We meet you you at your hotel or riad in Essaouria at around 8.00am and then head east on our 2.5 hour journey to the Imperial City of Marrakech. Steeped in history, tradition and surprisingly successful at blending the old with the new, Marrakech is alive with colour, culture and captivating moments.

 We plan to take in two stops en route to Marrakech.

Just outside of Essaouira, we call into a local Argan cooperative where you can see and learn about the production of Argan-based products. There’s a café for refreshments before we continue our journey.

The Atlantic hinterland enjoys a perfect climate for the Argan tree to thrive upon and the nuts and berries from these trees have been part of the fabric of Berber life for centuries. Not just for producing cooking and cosmetics, but as a source of domestic fuel and fodder for animals.

By late morning we arrive in Marrakech for the start of your tour with our professional guide. We begin at the Medina, contained within the city’s giant 12th century sandstone walls. We take in the Saadian Tombs which remained undiscovered and preserved for hundreds of years and where some 60 members of the Saadian Dynasty are entombed.

Nearby, is the Badi Palace - now largely in ruins but still worth a stroll around – and the Bahia Palace, dating from the 1800s, which offers an insight into the opulent lifestyle of a former Grand Vizier of Marrakech accompanied by his wives, concubines, children and servants.

As we make our way towards the Jemaa El-Fna square, we visit the Dar Si Saïd Museum which offers an inspiring glimpse into Moroccan history with its collection of artefacts including woodcarvings, musical instruments, weapons, carpets, clothing, pottery and ceramics.

Approaching Jemaa El-Fna square, it soon becomes obvious why this unusual location has been a UNESCO World Heritage listed site since 1985. With its origins as a trading post and the town’s public arena for beheadings - and adjoining the largest traditional Berber market in Morocco - you can still feel the history and the rhythm of this melting pot of cultural diversity.

Impromptu market stalls compete with storytellers, snake charmers, monkey trainers, acrobats, magicians and musicians for your attention – but there are many cafés sprinkled around the square with great vantage points from where you can observe all the activity with suitable refreshments.

Our tour continues outside of the Medina with a visit to the Jardin Majorelle in the new town area of Gueliz. Created by the French artist Jacques Majorelle, the gardens were opened to the public in 1947 and given a new lease of life when purchased by Designer Yves Saint Laurent and his lifelong business partner Pierre Bergé.

The gardens offer a welcome retreat from the frenzy of the city and, with a Berber museum also within the gardens, a most agreeable way to pass some time for relaxation.

Of course, no visit to Marrakech would be complete without venturing into the souks. Your guide will help you navigate and discover the secrets of the souks and when you are ready will leave you to explore on your own and pit your bargaining skills with the artisans and traders offering all manner of locally produced merchandise.

Shoes, spices, herbal remedies, leather goods, lanterns, woodcarvings, ceramics, jewellery, carpets and pottery…and that’s just in the first alleyway! With still much more to explore in Marrakech, one of the highlights of the day begins at dusk.

As the setting sun casts a shadow from the minaret of the Koutubia Mosque, the Jemaa El Fna square evolves into a huge open-air restaurant, with each vendor keen to tempt you with their freshly cooked and traditional Moroccan fayre. As the evening draws in – and the drums beat on in the square – we leave Marrakech for the return journey to the comparative peace and quiet of Essaouira and your accommodation.