad’s roof terrace

After touching down in Marrakech you are welcomed by the tutors and your very own Man in Morocco, Ahmed El Jabri. We are then driven through the bustling streets of Marrakech to the tranquillity of our exquisitely furnished riads. Here we have a chance to freshen up and settle into our ensuite rooms before gathering on the riad’s roof terrace for an introduction to the painting holiday and some ice-cold sundowners. Once the sun has set over Marrakech, our candle light dinner will be served on the terrace.

Day 2

The Yves Saint Laurent gardens & Koutoubia Mosque

Following breakfast you shall be given your first painting and drawing lesson. Inspired, we then travel to the Yves Saint Laurent Gardens, an oasis of colour and light, and the perfect place to experiment with simple line drawings and colour. On the way back, we visit the Koutoubia Mosque and Minaret, and listen as Ahmed tells us all about its fascinating history.

Leisurely afternoon & life drawing on the roof terrace

We have lunch in the magnificent main square and then return to the calm of the riad for an afternoon rest and tutorial. For those who would like some extra tuition there will be a life drawing class on the riad's roof terrace.

Informal evening exhibition & dinner

At around 5.30, we gather among the fountains and orange trees in the riad’s courtyard for a drink and look at the pictures made that day. Tonight we have a traditional colonial drinking experience at Hotel Tazi and then enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant, overlooking the hustle and bustle of the main square.

Day 3

The ancient Souk & Ali Ben Youssef Medersa

Breakfast on the terrace is followed by your second painting and drawing lesson. We then take a walk through Marrakech’s famous 12th century Souk, where you’ll find shops selling anything from fish, leather, spices to silks. After our intrepid guide, Ahmed, leads us though the Souk, we arrive at Ali Ben Youssef Medersa, Marrakech’s 14th century Medieval Islamic College. Here, surrounded by exquisitely carved cederwood, you have a chance to experiment with the new techniques learned this morning.

Long lunch and a leisurely afternoon

When we return to the riad, lunch and refreshments will be waiting on the terrace. The afternoon is then spent at your leisure; perhaps you would like to explore more of the Souk or you can have a rest and tutorial.

Dinner in the chic French Quarter

At 5.30 we shall all meet in the riad’s courtyard for a drink and look at the day’s pictures. For dinner we shall travel to the chic French Quarter to dine at one of Marrakech’s most famed restaurants.

Day 4

Visit to cloth dyers and painting with natural dyes

This morning we will have the unique chance to visit a local cloth dyers who will introduce us to all the natural dyes they use. We will then use these vivid dyes to make some quick and intuitive paintings of the dyers at work.

The El Badi Palace

Following lunch in the main square we will then visit the El Badi Palace, with its beautiful array of 18th century engravings and tiles. Here we will take part in a drawing a series of  exercise to help you think and see the world more creatively.

Impromptu exhibition and magical drinks overlooking the city

As the sky turns from blue to red and the storks nest for the night on the walls of nearby mosques and palaces, we sit back and enjoy some drinks on the terrace of one of Marrakech’s most chic bars. Our final dinner will be at a beautiful nearby restaurant.

Day 5

Shopping, relaxation & goodbyes

This morning is left open for shopping and extra tutorials. After lunch we shall gather in the courtyard for cocktails and goodbyes, before taking one final drive through Marrakech and then onwards to the airport!