Compare High Atlas Trek by World Expeditions vs Morocco in 10 days - Grand Tour & Kasbah Route - Superior by Exoticca

Day 1 Join Marrakesh

On arrival in Marrakesh you will be met at the international airport and transferred to the group hotel. Remainder of day at leisure. Private transfers can be arranged if you are arriving before Day 1 (additional cost applies). Overnight Riad Berta (or similar).

meals : D

Day 2 Visit medinas, palaces and gardens in Marrakesh

This morning at approximately 07:30am there will be a group briefing with the guide. Afterwards we are led by our expert guide to discover the soul of Marrakesh. We visit gardens, mosques, palaces, and the souqs of the old Medina before reaching the humming centre of Marrakesh: the Djemaa el-Fna. The atmosphere of this square is overwhelming with its jumble of food stalls, snake charmers, fortune and storytellers and the wide variety of people that flock to its attractions. We return in the evening, when the square really comes alive. It is a must to taste the many wonderful dishes on offer at the stalls. You will be given your kit bag and sleeping bag to pack your gear for the trek. Overnight Riad Berta (or similar).

meals : B,L

Day 3 Drive to Azzadene Valley (approx 3.5 hrs drive) & trek to Tiziane (1600m, 5 hrs)

Meeting up with our porters and their mules at Imi Oughlad (1500m), we begin our trek with a gradual ascent on a mule path to the pass of Tizi n Tacht (2000m). As we walk up the Azzadene Valley we pass small villages shaded by walnut and apple trees, plots of maize and stone walls with beautiful yellow pumpkin flowers creeping over, before descending to the village of Tiziane (1600m). Overnight in a Berber house.

meals : B,L,D

Day 4 Trek to Tizgui (1800m, approx 6 hrs)

Leaving Tiziane via Tizi N'Touati (2100m) we ascend for 3 hours to reach the Tassaka Plateau passing holm oaks and junipers. Tonight we camp near Tizgui at Azib Assoul. Overnight: camping

meals : B,L,D

Day 5 To Tizi Oussem (1850m, approx 5 hrs)

We ascend steeply from Tizgui towards the Tizi N'Tagoudalte pass at 2700m where we will be rewarded with fine views. Our gradual descent to Tizi Oussem, passes through alpine areas overgrown with beautiful wildflowers: campanulas, red poppies, iris, walls of violets, various herbs and small succulents. Overnight at the village in a Berber house where you may have the option to enjoy a private hammam, local bath to wash away three days trekking.

meals : B,L,D

Day 6 Tazagharte refuge (3000m, approx 5 hrs)

Leaving Tizi Oussem, the last village in this valley, we continue to climb up the Azzadene Valley catching glimpses of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. We will enjoy the Cascade d’Irhoulidene and continue to wind our way up the mountain until we reach our accommodation for the night in a mountain refuge. Overnight: camping

meals : B,L,D

Day 7 Trek to Refuge Nelter (3200m approx 6-7 hrs)

Today we cross the impressive and remote Tizi n'Ougalzim (3700m), a steep and rocky pass that zigzags its way steadily up, rewarding us at the top with magnificent views. Upon reaching the top we see the next challenge awaiting us: Mount Toubkal. We descend to our campsite below and enjoy the alpine scenery with the surrounding dramatic peaks that the base camp offers us. Please note this camp is the only place to stay in this area and a National Park rule to stay here; for this reason it is utilised by many groups and unfortunately there might be evidence of rubbish or not as clean as we would like. Overnight: camping

meals : B,L,D

Day 8 Summit of Mount Toubkal (4167m, approx 7 hrs)

We have an early start for our attempt on Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak. The summit of Toubkal is neither technical nor very demanding, and once at the summit, the views are spectacular. We may start off in the dark to avoid the midday sun. If you prefer, you have the option of a rest day relaxing in camp located at the foot of the peaks, and surrounded by mountains. Overnight: camping

meals : B,L,D

Day 9 Trek to Imlil (approx 5 hrs); drive to Marrakesh (approx 1.5 hrs drive)

Today we walk down the valley passing through the deeply religious village of Sidi Chamarouch. This area is also rich in wildflowers and in spring we’ll find the magnificent Peony Rose. We will also pass herds of goats traversing precarious mountain trails. We take lunch outside the village where we farewell our trekking crew and their mules before driving to Marrakesh. Overnight Riad Berta (or similar).

meals : B,L

Day 10 Trip concludes in Marrakesh

Our trip concludes after breakfast. You will be transferred to the airport if you depart Marrakesh today. For departure on any other day, transfers can be arranged at an additional cost.

meals : B

Day 1: US - Night on board

Arrive at your US departure airport, ready for a flight to Casablanca. Night on board. Important: If your outbound flight leaves at dawn (before 04:00) you must arrive at the airport the night before the selected departure day.

Day 2: Casablanca

Arrive in Casablanca and transfer to the hotel. Casablanca, immortalised in the famous movie, is a port city and commercial hub in western Morocco, located on the Atlantic Coast. Dinner and overnight stay in Casablanca.* * Dinner is not included if you arrive after 8:00 pm.

Day 3: Casablanca - Rabat - Asilah - Tangier

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, get to know iconic Casablanca and enjoy a city tour where you can marvel at the Art Deco buildings and the Dar El Baida White House before visiting the Mohammed V Square and the upmarket Anfa district. Leave in the direction of Rabat to visit the Kasbah of the Oudayas, a citadel that is located to the north of the city. This fortress retains its Arab character of narrow alleys with white and blue façades that lead to viewpoints from which there are incredible views of the Atlantic coast Visit the astounding Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. After the visit, travel to Asilah, founded in Phonecian times, before finally arriving in the bustling port-city of Tangier. Check-in to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay in Tangier.

Day 4: Tangier - Chefchaouen - Ouazzane - Meknes - Fez

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin the day with a panoramic tour of the city, before heading to the Rif Mountains and to the blue city of Chefchaouen, one of Morocco's most photographed cities. Continue to Ouazzane, a city known for its spiritual significance to Sufism, before arriving in the imperial city of Meknes, founded by Moulay Ismail and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a panoramic tour of the city including the Mellah Jewish Quarter, Bab Mansour Gate and the Mausoleum of Moulay.* Afterwards, continue to Fez to check-in to your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Fez. * Please note: The city of Meknes is currently undergoing extensive renovation works and no date has been set for their completion. Many of the city's landmarks are inaccessible and/or hidden behind protective covering, but your guide will endeavour to show you as much of the city as possible during your visit.Please note: The city of Meknes is currently undergoing extensive renovation works and no date has been set for their completion. Many of the city's landmarks are inaccessible and/or hidden behind protective covering, but your guide will endeavour to show you as much of the city as possible during your visit.Please note: The city of Meknes is currently undergoing extensive renovation works and no date has been set for their completion. Many of the city's landmarks are inaccessible and/or hidden behind protective covering, but your guide will endeavour to show you as much of the city as possible during your visit.

Day 5: Fez

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a full day tour of Fez, considered the centre of Islam in Morocco. It is the intellectual and religious capital of the country. Begin with a panoramic view from one of the hills surrounding the city, then visit the bronze doors of the Royal Palace and walk into the medina to visit Medersas, the centre of Koranic studies. Explore the workshops in the artisan neighbourhoods. Walk along the broad Boulevard of Mohamed V and stroll through the endless streets of the world's largest medina. After the visit, return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Fez.

Day 6: Fez - Midelt - Erfoud

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart through the gentle mountains of the Middle Atlas, until you reach the city of Midelt, known for its apple cultivation. Continue along a beautiful route and view Berber life first hand. Arrive in Erfoud, at the edge of the great Sahara desert. Tonight, you have the opportunity to spend the night in a Berber Jaima Camp of your choice in the dunes of the Sahara.* Dinner and overnight stay in Erfoud. * Optional Night in the Sahara Dunes. Take a 4x4 all-terrain vehicle to reach the high dunes of Merzouga. Admire the magical sunset and spend the night in a typical Berber Jaima Camp, with a traditional dinner included. Please note: If you would like to book this experience you must reserve it in advance, up to 30 days before departure, as places are limited. You will not be able to sleep in the hotel if you choose this optional night at the camp.

Day 7: Erfoud - Gorges of Todgha - Dades Valley - Kalaat M'Gouna - Ouarzazate

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, visit the captivating Gorges of Todgha, and the Dades Valley, to experience the natural wonders of this unique landscape. Pass by ancient fortresses of red abode and lush oases before arriving at the small Berber town of Kalaat M'Gouna, famous for its roses and perfumes. Continue to Ouarzazate, a desert city and enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 8: Ouarzazate - Ait Ben Haddou - Marrakech

Breakfast at the hotel. Embark on a visit to the Kasbah of Taourirt, the former residence of the Pacha Glaoui called the Lord of the Atlas Region. Continue to the majestic Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This Kasbah, dotted with crenellated towers, is considered one of the most beautiful in the country and has often been a filming location for movies. In the afternoon, depart across the High Atlas mountains en route to Marrakech. Arrive in Marrakech, and spend the rest of the day exploring at your leisure. Dinner and overnight stay in Marrakech.

Day 9: Marrakech

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, embark on an eye-opening tour of the wonders of Marrakech, starting with the Minaret of the Koutoubia, from the 13th century and the spiritual centre of Marrakech. Visit the Palace of the Bahia, the residence of the old vizir, and known for its intricate tile and wood carving decoration. Discover how spices and argan oil are made in a local school before you head to the Jamaa el Fna square home to the bustling souks, so typical of the city and full of fruit vendors and stalls selling wicker baskets. Dinner and overnight stay in Marrakech.

Day 10: Marrakech

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure, explore the abundance sights, sounds and aromas of sensational Marrkech. We recommend haggling for authentic souvenirs in the souk, explore the Kasbah and Mellah neighbourhoods or heading to the new town to discover the oasis of the Jardin Majorelle. Dinner and overnight stay in Marrakech.

Day 11: Marrakech - Casablanca - US

Breakfast at the hotel*. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport in Casablanca to board a flight back to US. Arrive in US and end your trip. * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day. ** The airport transfer will be shared with other travelers in your tour group.You may be required to wait a few hours before leaving , depending on the flight times