Moroccan Adventure

It's time to let our senses guide us as we arrive in the colourful city of Marrakesh. We'll meet and greet our travel crew before spending the evening enjoying North African aromas and spices ahead of a full day exploring tomorrow. (D) Stay: Hotel El Andalous (or similar)

Known as Africa's 'capital of culture', this place won't disappoint. Today we'll get to explore the sights and sounds of Marrakech on a sightseeing tour and discover what this city is all about. You'll be sure to discover the likes of Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, Saadians Tomb, and Jemaa El-Fna before heading north up to the coast. We then make our way to Casablanca, the iconic city of Hollywood legend. (B/D) Stay: Hotel Diwan (or similar)

Today we'll get to explore the elegant city of Casablanca, admiring the Moorish buildings including the opulent Hassan II mosque. We'll also wander the cornice and soak up all of those coastal views. More astounding architectural sights are in store in Rabat, as we visit the Mohammed V Mausoleum, tour Hassan and see the gilded royal palace. Then it's onto Chefchaouen... (B) Stay: Hotel Madrid (or similar)

Get your cameras ready: this morning we'll explore the iconic blue city of Chefchaouen on a locally guided tour, discovering the Place Outa Hamam, Kasbah, and the local markets. Then you're free to spend your time strolling the blue streets, checking out colourful handmade goods, taking selfies in front of blue walls or relaxing back at the hotel.

This afternoon we'll move on to Fes, but not before a special stop at Volubilis. The UNESCO-listed Roman settlement of Volubilis is the largest ancient attraction in Morocco, dating back to AD40. We'll get all the insights into this fascinating ancient capital, previously a Berber settlement, on a locally guided tour. Then all history-ed out and with full camera rolls, we'll travel through the Rif mountains to the cultural capital of Fes. Fes is the oldest and largest medieval city in the world, and its medina is a heady mix of aromas, sounds and sights.

Tonight an included dinner awaits us, with plenty of time for exploring the secrets of Fes tomorrow. (B/D) Stay: Hotel Arena (or similar)

We promised you the secrets of Fes, and now it's time to discover up all that Fes has to offer! Here in the oldest and largest medieval city in the world, we'll take a locally guided tour through the medina that is home to 400,000 inhabitants, plenty of mosques and palaces, donkeys and bikes as transportation, and a heady mix of aromas, sights and sounds.

After exploring the Royal Palace, dye-pits, tanneries, pharmacy, pottery and restaurants, we'll visit a Cooperative of handmade carpets, soaking up the local handicrafts and tips on how to shop medina-style. And if this day couldn't get any better, you have the chance to add some extra Moroccan magic with an optional dinner in the city, with live entertainment from traditional musicians, belly dancers and magicians. (B/L)

Today we drive into the High Atlas Mountains, North Africa's highest mountain range as we make our way over to Erfoud. Expect to see some staggering peaks and breath-taking views, whilst making some pit stops in the gorgeous towns of Ifrane and Midelt, sitting between the Middle Atlas and High Atlas mountains. All before making base in Erfoud, an oasis town situated in the mist of the Sahara Desert. (B) Stay: Kasbah Tizimi Hotel Erfoud (or similar)

We will make an early start this morning to drive to Merzouga for our overnight stay in the Sahara Desert. We'll head into the sweeping Merzouga Desert, travelling across the sands on camels, we'll be greeted by our Berber hosts with traditional drumming, chants and dancing.

Then it's time to decide what adrenaline filled adventures take our fancy. Will we hit the golden sands on a sandboard, buggy car or quad bikes? Or maybe watching the sunset into the desert is more appealing? Then we'll be treated to a traditional Berber feast inside the royal tent, learning that amazing hospitality is at the heart of their culture, before settling in for the night in our luxury tents. (B/D) Stay: Bivouacs La Belle Etoile (or similar)

We're back on the road, and today it's time to unleash your inner Gladiator. After driving the the iconic 1000 kasbahs we'll get to enjoy lunch in the beautiful oasis of Tinghir. Then we'll make our final stop at Todra Gorge where you can have some free time and if you like, opt to hike up the gorge. Once you're full and ready to go we will explore Ouarzazate - an iconic city you'll recognise from films including Kingdom of Heaven and Gladiator.

In the afternoon we'll pit stop at a palm tree farm where you'll get to learn about the production of this local industry (MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience) and also enjoy a spot of afternoon tea, Berber style. (B/L/D) Stay: Les Jardin's (Or similar)

It's the final full day and time to head back to Marrakesh. But first we'll enjoy some traditional treats, including stopping at a local traditional argan oil brewery cooperative to learn the different techniques and traditional ways of producing this fragrant oil - which helps to support the ladies of the cooperative and their families. We'll also enjoy a cooking class at Ladies Cooperative Al Amal where guests will have the opportunity to pick bio vegetables and learn Moroccan cooking methods - yummy!

During your free time why not head over to the captivating Musee Yves Saint Laurent and learn about the legendary French fashion designer and his creative work. Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened - and we're not done yet. If you want to end the final evening on a high, we'll have the option to dine in Jamaa Lfna Square, while local belly dancers offer the entertainment. It's the perfect cultural feast to say goodbye. (B) Stay: Hotel El Andalous (or similar)

You've seen the sights, tasted the culinary delights and stocked up on all the Moroccan souvenirs - It's been emotional! But all good things must come to an end. It's time for all the hugs and most likely a few tears as we bid a farewell and start planning the reunion! (B)