Science of the senses, Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains: Morocco

1 December 2025 – 6 days for £2,996 per person

Embark on an unforgettable culinary journey through the vibrant heart of Morocco, where the rich flavors of Marrakech and the traditional tastes of the Atlas Mountains converge.

With its deep pink terracotta walls, the scent of orange blossom and jacaranda lined boulevards, and the sounds of snake charmers, singing and dancing water sellers in the fascinating, mediaeval bustle of the Djemaa El Fna Square this colourful, magical city has a unique, hedonistic quality that will enthral and delight.

Accompanied throughout by an expert and local guide, learn more about the science behind uniquely evocative tastes, scents and textures – from the spice markets of the ancient Medina to traditional Berber villages in the Atlas mountains, as well spectacular gardens, both aesthetically and scientifically unique. 

Throughout the tour, you’ll not only indulge in mouthwatering meals but also participate in hands-on cooking classes, guided tastings, and cultural exchanges that deepen your appreciation for Morocco’s culinary heritage.

Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, this tour offers a rich tapestry of flavours, stories, and experiences that will leave a lasting impression. 

In partnership with Kirker Holidays.

DAY 1 - ARRIVE INTO MARRAKECH AND MEET THE GROUP 

Welcome to Morocco! Make your own way to your hotel in Marrakech, the 4 star Jardins’ de la Medina, 25 minutes walk from Djemaa El Fna square. 

In the early evening meet with your local guide and Fiona where she will introduce the tour with her first talk on The Science of Spice – delving into questions including: why do chillies taste ‘hot’, is ginger good for nausea, does turmeric help to relieve arthritis, and is cinnamon helpful for diabetes?

Afterwards, you will enjoy dinner at the hotel with your fellow guests.

After dinner, your guide will lead you on a night time walk in the famous Djemaa El-Fn market square where theatre, musicians, street food and others all contribute the nightly carnival with its intoxicating atmosphere.

DAY 2 - THE SECRETS OF THE MEDINA

Today you will begin with a walking tour of the Medina. Walk through a maze of narrow colourful streets, visiting the traditional market quarters of Marrakech, a feast for the senses. You will taste some local produce, smell the fragrance of the local spices and oils, touch the texture of the local fabrics, and listen to the sounds of everyday life in the famous square of Jemaa El Fna.

After lunch at a traditional local restaurant, we visit the Koutoubia Mosque and gardens. In the evening we will meet a chef for a cooking demonstration followed by dinner. 

DAY 3 - OURIKA VALLEY AND HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS

Travelling out of the city, head into the Ourika Valley in the High Atlas Mountains, where you will visit ‘Nectarome,’ a botanical garden which produces natural aromatic oils which harness the secrets and benefits of local plants to produce natural cosmetic products optimized by modern science.

Enjoy a lunch prepared with the local organic vegetables and aromatic plants before we indulge with a foot bath and massage treatment.

You will then continue to a saffron farm to learn all about this precious spice – an ounce of saffron is valued at more than an ounce of gold. Fiona will discuss the science of saffron, and its potential uses in fighting cardiovascular disease and dementia. At this time of year the prized flowers are in bloom and we will also see orange trees, clementines, persimmons and kumquats.

DAY 4 -  JARDIN MAJORELLE, MUSÉE YVES SANT LAURENT 

This morning you will visit the Jardin Majorelle, a magnificent garden that was famously rescued from dereliction by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé and features a splendid combination of careful planting and bold colour. After lunch at the cafe here, visit the Musée Yves Saint Laurent next door, which is home to an important collection of the designer’s work as well as a library with important scientific studies on the Berber people, including ethnological, historical, anthropological, philological and sociological volumes. This formed the scientific background upon which the Berber Museum collection was partly based, and we visit this before returning to the hotel.

In the evening Fiona will introduce the final day of the tour, discussing the unique chemistry of water – the ‘universal solvent’.

DAY 5 - MARRAKECH MEDINA AND PALMERAIE DISTRICT

Today you will learn more about the most precious resource of all: water. Travel out of the historic medina of Marrakech to the Palmeraie district, a palm oasis of several hundred thousand date palms as well as olive and citrus trees. Established by the Almoravid rulers who constructed elaborate irrigation channels, it covers 54 square miles. You will cross the 12th century Tensift Bridge and visit the remarkable cactus nursey of Hans Thiemann, where more than 150 varieties of cacti are cultivated.

In the afternoon, visit the Water Museum, an innovative modern museum opened in 2017, which presents the history of Moroccan, Arab and Muslim hydraulic engineering.

DAY 6 - DEPARTURE

After breakfast, make your own way to Marrakech airport for your flight home.