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MARRAKECH, MOROCCO:
ZIGZAG SKETCHBOOKING TRIP
with
TARA SWEENEY 

MARRAKECH, MOROCCO
ZIGZAG SKETCHBOOKING
CREATIVE ADVENTURE
with TARA SWEENEY 

7 Days / 6 Nights

November 1- 7, 2026

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SPECIAL EARLY-BIRD DISCOUNT RATE

Sign-Up By March 15, 2026

From $5,975

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Regular Rate After March 15, 2026

From $6,475

"You put together the best of the best and handled all the details... Thank you again for all that you did to make this trip so wonderful." Sue S

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Dar El Bacha

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Koutoubia Mosque

Moroccan Smiles

Join renowned Minnesota artist and instructor Tara Sweeney for an inspirational, fun-filled plein air sketchbooking adventure in Marrakech, Morocco.

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Each day, we’ll feed our artistic souls with plein air zigzag sketchbooking in spectacular locations. Tara will offer engaging demonstrations and personalized instruction, helping you refine your techniques, gain confidence, and expand your artistic vision - no matter your experience level.

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Together, we’ll discover the magic of Morocco and immerse ourselves in its most enchanting imperial city: magnificent, exuberant Marrakech. We’ll visit in autumn, when the Red City radiates with warmth, color, and splendor.

 

We’ll dive deep into traditional Moroccan life—learning about the country’s fascinating history, rich Arabic and Berber cultures, Islamic architecture and design, and natural beauty, as well as the lasting influence of Morocco’s time as a French protectorate.

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Our sketching adventures will take us into the heart of old Marrakech. We’ll wander the ancient Medina with its labyrinthine alleyways, observe artisans working in tiny stalls, watch donkeys carrying goods, and explore shops stacked floor to ceiling with treasures. In the souks, we’ll encounter copper and silverware, baskets, leather goods, slippers, fabrics and scarves, spices, fruit, almonds, and animal skins—surrounded by rose-colored ramparts and the intoxicating scents of saffron and orange blossom.

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We’ll sketch in the legendary Jemaa el-Fna square, Marrakech’s vibrant historical gathering place and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, local life unfolds much as it has for centuries, with musicians, dancers, storytellers, snake charmers, fortune tellers, and bustling food stalls creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

 

Each day combines sketching with Tara and guided exploration led by a knowledgeable local guide, offering insight into Marrakech’s history, culture, arts, design, and cuisine. Highlights include:

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  • Visits to Bahia Palace and Dar el-Bacha.

  • Exploring the Koutoubia Mosque, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture, famous for its soaring tower of pink Gueliz stone and intricate decorative designs

  • A visit to Jardin Majorelle, the iconic botanical garden designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle and later owned by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé

  • Touring the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, showcasing the designer’s life, work, and deep connection to Marrakech, with nearly 50 haute couture creations on display

  • Exploring the Berber Museum, dedicated to Berber traditions and featuring costumes, jewelry, crafts, and musical instruments from the YSL–Bergé collection

 

And There’s More…

 

One unforgettable evening, we’ll travel to the Agafay Desert for a private festive Moroccan dinner under a traditional desert tent. We’ll watch the sky glow at dusk, dine beneath the stars, and—if you wish—enjoy a camel ride. It’s a truly magical experience you’ll remember forever.

 

The tour also includes many thoughtful extras:

  • A welcome reception to meet fellow travelers

  • A farewell dinner featuring traditional Moroccan cuisine and wines

  • Airport-to-hotel transportation

 

Each evening, we’ll savor exceptional Moroccan and French-inspired cuisine at personally selected restaurants.

You’ll also have personal free time to enjoy a Moroccan hammam bath and massage, explore and shop in the Medina, relax at rooftop cafés, stroll the city, mingle with locals, and soak up the Moroccan sunshine.

 

All Are Welcome.
This journey isn’t just for artists—non-painting friends, spouses, and travel companions are warmly invited to join and share in the experience.

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Tara Sweeney

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Zigzag Sketchbooking by Tara Sweeney

The Marrakech Sketchbooking Trip Is Designed To Provide:​

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  • A rich blend of vacation and artistic immersion, with daily sketching in beautiful and inspiring Marrakech locations

  • Live demonstrations and individualized, one-on-one instruction with artist and instructor Tara Sweeney

  • A friendly, relaxed small-group experience, limited to 15 artists

  • Opportunities to build camaraderie and lasting friendships with like-minded travelers

  • Free personal time for additional sketching, sightseeing, shopping, or relaxation

  • A variety of engaging activities for non-artist spouses and friends traveling with artists

  • Restaurant recommendations for independent dining, with optional group meals featuring local cuisine

  • Full concierge service and expert tour support, providing a fully escorted, personalized, and worry-free travel experience

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What's Included:

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  • Six nights in a carefully selected, charming riad-style boutique hotel

  • Daily buffet breakfasts

  • Three group dinners: Welcome Dinner, Desert Moroccan Feast, and Farewell Dinner

  • Round-trip transportation between Marrakech airport and the hotel

  • All entrance fees for palaces, villas, gardens, museums, and group day trips

  • Ground transportation for all group activities, including private vans or buses for excursions

  • Seamless on-tour concierge service and support throughout your journey

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​​​Arrival / Departure City:

Marrakech, Morocco

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Trip Hosts:

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Tara's Artist Statement & Bio:

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“I design travel sketching experiences to help you gain confidence in plein air sketching. I demonstrate how to develop a zigzag sketchbook, one sketch at a time, with expert tips for keeping sketches lively. At each site, we begin with a demo and leave plenty of time for you to sketch. This is a small group so you can expect frequent individual attention and feedback. We’ll sketch on location from medina to market, from city to desert and back again. At the end of an unforgettable week, you’ll have a zigzag sketchbook full of memories and momentum to continue sketching wherever you go.”

 

*****

Award-winning artist, illustrator and author Tara Sweeney, has been teaching national and international travel sketching with watercolor and ink for nearly 30 years. She holds signature status with the National Watercolor Society, Transparent Watercolor Society of America, and the Minnesota Watercolor Society.​

 

Tara is an experienced instructor who has taught over one hundred regional and international watercolor workshops in the last decade. She is professor emerita with Augsburg University, department of art and design. She holds undergraduate degrees in studio art and in textile design from the University of Wisconsin (1978,) and an MFA from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (1997.) Her lifelong love of watercolor and plein air sketching began with studies at the West Surrey College of Art and Design, UK, 1978.​

 

Recent awards include: Transparent Watercolor Society of America 2024 (Pat Fortunato Memorial Award); MN Watercolor Society 2022 (Best in Show) 2020 (Best in Show), 2023, 2019 (Founder’s Award); National Watercolor Society 50 Stars 2020; 2017 (merchandise award); North Star Water Media National 2021 (Best of Show). Her debut picture book, A to Zåäö: Playing with History at the American Swedish Institute, (University of MN Press, 2019). was a 2020 MN Book Award finalist. ASI’s exhibition, Extra/Ordinary was inspired by the book and showcased the original illustrations. In 2019, Tara represented the Twin Cities in Tours, France in a sister city plein air sketching exchange.

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  • ​Tom Harter - WalkEurope / PaintEurope President - More About Tom

 

Trip Cost:

 

SPECIAL EARLY-BIRD DISCOUNT RATE

$500 SAVINGS

Sign-Up By March 15, 2026

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  • $5,975 – 7 days / 6 nights per person in double occupancy shared hotel room.

  • $1,800 – Added cost for single room accommodation option (limited availability)

  • $3,700 – Non-painter guest cost accompanying a painter. Sharing room with a painter.

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Regular Rate After March 15, 2026

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  • $6,475 – 7 days / 6 nights per person in double occupancy shared hotel room.

  • $1,800 – Added cost for single room accommodation option (limited availability)

  • $3,950 – Non-painter guest cost accompanying a painter. Sharing room with a painter.

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Space Is Limited -- Reserve Early!

Limited to 15 artists.

Additional WalkEurope Tours to Travel in Europe for 2 Weeks:

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Pre-Tour:

Spain: Sorrola's Spain! Paint Europe Workshop with Maggie Hellmann

October 25 - 31, 2026

Click here for trip description

Please Note: WalkEurope strives to operate according to our published itinerary. However, in the event of unforeseen circumstances beyond our control or opportunities that would enhance the itinerary, adjustments may be necessary. Hotels and itinerary are subject to changes. Tour is subject to meeting eight person participation.

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