8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS IN MOROCCO
If you're reading this, it's because something in you stirred at the thought of Morocco — a quiet calling toward something deeper. That alone speaks volumes. This journey with Arete is more than travel; it's a return to wonder, a connection to a land that feels both unknown and strangely familiar.
In the golden light of the Atlas, guided by the wisdom of Mohammed, you’ll meet the heartbeat of Morocco — weavers and cobblers, DJs and dancers, camel keepers and storytellers. Seven nights of immersion, not as a tourist, but as a guest, a listener, a seeker.
We’ll touch the landmarks, but live in the hidden moments — where real Morocco reveals itself.
This is travel that touches the soul. Whether you embrace every adventure or follow your own rhythm, Morocco will meet you where you are. This experience promises to stay with you long after the dust of the desert has settled.
4 nights in Marrakech: November 2nd-5th
@ La Maison Arabe
3 nights In Essaouira: November 6th-9th
@ our favorite seaside apartments
Amy Kawar, Host
Amy Kawar is the founder of Areté Travel and the visionary behind its immersive journeys into Morocco. With a deep love for art, craft, music, and cultural exchange, she has spent years cultivating meaningful relationships with master artisans, musicians, guides, and cultural stewards across the country. Amy’s passion is creating experiences that move far beyond tourism—opening doors into the living heart of Morocco through craft traditions, shared meals, music, and story. Her work is rooted in respect, reciprocity, and a lifelong devotion to beauty, culture, and connection.
Melody Gentry, Host
Melody Gentry brings the connective thread that helps weave Areté Travel’s journeys together. A longtime friend and creative collaborator of Amy’s, their shared love of art, craft, style, music, and cultural exploration forms the spirit of Areté itself. Melody works closely with Areté’s Moroccan partners to ensure each journey flows with care and intention, helping travelers feel welcomed, supported, and deeply connected along the way. She believes travel can open the door to meaningful relationships—with people, place, and the traditions that shape them.
Check into La Maison Arabe and “set the gearshift for the high gear of your soul”
Meet the group and our guide in Marrakech on November 2. Let's get to know each other over lunch at one of our favorite spots (included)!! Check into La Maison Arabe then wander through the Medina on a walking tour of Marrakech’s ancient walled city. Meander through the enchanting Jemaa el-Fnaa Square and take in all the mesmerizing facets of Moroccan history and culture including live a musicians, snake charmers, henna artists and food stalls before settling in for dinner at our riad. Each night we will create an itinerary for the following day based on the individuals in our group.
Start the morning with a delicious breakfast and head out for a sightseeing and cultural exploration in the medina and beyond. Meet local artisans, including ancient instrument makers, metal workers, and weavers. Share a tajine lunch in a rug shop while learning about the many North African tribes, regions and textiles associated with various regions of Morocco. Shop in the souks, catch sunset from a rooftop or behind the ancient Koutoubia Mosque and enjoy dinner on your own.
After breakfast join an art and design shopping excursion. Choose what interests you most and let your creativity flow! Meet Moroccan artisans creating contemporary designs with traditional techniques. Visit a desert encampment in the Agafay desert, ride a camel, enjoy dinner and a private concert (and hang) with a Tuareg Blues band. Learn about the music from the musicians and dance the night away under the moon and stars of the Agafay.
Free day to explore Marrakech or the Ourika Valley.
Start the morning with a delicious breakfast at the riad, followed by a walk through the Majorelle Gardens. Check out the contemporary boutiques near the gardens then start the journey toward Essaouira. Stop at the grass weavers stalls and the argan oil cooperative before arriving in the ancient seaside city formally known as Mogador. We will then check into our favorite funky apartments on the water, get settled in and then take a walk through the medina stopping to watch a DJ play as the sun sets into the sea behind the music. Dinner recommendations will be given- dine together or do your own thing.
Transfer from Marrakech to Essaouira
We will stop at local grass weavers markets and argan oil cooperative along the way and then check into our funky seaside apartments
Enjoy a delicious breakfast in your cozy space or on the roof overlooking the moody Atlantic before you meet some of our local friends. Visit Naima’s workshop, Otto’s family thuya wood workshop, Mustapha’s gallery of Berber antiquities, etc. Adventure into the local’s market to get dinner supplies for our homemade tajine meal in Amy and Melody’s apartment. Make margaritas with the fresh squeezed juices and sugar cane you just purchased at the market. Enjoy a night out with some of our local musician friends or stay in for the evening.
Free day - Mohammad and our driver will be available on request. Spend the late afternoon learning about the deep history of Gnawa Music and its instruments from our friends. Dance the night away at our favorite club with your new Moroccan Sehab (friends)!
Enjoy your last breakfast in Essaouira, spend the morning shopping in the Medina and either head to Casablanca or Marrakech for your flight home or extend your trip….
Fly out of the USA to Marrakech (RAK) or Casablanca (CMN) on November 1 or before.
Nov 2 - Day 1
Meet in Marrakech on November 2. Meet our guide for the week, Mohammad, and enjoy lunch at one of our favorite spots (included). Check into La Maison Arabe then wander through the Medina on a walking “ tour” of Marrakech’s ancient walled city. Meander through the enchanting Jemaa el-Fnaa Square and take in all the mesmerizing facets of Moroccan history and culture including live Gnawa musicians, snake charmers, henna artists and food stalls before settling in at our Riad for dinner. Each night we will create an itinerary for the following day based on the individuals in our group and share with the group via WhatsApp.
Nov 3 - Day 2
Start the morning with a delicious breakfast and head out for a sightseeing and cultural exploration of the Medina and beyond. Meet local artisans, including ancient African instrument makers, metal workers, and weavers. Share a tajine lunch in a rug shop while learning about the many Moroccan tribes, regions and textiles associated with various regions of Morocco. Shop in the souks. Catch sunset and enjoy dinner on your own.
Nov 4 - Day 3
After breakfast join an art and design shopping excursion. Choose what interests you most and let your creativity flow! Meet Moroccan artisans creating contemporary designs with traditional techniques. Visit a desert encampment in the Agafay desert , ride a camel and enjoy dinner, a private concert (and hang) with a Tuareg Blues band. Learn about the music from the musicians. Dance the night away under the moon and stars of the Agafay.
Nov. 5 - Day 4
FREE DAY to explore Marrakech or the Ourika Valley
Nov 6 - Day 5
Before heading to Essaouira, start the morning with a delicious breakfast at the Riad , followed by a walk through the Majorelle Gardens. Check out the contemporary boutiques by the gardens then start the journey toward Essaouira. Stop at the grass weavers stalls and the Aegean oil cooperative before arriving in Essaouira. Check into our fav funky apartments on the water. Get settled in and take a sunset walk through the Medina of Essaouira. Dinner recommendations will be given. Dine together or do your own thing.
Nov 7 - Day 6
Enjoy a delicious breakfast in your cozy apartment or on the roof, then meet some of our local friends. Visit Naima’s workshop, Otto’s family thuya wood workshop, Mustapha’s gallery of Berber antiquities, etc. Adventure into the local’s market to get dinner supplies for our homemade tajine meal in Amy and Melody’s apartment. Make margaritas with the fresh squeezed juices and sugar cane you just purchased at the market. Enjoy a night out with some of our local musician friends or stay in for the evening.
Nov 8 - Day 7
Free day - Mohammad and our driver will be available on request. Spend the late afternoon learning about Gnaoian music and instruments from our friends. Dance the night away at our favorite club with your new Moroccan friends!
Nov 9 - Day 8
Enjoy your last breakfast in Essaouira, spend the morning shopping in the Medina and either head back to Marrakech or extend your trip….
“This is an insider’s view like no other!”
-Courtney H.
“Our hosts, Amy and Melody were fantastic! They really kinda went above and beyond. They have a way of bringing everybody together and making everyone feel really comfortable together. Like we’ve all know each other kinda feel for a long time. So that was great!”
-Darren F.
"Love what Amy and her team have brought to Asheville. Joined the first Arete trip to Morocco. We met the artisans that custom make Arete's fabulous designs for home and wear. The itinerary and tour guide gave us great taste of Morocco and knowledge of their culture and history. We bonded with locals, the love and hospitality was overwhelming. If you like to laugh, Moroccans have a fun sense of humor. I'm asked what was your favorite. Everything was my favorite. Breathtaking views and architecture. Food (fresh as it gets) shopping. The beautiful people of Morocco that rolled the red carpet out for us. I would highly recommend getting on the "Marrakesh Express" if you get the opportunity. Thanks Arete for the best trip of my life!"
-Diane F.
"Amy's love for Morocco, its people and culture is infectious! I was honored to join her first group trip to Marrakesh, Essaouira & Ourika Valley, and it exceded my expectations in SO many ways. The connections she's made (and continues to make!) with local artisans, guides and gurus made the experience truly enriching, steeped like the many teas we enjoyed with history, awe and humor. Blended with the beauty and hospitality of the amazing properties we visited, lots of music, glorious spas, and tons of laughter, this trip is an incredible boost for the soul. I cannot wait to go back!"
-Marion M.
We design immersive, music-centered journeys that connect travelers to culture, craft, and community. Through intimate group experiences, meaningful local partnerships, and thoughtfully curated adventures, we create travel that feels personal, inspiring, and deeply alive.
