Imperial Cities & the Road of the Kasbahs - Solo Tour

Morocco is a country of vivid colours, towering gorges, sweeping sand dunes and bustling, atmospheric cities – and you'll see it all on this fantastic tour, as you follow in the footsteps of the sultans. Sweep through the desert on a 4x4 adventure, stroll through the winding streets of the medinas, venture into ancient kasbahs and view some of the country's most stunning architectural features as you traverse its colonial cities and natural landscapes. You'll also cook up some of the true flavours of Morocco for yourself at a cookery class and sample African hospitality with dinner in a traditional riad.

What's Included:

-Just You Holiday Director as your host & Specialist Local Guide - Return flights from London - Use of an airport lounge in the UK - 9 nights half-board in 3 & 4-star hotels - A guaranteed twin or double room of your own - 19 included meals: 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 9 dinners including a welcome & farewell dinner & drink - All highlights included - Overseas transfers, other transportation & porterage

Highlights:

• Casablanca tour
• Dinner in a traditional Moroccan riad
• Travel through Todgha Gorge & the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs
• Learn the secrets of a Moroccan tagine at a hands-on cooking class
• Guided visit to the Imperial city of Rabat
• Sightseeing tour of Fes & the Medina
• Visit to Ait Benhadou Kasbah
• See the Roman Ruins of Volubilis
• Sunset 4-wheel drive into the desert
• Marrakech city tour

Day 1: UK - Marrakech

Today, you fly to Marrakech, one of Morocco's most dazzling cities. On arrival, we'll transfer you to your hotel for an overnight stay. This evening, get to know your fellow travellers over a welcome dinner.

Meals included: D

Day 2: Casablanca

After breakfast today, we'll head for the fascinating city of Casablanca. Our sightseeing tour by coach will take in the medina – that's the old walled town, with its crooked lanes and shady squares – and the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, which is the country's largest. We'll also see the vast United Nations Square and the art deco-inspired Mohammed V Square, the imposing Royal Palace, the bustling central market and the Habous quarter, with its quaint French colonial buildings. Later, we'll gather for dinner this evening.

Meals included: B,D

Day 3: Rabat - Fes

Rabat is our first destination today. The Moroccan capital is one of the four Imperial Cities and has a fascinating history being founded in the 12th Century and made the capital under French rule. We will learn about the old and the new Rabat as well as seeing Kasbah Oudaya, Hassan tower and the Alaouite shrine. The nearby Roman ruins of Volubilis await this afternoon, where ancient bathhouses, mosaic flooring and towering marble pillars surround us. Built by King Juba II around 25 BC as a royal capital, these impressive ruins encapsulate Morocco's rich and varied history and stand testament not only to the Romans but to the influences of Greek, Egyptian and Berber cultures, too. Later we travel to Fes for a two night stay. This evening we'll have dinner in a traditional Moroccan residence - a riad - for a truly authentic experience.

Meals included: B,D

Day 4: Fes

This morning, embark on a walking tour of Fes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where treasures beckon around every corner. Admire the ancient buildings that date back to the 9th century in the company of an expert Local Guide, and explore the winding lanes, alleys, tanneries and artisan shops that make up one of the world's largest medinas. A highlight is the view of the famous Fes tannery from the balcony of a leather shop, where you can observe the men hard at work treating and dyeing the different hides. Maybe take some time to shop for leather goods with your travelling companions before we return to the hotel. Meals included: B,D

Day 5: Erfoud

We're going to hit the road early this morning, as the spectacular scenery of the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert await us on this long and equally rewarding journey. En route we head into the cooler mountain climate, passing through Berber villages known for their handicrafts. We'll continue along the Ziz Valley, a spectacular route offering wonderful views of the Atlas Mountains and vast palm groves wedged between the ancient cliffs and gorges. We'll then travel onwards to Erfoud, where we'll spend the night in a comfortable kasbah-style hotel on the edge of the magnificent rose-gold Saharan dunes. Tonight, a spectacular desert sunset beckons as we travel by 4x4s into the desert to watch the sun go down over this stunning landscape. Meals included: B,D

Day 6: Ouarzazate

This morning we'll head to the heart of the Atlas Mountains and see the Todgha Gorge, with its steep canyon walls towering up to 400 metres high. We then follow in the footsteps of the sultans as we travel along the famous Route of a Thousand Kasbahs, where the series of imposing ancient ruined fortresses almost resemble sandcastles in the distance. We will also travel through Kelaa M'gouna or Roses Valley. Here, the local Berber population grow Damask roses on the slopes of the mountains, and depending on the season, you may see thousands of small pink flowers carpeting the landscape. Finally, we drive to the former Foreign Legion outpost of Ouarzazate, often known as 'Ouallywood' because of its starring role as the exotic backdrop in so many well-known movies. Here, you can visit Taourirt Kasbah, an ancient citadel with almost 300 rooms.

Meals included: B,D

Day 7: Ait Benhadou Kasbah - Marrakech

Our day begins as we visit the Ait Benhadou Kasbah, the most spectacular fortress in the south of Morocco. Used as a backdrop in films such as 'Lawrence of Arabia' and classified by UNESCO as one of the cultural treasures of the world, the buildings making up the Kasbah are studded with crenulated towers and decorated with ornate geometrical motifs – it's a sight not to be missed. We will then make our way back to Marrakech.

Meals included: B,D

Day 8: Marrakech

Today we'll head off on a tour of Marrakech's main sights. We'll visit the beautiful Bahia Palace, which showcases 19th century Islamic and Moroccan architectural styles and boasts 160 lavishly decorated rooms. Next we will visit the Majorelle Gardens, a green oasis a world away from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech. No visit to Marrakech is complete without experiencing the famous Djemaa El Fna Square, and there will be time at leisure to wander the labyrinth of colourful souks and see snake charmers and fortune-tellers entertaining the thronging crowds. Amongst the hundreds of stalls here, you can barter for anything from traditional carpets and hand-crafted pottery to glistening jewellery and equally colourful spices. Meals included: B,D

Day 9: Marrakech

We'll learn the intricacies of traditional cooking this morning at a hands-on cookery class with a master Moroccan chef. With its unusual combination of cultures – Berber, French, Jewish, Andalucian – Morocco is known for some incredible flavours that visitors talk about – and miss – long after they return home. In the heart of bustling Marrakech, our chef will discuss key ingredients and techniques. From rolling traditional semolina to measuring out spices for a mind-blowing tagine, we'll learn the culinary tricks of the trade while preparing lunch. Then we'll all sit down to marvel at – and then eat - the fruits of our labour! This evening we will gather together for a farewell dinner. Meals included: B,L,D

Day 10: Marrakech - UK

Today we'll transfer you to the airport for your flight back to the UK. Meals included: B