“The Sheltering Sky”
Literary, Culinary & Wilderness Adventure to Morocco

April 18 - 30th, 2026

“I feel that life is very short and the world is there to see and one should know as much about it as possible.”

— "The Sheltering Sky" by Paul Bowles

Itinerary

This expedition sweeps us from an historic library in Marrakech to tumbling waterfalls, lush valleys, remote desert dunes where we’ll meditate at sunrise and dine under a canopy of stars.

We’ll cook together, retrace an ancient caravan route, hike and revel in a remarkable oasis.

And throughout the adventure, we’ll come back to “The Sheltering Sky” for its reflections and wisdom on travel, nature and life.

“Africa, you can see a sunset and believe you’ve witnessed the Hand of God.”

— "The Sheltering Sky"

Day One: Saturday, April 18
Touch down in the storied and imperial city of Marrakech, a place that was founded in 1071 on the Haouz Plain. You’ll be greeted at the airport and brought to our quiet and shaded hotel where you’ll be welcomed with a cool drink.

Settle in and relax and then join Kerri and your fellow explorers for a lovely meal of Moroccan specialties.

Lodging in Marrakech
Meals: Dinner

Day Two: Sunday, April 19
Let’s make sure our morning repast is nutritious and filling, my friends, because our day is jam-packed with delights and surprises.

We’ll begin in a library and cafe tucked away in an alleyway in Marrakech where we can browse ancient texts and contemporary work as we celebrate Morocco’s extraordinary literary history. Case in point: The oldest, continuously running library in the world is in Morocco (located in Fez) and it was founded by a woman!

We’ll also take note of the golden steeple of the Mosque of the Booksellers, although non-Muslims are not permitted inside.

Next, we are off to The Secret Garden, a tranquil and wonderful bookstore and cafe, where we can sip a cup of traditional Moroccan tea.

Then, the architectural masterpiece of the Ben Youssef Madrasa awaits. Its ornate carvings and colorful tiles reveal the rich educational and literary history. We’ll wander the halls and hear about its 14th century origins and UNESCO World Heritage status.

Lunch is a lovely mix of tagines, couscous and wholesome salads with plenty of time for convivial conversation.

Let’s gather at dusk for a cool drink and a conversation about the power of stories. Then, it is off to Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, where the famed story-tellers of Morocco spin their tales. Dinner is yours to choose with delectable recommendations from our guides.

Lodging: Marrakech
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Book Conversation

“Do you think they (the stars) feel anything? That would be a terrible cosmic loneliness.”

— "The Sheltering Sky"

Day Three: Monday, April 20
We are rising with the sun, fellow explorers, to embark on our drive to one of Morocco’s most picturesque wonders. The rushing water of the Ouzoud Waterfalls flows out of the Atlas Mountains and cascades into the El-Abid River Gorge.

We’ll hike around the falls, keeping our cameras at the ready for the wildlife and macaque monkeys that live and play here.

Then, we are off to Azilal, a colorful town known as the “Pearl of the Atlas Mountains.” Here, we’ll wander through the M’Goun Museum where a collection of ancient fossils reveals the geological history of this part of the world.

We’ll partake of our picnic lunch with magnificent views spread all around us and then it’s off to the beautiful Happy Valley or Ait Bougumez.

Known as one of the most stunning landscapes in all of Morocco, the valley captures the sun’s golden light as mountain peaks tower into the blue sky.

Lodging: AdaZen Ecolodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days Four & Five: Tuesday, Wednesday, April 21 & 22
Our days will take on a tranquil rhythm as we explore the trails and villages of Ait Bougumez and just relax, taking in all that we’ve seen so far. We’ll spend time with the Amazigh people, where we’ll learn traditional techniques for bread-baking, we’ll take leisurely hikes through the valley and we’ll learn the farming methods that date back to ancient times.

On Wednesday, we have a cooking lesson where we’ll prepare Moroccan dishes with ingredients sourced from the village. And we’ll partake of a tea ceremony with a deep connection to the Amazigh heritage.

In the evening before dinner, let’s gather for a conversation about “The Sheltering Sky.”

Lodging: AdaZen Ecolodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

“It is a challenge, the knowledge. To use it, one must live in danger, one must live free.”

— "The Sheltering Sky"

Day Six & Seven: Thursday, Friday, April 23 & 24
After several relaxing days savoring the happiness and beauty of this enchanting valley, we are back to the winding mountain roads on a bit of a trek to Skoura. We’ll have lunch on the way with an Amazigh family and then, by early evening, arrive to a green oasis of date palms and kasbahs framed by the snow-capped Atlas Mountains.

Our guesthouse’s gardens and a sparkling swimming pool will greet us and after we’ve settled in, we’ll gather for a convivial meal.

The next morning, we’ll begin with a guided walk through the orchards of pomegranates, olive trees and palms as we learn about the flora of the oasis and the ingenious methods of irrigation. Birds abound here and we’re likely to see herons and storks.

Then, we are off to visit several family farms to learn about how dates and olives are harvested. Our day will conclude with plenty of time for reading and relaxing and a lovely dinner.

Lodging: Kasbah ben Damiette
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day Eight, Nine & Ten: Saturday, Sunday & Monday, April 25, 26, 27
The mighty Sahara Desert is our destination and we’ll spend some glorious days marveling at the untouched beauty, the magnificent plateaus and the scattered oases.

“I don’t see the desert as barren at all; I see it as full and ripe. It doesn’t need to be flattered with rain. It certainly needs rain, but it does with what it has, and creates amazing beauty.”

— Former Poet Laureate Joy Harjo

Blue and gold will surround us as towering sand dunes scrape the azure sky. We’ll embark on sunrise hikes, learn about conservation techniques, talk about books, study the expansive night skies, and relish the solitude of this remote corner of the world.

Lodging: Tuareg Dream Luxury Desert Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

“What draws us into the desert is the search for something intimate in the remote.”

— Edward Abbey

Day Eleven: Tuesday, April 28
Today, we leave the shining Saharan sands behind us and make our way to one of Morocco’s most historic cities. Ouarazate sits in the delta of the Ouarazate River and you may recognize its setting from The Game of Thrones and Lawrence of Arabia.

We’ll take in the stunning scenery and visit a women’s spice cooperative as we learn about harvesting and drying techniques and shop for one of a kind gifts for friends and family.

Our riad (hotel) is also a great place to book a massage or scrub in their traditional Hammam and spa.

At twilight, let’s gather for a cocktail and conversation from our book list.

Lodging: Riad Tama
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

“To be traveling in the desert is to have lost oneself.”

— "The Sheltering Sky"

Day Twelve: Wednesday, April 29
Our five hour drive to Marrakech will be leisurely and punctuated with gorgeous architecture, sensational landscapes and a visit to Ait Ben Haddou, a village that sits along an ancient caravan route.

We’ll explore the hidden alleys of the ksar, which features two cemeteries, small houses and angular towers. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and like Ouarazate, has been featured in movies, including The Jewel of the Nile.

Our festive farewell lunch together is set for an historic cafe along the Tichka Pass, where we’ll gaze at the mountains as we reflect on the experiences and camaraderie we’ve shared.

In the evening, we’ll check into our hotel in Marrakech and then you are free to celebrate the trip with one last meal of your choosing.

Day Thirteen: Thursday, April 30
Arise for a filling breakfast and then we are off to the airport for our return flights to the U.S.

Accommodations & Rates for “The Sheltering Sky” Literary, Culinary & Cultural Adventure to Morocco

Maximum Group Size: 14 Travelers

$5,635 per person based on double occupancy.

$1,570 single supplement

Sojourn Checklist: What to do, bring, and be ready for?

This is a moderate itinerary that offers optional hiking and walking.

Passport: Your passport must be up to date and valid within six months of our travel. As of winter, 2025, you will not need a visa to enter Morocco.

Travel insurance: Please purchase travel insurance that will cover the cost of a medical emergency or cancellations of travel arrangements made outside of the Siren Sojourn itinerary. (See Legal Stuff for details on Siren Sojourn cancellation policy)

Books: Kindles and paperbacks are best to keep your luggage as light as possible.