Atlas Panorama

Fly to Marrakech. Transfer to start hotel.

*Mogador Opera or similar*

Day 2

The day is spent in the 'Red City' of Marrakech where we can soak up the
atmosphere of the towns maze of bustling bazaars, palaces and mosques. In the
morning we have a guided tour to orientate ourselves and the afternoon is
free for individual sightseeing. You can choose whether to brave the haggling
of the souks, visit the more peaceful Jardin Majorelle or relax in one of the
hammam steam baths.

In the evening we visit the Djemma el-Fna, the open-air central square around
which Marrakech revolves. The name literally means 'place of death' as it was
the place where the Sultans used to display the heads of their enemies. Now,
with the snake charmers, juice-sellers, travelling musicians, acrobats and
food stalls it is a place of entertainment for both locals and visitors.
*Mogador Opera or similar*

Day 3

Today we drive into the High Atlas Mountains. The road up to the mountains is
a real switchback but very scenic. Eventually we cross the Tizi'n'Tichka
which, at 2260m, is the highest road pass in Morocco. This is a narrow range
of mountains and we soon drop into the gorge on the other side. It is here
that we turn off into a wide valley towards Telouet where we stop to take a
look at the Kasbah. This amazing fortress/palace was the stronghold of the
Glaoui clan until the late fifties. On their downfall they dispersed and the
castle fell into disrepair. Consequently, we can now only look at this
labyrinthine mass from the outside.

From here we travel on to Anmiter where we have lunch before walking gently
uphill for an hour to our riad through lush farm land of fruits, nuts and
vegetables (our luggage will be transported to the village for us).

*Riad Bouchahoud*

Day 4

A moderate 6-hour loop through the Tizi'n'Ourghsan and back down the Ouarikt
River to the village. Starting in the terraced fields of Ouarikt we climb up
through the high summer pastures to reach the Col with fantastic views of the
Ouarikt Gorge. After a relaxing lunch close to a waterfall we follow the
river's route back to the village
*Riad Bouchahoud*

Day 5

Leaving the riad and heading around the back of Mt n'Oughlagal (2600m), we
are met with fantastic views of the valley before arriving back at the gite
in time for a late lunch. Please note that the hike includes a scramble along
a steep sandy section of trail which can be a bit more challenging and is
especially tricky in wet weather conditions. The rest of the afternoon to
explore the village, take a short a walk or relax with a book on the large
terrace overlooking the Tijhza valley. 

On our return, we will visit the village hammam, built with money raised by
our passengers. This is a truly authentic and enjoyable experience. It is
very much a local hammam and you are likely to get the opportunity to mix
with the villagers, which further adds to the experience. A standard
treatment is included, but you will need to purchase a scrubber and soap for
20MAD (£1.50) plus customary tip of 20MAD. Refreshed, we return to the riad
for our final dinner in the mountains

*Riad Bouchahoud or similar
*

Day 6

A longer, harder day includes a visit to the beautiful Lake Tamda, strikingly
azure against the stark white-rock scenery. This lake is almost a kilometre
long, lying between the impressive peaks of Jebel Anghomar and Jebel Tamda.
In the afternoon we retrace our steps to our start point. If the leader
feels that this walk is beyond the capabilities of the majority of the group,
a shorter day along the same route will be planned. 

*Riad Bouchahoud*

Day 7

We say goodbye to Tijhza and return to Marrakech by lunchtime leaving the
afternoon free for more sightseeing such as Menara Gardens or some last
minute shopping. Alternatively, you may decide to relax in the hotel and
enjoy the swimming pool.

*Mogador Opera or similar*

Day 8

For those on group flights, these depart Marrakech in the morning and arrive
in the UK the same day.
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