Today depart from either Sydney, Melbourne, *Brisbane, or *Perth for Casablanca, Morocco! Fly with Etihad Airways, Emirates, Air France, Virgin Australia, or Qatar Airways to name a few (subject to availability).

Upon arrival you will be welcomed by your tour leader at the airport and transferred to the hotel in Rabat (approx. 1 hour journey).

This morning enjoy a guided tour of Rabat and see the crenelated red ochre walls that were built during the rule of Sultan Yacoub El-Mansour, and extend more than 5 kilometers. Continue on to see the main monuments of the medina. Visit the Kasbah des Oudaias, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and Hassan Tower (entrances included).

In the afternoon, continue to Chefchaouen, a hidden gem and one of the most beautiful cities on the planet. Tour Chefchaouen, the blue-washed old town (medina) by foot along with your guide, who will share stories of Chefchaouen’s history. Start your tour with the Kasbah Museum in the medina. The Kasbah of Chefchaouen belongs to the early 18th century, and was built by the legendary ruler Moulay Ismail. It is fairly simple in design without architectural surprises, however it is surrounded by gardens on the interior and exterior. Inside the Kasbah you can visit the ethnographic museum, which contains antique weapons, musical instruments and photographs of the old town. The main square is lined with cafés and shops selling a multitude of handicrafts, often not available elsewhere in the country.

This morning travel through the beautiful Rif Mountains to the ancient site of Volubilis. The capital of the Roman province of Mauritania Tingitana, UNESCO listed Volubilis is one of the largest and best-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa. Despite the damage caused by the 1755 earthquake, this important Roman town managed to retain some detailed and very beautiful mosaics.

Continue to the Imperial city of Meknes and enjoy a guided tour of the major highlights, including the old granaries of the Heri Es-Souni and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail; visit the Bab el Khmis Gate and walk through the city’s spectacular centre piece, the Bab Mansour and Place el Hedim. In the afternoon, arrive in Fez, the oldest of the imperial cities. The city holds a fascinating history and has played an important part in Moroccan trade, culture, religion and politics.

Today enjoy a sightseeing tour of Fez. See Islamic Architecture, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, historic monuments and Jewish Heritage (Synagogue and Mellah). Begin the day in the oldest working medina in the world that many refer to as a living museum. Fez has many mosques and madrasas (theological colleges) including the ninth century Karaouine University. See wonderful mosaics and carved woodwork in Medersa Bou Inania, a group of buildings from the fourteenth century, which also include an elegant minaret overlooking Talaa Kebira.

Visit the famous medina in Fez, which is one of the largest in the world. In its immense and confusing warren of souks, there are thousands of artisans in their tiny shops opening onto the narrow alleyways. The medina of Fez is a totally absorbing and unique experience. The tour will then continue to the Jewish District (Mellah), the Royal Palace and a panoramic viewpoint over the medina, before heading back to the hotel.

This morning heading south, climb steadily into the dramatic landscapes of the Middle Atlas through a magnificent cedar forest with the possibility to see some wild monkeys on the way. Drive first towards the Immouzer and Ifrane passing near the small mountain village of Azrou, which in the Berber tongue translates as 'the rock'. This is the land of the fiercely independent Berbers, the Lords of the Atlas, whose traditions and ways still hold influence here in their mountain strongholds far away from the cities below.

After crossing the high Atlas at Tizi N'Tairhemt camel pass, continue via the Gorge du Ziz to Er Rachidia and the Ziz valley dotted with palm trees, fortified villages, and Berber farming communities. Passing by Erfoud known for fossils and the quality of its dates, our journey continues through arid desert plains that lead us to Merzouga at the feet of the Erg Chebi dunes.

Today explore the dunes in a 4X4 vehicle and visit a nomad family where you can enjoy some teatime under their black tents and experience their daily life. Afterward we reach the small village of Khamlia and visit a music house, where you will witness a traditional Gnawa music performance and enjoy some time in the village for lunch (included).

In the afternoon trek or camel ride from dune to dune to discover the breath-taking sceneries; the sensation of being surrounded by endless desert is incredibly calming and the silence is overwhelming. Upon arrival to the camp of Bedouin tents, nestled in between the sand dunes, take the opportunity to walk along the rim of the sand dunes as the sun begins to set. Later that evening tuck into a traditional meal followed by music and dancing by the campfire.

An early wake up is available this morning for those who wish to enjoy the mesmerizing sunrise before getting breakfast. Following breakfast, a 4X4 vehicle will take you back to Merzouga before the tour continues towards Boumalne Dades. Along the way, enjoy a stop at Rissani market, then head towards Tinejdad and visit the Berber Museum of Khorbat. Opened in 2002, the Oasis Museum occupies a group of three restored houses inside the Ksar El Khorbat Oujdid, the Museum offers antiquities and objects of traditional use, explaining colour photographs, historic photographs, maps and sketches.

Afterwards, enjoy a tea inside the Kasbah then continue to the marvellous Todgha (Todra) Gorge with its ochre and green colours, the gorge is the most beautiful one in the Moroccan south; this is a lush green oasis running a long deep valley inhabited all along by a Berber population in Kasbahs and nicely designed villages. Take a walk on the palm groves and the gorge, then follow the road of a Thousand Kasbahs, where each of the oasis towns can boast their own distinctive character. The mud and straw structures becoming more plentiful and more ornate as you progress along the valleys to reach marvellous Boumalne Dades.

Today discover the beautiful Valley of Roses, famous for its beautiful rose gardens and adobe villages. Explore the village of Boutaghrar, known as the little “Moroccan Colorado” located at the foot of the Middle Atlas. Lunch today is with a local Berber family in their family home. In the afternoon, continue to Ouarzazate, known as the Moroccan desert gate.

This morning visit Ait Benhaddou, the UNESCO world heritage site. Used many times as a backdrop for many Hollywood blockbusters, it was once one of the important fortress strongholds on the old Salt Road Caravan Routes, where traders brought salves, gold and, ivory and salt from sub-Saharan Africa to Marrakech and beyond.

In the afternoon drive through the volcanic mountains of the Anti-Atlas, heading first to Taznakht, a small town known for weaving Berber carpet, then Taliouine, the capital of Saffron. Arrive in the afternoon to Taroudant, located at the intersection of the Souss Valley and the mountains of the High Atlas. Taroudant known as the “Little Marrakech”, is the first capital of the Saadian’s dynasty during the sixteenth century and was a refuge for rebel princes, coveted by the southern tribes. Nowadays, people come here to rest in the shade of its stunning ochre walls.

Today is free at leisure to discover Taroudant.

Today drive to Agadir, the pearl of Morocco's main western seaport on the Atlantic Ocean. Continue through the beautiful coastal road to Essaouira, the modern name of the famous historic city of Mogador, a colourful coastal fishing town that offers an ocean climate, beautiful beach, a fishing port, impressive fortifications and a wonderful Medina, visit the fortifications and the artisan industries which sell locally carved and polished thuya wood products. Afterwards enjoy a visit to the Skala du port, the Jewish quarter and the government craft centre for silver.

This morning is free to enjoy the unique atmosphere offered by Essaouira at lesiure. In the afternoon, head to Marrakech, the mythical walled ochre city. Jemaa El Fna Square lies in the heart of Marrakech, where music and local folklore are displayed in a setting from Arabian Nights. The cultural heritage of the city is amazing with monuments of great wealth and fine architecture. Upon arrival enjoy time at leisure to discover the city at your own pace.

After breakfast this morning enjoy a guided tour to explore the red city that has for centuries been a common meeting place. Like many North African towns, Marrakech is divided into two distinct parts, the Gueliz (the modern French-built city) and the Medina (the Old City). Start by the Koutoubia Mosque, the largest mosque in Marrakech, famed for its minaret which has inspired other buildings such as the Hassan Tower of Rabat.

Next on the tour is a visit to the fascinating Saadian Tombs, which date back to the time of Sultan Ahmed al-Mansur who reigned from 1578 to 1603. These remarkable tombs are renowned for their beauty, in particular their steles and stucco-work. Continue on to Bahia Palace and museum; built to be the most impressive palace of its time the bulding captures the essence of both Islamic and Moroccan style. The tour ends in the Jemaa el Fna, where the town becomes a maze of bustling bazaars, palaces and mosques. It is worth seeing this renowned landmark in the evening, as Marrakech revolves around the open-air central square. It is a place of night-time entertainment for both local people and tourists.

After breakfast this morning, depart for Casablanca, the economic and financial capital and the second largest port city in Morocco. See the Hassan II Mosque, an important religious and cultural site built on the sea and dominated by its 210m high minaret. Enjoy time at leisure this afternoon in this incredible city.

Today you will be transferred to Casablanca airport for the return flight to Australia.

Please note: if your flight departs early, breakfast will be arranged for pick up from the hotel reception the night before.

Please note: some flights may arrive in Australia +1 day later.