Majestic Morocco

Once an old pirate lair on the Atlantic coast, the sophisticated city of Casablanca is where we'll meet to begin our intoxicating journey through Morocco. Tonight, we'll have the opportunity to get to know one another better over a delicious welcome meal at a local restaurant.

After breakfast, we'll hit the road to our first stop: Rabat, where we'll see the marble Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the similarly spectacular Hassan Tower on a walking tour with a local guide. When we arrive in Meknes, the evening will be ours to explore at our leisure or relax back at our traditional accommodation.

This morning, we'll enjoy a relaxed walking tour of this enchanting UNESCO World Heritage-listed city – winding up at the stunning Bab Mansour Gate. After we'll make tracks for the pretty whitewashed town of Moulay Idriss where we'll savour a traditional couscous lunch. Next up is historic Volubilis where a local guide will show us around the ruins of this once bustling Roman stronghold. We'll then venture into the Rif Mountains to Chefchaouen – where we'll spend the next two nights.

Today, you'll have an entire day to soak up this breathtaking city's many delights. Chefchaouen is famed for its vibrant blue architecture which we'll get a closer look at on a guided walk around the city's medina with a local guide. As well as soaking up its winding alleyways and cobbled plazas, we'll pause to sample some creamy local goat's cheese.

The afternoon is then yours to explore further – shop for locally-made souvenirs or find a coffee shop to watch the world go by in. Tonight, we'll reconvene for a delicious homecooked meal and a tea demonstration at a local restaurant.

Say goodbye to Chefchaouen as we continue our journey to Fes – a vibrant city that's considered Morocco's cultural and spiritual heart. Once we arrive, you'll have the rest of the day to explore at your leisure. Enjoy some relaxation time at a local hammam (spa) or ask your Tour Leader for some personalised recommendations. Tonight, seek out a local eatery in Fes' bustling medina before retiring for the night in a splendid local riad.

First on the agenda today is a walking tour of Fes' maze-like medina before we move on to a Moroccan must-see: a leather tannery. We will also visit a workshop that specialises in creating a range of local artisanal products, before having another free afternoon to explore Fes at our own pace. We recommend returning to the car-free medina and exploring the many colourful storefronts and medieval streets bursting with exotic food stands.

Today our path leads us out of the city and on a voyage through the striking, jagged landscapes of the Atlas Mountains. The landscapes shift dramatically as we climb – rocky outcrops, cedar-covered slopes and the kind of quiet that feels worlds away from the bustle of Fes. We'll arrive at the Xaluca Agoulmam for the night, an overnight stay set in a remote and beautiful mountain location unlike anywhere else on the tour. Here, we'll soak in the tranquil mountain atmosphere before enjoying dinner together as a group at the hotel.

Today we'll make the drive further into the Atlas Mountains, covering some distance as we go, taking in the sweeping landscapes before stopping in Rissani – once the site of the renowned desert capital Sijilmasa. Later, we'll swap the minicoach for four-wheel drives and venture into the Sahara Desert, where our camp just outside of Merzouga awaits. Tonight's dinner will come in the traditional form of a Berber feast, complete with local entertainment.

Rise early this morning to catch the mesmerising sunrise over the expanse of red dunes, before we set off on a day's travel. First, we'll make the picturesque journey to the dramatic Todra Gorge. After taking some time to explore the gorge at our own pace, we'll make our way to our hotel in splendid Skoura – the so-called ‘Oasis of 1000 Palms' – for the night. It's situated a short drive from the fortified village of Aït Benhaddou: a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Today, we'll kick off with a gentle guided walk through a shady palm grove. Your Tour Leader will reveal fascinating facts about Morocco's traditional date farming practices, and you'll have the chance to savour a light picnic lunch amidst the palms. Then, we'll travel back in time at Skoura's Kasbah Armidil – a 17th century fortress that's been turned into a living museum. Tonight, we'll share stories of the day over an included group dinner at our hotel.

We'll leave Skoura behind and travel onwards to Aït Benhaddou where we'll learn how to make the perfect tagine at a riverside teahouse run by the Tawesna Association – an all-women co-operative. After getting lost in Aït Benhaddou's Kasbah with a local guide, we'll move onwards to Marrakech via the awe-inspiring Tizi n'Tichka mountain pass.

Before we say our final goodbyes, we'll enjoy a sightseeing tour of the ‘Red City' – where we'll have the chance to view the incredible Bahia Palace. Tonight, we'll come together to toast the end of our adventure with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. What an incredible journey we've had!

After one final breakfast together at our hotel, we'll conclude our tour and part ways.