Morocco with Zach Engel

Salam alaikum! Welcome to Casablanca, a city of intrigue and cultural crosswinds. After settling into our accommodations, we’ll meet our tastemaker and our fellow adventurists over cocktails, before making our way to an unforgettable welcome dinner. 

At the iconic Rick’s Café, we’ll be transported back in time, as if Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman were sitting at the table right beside us. As we take in the Moroccan décor and the soft notes of live piano, we’ll raise our glasses and toast with Andrew to the journey that lies ahead. 

After rousing ourselves with a Moroccan mint tea or cardamom-scented coffee, the fabled Casablanca awaits. First, we’ll head to the Hassan II Mosque, the seventh-largest mosque in the world. Erected at what seems like the world’s end, it balances on the ocean’s edge, blending the tradition of handcrafted marble with a retractable roof—a modern wonder steeped in ancient building methods.

Our journey then leads us northward along the coast to Rabat, Morocco’s elegant capital and its first imperial city. Exploring the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the towering minaret of Hassan Tower Mosque, we’re captivated by the city’s rich history. Following a leisurely lunch in Rabat, we continue onwards to Fes, the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco, where we’ll spend the next two nights.

Fes was for centuries the ‘Athens of Africa’ and gathering place for the Islamic world’s brightest minds. It’s still a cultural and culinary beacon; its 8th-century walled-in medina is the most magical in all Morocco, beautifully stuck in time with donkeys pulling carts along narrow, cobbled lanes, and intricately wood-carved doorways renovated after the city was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ll start our exploration with an expert-guided walking tour of the Old City, known as Fes el Bali, sampling a myriad of delicacies, from fresh juices to aromatic spices along the way. After a hyper local lunch, we’ll have some free time to explore on our own. 

After a day of exploring, we’ll reconvene for an intimate dinner experience. Alongside a local chef, we’ll articulate the nuances of pairing vegetables, spice, and fire to create traditional Jewish dishes with Moroccan flavor profiles.  

We’ll catch an early flight to Marrakech this morning, but we won’t visit the city just yet. Instead, we’ll make our way east to the High Atlas Mountains, where rugged landscapes and panoramic views await. 

After a traditional lunch, we’ll dive right into the world of saffron: a local farmer will teach us how the world’s most precious spice is cultivated against the backdrop of the majestic mountains. The rest of the evening is yours to elaborate, perhaps soaking in the tranquility of our kasbah or adventuring through the nearby mountain trails. As evening descends, dinner will be available at leisure, allowing us to embrace the Berber tradition of simplicity and warmth.

This morning is all about wonder and beauty. We’ll immerse ourselves in the breathtaking landscapes of the High Atlas Mountains on foot, with a gentle hike through orchards and terraced fields. 

Lunch today is a hands-on experience; we’ll learn the art of crafting a traditional Berber tagine. While our fragrant sauce simmers, we’ll prepare our vegetables and meats, crafting the perfect bite. And, because no Berber meal is complete without it, we’ll end with sweet mint tea that seems to fly into our gorgeous Moroccan tea glasses. 

After a day full of adventure and creation, we’ll head back to the kasbah for some well-deserved rest and a tranquil dinner. 

Today, we’ll make our way back down the mountains to Marrakech, a city that rises from the desert and sits at the crossroads of Europe and Africa. Marrakech has a romance all its own, and rich culinary traditions to thrill every palate. We’ll jump right in at the Morocco Culinary Art Museum, where we’ll deeply understand the roots of traditional Moroccan favorites, from couscous to bread. 

Lunch today is hosted by an organization that empowers local women to start businesses — a culinary masterclass, and a lesson in the healing power of food … A feast for the belly and balm for the soul.

Late this afternoon, we’ll explore the bustling Jemaa el-Fna square, indulging in fresh and dried fruits, nuts, and spices, before breaking ranks to welcome an open evening on our own.

We’ll soak in the morning light at the enchanting Majorelle Gardens today. They’re a dreamy sanctuary filled with exotic botanical specimens from the far corners of the world and a labyrinth of crisscrossing alleyways and vibrantly painted buildings. Right around the corner, we’ll get our fill of fashion, Islamic art, and Berber culture at the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, which boasts over 5000 works in their permanent collection. 

Next we’re off to The Spice Lab, who make it their business to track down rare and unique spices. Here we’ll immerse ourselves in regional spices will help with the crash course in local tastes, including the famous Ras El Hanout, a bespoke ‘head of the shop’ spice mixture of rosebuds, orrisroot, belladonna berries, Chinese cinnamon, and cardamom. 

As the evening sky turns harissa red, our farewell celebration begins with a lesson in Moroccan mixology — and culminates with a traditional meal to remember. We’ll raise our glasses in toast to Zach, each other, and the gorgeous adventure we’ve shared.

Alas, our time together has come to an end, but our hearts and bellies are brimming with Morocco. We’ll bid farewell to  our fellow Modern Adventurists and transfer to Marrakech airport.