From the Atlantic coastlines of Asilah to the blue mountain serenity of Chefchaouen, through the ancient streets of Fes and the timeless atmosphere of Northern Morocco . join Leslie Lambert and Moroccan Meraki for a 10-day immersive painting journey filled with light, culture, color, and inspiration.
Leslie Lambert is teaming up with Moroccan Meraki to offer artists the opportunity to experience Morocco through painting, travel, and meaningful cultural connection.
Beginning in Casablanca with a visit to the majestic Hassan II Mosque, the journey continues through Northern Morocco exploring Rabat, Asilah, Tangier, Tetouan, Chefchaouen (the Blue Pearl), Volubilis, and Fes while staying in carefully selected riads and boutique hotels.
Traveling comfortably in a private air-conditioned vehicle with a local Moroccan guide, participants will discover historic medinas, coastal towns, mountain scenery, vibrant markets, and extraordinary painting locations .while also enjoying authentic Moroccan cuisine and the relaxed rhythm that makes this region so inspiring for artists.
Throughout the retreat, Leslie will guide participants in capturing the atmosphere, light, textures, and spirit of Morocco through watercolor and sketch-based painting approaches in an encouraging and supportive environment.
Leslie Lambert is an award-winning watercolor artist, instructor, and author known for her luminous interpretations of the Western landscape and life. A Signature Member of numerous watercolor societies, including Women in Watercolor and the Northwest Watercolor Society, Leslie teaches workshops internationally and serves as an adjunct art instructor at the College of Southern Idaho. Her work has been featured in publications such as The Art of Watercolour, Western Art Collector, and PleinAir Magazine. Through watercolor, Leslie seeks to capture not just a place, but the feeling, atmosphere, and story within it. More of Leslie’s work can be viewed at leslielambertart.com
Teaching Approach
Leslie’s teaching style is encouraging, approachable, and focused on helping artists truly see light, color, shape, and atmosphere. During the Morocco workshop, students will paint on location using direct observation, sketching, and watercolor techniques designed to simplify complex scenes while capturing the energy and beauty of each place. Emphasis will be placed on composition, value, color harmony, and creating expressive paintings inspired by the experience of travel itself. Artists of all levels are welcome.
Learn more about Leslie and her work by visiting her website or find her on Instagram.
NOTE: Artists are responsible for bringing all their own supplies, easels, chair, whatever you require. Once your reservation is made, you will be sent a list of necessary supplies to bring with you. Keep in mind being plein-air sites, walking will be required and artist will be responsible for carrying their own materials/supplies.
Travel Insurance: We strongly advise you to take out your own travel and personal insurance.
This retreat follows a carefully designed route through Northern Morocco, combining imperial cities, coastal towns, mountain landscapes, and historic cultural sites. Beginning in Casablanca, the journey moves north through Rabat and the artistic seaside town of Asilah, before continuing toward Tetouan and the blue mountain city of Chefchaouen. The route then travels through the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis before ending in the timeless medina of Fes.
The itinerary has been designed to offer a rich variety of artistic inspiration , from Atlantic coastlines and whitewashed villages to historic architecture, mountain scenery, colorful markets, and quiet medina streets , creating an immersive watercolor experience across some of Morocco’s most visually inspiring regions.
Food & Culinary Experience
Northern Morocco is not only a feast for the eyes . it is also one of the richest culinary regions in the country, shaped by Andalusian, Mediterranean, Berber, and coastal influences. Throughout the retreat, guests will experience authentic Moroccan cuisine in carefully selected local restaurants, riads, and family-owned spaces that reflect the spirit of each destination.
From the Atlantic coast of Asilah and Tangier to the mountain kitchens of Chefchaouen and the historic flavors of Fes, each stop offers its own atmosphere and specialties. Guests will enjoy fresh seafood by the ocean, traditional Moroccan tagines, seasonal couscous, warm msemen for breakfast, local goat cheese from the Rif Mountains, homemade breads, mint tea ceremonies, and the rich culinary traditions of the imperial cities.
Meals are an important part of the journey and are designed to feel relaxed, generous, and deeply connected to place. Whether sharing grilled fish near the harbor in Asilah, enjoying rooftop dinners in Chefchaouen, or discovering the aromas of the medina in Fes, the retreat invites guests to experience Morocco through both painting and taste.
Please let us know in advance about any dietary requirements or food preferences, and we will always do our best to accommodate them throughout the retreat. However, please note that we may not be able to safely accommodate severe or life-threatening allergies in all locations during the journey.
Included Culinary Experiences
What sort of lodging accommodations will be booked?
Accommodations will be either a 3-Star to 5-Star hotel or a local riad.
Is it safe to travel in Morocco?
Morocco is a safe place to visit, especially when you travel with a private guide and driver, and respect the laws and local customs. The crime rate is low. However, just as you would when traveling in any foreign country, it’s a good idea to keep money and valuables in a zipped bag close to your body; maybe using a money pouch or passport bag that can be worn inside your clothing.
What are the requirements of a Passport/Visa?
If traveling from the USA make sure the expiration date of your passport is more than 6 months from the day you will return to the USA; if NOT, you will need to renew your passport. For another country, please check your requirements. It is also a good idea to have a copy of your passport on your phone.
Visas are only necessary if you are staying 90 days or more.
What is the recommendation for vaccines/medications?
Check CDC’s webpage for your destination to see what vaccines or medicines you may need and what diseases or health risks are a concern at your destination.
Make sure to get any refills needed for your prescriptions in plenty of time before your travel dates.
Is alcohol allowed to be consumed?
Yes, Morocco allows the consumption of alcohol. It can be purchased in licensed hotels, bars, and tourist areas. You can also buy alcohol in most major supermarkets.
Are there vegetarian options on the menus?
Yes.
Is water OK to drink?
Drink bottled water to be on the safe side.
How should I dress?
Before going, check what the season is for the timeframe you are going so you know what the range of temperature will be. Also, the temperature is going to vary from daytime to nighttime.
Casual attire is appropriate; all things lightweight and full coverage is ideal—loose trousers or maxi skirts are perfect. As a matter of cultural respect women should avoid short shorts and bare midriffs. A tunic dress or shirt with leggings or a full kaftan is great too. Not only does full coverage allow you to dress conservatively in Morocco, but it will also protect you from the sun. A headscarf may be required to go into the mosques we visit. A lightweight jacket/sweater is recommended for cooler evenings and the mountains.
Make sure you take comfy footwear for daytime – preferably closed-in shoes as the streets are often uneven and dusty.
Do they have regular toilets in Morocco?
Yes, but toilet facilities do not always provide toilet paper; you might want to have some with you. Your lodging will always include regular toilets and oftentimes, also bidets. Occasionally, when traveling in the country, you will stop at places with squat toilets.
Is there a way to do laundry during the tour?
Yes, many hotels and riads offer laundry services. This cost is not included in the price of your tour. Some riads do not provide washcloths; so pack one if needed.
What is the currency?
The currency in Morocco is called the dirham. There are bank notes (20/50/100/200) and also coins (dirham and centimes). For exchange purposes – $1.00 = 10 dirham.
The dirham is a closed currency, which means it can only be bought once you arrive in Morocco. You can exchange for the dirham at the airport, ATM machines or your guide will find local exchange places. You will need enough cash for personal purchases and tips. Keep in mind that the dirham is a closed currency so must be purchased and redeemed within Morocco.
Traveler’s checks are hard to exchange – not advised to bring.
Can I use credit cards?
Credit cards are accepted in most places, but not in the markets/souks. Keep cash for shopping in those places, and for tipping. Make sure your credit cards are active a few weeks before you travel to ensure they are not expired and will work when in Morocco. Also, it’s a good idea to alert your banks and credit card companies before travel so they don’t flag you for suspicious activity.
FYI – some credit cards have an exchange cost; some do not – check that out before traveling.
What is the position on tipping?
YES, you will need money for tips. While tipping isn’t mandatory in Morocco, it is expected to show your appreciation for servers and also the help in hotels/riads and city guides. 10% is recommended at restaurants & hotels/riads – and make sure you give to the desk at hotels or the main person at a restaurant and say “for the help”. rounding up the bill and leaving tips at restaurants and cafes is standard practice. Public bathrooms have attendants who keep them clean; 3-5 Dirhams is recommended for them.
You will also need to tip the driver and guide at the end of the trip – an acceptable tip for the guide is around $10.00 per day each person and driver around $3.00-5.00 per day each person.
Can I barter for prices in the souks/markets?
Yes, negotiating is expected and welcome, however not in the malls where there are international retailers. The simple guide is that you should be aiming for around 30% – 50% of the asking price. However, having said this, – you can pay as much as you want; some people really need it. You just have to be ok with whatever price you settle on.
What is the electrical current?
Morocco operates on 220 voltage – most modern appliances will now take either 110 or 220, so you would just need an adapter for the outlet. The electrical outlets used in Morocco are type C and type E. The exceptions are hair dryers, curling irons and electric tooth brushes – do NOT use them without a converter; 220 will burn them up. Make sure they have USB plug-in ability as well if you think you’ll be needing that.
What is the protocol for taking photos of people?
If it is a specific vendor, or a person performing a task/duty – they might charge you; so you should ask and settle on a price before taking the photo.
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