Between Brushstrokes & Berber Tales: Painting the Spaces of Morocco with James Vaulkhard

duration
7 days · 6 nights
travel date
Apr 16 - 22, 2026
activity level
Light
group size
6 - 10
transportation
Group transportation
Your TourHero

I’m James Vaulkhard, a painter exploring the intersection between memory, nature, and abstraction represented in the landscapes around us. My journey began with a BA in History of Art from Leeds University and classical training in Florence, where I honed traditional techniques in portraiture and sculpture. Over the years, my work has evolved to blend these foundations with experimental approaches, drawing on influences from Japanese aesthetics and artists like Peter Doig and David Hockney. My recent paintings explore the concept of MA and invite viewers to rediscover the meaning of space, memory, and the spirit of place. Through my art, I aim to create immersive dreamscapes that evoke a meditative reflection on the beauty and complexity of our natural world as well as its interplay with human relationships. I look forward to sharing this creative journey with you in Morocco.

Socials
Instagram: @jamesvaulkhard
jamesvaulkhard.com

Morocco > Between Brushstrokes & Berber Tales: Painting the Spaces of Morocco with James Vaulkhard

Between the shifting light and vibrant colors of Morocco, there's a subliminal space where human experience and nature intertwine. On this journey, we'll explore that space by painting from unique vantage points throughout the country, each providing you perspectives beyond the corporeal.

Start on the rooftop terraces of Fes with panoramic views of the medina, where the city’s intricate mosaics and ancient architecture inspire your brushstrokes. In the High Atlas Mountains near Ourika, you’ll paint amidst serene mountain landscapes and traditional Berber villages, capturing the textures and atmosphere of these timeless places. Marrakech offers a rich palette too, from the cobalt blues and lush greens of Jardin Majorelle to the ornate details of Bahia Palace and the vibrant energy of the souks.

Alongside these painting sessions, you’ll explore cultural landmarks like Al-Qarawiyyin University and the Chouara Tannery, visit a Berber family home to learn traditional weaving techniques and enjoy live Andalusian and Moroccan music during special dinners. Experiment with new techniques, embrace the emotions that well up within, and deepen your connection to the space we'll inhabit during this inspiring week in Morocco.

Itinerary timeline
Day 1 · April 16, 2026 · Fes
Arrive at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport
Transfer to Fes (3.5 hours)
Check-in at Riad Sayeda Al Hora (or similar)
Welcome dinner
Day 2 · April 17, 2026 · Fes
Breakfast
Morning painting session on a rooftop terrace with views of the medina
Guided walking tour of Fes, visiting Al-Qarawiyyin University, Chouara Tannery, and artisan workshops
Dinner at a local restaurant with live Andalusian music
Day 3 · April 18, 2026 · Ourika
Breakfast and checkout
Scenic drive to Ourika via High Atlas Mountains
Check-in at Kasbah Agounsane & Spa (or similar)
Dinner
Day 4 · April 19, 2026 · Ourika
Breakfast
Outdoor painting session amidst mountain landscapes and Berber villages
Visit a Berber family home to learn traditional weaving techniques
Dinner
Day 5 · April 20, 2026 · Marrakech
Breakfast and checkout
Depart for Marrakech
Anima Garden visit
Check-in at Riad Aslal Marrakech (or similar)
Orientation tour of Marrakech
Dinner
Day 6 · April 21, 2026 · Marrakech
Breakfast
Morning painting session in Jardin Majorelle
Guided visit to Bahia Palace, Koutoubia Mosque, and vibrant souks
Farewell dinner with traditional Moroccan music performance
Day 7 · April 22, 2026 · Departure
Breakfast and checkout
Transfer to Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport
Journey ends
Details
Day 1 · April 16, 2026
Fes, the gateway to centuries-old inspiration

-Touch down at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport and begin your journey to Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and artistic heart.

-As we transfer through the changing landscapes to the ancient city, imagine the centuries of creativity that have flourished here.

-Upon arrival, we’ll check in at our riad, a tranquil retreat nestled within the labyrinthine medina.

-Tonight’s welcome dinner is our first taste of Fassi hospitality — a chance to connect, share intentions, and immerse ourselves in the city’s storied past, where every alley and mosaic whispers of memory and artistry.

Day 2 · April 17, 2026
The shifting light of Fes

-Awaken in Fes and greet the day with a rooftop painting session overlooking the medina. From this vantage, the city’s intricate geometry and shifting light offer endless inspiration for our first painting.

-Later, we embark on a guided walk through Fes’s wonders: the ancient Al-Qarawiyyin University, recognized as the world’s oldest continuously operating educational institution; the Chouara Tannery, where leather is dyed using techniques unchanged since the 11th century; and bustling artisan workshops, home to master potters, weavers, and metalworkers preserving centuries-old crafts.

-As evening falls, we gather for dinner at a local restaurant, accompanied by the evocative strains of Andalusian music — a fitting soundtrack for a city where every sense is awakened.

Day 3 · April 18, 2026
Serenity in the High Atlas

-After breakfast and checkout, we journey into the High Atlas Mountains, tracing a route that reveals Morocco’s dramatic natural beauty.

-The drive to Ourika is a study in contrasts — verdant valleys, terraced fields, and Berber villages nestled against rugged peaks.

-Upon arrival at our kasbah retreat, the evening is yours to unwind, absorb the serenity of the landscape, and reflect on the day’s shifting palette. Here, nature’s grandeur invites a meditative approach to both painting and presence.

Day 4 · April 19, 2026
Coloring your emotions

-Begin the day surrounded by the mountain air, then venture out for an outdoor painting session amid the timeless scenery of Ourika.

-As the morning light glazes the landscape before you, allow your senses to color your emotions, and your emotions to guide each brushstroke.

-Our cultural immersion continues with a visit to a Berber family home, where we’ll learn the art of traditional weaving. It's a tactile reminder of how memory and place are woven together in Moroccan culture.

-The day concludes with a shared dinner, a celebration of creativity and connection.

Day 5 · April 20, 2026
Gardens of imagination

-After breakfast and checkout, we depart for Marrakech, pausing at the enchanting Anima Gardena whimsical and immersive outdoor space where art and nature intertwine.

-Created by Austrian artist André Heller, this fantastical garden offers an inspiring break along the journey.

-Upon arrival in Marrakech, we check into our riad and set out for an orientation tour of the city’s vibrant streets, where the energy of the medina and the echoes of history set the stage for the days ahead.

Day 6 · April 21, 2026
Dreamscapes of color and light

-Our morning unfolds in the iconic Jardin Majorelle, where bold hues and lush plantings evoke the spirit of painter Jacques Majorelle and the aesthetic dialogue between East and West.

-Here, we’ll paint amidst cobalt blues and verdant greens, drawing on the garden’s harmony and sense of space.

-The afternoon brings a guided exploration of Marrakech’s architectural gems: the Bahia Palace, Koutoubia Mosque, and bustling souks, each offering new textures and stories to inspire our art.

-As night falls, we gather for a farewell dinner accompanied by traditional Moroccan music, celebrating the creative journey we’ve shared.

Day 7 · April 22, 2026
Longing inspiration

-After breakfast and checkout, we transfer to Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport, carrying with us sketchbooks and canvases filled with memory and hearts stirred by Morocco’s landscapes and people.

-Our retreat concludes, but the spirit of place and the memories of Morocco will continue to echo in our work and lives. Thank you for joining me.

Tour Price
GBP 3,093
per person
Flexible payment plans available
12 people are interested
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Your fellow explorers
Age range
18+
Travel interest
Painting, art, creative retreat, landscapes, sightseeing, culture, community
Your local guide
Morocco Top Trips is a private tour and holiday travel agency based in Morocco. Specializing in arranging vacations for individuals and groups at affordable prices while delivering a wide variety of high-quality activities across the country, they pride themselves on their ability to adapt and customize trips to help travelers get the most out of every adventure. Whether it be camel rides out in the desert, beach relaxation, city sightseeing, cultural tours, or heritage journeys, let Morocco Top Trips design the perfect Moroccan getaway just for you.
Accommodation
Riad Aslal Marrakech (or similar according to availability)

Riad Aslal Marrakech is a charming boutique riad in the heart of the Medina, just minutes from Jemaa El Fna and historic sites like the Bahia Palace. Blending traditional Moroccan craftsmanship with modern comforts, its 10 beautifully decorated rooms feature intricate tilework, carved wood ceilings, air conditioning, and en-suite bathrooms. Guests can unwind in the tranquil courtyard with an indoor pool, indulge in a hammam and spa treatments, or relax on the rooftop terrace with panoramic views. The on-site restaurant serves delicious Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine, while the attentive staff offers personalized services, including airport transfers and guided tours. Room type / configuration: Double occupancy.

Riad Sayeda Al Hora (or similar according to availability)

Prepare to be immersed in the richness and refinement of Arab-Andalusian heritage at Riad Sayeda Al Hora. Along with the historical ambiance, the riad offers all the modern comforts, including a rooftop terrace complete with a small infinity pool. Rooms are spacious and comfortable. A restaurant and spa can also be found on-site to serve the needs and well-being of guests. Room type / configuration: Double occupancy.

Kasbah Agounsane & Spa (or similar according to availability)

Kasbah Agounsane & Spa in Ourika, Morocco, offers guests a tranquil and luxurious retreat surrounded by the Atlas Mountains, just a short drive from Marrakech. The property features only nine suites, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. Each suite is spacious and elegantly decorated, equipped with in-room amenities such as air conditioning, blackout curtains, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a seating area, a desk, a safety deposit box, and a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, complimentary toiletries, and a hairdryer. On-site, guests can enjoy a range of facilities including a large outdoor infinity pool with sun loungers, a luxurious traditional spa with a hammam, sauna, massage and treatment rooms, a restaurant serving African, Moroccan, and local cuisine (with vegetarian, halal, and kosher options), a poolside bar, and recreational activities such as table tennis, billiards, hiking, skiing, and cycling. The property also provides free high-speed WiFi, complimentary breakfast, free parking, airport transportation, and is pet-friendly. Room type / configuration: Double occupancy.

Included
  • 2 nights in Fes accommodation

  • 2 nights in Ourika accommodation

  • 2 nights in Marrakech accommodation_id

  • Shared double occupancy in accommodation

  • All breakfasts

  • All dinners

  • Painting sessions in unique locations

  • Guided walking tour in Fes

  • Berber family home visit in Ourika

  • Guided tour in Marrakech

  • Anima Garden visit

  • One group airport arrival transfer

  • One group airport departure transfer

Not included
  • Flights

  • All food and drinks not mentioned in inclusions

  • Optional add-ons

  • Travel insurance

  • Gratuities

FAQ
Cancellation policy

Refunds for deposits
We will hold your spot as soon as you put down your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will be unable to refund your deposit.

Refunds for balance payment
If you cancel your trip on or before Jan 10, 2026 at 11:59 PM local time (GMT +1), you will get a refund of the remaining balance. This may or may not include the deposit amount. See deposit refund section above.

If you cancel your trip from Jan 11, 2026 at 12:00 AM local time (GMT +1) onwards, no refunds will be issued.

You can change or cancel your trip in your TourHero account by clicking on Your Trips.

Trip disclaimer
To offer the best group rates, we need a minimum number of travelers. If that number isn't met—or if unexpected events occur (such as force majeure)—TourHero, the trip host, and the tour operator may need to cancel or reschedule.


If changes happen: You'll be notified by Jan 10, 2026 at 11:59 PM local time (GMT +1), and if the trip is canceled or rescheduled beyond your control, you'll get a full refund. We'll always update you at least 7 days in advance if this date changes.


Book smart: We recommend refundable flights and accommodations to protect your plans from any last-minute changes.

Available add-ons
Single supplement room upgrade for the entire trip
GBP 900
2 spots left