Morocco’s capital Rabat, a once thriving Roman port, sits upon ochre rocks and looks out over the Atlantic. The Kasbah des Oudaias is reached by passing through one of the intricate seventh century Babs (gateways).

Whitewashed walls and blue doors give the narrow twisting streets a Mediterranean feel. The Medina, unlike that of other Moroccan cites has wide streets, where fresh fish and handicrafts are sold while gulls fly overhead.

Within the Ville Nouvelle, with its wide tree lined boulevards, lies the massive minaret of the Hassan Mosque. The huge mosque itself was never entirely completed and was damaged in an earthquake. Across the mosque’s square which is full of pillars from Volubilis, stands the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, a great monument of modern Morocco, proving the skills of the Moroccan craftsmen still survives today.

The beautiful fourteenth century Merinid necropolis of Chellah, offers a home to numerous black storks, their huge nests sitting atop the old ruined walls. Fantastic view over Sale and the surrounding countryside are gained by a viewing platform, which is surrounded by exotic flora. Rabat is a lively city and makes for an ideal introduction to the Imperial Cities of Morocco.