Ancient Pottery in the Moroccan Rif

& Weaving in the Atlas Mountains

8 Spaces

£1500 per person

7 Days/4 - 10 September 2025

Embark on a cultural journey through northern Morocco, starting in the historic city of Fez, home to the UNESCO-listed Fez Medina. Stay in charming riad-style boutique accommodations as you explore the city’s vibrant culture.

Led by Anou Association, visit Kenza's village in the Atlas Mountains to experience wool carding, spinning, and the ancient art of natural dyeing. Weave your own piece using the wool you’ve helped prepare.

In the Rif Mountains, meet potter Zhour and her family. Learn the art of Moroccan pottery, creating earthen ceramics with traditional techniques passed down through generations. Enjoy breathtaking views as you work with natural pigments and animal hair brushes.

Indulge in authentic Moroccan cuisine with local families and immerse yourself in the region’s artisan traditions throughout your journey.

Our Impact: All experiences are led by local artisans who connect you to the cultures and celebrate Moroccan craftsmanship. Revenues go directly to local communities, supporting artisans with employment opportunities and fair wages.

Day 1: Arrival in Fez

Welcome to Morocco! Arrive in Fez, where an optional airport pick-up is available for your convenience. Check into a traditional riad-style boutique hotel, offering an authentic Moroccan experience. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring local Moroccan cuisine, and meet your fellow travelers to kick off your cultural journey.

Day 2: Wool Preparation in Kenza's Village

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Kenza's village in the Atlas Mountains, where you’ll visit with the Association Tithrite. Learn about the Twiza tradition, a collaborative gathering of artisans for wool preparation. You’ll participate in wool carding, spinning, and discover the ancient art of natural dyeing techniques used for traditional Moroccan textiles. Afterward, we’ll return to Fez.

Day 3: Weaving Workshop in Fez

Begin the day by using the wool you prepared on Day 2 in a hands-on weaving workshop. Learn the traditional techniques of weaving on a loom from local artisans. Enjoy a delicious homemade lunch prepared by the artisan after the workshop. The session takes place in Fez, hosted by Anou Cooperative, an organization dedicated to preserving Moroccan crafts.

Day 4: Journey to the Rif Mountains

After breakfast, we’ll head to the Rif Mountains. Check into a traditional, colorful clay-built Moroccan house, where you’ll stay for the next few days, surrounded by stunning mountain views. Meet the talented local artisan and her family, and begin your pottery workshop by collecting and preparing the clay together.

Day 5: Hiking & Pottery Refinement

Start your day with a refreshing hike through the Rif Mountains, where you’ll take in breathtaking views and learn about the diverse local flora and its historical significance. In the afternoon, return to your pottery creations and refine them using natural stones for polishing.

Day 6: Decorating Pottery & Cooking Class

Begin the day by collecting natural pigments from the surrounding landscape, and spend the day decorating your clay pottery with rich, vibrant reds, whites, and blacks. Afterward, prepare your pottery for firing. In the evening, join a farm-to-table cooking class, where you’ll learn to prepare traditional Moroccan dishes using fresh, local ingredients. End the day with a farewell dinner under the stars, celebrating your authentic Moroccan experience.

Day 7: Pottery Firing & Departure

After breakfast, pick up your pottery creations after a night of firing. We will transfer you back to Fez or to Fez Airport for your onward travel, marking the end of your immersive Moroccan adventure.

Day by Day

Strolling through the UNESCO-listed Fez Medina, exploring narrow streets, vibrant souks, and traditional markets as part of an immersive cultural journey in Morocco.
Enjoying a traditional home-cooked Moroccan meal with a local family, experiencing authentic cuisine and the warm hospitality of Moroccan culture.
Participants engaging in wool carding and spinning at Kenza's village in the Atlas Mountains, learning traditional Moroccan textile techniques.
Learning traditional natural dyeing techniques using local plants and minerals as part of a hands-on workshop in the Atlas Mountains.
local Moroccan artisan demonstrating traditional craftsmanship, creating handmade pottery and textiles during a cultural immersion experience in northern Morocco.
Participants decorating handmade pottery with natural pigments collected from the Rif Mountains during the pottery workshop.
Crafting Moroccan pottery in the Rif Mountains, working alongside a local artisan to collect and prepare clay for creating handmade ceramics.
Local animals and nature

Price Includes

  • Accommodation: A traditional riad in the Fez Medina. In the Rif Mountains, we will be staying in a homestay hosted by a potter's family. There are modern western toilets and showers, but limited Wi-Fi.

  • Meals: All meals are included, offering a range from home-cooked to fine dining experiences.

  • Artisan Experiences: This trip includes two days of workshops with an artisan cooperative, focusing on natural dyeing and traditional Moroccan wool spinning, as well as the opportunity to weave your own textile on a loom. Additionally, there will be a two-day ceramics course (including building, glazing, and firing pieces) led by Zhour, a local second-generation female potter.

  • Transportation: Private shuttles are included.

  • Other Details: The entire trip will be accompanied by a facilitator from Slow Days, along with additional local facilitators for the textile and pottery workshops. This trip starts and ends in Fez. We ask that guests arrive by 5 PM on the trip start date and depart after breakfast on the trip end date.

Price Does Not Include

  • Visa Fees: If you hold a British or EU passport, you do not require a visa to enter Morocco. Please check with your local authority for specific entry requirements.

  • Airfare: The cost does not cover your flights to and from Fez. We are more than happy to assist you with your bookings.

  • Alcoholic Beverages: Please note that no alcoholic beverages will be served in Morocco.

  • Personal Expenses: Any personal expenses incurred during the trip, such as souvenirs or additional activities, are not included in the package.