Arabic calligraphy, Bou Inania Medersa, Fez © Patrick Syder Images

The tour concentrates on the great Imperial cities of the Muslim dynasties, which have since dominated Moroccan history, as well as allowing time to explore the dramatic canyons and charming oases of the “Kasbah Route” on the edge of the vast Sahara Desert. We visit the ancient Royal cities of Rabat, Meknes, Fes and Marrakesh; explore the towering Saharan Sand-Sea of Merzouga and visit the fabled kasbahs of Ait Benhaddou and the Dades Valley. An extension is available to relax in the lovely Atlantic coastal resort of Essaouira

ITINERARY

Day 1   Fly to Casablanca

Afternoon departure from London Heathrow with Royal Air Maroc direct to Casablanca.  Evening arrival and transfer to the Hotel Toubkal with dinner (D)

Day 2   City tour. Visit Rabat

This morning we visit the world’s third-largest religious monument, the vast Hassan II Mosque.  We drive the short distance to Rabat and spend the afternoon visiting the Imperial capital, including the Kasbah des Ouidaias, the ornate Hassan Tower and the mausoleum of Mohammed V, founder of modern Morocco. We overnight at a pleasant traditional Riad .  Dinner in a quality local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 3   Visit Meknes. Drive to Fes

This morning we visit Meknes, once the heart of the Moroccan sultanate and its impressive buildings reflect this heritage. We have a walking tour of Moulay Ismail’s old Imperial city starting from the impressive monumental Bab Mansour gateway. We continue to Fez, the oldest Imperial city, founded in the early 9th century and arguably, the finest. Three nights in a traditional old city Riad with dinner (B,D)

Day 4   Visit Roman Volubilis and Moulay Idriss

This morning we visit the extensive Roman city of Volubilis, with its well-preserved mosaic floors and impressive 3rd century AD capitol.  After lunch we visit the nearby holy city of Moulay Idriss with its grand mausoleum. We return to Fes for a leisurely afternoon. Dinner at a quality local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 5   In Fes

We spend the day inside the old medina of Fes, one of the world’s last remaining medieval cities. Our morning tour includes the Bou-Inania Medersa, a Moorish architectural jewel, the beautiful 18th century Nejjarine Fountain and the famous tanneries and dyers souq. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy this wonderful city at your own pace.  Dinner at a quality restaurant (B,D)

Day 6   Drive to Erfoud via Ifrane and Ziz Gorge

A long but interesting drive this morning to Erfoud, a small town on the edge of the Sahara desert.  We stop at the mountain town of Ifrane, located amongst pine and cedar forests. We continue through the dramatic Ziz Valley with palm-fringed villages and ruined ksars (granaries).  Arriving at Erfoud we transfer to the Hotel Xaluca for one night with dinner (B,D)Day 7 Drive to Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga. Overnight desert camp

Mudbrick citadel of Ait Benhaddou © Patrick Syder Images

Day 7 Drive to Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga Overnight desert camp

Today we have a relaxed morning before departing after lunch by 4-wheel drive vehicles into the desert to Merzouga to see the huge, drifting sand dunes and magical landscape at Erg Chebbi. We overnight in a ‘luxury’ desert camp to experience a night under the stars with a traditional Berber dinner. (B,D)

Day 8 Drive to Tinerhir, visit Todra Gorge

This morning we drive through the romantic empty desert landscape of the south. Arriving at Tinerhir at lunchtime we transfer to our hotel Lamrani, built in a beautiful kasbah style. In the afternoon we visit the spectacular Todra Gorge, 1.000 feet deep in places. Dinner in the hotel. (B,D)

Day 9 Via the Dades Valley to Ait Benhaddou

Today’s drive through palmeries and the valley of Dades is a tour highlight as we view the line of kasbahs that give this route its nickname “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs”. We stop at Ouarzazate to visit Taourirt kasbah before driving the short distance to Ait Benhaddou. Overnight, with dinner, in a traditional Riad. (B,D)

Day 10 Visit the desert kasbahs. Drive to Marrakech

The world-famous kasbahs of Morocco are vast fortified villages, mainly built in the 17th century Glaoui dynasty, found in the valleys south of the High Atlas Mountains. We visit Ait Benhaddou, one of the most exotic and best preserved, and now under UNESCO protection. We cross the dramatic Tizi n’Tichka Pass through the Atlas Mountains, before descending to Marrakech, the best known of Morocco’s Imperial cities. We stay for three nights at a centrally located traditional Riad (B)

Day 11 Palaces and Souks tour of Marrakech

Today we explore Marrakech, including the 16th century Saadian Tombs, the Palais de la Bahia and the Ali Ben Youssef Medersa. After spending time in the souk we arrive at Jemaa El Fna Square, the focal point of the city, where in the early evening acrobats, snake charmers, musicians and dancers gather (B)

Day 12 At leisure in Marrakech
Today is set-aside for you to enjoy this wonderful city with its vibrant souks and old medinas at your own pace. You might want to visit one of the beautiful gardens around Marrakech such as the Menara, with the snow capped Atlas mountain backdrop or the colourful Yves St Laurent gardens that houses the Museum of Islamic art. Tonight we have arranged a typical dinner at a quality local restaurant (B,D)

Day 13 Fly London
Morning transfer to Marrakech International airport for the return Royal Air Maroc flight via Casablanca to London Heathrow arriving in the mid afternoon (B)