At the Fes Saiss airport, you will be greeted by our driver who will take you to Riad Maison Verte in the heart of the old city of Fes, your home base for the journey. We will meet you at the drop-off spot and walk you to the riad and show you to your room. If you arrive before the 2 pm check-in time, you can stow your bags at the riad and explore the city. We will gather for a welcome dinner in the riad at 6 pm, and then, sweet dreams!

Diving into the heart of Fes, we'll uncover the roots of Morocco's most iconic henna art style. Our journey begins with a stroll through the old medina, led by our expert guide Fatma Zohrae. As we navigate the winding streets, we'll make our way to a workshop where artisans create tirz Fessi, the embroidery style that's quintessentially Fes. Here, you'll notice the striking parallels between these intricate embroidery patterns and traditional Fessi henna designs - a connection that's impossible to miss for anyone familiar with Moroccan henna.

After a local lunch, we'll venture into the depths of the medina to find the Henna Souk. This small, specialized area is a treasure trove of henna and related items, offering insight into the raw materials used in Fessi henna art and the forms in which they arrive in the city.

To cap off our day, we'll return to the riad for an in-depth class with master artist Khadija. She'll guide us through the fundamentals of Fessi henna design, bringing our journey full circle and providing a hands-on experience with this ancient art form.

Immerse yourself in the intricate world of Islamic art and geometry, cornerstones of Moroccan cultural heritage. On our second day in Fes, we'll explore how these artistic concepts have shaped the country's ceramics, mosaics, and carvings. Our journey begins with a wander through the city, where we'll inevitably encounter stunning examples of Morocco's renowned tilework at the Attarine Madrasa.

Next, we'll visit the famed ceramic workshops in Ain Nkob, where artisans have honed their craft for centuries. Here, we'll attend a class that unveils the secrets of ceramic-making and the creation of elaborate zellige mosaics. You'll even have the chance to channel your inner artist by painting ceramics yourself.

Following our creative endeavors, we'll ascend to the Merenid tombs, offering breathtaking panoramas of Fes. After lunch, we'll return to Riad Maison Verte for Khadijah's enlightening class on Islamic geometry, beautifully tying together the day's experiences and deepening our understanding of this ancient art form.

Morocco's rich cultural tapestry has been woven over centuries, shaped by successive waves of invasions, rebellions, and the blending of peoples from across the Middle East and North Africa. Our journey through time begins with recent history at the Attarine Madrasa in Fes, where we'll explore the profound Arab influence on Moroccan art. 

After savoring a traditional lunch, we'll step further back in time to visit Volubilis, Morocco's only intact Roman ruin. Walking among the ancient stones, you'll be transported to the daily life of this far-flung African outpost of Rome. 

To complete our historical odyssey, we'll delve even deeper into the past, discussing the enduring impact of ancient civilizations like Carthage. You'll discover how these long-gone empires continue to subtly shape North African culture to this day, leaving an indelible mark on Morocco's diverse heritage.

Having gained insight into Morocco's culture and history, we now delve deeper into the country's soul: it’s Amazigh culture. Our day begins with Souad, an extraordinary henna artist who shares her captivating journey. More than a skilled practitioner, Souad harnesses energy and spirits to bestow blessings and protection upon her clients - a practice deeply rooted in centuries-old Amazigh traditions and still vibrant today.

Another vital aspect of the Moroccan spirit is its renowned cuisine, particularly in Fes. We'll learn to prepare a few simple yet delicious dishes, then savor our creations while Leila and Souad regale us with cherished food memories. As a special treat, Monique will demonstrate the art of distilling rosewater, discussing its significance in Moroccan cuisine, rituals, and beauty routines. Each participant will receive a sample of this fragrant elixir.

While the distillation process continues, we'll explore favorite spots in the medina that further connect us to Morocco's Amazigh soul, bringing our cultural immersion full circle.

As our journey through Morocco's rich tapestry of history, places, and experiences draws to a close, we return to the heart of Fessi henna art with newfound appreciation. Souad leads an immersive class in her distinctive Fessi design style, where you'll recognize elements from our week-long exploration. Together, we'll reflect on our Fes experience, sharing personal insights and discoveries.

After savoring our final lunch together, we'll delve into the art of Arabic calligraphy, learning its fundamental techniques. Our group name, Mektoub, meaning "it is written," serves as a poignant reminder of the power bestowed upon the written word in North African and Middle Eastern cultures - both as art and talisman.

For our final adventure, we'll wind our way through Fes's former Jewish quarter, eventually arriving at the serene Jnane Sbil garden. This last stop provides a fitting conclusion to our journey, offering a moment of tranquility and reflection on the diverse facets of this enchanting city.

After one last breakfast together at Riad Maison Verte, we will arrange your transport to the Fes Saiss Airport or the central train station for your journey home. We will be sad to part ways but hopefully only temporarily...and we will surely stay in touch!