Today you'll set off to drive about 3 hours to the largest city in Morocco: Casablanca. Once you arrive, you can visit one of the city's must-sees - Hassan II Mosque. This mosque is one of the largest in the world and can accommodate up to 25,000 worshipers. In addition, the marble details, the carvings and the mosaics make this building an architectural gem, that you’ll want to capture the perfect snapshot of (note: the entrance fee is not included). From the mosque you can also follow the Cornishe boulevard and walk along the coast. Then you'll drive on to Rabat, the capital of Morocco. This city may not be the largest in the country, but it is the one with the most history. Here the mausoleums, mosques, markets and palaces follow each other in quick succession. After checking into your new hotel, you can spend the rest of the day as you wish. Explore the different neighborhoods - from the medieval medina to the market street, Rue de Consuls, and take in the various architectural influences, from French colonial style to Andalusian style villas and contemporary buildings. A modern view of Morocco can also be found here, in the form of wide boulevards, lined with swaying palm trees and brand-new residential areas.

Accommodation: Hotel Le Diwan Rabat – Mgallery or similar

After breakfast, a guide will take you through the historical highlights of Rabat, including the iconic Mohammed V Mausoleum, where the king's father and grandfather are buried, the royal residence of El Mechouar Essaid Palace and the kasbah fortress of Oudaya. You will also visit the Hassan Mosque, which was built during the time of the Moors, with its 44-meter high, unfinished, but beautiful, red sandstone minaret. The Hassan Tower stands alone among the fragments of columns that still testify to the mosque that was built here but never fully completed. Afterwards, get back in the car for the drive to the iconic Chefchaouen in northern Morocco. Get to know this charming mountain town that is also known as the 'blue town' because of the buildings painted in various shades of the colour. There are several suggestions as to why the walls of this town are blue. Some believe that Jewish settlers introduced the colour, as blue can be seen to represent heaven and God, while another theory is that the houses are painted blue to mimic water and repel mosquitoes! Whatever the reason, you can stroll through the old centre, browse the shops and photograph the unique blue alleys. You should also pay a visit to the new city. Here, you will find beautiful examples of Andalusian architecture, and the restored old kasbah fort is also worth a visit. Climb the stairs and enjoy the spectacular view of the surrounding mountains and the blue city, where you will stay 2 nights.

Accommodation: Dar Zambra or similar

After breakfast, a guide will take you through the historical highlights of Rabat, including the iconic Mohammed V Mausoleum, where the king's father and grandfather are buried, the royal residence of El Mechouar Essaid Palace and the kasbah fortress of Oudaya. You will also visit the Hassan Mosque, which was built during the time of the Moors, with its 44 metre high, unfinished, but beautiful, red sandstone minaret. The Hassan Tower stands alone among the fragments of columns that still testify to the mosque that was built here but never fully completed. Afterwards, get back in the car for the drive to the iconic Chefchaouen in northern Morocco. Get to know this charming mountain town that is also known as the 'blue town' because of the buildings painted in various shades of the colour. There are several suggestions as to why the walls of this town are blue. Some believe that Jewish settlers introduced the colour, as blue can be seen to represent heaven and God, while another theory is that the houses are painted blue to mimic water and repel mosquitoes! Whatever the reason, you can stroll through the old centre, browse the shops and photograph the unique blue alleys. You should also pay a visit to the new city. Here, you will find beautiful examples of Andalusian architecture, and the restored old kasbah fort is also worth a visit. Climb the stairs and enjoy the spectacular view of the surrounding mountains and the blue city, where you will stay 2 nights.

Accommodation: Dar Zambra or similar

There is plenty to see and do on day 5! Fez is the last destination of the day, but on the way there, you’ll also stop in two other cities, the first of which is Morocco's best-preserved Roman ruin: Volubilis. This historic city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located on the fertile plain between Fez and Meknes and was built before the Christian era. There were once more than fifty palaces and twenty gates here. In the afternoon you’ll drive further to the city of Meknes. Stroll around and explore the 17th-century historic buildings here with their mix of European and Islamic style. In the late afternoon you will arrive in Fez, the oldest of the Moroccan imperial cities.

On day 6 you will discover the rich history of Fez, in the form of its beautiful mosques and the largest medina in the country, with no fewer than 9400 alleys! In addition, you’ll also experience a melting pot of cultures: the Arab, Berber, Spanish and Tunisian influences all provide an interesting mix, that is reflected in the architecture and local cuisine. A guide will show you around the city today and show you all the top spots to see. Here, you'll be able to visit the Al-Karaouine, the oldest functioning Quran school in the world. Established in 859, the complex consists of a mosque, a library and a university, and is connected to the alleys of the medina on all four sides. Finally, the iconic green tile floors and mosaic-decorated walls make it a truly special sight that is not to be missed. You will also visit the Al-Attarine Madrasa, the Royal Palace and the Ibn Danan Synagogue. In the city you can also admire the authentic souks around you, filled with fascinating handicrafts, ceramics and carpets. Chances are you'll bump into a donkey here, as the streets are often too narrow for other means of transport, the goods must often be delivered by mules!

Accommodation: Hotel Atlas Saiss or similar

• Please note that non-Muslims do not have access to Al-Karaouine, but you can see the complex from the outside and look in.

Today, a longer drive awaits you towards the east of Morocco, with the city of Errachidia as your final destination. In total you will be on the road for about six hours, but on the way, you can also stop several times, whilst also admiring the beautiful scenery as you pass the city of Azrou. 'Azrou' translates as ‘rock’ in Berber, and this city is located in the heart of the Middle Atlas Mountains. Finally, you’ll arrive in Errachidia, where you will spend the night.

Accommodation: Auberge Tinit or similar

Following breakfast, it's time to drive further east to the village of Merzouga, one of the gateways to the Sahara. You’ll arrive here in the afternoon and have plenty of time to freshen up in the riad that belongs to the tented camp. Afterwards, get ready to embrace the role of a desert nomad completely, as you exchange the car for another form of transport: a camel. The 'ships of the desert', as camels are often called, will lift you high and above the sand dunes. You will enjoy the silence and the stunning desert panorama for an hour on the way to the tent camp. After this unforgettable experience and nightfall, enjoy dinner under the twinkling night sky in the tented camp.

Accommodation:  Riad Madu Luxury Camp or similar

Today, you’ll wake up in the desert and enjoy a delicious breakfast with a beautiful view. Then you will be picked up in a car and driven back to the riad. The rest of the day can be spent relaxing in the riad, after all the travelling over the past few days. Unwind besides the pool while gazing out at the sand dunes of the desert in the distant horizon.

Accommodation: Riad Maduor similar

Today, it's time to set off again after breakfast, with another long drive ahead. This time, you’re heading west to the city of Ouarzazate, in the south of the country. En route, you’ll marvel at the beautiful landscapes at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, and you can enjoy several stops for lunch and coffee breaks, as well as lots of great photo opportunities. You won’t want to miss out on all those great shots, when you see the enchanting environment of Tinghir! An immense green palm oasis suddenly emerges between the vast rock formations of the Atlas Mountains and the pink-hued Berber villages. You can also stop at Boumalne Dades, a village built against a hill and close to the impressive Gorges du Dades gorge. Finally, you’ll arrive in Ouarzazate.

Accommodation:  Maison d'hotes Dar Farhana or similar

Today you’ll be able to see the sights of Ouarzazate, starting at the Kasbah of Tifoultoute. This kasbah was built on a rock and gives you an incredible view of the valley. You’ll also visit a craft school where you can find silver jewellery, pottery, stone carvings and wool carpets, all made by local artisans. A must see is Aït-Ben-Haddou. This picturesque town is called a 'ksar': a fortified fortress and is known for its striking mud kasbahs, built against a hill. The area might look a little familiar to you, as the film Gladiator, as well as several episodes from the Game of Thrones series, were all shot here. Later in the day, you can drive to Taroudant along the Souss Valley with a stop in the city of Tazenakht to view the traditionally woven carpets. Eventually, you will arrive in the city of Taroudant where you will spend the night.

Accommodation: Riad Tafilag or similar

You’ll then spend day 12 in Taroudant. This medieval city is surrounded by imposing twenty-meter-high red walls, with fortified towers. Marvel at the spectacle of the reddish buildings that shift to gold, pink and orange tones at dusk. Everywhere in the city, you can see olive, orange and palm trees and in the distance, the snowy peaks of the High Atlas Mountains. This place is immensely photogenic! Don’t forget to visit the colourful souks and silver markets if you are looking to buy some authentic souvenirs.

Accommodation: Riad Tafilag or similar

Early in the morning your driver will set course for the last city of your tour: Essaouira. This drive takes about four and a half hours, and you will have an afternoon break in the coastal city of Agadir. Stretch your legs here and enjoy the view and a lunch (not included) before getting back in the car. You’ll then drive further along the coast before you finally arrive in Essaouira. Also known as the 'Pearl of the Atlantic Ocean', this coastal city is sure to enchant you. You will find white houses with blue accents, and city walls dating from the 16th century. Stroll through the old Portuguese fishing port, soak up the sun on the beach and breathe in the fresh sea air. In the evenings, choose an inviting spot to sample the delicious fresh fish.

Accommodation: Chems Bleu or similar

On day 14 you can also participate in an optional guided city tour. You can read more about this optional excursion in the section further down the page.

Accommodation: Chems Bleu or similar

After breakfast on day 15, it's time to drive back to Marrakech where you will spend the last 2 nights. A tour of Morocco is not complete without an extensive visit to the iconic ‘red city' of Marrakech. 

Accommodation: Riad Oriental Glory & Spa or similar

on day 16, you'll take a guided walking tour of some of the city's major historical and cultural attractions. You’ll visit the beautiful botanical garden and the indigo blue building of Jardin Majorelle, the 70-meter-high tower of the Koutoubia Mosque, the recently discovered Saadi Tombs and the lavish Bahia Palace, with its fragrant gardens. After a local lunch (not included) you will also visit the souks, where colourful herbs, carpets and attractive jewellery are displayed in large numbers. You can also take an optional hot air balloon ride, camel ride and jeep ride today. You can read more about this optional excursion in the section further down the page. Finally, enjoy a final mint tea, a steaming tagine and the bustling city life

Accommodation: Riad Oriental Glory & Spa or similar

on day 17 and hand in your rental car. It’s then time to take the flight back home, as your spectacular tour of Morocco comes to an end.