Morocco travel writing retreat with CLAUDIA LAROYE
MOUNTAINS, MEDINAS & CREATIVE INSPIRATION
FEB 25 to MAR 4th, 2026
Small-group trip creative journey to Morroco with an acclaimed Travel Writer
See Morocco with a Writer’s Eye and a Traveller’s Curiosity
This isn’t just a tour — it’s a creative adventure — from vibrant medinas to peaceful mountain retreats. Join travel writer Claudia Laroye for a journey through Morocco that blends vivid landscapes, cultural immersion, and space to create. Explore, write, and connect through immersive workshops and cultural experiences.
From the buzz of Marrakech to the calm of the Atlas Mountains, you’ll experience Morocco’s contrasts up close. Think hands-on workshops, meaningful encounters with locals, and quiet moments that spark inspiration. Whether you’re writing, reflecting, or just taking it all in, this trip is designed to fuel your creativity and leave you changed.
Claudia Laroye is an award-winning travel writer and author of A Gelato a Day, a collection of stories about the real joys (and chaos) of family travel. Based in Vancouver, Claudia brings years of storytelling experience—and a great sense of humour—to every journey. Throughout your Morocco trip with Claudia, you’ll participate in hands-on writing workshops, where Claudia will guide you through the techniques she’s developed in her 15 years as a travel writer.
Come to Morocco with Claudia; leave with stories.
Dates: Feb 25 – Mar 4th, 2026
HIGHLIGHTS
PRICING FROM
USD Per Person in Dbl/Twin Accommodation
Day 1: Arrival to the Red City – Marrakech, Morocco
Welcome to Morocco!
Upon your arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport, a private driver will be waiting to welcome you and take you straight to your accommodation, set right in the heart of Marrakech’s historic center. You’ll be staying in an ideal location—just a short stroll from the lively Djemaa el Fna square, with its colourful markets, street performers, and endless little cafés and shops to discover.
After you check in, the rest of the day is yours to simply settle in, relax, and soak up the atmosphere. You might want to take a refreshing dip in the pool, stretch your legs with a gentle walk nearby, or just unwind after your journey. No pressure—this first day is all about arriving, feeling grounded, and easing into the rhythm of Marrakech at your own pace.
In the evening, meet up with Claudia and the group to go over your upcoming adventure together. Fuel your creativity in the vibrant streets and mountains of Morocco. This creative writing adventure will help you find your voice and nurture new or existing stories.
Day 2: Marrakech through Local Eyes
Spend half the day discovering Marrakech through the eyes of a local, with a private English-speaking guide who will not just share the city’s fascinating history, but also help you connect to its vibrant present. This specially curated experience is designed to inspire stories, offering rich encounters with the people, places, and traditions that make Marrakech so unforgettable.
With Claudia, you’ll learn techniques for transforming your travels into stories. You’ll leave Morocco with a completed travel journal, new creative ideas, and the skills to travel anywhere as a storyteller.
You’ll begin at the magnificent Koutoubia Mosque, its iconic minaret guiding travellers for centuries. Then, step into the lively heart of the city at Jemaa el-Fnaa square, where musicians, storytellers, and artisans create a living tapestry of Moroccan culture—an ideal place to gather inspiration for your writing. Visit the beautiful Bahia Palace, an oasis of detailed woodwork, colourful zellige tiles, and serene gardens, and explore the historic Medersa Ben Youssef, once a center for Islamic learning and a masterpiece of Moroccan artistry.
As you stroll through the labyrinthine alleys of the Medina, your guide will introduce you to artisans, spice merchants, and other locals whose stories breathe life into the city beyond its famous monuments.
Later this day: This evening, step beyond the tourist experience and into the heart of Moroccan hospitality with a special dinner hosted by a local family. You’ll be welcomed into their home with genuine warmth and invited to share a traditional meal, lovingly prepared from family recipes passed down through generations. As you gather around the table, you’ll have the chance to learn firsthand about daily life, customs, and traditions in Morocco, from stories of the past to insights about the present. This is a relaxed and meaningful opportunity not just to taste authentic flavours like aromatic tagines andhomemade bread, but also to forge personal connections and find inspiration in real conversations.
Duration of the Activities: – Guided Marrakech Tour: 4 hours (9 AM to 1 PM) – Dinner with local family: 2 hours (6 or 7 PM to 8 PM)
Meal Plan: Breakfast and dinner included
Accommodation: Riad Diamond of Marrakech (or similar)
Day 3: A Day of Colour, Culture, & Creativity
This morning, continue soaking in the inspiration of Marrakech with a visit to the beautiful Majorelle Garden, a serene oasis of vibrant blues, exotic plants, and quiet corners that once captured the imagination of artist Jacques Majorelle and designer Yves Saint Laurent. You’ll also explore the neighbouring Amazigh (Berber) Museum, offering a deeper look at Morocco’s indigenous cultures through their art, jewelry, and everyday objects.
After, tap into your own creative spirit during an Arabic calligraphy workshop. Guided by a local artist, you’ll learn the graceful strokes and techniques behind this ancient and expressive art form—another powerful way to connect to Morocco’s rich cultural traditions. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. After these days spent meeting locals, wandering the Medina, gathering stories and impressions, you’ll now have the perfect backdrop to dive into your writing—whether that’s finding a cozy corner to reflect, beginning to craft new pieces, or simply letting the energy of Marrakech guide your creativity.
Tomorrow, the journey continues into the calm beauty of the Atlas Mountains, but today is about savouring your final moments in the Red City in whatever way calls to you.
Duration of the Activities:
– Guided Majorelle Garden Tour: 1 hour (You choose the timing prior to booking)
– Calligraphy Workshop: 2 hours (afternoon)
Meal Plan: Breakfast is included
Accommodation: Riad Diamond Marrakech (or similar)
Day 4: From City Streets to Mountain Paths
Today, leave the buzz of Marrakech behind as you journey toward the peaceful beauty of the Atlas Mountains. After days filled with colour, culture, and creativity, this transition offers a slower rhythm and a fresh backdrop to continue gathering inspiration.
Your destination is the lush Ourika Valley, a land of terraced fields, rushing streams, and traditional Berber villages. Upon arriving, stretch your legs with a soft hike alongside your guide, taking time to breathe in the crisp mountain air and soak in the natural beauty around you. Along the way, you may meet local villagers and see a quieter side of Moroccan life, rooted in tradition and deeply connected to the land.
After your walk, settle into your accommodation at Kasbah Agounsane—a serene, welcoming retreat tucked into the heart of the valley. The rest of the day is yours to relax, enjoy the calm surroundings, and perhaps find a quiet spot to reflect and write, inspired by the landscapes that now embrace you.
Travel Time: 1 hour
Duration of the Activities:
– Guided soft hike: 2 to 3 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast is included
Overnight: Kasbah Agounsane (or similar)
Day 5: A Day to Create & Reflect in Ourika
Today is yours to fully embrace the quiet beauty of the Ourika Valley. With no set schedule, you’ll have the freedom to settle into your writing workshop with Claudia—whether you choose a cozy corner at Kasbah Agounsane, a shaded terrace overlooking the mountains, or even a peaceful spot out in nature where inspiration flows as easily as the river nearby.
This is your time to dive deeper into your stories, share ideas with one another, or simply pause and reflect on everything you’ve experienced so far.
If you feel like exploring, your private driver will be available throughout the day, ready to take you to a nearby village, a scenic viewpoint, or wherever the day might lead you. Whether you spend your day writing, wandering, or just breathing in the mountain air, this is a chance to reconnect with your creativity at your own pace.
Meals: Breakfast is Included
Accommodation: Kasbah Agounsane & Spa (or similar)
Day 6: A Taste of Moutain Life – Trekking & Cooking with Locals
This morning, you’ll continue your mountain journey as you transfer from the Ourika Valley to the charming village of Imlil, a gateway to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the High Atlas. Upon arrival, take time to settle into your accommodation and breathe in the fresh, crisp mountain air and enjoy some Moroccan tea.
Soon after, meet your local guide (and friendly mules if you want!) for a gentle hike through the terraced fields, walnut groves, and stone villages that scatter the hillsides. Along the way, enjoy simple moments of connection with the land and people who call this area home.
Your walk will lead you to a local Berber family’s home, where you’ll roll up your sleeves for a traditional cooking workshop. Learn the secrets behind age-old recipes as you help prepare an authentic meal—kneading dough for bread, blending spices for tagines, and even baking in a traditional clay oven. After the cooking session, sit down to share a hearty, home-cooked lunch with the family, savouring the flavours of the mountains and the genuine warmth of Moroccan hospitality.
This experience, part trek, part cultural exchange, part hands-on cooking, offers a true taste of daily life in the Atlas, leaving you with not only delicious memories but also new stories to tell.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch included
Travel Time: 1 hour
Duration of the Activities:
– Guided Soft hike, cooking workshop, and lunch with local family: The entire afternoon
Accommodation: Kasbah du Toubkal (or similar)
Day 7: Writing Workshop + Peaceful Day in Imlil
Your last day in Imlil is all about slowing down and soaking in the peaceful energy of the mountains. There’s no agenda—just plenty of time to reflect on your journey, find inspiration in the stunning surroundings, and dive into your writing workshop. You could set up a quiet spot at Kasbah du Toubkal, perhaps on a terrace with breathtaking views of the peaks, or head into nature for a serene picnic in the fields, with the sound of the mountains as your soundtrack. The calm atmosphere is perfect for letting your thoughts flow freely as you work on your pieces or simply enjoy the stillness of the moment.
Today, join Claudia for a writing workshop. From crafting your book proposal to landing a publishing deal, we’ll dive into the nitty-gritty of the world of book publishing. Should you self-publish or follow a more traditional path? We’ll spend time talking about what’s the right route for you.
Whether you choose to write in solitude, reflect on your experience, or perhaps even share ideas with fellow travellers, today is your chance to connect deeply with your creative side. There’s no rush—just space to be and create, knowing that tomorrow marks the end of your journey, but the stories you’ve gathered will stay with you long after. As the day winds down, get ready for your departure the next morning with memories of the Atlas Mountains and a fresh perspective to carry with you.
Meals: Breakfast included
Accommodation: Kasbah Toubkal (or similar)
Day 8: The End of Your Moroccan Adventure
As your time in Morocco comes to a close, you’ll be transferred from the serene mountains of Imlil to Marrakech airport for your flight home. While it’s time to say goodbye to this beautiful country, the memories of your adventures—whether it was exploring Marrakech’s vibrant streets, connecting with locals, or the peaceful moments in the Atlas—will stay with you long after you leave. Safe travels as you head home, and may the stories and inspiration from this journey continue to inspire your work and your life.
Meal Plan: Breakfast included
Travel Time: 1 hour
Tour Exclusions
IMPORTANT NOTES
PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change. Although we always do our best to stick to the itinerary, due to the ever-changing nature of the world, activities, hotels, and visits are subject to change due to forces beyond our control.
FLIGHTS: Please do not purchase your flights until this tour is confirmed.
PASSPORTS: Must be valid for at least 6 months upon return date to your home country. Proper documentation is the responsibility of each traveller.
VISAS: Responsibility of the traveller
Travel Insurance
Cancellation, Travel, Flight, and Health insurance are required and are the responsibility of the participant to research and secure the appropriate coverage. Click HERE for a Travel Insurance Quote or please email nicola@finisterra.ca for a quote.
Check with your local travel agent /insurance provider/health plan for advice about traveling overseas.
Waiver Form
All participants will be required to sign a Waiver Form prior to departure.
Sample Hotels for Morocco Writing Retreat with Claudia Laroye
Marrakech – Riad Diamond of Marrakech (or similar)
Ourika Valley – Kasbah Agounsane (or similar)
Imlil – Kasbah du Toubkal (or similar)
Meet Claudia Laroye
Travel Writer • Editor • Storyteller • World Traveller • Morocco Writing Retreat Host
Claudia Laroye is a seasoned travel writer, editor, and storyteller with a passion for meaningful journeys and the written word. As the host of Finisterra’s Morocco Writing Retreat, she brings over a decade of experience in sharing the transformative power of travel through compelling narratives.
Based in Vancouver, Canada, Claudia is the Founding Editor of the award-winning Claudia Travels travel site (formerly The Travelling Mom) and serves as the adventure travel columnist for JourneyWoman. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications, where she explores the intersection of culture, adventure, and human connection.
Claudia’s love for travel began in childhood — her parents met while working for a Canadian airline, and early adventures to Europe, Hawaii, and California ignited a lifelong curiosity about the world. Today, she shares that passion with others through her writing and her retreats, which are designed to inspire creativity, reflection, and personal growth.
At home, Claudia lives with her husband, their two grown sons (both avid travelers), and their beloved rescue dog, Zuzu. She believes travel is the ultimate gift — one that keeps giving through the stories we tell and the perspectives we gain.
Through the Morocco Writing Retreat, Claudia invites participants to slow down, immerse themselves in a rich cultural landscape, and transform their travel experiences into powerful written expressions.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Even though we wish you a flawless trip, things can happen, especially nowadays. Make sure you are prepared with a Travel Insurance policy that is right for you. Finisterra recommends Manulife Insurance or John Hancock Please feel free to ask us about Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance, Cancel for Any Reason Policies, Travel Medical Insurance, or any other questions you may have.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR CANADIANS
Travel with confidence knowing that you’re covered with Manulife Insurance.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR AMERICANS – JOHN HANCOCK
Explore the world, stress-free, when you book travel insurance with John Hancock International.
WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
At Finisterra Travel we help you discover, push personal boundaries, and explore the unknown.
We are super passionate about sustainable, transformational, and adventure travel. Definitely not “armchair travellers”, we have firsthand experience of where you’ll be heading. No one wants to feel like a tourist which is why when we plan a custom travel experience for you, we strive to make your adventure as authentic as possible. We offer an array of Small Group Adventures & Custom Trips, and have something for every type of traveller.
Our unique itineraries are designed to best showcase some of our favourite destinations around Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, and Europe. All itineraries are fully-customizable. Not your typical online travel agency, nor are we quite a tour operator, we are international travel designers with a flair for unique experiences. We’d love to hear from you!
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