Mighty Mountains
Basking in a near-perfect climate, Marrakech remains one of the world's most stunning cities. The pink, mud-brick walls surrounding the old city, overlooked by palm trees and complemented by the spectacular backdrop of the often snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas, makes for an unforgettable first impression. After our first night here, we make the short journey to the cool, clear air of North Africa's highest mountain range. Here, the culture of the hardy berber people remains largely intact and we make for our hotel near Ouirgane, set in its own gardens within walking distance of the village. Here we have a full day to relax, swim in the pool, or take a walk in the fields and foothills with a traditional berber lunch, visit a local village and there may be the opportunity to visit a school.

Magical Marrakech
Returning to Marrakech, we explore the maze of narrow alleys that make up the souks of the old medina. Here traders and craftsmen ply their wares in a cacophony of noise. Olive and orange sellers, apothecaries, jewellers, carpenters, blacksmiths and slipper-makers all compete for attention and you can even visit the dyeing vats in the huge open-air tannery - if you can stand the smell! When you've had your fill of the souks, you can return to the nearby Djemma El Fna which every evening transforms into the most wonderful city square in the world - an open-air circus of snake-charmers, acrobats, musicians and story-tellers that can keep you entertained long into the evening.