Why you will love this trip
*Essaouira gained UNESCO status thanks to it being a prime example of an 18th-century fortified town. The city walls are an incredible reminder of its past, the medina inside still very much a part of its present. The harbor is chock full of traditional fishermen's boats, and you'll catch them (the fishermen—not the boats) hauling in their catch or mending their nets on the regular. The entire port is ridiculously picturesque, in that gritty, nostalgic kind of way.
*To get into Essaouira's history, carve out ample time in your itinerary to just wander. You likely won't get too lost—the streets are linked in such a way that you're never too far from the main thoroughfare running through its center, the spine of the medina. It stretches from the North Gate, Bab Doukkala, all the way to Place Moulay Hassan, by the waterfront.
*Agafay Ce Reg, a desert of stones and rocks, offers an immense, arid and lunar landscape, illuminated however by an oasis that appears as if from nowhere, it is called the enchanted oasis.
Arrival in Marrakech, where participants will be welcomed by our professional guide and driver. Departure for Essaouira by bus (17 seats) with a brief stop to inaugurate the travel log. The meeting at the airport will be no later than 14:00 pm, to take the road to Essaouira
Today is dedicated to exploring the fish market in the medina. We'll take a lunch break at the fish market, indulging in fresh, grilled fish. In the afternoon, we'll venture to the lively harbor to witness the return of the fishermen at day's end and enjoy the sunset. Overnight stay in
Explore the inner walls of the medina (fortresses) with time for painting and sketching. Take a break for lunch. In the afternoon, uncover the city's charms and sketch in the shaded streets.
Overnight stay in Essaouira.
Our initial excursion takes us to the Souk Ida Ougard, a sizable regional market held every Sunday. This bustling marketplace is where breeders and merchants conduct business, offering a diverse array of items, including animals, clothing, unique materials, spices, meat, fruits, and vegetables. It promises a complete immersion into the local culture and provides an opportunity to savor our first mint tea under a tent. We'll conclude the day by returning to the accommodation in Essaouira.
Today's objective is to sketch the 15th-century architecture. Return for lunch on the panoramic terrace, exclusively reserved for us. This provides a chance to enjoy a bird's-eye view of the numerous roofs and terraces of the city. After a break, the afternoon will be dedicated to sketching and painting on our terrace, allowing us to relish the sunset.
Overnight stay in Essaouira.
Take a stroll on the expansive beach of Essaouira, capturing panoramic sketches either by the sea or nestled in the dunes. Spend the afternoon in the company of camels and horses, with the option for those interested to take a camel ride.
Overnight stay in Essaouira.
The landscape and observe goats amidst the argan trees. In the afternoon, a guided city tour of Marrakech unfolds. The morning commences with a visit to the magnificent Koutoubia Mosque, a landmark that has inspired structures like the Giralda of Seville and the Hassan Tower of Rabat. The next destination is the Bahia Palace, where you can capture the splendid Moroccan architecture through sketches. Following a lunch break, the journey continues to the renowned Jemaa el Fna Square, a vibrant hub featuring an array of food, snake charmers, local musicians, and fortune-tellers. The square is a unique and lively experience. You'll also explore the souks, witnessing a myriad of handicrafts. The night concludes with accommodation and breakfast at the Riad/Hotel.
The morning will be spent at the Riad to finalize the travel log, create various collages, and arrange the pages with guidance from the teacher. Afterward, departure to the airport.
André Kano was born in S. Paulo, Brazil. Strongly influenced by his father’s chosen profession as a painter, he showed a remarkable talent for drawing at an early age. Before leaving Brazil, Kano worked both as an illustrator and as a graphic designer, professional activities he continued to pursue subsequent to his arrival in Portugal. Despite his professional focus in the area of graphic design, André Kano never quite forgot that his true passion was for painting. It was through this activity that he was enabled to break free of the creative constraints imposed by his professional life. The resultant sense of freedom allowed his creative imagination to flow unrestrained. Their features are revealed as colour creates rhythm, generates texture and moulds light itself to capture more than the senses alone are capable of.
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Located in the residential district of L'Hivernage, Hotel Akabar is decorated in a Moroccan style. The establishment features an outdoor pool surrounded by palm trees and offers air-conditioned rooms with balconies.
The famous Mohammed-V Avenue, with its numerous shops, is only 500 meters away. There is also a kiosk selling tobacco, souvenirs, and newspapers in front of Hotel Akabar.
The Akabar restaurant serves international and Moroccan cuisine in an elegant dining room adorned with chandeliers. Guests can also enjoy a drink at the bar or a snack at the poolside fast-food outlet.
All rooms are equipped with a television, telephone, and safe. The private bathroom comes with a bathtub.
The Riad Chakir Mogador is conveniently located in the center of Essaouira, just a few steps from the port and the beach.
The traditional Moroccan rooms at Riad Chakir Mogador all feature a private bathroom and a seating area. Some rooms are air-conditioned.
Traditional Dishes
One of the most notable aspects of Moroccan cuisine is the emphasis on the quality and freshness of ingredients. The produce is sourced from a land free of pesticides, chemicals, hormones, or preservatives. Animals are typically slaughtered just hours before they are used, with mutton being the prevalent meat offered, rather than lamb. Market vegetables are freshly gathered each morning. The use of spices, herbs, fresh fruits, nuts, and dried fruits imparts an invigorating vitality that stands in stark contrast to the packaged and imported products commonly found in much of Europe and North America.
To further acquaint you with the culinary delights, here are explanations of some of the most common and popular traditional Moroccan dishes:
Harira: A thick soup made of chickpeas, lentils, and haricot beans, often flavored with mutton or chicken, lemon, and tarragon.
Brochettes: Grilled kebabs featuring mutton, liver, and fat.
Kefta: Spicy meatballs crafted from minced mutton and offal, often served in a seasoned sauce.
Pastilla/Bastilla: A pie composed of multiple layers of flaky pastry filled with chopped pigeon meat, eggs, almonds, and spices. Chicken or fish may be used as alternatives to pigeon.
Tagine: Alongside couscous, this is one of the most ubiquitous Moroccan dishes—a slowly simmered stew cooked in its own juices in an earthenware bowl with a distinctive conical lid. Variants include tagine de viande (mutton stew with vegetables or served alone with prunes), tagine de poisson (bream or sardine stew with tomatoes and herbs), tagine de lapin (rabbit stew), and tagine de poulet aux olives et citron (a delicious chicken stew with lemon and olives). The lemon imparts a delightful bitter zest to the meat.
Mechoui: Lamb roasted whole on a spit or baked in a special oven. This delicately fragrant meat, distinct from typical mutton, is often enjoyed with bread but is considered an elaborate luxury that may need to be ordered well in advance.
Couscous: Made from half-baked flour ground into semolina-like grains, perfectly prepared couscous involves a meticulous cooking process with steamings and oilings, resulting in distinct granular texture. While best enjoyed in a home or a quality restaurant, it is often served with sept légumes (seven steamed vegetables) and occasional mutton. Couscous can also be served as a dessert with sugar, cinnamon, and rich, warm goat's milk.
Cornes de Gazelle: Croissant-like pastries filled with honey and almonds.
Essaouira is a coastal city in Morocco known for its unique blend of history, culture, and seaside charm. Here are some key features and attractions of Essaouira:
*Medina: The historic medina of Essaouira is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is characterized by its well-preserved fortifications, narrow winding streets, and traditional Moroccan architecture. The medina is a vibrant hub with shops, markets, and artisan workshops.
*Port and Beach: Essaouira's port is a bustling area where you can witness the daily activities of fishermen. The beach is renowned for its strong winds, making it a popular destination for water sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing.
*Skala de la Ville: This historic seafront rampart offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the medina. It's a great place to explore and take in the maritime atmosphere.
*Moulay Hassan Square: This central square in the medina is surrounded by cafes and restaurants, making it a lively spot to relax and enjoy the local scene.
*Essaouira Citadel (Scala): A historic fortress with cannons and a lighthouse, providing a glimpse into the city's maritime history.
*Essaouira Music Festival: The city hosts an annual music festival that attracts artists and music enthusiasts from around the world.
*Gnaoua Culture: Essaouira is known for its association with Gnaoua music and culture. Visitors can experience Gnaoua performances and learn about this unique musical tradition.
*Artisan Markets: The medina is home to numerous artisan markets where you can find handmade crafts, including woodwork, textiles, and traditional Moroccan goods.
*Essaouira's relaxed atmosphere, coastal beauty, and cultural richness make it a captivating destination for travelers seeking a unique Moroccan experience.
When we receive your deposit we will email you to confirm your reservation and payment.
Once the retreat becomes guaranteed (minimum number of registrants met) we will contact you to confirm your reservation and arrange payment of the balance for the retreat if only the deposit was paid at registration.
If for any reason the retreat does not become guaranteed, you will be refunded any funds paid (deposit or total amount).
A deposit is required to the teacher :
Essaouira.andrekano@gmail.com