Sample Itinerary 1

You will be met on arrival at the airport, and a private transfer takes you to a city-centre riad (town house) or hotel of your choice such as the Ksar Char Bagh (Relais et Chateaux, 12 suites or an apartment with private pool) or La Sultana hotel (21 rooms and suites, panoramic terraces with striking views).

You can eat at the riad/hotel, although we don't include this to give you the flexibility to enjoy the wide variety of restaurants in Marrakech (including the many open-air stalls cooking fresh food in the square).

Take a tour of Marrakech by Caleche, or a guided tour arranged by our representative, including the Majorelle and Menara Gardens. Wander round the Medina (old city), watch the pageant of singers, tumblers, snake charmers in the theatre that is the main square, and calm down with a mint tea in a roof-top cafe.

A car will be delivered to your hotel - you may choose to have a driver who, although not a guide, has a good general knowledge of the country. Drive to Ouarzazate (approximate journey time of 4 to 5 hours) via the Tiz-n-Tichka pass through the High Atlas Mountains.

Ouarzazate is the most important of the southern towns, strategically located at a crossroads that joins the north to the south and the east to the west. Stay at the charming Les Tourmalines on a lakes edge 12 miles east of the town, or in a berber tent at the Ouednoujoum Eco Lodge, giving you the opportunity to participate in the daily life of a Berber family (you may want more than one night to have time for the activities available here). In town, you have the option of the Kasbah style 240-room Berbere Palace.

Drive to Zagora (approximate journey time of 3.5 hours) through the grandeur of the Djebel Sarhro mountain range, down to the oases and kasbahs of the Draa valley.

Overnight accommodation at the small family run La Fibule Du Draa.

Drive to Merzouga (approximate journey time of 5.5 hours) via Nkob, Tazzarine and Alnif.

Overnight accommodation at the Kasbah Mohayut in a double suite with half board. This is a relatively simple hotel with a swimming pool and serving traditional Berber food, and makes a good starting point next day.

The Camel Trek (or 4x4 if you prefer) departs from the Kasbah Mohayut in the afternoon. After a two hour trek enjoy your evening meal in the desert. Wake to see the sunrise and then return to the Mohayut for breakfast. Alternatively, you can stay in the more luxurious bivouacs close to the hotel, giving a reasonable compromise between facilities and natural beauty.

Drive to Tineghir (approximate journey time of 3 - 4 hours) via Mellaab and Tinejdad. A 13 mile detour takes you to the breath-taking 1000ft high Todra Gorge.

Overnight accommodation at the 22 room Kasbah Lamrani, with swimming pool, international and Moroccan restaurants.

Drive to Skoura (approximate journey time of 2.5 hours). You'll pass through the large palm groves that surround Skoura and hide the hundreds of occupied and abandoned kasbahs which you can explore with guides.

Overnight at the Dar Ahlam Relais et Chateaux set amongst large gardens of date, olive and fig trees.

Drive to this small village outside of Marrakech (approximate journey time of 4 - 5 hrs), for a few nights stay relaxing in this converted house. The many terraces, nooks and gardens allow you to plenty of space, with lovely views across the countryside to the Atlas mountains in the distance. Take advantage of the yoga specialist, hammam and massages.

For those that prefer greater facilities, and butler-level service, a few nights stay in the luxury of the Amanjena will provide the perfect end to your holiday.

A private transfer to Marrakech Airport for the return flight home.