The Best of Morocco

Day 1 UK to Tangier

Fly to Tangier and transfer to the locally rated 4-star Kenzi Solazur Hotel (4Q) where you’ll stay overnight. On the way to the hotel you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Grand Socco in the heart of the city. Once a bustling marketplace, this cafe-lined plaza joins new Tangier with the historic medina quarter.

Look forward to dinner and a welcome drink this evening, where you can get to know your fellow travellers. D

Day 2 Tangier to Rabat

Drive to the northwestern coast this morning, travelling through the Cap Spartel Nature Reserve to the Caves of Hercules. According to myth, Hercules slept in the caves on his way to steal three golden apples from the Garden of the Hesperides, the 11th of the ‘12 Labours of Hercules’. Continue down the Atlantic coast to the beautiful fishing town of Asilah for a guided walking tour in the ancient Kasbah.

Arriving in Rabat, you’ll have free time for lunch, then spend the afternoon admiring the city’s incredible architecture. See the 17th century royal palace and its Andalusian-style garden, the medieval Hassan Tower and the mausoleum to Mohammed V. Stay overnight at the locally rated 4-star Beler Hotel (4Q). B, D

Day 3 Rabat to Fes

After breakfast, begin your journey inland, first heading to the Roman city of Volubilis, the best preserved archaeological site in Morocco.

Admire the beautiful preserved mosaic floors, then continue to the Imperial city of Meknes. As the capital from 1672 to 1727 under Sultan Moulay Ismail, UNESCO-listed Meknes saw much investment, with numerous monuments, gardens, gates and mosques constructed during his reign. Take a tour of the Royal Stables, once home to 12,000 of Moulay Ismail’s beloved horses, and the neighbouring granary, which could store enough grain to feed the horses for 20 years!

Continue to Fes for a two night stay at the locally rated 4-star Hotel Atlas Saiss Fès (4Q). B, D

Day 4 Fes

Considered Morocco's spiritual and religious centre, Fes is also one of Morocco’s most authentic, least changed cities and one of the most complete medieval cities of the Arab world.

Join a full day guided tour taking in the magnificent ancient madrasas, or Islamic colleges, the intricate mosaic tile work of the Nejjarine fountain, and Al Qarawiyyin Mosque and University, considered the oldest university in the world. After free time for lunch, continue to the medieval medina, a walled labyrinth of winding alleyways, packed with artisans and merchants. Admire the iconic Bab Boujeloud, known as the ‘Blue Gate of Fes’, which greets visitors entering the medina.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. B, D

Day 5 Fes to Casablanca

Today, make the return journey to the coast, continuing south to Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city and most significant port. The city seamlessly blends European, African and Arabian cultures together to give it a unique appeal.

Check into the locally rated 4-star Hotel Odyssee Center Hotel (3Q), and spend the afternoon at leisure. B, D

Day 6 Casablanca

This morning, join a guided tour of the city, starting at the Hassan II Mosque where you can venture inside with a specialist guide.

Built in 1989, Morocco’s largest mosque features the world’s second-tallest minaret, measuring 688 feet in height. With capacity for 25,000 worshippers, the mosque’s interior demonstrates the finest elements of Moroccan craftsmanship, including hand-carved stone, marble flooring and gilded ceilings. Next, wander through the souks of the Habous Quarter, the new medina, originally built by the French in the 1930s to solve a housing crisis. Here you can buy everything from slippers to shaggy rugs, and spices to olives.

Travel back to the hotel through the city centre, with its wide, modern, palm-lined avenues, past the Square of Mohammed V and Casablanca Cathedral. A light lunch is included at the hotel, and you can enjoy the afternoon at leisure. This evening, look forward to dinner at the famous Rick’s Cafe, designed to replicate the iconic bar in the classic film, Casablanca. B, L, D

Day 7 Casablanca to Ouirgane

Journey south, crossing the Haouz plains, and passing North Africa’s highest mountain, Toubkal Massif, as you head towards the High Atlas Mountains.

Stay two nights at the locally rated 4-star Domaine de la Roseraie Resort and Spa (4Q) in the small town of Ouirgane. B, D

Day 8 Ouirgane

Embark on a full day trekking in the Tassa Ouirgane National Park.

This remote part of Morocco in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains offers the chance to experience the beautiful scenery of the region without the strenuous mountain ascents. Trek over easy terrain through orchards and arable landscape, dotted with remote Berber villages, following the river at the foot of the valley, stopping for a picnic lunch with a panoramic vista of national park and the High Atlas peaks in the distance.

Return to the hotel for the remainder of the afternoon and dinner. B, L, D

Day 9 Ouirgane to Marrakesh

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and the morning to relax, before making the short journey north to Marrakesh.

The city is a feast for the senses, from the narrow streets and bustling souks of its famous Medina – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – to the artisans, colours and textures that fill its streets and squares. Check into the locally rated 5-star Palm Plaza Hotel and Spa (4Q), where you’ll have free time for lunch.

This afternoon, join a guided walking tour through the medina and souks to Jemaa el-Fna, the city’s main square, which is filled with exotic sights and sounds. Here fortune tellers, snake charmers, musicians, acrobats and poets entertain the crowds late into the evening. Return to the hotel for dinner. B, D

Day 10 Marrakesh

Spend a full day exploring Marrakesh’s top attractions on a guided tour.

Begin at the Koutoubia Mosque, one of the oldest mosque on the western Museum world, with it’s dramatic 75 metre-high minaret which soars above the city. Continue to Jardin Majorelle, Morocco’s most popular tourist attraction. The enchanting gardens were originally created by French painter, Jacques Majorelle, and have since been enhanced by Yves Saint Laurent following his purchase of the gardens in the 1980s. Meander through the oasis of paths lined with exotic flora, then continue to the Menara botanical gardens where you’ll have free time for lunch.

This afternoon, continue touring the city, taking in Dar El Bacha, an ornate palace housing the Museum of Confluences, and the Bahia Palace and Gardens, an artistic masterpiece designed to capture the essence of Islamic and Moroccan styles.

Return to the hotel for dinner. B, D

Day 11 Marrakesh

Enjoy your final day in Marrakesh at leisure.

Your guide is on hand and can help suggest local attraction worth visiting, such as the Yves Saint Laurent Museum or the Perfume Museum. Alternatively, you might simply like to spend the day relaxing by the pool at the hotel.

Look forward to a spectacular farewell dinner this evening at Chez Ali, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Moroccan tagine accompanied by performances of folk music, fireworks, acrobatics and horsemanship. B, D

Day 12 Marrakesh to UK

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. B