Highlights of Morocco
Morocco’s Imperial Cities, the Atlas Mountains and the fringes of the Sahara
Day 1 Fly from London Gatwick to Marrakech and transfer to the Moroccan 4-star Royal Mansour Hotel in Casablanca for overnight.
Day 2 Tour of Casablanca including Hassan II mosque, then in Rabat visit the Oudaya Kasbah, Mohammed V mausoleum, Hassan tower, Roman Sala Colonia and the archaeological museum. Continue to Fez for three nights at the Moroccan 5-star Hotel Jnan Palace or Les Merinides.
Day 3 Drive around the ramparts and visit the Dar el-Batha museum of local crafts followed by an exploration of the fascinating labyrinthine medina including a visit to the Attarine Medersa and a traditional carpet-maker.
Day 4 Visit scenically located Roman Volubilis and the hill town of Moulay Idriss. Lunch at Meknes followed by a tour of the ramparts, Imperial granaries and stables.
Day 5 Traverse the Atlas Mountains to Er-Rachidia. Overnight in Erfoud at the Moroccan 4-star Hotel Belere. The Tafilalt Valley around Erfoud cultivates over a million palm trees irrigated by the River Ziz.
Day 6 Early morning optional excursion to the Merzouga Dunes on the fringes of the Sahara (bookable locally). Travel to Tinerhir for lunch and to visit the dramatic Todra Gorges. Continue along the spectacular ‘Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs’ to the former French Foreign Legion outpost of Ouarzazate for two nights at the Moroccan 4-star Hotel Mercure.
Day 7 In Ouarzazate visit the much photographed kasbahs of Tifoultoute and Taourirt. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 8 Visit the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Marrakech for four nights at the Moroccan 5-star Hotel Kenzi Semiramis or Atlas Medina.
Day 9 Full-day tour of Marrakech includes lunch, the Koutoubia Minaret, Majorelle Gardens, Bahia Palace, and Dar Si Said Palace museum of jewellery, costume, chests and doors.
Day 10 Afternoon exploration of the fascinating and colourful souks of the old medina, visiting the Medersa Ben Youssef, a 14th-century religious teaching establishment. Enjoy a drink overlooking Djemma el-Fna Square.
Day 11 A day at leisure
Day 12Transfer to the airport for the return flight to Gatwick.
Extension - Marrakech
Three nights in Marrakech for relaxation or further exploration. Includes breakfast and transfers. Optional day tours may be pre-booked to Toubkal and the Asni valley (£55), the Ourika Valley (£24) and the port of Essaouira (£28).
