Atlas Trails

On arrival in the late evening you transfer directly to your hotel. Even today, the name Marrakech conjures up images of scenes from The Arabian Nights with its busy souks (markets) and twisting alleyways. This remarkable city, dating from the 11th century, never fails to satisfy the curiosity of adventurous travellers. It has everything from the graceful architecture of the Koutoubia Minaret, which dominates the skyline, to the throbbing atmosphere of a medieval fair in the great open square, the Djemaa el-Fna, in the heart of the medina. Hotel - 2 nights (Swimming pool)

This morning you wake early to an unfamiliar sound - the muezzins calling the faithful to prayer in the various city mosques - your first contact with Islam. To help orientate you, after breakfast you start with a walking tour of the 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)

This morning you leave Marrakech and drive across the plains to the High Atlas via the Ourika Valley. The landscape changes as the plains gradually give way to mountains, with the impressive snow-covered peaks of the High Atlas looming in front of you. At Oukaimeden ski resort you meet your companions for the trek, the muleteers and mules, and set off to walking to the typical mountain village of Gliz. Located at 2150m, Gliz will be your resting place for your first night in the High Atlas. Approx. 3 hours walking. Gite d’étape – 1 night (BLD)

A gite d’étape is a typical village house with simple dormitory rooms each with space for approximately 4-8 people. Each room is generally furnished in traditional Berber style with low couches (which can be used as beds), tables, carpets and cushions. On warm nights it’s generally possible to sleep out on a terrace under the stars. Communal facilities usually consist of a couple of showers and toilets. Gites are generally found in villages on walking routes. Showers (sometimes hot ones!) may be available in gites but these will be offered at an additional cost of around 70p to £1.

The High Atlas region is a mix of fertile valleys and soaring, barren snow-capped peaks. Flat-roofed Berber houses constructed with local materials huddle together to create fortress-like villages which blend almost seamlessly into the mountainside. The many trails and tracks which criss-cross the area provide numerous opportunities for walkers and the ideal way to make the most of this stunning area is on foot. Today enjoy trekking over mountain passes (2100m) to the village of Aguersioual (1700m).  Approx. 5 hours walking. Gite d’étape – 1 night (BLD)

Continue trekking along the Imlil Valley to reach the village of Aremd (2000m). En route, enjoy the scenery and local life. You may meet goatherds seeking good grazing or villagers collecting firewood. The typical square towers of the mosques dot the landscape. Staying overnight at Aremd, you can explore settlement and learn about the berber way of life. A visit to the school may be possible in term time. The following day walk up to reach Sidi Chamarouch, a place of pilgrimage for Moroccans who come to the tomb of the local marabout (Muslim holy man). You can only see the shrine from across the gorge, as it’s forbidden for non-Muslims to cross the bridge to the other side. Approx. 4 hours walk on Day 5, shorter walks on Day 6. Gite d’étape – 2 nights (Bx2 Lx2 Dx2)

Today you leave your mountain home and head back down to the imperial city of Marrakech. The Djemaa el-Fna square draws you back and in the evening becomes alive with activity as story tellers, jugglers and musicians gather to entertain you. It is full of life and continues late into the evening. Try some of the delicious freshly-prepared food at the stalls that line the square or do some last minute shopping. Hotel – 1 night (Swimming pool) (B)

The trip ends in Marrakech for Land Only clients. Those on group flights transfer to the airport and fly home. (B)