Compare Mount Toubkal Trek by Intrepid Travel vs The Historic Tunisia by Tunisia Tours

Day 1 Marrakech

Salaam Aleikum! Welcome to Morocco. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you'll meet your fellow trekkers and trip leader. After, you might like to join your leader on a jaunt to Djemaa el-Fna Square in the centre of the medina. Huge crowds converge at night to see the singers, drummers, fortune tellers, dancers and bustling street food bazaars all vying for attention here. This square is one of the largest public meeting places in the world, so you’re sure to find something that catches your eye tonight.

Day 2 Aroumd

Rise and shine early today for breakfast and a group meeting at 8 am. Your leader will go through everything you need to know about today’s trek before you set off into the mountains. Leave Marrakech behind and drive across the plains towards the ancient marketplace of Tahanaoute, with awesome views of valleys and the Atlas Mountains along the way. Arrive at Imlil, a mountainous village 1740 metres above sea level, then take a 50-minute hike to your mountain base in the village of Aroumd, 2000 metres above sea level. In the afternoon, stretch your legs with a gentle orientation walk around Aroumd. Your accommodation tonight is a mountain gite – a traditional village house. Rooms are furnished in the Amazigh style, with low couches (which can be used as beds), tables, carpets and cushions. On warm nights it’s often possible to sleep out on the terrace under the stars!

Day 3 Aroumd

Today, explore Aroumd on some of the local trails with your group. Get to know the terrain and acclimatise your body for the challenge of the summit ahead. Today’s main hike will depend on the weather and the group’s ability and willingness. Acclimatisation hikes are quite slow, with a relaxed pace. Wherever your trip leader chooses, you’ll have the chance to enjoy the beautiful Moroccan countryside, where children run freely through the valleys and farmers tend to their plots of land. Donkeys provide a mode of transport for both young and old, with stony pathways winding through the mountains to villages hidden from the main roads. When you arrive back in your gite, tuck into a hearty dinner and rest up for tomorrow’s challenge.

Day 4 Mt Toubkal Base Camp

This morning you’ll begin your ascent of Mount Toubkal – North Africa’s highest peak. From Aroumd, the trail crosses the floodplain of the Ait Mizane Valley, before climbing steeply in a zigzag up the mountainside. Along the way, pass the pilgrimage site of Sidi Chamarouch, home to the tomb of the local marabout (Muslim holy man). Only Muslims are permitted to cross the bridge and approach the large white stone that serves as a shrine. From here, climb steeply through a series of switchbacks and traverse the flank of the valley above the river. Arrive at Toubkal Base Camp (3207 metres above sea level) and enjoy a hearty dinner and make sure you get plenty of sleep before the big ascent tomorrow.

Day 5 Summit day

Embrace an early start this morning as you’ll tackle the rocky terrain that leads to the summit of Mount Toubkal. At 4167 metres above sea level, this is truly the roof of North Africa. Take in the beautiful silence of the morning while you make the final climb, which can involve some scrambling. Your effort is rewarded by superb views from the summit, which on a clear day can include the entire Atlas Mountain range, the Atlantic coast to the west and the Sahara Desert to the east. After a rest at the summit and time spent marvelling at the view, descend to Base Camp. You’ll fuel up with a hearty lunch before heading back to Aroumd, where your local host will be waiting to welcome you back with a homecooked dinner to celebrate your achievements in the High Atlas Mountains.

Day 6 Marrakech

After breakfast, take one last glimpse at the valley and marvel at those high summits you conquered in last couple of days. Then head back to Imlil and make your way back to Marrakech. In the afternoon, embark on a guided walking tour of the medina, including souqs devoted to different trades such as pottery, woodwork, carpets or spices. Then, continue to the 19th-century Bahia Palace and spend some time admiring the architecture. The rest of your time in the city is free for you to make your own discoveries. If you're keen to experience a traditional Moroccan bath, your leader can advise you where to find the nearest hammam. If you’ve enjoyed your taste of Moroccan cuisine so far, maybe indulge your inner foodie with a Taste of Marrakesh Urban Adventure tour.

Day 7 Marrakech

Your adventure ends after breakfast this morning. If you wish to spend more time in Marrakech, just speak to your booking agent.

Day 1: Tunis Arrival

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: DAR BEN GACEM

Upon arrival in Carthage International Airport, you will be met by your private driver and taken to your hotel for check-in. Depending on your time of arrival, you will begin with a tour of the old medina (ancient city) of Tunis. From the charming architecture to the picturesque souks (markets), the ancient medina is well worth a visit. Dinner will be served in the hotel.

Day 2: Bardo Museum / Carthage / Sidi Bou Said / Tunis

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: DAR BEN GACEM         

After breakfast, you will set out to visit the National Museum of Bardo. The Bardo Museum contains some of the most complete and ancient Roman Mosaics in the entire world. From the museum, you will head off to explore the famous ruins of Carthage. Your guide will take you to the Phoenician Cemetery, Antonin’s Bath, Punic Harbors, the Carthage Museum and more. Depending on your time, you may want to take a drive up to the beautiful Sidi Bou Said, which overlooks the Gulf of Tunis.  Dinner will be out at a restaurant in Tunis

Day 3: Dougga / Bulla Regia / El Kef

Accommodation: DAR CHENNOUFI

After breakfast, you will move on to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Dougga. Some people have called Dougga one of Tunisia’s best Roman historical sites. From here, you will head off to explore Bulla Regia! This archaeological site has a wonderful display of Roman mosaics and semi-underground housing. You will spend the night in the upscale Dar Chennoufi.

Dinner will be served in the hotel.

Day 4: Makthar / Kairouan

Accommodation: LA KASBAH

After breakfast, you will set off to explore the Roman site of Makthar. Scattered with temples, arches and amphitheaters, Makthar allows for a glimpse into the Roman life.  Next you will move on to the spiritual capital of Tunisia, Kairouan. You will want to visit the amazing mosque of Sidi Okba, the ancient medina, and Aghlabid pool. Dinner will be served in the hotel.

Day 5: El Jem / Sousse

Accommodation: MOVENPICK RESORT AND MARINE SPA

After breakfast you will depart of the magnificent coliseum of El Jem. Perhaps Tunisia’s most spectacular site, El Jem is a must see. Stop for a minute to imagine life in the gladiator times while discovering the history of El Jem. Your final destination will be the coastal city of Sousse.

Day 6: Sousse – Sousse Medina

Accommodation: MOVENPICK RESORT AND MARINE SPA

After breakfast you will have a free day to either relax in Sousse or take an excursion to one of the surrounding areas.  Sousse was founded in 800 BC, so there is plenty of history to been seen in this ancient city.  The Great Mosque, the archeological museum and the “Good Shepard” catacombs all tell a story of Sousse’s ancient past.  Dinner will be at the hotel.

Day 7: Nabeul / Kerkouane / Haouaria / Tunis

Accommodation: DAR BEN GACEM

After a relaxed breakfast, north through the Cap Bon peninsula.  Your trip will take you through the coastal town of Nabeul which is Tunisia’s pottery capital.  On to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kerkouane which boasts some of the best preserved ruins of the Punic era.  Haouaria is situated at the tip of the peninsula and boasts a majestic coastline.  The end of the day takes you back to Tunis.  Dinner will be at the hotel.

Day 8: Depart Tunis

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for departure.