Marvels of Morocco - Family holiday

Fez, the cultural capital, is one of the most complete medieval Islamic cities in the world. Passing through the gates and walls into the alleyways beyond transports you back in time. The streets are just as they were when they were built in the 8th century, with high walls that protect the courtyards inside from the heat of the midday sun. Enormous theosophical colleges, beautiful mosques and fascinating souks spilling their goods onto the pavement are all part of the scene. You'll take a walking tour to some of the major points of interest as well as having free time to wander at leisure. You’ll meander through the medina, past the Royal Palace, and through the Jewish quarter. Continue with your guide after lunch or take time to explore at your own pace or relax. (B)

A change of scenery today as you leave the crowded streets of old Fez behind and set out across the mountains to the desert. There is a long drive ahead (7 hours), but using a chartered bus enables us to make frequent stops along the way to stretch your legs. The wilderness you cross is incredibly diverse and can vary from rocky, sun-baked plains, to cedar-clad mountains and deep canyons providing spectacular views as you head across the scenery changes around you. In the hills south of Azrou you may be lucky to spot a troupe of Barbary Apes; in fact not a true ape but a species of Macaque monkey. Once over the mountains you head to the old garrison town of Erfoud, where hopefully you’ll arrive in time to see the sun setting over the vast expanse of rolling desert dunes.  

Salam Hotel - 1 night - Swimming Pool (B)

The day begins with a drive from Todra via Boumalne to Dades gorge. You then drive to Boutaghrar, your base for the next two nights to let you explore the Mgoun Valley and the Valley of the Roses on foot. (Driving time approx. 2 ½ hrs, some of it on gravel roads) The Berber house/gite where you stay is a simple mud and brick affair, which blends almost imperceptibly into the landscape. There are a couple of large rooms for eating and sleeping, normally furnished with carpets. The flat roof serves as a terrace where you can sleep if it is warm. There is a toilet, washbasin and shower. You’ll eat and sleep communally in the rooms, so there is little place for false modesty. This afternoon you’ll head out into the surrounding countryside for a walk along one of many routes (approx 2 ½ hrs walking).

Gite Awayou(A) (multi-share) - 2 nights (BLD)

You drive along the Route des Kasbahs as you head to Ait Ben Haddou. This is probably the best preserved fortified ksour (a collection of kasbahs) in the country. With its dramatic walls of red earth, slit windows and crumbling towers, it is a magnificent example of a traditional stronghold. Chosen as a location for Hollywood films such as Lawrence of Arabia, Jewel in the Nile and more recently Gladiator, Ait Benhaddou sits upon a lofty pinnacle of rock overlooking a river. Dating from around the 15th century, its importance as a trading post gradually waned and today's inhabitants eke a living from farming … and as film extras! Driving time approx. 3 hours.

Hotel La Kasbah (AAA) - 1 night - Swimming Pool (B)

This morning you start with a walking tour of the city centre to get your bearings and make your way into the sprawling souk. As is usual in a souk, individual trades and crafts are concentrated in one street or area, so the shoemakers are all next to each other, as are the jewellers, the potters, weavers etc. This must be the best place in Morocco to hone one’s haggling skills and you are sure to be tempted by some of the wonderful variety of merchandise on display. This is the place to buy your souveniers from your trip, and haggling is great fun, even if it's only a packet of exotic spices or a trinket. In the afternoon you leave Marrakech and head west to the Atlantic coast and the former pirate’s lair of Essaouira, one of Morocco’s most attractive coastal cities (approx. 3 1/2 hrs driving). 

Aljasira Hotel (AAA) - 2 nights - Swimming Pool (B)

You leave Essaouira in the morning to drive back to Marrakech. The rest of the day is free for you to fully explore Marrakech and the delights it has to offer. You could take in the Palais de la Bahia, built at the end of the 19th  century for Si’ Ahmed ben Musa, the Grand Vizier of Soultan Moulay al Hassan. Only part of the palace is open, as the royal family still makes use of a fair proportion of the building, but you can see enough to get a sense of the grandeur of the palace. The beautiful courtyards and splendid living quarters provide a picture of a grand bygone lifestyle. Another possibility is the Dar Si Said, housing the Museum of Moroccan Arts. This former royal townhouse now contains beautiful art and craftwork from all corners of the country. If you prefer you can simply return to the souk and search for bargains, or sit at one of the many cafes on the Djemaa el- Fna and watch Marrakech life go by. 

Hotel Amine (AAA) - 1 night - Swimming Pool (B)