Depart on an overnight flight to Casablanca. After time to relax, visit the extraordinary Hassan II Mosque, whose 689-foot minaret is the world's tallest. Enjoy lunch before taking a stroll through Casablanca's Habous district and mechouar, the ceremonial meeting place outside the Royal Palace. Tonight, gather for a festive welcome dinner overlooking the sea.
Golden Tulip Farrah Casablanca (L,D)
Drive through the elegant Anfa neighborhood on the way to Marrakech, Morocco's legendary "pearl of the south." After a poolside lunch at the hotel, meander through the stunning Majorelle Gardens, once owned by Yves Saint-Laurent, and pay a visit to the museum here. See the splendid Koutoubia Mosque, and visit Bahia Palace and the Dar Si Said Museum of Moroccan Arts. Explore the labyrinthine streets of the medina, lined with market stalls and craftspeople; and soak up the colorful chaos of Djemma el Fna Square, where snake charmers and magicians enchant the passersby. Discover the city on your own this evening.
Le Méridien N'Fis (B,L)
This morning, you may choose to delve back into the suq with a local guide or visit other sites, including the 16th-century Ben Youssef Madrassa and the Marrakech Museum. Take advantage of free time after lunch to explore on your own. Tonight, gather for a rooftop reception and dinner accompanied by traditional Gnaoua music in the heart of the old medina.
Le Méridien N'Fis (B,L,D)
Cross the Atlas Mountains to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aït Benhaddou and have lunch overlooking this enchanting fortified city. Then venture into its warren of twisting lanes and dwellings, stopping for tea in a traditional adobe home. Take an optional horseback ride along the river before continuing to Ouarzazate, a former trading post now known for its movie studios, where films like Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia were shot.
Le Berbère Palace (B,L,D)
Learn about traditional adobe architecture in Taourirt Kasbah this morning. Set out on the fabled Road of 1,000 Kasbahs to Erfoud, passing spectacular rock formations, oases, and rose plantations. Enjoy a hike through a palm and tamarisk grove. Later, walk into Todra Gorge and have lunch at the foot of the soaring, red canyon walls. In Erfoud, climb into 4x4s and drive into the desert to a traditional tented camp, nestled among the dunes of Merzouga. Dine under the star-studded Saharan sky, and enjoy an evening of Berber folk music and tales around the campfire.
Bivouac Tented Berber Camp (B,L,D)
Awaken early to ride a camel across the sandscape as the rising sun paints the dunes orange and gold. Return to the camp for a hearty breakfast. Head north into the high-mountain plains on your way to Fez, stopping for a walk in a lush cedar forest. Arrive in Fez late this afternoon, and settle into your room at the legendary Palais Jamai, your home for the next three nights.
Palais Jamai (B,L,D)
Spend the day exploring this magnificent imperial city. Discover the 14th-century Bou Inania madrassa, characterized by its intricately carved stucco walls, arches, and cornices. See the Nejjarine Fountain, covered in exquisite mosaics, and the Kairaouine Mosque. Delve into the lively medina, where merchants preside over colorful mounds of spices and tanners soak skins in vats of dye. Later, visit the Royal Palace and Fes Jdid, home to the historic Jewish quarter.
Palais Jamai (B,L,D)
Today you may choose to explore Fez at your own pace or take an excursion to the Roman ruins of Volubilis, a World Heritage site; and Meknes, Morocco's 17th-century capital. Tonight, toast our Moroccan adventure at a farewell dinner and belly-dancing performance at the Palais Jamai.
Palais Jamai (B,D)
This morning, transfer to the airport for your return flight.
(B)