Upgraded - Morocco: Imperial Cities, Mountains and the Sahara Desert

This escorted tour by Explore Worldwide begins in Casablanca with a visit to the majestic Hassan II Mosque before heading to Rabat, where the Royal Palace and Andalusian Gardens are on the agenda. From there, the journey continues north to Chefchaouen, famed for its bluewashed medina nestled against the Rif Mountains. A stop at the Roman ruins of Volubilis and a vineyard tasting precede time in Fes, where the scent of tanneries punctuates the air and the medieval medina buzzes with traditional craft.

The route crosses the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara, with nights spent at a luxury desert camp beneath towering sand dunes. Further days include a stroll through the lush Todra Gorge, stays in historic kasbahs surrounded by palm groves, and a visit to the earthen fortress of Ait Benhaddou. The final stop is Marrakech, whose souks and grand palaces bring this varied itinerary to a close. Along the way, upgraded riads and a family-run country hotel provide restful pauses in characterful settings, making the long drives and early mornings easier to take.

New to Morocco? Our Morocco guide has the practical essentials: money, plugs, visas and when to go.

These are the places the trip visits, in order. Explore Worldwide publishes the day-by-day itinerary on its own site.