The grand Hassan II Mosque is the perfect place to start our itinerary as we embrace the scale of this architectural marvel and minaret which is the tallest in the world. Next, we continue our tour of the administrative and political capital of the country, Rabat. We walk along the ancient ramparts that border the royal palace Kasbah Oudayas and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and his late son, King Hassan II. We also visit the Hassan Tower and Chellah’s ancient ruins. We will stay overnight in Rabat at an exclusive hotel or historic Riad.

We leave for the famous city of Chefchaouen in northern Morocco known as the blue pearl and photographer’s paradise. Chefchaouen is a unique city with its blue-washed buildings, cobbled lanes, and weavers workshops. Nestled in the Rif mountains, Chefchaouen’s elevation provides a welcome respite from other bustling cities like Marrakech and is usually much cooler in comparison.

Free afternoon to explore the magical blue city. Spend the afternoon exploring the many alleyways and sights in this extraordinary blue-and-white-washed city. Once a hideaway for Moorish exiles on the run from Spain, the city is home to Berbers, Jews, and Muslims which is reflected in the local cuisine and the brightly coloured dress and craftwork. Dinner and overnight in Chefchaouen. Don’t forget to make the most of the magical view of the Rif mountains from your private balcony. It will leave you breathless.

After a hearty breakfast in Chefchaouen, we head off to the imperial city Fez – the oldest in Morocco – which was founded in the 8th century by Moulay Idrissi II. Lunch will be at a local restaurant where you can savour all the spices and flavours of a typical Moroccan mezze. Later we will enjoy a relaxing stroll around this intoxicating medieval treasure trove. Our post-lunch casual afternoon stroll will take you around the oldest medina in the world.

In the morning we get ready for a guided tour of Fez – home to the oldest university in the world and a UNESCO-classified medina. Fez is an intoxicating medieval treasure trove with its historic architecture, exotic souks, minarets, and narrow alleyways crammed with every type of market stall. This deeply spiritual city will enchant your spirit.

After breakfast, we travel to the agricultural town of Midelt, located between the Middle and High Atlas with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It is famed for it apple farms. Channel your inner child as we stop in Azrou to visit the monkey forest. You will enjoy feeding the monkeys and watching them play havoc! Overnight stay in Midelt.

We head south after breakfast towards the desert town of Merzouga: the final settlement before the dreamy shifting sands of the Sahara and sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. Our luxury Sahara Desert camp for the night is among the magical undulating dunes at Merzouga. The Desert Nomads and Berber hosts provide the most hospitable welcome with a traditional tea ceremony upon arrival. A quick refresh and we will then head to the dunes to watch the stunning Sahara sunset, After an unmissable Sahara sunset, we’ll sit together around the warming campfire, indulging in delicious Berber cuisine, before joining the musicians with live drumming and dancing, for a star-filled night to remember.

After breakfast, we will tour Merzouga and visit a traditional desert nomad family to experience life as a local in the South of Morocco. Next, we experience the popular Khamlia Village known for its authentic ‘Gnawa music’. After a rhythmic music session, we visit the small town of Rissani to haggle at the traditional desert souk also exploring the Kasbahs and Ksour of Rissani. Enjoy a traditional Berber pizza with our local family and friends in the desert. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool at your desert hotel, enjoying your last night in the Sahara Desert.

After a delicious breakfast of fruits, yogurts, and eggs after a once-in-a-lifetime sunrise in the desert, we continue our tour passing through the exotic Valley of the Roses with its steep ravines and green valleys as a visual feast. Leaving behind this magical landscape, we head for the oasis town of Skoura blessed with expansive palm groves and the grand 17th-century living museum Kasbah Amridil; a fine example of traditional architecture.

One last moment to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Skoura before heading to Taroudant. Taroudant is also a great base for trekking in the western High Atlas region. Taroudant is enclosed and hidden behind the red-ochre ramparts and encircled by orchards, orange groves, and olive trees. It has all the appeal of an old Moroccan fortified town. The souks between the two squares are the town’s main attraction which we will explore.  We will stay overnight in a traditional kasbah to experience life as a local.

We are headed towards enchanting Essaouira today. This former Atlantic coastal fishing village has become a popular destination for surfers and water sports fans, as well as tourists who are looking for a calmer alternative to Marrakech but with historic souks, craft stalls, and seafood. We have supper at a local restaurant enjoying traditional Moroccan food and stay overnight at a hotel or riad in Essaouira.

Essaouira is much smaller than Marrakech and its medina is easy to navigate. Practice your bartering at the food and craft stalls, then enjoy a coffee and listen to the local Gnawa music (a fusion of Islamic religious songs and rhythms) as you peoplewatch. This is a colourful, vibrant seaside town with much historic charm. Check out the carpets and rugs and take back some herbs, spices, and perfumes. As the afternoon segues into the evening and the scent of spices and cooking fills the air, we will enjoy a fresh seafood dinner in a café overlooking the ocean. Overnight stay in a luxurious villa or hotel in the town.