Imperial Cities of Morocco

Arrive in the 'Red City' of Marrakech and transfer to either Riad Wow (superior) or Villa des Orangers (deluxe) for three nights. The former is one of the most exciting riads in the medina (old town), with amazing discoveries at every turn, a full-service spa and a wonderful roof terrace offering views of the Koutoubia Mosque. Villa des Orangers, with its a superb medina location just a few minutes walk from the Koutoubia and Jemaa el Fna, offers an unbeatable combination of an intimate and luxurious riad-style experience coupled with the attentive service that you would expect from a Relais and Châteaux property.

Stay: Riad Kniza (Superior) or Villa des Orangers (Deluxe)

Enjoy one full-day private guided tour of Marrakech's magnificent historical sights in the Unesco World Heritage-listed medina, including the Koutoubia Mosque and Jemaa El Fna. The second full day in the city is at leisure, allowing you to relax or explore more of this magical city at your own pace.

Stay: Riad Kniza (Superior) or Villa des Orangers (Deluxe)

Travel to Fez, stopping for a picnic along the way, and check in for two nights at either Riad Maison Bleue (superior) or Dar Lys (deluxe). Fez is the oldest and grandest of Morocco's imperial cities, with a warren of streets burrowing through its medieval medina that all travellers should get lost in at least once in their lives. Of particular note are the city's famous tanneries and there are various vantage points from which you can watch the tanners at work, balancing between vats of vibrant dyes before plunging into the one they need. A full-day private tour on day five with your driver and a guide will ensure you see the best of the city.

Stay: Riad Maison Bleue (Superior) or Dar Lys (Deluxe)

* lunch included on day 4

Two interesting stops are made between Fez and the capital Rabat. The first is at the Roman ruins of Volubilis, the best-preserved archaeological site in Morocco. The second is at Meknes, whose monumental gates hint at a time when this modest and beguiling city was the capital of the Moroccan sultanate. Once in Rabat, enjoy an afternoon city tour before retiring for the night at your chosen hotel.

Stay: Villa Mandarine (Superior) or Tour Hassan (Deluxe)

Depart early to leave time to visit the impressive Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, the largest mosque in Africa, before taking lunch and then heading to Oualidia. Here you will take a break from sightseeing and enjoy two nights relaxing at the charming La Sultana Oualidia, a deluxe boutique resort set on a crescent-shaped lagoon fringed by golden sands on Morocco's Atlantic coast, included in both itinerary options. With a reputation for great seafood - especially Oualidia's famous oysters - an award winning spa and delightful pool with views over the lagoon, La Sultana's beautiful resort may well be one of the unexpected highlights of your Moroccan adventure.

Essaouira is one of the most picturesque ports on the coast - a laid back, car-free town with a far more mellow souk than those of Fez or Marrakech, surrounded by dramatic ramparts and abutted by a long, windswept beach. Fishermen and boat builders go about their business much as they have done for centuries, and artists and craftsmen have opened galleries and workshops along the narrow, whitewashed streets of the Medina. After an initial half-day tour, you'll have the rest of your time here to explore, shop and enjoy Essaouira's famous seafood at your own pace.

Stay: Villa Maroc (Superior) or Heure Bleue Palais (Deluxe)

After breakfast you'll transfer to the airport in Marrakech for your flight home. 

Atlas Mountains extension

Alternatively, from Essaouira why not consider travelling to the Atlas Mountains for a stay in either Richard Branson's superb Kasbah Tamadot (deluxe) or The Capaldi (superior), an intimate country retreat located in the foothills of the Atlas.