"For many travellers, Morocco might just be a short hop away by ferry or by one of the myriad budget airlines from Spain, but it’s a much further distance to travel culturally. The regular certainties of Europe are suddenly swept away by the arrival in full technicolour of Africa and Islam. It’s a complete sensory overload." - Quote from Lonely Planet.

Morocco has not been a place that many North Americans have ever thought to visit. We think about London with it's beer and cheap flights from home, we think of the Caribbean with it's long stretches of pristine beaches and cheap all inclusives, or we think further abroad to Australia and New Zealand with their promises of open deserts and amazing sights. Morocco is a hidden gem that exists a short hop, skip and a jump away from many of the destinations that we dream of visiting, with less of a tourist vibe. With it's different religion and sorid history, Morocco is just waiting to be explored.

Splendors of Morocco - 11 days - departs Saturday, returns on Thursday
Provided by Ambercrombie & Kent

Days 1-2: USA or Canada departure / arrival into Casablanca, Morocco
Upon arrival you will enjoy special VIP service to assist with customs and immigration formalities before you are transferred to your hotel. (Le Royal Mansour Meridien)

Day 3: Casablanca / Rabat / Fez
Visit the hassan II Mosque, the third-largest mosque in the world. This remarkable site has the world's tallest minaret and a glass floor suspended directly over the sea, inspired by a Koranic verse stating that "the throne of God was built on water." Continue to Rabat and explore the Mohammed V Mausoleum and the Hassan Tower. Travel to Fez, where this evening's welcome dinner hosted by Ambercrombie & Kent provides the perfect setting to meet your fellow travelers. (Sofitel Fes Palais Jamai) BLD

Day 4: Fez
Fez is timeless and one of the most unspoiled cities in the world. Once the capital of Morocco, it remains one of the main religious, artistic and intellectual centres of the country. Explore some of the countless narrow lanes and alleys that make up the labyrinth of the city's old quarter. Visit the historic Nejjarine Fountain and madrasas (Koranic Schools) that are dotted throughout the city. This evening, enjoy a cocktail reception at Riad Alkantara and meet a guest speaker to hear his insights on Andalusian architecture and history. (Sofitel Fes Palais Jamai) BLD

Day 5: Fez / Volubilis / Meknes / Fez
Today, drive to the ruined Roman city of Volubilis. Its beautifully preserved mosaics from the second and third centuries led UNESCO to declare it a World Heritage Site. Continue to Meknes, also a UNESCO site, where the monuments reflect the splendor of this 17th-century imperial city. (Sofitel Fes Palais Jamai) BL

Day 6: Fez / Erfoud / Merzouga
Travel by private charter flight to Errachidia, then continue by road to the Sahara Desert. Passing through the Ziz Valley, stop to visit the oasis city of Rissani, a typical southern agricultural city with modern developments and an ancient kasbah. Leave the oasis and its palm trees to enter the desert and the great sand dunes of the Erg Chebbi, the highest in the country. Set off on camel back to begin your explorations of the desert. Enjoy a romantic sunset over the sand dunes, followed by a traditional dinner served by the campfire. (Exclusive A&K Desert Tented Camp) BLD

Day 7: Merzouga / Ouarzazte
Drive to Ouarzazate, once a stopping point for African traders en route to the cities of Morocco and Europe. Stop at a comprehensive private museum showcasing the local culture and history. Travel on the "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs" and view the amazing 17th-century Amerhidl Kasbah, one of the most grand in the region; its facade appears on the Moroccan 50-dirham note. (Le Berbere Palace) BLD

Day 8: Ouarzazate / Marrakech
This morning, visit the Taourirt Kasbah, from which the Glaoui family controlled the major caravan trading routes. Afterward, travel to one of the most spectacular Altas Villages, Ait Benhaddou. Some of the world's most decorative kasbahs are found here, with houses seeming to defy gravity as they cling to the steep slopes. Cross the Altas Mountains to Marrakech, sometimes known as the "Red City" for the distinctive hue of many of it's brick buildings. (Sofitel Marrakech Palais Imperial) BL

Day 9: Marrakech
Set out to discover the secrets of Marrakech, perhaps the most famous city in Morocco. Most of the city's architectural attractions are inside the medina, the old walled section of the town. The Koutoubia minaret is one of the most perfect Islamic religious structures in North Africa. This famous landmark dominates the local skyline and can easily be spotted from all of Marrakech. Visit the Bahia Palace, a masterpiece of domestic architecture and perfect example of the privileged life in the 19th century. Explore Djemaa el-Fna, the main square of Marrakech, famous for its orange juice stalls and snake charmers. This evening, experience traditional Moroccan cuisine during your wonderful farewell dinner, which includes entertainment by a local gnaoua band. (Sofitel Marrakech Palais Imperial) BLD

Day 10: Marrakech
Enjoy the gardens of Marrakech, starting with the Menara Gardens, built in the 12th century and surrounded by lush orchards and olive groves. In your horse-drawn carriage, continue your journey with a visit to Majorelle Garden, created by French painter Jacques Majorelle in 1924 and opened to the public in 1947. The remainder of your day is at leisure to relax or continue your exploration of this fascinating and lively city. (Sofitel Marrakech Palais Imperial) BL

Day 11: Marrakech / USA or Canada
Transfer to the airport for your international flight. B

Prices starting at $5,995 per person, based on double occupancy.