Moroccan Caravan - Overland Trip

2 weeks: Tangier to Marrakech (IMT-MAMR)

Intro

This amazing tour encompasses the diverse country of Morocco from the north to south. Starting in Tangier, a vibrant city on the Mediterranean coast, we journey down through the mountain town of Chefchaouen and onto the old imperial city of Fes, an amazing labyrinth of alleys and souks. Our journey south continues, entering the Sahara desert at Merzouga where we can sleep amongst the highest sand dunes in Morocco. We then spend time discovering the remote communities of Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains before ending in the legendary city of Marrakech. An inspiring tour for the true traveller.

Group Size

Max 18

Activities

Extensive walking and hiking.

Trek grade

Easy

Accommodation

11 nights simple hotels, 2 nights village gite (multi-share), 1 night Berber tent

Transport

Minibus, public bus

Fully Escorted

By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, services of local mountain guide in the High Atlas

Meals

As per itinerary. B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner

Itineraries

Day 1,TANGIER

Arrive in Tangier. This lively city was once given ‘international status’ and was home to large communities of expatriates, including many famous authors, and has a unique feel amongst Moroccan cities.

Day 2,CHEFCHAOUEN

We take the bus to Chefchaouen, a pretty town situated in the picturesque Rif Mountains, known for its Andalucian style of architecture. The rest of the day is free to explore. (B)

Day 3,CHEFCHAOUEN

A free day to explore Chefchaouen and the surrounding area. You might like to wander the souks, visit the old ruined kasbah, or go hiking in the hills nearby. (B)

Day 4,FES

Travel by bus to Fes, which contains perhaps the best preserved medieval Islamic city to be found anywhere in the world. (B)

Day 5,FES

A full day to explore Fes, in particular the remarkable old city of Fes el Bali. A visit here is a step back in time - the old medina is full of traditional craftsmen and the streets are too narrow for vehicles, meaning that donkeys are still used as the main mode of transport. (B)

Day 6,MIDELT

We drive into the Middle Atlas where we stay in a small auberge on a charming farm with fruit trees and fields all around. The afternoon is free to relax by the pool, visit a small local kasbah or hike through the surrounding countryside. (B)

Day 7,MERZOUGA

We drive via the Ziz Gorge to the Sahara desert, where we stay on the edge of the mighty dunes of Erg Chebbi in a Berber style tent. For those who wish, there is the chance to take an overnight excursion with camels into the dunes. (B)

Day 8,TODRA GORGE - DADES GORGE

Drive to the magnificent Todra Gorge, a steep sided chasm that cuts through the mountains. Later we continue to the Dades Valley. (BD)

Day 9,DADES GORGE

We have a full day to explore the Dades Valley and Gorge on foot. There are stunning rock formations as well as a quiet river valley and picturesque palmeries. (BD)

Day 10,AIT BEN HADDOU

Drive via the desert city of Ouarzazate to Ait Ben Haddou, one of the most impressive collections of kasbahs in Morocco. We spend the night in a simple auberge nearby. (B)

Day 11,HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS

Head for the small village of Imlil, our gateway to the High Atlas and Toubkal Massif. From Imlil we continue on foot to the village house that will be our hiking base. The views in this area are superb. (BD)

Day 12,HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS

We spend the day hiking with our local guide along stunning mountain trails in the shadow of Mt Toubkal. (BLD)

Day 13,MARRAKECH

Travel to Morocco’s southern capital, Marrakech. The rest of the day is free to explore. This evening we may choose to visit Marrakech’s famous square, Djemaa el Fnaa, by night an open air restaurant serving all sorts of Moroccan food. (B)

Day 14,MARRAKECH

Marrakech is Morocco’s most exotic city and we have a full free day to explore. Haggle for souvenirs in the souk, explore the network of narrow alleyways of the old city or relax in a shaded café. (B)

Day 15,MARRAKECH

Tour ends. (B)

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Last updated: 27th August 2008