03 Coast, City and Culture of the Berbers

Suggested Itinerary Number : 03

Coast, City and Culture of the Berbers

Experience the contrast of Marrakech, the beautiful Atlantic coast, High and Anti-Atlas Mountains, the fertile Souss valley and the Berber towns of the south.

A circular trip of 10-14 nights' length, all year round, flights into Marrakech or Agadir:

• 3-4 nights Marrakech
• 5-7 nights Taroudant
• 2-3 nights Essaouira

Transport options: Transport provided in Taroudant. Taxi or car (self-drive or with driver); coach from Essauoira to Marrakech possible.

Extension options: Ouirgane, Imlil or Ourika valley in the High Atlas Mountains, or Tafraoute and Mirleft.

Activity options: Real Morocco cultural programme in Taroudant, trekking on foot, horse, camel or mountain bike in the High Atlas, day excursions from Marrakech, camel and horse trekking and windsurfing/ kite surfing/ surfing in Essaouira.

Options for the journey between Taroudant and Marrakech

Taroudant is 4-5 hours' journey across the High Atlas Mountains, south west of Marrakech: the longer route offers dramatic scenery via the serpentine bends of the Tiz n Test Pass (2,092m), the gorges of Moulay Brahim, via Tin Mal Mosque before descending into the Souss plain to Taroudant. Alternatively the more northerly faster and lower route currently takes 4 hours but will soon be less as a new route opens in stages until 2012.

Marrakech

Marrakech is the gateway to Morocco for most visitors, and understandably so.  One of the four imperial cities, it is a lively city with a true Moroccan soul and culture, a feast for the senses that caters well for visitors.  From the atmospheric souks of the medina, to the villages of the High Atlas Mountains a short drive away, Marrakech offers a vast range of options for the visitor either on a short trip or as part of a longer adventure.

Taroudant

Just 1 hour east of Agadir, Taroudant is often known as “Little Marrakech” due to the backdrop of the High Atlas Mountains and its red town walls, which are more complete than those of any other Moroccan town. This Berber market town is little frequented by tourists,  providing an authentic experience of everyday life. It is much closer to two mountain ranges and the sea than Marrakech, making it an ideal base from which to explore Berber countryside.

Essaouira

Boasting a photogenic traditional fishing harbour and a wonderful fortified medina (a World Heritage Site), this charming town - 2.5 hrs west of Marrakech - built by the Portuguese, offers a wide range of shopping in traditional souks, a good range of restaurants and a large range of activities for all the family. It is a great place to relax or be as energetic as you wish, and offers a number of water sports related courses on a huge sandy beach a short walk from the medina.

Imlil

A thriving trekking centre in the High Atlas Mountains just 90 minutes south of Marrakech, the village is in a wonderful setting overlooked by Jbel Toubkal which, at 4,167 metres, is the highest peak in North Africa. There is a wide choice of treks for all abilities amongst some of the most stunning mountain scenery Morocco has to offer.

Ourika Valley

The Ourika Valley is one of the most stunning valleys in the High Atlas and offers a pretty escape from the summer heat of Marrakech, only a relatively short drive away. On the river, high up in the valley is the village of Setti Fatma, surrounded by the high peaks of the High Atlas and with a number of waterfalls a short walk away (season dependent).

Request a Quotation or Tel: UK: 0845 345 7195 (local rate) or 01239 710 814