Come to Morocco for an extraordinary exploration of Amazigh (Berber) textiles, arts and cuisine.
It’s a journey designed for curious travelers who wish to go “behind the scenes,” beyond the typical tourist route, and discover the living traditions, artistry, hospitality, and history of Morocco’s indigenous people.
Long before the rise of Marrakech, before the caravans crossed the Sahara, before Arab dynasties, European traders, and modern cities transformed North Africa, the Amazigh people called these mountains, valleys, deserts, and coastlines home.
Today, their culture remains one of Morocco’s greatest treasures.
Based in a charming riad in the heart of Marrakech, we’ll travel at a relaxed pace, allowing time to absorb the beauty and rhythms of daily life.
Day trips out of the city will introduce us to the beautiful Atlas Mountain valleys. We’ll stroll and shop the central walled cities or medinas of Essaouira and Marrakech, both declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We’ll watch traditional craftspeople at work; we’ll cook typical Berber dishes, photograph coastal landscapes, and meet the people whose customs continue to shape Morocco today.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Fly conveniently into Marrakech International Airport
- Hands-on workshops:
- Amazigh-style knotted rug, for beginners or advanced.
- OR a felting workshop at same place.
- Create a mosaic tile square with traditional zellij technique.
- Professional photography session
- Intricate henna designs on your hands for the photoshoot.
- Tour Marrakech in an old-fashioned caleche or horse-drawn carriage.
- Visit Amina Garden and Majorelle Garden
- See jewelry, spices and crafts souks in exotic Marrakech.
- See Yves Saint Laurent’s Berber Museum of Dress and Jewelry.
BEGIN YOUR ADVENTURE
Your Amazing Journey
Arrive in Marrakech
With direct international flights in and out of Marrakech, travel logistics are remarkably easy. This trip is an ideal choice for travelers seeking a shorter but richer Moroccan adventure.
Unlike many tours that rush from city to city, this journey stays rooted in the heart of the Berber region, allowing for deeper cultural connections and meaningful experiences.
Whether this is your first visit to Morocco or your fifth, you’ll return home with a deeper appreciation for one of the world’s oldest and most fascinating living cultures.
The Amazigh: The First People of Morocco
The Amazigh people—known historically in the West as Berbers—have inhabited North Africa for thousands of years.
The word Amazigh means “free person” or “noble person,” reflecting values of independence, resilience, hospitality, and pride in one’s heritage.
Throughout history, Amazigh communities adapted to some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes. They built villages on mountain slopes, cultivated fertile valleys, guided caravans across the Sahara, and established trade routes linking Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
Far from disappearing into history, Amazigh culture remains vibrant throughout Morocco today. Their languages are spoken by millions. Their music fills wedding celebrations. Their geometric motifs decorate carpets, pottery, and architecture. Their traditions of hospitality remain among the most admired aspects of Moroccan life.
Explore Marrakech
Marrakech itself is a fascinating blend of Andalusian, African, Arab, and Amazigh influences. Its markets, gardens, cuisine, and architecture reflect centuries of cultural exchange, making it the perfect base for our exploration. Founded in 1070 by the Almoravid dynasty, Marrakesh (“the Pink City”) served as a vital capital and trade hub in North Africa, connecting the Sahara to Andalusia. It has been a seat of power for multiple dynasties, including the Almohads and Saadians, enduring periods of immense architectural glory and subsequent decline. It’s made up of a historic walled medina area and a modern city district.
Your Home in Marrakech
Rather than constantly changing hotels, we’ll settle into a comfortable rhythm that allows us to experience the city as temporary residents rather than hurried visitors.
For the majority of our journey, we will be based in a charming traditional riad or private villa. Our riad is tucked away on a quiet lane within the historic heart of Marrakech. We’ll enjoy leisurely breakfasts, cozy rooms, the rooftop terrace, and the warm hospitality for which Morocco is famous.
Meet the Culture Through Its Food
Food is one of the most enjoyable ways to understand a culture – and Moroccan food is divine!
Throughout the journey we’ll explore rich culinary traditions that have developed through centuries of Amazigh, Arab, Andalusian, Jewish, and African influences.
Culinary Highlights include:
- Hands-on Amazigh/Berber home-style cooking classes with fresh seasonal ingredients sourced from local markets
- Learning about spices and traditional cooking techniques
- Savoring traditional meals in local cafes and typical restaurants.
- Featuring dishes of regional specialties unique to Amazigh/Berber traditions
One particularly elegant experience will be brunch at the legendary Bacha Coffee Cafe, housed in one of Marrakech’s most beautiful historic palaces. Here we’ll enjoy a relaxed meal surrounded by stunning architecture while sampling some of the finest coffee in the world.
Rug-knotting Workshop
Moroccan carpets are among the most celebrated textiles, and many of the country’s weaving traditions originate in Amazigh communities.
During a special hands-on weaving workshop, we’ll learn how pile rugs are knotted and woven. With advice and help from skilled Berber artisans, we’ll work at individual table looms to design and create our masterpieces! We’ll be learning about motif symbolism, natural dyes, and weaving techniques.
Over two relaxed days (with tea and lunch breaks) in an airy studio, we’ll make our own small knotted rug in the innovative bocharwit style. For materials, you’ll bring a heavy-gauge knit scarf or sweater from a thrift shop. Starting at one cut edge, we’ll unravel the knit, and use this recycled yarn for rug knotting; more about this later. You can begin the un-raveling process at home and come prepared! For your rug knotting, you’ll choose the colors and pattern that reflect your personal style.
For the Amazigh, every motif has meaning. Diamonds may represent protection. Geometric patterns may symbolize fertility, family, or nature. Through these designs, generations of Amazigh women have preserved cultural memory and personal expression. You can invent your own personal symbols!
This hands-on experience offers an opportunity to appreciate the Berber masterpieces from the inside out. The weaving project is optional; in case you aren’t into rug-knotting, you can make a felted project instead.
Zellij Mosaic Workshop
You’ll see intricate, colorful mosaics on walls and floors all over Morocco. To see how they are made, we’ll visit a mosaic workshop and watch the masters. Then, we’ll make a beautiful mosaic tile to take home.
We’ll try our hand at cutting shapes from glazed ceramic tiles, to appreciate the experts who tap out shapes all day long. Then we’ll choose ready-cut shapes in our favorite colors to arrange into patterns to make our own tile. The construction method is the same for large wall sections or fountain backsplashes: little pieces are carefully fitted together, upside down on a paper diagram. Then a slurry of cement binder is poured on top and soothed over neatly. When dry, the piece is turned upright to reveal the colorful patterns. Once you see how these intricate mosaics are constructed, you’ll start seeing them everywhere and appreciating them for their skill and craftsmanship.
Souks of Marrakech
In the winding lanes of the ancient medina souks (market stalls) we’ll have time to peruse the infinite variety of treasures available.
Shopping in Marrakech becomes infinitely more rewarding when accompanied by local expertise. Our Moroccan tour leader will help us navigate the famous souks, explain the significance of traditional crafts, and teach us the art of friendly Moroccan bargaining.
Whether you are searching for ceramics, pierced brass lanterns, leather purses and jackets, silver jewelry, spices, or handwoven rugs, you’ll gain insight into the artists’ creativity while supporting local artisans. See the BTSA article on What to Buy in Morocco.
The Berber Museum & Majorelle Garden
Amazigh jewelry, textiles, and artifacts fascinated fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. His superb museum collection provides wonderful insight into Morocco’s indigenous heritage. The Berber Museum holds traditional clothing and fabulous adornment. It’s within the Majorelle Garden, one of Marrakech’s most popular landmarks.
The Majorelle Garden is a peaceful oasis of exotic plants, fountains, and the brilliant cobalt blue made famous by French artist Jacques Majorelle. Saved from neglect in the 1980s by Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé, the manicured garden today reflects their deep love for Morocco. We’ll also explore the YSL Museum, celebrating the designer’s extraordinary fashion career, and his lifelong inspiration from Morocco.
Anima Garden
Just outside Marrakech lies one of Morocco’s most enchanting hidden gems—Anima Garden, the extraordinary creation of Austrian artist André Heller and Hans Werner Geerdts, internationally known horticulturist. The two collaborated on the planting design and Geerdts helped shape the extraordinary botanical collection. Designed as a living work of art, the garden combines lush botanical landscapes with whimsical sculptures, colorful installations, tranquil ponds, and breathtaking views of the Atlas Mountains. We’ll take time to relax and wander its peaceful trails, then enjoy a light lunch in the garden café.
Damgaard Art Gallery
We’ll visit a highlight of Essaouira and a favorite of mine – Galérie Damgaard – which introduces us to one of Morocco’s most distinctive artistic traditions. The gallery was founded in 1988 by Frédéric Damgaard, a Danish art specialist and collector who recognized the extraordinary talent of Essaouira’s largely self-taught local painters and sculptors. Damgaard’s efforts brought their work to international attention.
Rather than presenting conventional academic art, the gallery celebrates the city’s wonderfully imaginative “naïve” or outsider artists, whose vivid work is filled with exuberant color, mystical figures, animals, dreams, local legends and influences from Amazigh and Gnaoua traditions.
Every work feels spontaneous, intensely personal and unmistakably connected to Essaouira. A gallery visit offers an encounter with the creative spirit of artists whose remarkable visions might never have been discovered without Damgaard’s encouragement.
I bought a large painting at the Gallery, and they took it off the stretcher bars and rolled the canvas for me to take home. The painter, Youness Touil, is a self-taught, visionary folk artist known for his vibrant color palettes and striking figures. His unique style is deeply influenced by his local roots, having studied under the traditional Gnaoua master artists.
Essaouira’s Amazigh Heritage
Although Essaouira is famous today for its relaxed vibe, seaside scenery, and thriving arts scene, it is also deeply rooted in Amazigh (Berber) history and culture.
For centuries, the surrounding countryside has been home to Amazigh communities, particularly speakers of the Tamazight language. These villages have long supplied the town with argan oil, woven textiles, pottery, woodcrafts, jewelry, and agricultural products. The markets of Essaouira became an important meeting place where Amazigh mountain villagers, Arab merchants, Jewish traders, and European sailors exchanged goods, ideas, and traditions.
A Professional Photo Experience
One of the most memorable moments of the tour will be a private professional photography session inspired by Amazigh culture. First, a henna artist will come in the afternoon to decorate our hands!
Then we’ll choose scarves, jewelry, and accessories to re-create traditional Amazigh dress styles. (You’ll bring a long dress or long skirt and blouse in plain fabric that will show off the adornments in your photos.)
A local friend will help us wrap the turban-like head scarves and arrange the jewelry. We’ll meet the photographer at sunset and pose in the evening light of one of Essaouira’s most picturesque locations.
Set against historic architecture, these portraits become treasured memories of an extraordinary journey. Because paper photo prints don’t travel well, you’ll receive digital files of your personal shots as well as group shots to take home and print, or have printed.
The experience combines culture, artistry, and fun!
The Morocco Team
Accompanying the group throughout the tour are Ibrahim as Tour Leader and Cynthia as Tour Director.
Local Guides
For visits to monuments, museums, and other locations where Moroccan law requires licensed guiding services, we work an experienced government-licensed Moroccan guide who provides expert historical interpretation. This combination allows guests to enjoy both the personal attention of two dedicated tour leaders plus the expertise of a local guide during the trip. This plan ensures a seamless, welcoming, and highly personal travel experience.
Ibrahim
Cultural Programs Coordinator &
Tour Leader
Born and raised in Amazigh Morocco, Ibrahim brings exceptional local knowledge, cultural insight, and genuine hospitality to every journey. His role is not merely to accompany us in Morocco but to help us understand it from within.
Fluent in English, French, Moroccan Arabic (Darija), and Tamazight (Amazigh), he serves as the bridge between Behind the Scenes travelers and the people, traditions, and communities we’ll encounter throughout the trip.
Ibrahim’s warmth, professionalism and pride in sharing his country make him an invaluable member of the BTSA team.
Cynthia
BTSA Founder & Tour Director
Cynthia began “Behind the Scenes Adventures” to share the traditional textiles and festivals of far-flung countries. She has spent years designing and leading small-group cultural journeys around the world, creating travel experiences that emphasize authentic encounters, local friendships, and meaningful cultural exchange.
Her Morocco journeys reflect years of experience, careful planning, and a deep affection for the country and its people. Rather than simply visiting famous landmarks, guests are invited to meet artisans, create in art workshops, share meals with locals, discover Amazigh traditions, and experience Moroccan hospitality from the inside.
Throughout the trip, Cynthia and Ibrahim oversee every aspect of the journey, ensuring each traveler feels welcomed, comfortable, and well cared for.
Come to Morocco!
For eleven unforgettable days, we’ll experience artisan workshops, mountain valleys, ancient cities, thriving gardens, and vibrant markets, while discovering the living heritage of Morocco’s indigenous people.
This is not simply a tour of Morocco.
It is a journey into the heart of Amazigh country. We invite you to join us.
Where We Will Be Staying…
Riad Marrakech
A short walk into the Medina is this charming little riad where you’ll feel at home since we will be the only guests in the cozy place. We’ll eat breakfast everyday on the rooftop terrace. And the first night when we are tired from travel, we’ll have a sumptuous Royal Couscous dinner at the riad. Traditionally decorated cozy rooms surround a central courtyard with a dipping pool. Olive trees enhance the relaxing patio downstairs.
Riad Marrakech II
Just a block away is the sister riad which we will also use, depending on group size. While one riad has 6 rooms, this one has a few more. Both riads are on quiet little pedestrian pathways, and are completely closed off from the street. It’s impossible to tell from the outside what’s behind the secure doors. Like most riads in Marrakech, this peaceful place was once a family villa. It also has a small pool and greenery in the center courtyard.
Photos From Previous Adventures
Additional Details & Experiences
What Is There to Buy in Morocco?
There are wonderful things to bargain for and take home from Morocco. We’ll visit artisans at work and you can purchase arts and crafts directly from them. We’ll see striking handwoven rugs in many places, but leather handmade slippers, ceramic plates, button-decorated caftans and felted slippers are also good buys. In different sections of the medina, we can watch artisans such as the felt slipper makers at work- and we’ll appreciate their work even more. Time to peruse the souk and help you find, and bargain for, desired art pieces or simple souvenirs is part of the fun!
Having the memory of the woman who made your rug, or the bargaining experience when you bought it, makes those items so much more meaningful.
See the complete article here: SHOPPING IN MOROCCO
Zellij – Moroccan Mosaics
You’ll see intricate and colorful mosaics on walls and floors all over Morocco. To learn how they are made, we’ll visit a mosaic workshop, and make our own mosaic tile to take home.
We’ll try our hand at cutting shapes from glazed ceramic tiles, to appreciate the work of the masters! Then we’ll choose ready-cut shapes to arrange into patterns. The construction method is the same for large wall sections or fountain backsplashes: little pieces are carefully fitted together, upside down on a paper diagram. Then a slurry of cement binder is poured on top and smoothed over neatly. When dry, the piece is turned upright to reveal the colorful patterns. Once you see how these intricate mosaics are constructed, you’ll start seeing them everywhere – in mosques, madrasas and riads – and appreciating them for their skill and craftsmanship.
Trip Information
Registration Information
Dates: April 23 – May 3, 2027
Arrive: In Marrakech April 23
Fly Home: May 4 from Marrakech
Deposit: $500
Tour Cost: $4150 for 11 Nights
Single Supplement: $650
For more information:
E-mail: info@btsadventures.com
Read: Frequently Asked Questions
Travel Plans
You’ll fly directly into Marrakech Menara International Airport. We’ll pick you up at the airport anytime you arrive on April 23, and return you for your homebound flight on May 4.
Flights from SFO (San Francisco, USA) for instance are run by TAP Portugal, Iberia, Royal Air Maroc, American and partners, and others, with a stop somewhere in Europe. Some flights from the East Coast (JFK) are direct non-stop to Marrakech.
Visas: No visa is needed for MOROCCO when the stay is up to 30 days. They will stamp your passport at the airport arrival.
Luggage: Limited to ONE bag whose measurements (L+ D+ W) equal 54,” not two suitcases please. A small tote or small zipper duffle is also important – to take for necessities for the two nights in Essaouira. It will be so much easier to travel without all our luggage; we can store the rest at the Marrakech riad.
What’s Included
- 11 nights in comfortable, traditionally decorated riads in Marrakech and Essaouira. (Double/twin occupancy with private bath)
- Single room supplement with private bath for 11 nights – $650
- All meals (breakfasts in riads; lunch and dinners in favorite cafes and restaurants)
- All non-alcoholic beverages during meals
- Elegant Brunch at Bacha Coffee Cafe, Marrakech
- Professional photoshoot with Berber accessories, including digital files to print.
- All workshops, materials, and demonstrations
- Tour around Marrakech with caleche (open horse carriage)
- Taxi or mini-van transportation to all workshops, museums, gardens, etc. (We will walk the narrow streets of the souks where cars are not allowed.)
- Transportation to Essaouira (2.5-3 hours) and Ourika Valley day trip
- Entrance fees to all sites and sights on itinerary.
- Dedicated Amazigh tour leader and American tour director
- Local expert guides in Marrakech and Essaouira.
What’s Not Included
- International airfare to/from Marrakech Airport.
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenditures such as laundry
- Any sightseeing not included in itinerary
- You’ll bring a Goodwill scarf or sweater to unravel and re-cycle for our rug knotting project! More about this later.
- Also please bring a plain-colored long skirt or simple dress to wear for our photo shoot night, to show off the accessories – scarves and jewelry.
Check Trip Availability
Trip signups are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Please provide your details below and we’ll be in touch to confirm whether spaces are still available for this trip. If you need to get in contact, please email: info@btsadventures.com
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What information will I receive after registering?
Once you sign up for a trip, we will e-mail a general itinerary, lists of Suggested Reading, what to take, cultural considerations, weather charts, etc.
How can I get a detailed itinerary for a tour?
A day-to-day itinerary will be sent once you sign up for a trip. If you need specific information about the flow of the trip and the pace of the specific activities, before committing to the trip, get in touch with your questions and we will be happy to fill you in.
What sort of clothing should I bring?
When you sign up for a tour, you’ll receive detailed lists of what to bring to your destination, as well as weather info, to more easily coordinate your wardrobe with the heat or cold.
We will also include suggestions for appropriate clothing for dressing in conservative countries. Basically, you’ll need modest clothes that cover your shoulders and legs. Being well-dressed will show the locals that we respect them and their culture. Please don’t wear any clothes that show off your derrière!
Are laundry services available?
Occasionally hotels discourage you from washing your clothes in the bathroom sink; these places have laundry services that they want you to use.
If there is no laundry service, and you don’t want to wash your jeans and wait a day or two for them to dry, asking at the hotel desk is a good place to start. Often there is someone in the village willing or anxious to make some money doing laundry. (Since most laundry is done by hand and not in a machine, please wash your own underpants instead of putting them in with your bag of clothes to be washed. Nobody wants to wash someone else’s undies by hand…)
Hotels with laundry services will usually provide cloth or plastic bag for your dirty clothes. Tick off your items on the Laundry List that is usually provided, to be sure you get them all back. I’ve found that if clothes are missing from your clean clothes stack, it’s rarely a theft, but a mix-up and your undies are in a male traveler’s pile or vice versa!
Hotel laundry service can be expensive. Sometimes washing is priced by the piece and sometimes just by the weight of the whole bag. Your favorite travel shirt may get melted because workers often take pride in ironing everything. (A general rule is not to travel with anything so precious that its destruction or loss would be devastating.)
Do I need any vaccinations or immunizations?
This varies with each country. Make an appointment with your travel doctor/clinic and take your tour itinerary with you. Some areas of certain countries require malaria pills and others do not; same with Yellow Fever and others, such as Cholera and Typhoid. The travel nurse or physician will have all the latest requirements at hand.
OR You can consult the CDC.gov (Center for Disease Control) website information pages for your specific destination so that you have the latest official information.
For all travel, you should be current on your typical childhood and international travel shots such as Polio and Tetanus. Some countries require proof of Yellow Fever vaccination for entry, if you are coming from a country that has yellow fever.
Behind the Scenes Adventures requires you to have had at least two COVID vaccinations. We won’t ask for proof; this requirement is on the Honor System. We recommend you have all available boosters as well.
How much physical activity is involved during the trip?
Each trip has different activity levels that will be fully explained in the specific tour material. But no activities or events are mandatory, and you are always welcome to sit at the bottom of the stairs to a temple or wait in the van while others ascend or visit a particular place. Walking sticks are fine to bring if they help you. We cannot accept wheelchairs or walkers.
For most tours, you’ll need to be able to walk the distance of 4-5 city blocks on your own, with sturdy shoes. Please note that sidewalks in many countries are full of big holes and broken cement chunks, with bits of re-bar sticking out, and you must constantly be alert to these dangers. In urban areas where distances are greater, the group will take taxis and/or get help from local assistants. If you need a personal taxi or additional special aid, that will be at your expense.
What will the weather be like?
Our Morocco trips are planned for temperate weather with little or no rain, in the spring months of March to June, and fall (September-November). During these seasons, the weather is warm but pleasant, unlike the freezing cold of winter. The summer temperatures of July and August are far too hot, especially in the desert areas.
During our trips, average daytime temperatures are usually in the 60s and to mid 80s, and nights can be cooler, in the 50s-60s; bring layers! The coastal regions like Essaouira can be visited year-round. Temperatures are hard to predict nowadays, but we will send average Weather Charts with your pre-departure info.
Flights & Travel
Will I need a visa for connecting countries?
It is very rare to need a visa for a connection if you stay in the Transit area. This will be regulated by the connecting country and the airline will send information as to this requirement.
What are the requirements for my passport to be valid?
Your passport needs to have one blank page for your visa, although, with an E-Visa, you will have just a piece of paper to show, and don’t need room for anything except Immigration stamps in your passport.
Your passport must remain valid (not expired) for 6 months after you enter each country.
Will I be met at the airport?
Yes! A driver (and the guide if possible) will meet you with a sign – beariing your name and/or Behind the Scenes Adventures. The driver will have your flight schedule and he will know that you need time to pick up your luggage. Wait for him in the terminal, right outside the Arrivals area, and don’t go with any other drivers that don’t have your name on a placard.
For each trip, we’ll send more specific info about the exact pick-up spot. The driver will help with your luggage and a small tip of $5 USD would be appreciated anywhere..
What is the best airline to fly to the country?
Many airlines fly to Morocco. Check out Royal Air Maroc, (RAM) the national Moroccan carrier. Plug in your home city and your dates and destination on the RAM website: https://www.royalairmaroc.com/int-en
Also check Orbitz.com or Expedia.com for good fares to either Marrakech or Casablanca, wherever your trip starts.
For the Berber/Amazigh trip, you’ll need a round-trip ticket to and back from Marrakech. Check the Morocco tour arrival and departure dates carefully before purchasing.
RAM is a very good airline that flies direct to Marrakech from some US cities such as JFK in New York. If you depart from San Francisco (SFO) for example, you’ll ccnnect at JFK and continue straight to CMN – Casablanca or Marrakech.
You can search for a plane ticket on the actual airlines’ website, on Orbitz.com or Expedia.com, or you can contact a travel agent or AAA for a ticket.
What will we use for transportation?
Around the city of Marrakech, we’ll use taxis or walk short distances. Taxis often cannot navigate the narrow streets of the medina and they are not allowed in the souk section of the medina either.
For our day trip to Ourika Valley and our drive to Essaouira, we’ll use private vehicles so we can stop along the way for photos, to visit the argan oil coop, the goats in the trees, and other interesting things.