Morocco Experience

Travel (1 hour) to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, which around 1900 years ago was one of the farthest flung outposts of the Roman Empire. Archaeologists found remarkable mosaics forming the floors of several houses lining the Decumanus Maximus. You can see representations of the Labours of Hercules, the Chariot of Amphitrite, which is drawn by a seahorse, as well as the famous 'Nymphs Bathing'. Wandering among the ruins of the basilica, the capitol, oil press and the great houses of Orpheus and Ephebus, it's easy to imagine what life was like two thousand years ago. Travel north to the isolated town of Chefchaouen (approx 4 hours) which sits in a wide valley surrounded by the Rif Mountains. Much of this city was created by refugees from Andalucia which gives the place a Spanish feel, with cobblestone streets, striking blue and whitewashed houses, sloping red roofs and artistic doorways. The next day you have a whole free day here to soak up the Bohemian atmosphere. Hotel - 2 nights (2xB)

This morning you make the drive to Marrakech (approx. 3 hours). As you drive across Tizi-n-Tichka (2260m), the highest of the three mountain passes which cross the dramatic High Atlas, you witness an extraordinary transition: the barren slopes of shattered rock on the southern side give way to green valleys as you descend from the treeless summit. Having crossed the plains you come to the evocative city of Marrakech. Even today, the name conjures up images of scenes from the Arabian Nights: alleyways, souks, stalls and markets. This remarkable city, dating from the 11th century, never fails to satisfy the curiosity of adventurous travellers. It has everything from the graceful architecture of the renowned Koutoubia Minaret, which dominates the skyline, to the wonderful throbbing atmosphere of a medieval fair in the great open square, the Djemaa el-Fna, at the heart of the medina. This afternoon you’ll have a walking tour of the centre to take in the main sights and give you your bearings as well as making your way into the sprawling souk. 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, even if it's only a packet of exotic spices or a trinket. The next day is a completely free for you to fully explore Marrakech and the delights it has to offer. The tanneries around Bab Debbagh normally work in the morning and still cure leather in a way that has not changed for hundreds of years. There are plenty of other places for you to visit too. 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. 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 cafés on the Djemaa el-Fna, and watch Marrakech life go by. (2xBD)