Morocco

This North African kingdom instantly draws you in to its spell. The diversity of its landscapes — verdant Middle Atlas Mountains dotted with olive trees, boldly colored mountainous dunes, and centuries-old palm groves surrounding adobe villages in the south — is captivating. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed cities — the old town of Tétouan and the former Portuguese outpost of El Jadida on the Atlantic Coast — feel like stepping back in time.

With its winding alleyways leading to shops selling spices and carpets in a myriad of colors, centuries-old palaces with stories to tell, and rooftop terraces where countless minarets dot the cityscape, Marrakech is an unforgettable experience. Sample mouth-watering tajines and generous platters of couscous served following midday Friday prayers, with the irresistible musical backdrop of Gnaoua rhythms.

Here, guide services are recommended for navigating the streets and providing insight into history that dates back centuries. The Dar el Bacha museum is a must-visit for its courtyard filled with orange, pomegranate, and fig trees contrasted against intricate tile work and carved cedarwood doors fit for royalty. The recently restored and perfectly polished tile work and carved stucco at the Ben Youssef Madrasa glitter off the sun-drenched courtyard. The Gueliz neighborhood is a hub of designer showrooms, contemporary art galleries, and some of the city’s trendiest restaurants.

Leaving Marrakech, seek out cooler mountain air in Imlil in Toubkal National Park in the High Atlas Mountains, a range that extends from the Middle Atlas around Fez to the Anti-Atlas in the south. Hire a local guide for explorations that may lead to the peak of Mount Toubkal, or simply through mud-brick Amazigh villages where almond and apple blossoms in the spring provide added beauty.

A dramatic desert city, sprawling Ouarzazate rises up proudly on the edge of the Sahara and is a significant shift in scenery after crossing the Tizi n’Tichka mountain pass. With few tourists, wander the Kasbah Taourirt and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ksar Aït Benhaddou a short distance away, which provided the unique backdrop for movie blockbusters including Gladiator and Babel.

Perfect for meandering, shopping, and sipping a mint tea while watching the world go by, coastal Essaouira is an ideal final stop on your Morocco journey. A wander around this former Portuguese fortress reveals the city’s vibrant past with mosques, synagogues, and former churches spread throughout the walled city. A visit to Bayt Dakira provides greater insight to the city’s former Jewish population.

Most trans-Atlantic flights arrive in Casablanca, while flights from Europe serve several Moroccan cities. Temperatures throughout March, April, September, and October are pleasant. A private driver/guide provides not only peace of mind, but insider access to lesser-known destinations and insights on local culture.