DAY 1: ARRIVE CASABLANCA, MOROCCO

Arrive in Casablanca and transfer to your luxurious accommodations, designed with contemporary styling and traditional Moroccan accents. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in this exotic setting, the inspiration for the eponymous 1942 Humphrey Bogart film.

Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca

DAY 2: RABAT & FES

Begin the day in the port city of Casablanca, Morocco’s largest metropolis and its commercial hub. Visit the stunning Hassan II Mosque, which accommodates up to 25,000 worshipers. Travel to the Moorish city of Rabat, capital of Morocco, to visit the Mohammed V Mausoleum, dedicated to the founder of modern Morocco, grandfather of the current king. View the Mauresque-style Hassan Tower and Oudaya Kasbah. Continue to Fes for a special cocktail reception and welcome dinner, joined by a female professor who shares her insights on the role of women in modern Morocco, an A&K-exclusive experience.

Accommodation: Palais Faraj Suites & Spa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3: FES

Explore Fes el-Bali (Old Fes), the cultural heart of Morocco. Founded in the eighth century by Moulay Idris I, this imperial capital was a renowned centre of medieval learning. Stroll the old quarter and narrow lanes, alleys and souks, on a market visit of exceeding authenticity. Watch local artisan craftsmen in action. Proceed to the intricately detailed Karaouine. Built in 859 AD, it is one of the oldest still-functioning universities in the world. You also visit Nejjarine Square before continuing to Fes el-Jadid (New Fes), where you see the Royal Palace, madrasas (Islamic schools) and mellah (Jewish quarter).

Accommodation: Palais Faraj Suites & Spa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 4: VOLUBILIS

Journey overland to explore Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa. Among its greatest treasures are the mosaic floors of former family dwellings, which include depictions of Orpheus charming animals with his lyre, nine dolphins signifying good luck and a portrait of Amphitrite in a seahorse-drawn chariot. Proceed to a winery outside Meknes for a Chef’s Table experience at an on-site restaurant among the vineyards and olive groves. Return to Fes, with your evening at leisure.

Accommodation: Palais Faraj Suites

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 5: ERFOUD

Travel to small, desert-fringed Erfoud, pausing for lunch en route and marvelling at everyday life as you pass Berber villages, endless date palm plantations and the majestic Atlas Mountains. After the day’s scenic drive, settle into your hotel before gathering for dinner this evening. Tonight’s meal is prepared with locally sourced, organic ingredients.

Accommodation: L’Hotel by Chateau de Sable

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6: THE SAHARA

Discover the desert town of Rissani. Continue into the sand dunes of the Sahara, by 4X4 vehicle then, ride like a local on camelback, to your nomadic tented camp, where a reception with mint tea and pastries awaits you. As the sun sets over the Saharan dunes, celebrate your unforgettable desert foray with a Scenic Sundowner. Return to your camp for a traditional meal before a campfire, along with distinctively Moroccan entertainment. Then, slumber in comfort as the sounds of the desert lull you to sleep.

Accommodation: A&K Exclusive Desert Tented Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7: OUARZAZATE

Journey overland to Ouarzazate, once a stopping point for African traders travelling to the cities of Morocco and Europe. En route, absorb stunning views of the High Atlas Mountains’ southern slopes, intersecting the Dades Valley’s flourishing crops, irrigation canals and palm trees. Travel along the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs” to Ouarzazate and your delightful oasis of a hotel.

Accommodation: Le Berbère Palace

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8: OUARZAZATE

Begin the day in Ouarzazate, a city originally built as a French garrison in the 1920s. Today, it is a regional trade centre, known for its pottery and carpets. See the Kasbah of Tifoultoute, a majestic 17th-century fortress featuring a panoramic view of the valley of Ouarzazate and the scenic High Atlas Mountains. Continue to Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home of the region’s most exotic kasbahs, some of which have been featured in famous films, including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator.

Accommodation: Le Berbère Palace

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9: OUARZAZATE

Journey over the High Atlas Mountains, observing everyday life in remote rural towns, to the fascinating “Red City” of Marrakech, where you check in to your luxurious hotel.

Accommodation: Four Seasons Resort Marrakech

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10: MARRAKECH

Begin to unearth the secrets of Marrakech, starting in the medina, the old walled section of town that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the soaring Koutoubia Minaret then visit Dar Si Said Museum, originally built as a palace in the 19th century. Afterwards, visit Djemaa el-Fna, Marrakech’s main square, which is filled with orange juice stalls and vendors, along with acrobats, dancers and street musicians performing at every turn.

Accommodation: Four Seasons Resort Marrakech

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 11: MARRAKECH

Begin your day at Jardin Majorelle, a picturesque garden created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later restored by design legend Yves Saint-Laurent. Stop at the Yves Saint Laurent Museum nearby for an up-close look at some of the famed designer’s creations. This afternoon, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities:

• Learn to Cook with Moroccan Spices with a cooking demonstration and tasting.
• Explore the Souks of Marrakech with an expert guide, walking narrow streets lined with centuries-old shops.
• Enjoy a Guided Walk of the Jewish Quarter, once a thriving centre of religious freedom and tolerance.

Tonight, attend a special farewell dinner with entertainment by a local gnaoua band.

Accommodation: Four Seasons Resort Marrakech

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12: DEPART MARRAKECH

Transfer to the Marrakech airport and board your international flight home, or join an Essaouira Post-Tour Extension.

Meals Included: Breakfast

• Venture into the Sahara by 4×4 and camelback for an unforgettable overnight stay at A&K’s Exclusive Desert Tented Camp that includes dinner and live Moroccan music
• Explore Fes el-Bali, Morocco’s cultural heart, on a guided walk through its winding alleyways and past its myriad souks
• Share lively conversation with a female professor over dinner and freely discuss the role of women in modern Morocco
• Tread the ancient Roman paths of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to marvel at soaring arches and vivid, well-preserved 2,000-year-old mosaics
• Discover Marrakech at its most authentic, taking in the sights, sounds and scents of its UNESCO-listed medina
• Visit local artisans whose works still reflect the influences of Morocco’s historic Roman, Moorish and Berber cultures