Hakima’s Moroccan Cooking School

Marrakech and Day Trips

 

MARRAKECH and DAY TRIPS


MARRAKECH


Begin your adventure in Marrakech, where you will be met at Menara airport and taken to your riad in the Medina for your stay in Marrakech. I recommend a minimum of 5 nights to allow time to explore  the ancient souks of old city (Medina).  You will have time to explore the winding streets of the Medina, passing by weavers, shoe makers, metal smiths and still have time to visit the Ali Ben Joseph Madrasa, the Bert Flint Museum, the spice and dryers souks, the many wonderful rug and shoe stores and have time to wander around.  Your eyes are in for a visual spectacle.  Stop for Moroccan mint tea at one of the cafes on the Jemma el Fna (the plaza, a UNESCO heritage site).  A morning visit to the Yves St. Laurent gardens in the new city is a must followed by a stop for lunch at my favorite snack bar.  Then you can walk/shop in the Gueliz (the “new” city) and return to the excitement of an evening at Jemma El Fna eating dinner at one of the wonderful food stalls or just be enchanted by the rhythm of the music of Jemma El Fna.


DAY TRIPS


There are optional day trips from Marrakech to visit the valleys, cities, souks, sands and mountains around Marrakech.  Three popular options are listed below or you can create your own journey.  Prices quoted will include car, driver, guide, food and if needed, lodging.


OURIKA is a half-day trip.  Lunch on an authentic Berber tagine and dangle your feet in the rivers edge, ride a camel, shop for rugs or pottery and be home in time for dinner.


ESSOURIA. Take a day trip or an overnight to the ancient seaside city of Essouria and enjoy waterfront dining and the local souk. The Atlantic ocean provides an abundance of fresh fish.  Cook a fresh seafood tagine or BBQ fresh sardines.   On the way you will pass through the argana orchards and if you are lucky will see the goats in the argana trees. A stop at the argana co-operatives is a must.


CASABLANCA.  If you catch an early train to Casa, you can visit the enormous Hassan II mosque, enjoy lunch on the beach and catch an evening train back to Marrakech.


For inquiries, questions, and booking please contact:


Carolyn Watts

333 Lawrence St.

Port Townsend, Washington 98368

360-379-2835

hakimasmoroccancookingschool@yahoo.com

or

heryfordwatts@olympus.net