Suggested Itinerary Number: 05

Marrakech, High Atlas Mts and Taroudant

Experience the contrast of Marrakech, the drama of the High Atlas with the Toubkal Massif rising to 4,167 metres, the stunning Tiz’ n'Test pass, the fertile Souss Valley, Berber culture and the walled market town of Taroudant.

Our recommendations

Season: all year round.

Length: 10 nights.

Flights: Marrakech (1 hour transfer)

Prices from £620 per person (10 nights) excluding flights*

Day	Nights' Stay	Typical itinerary for illustration
1	2	Fly to Marrakech & taxi transfer to the Ouirgane Valley in the High Atlas (1hr).
2		Take an optional day trek into the surrounding High Atlas hills and valleys of Ouirgane or the nearby reservoir or relax and enjoy the peace and beauty around you.
3	5	Taxi transfer (4hrs) across the Tiz n'Test, a spectacular mountain pass in the High Atlas, stop off at the Tin Mal (1153-54) - a traditional twelfth century Almohad mosque before descending into the Souss Valley and the walled town of Taroudant.
4		Visit the two local souks, the Arab craft market and the Berber market, among the best in Morocco, climb the ramparts, take a caleche ride around the city walls or hire some bikes to explore the town.**
5		Day trip to Berber villages of the High Atlas. The excursion takes in 3 villages each of which depends for its livelihood on 3 different products: honey, pottery and olive oil. It includes opportunities to visit local people’s homes to see bread making, their livestock, their lifestyle and to eat a delicious vegetarian tagine, scooped up by freshly baked bread.**
6		Day trip to Tioute Oasis and Anti-atlas Mountains. This excursion takes you through savannah-like and irrigated landscapes on the edge of the Souss Valley to an oasis on the northern edge of the Anti Atlas mountains. During the trip you are likely to see the strange sight of goats grazing in the native argan trees. Visit a women’s cooperative where there is a chance to purchase high quality organic products including argan oil which is unique to this region.**
7		Visit to the Taroudant souk. Have a cookery lesson and/or language lesson, or alternatively visit the Palais Salam to swim or take an additional excursion**
8	3	Taxi transfer to Marrakech (3.5hrs), afternoon visit to the souks and evening visit to the main Place Jemma de Fna.
9		Visit the historic sites Saadian Tombs, Badii Palace, Bahia Palace and museums Maison Tiskiwine and Musee de Marrakech, take lunch in the main square (a guide can be arranged).
10		Visit the Agdal Gardens and Yves St Laurents Majorelle Gardens (via Caleche optional) and shop for Moroccan handicrafts at one of the Centre Artisanal's (A guide can be arranged).
11		Depending on flight times visit the Mellah and the tanneries (a guide can be arranged) and taxi transfer to airport.

Pricing: * Based on 2 persons sharing (B&B), excl. flights, staying at Chez Momo (Ouirgane), Naturally Morocco Guest House (Taroudant), and Riad Alwachma, (Marrakech) - budget accommodation; Naturally Morocco can offer a range of alternatives if required. Price varies by room, season and exchange rate.

Transport options: Car (self-drive or with driver); coach from Taroudant to Marrakech possible. All travel times are approximate.

Extension options: Imlil in the High Atlas, and/ or Essaouira, or Tafraoute and Mirleft.

Activity options: ** The timings of these excursions and activities may vary.

A range of additional day excursions and experiences from Taroudant are also available from our Real Morocco Programme. Trekking on foot, horse, camel or mountain bike is available in the High Atlas, and day excursions from Marrakech.

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

Duration: 10 -14 Nights

Ouirgane

A Berber village situated in a scenic bowl-shaped valley in the High Atlas Mountains some 90 minutes south west of Marrakech, Ouirgane buzzes with activity on Thursdays when Berber families flock down from the mountains by donkey for the weekly souk. It has become a very popular base for day walks into the Tassa Ouirgane National Park and longer treks to Jbel Toubkal and Amizmiz areas.

Taroudant

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 and is an ideal base from which to explore Berber countryside.

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.

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