Morocco Photography Workshop

March 25, 2028: Arrival and Group Dinner at Marrakech Riad

Upon arrival at Marrakech airport (RAK), you will be transferred by van to our beautiful riad in the city, where you’ll be able to settle into your room. Once everyone arrives, we’ll meet as a group prior to enjoying a wonderful Moroccan-style dinner. 

March 26, 2028: Bahia Palace, Koutoubia Mosque, Djemaa el Fna Exploration

Often called the “Southern Pearl,” Marrakech has served as a cultural crossroads for centuries, blending Berber, Arab, and African influences into one of North Africa’s most vibrant cities. Today begins with a guided exploration of the magnificent Bahia Palace and the Maison de la Photographie, offering an inspiring introduction to Morocco’s rich architectural and photographic heritage.

After lunch, we’ll visit the iconic Koutoubia Mosque before wandering into the legendary Djemaa el-Fna, where storytellers, musicians, artisans, and food vendors create one of the world’s most dynamic public squares. As evening approaches, we’ll explore the maze-like souks, photographing colorful spices, handcrafted goods, and the daily life that makes Marrakech such a captivating destination for photographers.

We’ll conclude the day with a traditional Moroccan dinner before returning to our beautifully restored riad in the heart of the medina.

March 27, 2028: Atlas Mountains Journey, Aït Ben Haddou Tour

After breakfast, we’ll depart Marrakech and journey across the spectacular High Atlas Mountains via the winding Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest paved mountain pass in Morocco. As we climb through the mountains, we’ll pass traditional Berber villages perched on rugged hillsides, offering glimpses into a way of life that has changed little over the centuries.

By afternoon, we’ll arrive at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aït Ben Haddou, one of Morocco’s most celebrated fortified villages. Built from earthen clay and straw, its maze of kasbahs and narrow passageways has served as the backdrop for countless films, including Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, and Kingdom of Heaven. We’ll spend the evening photographing the kasbah as the warm light of sunset brings its rich textures and timeless architecture to life before enjoying dinner. 

March 28, 2028: Sunrise at Aït Ben Haddou, Road of a Thousand Kasbahs

We plan to get up before the crack of dawn to photograph the starlight in the ancient village. We’ll wait for the morning sun to light up the mauve-colored city walls. This peaceful hour offers a rare opportunity to photograph the UNESCO World Heritage site without the daytime crowds, as soft pre-dawn light gradually gives way to the warm glow of sunrise across its centuries-old kasbahs and towers.

After returning to the hotel for breakfast, we’ll continue east toward the lush oasis of Skoura. Along the way, the landscape transitions from rugged mountain valleys to expansive palm groves as we travel the legendary Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, where fortified villages and ancient mud-brick architecture tell the story of Morocco’s historic caravan routes. Time permitting, we’ll stop to photograph several of these remarkable kasbahs before arriving in Skoura, a tranquil oasis renowned for its sprawling date palms and traditional villages.

We’ll check-in to our kasbah for the night, and enjoy photographing the last light of the day from the rooftop before enjoying an amazing meal. 

March 29, 2028: Drive to Sahara Dunes, Sunset on the Dunes

Today we leave early to drive to the Sahara Dunes. Along the way we’ll stop at several of the ancient Moroccan villages and lunch. Suddenly the dunes become visible on the horizon. Our hotel is situated on the edge of the dunes, providing us with walking access to the dunes. We’ll enjoy a wonderful dinner before walking out to capture the last light on the dunes. 

March 30, 2028: Sahara Dunes 4×4 Ride, Sunset Camel Experience

In the morning, we will have a 4×4 ride around the dunes and visit the nomadic Berber villages. You’ll have some time to photograph the musicians before our lunch. After lunch and a little downtime in the hotel, we’ll head out on the dunes to photograph sunset with the camels and camel herders.

March 31, 2028: Middle Atlas Mountains Traverse, Arrival in Fes

After an early breakfast, we’ll leave the desert landscapes behind and begin our journey north across the Middle Atlas Mountains. The scenery changes dramatically throughout the day as the road climbs through cedar forests, rugged mountain passes, fertile valleys, and traditional Berber villages, revealing yet another side of Morocco’s remarkable diversity. Along the way, there will be opportunities to stop and photograph changing landscapes, local life, and sweeping mountain vistas.

We’ll pause for lunch in the town of Midelt, nestled between the High and Middle Atlas ranges and known for its rich deposits of fossils, minerals, and gemstones. By late afternoon, we’ll arrive in Fes, Morocco’s oldest imperial city and its spiritual and cultural heart. The evening is yours to settle into our beautifully restored riad before gathering for a traditional Moroccan dinner in preparation for exploring this extraordinary city tomorrow.

April 1, 2028: Fes Medina Exploration, Artisans, Chouara Tannery Visit

Today is devoted to exploring the remarkable medina of Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s largest surviving medieval cities. With no automobiles allowed inside its ancient walls, the narrow streets are alive with artisans, merchants, donkeys carrying goods, and centuries of history unfolding around every corner.

We’ll wander through bustling markets, photograph colorful spice stalls, traditional craftsmen, and hidden alleyways before visiting the famous Chouara Tanneries, the gates of the Royal Palace, and the city’s renowned pottery workshops. Rich textures, changing light, and vibrant daily life make Fes one of Morocco’s finest destinations for street and documentary photography.

After lunch in the heart of the medina, we’ll continue our exploration and spend time working with local artisans. This will be a great time to watch and observe their skills before capturing a portrait. Dinner will be served at a local restaurant.

April 2, 2028: Deep Dive into Fes Artisans and Workshops

Today offers another opportunity to immerse yourself in the timeless atmosphere of Fes. Rather than rushing from one landmark to the next, we’ll slow our pace and spend time exploring neighborhoods and workshops where generations of artisans continue to practice traditional crafts by hand. From leatherworkers and metalsmiths to woodcarvers, weavers, and potters, Fes remains one of the few places where centuries-old techniques are still part of everyday life.

With time on our side, we’ll be able to observe these craftsmen at work, creating thoughtful photographs that tell the story of both the artisan and their craft. The narrow alleyways, soft reflected light, and intimate workshops provide exceptional opportunities for environmental portraits, documentary photography, and capturing the authentic character of Morocco’s oldest imperial city.

After another day wandering the ancient medina, we’ll return to our riad for a relaxing evening and delicious meal.

April 3, 2028: Volubilis and Meknes Tour, Chefchaouen Arrival

After an early breakfast, we’ll depart Fes for the ancient Roman city of Volubilis, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in North Africa and a UNESCO World Heritage site. A guided walk through its remarkably intact mosaics, columns, and temples offers a fascinating glimpse into Roman life nearly 2,000 years ago while providing excellent opportunities for architectural photography.

We’ll continue to the imperial city of Meknes for lunch before exploring several of its historic landmarks, including the impressive Bab Mansour gate, the vast royal granaries and stables of Heri es-Souani, and portions of the old medina. By late afternoon, we’ll travel into the Rif Mountains, arriving in the picturesque blue city of Chefchaouen in time for dinner at our riad.

April 4, 2028: Early Morning in Chefchaouen, Artisan Discoveries

Before dawn, we’ll step into the quiet blue alleyways of Chefchaouen while the town is still asleep. In the soft glow of street lamps and the first light of morning, the maze of narrow lanes, stairways, archways, and bluewashed walls takes on an entirely different character. This peaceful hour offers the best opportunity to create clean, uncluttered compositions before the streets begin to fill with residents and visitors.

After breakfast, we’ll continue exploring Chefchaouen at a relaxed pace, discovering hidden courtyards, artisan workshops, and colorful doorways tucked throughout the medina. Along the way, we’ll stop for freshly baked bread and traditional mint tea while learning about the history and culture of this unique mountain town. Those looking for a different perspective may choose an afternoon hike into the surrounding Rif Mountains for sweeping views over the famous blue city.

Dinner will be served at a local restaurant.

April 5, 2028: Departure to Tangier, Coastline Views, Final Dinner

After breakfast, we’ll depart the blue streets of Chefchaouen and make our way north to the historic port city of Tangier, a crossroads where Europe and Africa have met for centuries. As the landscape gives way to the coastline, we’ll stop at several scenic viewpoints overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the Strait of Gibraltar, where, on a clear day, the mountains of Spain are visible across the water.

We’ll arrive in Tangier in the early afternoon with time to settle into our hotel before gathering for one last image review. Following this recap of the images we’ve all captured throughout our journey, we’ll enjoy our final dinner filled with stories and sharing memories of our travels.

April 6, 2028: Departure from Tangier

Breakfast at your riad before flights home!