Atlas Adventure

There is no need to pack up your belongings this morning as you will return to Imine Tala for a second night. Your hiking route takes you to the highest point of the trek – Tizi n'Fourna at 2021 m. This means you will have to master a proud 650 metres of altitude gain, but you have a lot of time on your hands, so you can strike a leisurely pace which will allow you to enjoy the hike. Nevertheless, you will probably be quite tired at the end of the day, as you return to the gite for a final night in the mountains. (BLD)

After breakfast you’ll have a walking tour of the city centre with a local guide. This takes in the main sights but the most exciting part is when you enter the sprawling souk. Here individual trades and crafts are concentrated together in a single street or area, so all the shoemakers are next to each other, as are the jewellers, the potters, the weavers, etc. This is the best place in Morocco to sharpen your bargaining skills and you’re almost certain to be tempted by some of the extraordinary variety of merchandise on display - even if it's only a trinket or a packet of exotic spices. In the afternoon you have time to wander and make your own discoveries. You could visit the Palais de la Bahia, built at the end of the 19th century for Si’ Ahmed ben Musa, the Grand Vizier of Soultan Moulay al Hassan. Only part of the palace is open, as the royal family still makes use of a fair proportion of the building. The beautiful courtyards and splendid living quarters provide a picture of a grand bygone lifestyle. Another possibility is Dar Si Said, housing the Museum of Moroccan Arts. This former royal townhouse now contains beautiful art and craftwork from all corners of the country. If you’d like to experience the relaxation of a traditional bath, your Group Leader can advise where to find the nearest hammam; for just a few dirhams, you’ll be steamed and scrubbed until you shine! (B)