After collecting you from your hotel or riad in Marrakech after breakfast, we head south towards the High Atlas Mountains on the first stage of our journey to Taroudant. We follow the Valley of the Oued N’Fis – known locally as the Cradle of the Almohades, the North African Berber Empire that dominated Muslim Spain in the last decades of the 12th century.

Continuing through Asni, the road begins to climb steeply for around 15kms as we skirt around the Toubkal National Park until we reach the Tizi N’Test mountain pass at 2100m which reveals a breathtaking view over a desert landscape and a stair-like descent that leads us to Taroudant.

The city bears a striking resemblance to Marrakech with its sandstone-coloured fortifications. And, although renowned for its local handicrafts, especially jewelry, it is far more relaxed than the Red City itself. Your accommodation, including dinner is at a hotel here in Taroudant.

More spectacular scenery awaits as we continue our journey towards our next overnight stop at Tafraout. We wind our way through Berber villages nestling in the mountain valleys and over hilltops with commanding views of the countryside.

Historically, this region has been a major copper-producing centre, trading for centuries with Saharan caravans that passed along this route. Now, olive and Argan trees tend to dominate the landscape and look out for small Berber camps away from the road where shepherds tend their camels, goats and sheep. And don’t be surprised if the odd stray camel slowly meanders across the road in front of you!

We spend the night in Tafraout where you will have the opportunity to take photographs of some amazing rock formations. Huge boulders seem to balance precariously behind and above many houses in an area which resembles a monumental geological upheaval.

Today, we head for the Atlantic Coast, stopping off at Tizi Kerdous (1100m) to admire the extraordinary views of the Anti Atlas Mountains that unfold towards the coast. The silence here is almost deafening, but the vistas speak more than a thousand words!

We begin our descent to the small town of Gloumin and then follow the coastal road to Sidi Ifni – a magnet for surfers and beach lovers.

A former Spanish enclave – it was ceded back to Morocco as recently as 1969 – the Spanish Art Deco buildings stand proud in the town’s main square…although many other parts of the town seem like poor relations.

But it’s the climate and the surf that make Sidi Ifni such a draw. Popular with campers, backpackers and locals, the waves here and along the coast to Legzira offer arguably the best surfing on Morocco’s Atlantic coast.

After some free time to wander around and explore Sidi Ifni, we take a brief drive up the coast and along a dirt track to the beach at Legzira. Being some way off the beaten track, Legzira remains untouched by mass tourism and the beautiful beach is well worth a stroll – if nothing else to capture the amazing sandstone structures that jut out into the ocean. Evening meal and accommodation at Legzira.

The first part of our return journey sees us hugging the Atlantic Coast as we twist and turn towards Mirleft where we then head inland to the picturesque town of Tiznit.

Dating from 1880s, Tiznit originated as an important strategic outpost to quell any murmurings from the south or from the coast. And although its fortifications appear to be modelled on Marrakech it does not attempt to compete on size or heritage.

However, Tiznit is now an important jewelry centre and many fine and intricate handmade pieces can be found in the medina…but do check they are genuine silver!

We continue northwards, passing through Agadir – Morocco’s most popular seaside resort. The agreeable year-round climate makes for good bathing along the vast swathe of beaches.

By late afternoon we arrive in Essaouira where you can relax with dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel in this laid-back coastal town.

Today, you can enjoy a relaxing morning at your own pace wandering around Essaouira.

You’ll have the opportunity to stroll around the harbour as the day’s catch of fish and seafood is brought ashore and presented for sale in a basic but practical manner, amidst a sea of blue fishing boats that adorn the inner harbour. You can even choose your own lunch from here to have cooked by one of the local restaurants a little later.

Adjoining the harbour are the 18th century Portuguese ramparts and fortifications with their commanding views of the port, the town, the wide sandy beach and the Island of Mogador in the distance.

From this superb vantage point you are just a couple of minutes walk to the entrance of the UNESCO-listed medina and Place Moulay Hassan where your can explore Essaouira’s souks and squares.

In all, a far more relaxing and intimate atmosphere than Marrakech – but still offering that amazing combination of colours and aromas entwined with locals and tourists inspecting the fascinating array of stalls, kiosks, galleries and shops that are at the heart of Morocco’s artisan culture.

Original artwork of sketches and paintings from the local area continue to prove popular with visitors here and you may be lucky to catch a gathering of local musicians of an evening in one of the bars or cafés. Overnight at your hotel in Essaouira.

After breakfast and checking out of your hotel, your private driver will join you for a leisurely drive back to Marrakech.

If time allows, we may call into a local Argan Cooperative so you can see how the nuts and berries from Argan tree – typical of Morocco’s Atlantic coastal region – are transformed into oils for cooking, bathing and other cosmetic products.

As we start to cross the Haouz (the flat landscape west of Marrakech) look out for goats climbing in the Argan trees!

After the Haouz, the landscape changes to more intensive farming of vines, almonds and olives – as well as the many varieties of the fresh fruit and vegetables that find their way to the markets, homes and restaurants of Marrakech itself.

Arriving in the Red City, our driver will take you to your hotel or riad for the final night of your Magnificent Morocco tour.