Imperial Morocco & Middle Atlas - 8 Days

On arrival at Marrakech Airport, we will meet and transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or begin exploring at your own pace. Dinner is included depending on your arrival time.

After breakfast, we explore Marrakech, known as the "Pearl of the South". We begin at the Menara Gardens, with its elegant pavilion set against extensive olive groves and views of the Atlas Mountains.

We continue with an exterior visit of the Koutoubia Minaret, the largest mosque in Marrakech and the architectural inspiration for Seville’s Giralda. In the old quarter, we visit the Bahia Palace, a 19th-century residence built to showcase the finest Moroccan craftsmanship.

Our tour concludes at Jemaa el-Fna Square, the vibrant heart of the city and gateway to the souks and medina. We stroll through the craftsmen’s quarters, where woodworkers, potters, leather artisans and spice merchants continue centuries-old traditions.

Following an early breakfast, we depart for Casablanca. During our panoramic tour, we see the exterior of the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. We also pass along the Corniche and through United Nations Square.

We then continue to Rabat, Morocco’s administrative capital, where we visit the exterior of the Royal Palace, Hassan Tower, an unfinished 12th-century minaret, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the Oudaya ruins.

Later, we travel onwards to Fes.

After breakfast, we spend the day discovering Fes, regarded as Morocco’s spiritual and intellectual centre. Founded in the 8th century by Idriss II, it is one of the country’s four imperial cities.

Our visit includes the exterior of the Royal Palace, the historic Jewish Quarter, and the great medina, entered through the famous Bab El Jeloud gate. This UNESCO World Heritage Site remains one of the world’s largest car-free urban areas. As we walk through its labyrinth of narrow streets, we encounter traditional souks, artisan workshops and the distinctive aromas of spices and leather tanneries.

Please note that today involves several hours of walking over uneven surfaces.

After breakfast, we travel south through the Middle Atlas Mountains. We pass through Ifrane, a mountain town known for its alpine-style architecture and winter ski resort, and continue to Midelt, considered the capital of the Middle Atlas.

In the afternoon, we journey through changing landscapes towards Er-Rachidia, where the scenery becomes increasingly arid and the first vast palm groves appear. We arrive in Erfoud, in the Tafilalet region, birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty, which still reigns in Morocco today.

Optional excursion: On arrival in Erfoud, you may choose to continue to Merzouga, where a 4x4 vehicle will take you into the desert camp. You will enjoy a traditional Berber dinner and overnight in the dunes. Camels are available at sunrise - please arrange this directly on arrival at the camp. Please note that if you choose this option, your hotel stay in Erfoud is not used and no refund applies.

After breakfast, we depart for Tinerhir to visit the impressive Todra Gorge, where dramatic limestone cliffs rise steeply above the oasis below. We then continue to Ouarzazate, often referred to as the gateway to the Sahara.

Optional excursion: Very early this morning, you can travel by 4x4 from Erfoud to the dunes of Erg Chebbi to witness sunrise over the Sahara. You may also enjoy a short camel ride before returning to the hotel for breakfast.

Following breakfast, we travel to Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has featured in numerous films and television productions. You will have free time to explore the famous kasbah at your own pace.

We then cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tichka Pass at 2,260 metres above sea level, enjoying striking mountain scenery on our way to Marrakech.

After breakfast, we transfer you to the airport in Marrakech.