Chef Deb's Culinary Caravan to...
Hidden behind high walls and a discreet doorway, Riad Ibn Battouta — located near the Batha Museum and Fez el Bali's gateway into the medina, Bab Boujloud — Riad Ibn Battouta is a magnificently restored maisons d'hôtes. Undoubtedly, you will be seduced by the terrace of Riad Ibn Battouta, which provides a unique overview on the Fez Medina and the hills of Middle Atlas Mountains.
Containing seven suites — two of which have their own private terrace — each room is decorated to commemorate Ibn Battouta's (Morocco's most famous traveller) life, through a remarkable combination of oriental and occidental embellishments.
Whether you leisure in its traditional hammam or massage room, grace its terraces, or to meditate near the fountain in the patio, the riad is yours to discover.
Fez, Morocco
the gastronomic capital of the universe!November 16 to 21, 2008
Your Accommodations...Hidden behind high walls and a discreet doorway, Riad Ibn Battouta — located near the Batha Museum and Fez el Bali's gateway into the medina, Bab Boujloud — Riad Ibn Battouta is a magnificently restored maisons d'hôtes. Undoubtedly, you will be seduced by the terrace of Riad Ibn Battouta, which provides a unique overview on the Fez Medina and the hills of Middle Atlas Mountains.
...
Containing seven suites — two of which have their own private terrace — each room is decorated to commemorate Ibn Battouta's (Morocco's most famous traveller) life, through a remarkable combination of oriental and occidental embellishments.
Whether you leisure in its traditional hammam or massage room, grace its terraces, or to meditate near the fountain in the patio, the riad is yours to discover.
Itinerary
- DAY 1: Sunday November 16
- Transfer from Fez's Saïs Airport or Ville Nouvelle train station to four-star Riad Ibn Battouta in Batha District. (www.riadibnbattouta.com).
- Welcome mint tea reception upon check-in.
- Meet'n greet, itinerary orientation, and welcome traditional Fassi dinner. Rest up; you're going to need it!
- DAY 2: Monday, November 17
- Following breakfast we will shop for the ingredients for today's first cooking lesson back at Riad Ibn Battouta.
- Tour the Batha Museum in the afternoon. Return to the Riad for a rest or continue on your way to Bab Bou Jeloud, to where Fez el Bali's longest and most evocative street, Talaas Kebira—a shopaholic's mecca—begins. Best buys are babouches (traditional leather slippers), silver Berber jewellery, world famous blue-glazed Fassi ceramics, delicately hand-sewn linen and cotton embroidery, culinary Argan oil, saffron, spices, hand hammered brassware, and of course Berber carpets of every imaginable size and pattern. Don't forget to bargain; it's a Moroccan national pastime! You might well get lost but do not fear. Soon you'll come across a main street, or a friendly local who will point you in the right direction.
- Dinner at Riad Ibn Battouta.
- DAY 3: Tuesday, November 18
- After breakfast, we make our second sojourn into the medina to fetch the ingredients for today's cooking class back at Riad Ibn Battouta. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to discover this amazing city. Whether you continue your discovery of Fes el Bali (Old Fes), saunter over to Fez el J-Jdid (new old Fez), or catch a petite taxi to Ville Nouvelle (9Dh), be mindful of two things: "Fez Neck Syndrome" (a curious condition brought on by looking skyward while dropping one's jaw in amazement) and when you hear cries of "Andak!" or "Balek!" This is your queue to get out of the way to let a heavily laden mule, a donkey or a man with a heavy cart pass by.
- Dinner at Riad Ibn Battouta
- Day 4: Wednesday, November 19
- After breakfast, we make our way to buy the ingredients for our final cooking lesson back on Riad Ibn Battouta. Spend the balance of the day further discovering the medina or book a Riad Ibn Battouta traditional Hammam spa treatment (€45) or an Arabic calligraphy workshop (cost TBA) with one of the staff at the front desk.
- Dinner at Riad Ibn Battouta.
- Day 5: Thursday, November 20
- After breakfast we join our official English-speaking guide for a historical tour of Fez el Bali, including a four-star medina lunch and photo opportunities galore. We'll stop at medersas (theological colleges), funduqs (caravanseries) and various souks where men still embroider caftans by hand, tan hides, chisel wood and hammer brass trays. Bring your wallets and credit cards as great deals abound!
- In the evening we stroll to La Maison Bleue (billed as one of the most romantic hotels in the world), Batha District's most famous Fassi nightspot for an all-inclusive traditional Moroccan meal complete with local wines and live Gnaoua music strummed gently in the background.
- Day 6: Friday, November 21
- After breakfast at the riad, you'll transfer to the airport or rail station for your return home - or to continue on with your visit to Morocco.
