Royal Cities of Morocco

Day 1 Fly from London Gatwick to Marrakech. Stay three nights at the Moroccan 5-star Hotel Royal Mirage Deluxe or Le Meridien N’Fis.

Day 2 Full-day tour of Marrakech includes the Koutoubia Minaret, the Majorelle Gardens, the medina and the Bahia Palace and Dar Si Said Palace Museum.

Day 3 An afternoon exploration of the fascinating and colourful souks of the old medina, visiting the Medersa Ben Youssef, a 14th-century religious teaching establishment. Enjoy a drink overlooking Djemma el-Fna Square.

Day 4 Travel from the dramatic High Atlas to the attractive rolling hills of the Middle Atlas en route to Fez for two nights at the 5-star Jnan Palace.

Day 5 Drive around the ramparts of Fez, passing the Tomb of the Merinids. Visit the 14th-century Bou Inania Medersa and the museum with its collection of illuminated manuscripts and ceramics. After lunch in the medina, explore the cobbled lanes, the Attarine Medersa and the Neijarin fountain.

Day 6 Visit the Roman city of Volubilis and the hill town of Moulay Idriss. Lunch in Meknes, then a tour of its ramparts, imperial granaries and stables. Drive to the Moroccan 5-star Hotel Amphitrite on the coast near Rabat, for two nights.

Day 7 Visit Rabat, and 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. Continue to Casablanca, Morocco’s principal commercial town, to visit the Hassan II Mosque, the world’s largest mosque.

Day 8 Return to Marrakech for the return flight to Gatwick.