Marrakech & the Atlas Mountains

Itinerary

Day 1: UK/Marrakech
Depart today on your scheduled flight to Marrakech. On arrival, meet your Local Guide and transfer to your centrally located hotel, where you will stay for five nights.

MMarrakech is a dramatic and captivating place, perfectly positioned for those looking to explore the rich and romantic culture of Morocco. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, this ochre-tinted city is a delight to explore.

During your stay we have organised an exciting range of excursions to help you really get the most out of your destination.

Day 2: Marrakech
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel this morning before joining your knowledgeable Local Guide on an included tour of this vast and vibrant city. Your tour begins with a visit to the beautiful Bahia Palace, whose stunning architecture captures both the Islamic and Moroccan styles of the 19th century. You will then visit the vibrant Jewish Quarter where, in the labyrinth of souks, you can haggle for everything from leather to spices. There will be time to spend at leisure in Djemma El Fna square, the true heart of the city and the main focal point for all activity for locals and tourists alike. The area is busy and lively at any time of day but as dusk washes over the square the area becomes alive with aromatic food stalls and entertainers such as fortune tellers, snake charmers and musicians all vying for your attention.

Day 3: Ourika Valley (half day)
You are free to spend today at leisure. Alternatively, join your Local Guide on an optional morning excursion into the Ourika Valley. Here you will discover meandering rivers, olive groves and sleepy Berber hamlets nestling in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains.

This evening we offer a further optional excursion – the Chez Ali Fantasia show with dinner. This includes a grand equestrian display, belly dancing, traditional Moroccan folklore and music, while you enjoy a feast of local specialities.

Day 4: South Atlas Mountains (full day)
On today’s optional excursion you will journey through the breathtaking countryside of the Atlas Mountains via the Tiz-n-Tichka pass, the highest road in North Africa at 7,415 ft. Your first stop will be the fortified town of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which might look familiar, as it is used as the backdrop for many films. Later you will visit Ouarzazate, where you can enjoy a tour and a visit to the Taourirt Kasbah – an ancient residence of the Glaoui family of Marrakech. Relax over a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Marrakech this evening.

Day 5: Essaouira (full day)
The destination for today’s optional excursion is the charming walled seaside town of Essaouira, situated on the Atlantic Coast. This popular fishing port, which was formerly known as Mogador, has a history dating back to the 7th century BC and is a delight to explore. Pick up unique souvenirs as you stroll through narrow alleyways lined with artisan workshops displaying wonderful wooden craft items inlaid with mother-of-pearl. During your day here you’ll have the opportunity to ride a camel on the beach if you’re feeling adventurous, and lunch is included in a local seafood restaurant.

Day 6: Marrakech/UK
Your holiday comes to an end today as you transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK.

Please note
To maximise your enjoyment of this holiday a certain amount of walking is essential.

Accommodation is iof a comfortable standard, typical of the hotel you will stay in is:

4-star Zalagh Kasbah Hotel & Spa
This hotel is located newar the Agdal Gardens and ramparts of the city. Facilities include a swimming pool, 3 restaurants and a bar/lounge. Bedrooms have air-conditioning and en suite facilities.

Hotels will be confirmed in your final documents.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Included excursions and visits

Marrakech tour

Optional excursions

Ourika Valley tour (half day)
Chez Ali Fantasia show and dinner
Atlas Mountains (full day)
Essaouira (full day)

Your holiday includes

Scheduled flights
Overseas transfers and other transportation
5 nights’ accommodation with breakfast
The services of a Local Guide
Hotel porterage (one bag per person)
All airport taxes and security charges
UK Airline Passenger Duty
All state and local taxes

Walking – Grade 1
These are for anyone of any age. Plenty of rest stops and time to enjoy the local scenery with up to 4 hours walking a day, mostly on good paths but occasionally rough underfoot. Ascent less than 300m per day. Sturdy walking shoes are advisable

Walking – Grade 2
These are moderate, for anyone who is comfortable walking hills. Still plenty of time to rest and enjoy the scenery, however up to 5 hours walking a day on slightly more rugged terrain. Ascent less than 500m per day. Walking boots with ankle support are recommended.

Walking – Grade 3
These are quite strenuous, for the more accomplished hill walker. A larger number of continuous stretches of walking totalling about 5 hours a day, often in mountainous terrain where paths can be steep. Ascent up to 1000m per day. Walking boots with ankle support and trekking poles are recommended.

With 50 years’ experience in arranging escorted tours to exciting destinations across the globe, Travelsphere have built an excellent reputation founded on quality and value.

By choosing a Travelsphere escorted holiday you can travel with confidence, knowing that every aspect of your holiday has been carefully planned and arranged from start to finish. Further to this they are ATOL bonded and members of ABTA.

Travelsphere’s thorough planning of travel arrangements, itineraries and accommodation combined with the unique insight of their knowledgeable Tour Managers and Local Guides will enable you to experience the culture, traditions and hidden away places less accessible to other travellers.

Our Opinion
“Travelsphere are one of the biggest names in the Escorted Tour market. Finely tuned over the last 50 years their tours have been tried, tested and refined by thousands of customers.”