city: Morocco

High Atlas Mountains Small Group Tour & Cooking Class

As far as cooking classes go, you'd be hard pushed to find a better place to pull on an apron than the High Atlas Mountains. On this small group tour, you'll trek through wild terrain and typical Berber villages and learn how to prepare a Moroccan feast amid spectacular scenery. Brahim, one of our local guides, says, ‘Here, in the mountain villages, cooking and sharing a meal with locals is also exploring our way of life. It's a very human experience – warm, generous and welcoming.'In the morning, you'll visit the home of a villager, hike in the mountains and visit the spice-scented market of a remote Berber community. You'll learn about local agricultural techniques, and your guide will introduce you to the exotic ingredients used in Moroccan cuisine. As you shop, you'll get to sample local olive oil, organic honey and even a mountain herb or two. And you'll also be helping the local economy with your purchases.With your basket filled with fresh locally sourced produce, you'll be welcomed into a family home where the cooking begins. Under the guidance of an in-the-know local, you'll help prepare homemade bread, brew Moroccan mint tea and cook a selection of traditional dishes that you'll dine on for lunch. Afterwards, burn off the calories with a bit of birdwatching as your guide takes you on a hiking trail. You'll trek through a network of ancient paths criss-crossing the rocky valleys of the High Atlas. A scenic end to an immersive cultural experience.