The travel journal is a wonderful tool in which anyone can express themselves in their own way, to tell the story of their journey. As for me, my travel sketchbooks are mainly done in watercolor, but I also incorporate other techniques such as ink and watercolor pencils. I invite you to join me in discovering the Palm grove of Skoura and its surroundings with a box of watercolors and a sketchbook in your hand, and I'll show you how to improve your technique and simplify complex scenes.
Arrival in Marrakech at the Marrakech-Menara International Airport. you will be hosted by our professional guide and driver. after the meeting , Your day starts early with a picturesque sunrise before enjoying a special breakfast. As the sun begins to rise. this will be a full rocky desertic day sceneary , on the road to Ait Ben-Haddou, (about 200 km from Marrakesh). taking the road which passes through the High Atlas mountain range. On our way we will drive through the Tizin’Tichka pass, at an altitude of more than 2200 m and which links the valley of the Tensift wadi in the north, to the Asif Ounila valley a semi-arid region in the southeast.
Dinner and overnight will take place in Ait-Ben Haddou (Riad Maktoub or similar)
Skoura "The Palm Grove": In the morning we will discover the splendor of the date palms and the sheltered fruit and olive trees that cover over than 27km square. The local population will warmly welcome you, adding to your feeling of well-being, all this under the heat from the Moroccan sun. The palm grove..... with its flora and its kasbahs, will provide many subjects for the second page of your travel journal. Among all of this you will have a botanical lesson in the palme-groove.
Dinner and overight at (Bassatine Skoura or similar)
The drive from Tineghir to Merzouga (renown for the highest dunes in the world) passes by a succession of ksour and oasis. This region was one of the compulsory crossing points for caravans of slaves and gold traffic from Sudan and Guinea. Your caravan awaits you for a one hour trip on the back of a camel to watch the sunset from the top of a dune....
"The Souq": We will visit the souk where traveling merchants, artisans, blacksmiths, leather products, original and everyday goods of all kinds can be found. After a painting session, immersed in the middle of this Moroccan market we will be on our way to the Gorges Dades, located at the foot of the High Atlas. We will then continue on towards the Dades Tinghir Gorges which carve their way through the mountains creating impressive cliffs. In Todgha, you will be facing two steep cliffs of 300 meters’ high, separated by a narrow corridor of around twenty meters: this is an unforgettable spectacle to draw, paint or photograph.
After breakfast, you will start your day with an amazing ride on the Tok-Tok inside the oasis to visit the 17th century kasbah (Amridile) which used to be a fortress and a coranic school of the Naciri family, after lunch you will visit a pottery workshop and go back in time for a while.
dinner and overnight at Skoura
A relaxing morning spent at the gîte to finalize your travel journal finishing sketches, painting, collages and the layout with the advice of the teacher. Lunch break. In the afternoon, free time and an opportunity to shop for souvenirs, or simply let the song of the birds guide your steps in the palm grove. Last night in Bassatine.
After breakfast, the departure will take place towards marrakesh . It will be a relaxing day for fun and getting to know each others deeply for more other events. We will stop for a short visit to see the kasbah of L'eglaoui, located in the Ounila valley and which is the traditional crossing point for caravans connecting Marrakech to the south of the Sahara. after a short discover to the place. After lunch we will hit the road again.
Dinner and overnight will take place in Marrakesh.
It is hard to say goodbye. But this is the farewell day, you can take advandage of this day to buy som souvenires or gifts to remember this exeptional tour.
Biography:
I was Dutch born, but have lived in Brittany, western France, since 1995. I've always drawn a little, but didn't actively pick up pencils and brushes again until adulthood, and the discovery of watercolors and travel journals in 2004 led me to start drawing on the spot and during my travels. Since then, I cannot make a trip without creating and filling a travel sketchbook. Watercolor is my preferred technique, but I also like to combine it with other techniques to create lively and varied layouts.
To see my work :
Riad Maktoub is located in the modern village of Ait Ben Haddou and is ideally situated for those wishing to visit the region.
All 23 rooms are decorated in traditional Ait Ben Haddou's style. Come discover the generous cuisine restaurant that offers local specialties.
Riad Maktoub is located opposite the old kasbah, the heritage site UNESCO world. Moreover, this natural setting has inspired many adventure films, the most emblematic for lovers of the desert and the seventh art: Lawrence of Arabia.
The Riad is 30 km from Ouarzazate and ideally located for exploring the regions activities. You can organise both individual and group excursions to the village, valley and mountains.
Located in the Skoura Palm Grove, in a quiet setting, this air-conditioned kasbah offers a large garden with an outdoor swimming pool and Moroccan-style guest rooms with private bathrooms.
A continental breakfast is offered each morning at Bassatine Skoura and packed lunches are available upon request. The on-site restaurant serves Moroccan and French specialties, that can be also taken on the panoramic terrace or by the pool.
Located in Merzouga, Merzouga Desert camp offers barbecue facilities. There is an on-site restaurant, plus free private parking and free WiFi are available. The property provides services including meeting and banquet facilities and evening entertainment.
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.
Travelers from the US only are required to have a valid US Passport – but it must NOT be due to expire within 6 months of your return flight.
Your flight destination will be Marrakech Menara International Airport (RAK) / Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport. Royal Air Maroc is the only airline that has direct flights from the US to Morocco, from both JFK and Washington Dulles.
You can also book flights traveling through major European airports, as there are many connecting flights to Marrakech through economy airlines such as Ryan Air, Easyjet, Iberia, etc. We’ve found that it is easier to find good connecting flights on the way to Marrakech than on the return, but you can take the opportunity to end your trip with a day or two stop in Spain, France, Portugal, England….
Immunizations are not required or necessary but check here for CDC recommendations.
What To Wear
Weather is predictably unpredictable so be sure to check on the estimated conditions the week before you travel. Even though Marrakech can be quite warm by day, it is usually quite cooler at night so pack light clothes that you can layer. We recommend cotton pants, long skirts, wraps or large scarves over tank and tee shirts, and a sweater or light jacket for chilly nights.
Your most important fashion asset: comfortable shoes for traversing the Medina on sightseeing and shopping adventures!
Morocco is a Muslim country and women generally dress more modestly than in the US or Europe. Like elsewhere, dress codes are gradually becoming more lax and there is a lot of tolerance for tourists, but wearing clothing that covers your best “assets”, and that your grandmother would approve of, shows cultural respect, good taste, and common sense.
Money ExchangeThe currency here is the Moroccan Dirham, and the exchange rate usually hovers these days around 10 Dirhams/1 Dollar. You CANNOT exchange for Dirhams outside of Morocco, but there are several currency exchange booths in the airport when you exit Passport Control and also located all around the Medina. Larger stores and restaurants may take Euros, but it’s really best to have dirhams.
If you bring large bills ($100) to exchange be sure that they are newer bills with holograms. Otherwise they will slide them back to you with a shake of their head.
Another good option for padding your wallet with dirhams is to use the ATM machines which are located around the medina. The exchange rate is a little better, especially if your bank or credit card doesn’t add foreign transaction fees (some homework for you). Be sure to notify your bank of your foreign travel destination so they don’t flag you for fraud. I also recommend that you bring 2 or 3 cards-just in case you still get flagged (happens!) and find too many things you just can’t live without.
Guest House
Free Wifi access in all rooms and common areas
Bedside Mineral Water
Hair Dryers
One-time complimentary laundry service for retreat weeks
Extra items you should pack:
Why you will love this trip
• With the help of a local guide, you will have the impression of going back in time to the Middle Ages wandering the labyrinthine medina of Ait Ben Haddou, Skoura and Merzouga.
• Take the opportunity to travel through the spectacular red dunes of the Sahara by camel and have an unforgettable sunset experience.
• Djemaa el-Fna Square in Marrakech is a city within the city. Explore one of the largest meeting places in the world, joining the night carnival atmosphere of fortune tellers, dancers and healers.
•Skoura is a town in Ouarzazate Province, Drâa-Tafilalet, Morocco. Skoura is a fertile oasis lined with immense palm groves. The Kasbah Amerhidil is part of Skoura palm grove alongside more.
Our services
Lodging: Gîte, Kasbah in the heart of the valleys and palm groves Technical support and overall support during all your travels.
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 :
bb-aquarelle@orange.fr