Basking in a near-perfect climate, Marrakech remains one of the world’s most stunning cities. The pink, mud-brick walls surrounding the old city, overlooked by palm trees and complemented by the spectacular backdrop of the often snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas, makes for an unforgettable first impression. After our first night here, we make the short journey to the cool, clear air of North Africa’s highest mountain range. Here, the culture of the hardy berber people remains largely intact and we begin our stay with short a walk, or by mule if you prefer, to a berber house for lunch to enjoy their traditional hospitality. Later, we continue to our hotel near Ouirgane, set in its own gardens within walking distance of the village. Here we have a full day to relax, swim in the pool, perhaps take a walk in the fields and foothills or to the village and there may be the opportunity to visit the local school.

Returning to Marrakech, we explore the maze of narrow alleys that make up the souks of the old medina. Here traders and craftsmen ply their wares in a cacophony of noise. Olive and orange sellers, apothecaries, jewellers, carpenters, blacksmiths and slipper-makers all compete for attention and you can even visit the dyeing vats in the huge open-air tannery – if you can stand the smell! When you’ve had your fill of the souks, you can return to the nearby Djemma El Fna which every evening transforms into the most wonderful city square in the world – an open-air circus of snake-charmers, acrobats, musicians and story-tellers that can keep you entertained long into the evening. Old Marrakech also boasts some more relaxed sights you may like to explore from the perfect minaret of the koutoubia mosque to the beautiful, botanical Jardins Majorelle, to the stunning Islamic architecture and tranquility of the Bahia Palace and Ben Youssef Medersa.

Source: Nature & Kind Travel Collection

SORRENTO & VESUVIUS
Our tour includes Sorrento, dramatically positioned on a cliff-top position above the Bay of Naples. Great food and wonderful views beckon as we enjoy the evening passeggiata around the old, with its narrow streets. We are based in a family complex in Sorrento Peninsular, a short bus or train ride into the main town which makes a great base to take the short walk up to the crater rim of Vesuvius itself for a peep inside and some superb views right across the bay of Naples!

POMPEII & CAPRI
One of the highlights is our time at Pompeii, an affluent Roman city frozen in time. Once home to 15,000 citizens, these remains are a true archaeological wonder – a ghostly photograph of the instant when, in 79AD, an entire community was overcome by a blanket of scorching ash. Much of this unique site is preserved virtually intact, from the roadside ‘fast-food’ taverns, to the political graffiti, to the many palaces and ornamental courtyards; the plaster casts of the victims and animals gasping for breath add to the eeriness. Next we journey to the island of Capri, an artist’s haven. We take a cruise around the island (or visit the delightful Villa San Michele with its eccentric museum if the boat trip is not running), as well as enjoying some free time to discover the delights of this island.

EXPLORING THE AMALFI COAST
From our base in the Sorrento Peninsular we drive the short distance to one of the most celebrated stretches of the Mediterranean, the Amalfi Coast. The landscape is ideal for some gentle hikes along this rocky and lush shoreline. We visit a local Agriturismo to see how local produces is made, as well as a visit to local villages to stop for ice cream. The afternoon is spent making pizza or pasta so its time to become Jamie Oliver for the day, especially as Mum and Dad will be eating your creation afterwards! Your education continues when you visit a buffalo farm to watch a demostartion on how mozzarella cheese is made and try their produce as well as seeing the buffalos themselves and experiencing a working farm in action.

Source: Nature & Kind Travel Collection