Culinary Quests

(Full-day) 10:00AM – 5:00PM, including break for lunch.  Explore the labyrinth of alleys and souks that comprise the largest urban pedestrianised area in the world!  Your knowledgeable local guide will immerse you in the history and architecture of the ancient medersas and mosques, explain the traditional techniques of tanning leather in the 13th century tanneries, and educate you about life in the medieval medina.   After a break for lunch, continue on through the Jnane Sbil gardens to the Jewish quarter with its ancient synagogue and cemetery and the monumental gates of the Royal Palace.   Minimum of 2 participants required.  Lunch is not included in the tour price.

(Full day) 9:00am – 5:00pm.   Only one hour from Fes lay the foothills of the Middle Atlas mountain range, where you'll find the largest cedar forest in Northern Africa and a large colony of Barbary apes.  Stroll through the quaint village of Sefrou, renowned for its cherry festival in June, and then drive into the forest to catch a glimpse of the apes.  Take a picnic or have lunch in the village of Azrou, the source of delicious fresh-water Atlas trout and home to a popular Tuesday carpet souk.  Afterwards, you may decide to visit the picturesque town of Ifrane, a favorite winter playground for the Royal family, or visit the troglodyte dwellings in the village of Bhalil.  Minimum of 2 participants required.  Lunch is not included in the tour price.

(Full day) -- Following a tour of this stunning historic site from the 3rd century BC and its many intact and colourful mosaics, recline on Moroccan Kelims in the shadow of the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis while sampling traditional Roman recipes as recorded in the Latin texts of Apicius and Cato. Roman cuisine relied on exclusively local ingredients such as olive oil, wine, soft fresh cheese, game birds, hearty fruits such as pears and melons, honey, and fresh herbs- and of course, omitted new World ingredients such as potatoes and tomatoes.  The picnic will include 3 vegetable/ pulse/ fruit dishes, one meat, and one dessert, as well as a selection of olives and bread and include a bottle of refreshing Moroccan Gris wine.

Moving onto the historic city of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, Morocco’s most spiritual centre you will see the local olive groves and learn about the methods of harvesting and pressing the olives to create the dark and fruity oil that is the base of culinary and medicinal and cosmetic tradition countrywide.  Following the tour of an oil mill you will enjoy an olive oil tasting. Compare the most representative oils and learn how to sense the bitter, spicy, or fruity sensations of the oil, as well as the other characteristics of olive oils.  You will learn about the different kinds of oils and their labels – organic, virgin, extra virgin, single olive variety, acidity percentage, origin, etc. – as well as the benefits of olive oil for health and culinary uses.  Minimum of 4 participants required.  This excursion is only available in the spring and summer months due to the weather.  Depart 9:30 AM and return between 4 PM and 4:30 PM. 

(Full day) – A tour of a stunning vineyard nestled between the foothills of the Rif and the Middle Atlas mountains where Christoph and Phillipe fuse Bordeaux expertise together with the creative freedom they have in Morocco to produce the most delicious whites, rose and the Moroccan favourite “gris” made from Caladoc and Marselan grapes. The reds of the Volubilia label are produced from a mixture of around 50% cabernet sauvignon with Syrah, Tempranilla and Mourvedre.  You will enjoy the unusual privilege of the winemaker himself driving you around the vineyard and then talking you through a tasting session which may even include a decoupage before your very eyes. This is an exciting opportunity for wine lovers to discover the “New Morocco”.  The farm also produces an award-winning olive oil - and not just any award: Volubilia Extra Virgin gained the title Best Olive Oil in the World in 2006.  Enjoy a traditional Moroccan lunch at the winery. Following the visit there is the option to visit the nearby Imperial City of Meknes (no extra charge).  Minimum of 2 people required.  Depart at 9:30 AM and return 2:30 PM (depending on Meknes option).

(Full day) – Ever wondered how couscous was made in Morocco before the days when factories produced thousands of kilos to sell worldwide every day?  Meet the women in the Middle Atlas village of Khoukhate to learn an appreciation for the art and wonderful taste of hand-rolled couscous.  Travel by car to Khoukhate is an all-mud-house village in an oasis 130 km south of Fes and enjoy the dramatic scenery en route.  The majority of women and girls here are still illiterate and thus have few opportunities to contribute financially to providing for their families. The Women’s Association ENNAHDA (“rebirth” or “revival” in Arabic), aims to increase the standard of living for all residents of Khoukhate.  See the association’s include six varieties of locally-grown jam (fig, apple, apricot, orange, carrot and watermelon), herb-infused olive oil, almond butter and the Moroccan high-energy snack “zmita”.  All products are marketed under the name “El Karma”, Moroccan Arabic for “fig tree”, and the name of the natural spring that provides the village with the water that feeds the fields and fruit and almond trees.  Learn the secrets of a good Moroccan couscous while at the same time experiencing traditional rural life.  Visitors roll their own couscous from scratch with the women of the association and then cook and eat it for lunch.  After lunch, you may take a walk to the spring or climb one of the plateaus or explore the area on mountain bikes.  Minimum of 2 people required.  Depart 9:30 AM and return 7:00 PM.

(Half day) – 9:30AM – 1:00PM – Work with the Dar Roumana chefs to design your own half-day cooking lesson!

(3 hours) – 10:00AM – 1:00PM.  Your guide will help you tailor a tour of the medina that suits your pace and interests, be it history, architecture, arts and crafts, or Islam and its practice in Morocco.  Minimum of 2 participants required.

(2 hour experience) --  There is no better way to experience the sensuality of Morocco than a traditional hammam and massage with aromatic oils.  Stretch out on heated marble tables in the softly-lit domed steam room while the attendant bathes you with olive oil soap and an exfoliating mitt.  Upon emerging from the steam room, take a few minutes to relax in your bathrobe on the deep sofa while nibbling on dried fruit and nuts.  Then, enjoy a full hour massage with your choice of locally-produced aromatherapy massage oils.  Pure bliss!