Africa

Geographically so close and yet culturally so far... our love affair with Morocco is deep-rooted. In less than a morning you can be transported from the grey skies of Britain to the warm sunny climes of north Africa and a world of high mountain passes, desert oases, green fertile valleys and the golden sands of the Atlantic coast.

Retaining a wealth of architectural and artistic splendours and all of their ancient charm from the years of Sultanate patronage, the great Imperial cities of Fes, Meknes and Marrakech lead you into an exotic world of extremes where veiled women lead donkeys past the lavish architecture of mosques and palaces.

Within high crenellated medina walls run narrow alleys and labyrinthine souks which resonate to the constant bustle of basket sellers, fortune-tellers, healers, dancers, pipe musicians and traders with their carts overflowing with dates, almonds, oranges and other exquisite delicacies.

Meanwhile the crisp, clean air of the High Atlas Mountains with their snowcapped peaks, deep gorges and beautiful pastoral valleys make an ideal rural retreat. Juniper forests, orange groves and attractive Berber villages offer some excellent walking opportunities whilst the southern valleys of Draa and Ziz take you on a very different journey down to the desert oases thick with palm trees laden with dates, mighty kasbahs and the burning ochre sand dunes of Merzouga and Zagora that disappear into distant horizons.

Whether on a guided or self-drive tour, Morocco offers a very different pace of life and a fascinating insight into a historical and cultural gem.