Morocco's

DAY 1 | CASABLANCA /- RABAT | 1 NIGHT

Arrive in Casablanca, Morocco’s chief port and one of the largest financial centres in Africa, and travel 1 hour by road to the seaside city of Rabat for your first overnight in the Kingdom of Morocco!

DAY 2 | CHEFCHAOUEN | 2 NIGHTS

After an insightful morning tour of Rabat, marvelling at its Islamic and French-colonial heritage, including the impressive Kasbah of the Udayas and the city’s iconic 12th Century Hassan Tower, drive to Chefchaouen. Nestled in the Rif Mountains this stunning blue and white Andalucian town is picture postcard perfect!

DAY 3 | CHEFCHAOUEN

Your guided walking tour of Chefchaouen includes a visit to the ethnographic museum, Kasbah and the thriving medina. You will be awestruck by the blue hues of this gem of a village – a photographers dream. This afternoon you can wander the medina at leisure or, if you are feeling energetic, take a walk or hike through the forests & traditional villages in the surrounding Rif Mountains.

DAY 4 | FES | 3 NIGHTS

Heading south through the Rif you will leave Chefchaouen after breakfast, passing through quaint, picturesque villages, bound for Fes. On arrival spend the afternoon soaking up the atmosphere of your traditional, stunning Riad accommodation. The souk is on your doorstep if you are keen for a wander and your guide is on hand so you dont get lost!

DAY 5 | FES

Fes is one of the oldest of Morocco’s 7 Imperial Cities and it is believed that there are some inhabitants of the old walled city that have never step outside of the labyrinthine paths of the souk. This morning you will discover this intoxicating world exploring the old Medina, Qairaouine Mosque, the Sanctuary of Moulay Idriss II and Fez el Bali, being guided through the souk tasting traditional Moroccan delicacies (freshly baked bread, olives, dates and more) whilst also watching local craftsmen as they ply their centuries-old trade. Of course no visit to Fes is complete without seeing the giant gilded doors of the Royal Palace or visting the Qaraouine quarter to watch the dyers and tanners at work.

DAY 6 | FES

The Imperial City of Meknes and the ancient site of Volubilis, the region’s best-preserved Roman city, are a short drive from Fes. Today you will embark on a guided tour to see these 2000-year-old ruins with their intricate intricate mosaics of mythological images and towering columns. Lunch will be taken in one of Morocco’s holiest cities – Moulay Idriss, before visting the 10th century Berber settlement of Meknes that was once the capital of Moulay Ismaïl’s empire.

DAY 7 | ERFOUD | 1 NIGHT

A long but incredibly scenic day will unfold as you cross the Middle Atlas Mountains to reach the edge of the Sahara Desert. Winding through spectacular cedar, oak and pine forests mountain scenery you willstop in the ski town of Ifrane & will be forgiven if you think you have been transported to the Swiss Alps – a fascinating juxtaposition so close to the desert climate and architecture of much of the rest of Morocco. Passing through the city of Midelt and the Ziz Gorge you will reach the colonial frontier town of Erfoud where you will overnight in preparation for your foray into the desert tomorrow.

DAY 8 | SAHARA DESERT

Travel travel by 4WD into the sea of sand that is the Sahara. On arrival in the town of Merzouga you will set off on camels across the dunes towards your carpeted Berber tent where you will spend the night. The stars overhead will dazzle whilst musicians entertain and you dine on a Moroccan feast!

DAY 9 | SKOURA | 2 NIGHTS

Sunrise in the Sahara is spectacular and it is worth rising early to climb a sand dune behind the camp to watch as the sun peeps above the horizon and bathes the world in its golden glow. After breakfast return to Mergouza to reunite with your driver and head to Skoura. Following the Dades Valley, driving through incredibly lush, green oases, you will visit the spectacular Todra Gorge before arriving in Skoura in the late afternoon.

DAY 10 | SKOURA

Today is at leisure to wander the surrounding village, marvel at the communal wells and khettara (underground irrigation system) that feeds the vast surrounding palm groves, enjoy a cup of mint tea with a local and to relax by your own oases within the hotel – the swimming pool!

DAY 11 | MARRAKECH | 4 NIGHTS

Today you are bound for the glitz and glamour of Marrakech, however just half an hour from Skoura lies the city of Ouarazate and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou. Spend the morning discovering one of Morocco’s most iconic Kasbahs that has been the backdrop for many famous films including Lawrence of Arabia, Indiana Jones, Gladiator & the iconic series Game of Thrones. Crossing over the High Atlas Mountains, via the Tiz-n-Tichka Pass (2260 m) and the highest motorable road in Morocco, you will descend into the rose coloured city of Marrakech in the late afternoon.

DAY 12 | MARRAKECH

A full day, guided walking tour of Marrakech awaits! Visit the Saadian Tombs, El Bahia Palace and delve into the labyrinth of narrow alleyways that are filled , filled with artisans trading everything from leather, antiques and hand crafted gold jewellery to spices, carpets and intricate lights. The colours, the aromas and the hustle and bustle will astound. After some respite in your riad return to Marrakech’s famous Djemaa el Fna Square as the sun sets. Once a site of public execution it is now like a scene from Arabian Nights, filled with snake charmers and storytellers, night markets and mouth watering food stalls.

DAY 13 | MARRAKECH

For a change of pace you will depart Marrakech this morning heading into the tranquil snow-capped mountains to spend the day hiking beneath North Africa’s highest mountain (Djebel Toubkal 4167m). Donkeys are available for those who prefer, but whchever way you choose to ascend the views are spectacular. A delicious home-cooked lunch awaits you in a traditional Berber Village and once you have had your fill of fabulous food and lazing in the sun you will return to Marrakech for an evening at leisure.

DAY 14 | MARRAKECH

A visit to Marrakech is not complete without participating in a Tagine cooking class or wandering the stunning Majorelle Garden; and today you will do both! The Majorelle Garden is a stunning artists landscape garden originally built by Jacques Marjorelle and then, famously, restored by Yves Saint Laurent. Be dazzled by the bright blue buildings and be sure to visit the onsite Berber Museum. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to roam the souk for any final treasures before participating in a cooking class this evening and then dining on your culinary creations!

DAY 15 | ESSAOUIRA | 2 NIGHTS

Escaping the cultural melting pot of Marrakech you will head to the Atlantic coast & the seaside town of Essaouira. Staying in the heart of the old town is key to making the most of your visit as the souk, the beach and the port are all on your doorstep. Spend the afternoon on a guided tour of the key highlights before dining on fresh fish in a portside cafe.

DAY 16 | ESSAOUIRA

After a leisurely morning take a short drive out of Essaouira today to enjoy lunch on a local estate cheese and wine tasting whilst being hosted by the engaging owner. The afternoon is at leisure to possibly ride a camel along the beachfront, photograoh the fishermen as they sort their catch or wander the many boutiques and market stalls.

DAY 17 | OUALIDIA | 1 NIGHT

Hugging the coastline you will travel north to the tiny town of Oualidia for your final night in Morocco. This little visited fishing village is like stepping back in time, Take a boat cruise on the salt water lagoon where the ocean and the coast merge and dine on freshly caught oysters as you watch a perfect sunset. Oualidia will captivate and soothe you in equal measure, and prepare you for your onward journey tomorrow.

DAY 18 | YOUR JOURNEY ENDS

Your journeys ends after breakfast today with a road transfer to Casablanca arriving in time to board your outbound flight, or continue your exploration of Morocco!