Our journey begins in the bustling Port city of Casablanca. Modelled after Marseille in France, Casablanca has since become much busier than its parent and is now the undisputed economic capital of the country, with one of Africa's largest ports. The architectural style of the city is curious; famous for its Art Deco French colonial buildings and Mauresque governmental institutions, an old Medina and of course the phenomenal modern day masterpiece - Hassan II Mosque.

We depart Casablanca on Day 2 so if you wanted to spend more time visiting the sights of Casablanca, we recommend you arrive a day or two early. But please remember there is time on Day 2 to visit the mosque before we depart to Meknes.

In the morning of Day 2 you have time to visit and take a 45 minute public, guided tour of the Hassan II mosque (not included) before our departure from Casablanca. Your leader will help you get there and arrange this. This extraordinary monument was completed in 1993 after years of work by around 30,000 craftsmen and has now become one of the country's most recognisable images. The Mosque was the late King's most ambitious project and his legacy to Casablanca. An $800 million dollar construction, only the mosques of Mecca and Medina are bigger, while its 200m-high minaret is the tallest in the world.

We will take a mid morning train to Rabat (aprox. 1 hour), store our luggage and then spend a few hours taking a stroll through the city's Old Quarter including the Medina where we can stop to dine with the locals and eat the Moroccan way. We will leave enough time to walk up to Kasbah des Oudaias and enjoy the view over the Atlantic Ocean. Rabat's history is long and colourful: from Roman settlements; to a refuge for Pirates; to the site of the unfinished but towering 12th century Hassan tower; till more recently as the modern political capital and the resting place and mausoleum of the founder of Independant Morocco.

In the late afternoon we board another train and continue on to Meknes (approx. 3 hours) arriving in the evening. Like Rabat, Meknes was once an Imperial city of Morocco and the capital of one of its history's most colourful and golden ages, when the Sultan Moulay Ismail (a contemporary of Louis XIV) set out to build his version of Versailles with an unstoppable labour force, constructing walls, gates and over 50 palaces.

After breakfast we can begin our exploration of Meknes, starting with an included guided visit to Moulay Ismail's immense Heri es Souani Granary, a mammoth architectural feat. We then take a pleasant stroll past some of Meknes now crumbling Imperial palaces for a visit to the busy and colourful Medina to get a taste for authentic Morocco. For lunch the adventurous can try a camel burger! 

In the early afternoon we board our private mini bus and travel via picturesque rolling hills dotted with Olive groves to the Roman ruins of Volubilis (approx. 1 hour). A local guide will take us on a walk back in time as we explore this ancient hilltop city, one of the Roman Empire's most remote bases, which remained affluent until the 8th century however the structures remained in tack until they were damaged by an earthquake in the 18th century after which much of the marble was taken for constructions in nearby Meknes.

After our visit we reboard our mini bus and carry on to Fes (approx. 1.5 hours) arriving in the late afternoon. Fes is one of the most complete medieval cities in the Arab world and the most ancient of Moroccan Imperial capitals. Descending into the labyrinthine alleyways of the Medina is like taking a step back to the Middle Ages. At night, we may head to the Palais Jamai (one of Morocco's most historic and elegant hotels) for an evening drink. Watching the sun set over the huge Medina while hundreds of Mosques make the call to prayer can be a breathtaking experience.

On the morning of day 4 our local guide will help us realise the treasures of the Fes Medina, a living monument to an ancient past and still very much alive with the many craftsmen, markets, tanneries, ceramics, Medersa's and Mosques.

We will visit the famous tannery known for the iconic view overlooking the dye pits. Our tour will also include a visit to a ceramic factory where we can see potters producing their crafts the traditional way. Time permitting we will have a photo opportunity at the royal palace and also a panoramic view of the city from Borj el Sud.

The morning of day 5 sees us re-boarding our private mini bus and heading towards the fabulously scenic Middle Atlas Mountains (approx. 4 hours) and territory populated with wandering nomadic shepherds attending to their flocks. Our route takes us through cedar forests, home to the Barbary Apes, North Africa's only monkey, and into the picturesque valley between the Middle and High Atlas mountain ranges where our destination Midelt is situated. It is a dramatic setting. Our peaceful accommodation is nestled in the farmland and orchards.

On the afternoon of day 5 we stretch our legs and explore the nearby village of Bremmem, to take a closer look at the local farming life (Midelt is the apple capital of Morocco).

At some stage we will also visit Kasbah Myriam, a carpet and embroidery workshop run by Franciscan nuns with the aim of providing sustainable employment and education to local Berber women. The wares they produce are beautiful and of high quality, so it's the perfect place to buy a memorable souvenir.

It's a stunning drive today (approx. 5 hours) towards the mighty Sahara Desert. We have many opportunities to stop and admire the panoramic views of the Kasbahs and palmeries (valleys lush with date palms, fields and orchards) en-route, since we have the convenience of our own private minivan (there are not many options for public transport in these parts). We can pause in some of the frontier towns such as Erfoud and Rissani until we reach the end of the road and the small settlement of Merzouga.

From here we will store our main baggage before saddling up our day packs and ourselves onto camels (approx. 1 hour each way), heading off into the sunset for a memorable night in our Sahara camp. The camp is a simple affair with bedding and basic toilet facilities provided. Our local friends will prepare a hearty feast so all we must do is soak up the experience. (Our camp does provide blankets but for extra warmth and your own comfort, you might like to bring your own sleeping bag in the months from November to March)

Our visit is to the Erg Chebbi dunes, which are the most stunning in the country and an experience essential to complete any visit to Morocco. An Erg is a vast sea of shifting wind-swept sand that is formed into picturesque undulating crests and valleys, and the Erg Chebbi are one of the worlds classic landscapes of towering dunes, up to heights of over 150 meters. Located at the end of the sealed road, and just 20 kilometres from the Algerian border this is wonderful frontier country.

Amongst this panorama of peaks of sand, with rhythmic drums and hearty feast, falling asleep under the countless Saharan stars is something of which any Intrepid traveller dreams.

For the early risers the morning of Day 7 begins with a sunrise over the majestic dunes, before riding our camels back to our small Auberge for a basic breakfast and freshening up. We take another classic drive today with dramatic changes of landscape to the stunning Todra Gorge (approx. 4 hours).

This afternoon is an opportunity to explore the beautiful surrounding Palmeries or to make the short walk up to the nearby Gorge itself, a spectacular canyon with sheer rock walls up to 300m high, now gaining fame as a rock-climbing destination.

Day 8 is a full day to enjoy the area. The option of a guided hike through the Gorge and a loop over a near-by mountain pass is highly recommended. You might even be fortunate enough to meet and join some of the local Nomadic inhabitants of the area for a glass of mint tea. For lunch we are invited to join some local ladies of a nearby village in their mud brick Kasbah. This provides a fantastic opportunity to get an idea of how locals live in this largely unchanged culture.

There are also options for Rockclimbing and Mountain biking (these can be easily arranged by your group leader on arrival in Todra). But for the less energetic, simply lounging by the hotel pool on the terrace with gorgeous views of the surrounding lush palmeraies and the rich red soaring cliff faces enjoying a book is a great way to spend your day in wonderful Todra.

On the morning of day 9 we say goodbye to the enchanting Todra Gorge and make our way further South towards the Kasbah country of Ait Benhaddou (approx. 4 hours). This scenic drive offers a glimpse of times gone by via the ruins of ancient Kasbahs; once colonial military desert outposts, austere mountains, wide open spaces, valleys of palm trees and irrigated fields. En-route we can pause for lunch in Ouarzazate, the film capital of Morocco, where films such as 'Lawrence of Arabia' and 'The Sheltering Sky' and 'Black Hawk Down' have been filmed. Time permitting we can take a tour of the Atlas Studios.

In Ouarzazate we can make a short visit to the Handicapped Project Horizon, which is an association committed to the rehabilitation of disabled people of the region. Amongst some of the amazing services they provide are: developing prosthetic limbs, custom made wheelchairs, providing physio and social therapy to sufferers of accidents and illness. There is also an Artisanal workshop training local people trades such as pottery, jewellery and metal making. This is a wonderful visit, and Intrepid are very happy to announce that Project Horizon is now a brand new member of the Intrepid Foundation, so we are looking forward to offering a long partnership of assistance and support.

After lunch we drive on (approx. 45 minutes) to our final destination, the grand Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou - one of the most beautiful in all of Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This fortified village is a fine example of clay architecture and is also famous for its role on the silver screen, featuring in numerous films such as: Lawrence of Arabia (1962), The Jewel of the Nile (1985), Jesus of Nazareth (1977), The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), Kundun (1997), The Mummy (1999), Gladiator (2000), Alexander (2004).

Centuries ago, Ait Benhaddou, on the Mellah River, was an important stop for the caravans passing through as they carried salt across the Sahara, returning with gold, ivory and slaves. Today, it is inhabited only by a handful of families and we can explore the maze of its streets at our leisure, or soak up the atmosphere from the terrace of our family run Guest House as you watch the sunset over this magnificent site.

This evening, we join in on a simple cooking demonstration of Moroccos most famous cuisine: Cous Cous and Tajine. The ladies of the kitchen will prepare some fabulous traditional meals and we will eat well tonight.

On the morning of day 10, we journey over the spectacular Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2260m) to the scenic Toubkal National Park (approx. 5 hours). The route is an epic journey as we farewell the landscape of the Kasbah's and Sahara, passing over the desolate high altitudes of the Tichka, before traversing some stunning lush valleys and winding our way to the end of the road at Imlil. Here we will store our main luggage and load day packs onto pack mules before making a 1 hour walk up to the peaceful village of Armed where we will spend the night. A family run Mountain Home Stay (Gite) will be our home tonight, and perched on a great rocky outcrop we have an incredible sight before us from the terrace: views of North Africa's highest peak - Mount Toubkal!

If you are not that fit and don't feel you can complete the 1 hour walk, don't worry as you could take the option of riding the local transport up to Aremd. A mule!

Facilities at the Mountain Gite are shared - both the bathroom and sleeping arrangements - but cosy, comfortable and a unique Intrepid experience. Perhaps join the ladies in the kitchen to help with baking tonight's bread, or get some traditional henna tattoo decoration applied by one of the local girls. A visit to the local Hammam is an unforgettable and sometimes a hilarious experience.

Regardless of your level of fitness the gentle pace of Aremd and the Berber world are open to you. It is a special place beyond the reach of the modern world - and an opportunity not to be missed.

On the morning of Day 11 a local trekking guide can take us on a morning walk around the village, valleys and tracks of the stunning Atlas Mountains.

After lunch we leave the valleys of the magical High Atlas Mountains behind, and head westwards towards the windswept Atlantic Coast and the old fishing town of Essaouira (approx. 5 hours)

The name 'Essaouira' means image, appropriate since Essaouira is such a picturesque town. Its charm is undeniable: within the stone ramparts you'll find whitewashed houses with bright blue shutters, art galleries and wood workshops. This laid-back artist's town was once a Portuguese trading colony and was also home to sizeable British and Jewish populations. The town faces a group of rocky islands - called the Mogador - and is surrounded by an expanse of sandy beaches and dunes.

Essaouira is still a busy fishing port and its pretty harbour filled with tiny, colourful boats which go out early every morning for the day's catch. Visitors who have been seduced by its charms include Orson Welles and Jimi Hendrix, who (according to local legend) spent much of his time here in the 1960s. Recently, filmmaker Ridley Scott chose the ramparts as an important location for his film 'Kingdom of Heaven'.

While in Essaouira, our local guide takes us on a morning walking tour through the old Medina, Jewish Mellah, Port and Scala, giving us a lesson in history and prepping us with tips for shopping, which we will no doubt indulge in tomorrow.

The afternoon of Day 12 and the morning of Day 13 are free to soak up the romantic ambience. Wander the harbour and its adjacent fish markets where you can witness the daily auction. Browse the plentiful shops and intriguing art galleries that make this little town a particularly pleasant place to unwind for a few days. It has a growing reputation for its unique art and is becoming even more famous for its burled Thuya wood - delicately formed and inlaid in tiny shops, which are built into the thick walls of the Portuguese ramparts. The scent from the oils used to polish the richly-coloured wood permeates the air and makes walking down the streets incredibly pleasant.

Essaouira is a world famous windsurfing destination or you may like to try your hand at the increasingly popular sport of kite surfing.

Everything in the small centre is within walking distance and the beaches are quite clean. Don't miss the opportunity to go to a Hammam or local style bath to be spoilt with a good scrub, a mud pack and a relaxing massage with Argan oil. A freshly-cooked plate of the day's catch afterwards is highly recommended.

In Essaouira our 2 nights are spent in a wonderfully restored Riad. A Riad is a traditional ancient nobleman's house unique to Morocco that has become very popular with travellers as an oasis of escape, charm and tranquillity form the hustle and bustle of the Medina. Our Riad is featured around a central courtyard, and is beautifully designed and decorated in wonderful Moroccan style. We are sure you will love the cosy, friendly atmosphere and it will be one of the most memorable stays on your journey to Morocco.

The morning of day 13 is free time.

In the afternoon we take a public bus to Marrakech (approx.3 hours). After settling in to our hotel we can join the thronging crowds and enjoy dinner at the ultimate el fresco experience of the infamous Djemaa el Fna. This is undoubtedly an unforgettable introduction to bustling Marrakech where we can wander around the singers, drummers, dancers, snake charmers, fortune tellers, tooth pullers, storytellers, jugglers and even old medicine men, altogether who make up what has been dubbed the greatest spectacle on earth.

Day 14 is free to explore the Medina and sights of Marrakech. The mosaic of souq's should not be missed and each is devoted to a separate trade: pottery, woodwork, copper, leather, carpets and spices - a wander among them is a sensory delight.

The monuments of Marrakech are numerous and range from the well-known Koutoubia Mosque and its superb minaret - famous throughout the Islamic world and the 'sister' to the Giralda in far-away Seville, to the lesser-known tropical gardens of the French Painter Jacques Majorelle (now owned by Yves Saint Laurent). There is the Palais Bahia, a superb example of Muslim architecture, and the ruins of the Palais Badi, reputedly one of the most beautiful palaces in the world in its time. The Saadian tombs are a recently uncovered gem of the Medina. All of the above can be a challenge to locate, but that is all a part of the experience of exploring the phenomenal Medina's of Morocco!

On the evening of day 14, our final dinner and sadly our farewells await.

Day 15 is departure day and we say 'Ma'Salama Shukran Bizzaf' for memories that will last a lifetime. There are no activities planned for today and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Check out time from the hotel is at 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.