Day 1: Marrakech
Salaam Alaikum! Welcome to Morocco. You’ll be picked up from the Marrakech airport by a local representative and taken to your riad (a traditional Moroccan house or palace), where your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, why not visit the Marjorelle Gardens, luxuriate in a hammam or see Marrakech from above on a hot air balloon ride. After the meeting, head out into the bustling streets of Marrakech’s old medina for a welcome dinner at the Bidaya Rooftop restaurant, which sits high up in the heart of the activity. Later tonight, walk back through the lively Djemaa el-Fna – one of the largest public spaces in the world – on the way to your Feature Stay at Riad Cle D’ or. This gorgeous riad has everything you could want from traditional Moroccan accommodation. In the heart of the medina, you can chill out in your beautifully decorated room or treat yourself to a spa and hammam treatment.
Day 2: Marrakech to Atlas Mountains (Oukaimden)
This morning after breakfast, you’ll head out for a half-day tour of the medina including Djemaa el-Fna to experience it again in the daylight. Taste the delicious local orange juice here, then visit Bahia Palace and the nearby souks, including a rug shop and some high-quality spice shops. Have lunch in the medina, then drive by private vehicle across the plains and up to the small village of Oukaimden (1550m) in the Atlas Mountains. This is Morocco's premier ski resort (and the highest ski resort in Africa), but in the warmer months this area is one of country’s best trekking destinations. With its rocky plateaus, picturesque landscapes and deep red cliffs dominating the landscape, your trekking adventure really begins when you hit the mountains. Your hotel tonight sits ideally placed in the mountains, with towering red rock cliffs on one side and a verdant green pine forest on the other – the perfect spot to relax and take in the views before you start hiking.
Day 3: Atlas Mountains (Oukaimden)
Take the short drive to the starting point of today’s hike – lace up your boots and, after a short climb, it’s a relatively easy hike to the nearby mountain pass. Along the way, soak in the panoramic views of the surrounding High Atlas Mountains and pass through small Amazigh villages. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the mountain, then circle back down to your comfortable hotel for a free afternoon. Maybe stretch out your muscles with some yoga or meditation. If you’re craving a bit more activity, why not explore the nearby area on foot. After dinner tonight, enjoy the art of preparing herbal tea with handpicked herbs from the hotel garden with your local host, savouring the flavours as you learn about the health and wellness benefits.
Day 4: Atlas Mountains (Imlil)
This morning, it's time to pack up and head deeper into the Atlas Mountains. Say goodbye to Oukaimeden and drive through the ruggedly beautiful scenery to the mountain village of Imlil (1740m), travelling through the heart of the mountain range through valleys, small villages and farms of apple, walnut and cherry trees. When you arrive at the comfortable hotel, check-in, then head out for today’s hike to the village of Aremd. The mostly uphill hike in the Toubkal National Park takes you through surprisingly green scenery as you follow the almost dry river paths upwards. When you arrive, sit down for a home-cooked lunch with a local family. Later, continue along the trail up to the village of Sidi Chamharouch, the very same trail that eventually leads to the summit of North Africa’s highest mountain, the towering Mount Toubkal (4167m).
Day 5: Atlas Mountains (Imlil)
Embark on today’s trek early this morning, heading from Imlil through the Tiziane Valley and immersing yourself in the natural beauty and cultural richness of the High Atlas Mountains. This is more challenging hike with a couple of ascents, but the surrounding scenery is well worth the effort. You’ll ascend to the highpoint of this tour, the Tizi N'Tamatert Pass (2279 m) where you'll enjoy several panoramic vistas of the nearby Tachdirt Valley, surrounding mountains, and the trail you've hiked up. Take a break and enjoy a picnic with view. Carry on through small villages and rocky landscapes before returning to Imlil for another home-cooked lunch and a bread making demonstration in a local’s home. This afternoon, you’re free to relax and take in the scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
Day 6: Essaouira
This morning, leave the Atlas Mountains behind and head down to the foothills and sweeping plains of the west country. Witness the landscape change to arid semi-desert, where Morocco's famed Argan trees thrive, all the way to the coastline. Arrive in gorgeous Essaouira – a city where the medina brushes up against the Atlantic Ocean. After a few days spend hiking and trekking it's time for a more sedate change of pace. Get to know this laidback city during a guided tour with a local who will help you navigate the maze of market stalls and narrow streets while sharing insights on local life in one of North Africa's most attractive locations. Pass the harbour filled with colourful boats and explore the fish souk. Explore the Jewish Quarter, then visit a local silver cooperative (where you might like to pick yourself up a souvenir). This afternoon is free to explore this lovely city at your own pace.
Day 7: Essaouira
After breakfast at your riad, grab your walking shoes and drive to the nearby Diabat Beach. A dramatic change from hiking in the mountains, this morning’s hike is quite gentle, taking you along the cliffs, sand dunes and shorelines of Essaouira. Soak up the beautiful sweeping views over the Atlantic and look out for the many birds that gather near the small streams that weave through the sand from the Oued El Kassab River. Along the way, learn about the local history of the area at the buried ruins of Dar Sultan Palace – once the home of a king, this palace has been battered by sandstorms and ocean winds over the years. The ruins are now one with the sand dunes. At the end of your hike stop in for a refreshing drink at the iconic Jimi Hendrix Cafe where the legendary musician is said to have chilled out during the 1960s. Return to Essaouira and join your leader for a seafood lunch before a free afternoon. There are so many options here - relax, go horse riding on the beach, take a surfing lesson, visit the hammam and get a massage or maybe rent a quad bike – the choice is yours.
Day 8: Marrakech
Enjoy a free morning to further explore or relax in laid back Essaouira, then return by private vehicle back to bustling Marrakech. Arrive with plenty of time to freshen up, then head out with your group for an included dinner to celebrate your last night of an inspiring hiking adventure. You’ll dine at the renowned El Fassia Restaurant – since its opening in 1987, this iconic city restaurant dedicated itself to employing and training local women only. Tonight, you’ll stay at your Feature Stay riad again – hang out on the rooftop after your easy walk home or book yourself into the spa to make the most of your last night.
Day 9: Marrakech
Your trip ends today after breakfast and you’re free to leave at any time after check-out. If you’d like to extend your stay in Marrakech, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
