Afternoon Royal Air Maroc departure from London Heathrow to Marrakech, via Casablanca (4 hours 40 minutes). On arrival you will be met and transferred to Les Jardins de la Medina for your stay in Marrakech.

Centuries old, wrapped in mystery, Marrakech - "Morocco City" as the early travellers called it has always been something of a pleasure city. This marketplace was founded on the crossroads of the ancient caravan routes where the southern tribesmen and Berber villagers brought in their goods and sought entertainment. Known as "The Red Pearl of the South" because of the pink ochre colour of its buildings, Marrakech is the second Imperial capital after Fez and has been the stronghold of many powerful dynasties. A morning tour of the city with a local guide takes in the labyrinthine streets and alleys of the city, exploring the colourful souks and squares, where artisans and vendors go about their daily business much as they have for centuries. The tour ends in the fabulous Jemaa el-Fna Square, the city’s vibrant heart, a hypnotic tableau of acrobats and musicians, storytellers and snake charmers that is straight from the pages of Arabian folklore.

A day at leisure to further explore this fascinating city. An endless array of spectacular buildings and labyrinthine alleyways, bustling markets and captivating characters make this one of the most engaging cities in Africa.

This morning you will transfer to the charming resort town of Essaouira (176 KM/approximately 3 hours) for your stay at the Villa Maroc. This enchanting coastal town lies within the protective embrace of its 15th century Portuguese fortifications.

Essaouira was built in the 18th century as a free port for European merchants and their Jewish agents engaged in the Trans-Saharian gold, ivory and slaves trade. With its Gothic battlements and fortifications facing rocky islands, Essaouira is certainly Morocco's most likeable resort. Its blue-shuttered houses and art galleries, its wood workshops and boat builders provide a colourful backdrop to the Atlantic coast. Known also as Mogador, this town has long been associated with artists, as life in the resort is easy and uncomplicated. In the late 1960’s, the most idealistic youth cultures congregated at Essaouira which became a haven for the hippies. With a reputation as one of Morocco’s most easy going resorts, Essaouira is the ideal place to explore at your leisure, and today has been left free to do just that. You may like to stroll through the old town, soaking up the ambience of its whitewashed houses and bustling medina, or take a stroll along the beach, passing sardine fishermen going about their daily routines.

Transferring into the Atlas Mountains today you drive via Marrakech, across the Haouz Plain towards the Toukbal Massif. Our destination is the small village of Imli, deep in the traditional heartlands of the independent Berber tribesmen (236 KM/approximately 4 hour 15 minutes). Stay at the Kasbah du Toukbal.

The next two days have been left free to explore these remarkable mountain landscapes at your own pace. The mountains of the High Atlas are some of Africa’s most spectacular ranges. Wild and remote they are physically and culturally distinct from the lands below.

These landscapes are ruled over by the ‘Lords of the Atlas’ and their mountain slopes are riddled with Berber villages that cling to the craggy slopes, presenting the lucky visitor with some fascinating insights into a fast disappearing culture. Hiking in the Atlas Mountains is one of the best possible experiences in Morocco, regardless of your level of fitness.

After breakfast transfer back to Marrakech airport (60 KM/approximately 1 hour 15 minutes) for the morning Royal Air Maroc flight to London via Casablanca. Arrive back in London Heathrow later this afternoon.