Merhaba! We arrive at the Mohamed V Airport in Casablanca and are warmly welcomed outside the terminal. We are transferred to the city for a brief introductory tour (subject to the arrival time of your flight – tour can be done the following day for late arrivals) that includes the old French quarter of Habous and the Hassan II Grand Mosque. Set on an outcrop jutting over the ocean, with a 210-metre-tall minaret that serves as the city’s major landmark, the mosque is a showcase of the very best in Moroccan artisanship. Hand-carved stone and wood, intricate marble flooring and inlay, gilded cedar ceilings and exquisite Zellige (geometric mosaic tile-work) abound (outside viewing only). Continue to our hotel for a Moroccan welcome dinner and overnight.

Overnight: Idou Anfa (4-star)/Barcelo Anfa (5-star), Casablanca (1 night) (D)

Our journey through Morocco continues when, after breakfast, we depart for the capital city of Rabat*. Here, we explore the city with a tour highlighting Rabat’s cultural influences and the superbly preserved relics of its Moorish past. We will see Rabat’s most famous site, the Hassan Tower, followed by the mausoleum dedicated to Mohamed V, the grandfather of the current king. Morocco has been a kingdom since the 17th century, with some intervals in between. We then visit the beautiful Oudaya Kasbah, a citadel built on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Its gate is one of the most beautiful ones surviving in the Moorish world. We will also explore a delightful Moroccan garden with melodious fountains and sweet-smelling orange trees before we drive to Fez. Enjoy dinner and overnight at our hotel in Fez.

Overnight: Barcelo Fes (4-star)/Palais Ommeyad (5-star), Fez (3 nights) (B, D)

Today, take a step back in time to the Middle Ages as we visit one of the most imperial, timeless and untouched cities in the world—Fez El Bali (Old Fez), the cultural heart of Morocco.

We explore some of the 9,000 narrow lanes, alleys and souks (open air markets) that make up the labyrinth of the city’s old quarter, originally founded in the 8th century. The imperial capital was a renowned centre of medieval learning and, at its heart, we can still find the Karaouine, one of the oldest continuously operating universities in the world. In the neighbouring building is the Attarine Medersa (Quranic college), a jewel of Hispano-Moorish architecture built in the 14th century. Our day of sightseeing also includes visits to Nejjarine Square, with its beautiful fountain boasting elaborate tile-work mosaics. The nearby Fondouq (Caravanserai) has been converted to a museum of carpentry artifacts.

Next, visit Fez El Jedid (New Fez), built by the Merinides dynasty in the 13th century. It boasts a Royal Palace, mosques, madrasas (Quranic schools), souks and the city wall. Most notably, Fez El Jedid is home to the Mellah (Jewish quarter), which provides an interesting insight into Jewish architecture. The medieval Medina* is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A taste of Fez food awaits us at our hotel. (B, D)

We journey overland to explore the Roman ruins of Volubilis*, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to some of the best-preserved Roman structures in North Africa. Among Volubilis’ greatest treasures are its amazing mosaic floors of former family dwellings. Continue to Meknes*, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the imperial cities of Morocco. Meknes is replete with fantastic historical sites, from minarets, to museums, to enormous mosaic doors. Here, we visit the king’s tomb, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, one of the few royal mausoleums in Morocco where non-Muslims are welcomed into the courtyards and entry hall, though not the tomb chamber itself. It sits flanked by the almighty royal granary, Heri es-Souani, built to stockpile grain for the palace against a long siege, and the magnificent Bab el-Mansour. Return to Fez for our dinner and overnight. (B, D)

This morning, we leave Fez for the wilder, higher landscapes south of the city. The road climbs into the Middle Atlas to Ifrane, a mountain town set in cedar and oak forest. The surrounding national park protects roughly a quarter of the world’s Barbary macaque population, along with a wide range of birds, and its cedars include the well-known Gouraud’s Cedar. Several small lakes, known locally as dayats, dot the countryside nearby. In the town centre stands the Lion of Ifrane, one of the region’s most photographed landmarks. Built by the French in 1930 as a deliberate re-creation of an alpine resort, Ifrane still feels more Swiss than Moroccan, with its clean air, tidy streets, and leafy outlook. It draws picnickers in summer and skiers in winter. We stop for lunch (own expense) before continuing by highway to Marrakesh for dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

Overnight: Longue Vie (4-star)/Kenzi Menara Palace (5-star), Marrakesh (3 nights) (B, D)

An exciting day ahead as we tour Marrakesh*. Since the 11th century when it was built, the imperial city of Marrakesh has been a political and cultural powerhouse, serving as the capital for three of Morocco’s greatest dynasties.

On our tour today, we marvel first at its architectural jewels, including the soaring Koutoubia minaret and the Bahia Palace, an exemplary specimen of privileged life in the 19th century. Our next stop is Dar el Bacha Museum of Confluences. This opulent palace was built by Pasha Thami el Glaoui in 1910. Walk in its lovely gardens and admire its zellige mosaic tilework. Later, we visit Djemaa el-Fna, Marrakesh’s main square, where fire-eaters, mime artists, snake-charmers and street musicians perform at every turn. We will also have the opportunity to explore the city’s fabled, labyrinthine souks, their bustling alleyways brimming with all manner of wares. We then return to our hotel with the balance of the day at leisure until evening, when we dine at a local restaurant. (B, D)

Day free to explore vibrant Marrakesh and its many attractions, including the more than 10 specialized museums, colourful souqs and snake charmers. Alternatively, join in for an optional full-day farm retreat with a cooking class, a traditional hammam and massage, or an excursion to visit a Berber family in Imlil Valley with lunch (all optional and at additional cost; contact Bestway to pre-book). (B)

After an incredible exploration of Morocco, we are transferred to the airport in either Marrakesh or Casablanca for our departure flight. Flights departing from Casablanca should be booked for 2:00 PM or later. (B)