The Moroccan Grand Tour

The city of Fes, Morocco’s second largest, is considered to be its cultural and religious capital and often referred to as the Mecca of the West. Divided into three districts, the oldest and most fascinating is Fes el Bali. Founded in the 9th century, venturing through its vast gates into the medina is like stepping back in time. It’s dense maze of some 9000 alleys are plied by donkeys and hand-pulled carts (said to be the largest car-free urban area in the world), with narrow passageways leading through beautiful squares, into the middle of a spice-scented food market or to a dead end and the ruins of an abandoned house. Head up to a rooftop terrace to really appreciate the maelstrom at street level.

The fresh air of the public Jnan Sbil Gardens connects the old medina to Fes el Jdid, or ‘New Fez’, the 13th century extension which contains the vast Royal Palace and the Mellah which was once home to some 250,000 Jews, many immigrants from Spain. Built by the French at the beginning of the 20th century, the Ville Nouvelle is the third and most modern of Fes’ districts.

En route to Meknes and Volubilis, stop in Moulay Idris for a gourmet Moroccan lunch made with locally grown and produced products at a private home.

Drive through miles of vineyards and olive groves to Meknes, one of Morocco's four imperial cities (along with Fes, Marrakesh and Rabat) to discover its grand past and expansive souks. The grand Bab Mansour gate and central square are must sees, as are the ruins of stables of 17th century king Moulay Ismail ibn Sharif's stables that once housed 12,000 stables.

Nearby is Volubilis, a partly excavated and remarkably preserved Roman city. Built in a fertile agricultural area, it developed from the 3rd century BC onward as a Phoenician, then proto-Carthaginian, settlement before being the capital of the kingdom of Mauretania. Through olives and wine, it prospered under Roman rule from the 1st century AD and gained a number of major public buildings and fine town-houses with large mosaic floors. Falling to local tribes in 285, it remained habited for another seven centuries as a Latinised Christian community, then as an early Islamic settlement. By the 11th century Volubilis had been abandoned after the seat of power was relocated to Fes.

Fes, Morocco’s ancient imperial capital, is the most complete medieval city of the Islamic world, and a guided walk around its incredible medina is the best way to soak up its timeless atmosphere without fear of getting lost amid the maze. Spend today with your guide seeking out historical highlights, markets and more. The most famous landmark here is The University of al-Qarawiyyin, the oldest educational institute in the world, with UNESCO status.

With its rich atmosphere, fascinating history and rich Berber culture, the city of Marrakesh encapsulates what draws people from around the world to Morocco. Near one thousand year old red walls surround the historic medina, with monumental gates leading through to a warren of winding alleys. It’s here you’ll find Marrakesh’s vibrant souks, markets and artisan workshops selling fragrant spices, leather-ware, jewellery, Berber carpets, spices, fabrics, lamps, pottery and more. The centrepiece is Jemaa el-Fnaa, a bustling market place square that hosts storytellers, musicians and performers in what is an unforgettable nightly spectacle.

One the other side of the walls is the rest of the city, known as the Gueliz. The lavish El Badi, Bahia and Royal Palaces flank the kasbah, each wonderful examples of Berber design and craft. Also out here are wonderful gardens such as Yves Saint Lauren’s Jardin Majorelle and the sprawling Menara gardens set against the Atlas Mountains.

Meet your local insider guide and head to the magical medina of Marrakesh. Reach the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square to really feel the oriental wonders of this place. Your guide will awaken your five senses during this tour as you stop at the tastiest food stalls, visit olive and nut souks and sample local specialities. Moreover, you will see various artists ranging from snake charmers to acrobats which will make your first evening in Marrakesh an outstanding experience.

Your private guide will show you around some of Marrakesh's historic highlights in the medina, the old fortified city which is ringed by some 19km (12 miles) of walls and monumental gates which date back to the 12th century. The entirety of the old town is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As well as narrow streets, riads and bazaars, the walls encompass grand palaces, gardens, mosques, bustling squares, tombs and museums including Bahia Palace, the Saadian tombs, the Medersa ben Youssef, and the ever-present Koutoubia Mosque, whose minaret will always help you to find the right direction.

Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé first visited Marrakech in 1966, quickly falling in love with the city; its vibrant colours, intricate decor and buzzing markets a constant source of inspiration. Step into the Majorelle Gardens, a heaven of peace and colours, then visit the Yves Saint Laurent Fashion Museum and the interesting Berber Museum.

Marrakesh is world famous for its shopping. A maze of alleyways in the old city host an array of sellers, ranging from tiny kiosks to busy workshops and galleries. Traditionally, the souks were divided into areas, each specializing in goods such as leather-ware, jewellery, Berber carpets, spices, teas, shoes, fabrics, lamps, pottery and more. Based on your own interests, your private guide will take you to the best, most authentic boutiques and craftspeople.

Today your chauffeur and guide will accompany you to Skoura, a scenic journey of around 270km (170 miles) that will take approximately 5 hours crossing the High Atlas Mountains over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. En route, stop for lunch at the peaceful courtyard of Amal, a restaurant led by a local non-profit dedicated to women empowerment and helping local women become professional chefs.

Spend a relaxing night in the oasis town of Skoura before heading into the desert in the morning at the fabulous Dar Ahlam. Enjoy an exclusive aperitif and private dinner at a unique location at the Kasbah or lost in the gardens.

Aboard 4x4 with your private driver, head towards the Southern Sahara Desert. The initial drive to Zagora is one of the most striking routes in Morocco. This road is initially mountainous, arid and bare until Agdz, before it joins up with the course of Drâa and one can admire palm plantations and cultivated fields. Lunch will be served as at a hidden lodge in the palm grove of Zagora before heading into the desert, off road, surrounded by the dunes, en route to your private camp for the night. The total journey time is between five and six hours.

Morocco’s corner of the desert lies south of the High Atlas Mountains, a smattering of oasis towns becoming less frequent the further you venture, eventually reaching the golden dune seas that evokes the most romantic images of the Sahara.

It’s here you’ll find camel trains emerging from the heat haze led by blue-scarfed Berbers, and there’s no better way to experience the desert than a night in a traditional nomad camp. Perhaps take a camel trek in time for the purple sun set, dining around a fire under the starry sky before retiring to your tent surrounded by the luxury of nothingness.

Return to Dar Ahlam via a different route with more spectacular desert scenery to enjoy along the way.

Return to Skoura for the night in time to take advantage of the afternoon’s agreeable temperature, following your guide and discover the local traditions of Berber people, learn about the palm grove’s ecosystem and explore the imposing yet ornate 17th century Kasbah Amridil, a relic from the time when Skoura was a prosperous trading post for camel trains.

Drive to the nearby Ouarzazate Airport. En route, visit the Kasbah of a tyrannical Pasha at Ait Ben Haddou, a fascinating place that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Atlas Mountains are a rugged chain that span North Africa from the Atlantic coast through Algeria and Tunisia, an imposing barrier between the fertile Mediterranean coast from the vast Sahara Desert. The most dramatic section, the High Atlas, can be found in central Morocco, which also includes the tallest peak of Toubkal 4,167 metres (13,671 feet) which towers over the landscape due south of Marrakesh.

Roads follow green valleys dotted with mud-built Berber villages, up through forest and over winding passes then down to wadis and old caravan trading posts on the edge of the Sahara. It is a haven for hikers of all levels from spring through to autumn, whether following well worn trails or donning crampons to conquer jagged peaks. Snow falls from November to April – ski resorts can be found up here – and can last well into the summer on the north face of peaks.