Northern Morocco: From beguiling Fez to stylish Tangier

We know Morocco, and we know it very well. And over the years, we’ve become partial to those places that sit quietly (and compellingly) under-the-radar. On this eleven-night trip, we’ll take you on a sensorial sojourn through Morocco’s north – from the busy souks of Fez and blue-tinted Chefchaouen to effortlessly cool Tangier, before winding down beachside at La Fiermontina Ocean. It’s warm and inviting – and so many other good things. Keep scrolling to see why.

INTO MOROCCO’S SPIRITUAL HEART

After touching down in Casablanca and a restful night’s sleep, you’ll begin your journey in Fez.

From your dazzlingly palatial pad at Riad Karawan, you’ll link up with your local guide in the medina. Between centuries-old qur’anic schools, hidden leather tanneries and donkeys carting goods, you’ll gain insight into the deep cultural and spiritual lineage of the city. Come the afternoon, your souk tasting tour begins. Down a warren of busy alleyways, taste traditional fava bean soup (loaded with garlic oil and harissa is best); bread fresh from the community wood oven; sticky walnut-stuffed dates; prickly pear fruits that turn your whole mouth fuchsia pink. Anything you want to try, you can.

The following morning, you’ll head to a private drum-making workshop with local artisans who have honed their craft – passed down from father to son – over decades. From decorating, drumhead stretching and sewing to learning how different hides change the instrument’s timbre. You’ll probably have formed a percussion band by the end.

TAKE IT BACK IN TIME (THEN STOP FOR LUNCH)

Departing from Fez, your next stop is the incredibly preserved archaeological site of Volubilis. From entire roads to detailed mosaics, you’ll explore this 40-hectare Berber-Roman city with a local guide; walking in the footsteps of those who laid its foundations. You’ll then enjoy a private Moroccan feast at nearby Scorpion House with panoramic views over the hilltop town of Moulay Idriss, before continuing your onward drive.

A SEA OF COBALT BLUE

And we’re not talking about the ocean here. Arriving in Chefchaouen, you’ll cast your eyes across Morocco’s famous ‘blue pearl’, perched high (and blue) in the peaks of the Rif Mountains. After settling in at Dar Jasmine, you’ll take an evening stroll with your guide to dine with a local family in their home – a chance to chat, break bread together, and dive deeper into local life.

We’re convinced that all the best mornings begin in medinas. Today, you’ll discover Chefchaouen’s quaint cobbled streets and staggered steps lined with bright plant pots. It’s very blue. And very pretty.

You’ll then forge ahead, pausing on the drive for a light afternoon hike to the beautiful Akchour waterfalls (or rock climb instead, if you’re up for the challenge).

FEET IN AFRICA, EUROPE ON THE HORIZON

Tangier has been something of a creative mecca for writers, artists, and musicians for decades. With its laid-back cafe culture, it has drawn the likes of Paul Bowles, Tennessee Williams, The Rolling Stones and Henri Matisse to its free-spirited shores at one time or another. Case in point, you’ll call Villa Mabrouka home for the next two nights – the impossibly stylish former home of fashion icons Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé, reimagined today by British designer Jasper Conran.

With your guide, you’ll uncover a melting pot of cultural influences in Tangier – where greens and blues pop against white-washed buildings and contemporary and traditional artisanship thrive. Where else in the world would you find a vinyl record store in the middle of an ancient medina? That’s pretty funky (and the LP’s are too).

The next morning, you’ll head – via the busy food market – to a private cooking class with the most wonderful team of local ladies. By the end, you’ll not only have learned the secrets to a perfectly spiced fish tagine and shared a pot of Maghrebi mint tea – you’ll have made new friends too. There’s nothing like cooking to bring people together.

Tomorrow? It’s time for a change of scene as you begin your journey towards your final destination – with a quick stop to explore the seaside town of Asilah en route.

A HAVEN BESIDE THE SEA

They say you should save the best for last. And La Fiermontina Ocean – spread across the wild coast of Larache – is just that. Here, you’ll have three nights to take things at your own leisurely pace.

There’s plenty to keep you busy, from breakfast in the local village of Dchier and horseback rides along the beach to traditional hammam scrubs and sunset picnics set up beneath mulberry trees. Or simply kick back in your private pool villa, overlooking dunes that roll into the sea. It’s entirely up to you.

One thing we will say, is that the views here are really something – from sunrise to sunset and beyond. Our top tip come the evenings? Wrap up, then look up. There’s so little light pollution here that the stargazing is phenomenal. Really.

You won’t want to leave this place behind. But no doubt you’ll be back soon enough.