Highlights of Morocco

Day 1 Fly from your chosen airport to Marrakech. Founded in the 11^th century, with its fortunes made on trade in gold and ivory, the walled city lists twenty gates and 200 towers in its red ramparts. Transfer to the 4-star Le Meridien for a two-night stay.

Day 2 Experience this dizzying city, where souks are awash with spices, jewellery, and carpets; and mystics and Berber dancers draw the crowds to Djemaa el-Fna square. Our full day tour takes you to the Koutoubia Minaret, guarding Marrakech as it has done since the 12^th century, soaring 77-metres high, and visible for miles around; see the serene side of the city with a visit to the two-acre botanical garden, Jardin Majorelle; and visit the beautiful, blue and white Bahia (‘Brilliance’) Palace; and the Dar Si Said Museum of Moroccan Arts, housed in a 19^th-century medina mansion. (B, L)

Day 3 Travel to Imperial Rabat for a city tour which includes the Mausoleum of King Mohammed V and his two sons, just opposite the iconic, unmissable 12^th-century Hassan Tower; the remains of Roman Sala Colonia, a medieval Muslim necropolis on the site of ancient ruins; and the Oudaya Kasbah, a ‘must do’ haven of tranquillity, with an Andalucian garden, flower-filled alleys, and ocean views. Overnight at the central 4-star Le Diwan Rabat-MGallery Hotel (or similar). (B, L)

Day 4 Visit the remarkable ruins of the 3^rd-century BC Roman city of Volubilis; continue to the peaceful town of Moulay Idriss, a Muslim place of pilgrimage, cloaking two hills with whitewashed houses and a step-back-in-time tempo; and travel (3hrs) to Fez, its thousand years of history and enthralling architecture cementing the city’s reputation as Morocco’s cultural capital. Two nights at the 4-star Atlas Volubilis Hotel. (B, L)

Day 5 On a full day in Fez, tour the city ramparts, and visit the 14^th-century Bou Inania Medersa and museum, where exhibits include fine ceramics and illuminated manuscripts. After lunch in the Fes el-Bali medina, explore its maze of souks, the largest in the world, bombarding the senses with the scents and colours of spicy food and local craft works; and view the Neijarin Fountain and the magnificently mosaicked ‘Attarine Medersa’ medieval Koranic school. (B, L)

Day 6 Drive to Moorish-style Meknes, with secret courtyards and ornate riads filling its atmospheric medina. In this less famous of the four imperial cities, tour the ruins of the huge Heri es Souani, the historic stables and granaries. Continue to Casablanca, Morocco’s largest and most liberal metropolis. Overnight at the 4-star Transatlantique Hotel. (B, L)

Day 7 A tour of the city includes a visit to the opulent Hassan II Mosque. The second largest in Africa and the 7^th largest in the world, its intricately inlayed marble flooring, gilded cedar ceilings, exquisite mosaic tiling, and hand-carved wood and stonework create a masterpiece of Moroccan craftsmanship. Return to Marrakech and Le Meridien Hotel for overnight stay. (B, L)

Day 8 Transfer to Marrakech airport for your return flight. (B)

• Key
• B - Breakfast
• L - Lunch
• D - Dinner