Royal Cities of Morocco

Day 1 Fly from London Gatwick to Marrakech. Two nights at the Moroccan 5-star Hotel Kenzi Semiramis or Atlas Medina.

Day 2 Full-day tour of Marrakech including lunch, the Koutoubia Minaret, the Majorelle Gardens, the medina and the Bahia Palace and Dar Si Said Palace museum of jewellery, costume, chests and doors.

Day 3 Today the scenery changes from the dramatic High Atlas to the attractive rolling hills of the Middle Atlas en route to Fez for three nights at the 5-star Jnan Palace.

Day 4 Morning drive around the ramparts of Fez, passing the Tomb of the Merinids. Visit the 14th-century Bou Inania Medersa and the excellent museum with its collection of illuminated manuscripts and ceramics. Included lunch in the medina, then explore the fascinating cobbled lanes of the medina, the richly decorated Attarine Medersa and the Neijarin fountain. View the medieval tannery, the mosques, the Fondouqs where the donkeys and their owners stayed and the infinite variety of merchandise from carpets and edible goods to copperware and pottery.

Day 5 Visit the Roman city of Volubilis and the hill town of Moulay Idriss. Lunch in Meknes, then a tour of its ramparts, imperial granaries and stables.

Day 6 Drive to Rabat, Morocco’s capital city founded in the 12th century. Visit the mausoleum of Mohammed V and the late King. Other attractions include the Tour Hassan, the grandiose minaret of a vast, uncompleted 12th-century mosque, the royal palace, the Chellah and Roman ruins. Overnight at the Moroccan 5-star Hotel Golden Tulip Farah.

Day 7 Depart for Casablanca, founded at the beginning of the century and Morocco’s principal commercial town, to visit the Hassan II Mosque, the world’s largest mosque. Continue to Marrakech for overnight at the Moroccan 5-star Hotel Kenzi Semiramis or Atlas Medina.

Day 8 Transfer to airport for the return flight to Gatwick.