Itinerary

Day 1   Arrive in Marrakesh

We meet you at Marrakesh airport and take you to your hotel (20 mins).

Day 2   Marrakesh to Ouarzazate

This morning we drive through the High Atlas, crossing the Tichka Pass (2,260m) to Ouarzazate stopping en-route at the cream and chocolate kasbahs of Aït Benhaddou.

Hotel Karam Palace  ****
Ouarzazate, Days 2+3+5

Your modern 4 star hotel offers 150 en suite rooms all with hairdryer, air conditioning, minibar, direct dial phone and satellite television. Ouarzazate is one of the most important southern towns in Morocco and is located at a crossroads that joins the north to the south and the east to the west. It is quite a modern looking place with public squares, shops, a few restaurants and a state run craft centre. It is most famous for its 100 year old Taourirt Kasbah that stands on the eastern edge of town.

Day 3   Ouarzazate & Gorges du Dades

Gentle pottering today as we set off in the minibus, via Skoura, to explore part of the ‘Road of 1000 Kasbahs’ and the rose-growing oases of Dades Valley. In the afternoon we visit the magnificent Gorges du Dades around Boumaine before heading back to Ouarzazate.

Day 4   Ouarzazate to Sahara Desert

South-east today, through the extraordinary lunar landscape of the Drâa valley. Our destination is Zagora, an oasis on the edge of the desert. From here camel caravans set off for Timbuktu (52 days). Walk up to the 11C fortress nearby for great views over the Sahara desert. We overnight in Zagora.

Hotel Palais Asmaa  ****
Zagora, Day 4

The 4 star Palais Asmaa hotel is very much decorated in traditional style. There are 90 rooms, all ensuite with colour television and air-conditioning. There is an outdoor pool with terrace area, 2 restaurants (1 Moroccan, 1 international), a garden - ideal for an after dinner stroll, and a bar and lounge area near to reception. Your stay is on a half-board basis and your evening meal can be taken in either restaurant. Zagora town is a fairly recent development dating back to French colonial times, and has many restaurants, hotels and shops.

Day 5   Sahara Desert to Ouarzazate

We descend to Tamegroute to see the C12 Vellum Scrolls then back along the Drâa Valley stopping off at Agdz to see the kasbah tucked up against the cliff face of the Djebel Kissane. Back to Ouarzazate through the Tiz’n Tinififft.

Day 6   Ouarzazate to Marrakesh

Back through the High Atlas for the Red City. En route a visit to Telouèt, power base of the Glaoui, Lords of the Atlas. Nowadays it's occupied by former slaves, their families, and many nesting storks.

Day 7   Exploring Marrakesh

In the morning we take a guided tour of Marrakesh and the Great Souk, one of Africa's busiest markets. The afternoon is free to ‘do’ the city’s palaces and museums, or simply relax by the hotel pool.

Day 8   Marrakesh / Asni / Marrakesh

A short drive through Asni and up into the mountains. Then spend the day walking the mule paths through the high valleys around Mt Toubkal, North Africa's highest peak (alt 4,176m). It's beautiful, verdant countryside, with many magnificent views.

Day 9   The Foothills of the High Atlas

A drive to Guemassa or Amizmiz for a day's walking amongst the foothills of the High Atlas. En route visit a Berber village and bustling market to select fresh local produce for lunch, which may be eaten on the escarpment, where there are breath taking views over the plains and reservoir.  We return to Marrakesh in time for dinner .

Day 10   Independent Exploring

A free day to wander around the atmospheric souks and stock up on local spices. For a complete contrast why not take a peaceful walk around the Majorelle Gardens (owned by Yves St Laurent) and visit the Palmerie (palm plantation) for an hour or two of peace and tranquility. Or simply relax around the hotel pool.

Day 11   Leave Marrakesh

WALKING DETAILS

This holiday is a mix of gentle walking and sightseeing, transfers provided throughout. There are no major ascents, or descents, and a head for heights is not necessary. Most of the walking is on off-road sandy tracks (occasional stony paths). On the days when you are travelling to and from Marrakesh, we break the journey every 45 minutes or so, in order that you can enjoy short local strolls in the various places en-route.

For extra nights we recommend Marrakesh.

More information from Breakaway Adventures:

• View trip on provider's website
  www.breakaway-adventures.com/guided-walking-tours/north-afric…
• Company profile, experience, and history
• View all of their trips