Morocco
Arch Meredith & Nora Atkinson
Sept. 14 - 21, 2025
Itinerary Outline
Sept. 14 - 18 | Marrakech | La Mamounia (4 nights)
Sept. 18 - 19 | Agafay Desert | The White Camel (1 night)
Sept. 19 - 21 | Fez | Riad Fes (2 nights)
Sept. 21 | Departure
Sept. 14 | Marrakech (No Guide)
Flight to Marrakech
Airline Booking Code: PQ1GK
11:30am: Iberia flight IB1851 departs Madrid for Marrakech
12:30pm: Flight arrival at Marrakech Airport
Cabin: Business
Seats: TBD
VIP Airport Service & Private Transfer
12:30pm: Iberia flight arrival at Marrakech Menara International Airport. You will be greeted at the door of the plane and assisted through customs via fast track. Once past baggage claim, Sarah will meet you at the arrivals terminal. Private transfer to your hotel.
Marrakech is a city where the past and the future coexist in perfect harmony, said Tahir Shah, explorer and writer. This quote the essence of Marrakech, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern influences, creating a vibrant, dynamic atmosphere. I’ve fallen in love with this city, over and over again. Whether you choose to stay in the maze of the old medina for the full experience or just outside the old city walls,
Lunch Reservation for Three at L’Mida & Leisure
2:00pm: Lunch reservation at L’Mida. After lunch, arrive at the legendary La Mamounia Hotel where you’ll enjoy some time at leisure with the amenities of your hotel including their incredible spa, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, state-of-the-art gym, and 700-year old olive grove garden.
Sunset Walk at Jamaa El Fna
6:00pm: Meet Sarah at the lobby of the hotel for a sunset walk through Jamaa El Fna – a 1000-year old UNESCO site with everything from snake charmers and acrobats, magicians and storytellers, to food stalls and orange juice stands.
Dinner Reservation for Two: Dar Yacout
8:00pm: Experience ultimate Moroccan dining at Dar Yacout. The food is as magnificent and generous as the palace – a classic four-course feast – and is accompanied by the syncopated rhythms of gnaoua musicians and the lovely lilting sound of the oud. Private transfer back to your hotel after dinner.
La Mamounia Hotel & Spa | Park Deluxe Room
Sept. 15 | Marrakech (No Guide)
Side-car Ride Through Marrakech
9:30am: Meet Sarah at the lobby for your side-car tour. Roam through the old town of Marrakesh by side-car and try to hit some of the major historical sites that you cannot miss when visiting Marrakesh, including the Koutoubia Mosque, the Saadian Tombs and the Bahia palace. Wander through the maze of vibrant souks in the heart of the old city, where you can haggle for everything from spices and textiles to jewelry and traditional crafts, all while soaking in the sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. Stop by the Ben Youssef Madrasa. Explore this 14th-century Islamic school, known for its stunning architecture, including intricate stucco work, cedarwood, and mosaics. The madrasa offers a window into Morocco’s educational and religious history.
Lunch Reservation for Two at the Royal Mansour: Le Jardin
12:30pm: Lunch at Le Jardin. Set within the lush gardens of the Royal Mansour Marrakech and inspired by the rich Arab-Andalusian tradition, this open-air Asian restaurant offers a sensory dining experience like no other. Here, gourmet cuisine meets a fresh burst of flavor in an atmosphere that blends effortless chic with relaxed elegance—true to the spirit of the place.
Royal Mansour Spa for Two
3:00pm: Unwind with a rejuvenating experience at a traditional Moroccan hammam at the Royal Mansour Spa – paid separately. This centuries-old ritual of cleansing and relaxation provides a serene escape, featuring steam, exfoliation, and massages in an atmosphere of pure tranquility. View the Royal Mansour Spa menu here.
Private transfer back to La Mamounia for an evening at leisure. Plans with Sarah to come up depending on your interest, such as shopping and exploring the medina at sunset and into the evening.
La Mamounia Hotel & Spa | Park Deluxe Room (B)
Sept. 16 | Marrakech (No Guide)
Galleries & Gardens of Marrakech
9:30am: Meet Sarah at the lobby. Visit the beautiful gardens and art galleries of Marrakech, starting with the YSL Museum. This is a striking tribute to the legendary designer's deep connection with Morocco. Designed by Studio KO, its terracotta brick façade evokes woven fabric, blending seamlessly with the city's earthy tones. Inside, visitors can explore over 4,000 m² of space housing Yves Saint Laurent's iconic creations, a research library, and a 140-seat auditorium. Walk over to the Jardin Majorelle – a vibrant botanical garden in Marrakech, famed for its cobalt blue buildings and exotic plant collection. Once owned by Yves Saint Laurent, it offers a serene escape from the city's bustle. Continue to the Jardin Secret – a beautifully restored 19th-century palace nestled in the heart of Marrakech's medina. Once a private residence, it now offers visitors a serene escape with its two distinct gardens: an Islamic garden reflecting traditional Moroccan design and a more exotic garden showcasing diverse plant species.
Lunch Reservation at Le Jardin for Three
1:00pm: Lunch reservation at Le Jardin, a beautiful continuation of secret gardens in Marrakech.
Alternatively, lunch at Nora Fitzgerald’s famous Amal NGO restaurant, one of the best most highly rated restaurants in Marrakech.
Afternoon at Leisure
Afternoon at leisure. Option to go shopping and exploring with Sarah and driver at disposal. Enjoy La Mamounia’s amenities which include an amazing spa and indoor pool.
Dinner plans under wraps! Please note that alcohol cannot be served this evening as there is a sacred music element that cannot be paired with alcoholic consumption. Drinks at the Nobu Bar.
La Mamounia Hotel & Spa | Park Deluxe Room (B, D)
Sept. 17 | Marrakech & Atlas Mountains
Day in the Atlas Mountains
9:00am: Meet with Amine at the lobby of La Mamounia. Depart for the High Atlas Mountains with your expert guide. Pass by the beautiful Ourika Valley. Located just outside of Marrakesh (approx. 45 minutes), this lush valley is filled with charming adobe Berber villages and farmlands. Option to visit a saffron farm along the way to learn about the processes of harvesting and cultivating this delicate spice.
Arrive at the village of Imlil deep in the High Atlas Mountains and share tea with a Berber family. Hike on foot and by mule through the mountains and the valley. Learn about Berber culture and traditions in this beautiful valley, home to the highest peak of North Africa: Mount Toubkal.
1:00pm: Stop at Richard Branson’s mountain retreat, Kasbah Tamadot, for lunch (reservation at 1pm. Guests dine al fresco on a panoramic terrace overlooking lush gardens and Berber villages, with views that stretch across valleys and snow-capped peaks. The menu blends traditional Moroccan flavors—like lamb tagine with apricots or zaalouk—with Mediterranean influences, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Private transfer back to your hotel in Marrakech (approx. 1 hour 10 minutes).
Dinner Reservation at L’Italien
7:00pm: Dinner reservation at L’Italien by Jean-Georges.
La Mamounia Hotel & Spa | Park Deluxe Room (B)
Sept. 18 | Agafay Desert
Morning at Leisure
Enjoy your final morning at La Mamounia at leisure. Your guide and driver will be at your disposal to explore Marrakech.
Transfer to Agafay
12:00pm: Greeting by your guide at the lobby and private transfer to the Agafay Desert (approx. 50 minutes). The Agafay Desert, just outside Marrakech, is a rocky, lunar-like landscape of golden hills and dramatic silence. It offers raw beauty, camel rides, and luxurious desert camps under star-strewn skies.
Private Lunch
Enjoy a private lunch in your own tent with sweeping views of the desert and the High Atlas Mountains. Delight in a sumptuous meal, crafted by talented chefs, within the serene and captivating ambiance of the desert.
Later, check-in to your suite and enjoy some time at leisure.
Sunset Camel Ride
Experience a private sunset camel ride through the enchanting Agafay Desert, nestled amidst the majestic foothills of the high Atlas Mountains.
Private Dinner
Have a private dinner at the camp in your own tent with gentle live music around a campfire.
The White Camel | Royal Lodge (B, L, D)
Sept. 19 | Fez
Private Transfer & Flight
9:00am: Greeting by your host and private transfer to the Marrakech airpot for your flight to Fez.
11:45am: Ryanair flight FR6731 departs Marrakech for Fez
12:45pm: Flight arrival at Fez Saiss Airport
Class: One-class cabin
Greeting at the arrivals terminal in Fez and private transfer to your hotel in the old medina of Fez. As the largest urban car-free UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fez preserves Morocco’s traditions like no other city. It is the spiritual heart not only of Morocco but of North Africa, drawing pilgrims from across the region, including sub-Saharan Africa, to honor its revered saints. The city is a living labyrinth of ancient streets, grand palaces, bustling souks, and artisans practicing centuries-old crafts. Fez is alive—a city that breathes culture and history every single day of the year. To visit Fez is to pay tribute to the founders of the country and experience Morocco’s spiritual essence.
Introductory Walking Tour
4:00pm: After settling into your accommodations, meet with your guide to explore the important saint’s tombs, mosques, Quranic schools and old institutions including the world’s oldest university, al-Qarawiyyin. Tour the stunning Bou Inania Madrasa for its intricate architecture or visit the Dar Batha Museum to admire traditional Moroccan arts, crafts, and cultural artifacts. Witness the centuries-old leather-dyeing process at the Chouara Tannery, where vibrant colors and traditional techniques create a unique spectacle. Enjoy a panoramic view from one of the nearby terraces.
Dinner Reservation: La Maison Bleue
7:00pm: Dinner reservation at La Maison Bleue. This is the quintessential Fez dining experience. You’ll want to come hungry and ready for a multiple course meal accompanied by live, gentle music of an Oud player. Enjoy the Maison Bleue Menu with Moroccan salads, a Tajine, a Crème Pastilla and oranges with cinnamon.
Riad Fes | Superior Deluxe Room (B)
Sept. 20 | Fez
Zellij Workshop
8:30am: Step into a traditional Zellij workshop in Fez, where master artisans hand-cut intricate mosaic tiles using centuries-old techniques. Surrounded by the rhythmic chisel of hammer on clay, you’ll witness artistry passed down through generations.
Private Cooking Class at Palais Amani
10:00am - 2:00pm: Immerse yourself in the rich culinary heritage of Morocco with a hands-on cooking class at a palace. Learn to prepare some of the country’s most iconic dishes guided by the chef’s time-honored techniques. Each class features five different dishes, ranging from aromatic tagines, to flower-water infused couscous, to deeply flavored, seasonal salads. Afterwards, enjoy lunch served either in the courtyard, or on the sunny roof terrace.
Jewish Quarter
Explore the Jewish heritage of Fez. Visit the square of the Royal Palace, which is alongside the Jewish quarter – the oldest “Mellah” (Jewish Quarter) in Morocco, as well as the Jewish cemetery and the Abu Danan Synagogue in the Mellah.
Dinner Reservation: NUR
7:00pm: Dinner reservation at NUR. Respected Moroccan chef Najat Kaanache – who has her own TV cooking series and trained in the legendary kitchens of El Bulli, Noma and The French Laundry (all of which have held the title of The World's Best Restaurant) – has put together this restaurant within a stylish yet traditional house setting in the Medina.
Note: All reservations are final and non-refundable.
Riad Fes | Superior Deluxe Room (B, L)
Sept. 21 | Travel to Doha
Private Transfer to Casablanca Airport
8:00am: Private transfer to the Casablanca airport (approx. 3.5 hours) for your flight to Doha.
Flight to Doha
Nora Global First Reservation Code: MIOHCY
Nora Airline Reservation Codes: CWBIGD (Qatar Airways)
Arch Global First Reservation Code: FMXCLS
Arch Airline Reservation Codes: CW9JSY (Qatar Airways)
2:10pm: Flight QR 4566 departs Casablanca for Doha
11:35pm: Flight arrival at Doha
Cabin: Business
Seats: 03F & 03D