The works: ancient medinas, Atlantic views & the Sahara

A fusion of Europe and Africa, Casablanca is quite an anomaly in Morocco. Sitting on the Atlantic coast, the city has a multitude of faces, from the Moorish architecture that rubs shoulders with Art Deco houses, to the incredible Hassan II Mosque, the second largest in the world. Take in the highlights on stroll from the Cinema Rialto to the Palais de Justice and the iconic Rick's Cafe - make sure to toast Humphrey Bogart while you're there. And we haven't even started on the fabulous seafood, bustling Central Market or the inspiring Villa des Arts...

Did you know that there are around 9,000 alleyways to explore in the Fes el Bali medina, which also happens to be one of the oldest in the Arab world? You'll do most (if not all) of your exploring on foot - with a private guide if you'd prefer - scanning the colourful stalls for jewellery, textiles and mementos. Watch in fascination as artisans display skills that have been used for centuries from carving, copper bashing, weaving and perhaps most famously, leather dying. You can even make a stop at one of the world's oldest tanneries! This ancient city has remained almost unchanged since the 8th century and it has the architecture to prove it, including the very first university on Earth. For something a little more personal, join a local family for a trip to the souk, a cooking class and a delicious meal, or learn to make the perfect mint tea. There are also fantastic day trips to the Roman ruins of Bolubilis or Meknes, the wine capital of Morocco.

Of the Moroccan Desert's dune constellations, Erg Chebbi is one of the most incredible, its towers of sand reaching up to 350 metres high. Led by Berber guides who have grown up in the desert, explore the impressive expanse on long walks - and then sandboard down the face of some of the tallest dunes! When you get peckish, lunch in the shade of an oasis is just the ticket - and if you'd like to explore more, head out on a 4x4 desert drive, stopping at Erfoud to see the fascinating fossils from centuries past.

With the Atlas Mountains in the distance, an Oasis of 1,000 Palms in between and the endless terracotta dunes, Skoura and its surrounding landscape is postcard-ready. Explore the Valley of the Roses on foot, by bike, cycling through the palmeraie, or atop a camel with a ride along the knife-edges of the dunes. Then, venture over to the ancient Berber city of Ouarzazate where there are jam-packed souks and tagines to rival the best of them.

Rising quite unexpectedly at the edge of the Sahara Desert, the Atlas Mountains are the highest point in North Africa and impressive as they come. Most travellers make a beeline for one of the beautiful kasbahs with their incredible views, secluded locations, and heavenly hamman treatments. From there, explore the mountains on foot, mule or horseback, or mountain bike - or make the hair-raising drive along the Tizi-n-Test Pass. There also a number of stand-out natural gems to visit, including the rainbow-hued hills of Salt Natural Park, or try your hand at rafting in the Ourika Valley and trekking to the summit of snow-capped Mount Toubkal. If you plan to do a spot of skiing, January is your best bet.

Part unassuming fishing village, part adventure hub and part historic hotspot, Essaouira is laid-back charm personified. Once a real-life pirate's hideout, today you'll find pretty bright-blue rowing boats lining the shores and a jumble of stalls in the souks. Alongside your souk adventures, go horseback riding along the beach and spy passing camel trains as you go, enjoy the Atlantic on a range of water sports including kite, wind and standard surfing, or hike into the scenic countryside. It's easy to see why the likes of Jimmy Hendrix and Cat Stevens returned here again and again - and of course you can't leave without a taste of Essaouira's classic 'chwaya' seafood barbecue.

Perhaps the most famous of Morocco's cities, Marrakesh has been the country's heart and soul for over 1,000 years. The Djemaa El Fna square is first on the list, its melee of snake charmers, musicians and dancers creating an intoxicating atmosphere, especially as the sun sinks in the evening. Dig into the city's incredible history, visible on visits to the 12th-century Koutoubia Minaret, gilded Saadian Tombs, and its magnificent palaces and then get to know her thriving creative side at the Museum of Moroccan Arts, the Islamic Art Museum at Les Jardin Marjorelle (a beauty spot if there ever was one) and the Villa Oasis, once the home of Yves Saint-Laurent. And for the best view around, hop into a hot air balloon and the magic unfold below you...