Imperial Cities and High Atlas - Overland Trip

2 weeks: Casablanca to Marrakech (IMT-MTIC)

Intro

This trip offers an excellent blend of culture and activity. In the first week we uncover the imperial highlights of Morocco and immerse ourselves in ancient medinas, bustling souqs and majestic palaces. This contrasts with a wonderful second week spent getting away from it all in the splendour of the High Atlas Mountains. Following little used paths through remote mountain villages we experience the magnificence of this rocky mountain range.

Maximum Group Size

15

Trek Grade

A / B - Easy / Moderate

Arrival Transfer

Airport transfer to hotel day 1

Fully Escorted

By Imaginative Traveller tour leader days 1-7, services of local guides, qualified local mountain guide, muleteers and cook during trek (days 9-14)

Transport

1st class air-conditioned train, minibus

Activities

Extensive walking & 6 days trekking approx. 5 hours per day

Accommodation

9 nights tourist class hotels, 5 nights village houses

Meals

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

Entrance Fees

Included for all sites listed as part of the itinerary

TREK ITINERARY NOTE

The exact route of the trek may change according to the weather or other local conditions.

Itineraries

Day 1,CASABLANCA

Arrive and check in to your hotel. No meals.

Day 2,CASABLANCA - RABAT

Travel to Rabat, Morocco’s capital. Walking tour of the medina, Kasbah des Oudaias, Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the Tour Hassan. (B)

Day 3,RABAT - FES

Free morning to further explore Morocco’s capital. Afternoon departure to the exciting city of Fes. (B)

Day 4,FES

Guided walking tour of the fascinating medina and souqs (markets) of Fes, including the leather tanneries. (B)

Day 5,MEKNES - VOLUBILIS

Drive to Meknes, one of Morocco’s four ‘Imperial Cities’ and a fascinating place to explore. In the afternoon continue to the Roman ruins of Volubilis. Return to Fes for the night. (B)

Day 6,FES - MARRAKECH

We take the bus or train to the great city of Marrakech, Morocco’s most exotic city. (B)

Day 7,MARRAKECH

Morning guided tour of Marrakech medina. Free afternoon to soak up the atmosphere of the bazaars and the famous Djemaa el Fnaa square. (B)

Day 8,MARRAKECH

Free day. This evening you’ll meet your trek guide, who’ll be with you for the next six days. (B)

Day 9,MARRAKECH - AIT ZITOUN - TREK

Leaving Marrakech we visit the local market in the village of Lalla Takerkoust before driving to the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains to begin our trek. (BLD)

Day 10,TREK to TIZGUI & AIT AHMED

Trek through idyllic forest landscapes to Tizgui (1,600m) for magnificent views of the Haouz plain. Continue to Ait Ahmed. (BLD)

Day 11,TREK to KETTO

We hike on trails and unpaved roads through the Angoul Valley, following the course of a river. We pass little Berber villages, shaded by huge walnut trees. (BLD)

Day 12,TREK to ANAMROU

Ascend a 2,000m pass from where we have superb views of the Amizmiz mountain chain. Descending the other side, we pass through evergreen oaks and juniper woodland en route to Tniret village. After crossing another pass we reach Anamrou. We have the chance to take a 'hammam' to soothe our weary legs. (BLD)

Day 13,TREK to ADDOUZ

We descend through the valley and cross a pass through oak and pine forest until the village of Addouz. The afternoon is free to relax or explore further. (BLD)

Day 14,TREK to AMIZMIZ

Follow the river to the village of Amizmiz, passing many traditional villages along the way. After lunch we travel back to Marrakech. (BL)

Day 15,MARRAKECH

Tour ends after breakfast. (B)



Last updated: 12th October 2008

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