DAY 1: UK - Marrakech.
Fly to Marrakech where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel, Atlas Asni, for four nights.

DAY 2: Marrakech.
Enjoy a full day at leisure in this fascinating city. Once a vital trading post on the Caravan Route between Africa and Europe, Marrakech retains a spellbinding mixture of Arabic, French Colonial, African and Berber influences. The vibrant Old Town is home to one of the world's oldest and largest Medinas, featuring the vast and vibrant Jemaa el Fna, a market square packed with artisans and entertainers such as jugglers, magicians, snake charmers and dancers. The colourful maze of tiny lanes leading off the square house the city's bustling souk, crammed with an eclectic mix of spices, babouche slippers, leatherware and hand crafted glasswork, ironware and jewellery. Explore at your own pace, perhaps admiring the exquisite decorative detail of Medersa Ben Youssef, the spectacular tiled mosaics of the Saadian Tombs, or the tranquil shady boulevards of the French colonial Gueliz district from the comfort of a horse-drawn calèche. This evening, why not join the optional trip to the chic Menzeh Dada hideaway for a traditional Moroccan dinner with entertainment? (B)

DAY 3: Moroccan cooking lesson.
Enjoy a visit to the local food market to select fresh and fragrant ingredients for today's cooking lesson. Choose from a mouthwatering array of freshly harvested vegetables such as pumpkins, carrots, tomatoes and onions and pick an aromatic parcel or two of cumin, turmeric, paprika or cinnamon from the abundance of colourful spice cones. When you're happy with your tasty choices, head to the restaurant to meet your Moroccan cooking teacher and prepare your dish of the day - a tagine of lamb, chicken or beef, with your chosen vegetables and maybe even cous cous. Once you've perfected your delicious Moroccan dish, serve it up in a traditional earthenware pot and tuck in Moroccan style - no knives or forks! Traditional bread and a local red wine is included with your lunch. (B, L)

DAY 4: Marrakech Gardens.
On the outskirts of the city, the lush and fruit-rich Palm Groves of Marrakech were originally planted by the Almoravid dynasty almost a thousand years ago. Sweeping in an expansive swathe, the grove maintains over 150,000 verdant palms that cover an area of almost 30,000 acres and is irrigated by an ingenious system of linked underground canals and wells, or 'khettara'. Admire the Palm Grove on a guided drive before continuing to Agdal Gardens, an extensive orchard of fig, olive, apricot and orange trees used by sultans of old as a cool and shady retreat from the desert heat. Later, explore Menara Gardens, an immense olive plantation set against a backdrop of the snow-dusted Atlas Mountains. Admire the tranquil lake and Saadian Pavilion at its centre before ending the day at Yves St Laurent's famed Majorelle Gardens. Small, yet beautiful, the luscious and exotic garden was designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle and offers up hidden pergolas and arbors amongst the luscious carpet of cacti, bamboo, coconut palms and bougainvillaea. (B)

DAY 5: Marrakech - Essaouira.
After breakfast, drive to the seaside resort of Essaouira, a secluded and picturesque artist's retreat nestled on the Atlantic coast, for three nights at the delightful Riad Mimouna. (B)

DAY 6-7: Essaouira.
Once known as 'Mogodor', Essaouira is perched above a natural bay harbour and was developed during the 16th century as a Portuguese outpost for the export of sugar and molasses. As a vital trading port on the Caravan Route, the town absorbed many influences over the centuries and it's rich history is evident in the eclectic Medina architecture, while the picturesque stone forts dotted along the coast testify to its history as a haunt for pirates. Enjoy two full days at leisure to really make the most of this delightful town, perhaps exploring the UNESCO World Heritage listed Medina - a whitewashed maze of bustling souks and working artisan quarters, to admire the craftsmanship of hand carved Thuya and Cedar woodwork, intricate jewellery and hand-woven rugs. Or perhaps visit some of the many art galleries or artist workshops before heading to the harbourfront to sample succulent seafood, freshly plucked from the coastal waters and prepared in traditional Moroccan style. (B)

DAY 8: Essaouira - Marrakech - UK.
After breakfast, return by road to Marrakech and transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)

Riad Mimouna
Tranquil and comfortable, Riad Mimouna is a traditional Berber style riad featuring authentic décor including carved Thuya wood ceilings, rich carpets, curtained canopies and elaborate tiled mosaics, as well as a fantastic roof terrace offering views of the ocean and medina.

Location: Set overlooking the ocean in a quiet position at the tip of the Old Town Medina, within 100m of shops and restaurants and 200m of the beach.
Facilities: Restaurant; roof terrace; lounge area with TV; hammam; massage; internet access; safety deposit box in reception.
Price includes: Bed & breakfast in a twin room with private facilities; air-conditioning; telephone.
Official category: 3 star.