The northern Imperial city of Fes is one of the most extraordinary cities in all of North Africa. For centuries, the Kairaouine University was the greatest center of learning in the Arab world. Its library was founded in the 9th century and is now one of the most important in the Arab world. Today, Fes is generally seen as two distinct quarters: the Medina city of Fes El Bali, and to the west, Fes El Djedid, built by the Merenids in the 13th century. While Fes' mosques are closed to non-Muslims, the city's medina and souks warrant days of exploration. The medieval atmosphere of the medina has changed little over the centuries. As you walk past spice merchants and jewelers, the call of "Balak" will alert you to donkey carts passing through the narrow shady alleyways. Fine examples of Arabesque architecture, such as the Medersa Bou Inania, are scattered throughout the medina. The souks' tanneries are a striking example of traditional methods still practiced today: men clamber amidst cavernous vats, teeming with dye and rough-hewn skins. Surrounding the tanneries and mosques are alleyways dedicated to particular trades such as jewelry, carpets, dried fruits, and a bizarre range of items associated with "white magic". The Nejjarin souk is the center of the city's woodcarvers and the nearby woodwork museum is a magnificently restored caravanserai, housing examples of elaborately made everyday wood items. The Dar Batha museum houses a lovely selection of arts and carpets, and is based around a stunning garden. Travel to the western quarter of Fes El Djedid, including the Mellah, once home to thousands of Jewish families. Today, the Habanim Synagogue is being transformed into a museum of Judaica. The Royal Palace's magnificent repousse doors are a highlight of Fes. Surrounding the palace is a charming district of balcony-lined streets and shopping precincts. Fes is an excellent base for day trips. Visit the nearby Imperial city of Meknes , most of whose monuments are linked to Sultan Moulay Ismail, who ruled in the late 17th- early 18th centuries. His mausoleum is the only active Moroccan shrine open to non-Muslims. Nearby is the ancient Roman provincial capital of Volubilis . This atmospheric site was used as the key location for Scorcese's Last Temptation of Christ. Today, birds nest amidst the ruins and wildflowers surround the fantastic mosaics: the mosaics illustrate a fascinating cross-fertilization of Roman style, and local Berber designs. The town of Moulay Idriss is named after Morocco's most revered saint, whose shrine attracts many pilgrims to the town. South of Fes are several Atlas towns that make a pleasant destination for a day trip. The walled town of Sefrou is in the Middle Atlas foothills, with a lovely medina and a weekly souk. Silversmiths and blacksmiths have practiced here for centuries. The area around Ifrane and Mischliffen is a popular hill getaway for Fes residents, boasting one of the country's premier ski resorts. The region is rich in forests and wildlife, and makes an excellent base for birdwatching and walking.

The coastal town of Essaouria is a charming spot, noted for its thuya wood workshops and art galleries. A stroll along the ramparts offers panoramic views across the Medina and Kasbah and out over the sea. Workshops offer high quality marquetry and wood carvings.

The capital city of Rabat has a range of ancient attractions, as well as a fine Museum of Moroccan Art and beautiful Andalucian Gardens. The city's archaeological museum is the most important in the country and houses many of the bronzes found at Volubilis. Casablanca's main attraction today is the King Hassan mosque , a vast and impressive creation. The city's restaurants are said to be some of the best in the country.

The town of Taroudannt is an easy-going Berber market town whose souks are an excellent place to shop for traditional jewelry. A tour of the city's ramparts is a pleasant way to spend a day enjoying the fine views of the town and the Anti-Atlas.

Ouarzazate is a useful base for exploring the ksour and kasbahs of Ait Ben Haddou and Skoura. This is a region of bold, impressive landscapes. Lawrence of Arabia, the Sheltering Sky, Gladiator, and more have been filmed amidst the kasbahs and desert plains of the region.

Travel south through the Draa Valley , one of the most fertile and wealthy in the country. Vast palmeries line the riverbank and dramatic kasbahs stand as evidence of the region's historical importance to the trading caravans that have passed through over the centuries. Tamnougalt is an excellent example of the dramatic ksour that are found in the area; it was a regional capital for centuries, and is still populated by a Berber tribe. Visit Zagora , an excellent base for touring the valley, by car or camel. Nearby, the village of Tamegroute was once a key center of scholasticism; today, its pottery cooperative produces excellent work, inspired by Fes designs.

East of Ouarzazate are the Dades and Todra gorges, both magnificent landscapes that are fabulous for short or long walks. Both are excellent for birdwatching, with eagles, bulbuls and crag martin flourishing. Tinerhir is a good base for exploring the gorges and boasts an extensive palmery and interesting ksour that were home to warrior tribes for centuries. Further east is Erfoud, an excellent base for exploring the Sahara . Travel to Merzouga, whose sand dunes are one of the great sights of Morocco. In the spring, scores of pink flamingos gather at a nearby lake. The village of Rissani is a classic oasis town, with three souks each week that attract Berbers from surrounding villages. The town is the center for the present day ruling Alaouite dynasty.