‘Sketch Morocco’
2026
tricia Sullivan
with Erin Hill sketching
in association with Moroccan Escapes
•
5th – 22nd April 2026
17 NIGHTS / 18 DAYS
This trip was so successful in May this year that Tricia has decided to do it all again in April 2026.
On this fabulous trip, we will explore the whole of Morocco again, from the jewel toned gates of Fez to the rust colours of the Sahara Desert, the blue painted buildings of Chefchaouen, to the bustling souks of Marrakech and ending in the laid-back beach town of Essouira.
Here are a few of our inclusions.
•We will have morning tea with a Bedouin in his cave house.
•Ride a camel and stay in a glamping tent in the Sahara.
•Marvel at the vibrant colours of Le Jardin Majorelle, the magnificent garden of Yves St Laurent,
•Sleep in authentic Moroccan riads,
•Feast on delicious Moroccan food,
•Learn how to cook a chicken tagine,
•Drink copious amounts of sweet Mint tea
Take time every day to sit and sketch and absorb this exotic culture
Be with the new friends that we make on this small group tour.
Morocco is a world away from anything you have ever experienced before.
If you want to ride on this magic carpet with Tricia across this amazing country, then book in now.
Numbers will be limited on this trip, and bookings are now open.
Sunday 5th april – Sunday 22nd April 2026
17 nights / 18 days
To book, call Heather +61 448 739 946
or email: heather@moroccanescapes.com.au
www.moroccanescapes.com.au
COSTS
€7360 pp
Twin Share €6150
Deposit: €450pp Non refundable
Morocco is a truly unique country, where you can step back in time to experience centuries old culture, that is a mix of Berber, Arabic, Andalusian, Mediterranean, French, Moorish and African. These influences are seen in everything from the architecture to the food, the culture and the Moroccan people.
I’m Tricia and I will take you on a journey to safely explore this wonderous country - to experience the warmth of its people, the ancient trades, the cuisine, the markets, the tiled palaces, the history, culture, music, handicrafts, current artists and so much more.
I will help you to capture your memories through quick, simple, vibrant travel sketches. We will capture the feeling and essence of Morocco that a photograph can’t always do. Your sketches (like your memories) will be unique to you.
We will sketch every day, and I can guide you in the creation of your sketch as much or as little as you want. Sketching gives us the opportunity to stop and smell the roses, to be creative and observant, while we put together a vibrant little drawing of Moroccan daily life. All level of sketchers are welcome on this trip - from complete novices, to experienced sketchers.
But it’s not all about sketching! There is plenty of free time in every day as well, to explore, rest and experience the local area on your own, or with the new friends that you will make on this trip. We always like to meet up at the end of the day, to swap stories and enjoy a delicious meal together, to live like a local even if it’s just for a day.
Come join me on this creative, sketching tour of Morocco.
You will capture memories to last a lifetime.
Tricia Sullivan
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Daily sketching opportunities and tuition by Tricia Sullivan
17 nights accommodation in carefully chosen boutique Riads and hotels, including a night in a desert camp
17 breakfasts, 5 dinners
Local guide in Fes medina
Entry to Hassan II Mosque, Le Jardin Majorelle
Tea in Berber cave house, goat’s cheese farm visit and tasting, Marrakech evening food tour, cooking class
Private transport with a local English-speaking driver
Casablanca airport pick up at scheduled time on arrival day and drop off at Marrakech airport on departure day
Transfers between Merzouga and desert camp by camel or 4x4
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
International and domestic flights
Transfers to and from your local airport in Australia or home country
Travel insurance - mandatory
Meals and activities, other than those specified in the itinerary as included
Personal items such as drinks, laundry
City tax, where charged separately by hotels/riads
Tips (widely expected in Morocco) - we will organise a kitty for tips.
ITINERARY
Casablanca • Chefchaouen • Fes • Erfoud • Sahara • Dades Gorge • Ait Benhaddou • Marrakech • Essaouira • Depart Marrakech
•
Here’s a guide to our Itinerary -
of course occasionally we need to change things, but we’ll follow this as closely as possible.
Day 1: April 5. 2026, Casablanca
Arrive into Casablanca international airport early afternoon, where you’ll be met by our local driver for transfer to the hotel. This evening, we get together to meet our fellow sketchers for a tour briefing with Tricia. (Breakfast). Overnight Casablanca.
•
Day 2: April 6. 2026, Casablanca
We begin our tour with a visit to the spectacular Hassan II Mosque, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
This is one of the largest mosques in the world and the only functioning mosque in Morocco open to non-Muslims. And a great place to sketch.
We’ll have a tour of the mosque, and do some sketching, before a special dinner tonight at Rick’s Cafe. (Here’s looking at you, Kid!)
B’fast, Dinner. Overnight Casablanca.
•
Day 3: April 7. 2026, Chefchaouen
From Casablanca, we drive north towards the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen, ‘the Blue Pearl’,
famous for its beautiful, blue-painted buildings in the medina.
It’s a small, friendly town, easy to explore: the perfect place to wander the pretty streets of the medina.
Our biggest problem here will be deciding what NOT to sketch!
B’fast. Overnight Chefchaouen
•
Day 4: April 8. 2026, Chefchaouen
We will spend today in Chefchaouen medina, sketching this morning, with free time in the afternoon to relax, explore and shop.
B’fast. Overnight Chefchaouen
•
Day 5: April 9. 2026, Fes
We say goodbye to Chefchaouen this morning to drive to the exotic city of Fes.
This afternoon, we’ll visit the gates of the King’s Palace and the adjoining Jewish Quarter before returning to the medina for dinner.
B’fast, Dinner. Overnight Fes.
•
Day 6: April 10. 2026, Fes
Fes is synonymous with ceramics and leather, so we start the day with a visit to a ceramics workshop and the famous Chouara tanneries, which are quite a sight (and smell!).
Then a guided walking tour of the medina, with its labyrinth of lanes and alleyways, a secret tea shop, stunning architecture and, of course, the souks.
B’fast. Overnight Fes.
•
Day 7: April 11. 2026, Fes
This morning, we will walk the short distance to the famous ‘Blue Gate’ (blue on one side, green on the other). We’ll find a quiet cafe where we can sip on mint tea while we sketch.
This evening, we’ll do a cooking class together and enjoy our freshly prepared meals for dinner.
B’fast, Dinner. Overnight Fes.
•
Day 8: April 12. 2026, Erfoud
And now it’s south towards the Sahara!
Our first stop is tea with the Berber owner of a traditional cave house in the village of Imouzzer Kandar. Then a delicious goat’s cheese tasting at Tarik’s organic farm.
We’ll pass through the towns of Ifrane and Midelt, as forested hills
gradually give way to an arid, more barren landscape.
Our destination is the oasis town of Erfoud, famous for its date palms and the many fossils found in this area and our overnight stop before the desert.
B’fast. Overnight Erfoud
•
Day 9: April 13. 2026, Merzouga and Sahara
This morning, we visit the market town of Rissani, well-known for its authentic spice market.
After trying the local speciality of ‘Berber pizza’ for lunch, later this afternoon, we’ll meet our camels on the edge of the dunes for the transfer to the desert camp.
Or, if you prefer, you can go in a 4x4.
And, in case you’re wondering, the desert camp tents have aircon and en suite bathrooms.
Tonight, after dinner, enjoy a performance of African drumming around the campfire.
B’fast, Dinner. Overnight Sahara Luxury Camp.
•
Day 10: April 14. 2026, Dades Gorge
The early risers this morning can watch the sunrise over the vast expanse of Erg Chebbi, the ‘Sea of Dunes’.
Then it’s back to Merzouga by 4x4, to meet our transport for the drive along the ‘Road of a Thousand Kasbahs.’ We’ll stop in Tinghir to visit a Berber carpet weaving co-operative before continuing to Boumalne Dades, from where we make our way along Dades Gorge, with spectacular views at every turn,
to our hotel for the night.
B’fast, Dinner. Overnight Dades Gorge
Of course occasionally we need to change but we’ll follow this as closely as possible.
•
Day 11: April 15. 2026, Ait Benhaddou
Our drive this morning brings us to Ouarzazate, where we’ll stop to see some traditional brass
and copper work and silver jewellery.
Then on to Ait Benhaddou, an 11th century ksar (fortified village), UNESCO World Heritage Site and filming location for many famous movies, including Gladiator and Games of Thrones.
We’ll spend the afternoon exploring the kasbah, with its cute shops, art studios and cafes and a viewpoint at the top, overlooking the valley and mountains beyond.
B’fast. Overnight Ait Benhaddou.
•
Day 12: April 16. 2026, Ait Benhaddou
A full day in Ait Benhaddou, sketching in the kasbah, exploring and shopping.
There are several resident artists inside the kasbah - we will stop to watch them at work.
We can share our stories of the day over dinner tonight in this truly exotic part of the world.
B’fast. Overnight Ait Benhaddou.
•
Day 13: April 17. 2026, Marrakech
After breakfast this morning, we have a scenic drive over the High Atlas Mountains to the ‘red city’ of Marrakech. The vibrancy of Marrakech cannot be found anywhere else in the world!
We will explore, sketch and soak in the atmosphere. Then in the early evening we will be taken on a walking food tour with a Marrakechi local, sampling a range of Moroccan specialities.
It’s a fun and informative evening that will tantalise your taste buds and awaken your senses and a great introduction to the main square,
Jemaa el Fnaa, with snake charmers, entertainers and musicians - it truly comes alive after dusk
B’fast. Overnight Marrakech
•
Day 14: April 18. 2026, Marrakech
We begin the day with a visit to Le Jardin Majorelle, a beautiful garden in the Ville Nouvelle that was bought and restored by Yves Saint Laurent.
We’ll spend time sketching the fountains, exotic plants and striking buildings of this beautiful garden.
There is free time this afternoon for a traditional Moroccan spa (hamman), or to relax at the riad,
go shopping or admire the incredible colours of the Marrakech medina.
B’fast. Overnight Marrakech
•
Day 15: April 19. 2026, Essaouira
This morning, we drive to the laid-back coastal city of Essaouira, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Famous for its seafood, handicrafts and thriving arts scene.
It’s the perfect place to unwind at the end of the tour.
This afternoon, we’ll sketch and explore before meeting for dinner in a local restaurant.
B’fast. Overnight Essaouira
•
Day 16: April 20. 2026, Essaouira
Our sketching subjects in Essaouira today might include ancient walls, blue fishing boats, colourful spices in the market, or children playing in the street. Our options are endless.
B’fast. Overnight Essaouira
•
Day 17: April 21. 2026, Essaouira
Another day of sketching in Essaouira and an opportunity for any last-minute shopping.
Tonight, we will have a special farewell dinner together to celebrate the end of a memory making trip.
B’fast, Dinner. Overnight Essaouira
•
Day 18: April 22. 2026, Essaouira
Today is departure day.
It’s a three-hour transfer back to Marrakech airport so, if you are flying out of Marrakech,
please allow enough time for check-in
(the recommended time in Morocco before an international flight is three hours).
If you prefer to fly out of Casablanca, we can organise a private transfer for you from either Essaouira or Marrakech (at extra cost). Safe travels!
WHO IS IT FOR
Anybody who’d love to learn travel sketching and drawing, using watercolours,
or simply like to polish up their drawing skills and loves the idea of sketching, exploring and living like a local in Moroccan neighbourhoods.
No perfection needed, just a desire to sketch and have fun.
*
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
*Sketch Kit - Available to order online if you’re in Australia, or get similar in UK, USA and France.
I’ve designed this custom sketch kit to be minimal and fit into your shoulder bag, ready at any moment.
It contains everything you need. Don't be tempted to bring more.
* Bring a folding stool if you like, a hat, sunglasses, sun lotion, money for incidentals, such as drinks and meals not included.
* Travel insurance vital - better safe than sorry.
* Come with a big happy smile and willingness to learn.
LOOKING FORWARD TO SKETCHING WITH YOU SOON IN MOROCCO
•
Click the little icons below to see loads of my sketches on Pinterest and Instagram