26 March – 02 April 2012
Morocco is a country of contrasts; the buzz of the medina and exotic souks in Marrakech, hidden courtyard gardens, long views to the dramatic Atlas Mountains, and warm, hospitable people who are happy to share the history of their country over a glass of mint tea.
The gardens visited give a balance of intimate courtyard gardens with vibrant plants, colourful tiles and splashing water, and country gardens known as jnane (gardens of paradise) which have an emphasis on orchards and decorative herb gardens. We visit the Atlas Mountains where the Berbers tend their terraced fields and flocks of sheep and goats.
We change hotels mid-tour to create a contrast. Based in the countryside near Marrakech our first, Le Beldi, is a welcoming riad-style hotel surrounded by gardens and rose fields with views to the Atlas Mountains. We then move to Taroudant south of the Atlas to a private riad guest house with an amazing garden designed by Eric Ossart and Arnaud Maurières, well-known French garden architects and designers.
Itinerary
DAY ONE – MONDAY 26 MARCH
Departures from London Heathrow direct to Marrakech. You will be met and transferred to the welcoming L’Hotel Beldi, outside the city and approached through a field of roses in flower. After arrival, time to relax and have a swim. Late afternoon guided walk through the sumptuous gardens with orchards of pomegranates, figs and orange trees, potagers with aromatic herbs. An air of tranquillity, bird song, water trickling along seguia combine to create the perfect atmosphere for a welcome aperitif and short talk on the programme before we enjoy dinner together.DAY TWO – TUESDAY 27 MARCH
After breakfast we leave for Marrakech with our guide, Hafid, for a fascinating introduction to the extensive medina with its farmers’ markets and local craftsmen. Hafid takes us down various bustling little medina streets at lunchtime until we reach a door in the wall which opens into an enchanting riad garden with rambling bougainvillea, jasmine, glazed pots, decorative tiles and water fountains. An exuberant garden of courtyards and terraces, and a perfect place for lunch. Afternoon visit to the striking Jardins Majorelle created in the 1930s and restored by Yves St Laurent. Return to the hotel to enjoy dinner together.DAY THREE – WEDNESDAY 28 MARCH
A day in the Atlas Mountains. The snow-capped Toubkal mountain (4167 metres) towers above the Berber village of Imlil. Our guide, Hassan, takes us on foot (or by Berber 4×4) up the valley with cherry orchards in blossom to his outlying Berber village for mint tea at the family home. We continue our walk up the valley to the Kasbah du Toubkal. The stunning and dramatic scenery can be viewed from the rooftop terraced garden where we enjoy lunch. Walk down to Imlil village through walnut woods with time to explore the village before descending the valley and returning to the hotel. Dinner together in the hotel restaurant.DAY FOUR – THURSDAY 29 MARCH
Morning visit to the traditional country gardens of La Maison Arabe, reached through La Palmeraie. An innovative blend of potager garden with decorative shrubs and climbers. We enjoy a delicious lunch under the fig trees in the courtyard with time to relax. Continuing to Marrakech we discover the sumptuous gardens of the recently renovated Hotel La Mamounia, followed by delicious refreshments. Traditional, immaculately-kept, large gardens within the Medina walls include a potager and orchard with produce used in their own restaurant. Return to L’Hotel Beldi for dinner together.DAY FIVE – FRIDAY 30 MARCH
Departing south across the Atlas Mountains and through the Argan tree region we arrive at medieval Taroudant, follow the ancient ramparts then into lush vegetation leading to Dar al Hossoun, our base for three nights. Lunch awaits us in the garden. In the afternoon Eric Ossart and Arnaud Maurières will give a short talk on the creation of gardens and of their plant hunting expeditions all over the world before showing us their garden and plant collections. We enjoy an aperitif together before dinner with local specialities.DAY SIX – SATURDAY 31 MARCH
Leave in the morning for the southern slopes of the Atlas Mountains to visit a Berber village and the potager and orchards of a restored farmhouse where we have lunch. Return to the guest house late afternoon and visits to nearby private gardens designed by Ossart & Maurières. Dinner enjoyed together at Dar a Hossoun.DAY SEVEN – SUNDAY 01 APRIL
Morning visit to the souks in Taroudant, with a guide, and then a medina garden followed by a picnic lunch in a palm grove. Afternoon visit to argan oil women’s cooperative returning for an optional cooking course at Dar Al Hossoun, preparing dishes to be enjoyed at dinner.DAY EIGHT – MONDAY 02 APRIL
Early morning start back to Marrakech for the afternoon return flight to London Heathrow.
Tour Costs
Airflight, Hotel and Itinerary costs £1740pp
Accommodation based on 2 people sharing
b&b with private bath/shower room
Dinner on 7 evenings/6 lunches
Supplement – single use of double room £395
Activity Level:
Level walking, except day 3 (4×4 Berber-style available). Extensive walking in Marrakech.
Additional Information:
Extra days can be added.