13 DAYS MOROCCAN KALEIDOSCOPE

Arriving into Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport, you will be met to begin your tour. The name “Casablanca” conjures the romance of the 1943 Humphrey Bogart film. You will visit the Hassan II Mosque, the largest in Africa. Continue 95km or about 1.5h to Rabat, a former imperial city and current capital of the nation to rest.

In Rabat, we will explore the Hassan Tower and Mohammed V Mausoleum. Continue 277km or about 3.5h to stroll the White City of Tetouan (UNESCO). Thereafter, another 67km or 1.5h drive brings us to Chefchaouen where you will rest for the night.

We dedicate the entire day to explore the Blue City of Chefchaouen. Explore the laundry district of Rif Sebbannin with the Seat of Sebbanin, Mosque of Century XV and hydraulic mills. Head to the Kashbah Museum, Ethnographic Museum and conclude with a magnificent city view from the towers.

Set off 167 km or about 3 hours to explore the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the nearby Holy City of Moulay Idriss. Another 32km or 40m brings us to the Imperial City of Meknes for a walking tour of the medina, impressive gates, Bab Mansour and Dar Jamai Museum. We drive another 72km or 1h to Borj Nord for a panoramic view of the Fez Medina before heading to your accommodation to rest.

This former imperial city leaves behind a legacy of palaces, mosques and madrasas amidst its dizzyingly impressive labyrinths. We dedicate the day to explore Fes el Bali (most shops are closed on Fri), visiting the large Kairaouine Mosque, Medersa Bou Inania, Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Craft and the Tanneries.

Tonight, enjoy a three-course Sufi dinner with a local professor to gain insights into this lesser-known branch of Islam, where the followers believe that music and dance bring them closer to God.

It’s time for the big highlight! The real Sahara Desert takes a long but scenic 476km or 7h from Fes. Watch the landscapes changing from fertile valleys, cedar forests, Switzerland-looking ski resort, flat-roofed Berber houses and palm-fringed oasis.

Depending on your arrival time, set off for sunset camel ride (or sunrise the next day), followed by Sahara glamping under the stars in the middle of the Erg Chebbi dunes.

Today’s drive will take 368-405km or about 6-6.5h to Ouarzazate, depending on your choice of accommodation. We will make scenic stops at Morocco’s largest oasis town in Tinghir, a short walk at Todra Gorge, photo stops at Dades Gorge and Kelaaa Mgouna.

Today’s drive will take 287-330km or 6.5-7h to Atlas Mountains. Explore the magnificent Kasbahs of Tifoultoute, Taourirt and the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou, featured in the blockbusters “Gladiator”, “Lawrence of Arabia” and “Kingdom of Heaven”.

Enjoy half-day countryside trekking in the Atlas Mountains. The trail passes through a waterfall and Reyara River before arriving at Armed Village, the highest village in North Africa where you will enjoy a serving of mint tea and lunch at a local Berber house. Cross over to Ait Mizane Valley for picturesque views of the surrounding mountains before returning to your accommodation.

Today’s drive will be about 242km/4.5h to Essaouira. En route, we will enjoy wine tasting at Val d’Argan (the country’s most renowned winery) and visit La Fromagerie to sample different types of cheese made using traditional Berber techniques.

This morning, enjoy a walk on the UNESCO-listed medina of Essaouira, Jewish Quarter, the historic harbour, fish market and the souks. Thereafter, we transfer 191km/2.5h to Marrakech, completing your visit to all four imperial cities of Morocco. Make a stop at the brightly coloured Majorelle Garden, as designed by fashion designer powerhouse Yves-Saint Lauren.

We devote the entire day to discover Marrakech, visiting the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahya Palace, either Palace of Dar Si Said (closed on Tue) or Dar Bellarj (closedon Sun and Aug), Ali Ben Youssef Medersa, Koubba Baadiyn and Museum Marrakech.

In the afternoon, head deeper into souqs to watch the dyers, carpenters and jewellers before concluding at Jemaa el Fna Square with its fire-eater, snake charmers, fortune tellers and more!

Discover Hidden Marrakech by Sidecar (approximately 3 hours). Swing past art deco buildings, an old clock-shop and the French district of Gueliz. Skirt into the remote neighbourhoods of the medina, whether the Kashbah district, a former fortress of the Royal Palace, former Jewish neighbourhood or the Bad El Khemiss flea market (opens Thu and Sun). Enjoy a cup of mint tea on a traditional riad before heading into the palm groves to admire its underground irrigation system. If time permits, you can detour to a 1960s villa built by one of Yves Saint-Laurent’s close friend.

In late afternoon or evening, we drive to the airport for your flight home.