Pottery & Zellij Tile Tour

A curated immersion into pottery and zellige traditions

Daily schedule: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Transport: Luxury 4x4 with private driver and bilingual guide (English & French)
Route: Casablanca → Fez → Marrakech → Atlas Mountains → Sahara fringes → Ouarzazate → Marrakech

This 12-day journey reveals Morocco through its most refined living traditions: zellige tilework and ancestral pottery. Moving from Atlantic cities to imperial capitals and mountain villages, the itinerary blends cultural depth, hands-on creation, and privileged encounters with master artisans who keep centuries-old techniques alive.

Rather than simply observing, you participate—shaping clay, cutting tiles, and entering workshops where craftsmanship remains a way of life.

Signature Experiences

Meet master zellige artisans in Fez and learn the geometry behind Morocco’s most iconic craft
Participate in immersive pottery sessions across different regions, including southern workshops near Zagora
Explore historic medinas with curated access to artisan quarters and hidden workshops
Visit weaving cooperatives preserving Morocco’s textile heritage
Travel through diverse landscapes, from imperial cities to desert-edge villages

DAY 1 – CASABLANCA

Arrival in Casablanca, where your driver welcomes you at the airport and escorts you to your hotel.

After a moment to settle in, your journey begins along the Atlantic coast with the visit of the Hassan II Mosque. Its scale, craftsmanship, and oceanfront setting introduce you to the artistic language you will encounter throughout the trip.

Lunch is enjoyed on the Corniche with sea views, followed by a discovery of Casablanca’s architectural landmarks and historic city center.

Later, explore the old Sqala fortress, the shrine of Sidi Allal El Kairouani, and the leafy Arab League Park. A final stop at the former Sacred Heart Cathedral completes the day.

Optional evening at Rick’s Café. Overnight in a boutique hotel.

DAY 2 – CASABLANCA TO FEZ

Depart early for Fez with a relaxed breakfast stop featuring traditional Moroccan pancakes and coffee.

En route, explore the Roman ruins of Volubilis, where marble columns and mosaics recall the depth of Morocco’s ancient past.

Arrival in Fez and check-in at a traditional riad decorated with intricate zellige.

In the afternoon, begin your first immersion into the medina:

visit a local weaving cooperative

observe a live carpet-making demonstration

explore artisan souks and optional hammam experience

Dinner takes place in a restored palace serving refined Fez cuisine. Overnight in Fez.

DAY 3 – ZELLIGE WORKSHOP (FEZ)

A full day dedicated to Morocco’s most precise art form: zellige.

Guided by master craftsmen, you learn each step of the process—shaping, cutting, and assembling geometric tile patterns. The focus is hands-on, with each participant creating a personal piece to take home.

Evening at leisure. Overnight in Fez.

DAY 4 – POTTERY WORKSHOP (FEZ REGION)

Today shifts from geometry to earth and fire.

In a traditional workshop, you explore ancestral pottery techniques, from shaping clay on the wheel to hand-finishing and decoration. The emphasis is on gesture, rhythm, and patience.

Return to your riad for a relaxed evening. Overnight in Fez.

DAY 5 – CULTURAL FEZ

A deep dive into the spiritual and artistic heritage of Fez:

Royal Palace gates

Mellah (historic Jewish quarter) and Ibn Danan Synagogue

Lalla Solica shrine and Jewish cemetery

Bou Inania Madrasa

Continue through artisan districts:

tanneries
dyeing workshops
wood, metal, and leather crafts

Visit the Al Quaraouiyine University and surrounding mausoleums.

End the day in Nejjarine Square before returning to your riad. Overnight in Fez.

DAY 6 – FEZ TO MARRAKECH

Travel south through the Middle Atlas Mountains, passing Ifrane, Azrou, and cedar forests where Barbary macaques live in the wild.

Arrive in Marrakech as the city comes alive at Jemaa el-Fna square—storytellers, musicians, and food stalls creating a vivid evening atmosphere.

Dinner in the square. Overnight in Marrakech.

DAY 7 – MARRAKECH DISCOVERY

A full guided exploration of Marrakech’s architectural and cultural highlights:

Majorelle Garden & museum
Bahia Palace
Koutoubia Mosque
Saadian Tombs
El Badi Palace

Continue through the medina’s souks, where craftsmanship remains central to daily life—carpets, leather, jewelry, and metalwork.

Lunch in a refined setting. Afternoon visit to the Mellah and spice markets. Overnight in Marrakech.

DAY 8 – MARRAKECH TO ZAGORA

Journey south through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, crossing dramatic landscapes and Berber villages.

Stop at an argan oil cooperative for a tasting and explanation of traditional production methods.

Lunch in a mountain village before continuing toward Zagora, gateway to the desert.

Overnight in a riad or boutique hotel.

DAY 9 – ZAGORA TO N’KOB

Camel excursion across the dunes of Tinfou, offering a first taste of the desert environment.

Continue to Tamegroute, known for its:

ancient Quranic library

distinctive green-glazed pottery workshops

Here, you take part in a pottery session guided by local masters, creating your own pieces using traditional techniques.

Continue to N’Kob for a shared dinner with a Berber family. Overnight in N’Kob.

DAY 10 – N’KOB TO OUARZAZATE

Discover Aït Ouzzine, a traditional Berber village:

meet a local family

join a cooking workshop

explore village gardens and daily life

Enjoy a homemade lunch before a moment of relaxation with mint tea and traditional henna.

Continue toward Ouarzazate with a wellness stop featuring a massage using local oils.

Overnight in Ouarzazate.

DAY 11 – OUARZAZATE TO MARRAKECH

Visit the UNESCO-listed ksar of Aït Ben Haddou, one of Morocco’s most iconic fortified villages and a historic caravan stop along ancient trade routes.

Explore its earthen architecture and cinematic landscapes before lunch on site.

Return to Marrakech in the afternoon. Overnight stay.

DAY 12 – DEPARTURE FROM MARRAKECH