Morocco

Scenically, Morocco is incredibly diverse.  Attractive fishing villages on the Atlantic coast, sweeping sand dunes in the Sahara, spectacular snow capped Atlas Mountains, bustling souks and medinas and rural berber villages clinging to mountain slopes.  Morocco is suitable for long weekends, family adventures, active holidays and honeymoons.  Accommodation varies from luxury hotels, intimate riads, desert camps and luxury villas. Highlights include:

• The rose pink walls of the city of Marrakech sitting beneath the soaring snow capped peaks of the High Atlas Mountains.  It is an exciting and lively city boasting a bustling Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, huge labyrinthine souks, characterful Riads and peaceful gardens.  
• Famous for its white washed blue-shuttered houses, Essaouira is a charismatic coastal town with a busy harbour and a maze of streets and alleys with excellent restaurants and shopping.  The strong sea breezes make it a favourite with wind-surfers.  
• Life is still very traditional in the Atlas Mountains which feature soaring peaks, lush valleys, Berber villages and ancient kasbahs.  Walking here is excellent.  See below.  
• Other less visited areas in Morocco include the palm groves and casbahs at Skoura, the busy souk and ancient kasbah quarter of Taroudant and Ouarzazate, gateway to the desert.  

Walking

Morocco, and in particular the Atlas Mountains are pretty much a year round walking destination.  Although there is snow on the ground in winter.  The Atlas have a vast network of treks, walks, climbs and scrambles.  Climbing to the summit of Mount Toubkal is a well known trek taking 2-3 days staying in refuges.  But some the nicest walking is away from Toubkal following old shepherd routes between remote villages.  Whilst it is possible to do a trek in the Atlas while staying in Marrakech, it is nicer to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and stay in one of the many characterful boutique hotels in the foothills of the mountain range.