Across the Atlas

Your first stop is Tangier, a port city which is the gateway from Europe to Africa and a fantastic place to experience your first taste of the wonderfully vibrant country. Loved by visitors from Henri Matisse to Mick Jagger, this is a characterful spot with many layers. Stroll along the beach and visit the whitewashed hillside medina, whose maze of alleyways reveal gems including several fascinating museums, and feast on a tagine pescado, a fish stew that is a local speciality.

Stay at La Maison Blanche, a beautifully restored riad hidden away in the winding streets of the kasbah, where you can enjoy incredible views across the city and the sea from the roof terrace.

The distinctive blue of Chefchaouen is a photographer’s delight. When you arrive, you’ll notice the amazing contrast of the blue buildings against the dramatic background scenery of the Rif Mountains. Wander some of the shaded streets and squares, and take in the kasbah fortress and its lovely gardens.

Your hotel, Riad Cherifa, showcases traditional Moroccan architecture as well as contemporary style, offering an authentic experience without stinting on luxury. 

Fes is the culinary capital of Morocco, so food lovers will be in heaven here. There’s just so much variety, from exotic spices in the labyrinthine souks to gourmet restaurants. Enjoy a memorable meal at Maison Bleue, where your delicious Moroccan feast is accompanied by local musicians. Stay at Riad Laaroussa to relax in a peaceful atmosphere with all the regal elegance that a 17^th-century palace brings.

A one-night stop at the small oasis town of Erfoud, known as the ‘Gate of the Sahara’ is ideal for breaking up the journey from Fes to the desert, and is home to a Royal Palace and colourful souks. Your hotel here, La Rose du Desert, is perfect for enjoying a cooling dip in the pool or a wander round the peaceful gardens.

You’ll be whisked away from Erfoud to have your first proper experience of the Moroccan desert, with the option to do the very final part of the journey by camel. The Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp, your home for the next two nights, is completely secluded and surrounded by ethereal desert, and is a fantastic base for exploring, Sand-boarding is just one of the exciting experiences you can enjoy here – glide down the endless sand dunes for a unique adrenaline kick.

It’s on to another charming oasis town, Skoura, where donkeys wander along the lanes and there are olive groves and almond orchards around every corner. Discover the kasbah of Amerhidil and its maze of passageways (its distinctive narrow towers used to appear on Moroccan dirham notes) and spend an afternoon relaxing on one of the beaches that line the Dades River.

Les Jardins de Skoura offers luxurious kasbah-style accommodation. Make sure you indulge in the fantastic food, which is a fusion of Mediterranean and Moroccan cuisines, and relish the coolness of the evenings in the beautiful gardens, complete with orchard and outdoor pool.

Imlil is ideal for adventure, thanks to its Atlas Mountains location – enjoy the views from the serene roof terrace at the lovely Kasbah du Toubkal, which expertly combines a rustic feel with complete luxury.

A scenic trek is a perfect way to explore, passing dramatic waterfalls and fascinating historic ruins. The highlight, however, is definitely the chance to soak up the Berber culture by visiting a traditional village - including meeting the people who live there and looking around a local school.

For the final part of your journey, you’ll be whisked away to incredible Marrakech. Here, the opportunities are endless, from immersing yourself in the souks, piled high with colourful wares and providing a shopping experience like no other, to cookery classes where you can learn all the expert tricks of Moroccan cooking, including its famous tagine – the choice is yours.

We love Riad dar Anika for its sheer style, romance and unabashed opulence. Enjoy gourmet breakfasts and sunset cocktails on the terrace, overlooking the city and the Atlas Mountains.