"Situated at the tip of North Africa, just a few miles from Spain, Morocco is infused with African, European, and Middle Eastern influence, but manages not to belong to any of them. From the windswept Atlantic coastline, to the intimidating peaks of the High Atlas, and the desolate golden Sahara stretching way beyond, Morocco is a land that surprises you every time you turn a new corner. In the space of just one day you can see ancient walled cities, travel through the cedar forests, where it's still possible to see wild monkeys playing, meet families of nomads still living as they did centuries ago, and end up watching the sun fade into the horizon, from atop towering sand dunes. But for me, the most alluring aspect of Morocco is the fact that less than a hundred years ago, the country was still very much living in a medieval world, where the tribe meant more than the nation, the rule of the sultan was only nominal, and very few westerners had even visited. Today, Morocco is moving slowly towards the modern world, but it's not hard to see remnants of this age, in the dark alleyways of the souks or in the oasis towns of the south. Go before it changes any more!" Jim O'Brien, Operations Product Manager – The Imaginative Traveller

Ait Ben Haddou - Appearing out of the harsh desert landscape, your first glimpse of Ait Ben Haddou will be of a spectacular collection of Kasbahs perched upon a hilltop. You'll soon realise just why film-makers were attracted here to film movies such as 'The Gladiator', 'Jesus of Nazareth' and 'Lawrence of Arabia'. Explore the village in the late afternoon light and wind your way slowly up to the agadir (grain storehouse), for a beautiful view of the valley below. We spend the night in a hotel overlooking this great fortified village.

Aremd & Imlil - These two mountain villages are the main departure points for treks into the Toubkal region, although both are quite small. The air feels thinner and clearer here, and snow is often visible on the peaks. Imlil is at an altitude of 1,700m, and the main crop in the area is walnuts. There are several cafés in the village and some shops for stocking up on the basics. Aremd lies at 1,840m, and overlooks the Mizane Valley. Terraces of corn and barley line the sides of the valley, and goats are often scattered across the hillsides. There are a few guesthouses, a café and a small shop.

Casablanca - The name Casablanca conjures up many a memory -Ingrid Bergman, Humphrey Bogart… but Casablanca the city has much more to offer. A good place to start is the Grand Mosque Hassan II which juts out into the ocean. Although it is a very new complex, here you'll get your first taste of the beauty of Muslim architecture and culture. If you wander off the beaten track you can explore the Old Medina, or the Cathedral de Sacre Coeur and Quartier Habous (the New Medina). When the sun goes down you still won't be short of things to do. Take an evening stroll amongst the throngs of people promenading along the sea front and watch the sun go down over the Atlantic; sample one of Casablanca's wide variety of restaurants - whether it be French cuisine, traditional Moroccan fare or the abundant seafood available; or sit in a café in the Habous watching life go by in front of you.

Erg Chebbi - Bathed in the glow of afternoon light, the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi rise dramatically 50m from the desert floor. They run in a line almost perfectly north-south to the village of Merzouga and beyond, and mark the western fringe of the Sahara Desert, dividing Morocco from Algeria. We'll have a chance to explore this magnificent desert surrounding - you might like to hire a camel to ride into the dunes themselves, or if you're feeling energetic why not attempt to scale them on foot! Climb the dunes for sunrise or sunset to watch the light and colour of the sands change. As the stars come out you can often hear the rhythmic beat of tribal drumming penetrating the still night.

Essaouira - Essaouira, with its whitewashed houses, vivid blue doors, and laid back coastal feel, is the perfect place to cap off your holiday. A haven for many artists in the 60's, including Jimi Hendrix and the Rolling Stones, you'll soon realise why they couldn't prise themselves away. Essaouira's long stretch of beach tempts you to walk its length, to the picturesque fort slowly sinking into the sand. And don't miss the most spectacular sunset in Morocco from the town's ramparts. Whether it's last minute shopping in a hassle free environment, lazing on the beach, sipping coffee in the plaza and watching life go by, or sampling the superb fresh seafood at the local fish grills, Essaouira is sure to charm you.

Fes - The oldest of the Imperial Cities, and one of the holiest cities in the Islamic World, Fes is steeped in ancient charm. Fes is divided into three distinct parts. Fes El Djedid (Fes the New), established in the 13th century, is where you'll find most of the royal palaces, gardens and museums. For those with extra energy, a climb to the Merenid tombs and a panoramic view of Fes is a must. Then there's the Ville Nouvelle, the modern city built by the French in the 20th century, which has tree-lined avenues packed with cafes, fresh juice shops, patisseries and restaurants - the perfect place to relax in the evening and watch the Fassis (people of Fes) pass by. But the real Morocco is captured in Fes el Bali (Old Fes), in the labyrinth of 9400 narrow, twisting and turning lanes. Wandering through the local souqs is like taking a step back into the Middle Ages, as the locals go about their work the same way they would have done 1200 years ago. The clanging of the copper smiths, the powerful 'aroma' of the tanneries, bundles of colourful yarn hanging in the dyers souq, children carrying trays of bread balanced neatly on their heads and the cries of 'balak, balak!' or 'attention' which send you scrambling to hug the walls, well out of the way of heavily laden mules. Fes El Bali also has its share of elaborate buildings; in particular the old medersa or religious colleges which combine the beauty of Morocco's artisan skills with intricate mosaic tiles, carefully carved stucco and elaborately decorated cedar wood ceilings.

High Atlas Mountains - This is Northern Africa's greatest mountain range. It divides the Atlantic and Mediterranean areas of the country from the extensive desert regions. It is a harsh and rugged range that is also a place of great beauty. Lush valleys full of apple, cherry and walnut trees give way to harsh, rugged landscape. All of this is overshadowed by the highest peak in North Africa - Djebel Toubkal (4167m). These mountains provide some of the country's finest trekking and there is a wide variety of flora and fauna to be discovered.

Marrakech - Charming, chaotic and charismatic - this is Marrakech! Heaving with activity, Djemaa el Fna, Marrakech's central square, has been a meeting point for centuries. Your senses will go wild over the sights, sounds and smells of the square. Packed full of traders, Berber musicians, acrobats, snake charmers, witch doctors, wise men, and even tooth pullers, the squares hypnotic charm will soon rub off on you. There's no better way to experience Djemaa el Fna, than to sample the local specialities on offer at the night-time food stalls. With lights flickering, and smoke rising, watching the hive of activity from atop a cafe is a perfect way to capture the mystical atmosphere. Marrakech has lots more to offer with souqs bursting with Moroccan crafts, the immense Koutoubia Mosque, and countless museums, palaces, gardens and cultural sites. After a hectic day, the haven of the Marjorelle Gardens, full of cacti and vivid blue buildings, or a sunset drink at La Mamounia Hotel, is a perfect way to unwind.

Meknes - Meknes is the perfect place to get lost in a traditional souq (market) where you'll find activity at every turn from local saw-millers to tentmakers sewing up sacks and colourful canvas; men selling finely ground salt direct from the source; flea markets heaving with everything you could ever need; woodworkers carving elaborate tables; metalworkers creating a din as well as carefully crafted wrought iron products; coppersmiths constructing huge urns big enough to cook enormous feasts; the musical instrument souq, packed full of tam-tams, cymbals and lutes, and carts laden with pomegranates, prickly pears, apples peaches, melons and chickpeas - in fact you name it, you can find it here! However Meknes doesn't lack cultural sites. Founded by the most ruthless sultan in Moroccan history, you can visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail and his impressive granary, featuring huge vaulted storerooms; the Dar Jamai Museum, with an impressive collection of Moroccan crafts and the Bou Inania Medersa.

Ouarzazate - Famed as the centre of Morocco's film industry, keep your eyes pealed for stars wandering the streets! The spectacularly rugged mountains surrounding Ouarzazate attract today's film makers, but the city originated as an isolated French military post, intent on suppressing the local Berber tribes.

Taroudannt - Enclosed in red earth walls, Taroudannt has some similarities to the more famous red city (Marrakech), but on a much smaller scale and with a more laid-back atmosphere. Taroudannt is located at the head of the fertile Sous Valley and has often played a strategic role in trade through the south, although it never achieved fame as an 'Imperial City' in Morocco. Whilst being conquered by various dynasties from the 11th century, Taroudannt's prime time was during the reign of the Saadians in the 16th century, who built most of the circuit of walls around the town. They made Taroudannt their capital for some time, until eventually moving on to Marrakech. The town remains a major market centre with interesting souqs containing a wide variety of traditional crafts, especially the jewellery for which it is famous.

Tizi 'n Tichka - The Tizi 'n Tichka is the modern road built to connect Marrakech with the desert regions of the south east. The highest point, known as the Tizi n' Tichka pass, is at 2260m. As the road winds its way over the High Atlas Mountains you'll have spectacular views of the mountain range and the valleys below, with villages perched precariously on the edges of deep chasms. In winter months the mountains and passes can be covered in snow creating a magical sight.

Todra Gorge - A journey into the south of Morocco is simply incomplete without a visit to the Todra Valley and the Gorge for which it is famous. Rising out of the desert floor, a clash between the Anti Atlas and High Atlas mountain ranges, the stunning Todra Gorge soars to 300 metres high. We spend two nights in this breathtaking setting and have plenty of time to explore the area, which is teeming with wildlife - especially birds.

Valley of 1000 Kasbahs - The unique architectural feature of the south, the Kasbah, is a stunning sight to behold in the midst of the stark desert landscape. Kasbahs are found in large numbers throughout the valleys of southern Morocco. This is particularly true of the Dades Valley, which has been dubbed the "Valley of 1000 Kasbahs".

Built to defend profitable trade routes, these fortified family dwellings have housed Berber tribes for centuries. Constructed from the natural surroundings, with mud walls and palm structures, they feature intricately decorated turrets and Berber tattoos carved into the walls. Either beautifully restored or slowly eroding back to the earth, the Kasbahs will be one of the most memorable sights from your time in south Morocco.

Volubilis - A surprising sight, Volubilis is Rome's most far-flung base, in the midst of Morocco's hills and valleys. Set in a picturesque valley, Volubilis once supplying 60% of Rome's wheat and olives. Exploring this ancient civilisation is a real treat and we see magnificent mosaics and ruins of ancient Roman villas and temples.

Ziz Gorge - The Ziz Gorge is a spectacular chasm filled with curious rock formations. The gorge is dramatically lit by shafts of afternoon sunlight, which accentuates its beauty, and from certain points there are wonderful views punctuated by kasbahs and lush oases. "Ziz" (or "gazelle", in the language of the Berber) is also the name of the beautiful river valley that we'll follow on our journey today. The valley is a well-known resting-place for migrating birds, and the landscape here is most unusual.