MARRAKECH

The imperial city of Marrakech is situated at the foot of the High Atlas mountains. It is a lively, colourful place where people come together to enjoy life. The main square, Djemma el Fana, is filled with stalls selling everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to spices and jewellery. The Medina is home to many shops, restaurants and cafes. The best way to explore the city is on foot. You will find yourself lost in the maze of narrow streets and alleyways.

FEZ

The word "fez" comes from the Arabic word fisq meaning turban. In medieval times, the Moroccan city of Fes was the capital of the Almohad Empire. During this time, the Almohads were Muslim rulers who conquered much of North Africa and Spain. They built mosques throughout the empire and encouraged people to wear turbans. This tradition continued after the Almohads were overthrown by the Marinids in 1269.

ESSAOUIRA

Essaouira is located on the Atlantic Ocean in southern Morocco. It is famous for its beaches and its lively nightlife. The city is home to many artists and musicians who come here to play live concerts. The festival takes place every year during the third week of June.

CHEFCHAOUEN

Chefchaouen is located in the heart of the Rif mountains, which are home to the Berber people. This area is known for its rich history and culture. The city itself is surrounded by stunning views and is filled with many interesting places to visit. There are plenty of things to do here, whether you want to go on a hike, take a tour around the city, or just relax and enjoy some delicious food.

MERZOUGA

Located on the edge of the sea of Erg Chebbi, the small town of Merzouga acts as the gateway to the spectacular desert of the Sahara Desert. Many operators offer camel safaris, which last from a few hours to several days. It is the best way to explore the Sahara landscape of sharp dunes, blue sky and rare desert animals. Many include visits to traditional Bedouin camps. Adrenaline junkies can also sign up for quad tours, sandboarding and sand skiing.

JEBEL TOUBKAL

The first recorded ascent of Jebel Toubkul was made on July 4th, 1875 by French explorer Jacques Balmat and his guide, Dr. Michel Desbordes. They were accompanied by two guides who had been hired by the French government to help protect the mountain against bandits. The group climbed up the mountain using ropes and ladders to reach the top.

MEKNES

Meknes is smaller and more laid back than Marrakech and Fez, but it has pretty much everything you'd expect in a big city, including a well-preserved medina full of souks that are easy to navigate. Meknes was the capital during the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th century and is a showcase of Moroccan architecture with grand entrances and beautiful paintings. History buffs will love the best sights like the Royal Stables and the Museum of Moroccan Art (Dar Jamai), while the nearby Roman ruins of Volubilis are worth a visit.

DADES VALLEY

The Dades Valley stretches between the mountains of Jebel Sarhro and the High Atlas and offers some of the most beautiful scenery in Morocco. Its peaks change from ocher to pink to crimson in the changing light and, in places, rise more than 1,500 feet above the green plains of valley floor. The best way to appreciate the valley and its Berber villages is on foot, especially when you reach the beautiful Todra Gorge. Traditional shelters, or kasbahs, can be found throughout the season and many are now being converted into luxury hotels.

TANGIER

Tangier is Africa's gateway for travelers from southern Europe to the sea. Although the city lacks the glamor it had in the 1940s and 1950s when you could rub shoulders with Truman Capote and Tennessee Williams, there is still plenty to see. Highlights include the medina, the Kasbah Museum, and the French-inspired Ville Nouvelle. The port also offers a fascinating view of the Strait of Gibraltar and Spain in the distance, while a short drive from the city center reveals some beautiful beaches.

ASILAH

Located on the North Atlantic coast of Morocco, the resort town of Asilah is very popular with Moroccan holidaymakers who flock to its sandy beaches. 'summer months. The walls of the city were covered with beautiful paintings, and the buildings were painted white, making the cities in the Greek islands white. Every summer (usually July), artists, musicians and street performers gather in Asilah for the city's hottest annual arts festival. The beautiful city walls are a remnant of the Portuguese rule that dates back to the 15th century.