Discover Morocco’s ancient cities and kasbahs, journeying from the rugged Atlas Mountains to the sweeping dunes of the golden Sahara on an unforgettable adventure

Your holiday begins at London Gatwick, where you meet the Tour Manager and fellow travellers for our direct flight to Marrakech, Morocco's first historical capital and imperial city. On arrival, we are transferred to our five-star hotel for two nights.

Set in a lush oasis on the edge of Marrakech's bustling Old City, you can stroll beneath palm trees, banana trees and bougainvillea or take a dip in the pool before we gather for our first dinner together. 

After breakfast we embark on a guided tour of ancient Marrakech, at the foot of the High Atlas Mountains. We drive past the red sandstone ramparts of the city on wide roads used by everything from luxury limousines to mopeds, bicycles and donkey carts. We visit the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque, with its prominent minaret visible from every corner of Marrakech. Here, we may be lucky enough to hear the muezzin's 'call to prayer' - a hypnotic sound that floats over the entire medina.

Later, we visit the 16th-century Ben Youssef Madrasa - an Islamic college -before exploring the winding alleys of the souks and stalls of Djemaa El Fna Square. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free to soak up the atmosphere of this square, the heartbeat of the city filled with street-food vendors, snake charmers, nomadic musicians and storytellers. When it comes to seeking out dinner, there's a good choice of restaurants in the medina or you could choose to dine at our hotel this evening.

This morning after breakfast, we travel by train from Marrakech to the modern city of Casablanca, where we are transferred to our hotel.

After free time to enjoy lunch independently, we take a guided tour of Morocco's largest city. Our sightseeing includes a visit to the city's most iconic landmark, the Hassan II Mosque, where entrance is included with time to explore its intricate interiors and oceanside setting. We continue to Place Mohammed V, a popular shopping street known for its 1930s architecture and lively atmosphere, before heading to United Nations Square, designed by French architect Joseph Marrast. We also see the 1920s-built League of Arab States Park, a tranquil space with palm trees, pergolas and cafés with shady terraces.

Later, we return to the hotel with time to relax before enjoying dinner.

We travel by coach along the shimmering coast to Rabat this morning, Morocco's political capital.

On arrival, we enjoy a guided tour of this city, beginning in the old Medina before exploring the picturesque Kasbah of the Udayas and its impressive gate facing the historic port of Salé - once home to Barbary pirates and now known for its heritage museums. We visit Hassan Tower and the Chellah, both built during the 12th and 13th centuries under the Marinid dynasty. We also step inside the Mohammed V Mausoleum, the final resting place of the current king's father, set across from the Royal Palace.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we board the train from Rabat to Fes, where we check in to our hotel for two nights and enjoy dinner later this evening.

A full-day city tour of Fes awaits after breakfast this morning, the oldest of the four imperial cities.

Founded in 809AD, Fes is considered the spiritual and intellectual capital of Islam in the west. Our tour takes in the Borj Nord Arms museum, the great gateway of the Royal Palace, and the fortified Kasbah Cherarda. We visit the historic Karaouyine Mosque and the 14th-century university, along with the shrine of MoulayIdriss II, founder of Fes. We also stop at the Nejarine fountain and the Bab Boujloud gateway, before delving into the colourful spice market and souks of the Medina.

After sightseeing, your afternoon is free to continue exploring or to relax at the hotel. Dinner is not on our itinerary this evening so you are free to sample the local cuisine in the Medina of Fes, or perhaps book a table for dinner at our hotel.

This morning, we travel south by coach, discovering fascinating Berber fortified mountain villages known as Ksars. Along the way, we make photo stops, including a visit to the pseudo-Swiss town of Ifrane, with its red-tiled roofs and cedar forest. We continue to Azrou, a fortress-like settlement in the Middle Atlas Mountains, before heading through the Oued Gigou Valley and into the High Atlas.

We stop for lunch at the ksar of Midelt, then journey through mountain passes with intriguing names such as 'Pass of the She-Camel' and into the dramatic Ziz Gorges. Arriving in the French-built garrison town of Errachidia, we continue across a stretch of red desert to the oasis town of Erfoud, where we get our first sense of the nearby Sahara.

We have dinner this evening and spend the night at our Kasbah hotel.

Please Note - For departure 13th April we will stay at the Kenzi Rissani.

For departure 7th September we will stay at the Palais du Desert.

We begin the day with a short coach journey to the desert town of Rissani, once an important trading hub where gold, salt and sugar were traded between African and Berber merchants. Our guided tour takes us to the traditional Berber villages of Ksar Akbar and Ksar Oulad Abdelhalim, with a photo stop at the tomb of Moulay Ali Charif, founder of Morocco's Alaouite Dynasty.

After sightseeing, we travel the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi to the Saharan village of Merzouga. On arrival, we are greeted with a refreshing glass of mint tea, before continuing our journey into the flowing sea of golden dunes.

As the only true desert area in Morocco, this is a spectacular Saharan landscape familiar from countless films and images of turmeric-coloured waves of wind-blown sand. We spend the night at The Sandy Tents, a luxury campsite in the dunes. After settling in, there's the option to enjoy a sunset camel ride before a three-course dinner beneath the stars - a magical end to the day in this unforgettable setting.

Waking in this surreal desert landscape, we enjoy breakfast at our luxury camp before travelling by coach to the village of Tinghir, the gateway to the stunning Route of 1000 Kasbahs in the Dadès valley.

From Tinghir, we set out up the Oued Todra, a winding river valley that carves its way through towering canyon walls. We continue through rugged mountains to the mouth of the Todra Gorge, where cliffs rise up nearly 1,000 feet. Along the way, we pass traditional Berber villages and the ruins of fascinating kasbahs, before pausing for a light lunch at a local restaurant.

Later, we arrive at Boumalne Dadès, a small town set against the backdrop of rugged red rock formations. Here, we check in to our hotel for the night, with time to relax and take in the landscapes before dinner this evening.

This morning, we begin our return journey to Marrakech, travelling through some of southern Morocco's most evocative landscapes. Along the way, we stop at the striking ruins of El Glaoui Kasbah and a group of kasbahs set against twisted volcanic rock. We continue to Kalaat M'Gouna, known as the Rose Valley, where thousands of Damascene roses bloom each spring - a tradition introduced by French settlers.

Our route takes us through the city of Ouarzazate, where we visit the 18th-century Kasbah of Taourirt. We then explore the remarkable Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Morocco's most iconic fortified villages, with its maze of buildings and ancient ksour rising from the desert floor.

Crossing the High Atlas Mountains, we pause for photos at the scenic Tizi n'Tichka pass and stop briefly in the town of Ait Ourir. We then descend through the Glaoua Plains to Marrakech, checking into our original hotel. In the evening, we gather for the final dinner of our holiday, accompanied by a folklore show performed by different tribes from all over Morrocco.

The ancient cities and landscapes of Morocco have captivated us, from colourful souks and fortress towns to the sweeping golden dunes of the desert. We have explored the imperial cities of Marrakech, Fes and Rabat, journeyed through the historic Route of 1000 Kasbahs and spend a night under the stars in a luxury camp in the Sahara Desert.

This morning we are transferred to the airport for our direct flight back to London Gatwick. Arriving in London, your holiday reaches its conclusion and you are free to make your own way home.

Our Landmark range offers an unforgettable mix of incredible experiences and First Class rail travel*, unique accommodation, tours with smaller groups, and one-of-a-kind experiences that you'll want to tell your friends about. Group sizes begin at 16 travellers, with an average of around 22 and a maximum of 30. *where available

This 4-Star hotel is in the heart of the Atlas Mountains, 12 miles from the Dades Gorges. Guests can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, spa, fitness centre and tennis courts. Amenities include a restaurant serving international cuisine and a large bar. Air-conditioned guest rooms have views of the Dades Valley and are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, minibar, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

Decorated in the warm tones of traditional Moroccan design, this 4-Star hotel is a near the edge of the Sahara Desert and the town centre. Amenities include two swimming pools, a fitness centre, tennis court, mini golf course and a spa with a hammam and massage rooms. Guests can enjoy Moroccan and international cuisine in the hotel's two restaurants and bar. Air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, minibar and hairdryer.

Situated in the heart of Fes, this 5-Star hotel is close to local attractions such as the Royal Palace and Synagogue Ibn Danan. Amenities include a fitness centre, spa, outdoor pool and a peaceful library. Guests enjoy freshly prepared Moroccan cuisine in the Jnan L'Fassi restaurant and international fare in the hotel's several lounges, bars and cafés. Air-conditioned guest rooms include a balcony and are fully equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safety deposit box, minibar, ironing equipment, tea & coffee-making facilities, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

Perfectly located in the vibrant heart of Marrakech, this 5-Star hotel offers a luxurious and welcoming retreat inspired by the spirit of Moroccan hospitality. Surrounded by lush gardens, the hotel features a palm-lined pool, elegant interiors and a tranquil spa. Guests can choose from a variety of restaurants and lounges serving traditional Moroccan dishes and international cuisine, with stylish outdoor terraces for relaxed dining. Air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safety deposit box, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

Set amid the rolling dunes of the desert, this luxury camp offers an unforgettable retreat with fantastic, modern facilities. Carefully curated, authentic meals are served in the restaurant, while breakfast can be enjoyed on the private terrace of your accommodation. The air-conditioned luxury tents are elegant and spacious, featuring a floor-to-ceiling viewing window with sunset or sunrise views and a comfortable seating area. Private ensuite bathrooms are equipped with complimentary toiletries.

Ideally positioned in the heart of Casablanca, this 5-Star hotel is just a short distance from the Hassan II Mosque, United Nations Square and the city's atmospheric old medina, perfectly located for exploring Casablanca. Amenities include a wellness centre and spa, a rooftop pool with views across Casablanca, and a restaurant serving a mix of Moroccan and international cuisine. The air-conditioned guest rooms are fully equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, ironing equipment, safety deposit box, tea & coffee-making facilities, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

Flight upgrades are available. For information regarding the types of upgrades offered by the various airlines we use, call our expert team for details.

Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West End or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home.

We can book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. If you require a quote for single occupancy at any of the hotels, please contact us on 01904 734 805.

Buying tickets for UK train services can be a tricky business - there are so many fares to choose from, each with different rules and restrictions. As you are connecting with an international departure, we strongly recommend that you book a fully flexible ticket to ensure that should the departure times for your holiday change, your rail ticket can allow for these changes.

We can book fully-flexible UK rail tickets from your local station to join your holiday whether this be a European holiday from St Pancras or a UK holiday. The prices are competitive and tickets are not restricted to a particular train or time of day, and in most cases offer you a free choice of routes.

For an up to date quote from your local station, please ask one of our Tour Advisors.