Sketch Morocco
Painting/Travel Sketch Tour with Erin Hill
June 3rd - 15th 2023
IN A NUTSHELL
Sketch Morocco with me - passionate global tutor Erin Hill.
Perched on the North West tip of Africa, Morocco is endowed with a rich and complex cultural history where we can enjoy the art, architecture, food and music, as we traverse the fantastic landscape.
From Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains and Sahara, this unique tour will provide an opportunity to engage with Morocco and respond in a creative way while travelling with me -
your tutor Erin Hill.
DURATION
12 nights / 13 days
COSTS
AUD $6,400 per person twin share
AUD $900 Extra with a room to yourself.
Maximum 12 students
Deposit AUD $1,000
(Book in now and pay your deposit in late January)
info@amazighculturaltours.com - email Rita for a booking form
We have bookings already so do grab a spot. I don’t want you to miss out!
Balance of payment not due till 60 days before departure date ( April 3rd)
BOOKINGS CONTACT (& more info)
info@amazighculturaltours.com
Or to chat with Erin: erin@erinhill.com.au
MORE ABOUT THE TOUR
You’re going to love this tour, and we’ll sketch at every opportunity there is.
But if you’re new to sketching this tour is perfect for you. I’ll be guiding you step by step.
Accommodation is provided in the most comfortable traditional guesthouses, where you will enjoy the extraordinary delights of Amazigh (Berber) food, hospitality, traditional arts and music.
Beginning in Marrakech we will have a guided tour of the old Medina visiting major cultural sites and the production areas of the souks where artisans and traders use a range of materials and techniques to create decorative and functional items.
Your experienced Guide and professional driver will take great care of you
once on the road out of Marrakech,
allowing you an opportunity to explore the delights of Morocco
in an atmosphere that is stimulating, supportive and safe.
Tour managed by
AMAZIGH CULTURAL TOURS MOROCCO
ABOUT ERIN HILL
“It is a joy to look at artwork that expresses the happiness and joy of its creator. I’ve always been drawn to Erin’s work, even before meeting her. Is it her colors? Is it how she simplifies her subjects? Is it her use of lights and darks?
And then when you meet Erin you realize that her personality is mirrored by her artwork. It’s fascinating and I think it’s part of what has made Erin such a successful instructor.
”
Your sketch tutor Erin Hill, has been creative all her life.
A graphic designer who has morphed through advertising to fine art to become an unstoppable sketcher
and urban sketcher who has designed her own teaching platform.
Love to come but unsure of your sketching ability – fear no more.
Her Sketch Tours are known for her one on one approach with students
and the very personalised experiences offered.
Erin is known for her care and attention to every sketcher no matter what their ability.
Erin is an International Sketch tutor with courses tours and workshops in Australia,
New Zealand U.K. USA, Italy, Turkey, and Southern France.
We look forward to having you join us in 2023!
WHAT’S INCLUDED
12 nights accommodation
Meals as per detailed itinerary includes: 8 dinners, 3 lunches, all breakfasts
Daily sketch tutoring, demos & guidance with Erin
Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver and fuel
Marrakech airport pickup and drop-offs on tour start and end dates
Guided tour of Marrakech Medina with an official City Guide
Entrance fees to cultural sites as per detailed itinerary
Tips Kitty for hotels, porters, drivers, guides
Bottled water on the bus
NOT INCLUDED
Flights
Travel and health insurance (compulsory)
Some lunches and dinners
Beverages including alcohol and soft drinks Personal shopping and expenses
Extras ie: hammam, massage, etc
Art and workshop materials
SKETCH KIT
You will need the Customised Erin Hill Sketch Kit or similar colours.
DAILY ITINERARY
DAY 1: Marrakech
Arrival at our traditional Riad guesthouse in the old Medina of Marrakech. Our guide and driver will meet you on arrival and escort you to the guesthouse in the old Medina of Marrakech. Welcome meeting and dinner at the guesthouse. Accommodation on HB includes dinner & breakfast
DAY 1. HERE’S A GORGEOUS RIAD IN MARRAKECH SIMILAR TO WHERE WE’LL STAY.
DAY 2: Marrakech
After breakfast a half day walking tour of the Medina with a specialist City Guide, visiting selected cultural sites and the production areas of the souks (markets) where you will see a huge array of traditional arts and crafts including textiles, ceramics, metal and leather. Afternoon sketching program. Dinner locally.
Accommodation on B&B includes breakfast.
DAY 2. WE’’L BE LOOKING ROUND ON OUR FIRST DAY AND TAKING IN THE SIGHTS.
DAY 3: Marrakech
Morning sketching program.
3 pm visit to the famous Jardin Majorelle in Gueliz (the new town). You can do some sketching or enjoy the relaxing gardens, visit the Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts to see the personal collection that inspired Yves Saint Laurent’s fashion design and visit the YSL Museum next door which is dedicated to his fashion design. 6pm return to the guesthouse. Dinner locally.
Riad accommodation on B&B includes breakfast.
DAY 3: SKETCHING AT JARDIN MAJORELLE IS STUNNING.
DAY 4: Marrakech
Morning sketching program.
Afternoon free to explore the Marrakech Medina or enjoy a traditional Hammam (Turkish- style bath) or massage. Dinner locally.
Riad accommodation on B&B includes breakfast.
DAY 4: THE LITTLE BOY WHO LIVES IN THIS COMPLEX HAS HIS OWN PET SHEEP.
DAY 5: Ait Ben Haddou
8.30am breakfast and depart at 9.00am to transfer over the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi’n’tichka Pass and the Ounila Valley to Telouet for lunch. After lunch visit the famous ruins of the Kasbah el Glaoui for a guided tour, learn more about the turbulent history of Morocco and have time to sketch. Continue off the beaten track along one of the most beautiful valleys in Morocco to your destination for the night where you can cool off with a swim in the pool and enjoy cocktails in the sculpture garden or the terrace.
Accommodation on HB includes dinner and breakfast.
DAY 5: AWAY FROM THE CITY AND ON THE ROAD TO THE HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS.
DAY 6: Ait Ben Haddou
Start the day with a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site Ksar Ait Ben Haddou. Here we will have time to sketch until lunchtime when we will be served a traditional couscous lunch cooked by the women at the Alknif Glawi weaving cooperative. Women will be working at their looms and you will be served fresh mint tea – as is the tradition in Morocco, and there will be time to sketch or shop! You can draw inspiration for your art from the colour and patterns of the wide variety of traditional designs. Afternoon free to sketch or relax by the pool.
Accommodation on FB includes couscous lunch at Alknif Glawi, dinner and breakfast.
DAY 6: VIEW OF THE UNESCO SITE WE’LL VISIT AND SKETCH IN.
DAY 7: Ait Ben Haddou
Spend the whole day sketching in the wonderful surrounds at this peaceful place where you can relax on the comfortable terraces with glorious surrounding views of the mountains and traditional architecture, or walk in the oasis gardens.
Take a walk into the village for lunch at a cafe or you can arrange for the guesthouse to provide.
Accommodation on HB includes dinner and breakfast.
DAY 7: WE CAN SKETCH AND EXPLORE THE OASIS GARDENS. SO MEDITATIVE AND COOL. Courtesy Almay Pictures.
DAY 8: Erg Chebbi Dunes - Merzouga
9am depart to our next destination, the village of Merzouga in the Sahara on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dune system. We drive through the Rose Valley and the Dades Valley, also known as the Valley of 1,000 Kasbahs. Lunch in a cafe en route at Tinjdad. Visit the fossil display in the village of Erfoud to see a range of crystals, semi precious stones, ammonites and all manner of forms embedded in black marble of the region. In the evening you can walk in the dunes or take time to relax by the pool.
Accommodation on HB to include dinner and breakfast.
DAY 8: YOU’LL LOVE THE LOCAL FOOD AND A QUICK SKETCH BETWEEN COURSES.
DAY 9: Erg Chebbi Dunes - Merzouga
A day to explore the colours and forms of the landscape in the Sahara and enjoy the guesthouse swimming pool and gardens. Lunch is included at the guesthouse where you will sample ‘medfouna’ - the Amazigh (Berber) ‘pizza’.
3-5pm
Accommodation on FB includes medfouna lunch, dinner and breakfast.
DAY 9: THE FOOD IS SIMPLE AND DELICIOUS. I’M VERY FOND OF THEIR CHICKEN TAJINE WITH PRESERVED LEMON.
DAY 10: Nkob
9am departure for our next destination on the southern side of the Jebel Sahro Mountains, a half day drive giving time in the afternoon to sketch. After lunch in a restaurant in the village you can work in the peaceful courtyard of the guesthouse where there are ample tables, terraces and spaces to work - or spend time walking in the palm groves and exploring the village of Nkob with its multitude of adobe kasbahs or swim in the pool and relax.
Accommodation on HB to include dinner and breakfast.
DAY 10; I LOVE THAT SKETCHING IS A CHANCE TO CHAT TO THE LOCALS AND THEY LOVE SEEING WHAT WE DO.
DAY 11: Nkob
Spend the whole day sketching in the wonderful surrounds at this peaceful place where you can relax on the comfortable terrace with glorious surrounding views of the mountains, or walk in the oasis gardens. Take a walk into the village for coffee and watch daily life. Lunch will be provided at the guesthouse on this day.
Accommodation on FB to include all meals.
DAY 11: COFFEE IN MOROCCO IS A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE. UNFORGETTABLE.
DAY 12: Marrakech
9am departure for a spectacular drive back to Marrakech via the Draa Valley and the Atlas Mountains to our guesthouse in the Medina. Dinner locally.
Accommodation on B&B includes breakfast.
DAY 12. WE’LL BE DRIVING THROUGH THE DRAA VALLEY WHICH IS SERIOUSLY SPECTACULAR. Courtesy Getty images.
DAY 13
Farewell breakfast
Transfers to Marrakech airport provided free on this day.
DAY 13. LETS ENJOY A GORGEOUS MOROCCAN BREAKFAST TOGETHER ON OUT FINAL MORNING.
BOOKINGS CONTACT (& more info)
info@amazighculturaltours.com
Or to chat with Erin: erin@erinhill.com.au
Note: Itinerary maybe subject to minor alterations due to unforeseen circumstances.
We are already taking bookings so now is a great time to nab a spot.