En route for the imperial city of Fes we take a tour of the Roman ruins at Volubilis; the largest ancient site of Morocco. UNESCO-listed, the site dates back to AD40 and once ruled the entire Roman province of Mauritania. On to bustling Fes this afternoon, the oldest and largest medieval city in the world. Its medina is a heady mix of aromas, sounds and sights. There are plenty of mosques and palaces to visit, but be aware that only Muslims can enter mosques in Morocco. After day 6 exploring dye-pits, tanneries and restaurants, we return to our hotel to get ready for an optional night of Moroccan entertainment and food at a restaurant in town. Full day city tour included.  Overnight in Fes x 2, Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 1

This morning we journey over the Moyen Atlas to stop at Midelt; a beautiful alpine area. Surrounded by huge pine trees and a tranquil mountain setting, this is a great spot to cool down and relax after the hustle and bustle of Fes. We will enjoy a small hike in the afternoon. We spend the night in this mountain location.  Overnight in Midelt - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we enjoy a stunning drive rewarded by a fantastic Moroccan lunch and an afternoon relaxing and swimming. It is now time to head towards the desert and Merzouga, where we transfer to camels for a trek into the desert for a night at our Berber Camp. We enjoy local food, music and an amazing night out under the Saharan stars. Camel trek included.  Overnight Sahara desert - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leaving the desert, we move on to Todra Gorge.This 1000ft gorge is hemmed in on all sides by vertical limestone cliffs and is also called Morocco’s Grand Canyon. There’s time to explore the gorge, from its plunging depths to dizzying heights. The charm of Todra lies in its changing colours as the sun slowly moves from east to west. Optional rock climbing. Overnight in Todra – Breakfast & Dinner

Leaving the impressive Todra Gorge we make the short journey to Gorge du Dades in the Dades Valley; a green and fertile valley by the Dades River that flows through it giving life to a huge variety of colourful fruit and nut trees and extraordinary red rock formations. We will lunch here then on to Ait Benhaddou for a tour of the famous Kasbah, where Lawrence of Arabia was once filmed. Tour included. Overnight in Ait Benhaddou – Breakfast & Dinner

Days 11 & 12:        Essaouira / Accommodation:

Traverse the high Atlas Mountains on your way to Essaouira. A colourful fishing town situated within 15th century Portuguese fortifications, where great beaches and surf beckon. Relax on the beach or alternatively explore the UNESCO-listed Medina with its various souks and woodcarving workshops. Any city gate leads to the Medina , so you’re unlikely to get lost. The beach is in front of the Medina and there are plenty of cafés with terraces, both ideal for relaxing for a few hours. Blue doors and window frames abound as do the artists shops – buy a carpet or Thuya wood carving or sit on the beach sipping a mint tea as the sun sets, an antidote to the bustle of the Imperial cities.  Optional horse trekking, quad biking.  Overnight in Essaouira x 2 – Breakfast x 2

Days 13 & 14:        Marrakech / Accommodation:

We take the new highway back to Marrakech, the final one of Morocco’s four Imperial cities we visit on this tour. Marrakech set against the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. Its great pride and landmark is the Koutoubia Tower, sister to the Tower of Hassan in Rabat and the Giralda Tower in Seville. It is said that after the third of these was completed, the sultan had the eyes of his architect put out lest he should build another more beautiful tower elsewhere. No visit to the city is complete without a visit to the city’s UNESCO-listed Medina & Djemâa-el-Fna, an extraordinary gathering and market place. Guided city tour included.  Overnight in Marrakech x 2 – Breakfast x 2