Upgraded - Morocco: Imperial Cities, Mountains and the Sahara Desert

Our tour of Morocco starts in Casablanca, a port city on the country's west coast. Famous for its French colonial architecture and its namesake film, Casablanca has a vibrant metropolitan atmosphere. If you arrive in the city early, there are plenty of sights to keep you occupied. Get a feel for local life over at the Marché Central, where you'll find stalls of fresh produce and street food vendors or take a stroll in Place Mohamed V, Casablanca's central plaza. At 6pm this evening, our tour leader will meet you in the hotel reception for a welcome meeting, followed by an optional dinner for those who’d like to join. If you arrive later, our tour leader will catch you up as soon as possible. All trips in our Upgraded range include a transfer from Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN), regardless of your arrival day, provided we receive your flight details no later than 10 days prior to departure. The journey from the airport to our hotel takes around 45 minutes.

Tonight, we stay in a boutique hotel in Casablanca's upscale Gauthier district, an ideal base for exploring the city's lively cafés, boutiques and Art Deco architecture. The historic centre is around a 20-minute walk (or a short taxi ride) away, while the impressive Hassan II Mosque can be reached in around 30 minutes on foot or ten minutes by taxi. The hotel features a wellness spa, heated pool, sauna, bar and restaurant, offering a choice of freshly prepared Moroccan and European dishes. All suites are uniquely designed and well appointed, with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and a coffee machine.

After breakfast this morning, it’s time to explore Casablanca. We start with a guided visit to the spectacular Hassan II Mosque. Standing on a rocky promontory overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, it's one of the largest mosques in the world and an outstanding example of modern Moroccan craftsmanship. Intricate marble, cedar wood carvings and colourful zellij tilework adorn every corner, while its soaring minaret dominates Casablanca's skyline. Built in honour of the King's 60th birthday, this spectacular mosque is a feat of engineering and can hold an astounding 105,000 worshippers. One of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslim visitors, it's an unforgettable introduction to the country's architectural and cultural heritage.

Leaving Casablanca behind, we'll head north to Morocco's capital, Rabat. Set on the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Bou Regreg River, Rabat is one of Morocco's four imperial cities, where centuries of history sit alongside grand boulevards and elegant gardens. After lunch, we'll explore the city's highlights on a guided tour, visiting the Royal Palace, Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V before wandering through the whitewashed lanes of the Kasbah des Oudaias and its peaceful Andalusian Gardens.

Our accommodation for the night is an upscale, traditional riad in the heart of Rabat's medina. Set around two tranquil courtyards, it offers a peaceful retreat after a day exploring the city. Facilities include a rooftop terrace, restaurant and hammam. This evening, we'll be treated to a traditional Moroccan dinner in the warm, intimate surroundings of our beautifully restored riad, where classic dishes such as tagine, pastilla and couscous are served.

After breakfast, we'll drive north to Chefchaouen, a peaceful Berber town nestled in the foothills of the Rif Mountains. It's a five-hour drive with a stop or two along the way, and we'll arrive into the famous 'Blue City' in the early afternoon.

After settling into our characterful riad, we'll have some free time to relax before heading out to explore Chefchaouen. In the early evening, we'll discover the town's picturesque medina on foot, with its cobbled lanes and distinctive blue and whitewashed buildings that make the town so striking.

Our base for the next two nights is a bright and spacious riad in the heart of the medina. Featuring a large roof terrace with great views of Chefchaouen, a swimming pool and a traditional Moroccan hammam with a wide choice of massages and spa treatments available.

Set beneath the towering peaks of the Rif Mountains, Morocco's 'blue city', Chefchaouen, is one of the most attractive towns in Morocco. We have a full day to delve into its treasures. After breakfast, we'll join our tour leader for a stroll into the medina. With its stacked white and blue houses set against red tiled roofs, the town is a photographer's dream.

Our walking tour of the medina takes in the narrow, winding lanes of the city, giving you an idea of Andalusia's influence over Morocco. We’ll have time to discover the artisan stalls and stop for a glass of mint tea in a shaded café, where we can watch the world go by. The heart of the medina is the Plaza Uta El Hammam, set against the kasbah’s commanding red walls and the Grand Mosque. We’ll also have the chance to visit Ras El Ma, a natural spring just a short walk from town. It’s easy to see why Chefchaouen draws visitors from all over the world with its easy-going charm.

Lunch is included today and we’ll dine at a local family's house. After being welcomed by our hosts, we'll have a short tour of their home and then settle down to enjoy a delicious home-cooked, three-course traditional meal typical of the region, followed by tea and pastries. The rest of the afternoon is free to explore at your own pace. You may wish to hike up to the Spanish Mosque for panoramic views or head back to our riad to use the hammam or relax on the terrace with a good book.

Crossing the Rif Mountains today, we’ll make our way to the ancient ruins of Volubilis. Morocco's best-preserved Roman site, Volubilis was once the capital of the province of Mauritania Tingitana and home to 20,000 people. We'll take the chance to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site with a local guide. Spanning several hectares, the site has remarkably well-preserved mosaic floors, carved columns and avenues, giving a sense of what life would have been like in this once bustling Roman outpost.

The area around Volubilis is ideal for wine production, thanks to its fertile plains. Next up, we’ll visit a local vineyard to learn more about the production process and indulge with a tasting. The combination of clay and limestone soil here, with a Mediterranean climate of hot summers and mild winters, enables growers to produce high quality wines including rich, full-bodied reds made from imported grape varieties including Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo. We'll be greeted at the vineyard by our resident wine guide who will accompany us on a short tour , before we get the opportunity to taste three different wines.

Today's final stop is Morocco's cultural capital, Fes. Steeped in history, Fes has played an important part in Moroccan trade, culture, religion and politics throughout the centuries. We'll arrive at our riad, our home for the next two nights, located in a quiet corner of Fes' historic medina. Lovingly restored using intricately carved cedar wood, with mosaic floors, it’s set out in a traditional manner with rooms arranged around a central courtyard. It's the perfect base from which to explore this vibrant city.

Today, we'll wake up in the oldest of Morocco's imperial cities, Fes. In its golden age, Fes was a hub of art, philosophy and trade and is still referred to as Morocco's artisan capital. This morning, we'll discover the cultural heart of the city on a guided tour. After a short drive, we'll stop at the impressive Royal Palace to admire its ornate bronze gates before continuing to the North Borj fortress, where panoramic views stretch across the rooftops of Fes el Bali, the city's UNESCO-listed old quarter. Next, we'll visit a traditional pottery cooperative to see skilled artisans at work using techniques that have been passed down through generations. We'll then drive to the iconic Blue Gate, the historic entrance to the medina, before setting off on foot to explore one of the world's largest car-free urban areas.

Exploring the medina and its souks has to be the highlight of our day. Nothing quite prepares you for your first visit - you'll see weavers, coppersmiths and tanners hard at work, the narrow winding streets and covered bazaars are a riot of noise, colours, smells and life all rolled into one. During our walking tour, we'll also get to see the famous tanneries and dye pits where leather products are still produced using age-old methods – the tannery is notorious for its smell, so be prepared!

This afternoon is free for you to meander at your own pace. You might like to head into the new town and take a seat at one of the European-influenced cafes that line the pavements in the French Ville Nouvelle district. Alternatively, stay in the medina and get lost in Fes' addictive pandemonium or return to the tranquility of our riad to use the hammam, have a massage or relax on the terrace with fine views overlooking the city.

We have a long travel day ahead of us today as we head to the Sahara Desert. Our total driving time will be nine hours, excluding stops. The long journey rewards us with unparalleled views of Morocco's ever-changing landscapes. Along the way, we'll cross through land traditionally held by the Berber community (known as the Lords of the Atlas). The Berber way of life is unique and lost to most of North Africa, here, music, dance, language and religion are far removed from the rest of the Arab world.

The road will also take us via Ifrane and Azrou, where we'll stretch our legs amongst the Atlas cedar forest, home to endangered Barabary macaques. We'll continue into the Gorge du Ziz towards the desert settlement of Erfoud before following the meandering course of the Ziz River into the dunes of the Sand Sea - the homeland of the Alaouite who ruled this region 300 years ago.

In the afternoon, we'll continue to Merzouga, a small village on the outskirts of the desert where we'll swap our bus for 4WD vehicles and journey into the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Our home for the next two nights is right here in the desert, at a luxury Berber-style camp.

After a welcoming glass of traditional mint tea, there's time to relax or take a walk through the golden dunes. As the sun begins to set, watch the changing light cast long shadows across the sand - a magical time for photography and to appreciate the vastness of the Sahara.

This evening, we’ll enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner before gathering around the campfire beneath a star-filled desert sky.

The camp offers spacious single, double and twin-share tents, with full-size beds, proper mattresses, blankets, pillows and towels. All tents are en-suite with hot water and there are charging points for phones and cameras. The camp also has a complimentary bar serving mint tea, nuts, cakes and biscuits.

Today is yours to experience the timeless beauty of Erg Chebbi, one of Morocco's most spectacular dune systems. Rising up to 150 metres above the desert floor, these vast golden dunes constantly shift with the wind, creating an ever-changing landscape of sweeping ridges and sculpted sand.

You can spend the day however you’d like, whether that's unwinding at camp with a book in the shade overlooking the dunes, experiencing the desert from a different perspective on an optional camel ride, or heading out on foot to discover more of the surrounding landscape. There’s an optional circular walk, taking around two hours, to explore the dunes directly from camp. For those looking for a bigger adventure, there's the option to walk across the plateau east of the camp towards an isolated mountain. You can either hike to the summit, around 200 metres high, for panoramic views across the desert or enjoy a gentler walk around its base before returning. From the mountain, you can either walk back to camp or ride a camel through the dunes. If you choose to do the hike, we recommend departing early to give you enough time to reach the mountain and get back to camp for lunch.

This evening, we’ll be treated to the flavours of Morocco during a traditional tagine cooking demonstration before enjoying dinner accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of Gnaoua music, an integral part of the region's rich cultural heritage.

After breakfast, we'll drive back across the dunes to Merzouga. Leaving the Sahara behind, we'll continue our journey west through the contrasting scenery of southern Morocco, passing the desert town of Rissani and the oasis of Tinerhir. Here we'll take a leisurely 45-minute walk through the lush palmeraie in the lower valley, where traditional irrigation channels and date palms offer a striking contrast to the desert landscape. We'll then continue by road to the dramatic Todra Gorge, where the Todra River has carved a spectacular limestone canyon over thousands of years. There'll be time to get out and admire the towering cliffs, stroll alongside the river and take in the scenery before continuing by road to the palm-filled oasis of Skoura.

Our base for the next two nights is a guest house in a beautifully restored kasbah set within the Skoura palm grove. Surrounded by lush gardens and centuries-old olive trees, it's a peaceful retreat where traditional Moroccan architecture is combined with modern comforts - the perfect place to unwind after a day on the road.

We’ll spend today exploring the Skoura Oasis, one of Morocco's largest palm groves. This morning, there's the option to take a leisurely walk through the palmeraie, following quiet paths lined with date palms, olive trees and traditional mudbrick villages. Later, we'll visit Kasbah Amredhil, one of Morocco's best-preserved fortified kasbahs, offering a fascinating insight into the architecture and way of life of the region.

The afternoon is free to relax at our accommodation. You may choose to unwind with a traditional hammam and spa treatment or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the kasbah and its gardens.

This morning, after breakfast, we'll drive west through Ouarzazate to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Benhaddou. This remarkable fortified village, built from earthen clay, has stood for centuries along the ancient caravan route and has featured in numerous films including Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia. We’ll explore its narrow alleyways and climb to the hilltop granary for sweeping views across the surrounding desert landscape.

We'll then continue our journey north through the High Atlas Mountains, where the landscape changes from arid plains to dramatic peaks and verdant valleys. We'll cross the spectacular Tizi n'Tichka Pass, pausing at scenic viewpoints along the way to take in the panoramic mountain views, before stopping for lunch after the pass. From here, we descend into increasingly fertile countryside, continuing through the picturesque Ourika Valley to Ouirgane.

Surrounded by olive groves and with views towards the Atlas peaks, our accommodation for the night is a boutique, family-run country hotel. The property has a peaceful garden, which is the perfect place to relax after today’s journey. This evening, we'll soak in the peaceful setting with dinner at our hotel.

Today is free to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Ouirgane, nestled in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains. You may choose to join an optional walk through the surrounding Berber villages and olive groves, following quiet trails through the Azzaden Valley. The route includes a gentle uphill climb to a scenic viewpoint overlooking the valley and its reservoir before descending through traditional villages, with the opportunity to stop for a glass of refreshing mint tea at a local family home. Along the way, you'll also pass a historic Jewish shrine and cemetery, offering a glimpse into the area's rich cultural heritage.

Alternatively, you could spend the day relaxing at our accommodation. Nestled in the foothills of Morocco's High Atlas Mountains, and set within 25 hectares of beautifully landscaped gardens, where fragrant rose beds, ancient olive groves, lavender, orchards and winding paths create a peaceful botanical retreat. You may choose to relax by the pool, stroll through the gardens or indulge in a traditional hammam and spa treatment before another evening in this tranquil setting.

After a leisurely morning, we'll drive directly to Marrakech, arriving around lunchtime.

With its dusty rooftops, maze-like streets and bustling souks, Marrakech encompasses the essence of Morocco. The afternoon will be free to spend as you wish. If you’d like, you can join our tour leader for a short stroll through the medina to the main square, Jemaa el-Fna, the beating heart of the city. The square comes alive at night with street performers and food stalls serving everything from classic Moroccan delicacies to more adventurous local specialties – if you’re feeling brave!

For the next two nights we’ll stay at a traditional, boutique riad in the heart of Marrakech's medina. The property is an oasis of calm with a peaceful courtyard, spa and easy access to the city's vibrant souks and main square.

This morning, a local guide will take us on a tour of the Red City. Like many North African cities, Marrakech is divided into two distinct parts: Guéliz (the modern French-built district) and the Medina (the Old City), where trade and barter amongst the colourful souks still render its ancient heart a glittering cacophony of noise and colour.

During our half-day city tour, we'll travel by private bus and on foot, beginning with visits to some of Marrakech's most iconic landmarks. We'll see the magnificent Koutoubia Mosque, explore the beautifully preserved Saadian Tombs, and visit the stunning Bahia Palace, one of the finest examples of Moroccan and Islamic architecture, with its intricate zellij tilework and carved cedar wood ceilings.

From the palace, we'll continue on foot into the Medina, soaking up the atmosphere as we make our way through its maze of bustling streets. Along the way, we'll stop at a traditional bakery to sample local coffee and pastries before wandering through the vibrant souks. We'll also visit a traditional spice shop, where you'll discover the herbs, spices and natural remedies that have been used in Moroccan culture for generations.

Our tour finishes in the city's beating heart, the spectacular Jemaa el-Fna, a site not to be missed and a scene straight out of the pages of the Arabian Nights. Here, the streets and alleys come alive with storytellers and musicians, jugglers and acrobats, snake charmers and clowns. We'll round off our morning with a drink at a café overlooking the famous square - the perfect place to relax and watch the vibrant spectacle unfold below.

You’re free to spend the rest of the day exploring at your own pace. Marrakech is a city like no other, with a staggering array of spectacular architecture and wonderful facades. In your free time, we suggest visiting the Ben Youssef Medersa, the Dar Si Said Palace (now the Museum of Moroccan Art) and the Menara gardens. If you're on the hunt for more local delicacies, you might want to seek out babbouche (snail soup) or the more palate friendly chebakia (honey-soaked pastries popular during Ramadan).

Our tour of Morocco ends at our riad in Marrakech. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our riad.

A transfer to Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK) is included on all trips in our Upgraded range, regardless of your departure day, provided we receive your flight details no later than 10 days prior to your tour departing.