This creative adventure is geared toward architects, landscape architects, artists, and others interested in understanding the fascinating places, unique geographies, architectural details, colors and textures of Morocco through daily sketching, drawing, and painting.

With guidance from our dear friend and renowned professor, architect, illustrator, and artist, Moh’d Bilbeisi (www.mohdbilbeisiart.com), we will look at architecture, landscapes, agriculture, food, crafts, lifestyles, humanity, and Moroccan culture, with sketchbooks in hand.

Visit exotic cities of Fes and Marrakech, ancient Roman ruins, small towns and villages, weekly markets, the Sahara Desert and oases, the High Atlas Mountains, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and Essaouira.  Our expert guides, Moroccan native, cultural expert, and licensed guide, Addi Ouadderrou, and landscape architect and artist, Sandy Clinton, FASLA, will show us places and cultural treasures rarely experienced. 

meet your leaders

Addi Ouadderrou directs and manages this deep-dive creative adventure where we experience daily life, cultural traditions, history, art, architecture, music, gardens, and more. Owner of Moroccan Caravan, LLC, a native Moroccan from the desert region, an expert on Moroccan culture, and a licensed tour guide, Addi has been guiding large and small group tours for over 25 years. addi@moroccancaravan.com

Sandra Youssef Clinton, FASLA, Founder of CLINTON+RIES Landscape Architects, is a renowned landscape architect and mixed-media artist in the Washington, DC region, and has traveled extensively in Morocco and throughout the world. Sandy will enhance participants’ experiences of each garden as she shares her design and horticultural expertise throughout the tour.  syc@clinton-la.com

Moh’d Bilbeisi is an imaginative professor, architect, illustrator, and watercolorist who is driven by an incredible passion for self-expression through art. His works are often noted for their unique dynamism, elegance, and technique. His work is highly collected! Moh’d will share his techniques and talents along our journey, and will guide us in ways to see and draw what we see. mohd.bilbeisi@okstate.edu

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Explore Morocco, with its ancient and modern cultures and customs – sketching along the way.

Experience Fes - one of the oldest cities of Morocco, where artists actively create intricate ceramics, embroidery, leather goods, wood products, weavings, and more.

Visit historic and modern gardens and learn how they are connected to the land, culture, and history.

Stay in a traditional Amazigh home to better understand the culture of an indigenous population who has withstood the test of time.

Ride along the old caravan routes and witness the centuries-old kasbahs, verdant valleys, scenic Atlas Mountains, and Morocco’s Atlantic coastline.

Join the nightly carnival of fortune-tellers, dancers, and musicians in Marrakech’s lively medina.

Taste the rich variety of spices, herbs, and delectable Moroccan foods.

For the best personalized and customized tour, this trip is limited to 12 participants.

Itinerary

Day 1

Depart USA to Casablanca/Morocco

Today, travelers fly to Morocco. Passengers book their own flights, and should plan to arrive in Morocco by 10am on Day 2 of itinerary. Suggest nonstop service flights to take from the US to Casablanca, Morocco with Royal Air Maroc:

From Washington DC, Dulles international airport (IAD)
From New York (JFK) 

Day 2

Casablanca - volubilis - Fes

Arrive at Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca, meet your guides and transfer to our luxury van for a beautiful drive through vast and diverse landscapes to the ancient city of Fes, stopping on the way to visit and sketch the ancient architectural ruins of the Roman city of Volubilis. Overnight in Fes. (L,D)

DAY 3

Explore Fes

Morning departure for a guided tour to explore one of Morocco’s most historic and important cities - Fes. The visit will take us to a panoramic overview of the city, before diving into the medina (“old city”) to see some of its many sections. Each section specializes in certain types of foods, wares, and handmade arts and crafts, such as embroidery, weaving, and ceramics.

We will have an opportunity to see artisans making exquisite items using centuries-old traditional techniques and designs. Of special interest are the ancient leather dyeing vats in the heart of the city. Be prepared to make some quick sketches as you view out over this historic and colorful landmark. (B,L,D)

DAY 4

further exploration of fes

Today will begin with a visit to a formal royal garden, now public park, centered around several types of water displays where you will take your time to sketch and paint the landscapes within Jnan Sbil. Later, we will shift locations to the famous Blue Gate, one of the many entries into the Medina of Fes, where you will have another sketching/painting opportunity to record the architecture and lively market areas.

Our day will be capped with a visit to a private home, where we will experience a very special Sufi ceremony. We will enjoy a home-cooked traditional Moroccan meal following the ceremony. Feel free to bring your sketchbooks to record the beauty within this beautiful, historic home. Overnight in Fes. (B,L,D)

DAY 5

fes - Tafilalt oasis 

Today we drive south across the picturesque Middle Atlas Mountains, through the winding Ziz Valley, and into the Tafilalt Oasis/ Palm Grove. We will make several stops along the way to view the varied landscapes, enjoy lunch on route, and sketch some of the interests. Our day will end at our special guesthouse in the Oasis. (B,L,D)

DAY 6

Tafilalt oasis - rissani market

We will spend today within the Oasis and visit some exceptional landmarks, including a 17th century adobe village, a local market, a trading post for textiles and other beautiful wares, and a unique shrine centered around a lush garden. There will be plenty of time to record your experiences through drawing and painting along the way. Shopping opportunities are available for anyone interested in textiles. Overnight at our guesthouse in the Oasis. (B,L,D)

DAY 7

mezguida to ouarzazate

Today we begin our trip westward, taking the route of 1000 Kasbahs, and viewing many unique scenes, including khuttaras - an ancient underground system of shallow wells for irrigation.  Along the way we will stop to see the naturally carved Todra Gorge, the beautiful Valley of Roses (Kalaat M’Gouna), and end our day in Ouarzazate – a city known for film production in Morocco. We will stop for lunch and sketch breaks along the way. Overnight in Ouarzazate. (B,L,D)

DAY 8

Ouarzazate - marrakech

Today we cross the amazingly dramatic High Atlas Mountains. The scenery in the mountains is striking and unique, seeing dozens of Amazigh (Berber) villages accented with terraced gardens. One of the highlights for today is the world heritage site Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, where we will stop for lunch and sketching/painting opportunities. On our way toward Marrakech, we will visit a women’s cooperative that specializes in making famous Argan Oil products. Overnight in Marrakech. (B,L,D)

DAY 9

explore marrakech

After breakfast, we will begin our walking tour of Marrakech, including a lush hidden garden (Le Jardin Secret), created on the grounds of a historic site. We will visit the 19th century Bahia Palace, and the 11th century Koutoubia Mosque and gardens. We will then enter the souks (markets) to experience the liveliness, colors, and scents. Bring your sketchbooks along to capture scenes on our walking route. Overnight In Marrakech. (B,L,D)

DAY 10

further exploration of Marrakech

Today we will spend a slow day further exploring Marrakech, leaving ample opportunity for sketching and painting in several unique settings. We will visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Jmaa el Fna, the center of community and commercial activity in the Marrakech Medina. We will also shift locations through the day to provide views into and through the souks, and perhaps find a rooftop café from which to sketch from a birds-eye-perspective. Overnight in Marrakech. (B,L,D)

DAY 11

anima gardens - Marrakech

Today, we step outside of Marrakech for a day trip to visit Anima Gardens, a lush and interesting sculpture and botanic garden just south of the city. Designed in 2016 by universalist artist, Andre Heller, this new addition to the garden scene in Morocco has become quite popular, and for good reason.  It is magical, mystical, and a wonderful place to spend the day sketching, painting, and resting in the many hammocks tucked amongst the sculptures. Lunch on your own in the garden cafe. Dinner and overnight at our riad in Marrakech. (B,D)

DAY 12

marrakech transfer to casablanca for departure

For those departing back to the US today, you will be transported from Marrakech to the airport in Casablanca for your flight home. Please be sure to book return flights no earlier than 3pm for departure this day. (B)

marrakech - essaouira extension

For those continuing on to the lovely beach town of Essaouira, we will depart after breakfast to make this easy drive westward to the Atlantic Ocean. We will make stops along to the way to take in the scenery.

Essaouira is a historic village on the Atlantic coast of Morocco dating back to the Middle Ages - originally named Mogador in the 1500’s. It has been occupied by the Portuguese, Spanish, and French. The present-day city of Essaouira was built during the mid-18th century by King Mohammed III.  Dinner and overnight in Essaouira. (B,L,D)

DAY 13

Essaouira

Essaouira is a very easy and relaxed beach town where you can wander freely on your own, make stops along the way to draw and paint the magical scenes to your heart’s content! Following breakfast, we will escort everyone into the heart of the small medina and direct you to all of the interests, including an active fishing port, blue boat moorings, the medina, overlooks, the beach, and many more sites to be witnessed and explored.  You will be free to wander on your own and explore at will. Lunch on your own in the Medina or along the beachfront. Dinner and overnight at the riad in Essaouira. (B,D)

DAY 14

free day to explore essaouira

Today will be another day to explore on your own, walk the beach, visit galleries, and meet artists in the medina, sit on the seawall and sketch the boiling Atlantic waves, shop in the souks, sunbathe at the beach, swim in the pool, or create art of your own. For a unique experience, we can arrange for you to have a Hammam visit (Moroccan baths) including a steam sauna and bathing experience along with a massage. This is a relaxing and beautiful way to end your trip and be ready for travel the next day. Lunch on your own. Dinner and overnight at the riad in Essaouira. (B,D)

day 15

Transfer essaouira to casablanca for return home

Transfer to Casablanca Mohammed V Airport to fly home. Please be sure to book return flights no earlier than 3pm for departure this day. (B)

dates, fees and TRIP INFORMATION

12-DAY BASE ITINERARY - MAY 18-29, 2025 PRICE PER PERSON IN SHARED ACCOMMODATION: $3,900
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: +$600

3-DAY EXTENSION TO ESSAOUIRA - MAY 29-June 1, 2025 PRICE PER PERSON IN SHARED ACCOMMODATION: $600 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $200

Plus $300/person out-of-pocket expenses paid directly by tour director throughout the trip, to be paid by each participant in US cash at the outset of the tour

included in this trip:

• A unique opportunity to be guided by artist and architect, Moh’d Bilbeisi, throughout our cultural tour of Morocco

• 1st class private air-conditioned van/bus transportation throughout the tour

• Multiple garden visits with guidance by landscape architect, Sandra Clinton, FASLA

• Charming accommodations in a mix of 4-star hotels, guesthouses, and riads, as indicated in the itinerary or similar

• Admission to historical sites, gardens, and parks during scheduled guided group tours

• Visit to a 17th century mud (adobe) brick village in southern Morocco

• All meals as indicated in the itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)

• Water is provided at all meals included in itinerary. Other beverages and water for daily consumption are not included

• First-rate tour leaders, professional drivers, and licensed tour guides for specialty locations

• Many unique surprises!

NOT INCLUDED IN THIS TRIP:

• Airfare 

• Travel Insurance and Personal Health Insurance - both required

• Passport fees and related paperwork

• Private vehicle/transfers for any participants who, for any reason, must leave earlier than the rest of the group or break off from either the main tour and or the extension and transferring to any airport or anywhere in Morocco or beyond. (Transfer cost TBD but is estimated to be $300)

• Shopping, massages, hammam visits, liquor, or anything not included in this package

• Excess baggage, telephone, laundry, room service, personal and medical expenses

• Tips for tour leaders and driver, given to tour leaders and split evenly

• Out-of-pocket expenses paid along the way by the tour director for entry fees, porters, housekeeping, servers, gratuities at restaurants, porters, special cultural guides, etc. (included in $300 required fee above)

• Meals and snacks not indicated in the itinerary: B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner

SUGGESTED ARTIST PACKING LIST:

• Drawing pads/sketch books of your choice – easy to carry and pack

• Pencils, color pencils, watercolors (small set), ink for washes, brushes – any others of your preference

• Folding Travel Stool for longer sketch opportunities

• Satchel for carrying all supplies easily