From Casablanca: north in 10 days

Arrival at Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca and a visit to the iconic Hassan II Mosque, one of the world's largest. Drive to Rabat, the capital, to explore the Kasbah of the Oudayas and the historic Hassan Tower. On to the picturesque blue city of Chefchaouen in the Rif. Overnight in Chefchaouen.

• Casablanca
• Rabat
• Chefchaouen

After breakfast, a guided tour of Chefchaouen's charming blue medina. On the way to Fez, a stop at the Roman ruins of Volubilis (UNESCO), with views over Sidi Chahed Lake. Arrival in Fez, dinner and overnight at a traditional riad.

• Chefchaouen
• Volubilis
• Fez

With a local guide we explore the medina. Fez was Morocco's capital for over 350 years and is home to Al Karaouine University, the world's oldest operating university. We visit the Moulay Idriss mausoleum, the Nejjarine Fountains and the tanneries. After lunch, the Royal Palace exterior, the Jewish quarter (Mellah) with an optional synagogue, a ceramic factory and panoramic views of the medina. Overnight at the riad.

• Fez

Departure from Fez southward, with landscapes shifting from the snowy hills of Ifrane to the cedar forest and on to the desert. Stops in Ifrane (the lion and Atlas apes) and at the Awfouss Oasis, one of the region's largest. In Merzouga, a camel trek across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes and a night under the clear sky in nomad tents. Dinner at a luxury bivouac.

• Fez
• Ifrane
• Midelt
• Ziz Valley
• Merzouga

After breakfast, the historic Rissani market, the ancient Sijilmassa, an important caravan halt, with its traditional herbal pharmacy. Lunch in Khamlia (local "pizza") with hill views and Gnawa music. In the afternoon, a camel ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes and a second night in a tent at the camp.

• Merzouga

Sunrise over the dunes, a camel ride back and breakfast. A visit to the Rissani souk and through Erfoud (fossils and the dates festival). Across desert landscapes and villages to the Todra Gorges, with 300-metre walls and a 20-metre-wide mouth. Dinner and overnight at a hotel in the Dades.

• Merzouga
• Tinjdad
• Todra Gorges
• Dades

To the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou via the Rose Valley, with a stop at a rose distillery. The Skoura palm grove and the "road of 1001 kasbahs." Ouarzazate, the "Hollywood of Africa" (The Mummy, Prince of Persia, Gladiator). The Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou (UNESCO), by the Ounila river. Over the Tizi n'Tichka (2,260 m) with coffee and an argan cooperative. Dinner and overnight at a riad in Marrakech.

• Dades
• Rose Valley
• Skoura
• Ouarzazate
• Ait Ben Haddou

With a local guide: the magnificent Koutoubia Mosque, which inspired Seville's Giralda and Rabat's Hassan Tower; the Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs, from Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur's time, discovered in 1917, housing about sixty members of the Saadian Dynasty. After lunch, the world-famous Jemaa el Fna Square and the souks. Overnight at the riad/hotel.

• Marrakech

On to Essaouira via Chichaoua, among argan trees and the goats that climb them. At the women's argan oil cooperative we learn about its uses. A visit to the Skala Fortress, the port and the souks, with thuya wood carved by artisans. A fresh-fish lunch, Moroccan style. Free afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

• Marrakech
• Essaouira

On the final day, a drive back to Casablanca and transfer to Mohammed V Airport for departure, reflecting on the journey from the Sahara to the Atlantic coast.

• Essaouira
• Casablanca
• Airport