The ANOU ARTISAN TOUR

Join us on a very special tour…the first of its kind! See Morocco through they eyes of artisans, engage in meaning conversations about the artisan sector, learn about the history and culture of Morocco from artisans, and partake in an insider experience by visiting the homes, workshops, and communities of 8 artisan cooperatives. You will see historic sites along the way in Marrakech as well as in the Mountain region. Stay in beautiful kasbahs and riads and eat delicious local food made by the artisans and at our accommodations. Your ANOU Artisan Leaders are Kenza and Rachida, and Kirsten will be your guide from ARTIST + NOMAD.

This 10 day tour starts in Marrakech, journeys to visit the Atlas Wool Supply Company, and then down throughout the Atlas Mountains to visit multiple talented artisans . Your journey will conclude in the beautiful Ourika Valley region. This tour is a collaboration and every effort is being made to make it uniquely artisan focused while also giving back to local communities throughout your stay. You will travel like a friend of the ANOU and be welcomed into real Morocco, surely to be changed forever in how you see the world and how you shop in the future to support makers and artisans directly. (Specific itinerary provided after registration and deposit are confirmed.)

Throughout your journey you will learn why direct trade empowers artisans and changes the future for famlies and whole communities. You will be given opportunities to shop directly from artisans to bring home handmade treasures and memories from your time on this tour. You will learn about their craftsmanship and surely become an advocated to promote direct trade once you see all the work that goes into every rug, textile, or design they make. The ANOU Artisans are world changers, so get ready to inspired and motivated to make a difference by becoming an advocate for direct trade too!

Each accommodation is hand-selected to provide you with a comfortable and inspiring place to rest and connect throughout your journey. You will stay in a historic riad in Marrakech, an eco-lodge in the mountains as well as various kasbahs. You will end your journey with two nights at our favorite accommodation in the Ourika Valley. The accommodations are a mix of mid-range to mid-lux. Each room is shared occupancy (2 beds) with a private bathroom…unless you choose a single supplement (Extra fee). Most lunches are with artisans, but our breakfasts and dinners will be at each accommodation. A specific list of where you will stay is provided once you have officially registered with your 50% payment.

Throughout your tour, the ANOU Artisans will host hands-on workshops to teach you their crafts. This is an incredible way to connect with artisans, gain a new skill, and grow in your appreciation for their craftsmanship. Workshops include: wood-making, leather, natural dye, carding/spinning wool, and weaving. You do not need to have any prior experience, just a willingness to learn and have fun with the artisans! All supplies will be provided for the workshops.

Get ready for an abudnance of delicious Moroccan food throughout your journey. All our breakfasts and dinners will be at our accommodations. Most of our lunches will be prepared and eaten with artisans. Artisan meals will be eaten in a traditional, communal manner. The food is overall healthy, but if you have dietary restrictions, we will do our best to accommodate. In addition to meals with artisans, we will also have multiple daily teas during some of our visits and conversations. Meals and conversations are to be savoured and enjoyed!