This is a tour made for ladies only. In 8 days we will experience Marrakech with its secrets and charms. We will visit the most famous sites, such as Bahia Palace, Medresa Ben Youssef, Secret garden, Dar El Bacha palace, and Majorelle garden. But aside from the most famous sites, we will also go deeper and talk about female in the Moroccan society with the visit of Museum of Women, a NGO ladies' cooperative of linen, and that of
On a food tour lunch you will get to know the tastes of Marrakech, a belly dance lesson will connect you to your female energy, and a cooking class of a traditional Moroccan tajine will give you a new skill to use at home. We will invite you to a rejuvenating Moroccan hammam ritual experience to pamper your soul and your body after a day of explorations.
The second half of our tour will be away from Marrakech. In only 1h drive we reach the art garden Anima, and then continue to Ourika valley. You will be invited to a real family lunch. Coucou is the most favorite dish of the Berber people. you will enjoy your lunch with a Berber family in their style. For the afternoon tea we will stop at a fantastic Kasbah Tamadot, Richard Branson's Moroccan home. evening is in the desert, at dinner under the million stars. Overnight in double occupancy tents of the luxury camp.
Next day we continue toward the Ocean. We stop at an argane plantation on the way, and savour a lunch with wine tasting at a local farm.
In the afternoon we reach Essaouira and relax in this coastal town, or go for a walk.
All that will be in an elegant and luxurious fashion. Staying in great hotels and dining in the finest restaurants.
ECT LADIES' ONLY TOUR
A female soul is special and needs nurture, connection, and meaningful relationships. In our daily lives at home, we often don't take the time or have the energy for this. However, when we travel, it comes more naturally to us, making it easier to open up and invite others into our experiences.
Our ladies-only tours are just that!
As a sensitive soul myself (Alja, me), I've prepared this program with a sensitive female soul in mind, planning activities that enrich and offer an honest opportunity for you, ladies to connect with the culture you are visiting, with the group, and with yourselfs. On the tour, everyone is invited to participate as much or as little as they feel comfortable. My aim is to provide various opportunities and inspire diverse dialogues.
In many cultures, women still have far fewer opportunities than their male counterparts. This is why, on our ladies-only tours, we strive to support women-led businesses as much as possible by visiting women-owned restaurants and NGO cooperatives that help local women. Through a workshop (or two), we get even closer to the locals and experience their lives more directly. We ask questions and try to learn from firsthand experiences about the people, cultures, and places as we spend time with them.
BY ALJA
I have prepared this very special tour for your visit to Marrakech. My idea is for you to get to experience Marrakech through my eyes. I want you to see, feel, and explore the Marrakech I've come to love after years of guiding groups through its sites and streets. I invite you to come and leave your footprints in this incredible town!
THE TOUR
We will be staying in a private boutique Riad hotel within the old town (Medina) of Marrakech, where you will be able to experience the warmth of Moroccan hospitality. This makes our stay very different from an average hotel stay. In a Riad, a visitor is considered a guest sent from God, and staying in such an ancient place feels like residing in a temple of serenity. Every corner of the house reflects a deep respect for Moroccan tradition. The rooms are small, because the entire life of a Riad revolves around its central courtyard, creating an intimate and precious experience each time. Rooms are small beause the whole life of a Riad revolves around the main courtyard. A Riad stay feels intimate and precious everytime.
By staying in the heart of the old town, you'll have the chance to share the streets with the locals as they go about their daily errands, and you'll hear their discrete whispers at night. You will become a part of the secret of old Marrakech, as you, too, go about your own errands during your free time.
I have planned our visits to the most famous and beautiful sites in Marrakech with care and attention. We will visit the Bahia Palace, the Majorelle garden, the Ben Youssef Medrasa, and other landmarks at the best possible times—for optimal photography, minimal crowds, and the most enjoyable experience. These sites will take you through the proud history of Marrakech, one of Morocco's four imperial cities.
We ladies need beauty to fluourish! Our whole program is made with that in mind. Not only will we stay in a beautiful Riad hotel, but we will also dine at some of the best restaurants in the country, enjoy afternoon tea at the iconic La Mamounia palace hotel's gardens and the stylish café at Dar El Bacha, shop at the luxurious boutique in the Majorelle Gardens and the elegant boutiques on Rue Yves Saint Laurent, and savor a dinner with a belly dance party. We will indulge in all the beauty that Marrakech has to offer
But even with all that, we will stay grounded and explore the real life and genuine people of Marrakech at every step, especially in the old town and during our visits to two beautiful charity projects—NGO cooperatives that educate local women and empower them to create better lives for themselves
A female soul needs nurture and opportunities to connect. Our group will be limited to just 13 ladies (including myself, the Tour Leader, Alja) so that we can connect more deeply and access even the most intimate places. We will visit a very important NGO ladies' cooperative that educates local women to become chefs at the many Riads in town. During our visit, we will spend time in their garden, where we'll collect the herbs and spices needed to prepare a traditional Moroccan Tajine dish. Each of us will have the opportunity to talk with the women as we explore their garden and learn about their charity project. They will teach us how to cook an authentic Moroccan meal while sharing stories about their lives. (We’ll enjoy the meal we cook together for lunch!)
The tour also brings some wonderful adventures that will pamper not only our soul but our body, too! Exploring new sites can be tiring, so I’ve set aside time for you to relax and rejuvenate. You'll have some free time in the afternoon for a short nap, writing a diary, souvenir shopping, or simply smelling the roses at the market. No visit to Marrakech is complete without experiencing a Hammam Ritual with a massage, and I don't want you to miss out on that! So you can look forward to a cultural, as well as a SPA adventure- massage included, of course.
Mornings can be tough for me—how about you? Whether you're a morning person or not, I’m sure you’ll enjoy a morning guided yoga class and a belly dance (or better, a Berber dance) wake-up session. Not only are these activities beneficial for our bodies, but they’re also a lot of fun!
I will encourage you to experience Marrakech with all your senses. As we walk through the ancient Souks (markets), you'll enjoy in the vivid colors and rich textures of the various goods on display. All that, together with oriental scents of incense like sandalwood, amber, myrrh, and Moroccan roses, as well as the colorful spices such as coriander, cumin, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, and allspice am sure will leave you in awe! But to truly indulge, I'll invite you to join a food tour with a local guide, where you can explore the many different tastes of Marrakech and gain deeper insight into the local food scene.
Our visit to Marrakech will only be complete after you cook your first Tajine, using all of the ingredients you've discovered in the souks. That is a nice challenge right there!
And an interesting skill to bring home with you for your future home use.
Your Tour Director: ALJA MRAVLJAK
Our tours are led by the owner of Elegant Cultural Tours Ltd., Alja Mravljak. She is a Professor of Art History and Sociology of Culture, but had only worked in the sector for a while before deciding to bring her talent and passion for teaching into tourism and guiding. This happened in 2002, and she has been organising and leading groups as a full-time job to different places around the Globe ever since.
Her specialist destinations are Morocco, Cuba, Ireland and Scotland, China, Turkey (where she lived for 3 years), and Central Europe (Slovenia, Italy, Austria, and Prague where she did a part of her studies of Art History).
BUT WHAT DOES SHE BRING TO OUR TOURS?
A lot. Alja shares with you everything beautiful, from boutique places she personally selects, leading you through the unforgettable galleries and museums and their collections, planning special immersive activities that take you deeper into a unique culture. Alja is a natural born educator, so all her briefings and her selection of activities aim at bringing a better knowledge and understanding of the visited culture, the travel and the world in general. Her topics and talks are lighthearted and she relaxes them with her charm and a unique sense of humour. Our guests described Alja's personality and guiding style as authentic and meaningful, with always the right amount of informations and never dull. Our guests also deeply appreciate her respect and love for the local culture and the people of the countries she leads groups to.
*We can offer flight tickets to Morocco as well as private transfers from other airports, such as Casablanca to Marrakech. Additional charges apply.
INCLUDED
Transfer: Private transfer from Marrakech Menara airport to the hotel in Marrakech
Overnight: Boutique Riad hotel in the center of Marrakech
Meals: Welcome Cocktail and Dinner
What is a Riad hotel? Read more here
INCLUDED
Overnight: Boutique Riad hotel in the center of Marrakech
Meals: Breakfast and light Lunch
INCLUDED
Overnight: Boutique Riad hotel in the center of Marrakech
Meals: Breakfast, Food tour Lunch and Surprise Dinner
INCLUDED
Overnight: Boutique riad hotel in the center of Marrakech
Meals: Breakfast, Cooking class Lunch, Afternoon Tea with sweets, Dinner, and cocktail
Total driving time: 4 hours
INCLUDED
Overnight: Luxury desert camp at Agafay desert - Read more about the desert luxury camp here.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch with a local family (CousCous) and Desert Dinner
Total driving time: 3 hours
INCLUDED
Overnight: A boutique hotel in the old town of Essaouira
Meals: Desert breakfast, Lunch at a winery (with wine tasting), and Seafood Dinner
Total driving time: 3 hours
*Note: Dress code is elegant, possibly a Moroccan-style kaftan
INCLUDED
Overnight: A 5-star hotel in Marrakech city center (Hivernage or Gueliz areas)
Meals: Breakfast, Elegant Farewell Dinner, and Cocktail
INCLUDED
Included: Breakfast
Transfer: Your private transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport
*We can offer transfers to other airports, such as Casablanca. Additional charges apply.
ACCOMMODATIONS
TRANSPORTATIONS
*We can organize a transfer to and from any other Moroccan international airport (additional fees will apply).
MEALS
WORKSHOPS/ SPECIALS:
WONDERFUL VISITS:
GUIDING AND ORGANIZATION:
Airplane ticket;* Travel and medical insurance (a condition of travel); Possible increases in local taxes/ VAT; Visa or passport fees (necessary visas should be obtained according to your citizenship from an assigned Embassy in your country of residence); Meals and drinks not mentioned in the group meals; Items of personal nature (such as personal massages, laundry, drinks and alcohol, telephone/ mobile internet expense, excess baggage fees); Evacuation costs; Other items not expressly listed as included
*We will arrange individual flight tickets when we have enough ladies interested and the tour is confirmed, but you can also arrange it yourself.
Some things and situations in Morocco are out of our hands (and the hands of our local agent). They can change at any time and influence our program.
Such situations are, but not limited to: local weather with floods, rainfall or snow storms, decisions of the local government on closing the museums or places of interest, the visits (and whereabouts) of the Royal family members and that of the Moroccan king, Mohamed VI. and his (many) escorts, and more.
Should those situations arise, we will follow the authorities and their instructions and provide safe and acceptable alternatives to our program as best as we can.
We always keep the content of the Itinerary as described, but in some cases the order of the visits might change.
You can read more on how we travel here and our in General Terms and Conditions.
Guests should be able to navigate cobbled streets with uneven pavements and stairs of the old Medinas (at an average of 3km/ 1.8mls per day), walk on nature's surfaces, as well as ride a camel (in case you want to ride a camel you should be able to pull your leg across the saddle that is aproximatelly 1.5m/ 5 foot high, but we are always there to assist, of course). Also note that the Riad hotels don't always have rooms in the ground floor and that many times they have narrow stairscases and no elevator. Your luggage will be taken care of, but you should be able to walk the stairs, or else let us know in the Booking form that you prefer a ground floor room and we will do our best to help.
We suggest some walking excercise before the tour that will enable you to not be tired too quickly and enjoy your experience even more.
We do allow an amount of time daily for leisure and relaxation... as well as- usually the hotel we stay at has a swimming pool and a Hammam area with different massages on offer
We love for you to stay at intimate boutique hotels. A traditional Riad hotel is an intimate establishment with only a few rooms (from 5 to 8). Below you can find examples of our accomodations. The final information on our hotels will be available upon confirmation of the tour because it greatly depends on the final number of guests.
Please note also that staying at a Moroccan Riad hotel is a very authentic and unique treat, where every room is a mastepiece of elegance and craftmanship perfected through generations. It is a general rule that every room is a story on its own and so not two rooms are alike. With signing up for our tour, you accept that the rooms you will stay at might be different from the room of other guest next door. Sometimes yours will be bigger, or more elaborate, or with a better view, other times it might not.
A 900-year-old medina, narrow streets flanked by small artisan shops, a vast square with snake charmers and fortune-tellers, and evening storytelling sessions in the open air. This is Marrakech, and so much more! There isn't a city more exotic and interesting than Marrakech in all of Morocco. Marrakech is the heart of southern Morocco, the Red City, the City of Design, Fashion, and Art, and also a Berber capital
Built in a dry desert environment, Marrakech rose from dust and sand almost like a phoenix. Through the clever use of water in its ancient channels called khettarats, the city flourished and became the capital of the South. Berber dynasties ruled the city for almost a millennium, and it still retains a strong Berber vibe, evident in every corner of the old town, especially in its exotic main square, Jemaa el-Fna. Just before and during the French Protectorate, Marrakech expanded with a New Town that, in some parts, resembles any Southern European city, with elegant broad avenues and Art Deco buildings. Here, locals enjoy a vast selection of opulent restaurants and vintage cinemas, while meeting friends for a glass of Moroccan tea and traditional pastries in charming cafés.
Marrakech is a feast for all the senses! It dazzles with its scents, colors, and incredibly lively character.
If Marrakech were a person, it would have stepped straight off the catwalk at one of Yves Saint Laurent's fashion shows, dressed in an elaborate yet somehow traditional African fabric made into a vivid and colorful outfit, topped with a black velvet Fez hat to complete the look. He would enjoy strolling through town, meeting a diverse crowd of friends every afternoon for Moroccan tea, and on summer evenings, sipping a fashionable cocktail on a rooftop while watching the sunset over the High Atlas Mountains. Marrakech would love hosting lavish parties and elaborate events with world-famous fashionistas, but would just as easily sneak out the back door to meet his street friends for a Shawarma sandwich before rushing to the next prayer at the local mosque.
Marrakech would never want to be too modern, but would insist on maintaining strong traditions in his own contemporary way. His house would be decorated with African and world art, alongside European design pieces, but his living room would always look Moroccan and Berber first. His favorite season would be the scorching summer because it's then that he feels most alive. People come out at night to spend hours talking over a glass of tea, and Marrakech adores both- the people and the Moroccan tea! He would love watching the High Atlas Mountains, but would rather stay observing them from afar than actually doing the hike. The sight of the sun setting behind the Atlas would be his favorite view in the world.
Marrakech would be a joyful eater, with a pantry filled with delicious foods and exotic items. His kitchen shelves would always be stocked with colorful spices to add flavor to one of many of his Tajine dishes. Marrakech would be all this and more—elegant, honest, open, mysterious, sophisticated, traditional, friendly, and at times, a challenge to understand. Like a good friend, like someone you return to over and over again.
After leaving Marrakech, we stop at the lush Anima Art Garden for a short stroll before continuing to the Ourika Valley. We sit and enjoy Moroccan tea on the floating terraces of the Ourika River and take a short, easy walk in the refreshing nature.
A short drive further brings us to the High Atlas, where it’s time for lunch. We visit a Berber family who offers us couscous, and we join them for lunch, experiencing the traditional Berber way of eating. This is an authentic encounter with Berber culture, as we engage in relaxed conversations about their everyday life, family relationships, and traditions over a bowl of couscous.
In the afternoon, we visit the wonderful, luxurious resort of Kasbah Tamadot, the Moroccan home of Richard Branson. We stop in their elegant garden, with views of the High Atlas Mountains, and enjoy afternoon tea in a sophisticated atmosphere. We also learn about the NGO founded by Richard’s mother, Eve Branson, which supports the local Berber people from the nearby village of Asni. The project suffered significantly during the earthquake in September 2023 but is now back up and running. We leave a small donation, wish them well, and continue our journey toward the desert.
In the early evening, we reach the Agafay Desert. We go straight to our luxury camp amidst the stony landscape. Those who feel like it can take a camel ride at sunset, while others may choose to relax in the camp and enjoy the serenity and quiet of the desert. You can rest in your luxury tent, go for a walk, or simply enjoy life by lounging on the sunbeds beside the main tent..
We gather again in the evening for a true desert feast under the stars, which lasts long into the night.
Mornings are the best in the desert. After a long and peaceful night, we meet for breakfast in the main tent. The meal is homemade and wonderfully elaborate! We take a moment to appreciate the effort that went into preparing it for us, right here in the middle of the desert.
Before midday, we say goodbye to the desert and head west toward the ocean. Along the way, we stop to admire the many argan trees and visit a women’s cooperative that produces some of the finest argan oil in the world. Everything is still handmade, and the quality is truly unprecedented.
We are not yet at the ocean, though. We visit a local winery and indulge in a rustic lunch, paired with tastings of their homemade wines. What a wonderful experience!
But Essaouira awaits, and we've been longing to see the ocean. And there it is—far in the distance, we see the ocean with white waves crashing on the long sandy beach, stretching toward the centuries-old ramparts that protect the old town of Essaouira. We can already feel that we've reached a favorite holiday spot for the Marrakchis, as the atmosphere is relaxed and easy-going. We take a guided tour of the Medina to see the old Jewish quarters, the ramparts, and the many small squares.
Essaouira has always been a cultural hub, blending traditions from deep Africa with Berber and Arab cultures. It is also the home of Gnawa music and the largest international Gnawa festival. With its rich musical legacy, the town has attracted important Western musicians who found inspiration in its fusion of musical heritage. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy the many small shops, cafés, and the town's unique vibe.
We meet again in the evening for dinner at a seafood restaurant. After all, we are at the Atlantic! Afterward, we visit a rooftop venue, where, with some luck, we might catch an evening concert. Following an evening cocktail, it’s time to say goodnight.
The next day, we return to Marrakech and have some time to explore the souks for last-minute shopping or to enjoy a swim at the hotel pool. We’ll be staying at a 5-star hotel in the new town.
We prepare for the final special dinner—the Farewell Dinner will be a royal affair, as it should be. (Note: The dress code is elegant... preferably a Moroccan kaftan.)
HOW TO BOOK YOUR SPOT
Send us an Inquiry to our email address contact@elegantculturaltours.com and we will send you a Booking form
Once we receive your booking form and a request, we will send you the Deposit payment details. Only once we receive and confirm with you your deposit, you can consider your spot on the tour to be reserved.
If we don't receive your full payment until due date, we reserve the right to cancel your reservation, and fees will apply.
& FROM THERE ON
And then we start the tour...
NOT SURE IF THE TOUR IS FOR YOU & YOU NEED TO KNOW MORE?
Send us an Inquiry form, or an email to contact@elegantculturaltours.com where we can arrange a live online Zoom call for further details, or just to get to know Alja, the Tour Leader and say Hi.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Please, check below our Terms and Conditions for more information on your payments, possible tour cancellations and other.
HOW WE TRAVEL:
THE ATMOSPHERE
Is informal, friendly, and personalised allowing guests to relax and connect with each other. You are welcome to join in our activities and conversations if you wish, but it is entirely up to you whether (and how) you choose to do so.
You can expect a fresh experience, something that is both,
The feel on our tours is an elegant and well thought of time spent with a good loving friend, who is a little quirky, full of knowledge, ideas, stories, inspiration, and wit. On our tours you get new knowledge and meaningful insights, as well as a big emotional input and love from us. We think of the many details so that you can really get immersed in the culture and is beauty.
HOW BUSY IS THE PROGRAM
Marrakech has many wonderful sites and atmospheres that you will want to take in. The busiest day is Day 2, but we balance it out with a more relaxed following day. After the two days Mountains and Desert experience, our program gives you more time for yourself to relax and enjoy the moment, swim in the pool, have a massage, or simply just stop, have a Moroccan tea and smell the roses (or orange blossoms).
OUR TOPICS
Are cultural and we aim at bringing you the Moroccan and Marrakechi culture, art and its history.
We learned from Moroccans in helping the less fortunate members of the society, so each of our tours also makes a modest contribution to support a Women's Cooperative.
TRAVEL TO LEARN AND GROW
On our tour we encourage you to observe, and ask questions to learn about the new culture and its people. We believe that travel is the best possible way to learn about the world. We aim at bringing understanding and knowledge in a charming and relaxed manner. We avoid long academic talks, or having you stand for extended periods while listening. For us learning should be meaningful and we aim at presenting complicated topics in an uncomplicated and immersive way.
WE KEEP OUR TRAVEL REAL
We embark on Elegant journeys, catering to guests who hold a deep appreciation for Culture, Art, and Beauty. However, we intentionally avoid a closed-off travel experience. Our goal is to keep our travel authentic, embracing the hosting cultures, their traditions, and customs as they truly are. Even if the local standards may not match those we are accustomed to back home, we graciously recognise and value the sincere efforts of the local people to meet our expectations.
You can read more about How we travel HERE
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