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Morocco · Creative retreat
Slow Travel: Design & Journal Retreat
Architecture, artisan workshops and time to put pen or paint to paper. Travel with Gwyneth from Casablanca and Rabat to Tangier, Chefchaouen and Fes, with room to look closely and create at your own pace.
October 7–16, 2027 · 10 days · Up to 12 travelers
Time to notice, space to create
- Explore Casablanca’s architecture, Rabat’s gardens and Tangier’s artistic history.
- Walk Chefchaouen’s blue lanes and discover textile and natural-dye traditions.
- Visit Fes’s artisan workshops, with opportunities for pottery, sketching and journaling.
The route
Casablanca → Rabat → Tangier → Chefchaouen → Fes → Casablanca
Your ten days in Morocco
October 7–16, 2027. Open each day for the full itinerary. All excursions and workshops are optional; visits and the order of activities may change with local conditions.
Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca
Thursday, October 7, 2027
Arrive at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport before 1:00 p.m., where we will receive assistance and transfer to our hotel. Following a brief orientation, we will explore Casablanca’s Habous Quarter, a picturesque district known for its blend of traditional Moroccan and French colonial architecture. We will also visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, one of Morocco’s most celebrated architectural landmarks, before gathering for a welcome dinner at the hotel.
Day 2: Casablanca to Rabat
Friday, October 8, 2027
After breakfast, we will travel approximately 90 minutes to Rabat, Morocco’s elegant capital city. Our sightseeing begins at the blue-and-white Kasbah of the Udayas and the Museum of Adornment, followed by tea at a café overlooking the Bou Regreg River. After lunch, enjoy free time to walk through Rabat at your own pace or make an optional visit to the National Museum of Photography or the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art before dinner.
Day 3: Art and Reflection in Rabat
Saturday, October 9, 2027
This morning, we will visit Chellah, an atmospheric archaeological site containing Roman ruins, medieval architecture and peaceful gardens. Surrounded by layers of Moroccan history, we will spend time watercolor painting, sketching, journaling or quietly reflecting. Following lunch, the afternoon is open for independent exploration, relaxation or a creative scavenger hunt before we meet again for dinner.
Day 4: Rabat to Tangier
Sunday, October 10, 2027
After breakfast, we will journey north toward Tangier, breaking up the drive with stops along Morocco’s Atlantic coast. We may enjoy lunch in Larache before walking through Asilah, a beautiful whitewashed town renowned for its colorful murals and international arts festival. After arriving in Tangier, travelers may join an optional walking tour of the historic Petit Socco before gathering for dinner.
Day 5: Art, History & Nature in Tangier
Monday, October 11, 2027
Today offers an optional visit to the legendary Caves of Hercules, a dramatic natural and archaeological attraction overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. After lunch, we will tour the Tangier American Legation Museum, an essential cultural site celebrating the long relationship between Morocco and the United States. Tea at the museum provides time to appreciate its art, architecture and tranquil courtyard before we conclude the day with dinner.
Day 6: Tangier to Chefchaouen
Tuesday, October 12, 2027
Following breakfast, we will travel into the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen, Morocco’s famous Blue City. After lunch, a guided walk will introduce us to the medina’s blue-painted lanes, traditional architecture, artisan shops and lively public squares, followed by free time to explore independently. In the evening, an optional short hike to the Spanish Mosque offers sweeping sunset views over Chefchaouen before dinner.
Day 7: Rif Mountains & Moroccan Textiles
Wednesday, October 13, 2027
Begin the day with an optional morning hike through the scenic Rif Mountains surrounding Chefchaouen. In the afternoon, we will explore Morocco’s textile heritage through a hands-on weaving or natural-dye workshop led by local artisans. The day ends with a memorable dinner accompanied by Andalusian music, reflecting the cultural influences that have shaped northern Morocco.
Day 8: Chefchaouen to Fez
Thursday, October 14, 2027
After breakfast, we will travel to Fez, widely regarded as Morocco’s capital of traditional arts and handicrafts. Following lunch, we will participate in a Moroccan pottery workshop at Art Naji, where we can learn about the patterns, glazing techniques and craftsmanship behind Fez ceramics. Travelers may complete the day with an optional hammam experience before enjoying dinner at our riad.
Day 9: The Medina & Crafts of Fez
Friday, October 15, 2027
A guided walking tour will take us deep into the UNESCO-listed Fez medina, one of the world’s largest and best-preserved historic urban centers. Along its narrow lanes, we will encounter ancient architecture, bustling souks and workshops where artisans continue centuries-old Moroccan craft traditions. After lunch, an optional weaving or painting workshop offers another opportunity for creative participation, followed by an intimate Sufi-inspired dinner in a local family home.
Day 10: Fez to Casablanca or Marrakesh
Saturday, October 16, 2027
After breakfast, travelers completing the main Morocco tour will transfer approximately three hours to Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport for their flights home. Those joining the optional extension will continue to Marrakesh, with breaks incorporated into the approximately six-hour journey. Upon arrival, settle into a traditional Marrakesh riad and enjoy free time to explore Jemaa el-Fnaa, browse local jewelry or try a jewelry-making experience before dinner.
Optional Marrakesh & Agafay extension
October 17–20, 2027, following the main retreat. This four-day extension is priced separately. Please ask us about arrangements before booking flights.
Day 11: Palaces & Painting in Marrakesh
Sunday, October 17, 2027
Today begins with a guided visit to Bahia Palace, a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture celebrated for its intricate tilework, carved plaster, painted cedar ceilings and peaceful courtyards. A hands-on painting workshop will give us an opportunity to translate Marrakesh’s colors and decorative patterns into our own creative work. After lunch, the afternoon is free to explore Jemaa el-Fnaa and the surrounding Marrakesh souks before meeting for dinner.
Day 12: Majorelle Garden & the Agafay Desert
Monday, October 18, 2027
After breakfast, we will visit the celebrated Majorelle Garden, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum and the Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts to explore Morocco’s influence on art, fashion and garden design. Following lunch, we will leave Marrakesh and travel into the rocky landscapes of the Agafay Desert. After checking into a luxury desert camp, enjoy a camel ride followed by dinner and stargazing beneath the Moroccan night sky.
Day 13: Return to Marrakesh
Tuesday, October 19, 2027
Wake to the stillness of the Agafay Desert and begin the day with breakfast and an optional yoga session overlooking the rugged landscape. We will then return to Marrakesh, where the afternoon is free for relaxation, last-minute shopping or independent exploration. In the evening, we will gather for a special farewell dinner celebrating the art, architecture, craftsmanship and friendships experienced throughout Morocco.
Day 14: Departure from Marrakesh
Wednesday, October 20, 2027
After breakfast at our riad, we will transfer to Marrakesh Menara Airport for our return flights home. Take with you lasting memories of Morocco’s historic cities, mountain landscapes, artisan traditions and desert beauty. Our Morocco design and cultural journey concludes after two inspiring weeks of creativity, discovery and slow travel.
Before you travel
International airfare, visas and required travel insurance are separate. The optional Marrakesh and Agafay extension has a separate price; ask us before making flight arrangements.
Traveling solo? We can discuss a possible roommate match, though matching is not guaranteed. Discuss walking comfort, dietary needs and room arrangements with us before booking.
Reserve your place
The deposit is $1,000 USD per traveler, credited toward the full trip price. Your remaining balance is invoiced separately. Choose the number of travelers in the booking card below, then select “Request this trip.” Complete the traveler information form for each guest and send your request. You can then pay your deposit online through QuickBooks for up to four travelers, or wait for an invoice. Groups of five or more receive an invoice.
Include double or single occupancy in your booking request. Review the Terms & Conditions, cancellation policy and travel insurance requirements before paying.
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