Where the journeys begin
Marrakech was founded in the 11th century, and its walled medina is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. It is a city to walk slowly: souks arranged by trade, palaces and madrasas behind plain doors, and Djemaa El-Fna, the great square that fills with food stalls, musicians and storytellers every evening. For us it is also the starting point. Most of our journeys leave from here, over the High Atlas to the desert or west to the Atlantic, so it is worth keeping a day or two in the city at either end.
A walled old city of narrow lanes, on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The souks, the tanneries and the spice market are all here, and a local guide shows you the quieter quarters behind the main streets.
The great square changes through the day: orange juice stands and snake charmers in the morning, then smoke from the grills, musicians and storytellers after dark.
Laid out by the French painter Jacques Majorelle from the 1920s and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé: cobalt blue walls, bamboo, and cactus from across the world.
Marrakech is where most of our journeys begin: Agafay's stone desert is 30 minutes away, Essaouira on the Atlantic about three hours, and the road to the Sahara crosses the High Atlas to Aït Ben Haddou and the Dades.
PrivateFour hours on foot through the old city with your own guide: the Mellah, Ben Youssef Madrasa, the craft souks, the tanneries and Djemaa El-Fna.
PrivateOne way from Marrakech to Fes over the High Atlas and the Middle Atlas, with Aït Ben Haddou, Ifrane, the Azrou cedars and a full day in the Fes medina.
PrivateOne way north from Marrakech to the blue town of Chefchaouen, with a full day in the Fes medina and the Roman ruins of Volubilis on the way.
PrivateMeknes, Fes and Rabat in five days from Marrakech, with Volubilis on the way and Casablanca on the road home.
PrivateFour hours in the medina's food souks with a local guide, tasting as you go and shopping for the tagine you then cook with a family.
PrivateA private loop from Marrakech to the Erg Chebbi dunes: two gorges on the way out, a camel ride at sunset, a night at camp and a quieter road home.