MOROCCO TEXTILES & HANDCRAFTS TOURS – overview

 

2025 AND 2026 TOURS – SOLD OUT

CLICK HERE TO BE ADDED TO THE WAITLIST AND/OR REGISTER AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR 2027

The retreat|recreate tour to Morocco was one of the best experiences of my life. Expertly curated and wonderfully executed, I cannot give it enough praise. I experienced Morocco in a way I would never have expected: the diverse access to people; to handcrafts; and to locations I couldn’t have imagined without the knowledge and skills of Susan, Khaled and the retreat|recreate crew. I was hopeful that it would be an interesting tour when we booked; it surpassed my every expectation. Morocco is a truly fascinating country to visit, but visiting it with retreat|recreate provided insight and access that simply could not be achieved as a standard traveller. If you meet the criteria, have even a passing interest in handcrafts or local social enterprise, and want to see Morocco, this is the trip for you! Katherine H. – Morocco, April-May 2024

Are you enthralled by Moroccan textiles and handcrafts? Have you always wanted to visit this fascinating Amazigh-African-Arab country?  Apply to join our women only, socially responsible small group tours, for the experience of a lifetime, exploring specialist handcraft and textile museums, enjoying hands-on experiences in leatherwork, zellige mosaic tiling, Fessi embroidery, palm leaf weaving, carpet knotting & weaving and botanical dyeing, visiting artisan studios and women’s handcraft cooperatives, exploring magnificent scenery and architecture and experiencing traditional Moroccan culture. Plus, so much more.

This 17 day women’s handcrafts tour is fully escorted by a retreat|recreate host and our accredited and experienced Moroccan guide. The focus of our socially responsible tour is an exploration of the textile and handcraft traditions of Morocco, with an emphasis on interaction with local families, small businesses and women’s cooperatives where much of this traditional craftsmanship is undertaken.  

Taking in the four imperial cities of Fes, Marrakech, Meknes and Rabat, plus Casablanca, the Atlas Mountains, Draa Valley and the Sahara Desert, the trip encompasses both rural Amazigh (Berber) and urban Arabic settings, hands-on handcraft activities, demonstrations and experiences, and numerous visits to artisan studios, women’s cooperatives and museums. Spend a night glamping in the Sahara under the stars, visit six UNESCO World Heritage sites, explore the souks of ancient medinas, stay in a rural mudbrick kasbah for a homestay experience, sip mint tea while learning about Moroccan carpet knotting and weaving, and savour meals with local families.  Does this sound like the trip of a lifetime? We promise you that the sound of the call to prayer floating over an ancient medina is something you’ll remember forever.

Please see below under is this trip right for you and the health, fitness and mobility aspects

Inclusions

  • 17 days accommodation as per the itinerary
  • meals as per the itinerary (drinks not included)
  • local English speaking guide and retreat|recreate host throughout the tour
  • all transport, sightseeing attractions (museums, galleries, etc) and excursions as per the itinerary
  • hands-on textile and handcraft experiences and activities
  • $50 donation per person to a local women’s charity
  • tips for wait staff, hotel staff, porters, camel drivers etc
  • arrival airport transfer

Not included in price

  • international airfares
  • travel insurance (required)
  • early check in or late check out
  • meals and drinks not included in the itinerary
  • personal spending (laundry, phone, souvenirs etc)
  • tips for our driver and guide
  • departure airport transfer 

Important notes

  • The tour comprises 16 nights/17 days. The itinerary is full to ensure value for money, however some free periods are built in. The opportunity exists to extend your trip by booking a day or two extra (subject to availability and may not be at the tour hotels) before and/or after the tour;
  • Transport is by private air conditioned coach, the occasional taxi, and camel;
  • Cultural, environmental and sustainable travel is important to us. To this end, we: engage local guides and patronise local women’s cooperatives, social enterprises, not-for-profits and fair trade associations where possible. We provide some opportunities to buy directly from artisans, cutting out the middle man where we can. A $50 donation to a local women’s charity is also part of your tour cost – we choose a different charity for each tour. We partner with a well-respected and well-resourced local tour operator whose values align with ours;
  • Accommodation – accommodations range from a homestay to 5 star. They include several riads (traditional Moroccan houses built around a central courtyard, often with no external facing windows) and some simple accommodations in rural towns, two nights at a homestay in a kasbah with shared bathrooms and mattresses on the floor, a night in a desert ‘glamping’ camp (tents featuring proper beds and ensuite bathroom facilities) and a 5 star hotel as an ‘end of tour’ treat in Casablanca. Note: the single supplement does not apply at the desert glamping camp – solo travellers will be paired for that night. Note: we take overnight baggage only to the desert camp, leaving our main luggage in town with the bus;
  • Is this trip right for you? – our generous, fun loving, enthusiastic and thoughtful travellers understand that the nature of this kind of small group travel in a developing country requires flexibility, tolerance, and understanding. Our adventurous travellers understand that travel pushes you out of your comfort zone, and they embrace the opportunity to travel as part of a respectful and fun group, and to fully experience the culture, traditions and foods of another country;
  • Please realistically consider your mobility and fitness levels  to determine if this trip is right for you.   There is a lot of walking and lots of stairs! We can’t stress this enough. Fitness wise, this tour involves:
    • extended walking tours through narrow, cobbled, often crowded souks and over uneven ground; you will be on your feet a lot and must be able to keep up with the group walking at a reasonable pace
    • a loop walking tour of an exposed archaeological site of Roman ruins over rough, uneven terrain
    • an optional moderate level hike in the High Atlas Mountains
    • a loop walking tour of Ait Ben Haddou featuring cobbled streets and many steps (Ait Ben Haddou is a hilltop fortress)
    • standing time in museums and galleries
    • accommodations with multiple storeys and many flights of stairs (no elevators). Our rooms are often on the second, third and occasionally fourth floors, and breakfast may be served on the rooftop so even those in ground floor bedrooms have to manage multiple flights of stairs
    • a two night homestay in a very rustic, rural, mudbrick kasbah with shared bathrooms, mattresses on earthen floors and many steep staircases that are narrow, windy and uneven, without handrails and dimly lit
    • an optional camel ride of around 45 minutes (you may choose to travel by 4 x 4 vehicle over the dunes if you prefer)
    • several consecutive long days of travel through windy mountain terrain (with adequate rest, meal and bathroom stops)
    • sitting on the floor for some meals and handcrafts experiences
    • squat toilets at some roadside stops and workshop locations 
    • you need to be able to manage your own luggage 
  • the weather in Morocco can be brutally hot, but also surprisingly cold;
  • this is not a shopping focussed tour. You’ll find tours that offer ‘fancy cocktails and shopping in the Marrakech souks’ type fun, while others are serious scholarly tours. Our tour falls somewhere in the middle, with a generous dollop of fun and laughter. There are a few opportunities for ethical shopping if you wish: leather goods in the shop we visit in order to access a view of the Fes tanneries; ceramics at the pottery studio while our masterpieces are drying; embroideries at the cooperatives we visit; and carpets at a women’s cooperative where we learn about Amazigh carpet styles and can purchase directly from the co-op rather than giving our money to middlemen (carpet dealers) in the city souks. There are also some periods of free time in Marrakech, Fes and Casablanca which you may use for your own shopping, however our tour focus is on cultural and handcraft experiences. The city sightseeing walking tours don’t incorporate time for browsing in the souks as everyone has varying interests. It’s simply not viable for eleven other women to wait while one person shops for spices, and wait again a few minutes later when the next person tries on dresses, and so on. Just make a note of any shops you like the look of and return to them in your free time. We find feedback is split 50:50 between ‘too much shopping time!’ and ‘not enough shopping time!’ which suggests we’ve found the right balance. You may wish to book extra days before/after the tour if you’re keen for even more shopping time;
  • there are six different handcraft experiences. These are hands-on experiences offering the chance to try a new skill. They’re not always formal classes or workshops offered by trained teachers; but more about person to person interactions, cultural exchange, and the chance to experience a new handcraft activity in the company of local practitioners in their homes, cooperatives or studios;
  • our group size is maximum 12 women;
  • if you’re a solo traveller you can apply to be paired up with another solo traveller (if available) in a twin share room. Alternatively if you prefer to have a room to yourself, there are a limited number of single rooms available (single supplement applies);
  • retreat|recreate’s tour groups comprise women from all over the globe and we embrace all ethnicities, orientations and personalities. Flexibility, generosity and a sense of humour are essential when travelling as part of a group.

CLICK HERE TO BE ADDED TO THE WAITLIST AND/OR REGISTER AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR 2027

Scroll down to read testimonials from past travellers, and for more photos

I keep returning to retreat|recreate as they offer such a unique opportunity to travel with like minded, creative women, who came from a variety of creative backgrounds and enjoyed sharing their creativity and a good laugh. The trips are curated with such passion for the country being visited – with an attention to detail with the experiences offered from workshops with local artisans, to specialist crafts and textile museums that highlight both traditional and contemporary making. This trip to Morocco was magical, with many highlights form staying in 15th century riads and kasbahs in rural Morocco, to undertaking numerous workshops from embroidery, to carpet weaving and making babouches ( Moroccan slippers). I have many special memories, new friends and a passion and determination to return to Morocco from this exceptionally well curated adventure. Belinda – Morocco 2025 (and Japan 2022 and Türkiye 2023)

As a repeat traveler with retreat|recreate, I continue to be amazed by the thoughtfulness and professionalism that go into every aspect of their trips. My recent journey to Morocco was no exception, it was beautifully curated from start to finish. From the stunning accommodations to the immersive cultural experiences, every detail felt intentional and aligned with the spirit of discovery and connection. What truly made the trip special, though, was the group of like-minded women, each bringing her own story, strength, and openness. We laughed, shared, reflected, and supported each other throughout the journey. retreat|recreate has a unique ability to create not just travel experiences, but soulful, transformative adventures. I came back inspired, nourished, and full of gratitude. I’m already looking forward to the next one! Tatiana – Morocco 2025 (and Japan Blue 2023)

I’m greatly impressed with how thoughtfully Susan and Khalid put the tour together. Everything was organized beautifully, and the updates/reminders were very useful. This, my second retreat|recreate tour, made me appreciate how well it was paced and how much thought went into the planning. I can’t say enough about what a superb tour it is; it’s that good! To share with like-minded women who have a great sense of creativity, playfulness and humor was icing on the cake! Mina – Morocco 2025 (also Morocco November 2023)

This retreat|recreate tour was a wonderful immersion in the history and culture of Morocco through its textiles and handcrafts. The program was fascinating and varied, led by experienced and knowledgeable guides, and included workshops, tours, amazing experiences, comfortable accommodation, delicious meals, and above all, genuine connections with local people. Highly recommended! Alex – Morocco 2025

As a multiple previous traveller with retreat|recreate I have not been disappointed with a wonderful Moroccan experience. The colours and culture of Morocco have left an indelible impression and opened my mind to how liberal the Moroccan people are. We were welcomed warmly wherever we went. Our tour was the perfect combination of seeing and participating in a different culture and sharing with a group of like minded interesting and wonderful women. Thank you retreat|recreate for another fantastic tour. Catherine – Morocco 2025 (also Japan 2019, Tasmania 2021 & Thailand/Laos 2023)

I’ve travelled a bit over the years, but this was quite possibly the best trip I have ever done. The value that retreat|recreate deliver is genuinely astonishing and left to our own devices, we may well have spent 16 days trying to figure out how to find the right exit for Marrakesh market. On this tour, we were able to meet and speak with the local Moroccan people and engage with the crafts in a way that we could not possibly achieved on our own. We also had outstanding access to local culture, including a range of sites in metro, regional and rural areas and insights provided by Khaled, our knowledgeable and fun local guide. Every single person in our group was interesting, thoughtful and loads of fun, we laughed a lot. Susan gives great thought to planning a flexible, well-paced and stress-free trip that is deeply engaging but not rushed. Even if you are not great at craft, or aren’t super into craft, this tour still offers *so* much! The opportunity to meet and work with local craftswomen and hear their personal stories is not something you will get elsewhere. I cannot speak highly enough of retreat|recreate tours. Lisa Y. – Morocco, April-May 2024

The Moroccan tour was a fantastic experience. Right from the start of the application process through to returning home the communication continued. The level of information was just right and made my family feel that I was safe travelling on this tour. Travelling with a small group of women was such good fun and Susan (retreat|recreate host) and Khaled (guide) ensured we had an interesting time. There were lots of impromptu experiences that were not planned parts of the tour. We all got on so well with lots of fun, laughter and for me my passion as a weaver was enhanced. I now have lots of new weaving ideas. As a traveller it is often rare to get beyond the tourist experiences and experience the culture. Having time with the Moroccan women in the many women’s co-ops was very special. It has provided lots of wonderful memories. Can’t wait for my next adventure with this tour group. Cathrine F. – Morocco, April 2024

Adventuring through Morocco with Susan and Khalid was one of the best travel experiences I have had. The itinerary was thoughtful and carefully planned to provide us with a wide range of experiences. Susan’s meticulous research and the relationships she has forged offered us an unparalleled window into Moroccan arts and culture. The small group, women-only approach made everyone comfortable and eager to participate. As a fibre artist, I found the visits to the women-run artisan cooperatives and the various workshop opportunities a highlight of the whole trip. From new embroidery stitches to the finer points of climbing on the back of a camel, this trip provided many new and exciting experiences. I would recommend this trip to anyone interested in learning about the culture and handcrafts of Morocco in a warm and welcoming environment. I came away from this trip with a group of new friends, an appreciation for the arts and culture of Morocco, and a profound respect for the people of this lovely country.  Theresa S. – Morocco, April 2024

Yet another life enhancing trip with retreat|recreate. Travelling with a group of like minded, fun and wise women, we were guided through Morocco by experienced and knowledgeable guides who took us off the beaten path. The days were packed with a great mix of activities that included workshops in traditional local crafts and techniques, heritage sites, villages and cities as well as busy local markets. All travel, visits and arrangements were smoothly managed by our excellent guides and driver. Highly recommended. Bev H. – Morocco, April 2024 (and Japan 2020)

retreat|recreate is adept at creating a cohesive and caring group of travel companions all the while taking individual interests and concerns into consideration. Morocco exceeded any and every expectation I had! The experiences were well researched and planned. All the workshops provided insight and understanding of local craft and culture and a feeling of seeing a hidden side of Morocco. If you are planning a trip somewhere, see if retreat|recreate goes there and, if they do, go with them! Susan K. – Morocco, November 2023

Morocco, as a textile and handcraft experience, is best enjoyed when a well researched itinerary and an experienced guide take you places an individual traveller can’t or doesn’t go. We tasted so much immersive variety it’s hard to pinpoint a specific highlight…however meeting the ladies in women’s co-ops and seeing their work and having a woman bus driver (a first!) was special. It was another world. You need to go too. Alison T. – Morocco April 2023

The April 2024 tour of Morocco was fabulous! The intimate number of people and the textile focus on this tour made it truly one of a kind! Being invited into families’ homes (country, city and nomadic) personalised this tour beyond my expectations. It felt wonderful to meet and support the various women’s cooperatives. This was a tour I will never forget with friendships made that will continue. A wonderful experience in every way! Krista Z. – Morocco, April 2024

This is the first official tour I have done and am amazed at how much I enjoyed it. The thoughtfulness and consideration that went into the planning are staggering. Susan and Khaled, because of their generous hearts and good intentions, found the most interesting and unusual co-ops for us to visit and do workshops in such obscure corners, I’m still in awe that they did. The people we met were wonderful and kind, and the women who were supported by our visits so deserving. The cultural excursions were very welcome and informative and I really enjoyed learning about the country. The variety of riads was also a delightful surprise – colorful, smile-raising, rich architecture and craftsmanship as well as helpful staff everywhere. Our Moroccan guide, Khaled, was superb. He was a font of information – geographic, cultural, historical. He was also incredibly helpful and efficient at taking care of practical things (Susan too), as well as sweet and kind. I can’t sing praises highly enough to convey the joy this trip brought. Susan and Khaled are such a remarkable team and deserve accolades for how well they created the entire experience. My appreciation also goes to my tour companions. Everyone was happily cooperative and cheerful, which made all the difference. Mina G. – Morocco November 2023

If you want a first rate travel and handcraft experience rolled into one this is the trip for you! I have traveled a lot but this was my favorite trip ever. The combination of amazing tour director, guide, driver, sites and craft experiences was superb. I know this sounds like I am gushing but it is truly how I feel about this trip. I can’t wait to go on another retreat|recreate trip next year! Betsy D . – Morocco November 2023

Every time I travel with retreat|recreate, I think that THIS trip was truly one of a lifetime!!! But they all have been!!! So, if you are looking to really delve into the history and culture(s) of a country, particularly one that is difficult to access as a solo traveller, then exploring with a small group of passionate like-minded women led by a consummate host is definitely the way to travel. Susan’s meticulous research, exceptional organisational skills, deep knowledge and passion for Morocco and its people as well as her connections with an awesome country host made for a truly exceptional handcrafts tour. We enjoyed wonderful full days fully immersed in looking, making, travelling (across stunning landscapes), and meeting warm, welcoming people. There were so many highlights (including henna, hammams, and riding a camel in the Sahara), but it was sitting with families in their homes and with women in their embroidery and weaving cooperatives for mint tea and delicious meals as well as trying our hands at a few key handcrafts that left us in awe of this beautiful country. You will not want to miss such an opportunity to explore and learn!
Louise M. – Morocco April 2023 (Also, Tasmania, Northern Territory, India, Thailand+Laos, & Japan twice!)

My experience in Morocco with retreat|recreate was exceptional and exceeded all of my expectations. This was my first experience with group tour travel. I enjoyed being in a small group of women. The size of the group allowed us to experience museums, markets and cultural visits easily and without delays. Having a local guide and driver was invaluable. Susan, our tour leader, was gracious, knowledgeable and provided just the right structure for the group. I am planning on traveling with retreat|recreate in 2023. Jayme B. – Morocco 2022

I had a wonderful trip with more amazing experiences than I could have hoped for. Morocco has been a destination on my travel list and to be able to take a tour with a textile focus alongside women with similar interests made for a delightful holiday. Once again Susan, thank you for showing me Morocco. I would love to join retreat|recreate again on another trip somewhere if the planets align.  Wendy H. – Morocco 2019 (NB: Wendy loved the 2019 trip so much she did it again in 2023!)

The trip was meticulously researched, well organised and run smoothly by our retreat|recreate host Susan and our Moroccan guide Khaled. My fellow travellers were a fun and flexible group and a delight to travel with. It was an incredible and varied itinerary taking in many major cultural sites but with a primary focus on interacting with, and supporting, local crafts people. We visited many places and people that an independent traveller would simply not find. The tour took us to museums, palaces, local markets and most importantly people’s workplaces and homes. Visiting weaving, embroidery, carpet making and leather workshops and co-operatives were craft highlights. Impromptu stops included basket workshops, olive processing co-operatives and camel milk tasting, as well as collecting fresh cactus-silk fibres. The hands-on workshops were informative and fun. Everywhere we went we were genuinely welcomed with warm smiles and, of course, glasses of mint tea. A truly memorable trip – highly recommended for anyone interested in the crafts and cultures of Morocco. Gail B. – Morocco 2022