An exclusive 13-day expedition through Morocco’s historic and contemporary green spaces is now open for reservations via Distant Horizons, working together with Gardens Illustrated and led by horticultural specialist Hannah Gardner. The itinerary stretches from the Atlantic shoreline to the country’s imperial cities, granting participants entry to renowned public sites and secluded private estates that seldom welcome visitors.
From Tangier to the Ourika Valley
The journey commences in Tangier, a city that bridges Africa and Europe, with a rich history reflected in its diverse gardens. Guests will wander through Villa Mabrouka, a historic estate with artistic environments that blend Moroccan and European styles, featuring a variety of plant species imported from around the world. The Donabo Gardens, a private botanical collection, showcases an impressive range of flora, including rare and exotic plants. The expedition also visits the Garden of Rohuna, an ecological preservation project founded by Italian writer Umberto Pasti. Once threatened by urban sprawl, this hillside garden is now a lush paradise, preserving the environment through innovative conservation techniques.
Continuing to Fez, the spiritual heart of Morocco, travelers encounter Jnan Sbil, a grand network of avenues, fountains, bamboo groves, and exotic trees. The garden’s design exemplifies the traditional Moroccan principle of harmony among architecture, water, and cultivated space. Adjacent to Jnan Sbil are the palace and riad courtyards, which offer glimpses into the traditional Moroccan lifestyle and garden design.
In Rabat, the Andalusian Gardens within the Kasbah of the Udayas provide a hidden oasis, showcasing the influence of Andalusian culture on Moroccan gardens. Historic botanical courtyards throughout the city reveal how garden design has long been woven into Rabat’s urban planning. These courtyards, often featuring citrus trees, fountains, and detailed mosaics, offer a peaceful retreat from the city’s busy streets.
Marrakech and Beyond
Four days in Marrakech form the centerpiece of the itinerary. Participants will stroll through Yves Saint-Laurent’s iconic Jardin Majorelle, a lively, 12-acre botanical garden featuring over 300 plant species from five continents. The garden’s unique design, a blend of Moroccan and Art Deco styles, reflects the late fashion designer’s vision. The expedition also visits the historic Menara and Agdal Gardens, which served as hunting grounds for Moroccan royalty.
Today, these expansive green spaces offer a serene escape from the city’s energy. Guests will also experience Anima Garden, a creative planting area conceived by an artist, offering a unique perspective on garden design. Le Jardin Secret, recently refreshed by Tom Stuart-Smith, offers an Islamic-style oasis in the medina’s core, showcasing traditional Moroccan garden design principles.
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The final leg leads to the aromatic terraces of the Ourika Valley, where fragrant herbs and fruit trees create a sensory finale. The valley’s gardens, often surrounded by Berber villages and terraced fields, offer a glimpse into rural Moroccan life and traditional agriculture.
Throughout the program, guests rest in atmospheric hotels, many of which possess their own cultivated courtyards. These accommodations, often historic riads or traditional Moroccan houses, provide a genuine cultural experience. All lodging, listed meals, domestic transfers, and guided excursions are incorporated in the overall price.
The expedition costs £4 660 per person on a twin-share basis, with an additional single supplement of £720. International flights and inbound or outbound transfers to Morocco are excluded, as are optional hotel upgrades and travel insurance. Prospective travelers may request the complete schedule from Distant Horizons Limited by calling +44 (0) 151 625 3425 or by sending an email.
Booking contracts are concluded directly with Distant Horizons, which oversees every operational detail. Gardens Illustrated and Our Media Limited receive a commission for reservations generated through this promotion, yet they do not manage the on-ground logistics.
The organizer retains the right to replace speakers or leaders if circumstances require, and Hannah Gardner’s involvement remains contingent upon factors beyond the planners’ control. Hannah Gardner brings decades of experience studying Mediterranean plant traditions, having authored several volumes on garden heritage across the region. Her expertise ensures a deep and insightful exploration of Morocco’s horticultural history. The partnership with Gardens Illustrated further enriches the experience, combining visual storytelling with botanical expertise to provide scholarly insight at each stop.
Private estates featured on the route have been selected for their unique horticultural collections, offering a glimpse into gardens normally reserved for owners and caretakers. The tour departs in early spring.
