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The Blue Pearl & Beyond: A Moroccan Meraki Art Retreat
From the vibrant soul of Rabat to the coastal charm of Asilah, through the blue serenity of Chefchaouen, and into the timeless beauty of Fes – a 10-day artistic journey through Northern Morocco

10-day painting retreat

Sep 28 – Oct 7, 2025

Open to all mediums

Plein-air Retreat

3rd Annual Plein-air Retreat

Painting the “Blue Pearl” & more of Northern Morocco

with Jan-Willem & Nancy Boer of the Shenandoah Art Destination

About The Instructors 

 Jan-Willem Boer, was born in The Netherlands and attended the Rietveld Academie in Amsterdam.  He is a practicing fine artist who has exhibited in the USA and Europe.  He has undertaken many public and commercial commissions, both in the USA and Europe.

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Nancy worked for many years as an Art Representative, representing the work of many illustrators and photographers, and contributes her knowledge of  the art market to the educational process. She has dealt with art buyers, magazine editors and marketing agencies.  She has guided fine artists and researched art galleries.

    Day 1:  Arrive in Casablanca Airport

​Your private guide and driver will welcome you at Casablanca Airport and kickstart your trip! If time allows, we’ll head straight to the Hassan II Mosque—a jaw-dropping masterpiece by the ocean—where you can paint its towering minaret and seaside setting. After a lunch of fresh local fish, the mosque’s official guides will take you inside to marvel at its glittering mosaics, carved marble, and its big prayer hall (fun fact: its minaret is taller than the Statue of Liberty!). Later, we’ll drive to Rabat, Morocco’s capital, to settle into your charming hotel. Spend the evening relaxing in your room or strolling the quiet streets nearby. 

​Day 2:  Let the adventure begin!

​After breakfast, meet your local guide at the hotel to explore Rabat. Visit the Mohammed V Mausoleum and Hassan Tower Mosque, where you’ll learn about the city’s royal history and role as Morocco’s capital. Later, sketch or paint in the beautiful Andalusian Garden and the blue-and-white streets of the Kasbah of the Udayas. Enjoy lunch, then travel to Assilah, a coastal gem. Upon arrival, head to the Asilah Harbor to paint its lively fishing boats, ocean views, and serene coastal atmosphere. End your day strolling the town’s artsy medina, famous for its white walls, bright blue doors, and murals from its annual Arts Festival. The evening is yours to relax.

Day 3:   Full day Painting In Assilah

Spend the whole day inside Asilah’s old city walls. Walk through narrow streets full of blue doors, white walls, and colorful flowers – perfect for painting or taking photos! Learn a little about Asilah’s history (it’s a mix of Moroccan, Portuguese, and Spanish cultures) and its famous Arts Festival, where artists paint murals on the walls every summer. For lunch, enjoy fresh fish at a local restaurant . In the evening, relax at your big hotel – swim in the pool, enjoy a drink, or just unwind.

Fun fact: Asilah’s medina is car-free, making it a peaceful paradise for artists and dreamers!

Day 4: Chefchaouen – Blue City, Scenic Stops & Art

After breakfast, we’ll drive to Chefchaouen, Morocco’s famous “Blue City.” On the way, we’ll stop at a peaceful dam for painting and lunch at a restaurant with views of the dam. Next, we’ll take a short break at a hill with stunning views of Chefchaouen’s Blue Houses and the mountains around it – a perfect spot for photos or painting! After arriving in Chefchaouen, check into your cozy riad (a Moroccan-style guesthouse). Spend the afternoon exploring the blue-painted alleys or relaxing. Finish the day with dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 5 : Chefchaouen – Blue City, Full day 

Begin with a sunrise breakfast on your riad’s terrace, mint tea in hand as the blue-washed medina glows below. Wander the labyrinth of cobalt alleyways, camera or sketchbook ready—every corner offers a postcard scene of flower-framed doorways and sunlit stairs. Let the colors inspire a morning painting session, translating the city’s magic onto paper or canvas. After lunch, head to Al Hawta Square, where life pulses around a four-sided fountain. Watch locals gather to chat and fill jugs with fresh water, then settle on a bench to sketch the lively scene or sip a drink as children play nearby. As dusk softens the sky, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant

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Day 6 : Volubilis  – The Roman Ruins 

Start with breakfast in Chefchaouen, then hit the road to Volubilis. After enjoying  lunch at a local spot. we're off to explore the ancient Roman ruins—walk past crumbling columns, colorful mosaics, and olive groves with mountain views. After the tour, paint the historic scenes with your own style. Finally, drive to your cozy riad in Fez, where you’ll unwind after a day of adventure. Don’t forget: sunscreen, a hat, and your camera! 🌞🏛️🎨

Day 7 : Full Day In fes 

Kick off your day painting Bab Boujloud, the iconic blue-and-green gate that marks the entrance to Fez’s ancient medina. Dive into the labyrinth of 9,400 narrow streets, where every turn reveals spice stalls, leather workshops, and shops piled high with pottery, textiles, and handmade shoes. After lunch in a tucked-away café within the old city, brace yourself for the tanneries—a sensory adventure! Watch artisans dye leather in vibrant pits (grab mint leaves to ease the strong smells). Wander past centuries-old madrasas and mosques, their walls shimmering with intricate tilework, and haggle for treasures in the souks. Wrap up your day at your riad, where you can unwind on a rooftop terrace.

Tips: Wear comfy shoes, bring cash, and embrace the chaos—Fez is history alive!

Day 8 : Ceramic workshop , Meknes 

 After breakfast, dive into Morocco’s artistic heritage with a visit to a Fes pottery workshop, where master artisans craft iconic Zellij mosaics and hand-painted ceramics Next, travel to the imperial city of Meknes for a tasty lunch and a guided tour of its highlights, including the grand Bab Mansour gate and historic Heri es-Souani. Unleash your creativity during a painting session in the serene courtyard of the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, then unwind in a charming riad nestled in Meknes’ medina, complete with rooftop views and authentic Moroccan hospitality. A perfect blend of culture, history, and hands-on fun!

Day 9 :Morning In The Riad , Back to casablanca 

Enjoy a peaceful morning at your Meknes riad, learning to paint intricate Islamic geometric patterns and tiles with guidance from artist, Jan. Soak in the serene atmosphere as you create your final Moroccan masterpiece. Later, travel back to Casablanca for a heartfelt farewell evening—share stories over a goodbye dinner and exchange contacts with your fellow travelers. Each guest departs with a signed painting by Jan as a treasured souvenir of your creative journey. Bid farewell to Morocco’s vibrant colors, warm hospitality, and the new friends you’ve made—a perfect ending to an unforgettable adventure! 

Day 10 : Airport Casablanca CMN

It is hard to say goodbye. but, this is the farewell day...Transfer to Casablanca Mohamed 5 International Airport  (CMN).

​What's included

​Not included

  • English-speaking tour director/guide/translator

  • Hand selected accommodations

  • Air-conditioned vehicle and professional driver

  • airport-pickup & delivery

  • All meals 

  • Complimentary water, coffee, organic herbal tea

  • ​All local tourist fees and taxes

  • 24/7 support

  • Airfare

  • Travel insurance

  • Art materials

  • Tips

NOTE:  Artists are responsible for bringing all their own supplies, easels, chair – whatever you require.   Keep in mind being plein-air sites, walking will be required and artist will be responsible for carrying their own materials/supplies.

Price per artist[single or double room]

non artists accompanying

Total cost

$3580
$3380
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