The very name Morocco conjures up an enduring fascination - geographically close to Europe but culturally, a world apart. Despite the many years of French and Spanish colonial rule, a sense of the past is always present. In Morocco, you are quite literally walking on history. As a backdrop, the country's vast geography is also remarkable: from the Mediterranean coastline, through mountain ranges to the empty wilderness of the Sahara Desert. Roman ruins, Berber kasbahs, superb Islamic architecture and the foothills of the Atlas Mountains are all bathed in a unique shimmering light. You can choose to lose yourself in the narrow winding streets of the old medinas or join the locals amidst the clatter of a busy souk.
Fez, Meknes, Marrakesh and Rabat - these are the imperial cities of Morocco and all are listed by UNESCO as World Heritage sites. Dating back almost a thousand years, Marrakesh is where Europe, Africa and the Middle East mingle and merge. Perched on the edge of the Sahara Desert and framed by the Atlas Mountains, this ancient trading hub quite simply bursts with intoxicating energy. Marrakesh is also the heartland of the Berbers, who have lived and farmed on this land since Neolithic times.
Once the haven of Barbary pirates, the current capital, Rabat, shows quite a different side today. The era of French colonisation is reflected in the long palm-lined avenues and elegant early 19th-century architecture. Perched high above the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean, the ancient Kasbah des Oudaïas is the jewel in Rabat's crown.
Fez is the most ancient of the imperial cities and the true spiritual heart of Morocco. Islamic refugees from neighbouring Spain and Tunisia were some of the first settlers to make their home here when the city was founded in the 9th century. Today you can enjoy the ebb and flow of daily life amidst the intense sights, sounds and scents of the exotic medina or relax by a splashing fountain in a cool, blue-tiled courtyard.
Moulay Ismail, Morocco's most notorious sultan, made Meknes his capital in the 17th century. A glimpse of the scale and enormity of his lifestyle is evident in the remains of the grandiose architecture. Famed for his excesses, the sultan ordered the construction of the vast, cathedral-like Heri es-Souani just to house his beloved Arabian steeds.
The imperial cities are not just defined by their history, but also by the rich and contrasting colours of their architecture. Ochre and pink for Marrakesh, the dazzling blue of Rabat, and distinctive but differing shades of yellow for Fez and Meknes.
Fez, Meknes, Marrakesh and Rabat - these are the imperial cities of Morocco and all are listed by UNESCO as World Heritage sites. Dating back almost a thousand years, Marrakesh is where Europe, Africa and the Middle East mingle and merge. Perched on the edge of the Sahara Desert and framed by the Atlas Mountains, this ancient trading hub quite simply bursts with intoxicating energy. Marrakesh is also the heartland of the Berbers, who have lived and farmed on this land since Neolithic times.
Once the haven of Barbary pirates, the current capital, Rabat, shows quite a different side today. The era of French colonisation is reflected in the long palm-lined avenues and elegant early 19th-century architecture. Perched high above the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean, the ancient Kasbah des Oudaïas is the jewel in Rabat's crown.
Fez is the most ancient of the imperial cities and the true spiritual heart of Morocco. Islamic refugees from neighbouring Spain and Tunisia were some of the first settlers to make their home here when the city was founded in the 9th century. Today you can enjoy the ebb and flow of daily life amidst the intense sights, sounds and scents of the exotic medina or relax by a splashing fountain in a cool, blue-tiled courtyard.
Moulay Ismail, Morocco's most notorious sultan, made Meknes his capital in the 17th century. A glimpse of the scale and enormity of his lifestyle is evident in the remains of the grandiose architecture. Famed for his excesses, the sultan ordered the construction of the vast, cathedral-like Heri es-Souani just to house his beloved Arabian steeds.
The imperial cities are not just defined by their history, but also by the rich and contrasting colours of their architecture. Ochre and pink for Marrakesh, the dazzling blue of Rabat, and distinctive but differing shades of yellow for Fez and Meknes.
- Fez, Meknes, Marrakesh and Rabat – these are the imperial cities of Morocco and all are listed by UNESCO as World Heritage sites. Dating back almost a thousand years, Marrakesh is where Europe, Africa and the Middle East mingle and merge. Perched on the edge of the Sahara Desert and framed by the Atlas Mountains, this ancient trading hub quite simply bursts with intoxicating energy. Marrakesh is also the heartland of the Berbers, who have lived and farmed on this land since Neolithic times.
- The very name Morocco conjures up an enduring fascination – geographically close to Europe but culturally, a world apart. Despite the many years of French and Spanish colonial rule, a sense of the past is always present. In Morocco, you are quite literally walking on history. As a backdrop, the country’s vast geography is also remarkable: from the Mediterranean coastline, through mountain ranges to the empty wilderness of the Sahara Desert. Roman ruins, Berber kasbahs, superb Islamic architecture and the foothills of the Atlas Mountains are all bathed in a unique shimmering light. You can choose to lose yourself in the narrow winding streets of the old medinas or join the locals amidst the clatter of a busy souk.
- Once the haven of Barbary pirates, the current capital, Rabat, shows quite a different side today. The era of French colonisation is reflected in the long palm-lined avenues and elegant early 19th-century architecture. Perched high above the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean, the ancient Kasbah des Oudaïas is the jewel in Rabat’s crown.
- Fez is the most ancient of the imperial cities and the true spiritual heart of Morocco. Islamic refugees from neighbouring Spain and Tunisia were some of the first settlers to make their home here when the city was founded in the 9th century. Today you can enjoy the ebb and flow of daily life amidst the intense sights, sounds and scents of the exotic medina or relax by a splashing fountain in a cool, blue-tiled courtyard.
- The imperial cities are not just defined by their history, but also by the rich and contrasting colours of their architecture. Ochre and pink for Marrakesh, the dazzling blue of Rabat, and distinctive but differing shades of yellow for Fez and Meknes.
- Morocco is truly a paradise for shoppers. Handwoven rugs, finely carved woodwork, delicate glassware, brightly coloured tagine pots and babouches – the traditional leather slippers of Morocco – these are just a small selection of artisan handicrafts that may tempt you. Visit a Moroccan food market and you’ll take all your senses on an exciting journey. The stalls are filled to bursting with seasonal fruit and vegetables, mountains of green and black olives, preserved lemons, dates and figs, and bundles of fresh mint. Here you will find all the ingredients for a tagine, a fragrant stew of meat or fish, cooked in a pot with a conical lid and traditionally served with couscous and steamed vegetables. At the spice markets, friendly vendors offer their wares, and herbs and spices adorn the stalls in colourful pyramids. You can shop for ras el-hanout, a unique blend of many spices, or seek out the finest saffron. Perfect with a cup of mint tea, Moroccan pastries are ideal for those with a sweet tooth. Orange blossom, rose water, almonds and dates are often used in many of the recipes, and the choice of sweet treats is plentiful and quite irresistible. The crescent-shaped cornes de gazelle, a pastry stuffed with almonds and cinnamon, is a national favourite.
- Moulay Ismail, Morocco’s most notorious sultan, made Meknes his capital in the 17th century. A glimpse of the scale and enormity of his lifestyle is evident in the remains of the grandiose architecture. Famed for his excesses, the sultan ordered the construction of the vast, cathedral-like Heri es-Souani just to house his beloved Arabian steeds.
- For fascinating history, diverse and exciting cities, superb architecture, an extraordinary landscape and a rich culinary heritage, look no further than this splendid tour of Morocco.
- Fez, Meknes, Marrakesh and Rabat â?? these are the imperial cities of Morocco and all are listed by UNESCO as World Heritage sites. Dating back almost a thousand years, Marrakesh is where Europe, Africa and the Middle East mingle and merge. Perched on the edge of the Sahara Desert and framed by the Atlas Mountains, this ancient trading hub quite simply bursts with intoxicating energy. Marrakesh is also the heartland of the Berbers, who have lived and farmed on this land since Neolithic times.
- The very name Morocco conjures up an enduring fascination â?? geographically close to Europe but culturally, a world apart. Despite the many years of French and Spanish colonial rule, a sense of the past is always present. In Morocco, you are quite literally walking on history. As a backdrop, the countryâ??s vast geography is also remarkable: from the Mediterranean coastline, through mountain ranges to the empty wilderness of the Sahara Desert. Roman ruins, Berber kasbahs, superb Islamic architecture and the foothills of the Atlas Mountains are all bathed in a unique shimmering light. You can choose to lose yourself in the narrow winding streets of the old medinas or join the locals amidst the clatter of a busy souk.
- Once the haven of Barbary pirates, the current capital, Rabat, shows quite a different side today. The era of French colonisation is reflected in the long palm-lined avenues and elegant early 19th-century architecture. Perched high above the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean, the ancient Kasbah des Oudaïas is the jewel in Rabatâ??s crown.
- Morocco is truly a paradise for shoppers. Handwoven rugs, finely carved woodwork, delicate glassware, brightly coloured tagine pots and babouches â?? the traditional leather slippers of Morocco â?? these are just a small selection of artisan handicrafts that may tempt you. Visit a Moroccan food market and youâ??ll take all your senses on an exciting journey. The stalls are filled to bursting with seasonal fruit and vegetables, mountains of green and black olives, preserved lemons, dates and figs, and bundles of fresh mint. Here you will find all the ingredients for a tagine, a fragrant stew of meat or fish, cooked in a pot with a conical lid and traditionally served with couscous and steamed vegetables. At the spice markets, friendly vendors offer their wares, and herbs and spices adorn the stalls in colourful pyramids. You can shop for ras el-hanout, a unique blend of many spices, or seek out the finest saffron. Perfect with a cup of mint tea, Moroccan pastries are ideal for those with a sweet tooth. Orange blossom, rose water, almonds and dates are often used in many of the recipes, and the choice of sweet treats is plentiful and quite irresistible. The crescent-shaped cornes de gazelle, a pastry stuffed with almonds and cinnamon, is a national favourite.
- Moulay Ismail, Moroccoâ??s most notorious sultan, made Meknes his capital in the 17th century. A glimpse of the scale and enormity of his lifestyle is evident in the remains of the grandiose architecture. Famed for his excesses, the sultan ordered the construction of the vast, cathedral-like Heri es-Souani just to house his beloved Arabian steeds.
- Happy by day two or we'll bring you home with a full refund
- Visit the enchanting Jardin Majorelle, once the Marrakesh home of Yves St Laurent 
- Explore Marrakesh and discover the medieval medina, the atmospheric souks and the iconic Jemaa el-Fnaa square
- Visit the elegant Moroccan capital city of Rabat and take a guided walking tour through the ancient medina 
- Experience the colonial charm of Casablanca and visit the vast and impressive Hassan II Mosque
- Soak up thousands of years of history at the Roman site of Volubilis and discover the extraordinary architectural treasures of Meknes.
- Take a tour of Fez and visit the extraordinary medina, the intricately decorated Al-Attarine Madrasa and the iconic tanneries
- Seven nights in four-star accommodation inclusive of all local taxes, with daily breakfast and dinner, including two dinners at local restaurants
