Morocco Walking Adventure (Marrakech & The High Atlas) 6D5N, Fully Guided

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 8km (5 miles), Elevation gain: m (1700ft)
Level 3, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), Elevation gain: m (1900ft)

At 930am you’ll meet your tour leaders at Marrakech Train station main entrance. Make sure you are dressed in your hiking attire, bring your luggage and all other hiking gear you may want for today’s adventure (your luggage will be transferred to your first night’s hotel).

Leave the city behind and journey on 4x4 vehicles to Tamesloh to discover a 16th century little farm village known for its olive groves and olive oil production. Visit a holy sight (‘zaouia’) and marvel at how life continues as it has for centuries – a reminder that Morocco is still unsophisticated in so many ways, albeit rich in tradition and culture. Delve deeper into cultural immersion as you uncover a typical Moroccan ‘riad’ (residence) and meet Moulay Hafid and his family (The term ‘Moulay’ is the honour given to descendants of the Prophet Mohammed.). Sip on Moroccan tea, revel at intricate carvings of his home and find connection as you gain insight into local life, traditions and culture.

Journey to Ouchfil for a Berber picnic and savour local specialties with spectacular views of the valley and Atlas Mountains surrounding you. Enjoy a pleasant scenic walk into the canyon giving sweeping views of the serene N’Fiss river and Atlas Mountains as local friends bring the walk to life.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 6.4km (4 miles), Elevation gain: 579m (1900 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 9.8km ( 6 miles), Elevation gain: 640m, (2100 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 16km (10 miles), Elevation gain: 701m (2300 ft) 

Enjoy a delightful breakfast before a Land Rover journey deep into the High Atlas for an up-close encounter with traditional Berber culture. Marvel at how the village have largely assimilated into Arab culture yet maintain many of their own distinct dialects and customs. Admire the picturesque perched village of Tirfistl before journeying across a river, gardens and olive groves to the narrow alleyed path of a hidden village behind Toubkal, the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains. Be captivated by sweeping views of the broad river valley, crosshatched with irrigation canals, against a backdrop of the blue-gray hills to the east. Collide with donkeys, goats and pedestrians as we make our way from one sunbaked earthen village to the next. Follow a path uphill to a colorful settlement of adobe buildings where we're welcomed into the home of a Berber family. Reclining on cushions, sip mint tea before sharing a traditional lunch of homemade tagine (a Moroccan stew) boasting of couscous, freshly baked bread and locally grown nuts and olives.

Your return journey, take in more sweeping views of jagged snowcapped crests, clustered hamlets on steep slopes and an agricultural mosaic of wheat, clover and onion fields. Tonight, be treated to traditional music and dance before an intimate dining affair in the tranquil courtyard.

Level 1, Approx. 5km (3 miles), Elevation gain: 396m (1300 ft)

The early risers can enjoy a walk through villages passing olive groves and lush gardens and rivers. Alternatively, enjoy sleeping in and indulge in a leisurely breakfast. Today we leave the mountains behind and head toward the coast. Whether it's the foothills of the Atlas Mountains or the windswept plains near the coast, there's a stark beauty to the landscape of Morocco. Taken at face value, the scenery might initially seem empty or monotonous because the colors are often the same—a series of earthy tones. But look closer. There's variation that's subtle but significant. An expansiveness so stunning that it's vibrant and alive. As we make our way toward the Atlantic, you'll begin to see and feel a distinct change in the environment. The rolling hills and whitewashed houses are a stark contrast to the jagged peaks and earth-toned adobe buildings we've left behind. Along the way we stop for a wine tasting and lunch at Val d'Argan.

Cap off an incredible day at Essaouira, originally a Portuguese fortress by the name of Mogador, which translates to ‘The Prince’s City’. Essaouira's well-preserved medina, or ancient Arab city, has been a World Heritage site since 2001. We head out on a guided sunset stroll within Essaouira's crenellated ramparts, revealing narrow streets full of white homes trimmed with cheery blue doors and window frames. Once a favored hangout of Jimi Hendrix and Cat Stevens, this city has a wonderfully easygoing feel, which you'll discover as we amble from the cannon-studded city walls to the quayside. Meander its narrow streets to find hidden treasures including stunning cafes, exquisite oven carpets. Hand crafted jewelry and art galleries.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 3.2km (2 miles), Elevation gain: 91.4m (300 ft)
Level 1, Approx. 4.8km (3 miles), Elevation gain: 91.4m (300 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 6.4km (4 miles), Elevation gain: 305m (1000 ft)

This morning drive for an hour out of Essaouira to delve deep into the spectacular scenery in the region. Head out on foot across undulating terrain speckled with wheat fields and olive groves. Chance upon wildlife from camels to goats shading themselves underneath one of the trees. Enjoy views of the coast before hiking into a canyon to a hilltop village with a koranic school overlooking the canyon.

Enjoy a beachfront lunch at the L’Ocean Vagabond before exploring more of the secrets and delights of Essaouria. Rub shoulders with locals and meander its alleyways scouring several stunning markets and stores that offer a variety from traditional souvenirs to exotic spices. This ancient town is a treasure trove for photographers, with women in traditional dress rubbing shoulders with barely clad sun lovers who’ve come to enjoy the beach and the sea. Engage in a temporary henna tattoo, a traditional slice of Moroccan style before retiring back at your hotel. Unwind in your elegant guestroom or be pampered at the exclusive spa before being delighted to the old town’s lively marketplace for an unforgettable traditional meal.

Level 1, Approx. 4.8km (3 miles), Elevation gain: 122m (400 ft)

This morning you travel southwards from Essaouira to experience a spectacular hike along the coast on the Ouassane Peninsula. You’ll pass a hidden gem, the secret surfing haven of La Grotte, as well as endless golden sand dunes en route to your next adventure – camel riding! Climb onto an Arabian camel with just one hump and head off along the beach into the dunes. Or those who seek a more relaxed pace can forego the ride and simply soak up the sun and serenity on the beach.

A 3 hour journey takes you back to Marrakech. Enjoy a delicious lunch at Les Jardins de la Villa Maroc, a magnificently restored old farm surrounded by a forest of coniferous trees called ‘thuya’ (pronounced ‘too-ya’). These argan trees are highly revered in Morocco. The tree nuts contain a unique amber-coloured oil that is known for its exceptional healing properties, and local craftsmen use the wood to carve exquisite boxes with complicated designs. You stop off to learn all about these trees and the products produced from the oil. You’ll taste argan oil, which is popular world-wide for its medicinal, cosmetic and nutritional properties. (It’s believed to heal scars, remove wrinkles and relieve rheumatic pain and is delicious sprinkled onto salad. You can also make a delicious breakfast with it called ‘amlou’, a mix of oil, almonds and honey.)

Then you transfer to the exceptional garden sanctuary, the Four Seasons Resort Marrakech for the night, situated close to the city centre. Here you can be pampered with superb luxury facilities – laze by the pool in the gorgeous 40-acre Moorish gardens, experience the ultimate in rejuvenation and relaxation at the Moroccan spa, or relax in your own spacious well-appointed Moroccan retreat with its private terrace offering exceptional views.

This evening, indulge in a dining affair at the hotel’s exquisite dining room celebrating everything you have experienced on this one-of-a-kind Moroccan quest with unsurpassed Moroccan and international fare.

Level 1, 5km (3 miles), Minimal elevation gain

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading off to the city’s energetic Medina, a World Heritage Site. Once an impressive cultural, economic and political centre in the Arab world, the Medina has many fascinating secrets to reveal, and you will experience many of these on your hour-long walking tour. These include a number of colourful marketplaces, where you can pick up a variety of fabulous souvenirs at a wide selection of stalls selling everything from perfumes and pottery to spices, jewelry, leather goods, carpets – you name it. Hopefully you’ll get carried away with the noise and the atmosphere and bargain for some wares. Another highlight in the Medina is the incredible Peruse Jemaa el Fna, which translates to ‘Place of the Dead’. Situated in the medina’s central square, it’s filled with otherworldly snake charmers, musicians, storytellers, soothsayers, scribes and herbalists offering their wares – so have your camera ready.

Your last excursion is a guided tour of the Dari Si Said Museum, the oldest in Marrakech and the city’s Museum of Moroccan Arts. Located in a vast palace, it’s full of ancient objects that tell the story of the city’s history. You’ll enjoy a light lunch on the museum terrace with stunning views of the medina. Leaving inspired shuttle to Marrakech Airport where you’ll bid farewell and embark on your onward journey.

NOTE:This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.