

A superb circling of Morocco, this is a journey from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains, seashore to Sahara sands, Imperial cities to oasis towns, and souks to spectacular scenery
Marrakech - 3 nights
Rabat - 2 nights
Tangier - 1 night
Fez - 3 nights
Erfoud - 1 night
Boumalne Dades - 1 night
Taroudant - 1 night
Essaouira - 2 nights
The route includes all four Imperial capitals; mesmerising Marrakech, with eighteen souks, and 3,000 alleyways leading who-knows-where; fabulous Fez, where labyrinthine lanes twist onto lovely fountain squares; uncrowded Meknes, its magnificent Bab el Mansour gate opening into the medina; and Rabat, the current capital, its ravishing Kasbah a capsule of calm.
We visit coastal Casablanca, and tour to Tangier, where high-rise modernity meets historic medina at Grand Socco square; see the spectacular sea of sand surrounding the Erfoud oasis, a much-used film location; and travel past palm groves and Berber villages to the drama of the Todra Gorge, and through the meandering miles of the Dadès Valley to the kasbahs of Ouarzazate. On the road from the Sahara to the sea, we take a breather in elegant Taroudant, before reaching the ocean at Essaouira, brilliantly coloured by fiery sunsets and flotillas of bright blue boats.
Cultural Tour
Jules Verne Sightseeing
Historic Hotels/Riads
Most Meals Included
8 UNESCO Heritage Sites
Day 1 Fly to Marrakech and transfer to the Angsana Riad for a three-night stay.
Day 2 Full-day tour including Bahia Palace and the ruins of 16th-century Badia Palace; the restored Saadian Tombs; and the Dar Si Said Museum of Moroccan Arts and the souks. Enjoy a Riad dinner this evening. (B, L, D)
Day 3 Visit Jardin Majorelle and the YSL Museum; lunch at the unashamedly opulent former royal palace, now hotel, La Mamounia. (B, L)
Day 4 Travel to Casablanca (3 hrs) and visit the Hassan II Mosque. Continue for two nights at the Sofitel Rabat. (B, L, D)
Day 5 A tour of Imperial Rabat includes the Mausoleum of King Mohammed V, opposite the iconic, Hassan Tower; the Roman Sala Colonia, a medieval Muslim necropolis; and the Oudaya Kasbah, with an Andalucian garden. (B, D)
Day 6 Travel to Tangier (3 hrs) and visit the hillside medina, harbour, sultan’s palace museum and Kasbah. Overnight at the Mövenpick Hotel. (B, D)
Day 7 Drive through the Rif Mountains to Tetouan; visit the ‘blue town’ of Chefchaouen. Continue to Fez (4 hrs), Morocco’s cultural capital. Three nights at the Marriott Hotel or Palais Ommeyad. (B, D)
Day 8 Visit the Roman city of Volubilis; the peaceful town of Moulay Idriss; and scenic Meknes; tour its ramparts, imperial granaries and stables. (B, L, D)
Day 9 A full-day in Fez for a tour of the ramparts and its maze of souks; and the beautifully mosaicked ‘Attarine Medersa’. Enjoy a Riad lunch. (B, L, D)
Day 10 Travel across the Middle Atlas (6 hrs) to Erfoud, with its Mars-like landscape at the Sahara. Overnight at Palais du Desert Hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 11 Join an optional excursion to Merzouga Dunes. Travel to the oasis town of Tinerhir (3 hrs) to visit the Todra Gorge. Continue to scenic Boumalne Dades. Overnight at the Hotel Xaluca. (B, L, D)
Day 12 Travel along the ‘Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs’ to Ouarzazate, to see its trio of kasbahs. Continue to the walled town of Taroudant (4 hrs) for overnight at the historic Riad Dar Zitoune. (B, L, D)
Day 13 Explore the town and take an optional carriage ride (bookable locally). Travel to Essaouira (4 hrs), once a busy port and laid-back resort. Two nights at Atlas Essaouira. (B, D)
Day 14 Visit the 18th-century oceanfront ramparts. Afternoon at leisure or explore the souk stalls. (B, D)
Day 15 Transfer to Marrakech airport for the return flight. (B)
Notes
Exploring the medinas can be hectic and includes a couple of hours of walking.
A selection of small, intimate historic riads, within Marrakech medina. Sitting rooms, patio, roof terrace, a small Angsana spa with hammam and WiFi (free). Air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and tea/coffee making facilities.
A 4-star hotel located in the heart of the city. A blend of contemporary and Moroccan architecture this hotel offers a restaurants, bars, pool, gym and WiFi (free). 229 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
A Moroccan 5-star hotel set in beautiful gardens, overlooking the Malabata Bay. Restaurants, bars, pool, casino, gym, WiFi (free) and 240 air-conditioned rooms with safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.
A Moroccan 5-star riad-style hotel dating back to the 18th century. Restaurant, bar, pool, spa, WiFi (free) and 30 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV,
A stylish 5-star hotel with a selection of restaurants, bars, pool, gym, spa and WiFi (free). Air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
A Moroccan 4-star hotel located at the entrance of the Sahara Desert. Restaurant, bar, pool, spa, WiFi (free) and 44 air-conditioned rooms with satellite TV, safe and mini-bar.
A Moroccan 4-star hotel with views of the Dades Valley. Restaurant, bar, pool, spa, WiFi (free) and 110 air-conditioned rooms with mini-bar and satellite TV.
A 4-star traditional hotel nestled at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. Restaurant, gardens, pool, spa, WiFi (free) and 30 air-conditioned rooms with satellite TV.
A 4-star (Moroccan 5-star) hotel on the beachfront, 15 minutes' walk from the port and medina. Private beach, pool, restaurant, bar, spa and WiFi (free). 156 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, safe, mini-bar and satellite TV.
2023
Sundays
per person in a twin/double room
easyJet from Gatwick
March 5 | £3095 |
April 23 | £3095 |
May 7 | £3145 |
June 11 | £3045 |
August 20 | £3045 |
September 3 | £3095 |
October 1 | £3145 |
October 15 | £3595 |
November 19 | £3195 |
December 3 | £3195 |
2024
Sundays
per person in a twin/double room
easyJet from Gatwick
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Single supplement £850
Flight Options
British Airways from Gatwick - On request
British Airways Club Europe - On request
Extension Options
Extra nights - Marrakech
Angsana Riad (per night) £90
Single supplement £90
Half board £35
Extra nights - Essaouira
Atlas Essaouira (per night) £115
Single supplement £35
Half board £25
Departure transfer £125
Tour Only
Save £200
Arrival transfer add £15
Departure transfer add £125
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 14 nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, 8 lunches and 12 dinners, itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
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