Royal Cities of Morocco

Day 1 Fly from London Gatwick to Marrakech. Spend two nights at the Moroccan 5-star* Hotel Kenzi Farah or Kenzi Semiramis.

Day 2 Full-day tour of Marrakech including lunch, the Koutoubia Minaret, the Majorelle Gardens, the medina and the Bahia Palace and Dar Si Said Palace museum of jewellery, costume, chests and doors.

Day 3 Today the scenery changes from the dramatic High Atlas to the attractive rolling hills of the Middle Atlas. Travel via Beni Mellal and Azrou to Meknes for overnight at the Moroccan 4-star* Hotel Zaki.

Day 4 Visit the Tomb of Moulay Ismail, the Mansour Gate, the stables built for Moulay Ismail and the huge granaries. Continue to the magnificently sited Roman city of Volubilis with its Forum, Arch of Caracalla, and houses decorated with well preserved mosaics. Enjoy the panoramic views from the hilltop town of Moulay Ismail, before continuing to Fez for a two-night stay at the Moroccan 5-star* Hotel Jnan Palace or Les Merinides.

Day 5 Morning drive around the ramparts of Fez, passing the Tomb of the Merinids. Visit the 14th-century Bou Inania Medersa and the excellent museum with its collection of illuminated manuscripts and ceramics. Included lunch in the medina, then explore the fascinating cobbled lanes of the medina and richly decorated Attarine Medersa and the Neijarin fountain. View the medieval tannery, the mosques, the Fondouqs where the donkeys and their owners stayed and the infinite variety of merchandise from carpets and edible goods to copper ware and pottery.

Day 6 Drive to Rabat, Morocco’s capital city founded in the 12th century. Visit the mausoleum of Mohammed V and the late King. Other attractions include the Tour Hassan, the grandiose minaret of a vast, uncompleted 12th-century mosque, the royal palace, the Chellah and Roman ruins. Overnight at the Moroccan 5-star* Hotel Golden Tulip Farah.

Day 7 Depart for Casablanca, founded at the beginning of the century and Morocco’s principal commercial town, to visit the Hassan II Mosque, the world’s largest mosque. Continue to Marrakech for overnight at the Moroccan 5-star* Hotel Kenzi Farah or Kenzi Semiramis.

Day 8 Transfer to the airport for return flight to Gatwick.