Imperial Cities & Desert - 2010/11 Itinerary

Rabat, Meknes, Volubilis & Fes
We begin by train from Casablanca, pausing in Rabat, the present imperial capital, where we take a stroll around the Kasbah des Oudaias. We continue by rail to the old Moorish city of Meknes, wandering around the sites and medinas and exploring the impressive remains of Roman Volubilis and the holy city of Moulay Idriss. Continuing our journey by bus we spend two nights in the exotic town of Fes where we explore the souks and crowded alleyways of the Medina.

Merzouga Sand Sea & Todra Gorge
Heading south across the flanks of the Middle Atlas, we stay on the edge of the Sahara, close to the great shifting Sand Sea of Merzouga, where there is the chance to explore the dunes and the option to take a camel ride and camp out in the desert. From the lively desert market town of Rissani we continue past tiny palmeries and mud-brick villages to the dramatic Todra Gorge - hemmed in on all sides by vertical limestone cliffs which rise up 400m. We'll take time to explore these deep chasms on foot.

The Atlantic Coast & Marrakech
Crossing the Jebel Sahro Massif, we'll explore the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs and the famous kasbah of Ait Benhaddou. Heading east we pause in the Anti Atlas town of Taroudant before continuing to the Atlantic resort of Essaouira - a delightful blend of Southern European, French and Arab cultures. Finally we spend two fabulous days in Marrakech. Its animated Djemma-el-Fna Square is the 'Heart of Morocco' a focal point where Berbers and Arabs come to exchange news, haggle and trade in jelabahs, carpets and spices.