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
15Trek Grade
Easy / ModerateArrival Transfer
Airport transfer to hotel day 1Fully 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, minibusActivities
Extensive walking & 6 days trekking approx. 5 hours per dayAccommodation
9 nights tourist class hotels, 5 nights village housesLocal Payment
Included as part of tour priceEntrance Fees
Included for all sites listed as part of the itineraryTREK ITINERARY NOTE
The exact route of the trek may change according to the weather or other local conditions.
Itineraries
Day 1,CASABLANCAArrive and check in to your hotel. No meals.
Day 2,CASABLANCA - RABATTravel 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 - FESFree morning to further explore Morocco’s capital. Afternoon departure to the exciting city of Fes. (B)
Day 4,FESGuided walking tour of the fascinating medina and souqs (markets) of Fes, including the leather tanneries. (B)
Day 5,MEKNES - VOLUBILISDrive 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 - MARRAKECHWe take the bus or train to the great city of Marrakech, Morocco’s most exotic city. (B)
Day 7,MARRAKECHMorning 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,MARRAKECHFree 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 - TREKLeaving 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 AHMEDTrek through idyllic forest landscapes to Tizgui (1,600m) for magnificent views of the Haouz plain. Continue to Ait Ahmed. (BLD)
Day 11,TREK to KETTOWe 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 ANAMROUAscend 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 ADDOUZWe 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 AMIZMIZFollow the river to the village of Amizmiz, passing many traditional villages along the way. After lunch we travel back to Marrakech. (BL)
Day 15,MARRAKECHTour ends after breakfast. (B)
Last updated: 15th October 2009
I am interested in this trip!
Download PDF with trip and operator details
.jpg)