Morocco: Imperial Cities and Desert Kasbahs

Day 2 Casablanca

After breakfast today, we'll enjoy a sightseeing tour of Casablanca, visiting the medina – that's the old walled town, with its crooked lanes and shady squares – and the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, which is the country's largest. We'll also see the vast United Nations Square and the art deco-inspired Mohammed V Square, the imposing Royal Palace, the bustling central market and the Habous quarter, with its quaint French colonial buildings. This evening we will have our welcome dinner at the hotel.

Meals included: B,D

Day 3 Rabat - Fes

Rabat is our first destination today. The Moroccan capital is one of the four Imperial Cities and has a fascinating history being founded in the 12th Century and made the capital under French rule. We will learn about the old and the new Rabat as well as seeing Kasbah Oudaya, Hassan tower and the Alaouite shrine.
En route to Fez we will stop in the rural village of M'haya and receive a warm welcome from a group of women who serve up a delicious traditional lunch. This organisation helps support the long-term job development of women in this area, with additional funds supporting health and education programs for a network of over 700 women and children. Later we travel to Fes for a two night stay. Meals included: B,L,D

Day 4 Fes

This morning, embark on a walking tour of Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where treasures beckon around every corner. Admire the ancient buildings that date back to the 9th century in the company of an expert Local Guide, and explore the winding lanes, alleys, tanneries and artisan shops that make up one of the world's largest medinas.
A highlight is the view of the famous Fes tannery from the balcony of a leather shop, where you can observe the men hard at work treating and dyeing the different hides. Maybe take some time to shop for leather goods with your travelling companions before we return to the hotel. This evening we'll have dinner in a traditional Moroccan residence - a riad - for a truly authentic experience. Meals included: B,D

Day 5 Fes - Erfoud

We're going to hit the road early this morning, as the spectacular scenery of the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert await us on this long and equally rewarding journey. We will stop in the charming town of Ifrane, known as Little Switzerland for it's Alpine style and location in the Middle Atlas Mountains. We'll have time for lunch in Midelt and on the way be treated to spectacular views of the High Atlas. We'll also break in the oasis town of Errachidia, before our final destination, a kasbah style hotel in Erfoud on the edge of the rose-gold Saharan dunes. We'll relax tonight and have dinner at the hotel. Meals included: B,D

Day 6 Erfoud

Today has been left free for you to relax and enjoy the facilities of your desert kasbah style hotel. Tonight, we take in views of the spectacular desert sunset. Meals included: B,D

Day 7 Ouarzazate

This morning we'll head to the heart of the Atlas Mountains and see the Todgha Gorge, with its steep canyon walls towering up to 400 metres high. We then follow in the footsteps of the sultans as we travel along the famous Route of a Thousand Kasbahs, where the series of imposing ancient ruined fortresses almost resemble sandcastles in the distance.
Finally, we drive to the former Foreign Legion outpost of Ouarzazate, often known as 'Ouallywood' because of its starring role as the exotic backdrop in so many well-known movies. Here, you can visit Taourirt Kasbah, an ancient citadel with almost 300 rooms.

Meals included: B,D

Day 8 Ait Benhadou Kasbah - Marrakech

Our day begins as we visit the Ait Benhadou Kasbah, the most spectacular fortress in the south of Morocco. Used as a backdrop in films such as 'Lawrence of Arabia' and classified by UNESCO as one of the cultural treasures of the world, the buildings making up the Kasbah are studded with crenulated towers and decorated with ornate geometrical motifs – it's a sight not to be missed.
We will then make our way to Marrakech.

Meals included: B,D

Day 9 Marrakech

Today we'll head off on a tour of Marrakech's main sights. We'll visit the beautiful Bahia Palace, which showcases 19th century Islamic and Moroccan architectural styles and boasts 160 lavishly decorated rooms. Next we will visit the Majorelle Gardens, a green oasis a world away from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech. No visit to Marrakech is complete without experiencing the famous Djemaa El Fna Square, and there will be time at leisure to wander the labyrinth of colourful souks and see snake charmers and fortune-tellers entertaining the thronging crowds. Amongst the hundreds of stalls here, you can barter for anything from traditional carpets and hand-crafted pottery to glistening jewellery and equally colourful spices. Meals included: B,D

Day 10 Marrakech

Today it's time to say goodbye to your travelling companions as your holiday comes to an end. Meals included: B