Moroccan Explorer: Imperial Cities to Desert

Fly from London (regional connections available) to Casablanca with Royal Air Maroc. Transfer to The Art Palace for an overnight stay. (N)

Early morning city tour of Casablanca including United Nations Square and the exterior of the Hassan II mosque before continuing to Rabat. Afternoon tour of the city including the Royal Palace and the Hassan Tower with its mausoleum. Continue to Chefchaouen for 1 night at Lina Ryad & Spa in the heart of the medina with beautiful views of the blue-washed houses and mountains beyond. (B, D)

Start the day with a tour of Chefchaouen’s old medina with its quaint streets and blue-washed walls. Continue to Fez, stopping en route at the Roman ruins of Volubilis, which mark the westward extent of the Roman empire, and the Unesco world heritage site of Meknes, now one of the quieter imperial cities but once the heart of the Moroccan sultanate. Spend 2 nights at the Palais Ommeyad Suites & Spa. (B, D)

Full-day tour of Fez, the oldest of Morocco’s imperial cities. Visit the Bou Inania madrasa, the Nejjarine fountain, the souk, tanneries and medina. (B, D)

Travel to Erfoud on the edge of the Sahara desert through the high plains between the Middle Atlas and High Atlas mountain ranges. Stop en route at Ifrane village, known as ‘little Switzerland’ due to its alpine-style architecture, for a walking tour. Continue to Erfoud and stay 2 nights at Palais du Desert & Spa. (B, D)

This morning is at leisure. This afternoon journey into the desert in 4x4 vehicles. Stop to sip on refreshing mint tea as the sun sets over Erg Chebbi, a sea of rolling sand dunes near the desert town of Merzouga. (B, D)

Travel west to Ouarzazate with a photo stop at Todra gorge, an impressive orange-coloured canyon. Take a panoramic tour of Ouarzazate and stay overnight at Ksar Ighnda. (B, D)

Depart for the fortified village of Ait Benhaddou, a superb example of traditional Moroccan earthen architecture. Scenes from the films Gladiator, Prince of Persia and the Jewel of the Nile were all shot here. Arrive in Marrakech early evening and stay 2 nights at Riad Slitine (or similar), a traditional Moroccan guesthouse in the medina with cool courtyards, sun terrace, pool and hammam. (B, D)

Full-day city tour of Marrakech. Highlights include the lavish Moroccan architecture of Bahia Palace, the exotic plants in Jardin Majorelle, Koutoubia mosque and the bustling souks. Finish in Djemaa el Fna market square, a swirling carnival of musicians, fire eaters, storytellers and snake charmers. (B, D)

Transfer to the airport and fly to London via Casablanca with Royal Air Maroc. (B)