Morocco
The Magic of Marrakech
Trip Highlights
an adventurous cultural tour of marrakech, Morocco’s Red City, led by michelin-trained chef, Gerard Baker
Venture out to visit a berber village in the ourika River valley of the atlas mountains
Retire to an exquisite Moroccan style villa tucked away in the foothills of the atlas mountains
Delight the senses on an exclusive trip to the ancient soul of Morocco: Marrakech. Once described as “Morocco’s strangest city,” Marrakech is a hub of vibrant culture - a mix of ancient North African heritage and modern European influence. Stroll the worn tile avenues of ancient souks and be dazzled by the vibrant color of this vivacious city. Be sure to smell taste the never-ending mélange of exquisite flavors of Moroccan spices and cuisine. Renowned chef, Gerard Baker, will cook and lead your journey through Marrakech - capturing for you the essence of this eternal city.
Your host in Marrakech: author, polar guide, and Michelin-trained chef, Gerard Baker
Your Host in Marrakech
Gerard Baker is a chef, food writer, broadcaster and historian. He has written extensively for The Times, The Kitchen Garden, BBC Good Food magazine and has been a specialist food contributor for BBC’s national news networks and programmes for over 12 years. He has been nominated for Pick of the Year on BBC Radio Four food programme and he has made numerous television appearances; most notably on the judging panel on Rosemary Schrager’s School for Cooks and as the food historian to the Hairy Bikers on their Mums Know Best BBC tour.
Dar Tigamino
Guests will reside at this spacious villa set at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. Find an evening’s peace reclining poolside or set atop the veranda. Chef Gerard Baker will host a series of special cooking sessions in the villa’s fully equipped kitchen with seating for eight.
Enjoy the perfect retreat from a day’s adventure in the markets or out walking in the Ourika River valley. Designed by regional artisan craftsmen, the Dar Tigamino villa radiates a perfectly relaxing Moroccan ambiance, and is finished with refined modern touches.
The Ourika River Valley lies some 20 km north of the Marrakech city center
“The spectacle of the mountains is superb. Through the clear desert air the eye can follow the rugged contours of the range for great distances to the north and eastward. The winter snows mantle them with white, and the turquoise sky gives a setting for their grey rocks and gleaming caps that is of unrivaled beauty.”
Trip Pricing
Costs for the 2022 MAgic of marrakech Excursion will be £1995 per person
— only one space left for a female traveler on this departure —
*price listed in gbp*
Trip costs will include:
Transportation to and from the Menara International Airport in Marrakech
Your stay at the Dar Tigamino Villa
includes on-site staff, breakfast each morning, fast-speed broadband WiFi, A/C
Transportation costs and entrance fees to the sites and tours of Marrakech and surrounding areas included on the Arctic Tern Expeditions itinerary
Trip costs will not include:
Alcoholic beverages outside of house wines at select meals
Flights to and from Marrakech
Travel Insurance
Tips and personal expenses
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 (14 May)
Arrive by 1 pm at the Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK). Your guide and driver will meet you and transfer to the Dar Tigamino Villa will follow. Welcome dinner and introduction by Gerard.
(Dinner)
Day 2 (15 May)
Experience the rich culture of the Red City firsthand in the fabled markets of Marrakech. Stroll through ancient alleys and marvel as merchants ply their trades. A morning at the famed Bahai Palace will be followed by lunch in the Medina on the roof terrace of the Riad Les Oliviers. Afterwards, dive into the colorful splendor of the Yves St. Laurent Garden and Berber Museum. Enjoy a simple dinner at the Dar Tigamino Villa and relax poolside as the sunsets after a stimulating first day in Morocco.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3 (16 May)
Spend a day taking in the quiet beauty of the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. Stroll the extensive grounds of the villa or opt to stretch your legs and a walk to the nearby, world-famous Anima Gardens. Your chef and guide, Gerard, will spend the late morning and afternoon preparing a beautiful, multi-course evening meal with ingredients sourced from the Medina in Marrakesh. Enjoy the act of learning and creating authentic Moroccan cuisine taught by a world class chef.
(Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
Day 4 (17 May)
We will spend this day in the foothills of the Atlas mountains. The village of Imlil is a secluded mountain haven at the foot of North Africa’s highest peak, Jebel Toubkal. Take a hike through verdant canyons replete with waterfalls and befriend some of the locals. We plan to have a meal in Asni, in the home of two brothers who run a traditional café here.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5 (18 May)
Hone your culinary skills in the Moroccan countryside. Spend time at the Dar Tigamino Villa enjoying the grounds, relax poolside, and schedule an in-house therapeutic massage. Chef Gerard Baker will be cooking for the afternoon with nibbles throughout the day, ending in an early evening meal. This day will be hands on for all guests wanting to learn cook incredible Moroccan-style cuisine.
(Breakfast lunch and dinner)
Day 6 (19 May)
After brunch cooked by our house chef, we will head out to the Stony Desert to enjoy an early dinner and watch the sunset over the hills. A reflective evening to be spent watching the stars show their beauty over the dunes while we share stories of our travels. Gerard will be on hand to recount histories of Morocco and to share stories of his adventures.
(Brunch and Dinner)
Day 7 (20 May)
A final trip into the Red City that is Marrakech. The Souks of the city are the creation of centuries of trading culture. Mostly covered, the alley ways are a rabbit warren of cloths, spices, noise and beauty. We will spend the morning being guided through the most incredible markets before having a traditional lunch in one of Marrakech’s most famous restaurants cooked by one of the kings former head chefs. The afternoon will be spent in the Secret garden before a roof top mint tea while we watch the square come alive in the early evening. A farewell dinner back at the villa ends this incredible trip.
(Breakfast lunch and dinner)
Day 8 (21 May)
Depart to the airport for your flight back home – or to your next destination! We will leave the villa at 0930, so please book your flight no earlier than 1400. Please let us know if you have an earlier flight, and we can arrange transport for you at an additional cost.
(Breakfast)