Morocco, the way locals would show it to you.

Day 1: Marrakech – Aït Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades

In the morning we pick you up from your hotel or riad and head for Dades over the Tizi n'Tichka pass in the High Atlas, stopping to enjoy panoramic views of the mountains. We visit the Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the backdrop of many films such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones. After lunch we continue the drive through ever-changing Moroccan landscapes, past the palm groves of Skoura and through the Valley of Roses. The day ends at our hotel in Boumalne Dades, with dinner, overnight and breakfast.

Day 2: Boumalne Dades – Todra Gorge – Merzouga

We set off from Boumalne towards Merzouga via Tinghir, stopping at the Todra Gorge to enjoy the views. Lunch is in Tinjdad, or in Rissani if time allows, where you can try medfouna, the famous local stuffed "Berber pizza". After lunch we head straight to the Merzouga desert and Erg Chebbi, known for the highest sand dunes in North Africa. At the meeting point you set off on your camel trek to a luxury desert camp in the dunes, stopping to enjoy the sunset over the ochre sand. Dinner of authentic Moroccan cuisine, Berber drums and a night under a sky full of stars.

Day 3: Merzouga – Drâa Valley – Ouarzazate – Marrakech

After breakfast at the camp you return to the meeting point by camel or 4x4. We drive to Rissani, whose market is one of the biggest in the region (held on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays), then continue through the Drâa Valley, home to one of Morocco's largest palm groves, and on to Ouarzazate. The drive continues over the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech, where we drop you off at your accommodation.

Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca

Your driver and guide meet you at Mohammed V Airport and drive you to your hotel in the centre of Casablanca. If you arrive early in the day, you explore Casablanca, starting with the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, the second largest in Africa and one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslim visitors. Then a visit to Mohammed V Square before we drop you at your hotel.

Day 2: Casablanca – Rabat – Tangier

After breakfast we drive to Rabat, the capital of Morocco, to visit the Hassan Tower and the Kasbah of the Udayas. Then we head north to Tangier to visit the Caves of Hercules, Cap Spartel and the medina of Tangier. Overnight in a hotel.

Day 3: Tangier – Tetouan – Chefchaouen

Today we leave for Chefchaouen, stopping in Tetouan for photos, then continue to Chefchaouen to stroll through its beautiful blue streets. Overnight in a hotel or riad.

Day 4: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes

A free morning in Chefchaouen. Around 11:00 we set off for Fes through Ouazzane and other Rif villages. Around midday we reach Volubilis, the Roman ruins that were once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Mauretania, founded in the 3rd century BC (entry about 70 MAD per adult). We then drive to Meknes and past its historic monuments, many of which are currently under restoration, before continuing to Fes. Overnight in a riad or hotel.

Day 5: Fes sightseeing

Today you explore Fes, the oldest of Morocco's imperial cities, walking its alleys and narrow streets. We start at the gate of the Royal Palace and the Mellah, the Jewish quarter and the first mellah built in Morocco. We make sure you see all the places of cultural and historical interest, including the famous Al Quaraouiyine University, one of the oldest in the world, the tanneries, the Al-Attarine Madrasa and the shrine of Moulay Idriss. After lunch you visit a zellige tile cooperative and enjoy a panoramic view over the whole medina of Fes.

Day 6: Fes – Ifrane – cedar forest – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga

We pick you up from your riad in Fes and drive south through the Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping in the cedar forest to see Barbary macaques in their natural habitat. We cross the Tizi n'Talghamt pass to Midelt and follow the magnificent Ziz Gorges, with views over the Middle Atlas plateau as the scenery changes to reveal hints of the desert near Errachidia. After lunch we continue through the Ziz Valley, Erfoud and Rissani to Merzouga. After a glass of mint tea, you ride camels to a luxury camp behind the Erg Chebbi dunes, 20 km long and 5 km wide and reputed to be the highest in North Africa. The camel trek takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. After dinner we gather around the fire to enjoy the desert night, perhaps with traditional Berber drums.

Day 7: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorge – Boumalne Dades

After breakfast we leave the desert for Rissani, the ancient capital of the Tafilalet and still a major trading centre, with a large, lively souk on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. After a stroll in the souk we continue to Erfoud to visit a fossil marble workshop, then drive through the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad to the Todra Gorge, a grand canyon carved by the Todra river between high red cliffs and a favourite spot for rock climbers. Free time to wander the gorge and have lunch in a restaurant. We then continue to the Dades Valley through Boumalne Dades, stopping at the "monkey fingers" rock formation and at a viewpoint high above the valley. Dinner and overnight in a hotel.

Day 8: Dades Valley – Aït Ben Haddou – Marrakech

After breakfast we travel through the Dades Valley and Kelaat M'Gouna along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. We visit Ouarzazate and then explore the Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, one of the best-preserved fortified villages in Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We then cross the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech. Overnight in a riad.

Day 9: Marrakech sightseeing

After breakfast at the riad you start exploring Marrakech, the red city and one of Morocco's imperial cities. Your guide will show you the most important places of historical and cultural interest, including the Saadian Tombs, the Bahia Palace and the Ben Youssef Madrasa. You will also walk the souks and enjoy their fascinating colours and wonderful smells. Lunch at a restaurant near the main square, then in the afternoon a visit to the Majorelle Garden and the Koutoubia Mosque.

Day 10: Airport transfer

A free morning in Marrakech. In the late afternoon we transfer you to Marrakech Menara Airport, where our tour ends.

Day 1: Meet in Tangier – drive to Chefchaouen

Your journey starts with a pick-up from Tangier airport or port. We begin with a visit to Tangier, a magnificent city that has been Europe's gateway to Africa for centuries, with a blend of cultures and influences unique in Morocco. You will visit the Caves of Hercules and Cap Spartel, where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. Then we drive through the Rif Mountains, enjoying the views, to Chefchaouen, a stunning town at the foot of the Rif. Its blue-washed medina has become one of the best places to visit in Morocco. Explore and roam the town. Overnight in a riad in Chefchaouen.

Day 2: Chefchaouen – Fes, sightseeing with a local guide

After breakfast we drive through the pretty Rif Mountains and reach Fes in about three and a half hours. You meet your local guide and the exploration of Fes begins: the Royal Palace; the Mellah, the Jewish quarter, with its 17th-century synagogue; the University of al-Qarawiyyin, founded as a mosque and one of the leading spiritual and educational centres of the Muslim world; and the Chouara Tannery, the largest and oldest in the city, where you look down onto the dye pits from the terraces of the surrounding leather shops. You will also walk the old souks and wander the narrow alleys of the medina. Overnight in a beautiful riad in Fes.

Day 3: Fes – Ifrane – Midelt – Merzouga desert

We leave Fes in the morning and travel through the Middle Atlas Mountains, with a first stop in Ifrane for refreshments. We continue to the cedar forest, where you may see Barbary macaque monkeys, then on to Midelt for lunch. After lunch we travel through the beautiful Ziz Valley, a series of oases and palm groves fed by the Ziz River, a wonderful photo opportunity. Passing through Errachidia and Erfoud, we arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara. From here you ride a camel to the desert camp, enjoying an amazing Sahara sunset along the way. Authentic Moroccan dinner under the stars, desert drums and the tranquillity of the dunes. Overnight in the desert camp.

Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorge – Boumalne Dades

After breakfast we head to Rissani, site of ancient Sijilmasa, once the centre of the caravan trade between Timbuktu and Marrakech and a great salt market. After walking around the biggest market in the region, we continue through semi-desert landscapes to the oasis of Tinghir, one of Morocco's wonderful places, and then to the Todra Gorge, the highest and narrowest of the gorges at 300 m, popular with climbers. After lunch we continue to the impressive Dades Valley. Overnight in the Dades Valley.

Day 5: Dades Valley – Aït Ben Haddou – Marrakech

After breakfast we continue to Kelaat M'Gouna to visit the Valley of Roses, where a rose festival is held every May and locals sell their rose products, from perfume and rose water to oil and cosmetics. We then drive through the palm groves of Skoura to Ouarzazate, where we visit the film studios where famous movies were shot and the Taourirt Kasbah, then on to the famous Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, a fortified village listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has appeared in Gladiator, Alexander, The Mummy and the TV series Game of Thrones. We continue to Marrakech over the High Atlas Mountains through the Tizi n'Tichka pass, stopping for lunch and photos along the way. Drop-off at your riad or hotel in Marrakech for the night.

Day 6: Marrakech city tour

After breakfast you start exploring Marrakech, the red city and one of Morocco's imperial cities. Your guide will show you the most important places of historical and cultural interest, including the Saadian Tombs, the Bahia Palace and the Ben Youssef Madrasa. You will also walk the souks and enjoy their fascinating colours and wonderful smells. Lunch at a restaurant near the main square, then in the afternoon a visit to the Koutoubia Mosque and, optionally, the Majorelle Garden (tickets must be bought online in advance, for an afternoon slot after 14:30).

Day 7: Airport transfer

Today depends on the airport you fly out from. For Marrakech airport, we drive you there 3 hours before your flight. For Casablanca airport, we leave Marrakech 5 hours before your flight. We will confirm the details with you once you know your departure airport.

Day 1: Fes – Ifrane – Azrou – Midelt – Errachidia – Erfoud – Merzouga

Pick-up from your hotel in Fes at 08:00 and departure for the south of Morocco. First stop is Ifrane, known as the Switzerland of Morocco, to enjoy its beauty and take some memorable photos. Then head to Azrou to see the monkeys in the cedar forest, continuing to Midelt for lunch in a restaurant. In the afternoon we cross the Tizi n'Talghamt pass to reach Errachidia while admiring the views of the Ziz gorges.

Later, a stop for a panoramic view of the Ziz valley. The drive continues to the Erg Chebbi dunes, passing Aoufous and Erfoud (famous for fossils and dates), where you may want to visit a local fossil workshop. Then on to the captivating dunes of Erg Chebbi, also called the Merzouga dunes. Arrive at the hotel and get ready for a camel trek of an hour and a half to enjoy the sunset. On the back of your dromedary, you continue to the camp for dinner and an overnight in a traditional nomad tent in the middle of the dunes.

Day 2: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorge – Dades Gorge

After breakfast and a shower to dust off, we drive from Merzouga to Rissani, Erfoud and Tinghir, where we stop for lunch and a short walk in the Todra gorges, with their magnificent palm grove and old ruins blending perfectly with the scenery. In the afternoon we continue to Boumalne Dades and take the curvy road north through the Dades gorges, stopping for pictures at the "monkey fingers", a rock formation that looks like fingers, probably formed from lava thousands of years ago. Then on to the famous gorges at the top, pictured in many travel brochures as one of the most beautiful stretches of road, before heading back to our hotel at the foot of the gorges for a nice dinner, sometimes with live music from the staff and other guests.

Day 3: Dades Gorge – Skoura – Ouarzazate – Aït Ben Haddou – Marrakech

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Ouarzazate via Skoura, stopping for a panoramic view of the Kasbah of Taourirt and for photos near the Atlas Film Studios. Then visit the Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou and stop for lunch in a local restaurant in the village. In the afternoon we drive to Marrakech over the High Atlas mountains through the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m). Drop-off in Marrakech, where our 3-day tour from Fes to Marrakech ends.

Day 1: Arrival – Marrakech city tour

We pick you up from the airport and take you to meet your guide, then start exploring Marrakech, the red city and one of Morocco's imperial cities. Your guide will show you the most important places of historical and cultural interest, including the Bahia Palace and the Ben Youssef Madrasa. You will also walk the souks and enjoy their fascinating colours and wonderful smells. Lunch at a restaurant near the main square, then in the afternoon a visit to the Majorelle Garden and the Koutoubia Mosque. Overnight in a riad or hotel.

Day 2: Marrakech – Imlil

After breakfast we drive to Imlil in the High Atlas for a hike of around 3 hours, with lunch at the home of a local family. Overnight in a hotel in Imlil.

Day 3: Imlil – Lalla Takerkoust – Agafay desert

We leave Imlil and drive towards Lalla Takerkoust to go paragliding over the Atlas Mountains. Lunch near the Lalla Takerkoust dam. In the afternoon we drive to the Agafay desert to spend the night in a luxury camp with a swimming pool. Dinner and breakfast at the camp, sometimes with live music.

Day 4: Agafay – Marrakech – airport transfer

Wake up early for a morning yoga session. After breakfast at the camp we drive back to Marrakech, where you have free time to walk around the souks or visit the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. We transfer you to the airport 3 hours before your flight, where our trip ends.

Day Excursion from Marrakech to Ourika Valley

Collection from Riad / Hotel between 08:00 – 09:00hrs. Travel through the Breathtaking High Atlas Mountains, for 1.5-2 hours before arriving in Ourika Valley. A small hike along the river to an authentic café with wonderful mountain and river views. Here, guests can have lunch.

On hot days some people choose to move their table and chairs into the shallows of the river and dine in the river! Beautiful mountain air and the soothing sound of flowing water revives your connection with nature. Recommend good walking shoes. There are some small, rustically made bridges to cross. After a leisurely Moroccan lunch and a little time exploring, a small hike back to the vehicle and drive back to Marrakech for an early evening arrival back at Riad / Hotel.

Day Excursion from Marrakech to Essaouira

Collection from Riad / Hotel at 08:00hrs. 3 hour drive to the relaxed and beautiful seaside town of Essaouira on the Atlantic coast. Stop along the way to see the tree climbing goats that used to be part of the argan oil producing process! Time to explore the old Medina and stroll along the promenade or feel the sand between your toes on the inviting beach.

Dine at a local restaurant for lunch and enjoy the relaxed coastal vibes. After lunch, visit a cooperative of Berber women who produce Argan oil. Return to Marrakech at the end of the afternoon, arriving back to around 19:00hrs.

Day 1: Casablanca – Rabat – Fes

After your arrival we drive you to the centre of Casablanca to explore its main sight, the Hassan II Mosque. Then we drive to Rabat, the capital, to explore its main attractions and monuments, the Hassan Tower and the Kasbah of the Udayas, before heading to Fes, where you spend the night in a riad. (Breakfast included)

Day 2: Fes – Ifrane – cedar forest – Boulaajoul

We pick you up from your riad and drive to the old Jewish quarter and the gate of the Royal Palace, where you learn about the Jewish history of Morocco. Your visit includes a zellige tile workshop and a wonderful panoramic view over the whole medina of Fes. After the visits outside the medina, we drop you in the medina to see the famous old tanneries, the Al Quaraouiyine Mosque and University, the Al-Attarine Madrasa and the Nejjarine Fountain. Afterwards we drive to Boulaajoul for the night. (Dinner and breakfast included)

Day 3: Boulaajoul – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga

After breakfast we drive towards the Sahara via Midelt and the Tizi n'Talghamt pass, then along the magnificent Ziz Gorges, with views over the Middle Atlas plateau as the scenery changes to reveal hints of the desert near Errachidia. After lunch we continue through the Ziz Valley and Erfoud to Merzouga, where you ride a camel out to spend a unique night in the desert. After dinner at the luxury camp, Berber musicians play the drums for you. (Dinner and breakfast included)

Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorge – Boumalne Dades

After breakfast we leave the desert for Rissani, the ancient capital of the Tafilalet and still a major trading centre, with a large, lively souk on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. After a stroll in the souk we continue to Erfoud to visit a fossil marble workshop, then drive through the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad to the Todra Gorge, a grand canyon carved by the Todra river between high red cliffs and an ideal spot for rock climbers. Free time to wander the gorge and have lunch in a restaurant. We then continue to the Dades Valley through Boumalne Dades, stopping at the “monkey fingers” rock formation and at a viewpoint high above the valley. Dinner and overnight in a hotel. (Dinner and breakfast included)

Day 5: Dades Valley – Aït Ben Haddou – Marrakech

After breakfast we travel through the Dades Valley towards Kelaat M'Gouna along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. We visit Ouarzazate and then explore the Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, one of the best-preserved fortified villages in Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We then cross the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech. Overnight in a riad. (Breakfast included)

Day 6: Marrakech – airport

Today we drive you to Marrakech airport, where our 6-day tour from Casablanca ends.