ATLAS PANORAMA

Itinerary

• Flight Inclusive itinerary
• Land Only itinerary

Day 1

Fly to Marrakech.

Day 2

The day is spent in the 'pink city' of Marrakech where we can soak up its atmosphere and setting, with views of the snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas. The town is a maze of bustling bazaars, palaces and mosques. In the morning we have a guided tour to get the feel of the place. 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 can 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, water-sellers, travelling musicians, acrobats and food stalls it is an entertaining and colourful experience for both Moroccan and overseas visitors.

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 visit the kasbah. This amazing fortress/palace was the stronghold of the Glaoui clan until the late 'fifties. From their mountain eyrie the tentacles of their power spread out, not only across Morocco, but also to shake European politics. On their downfall, they were dispersed and the castle fell into disrepair, but we can explore a small section of its labyrinthine mass. From here we push on to Anmiter where we have lunch before walking gently uphill for an hour to our Gîte (bags are transported). Late in the afternoon there's the option to walk up to a rocky viewpoint overlooking the hills surrounding Tijhza gîte.

Day 4 - 6

Today we could attempt a longer harder day with a visit to the very beautiful Lake Tamda, an azure lake amidst stark white-rock scenery. This lake is almost a kilometre long between the impressive peaks of Jebel Anghomar and Jebel Tamda. In the afternoon we return by the same route. If the leader feels that this walk is beyond the capabilities of the majority of the group, a shorter day on the same route will be planned.

Day 7

We say goodbye to Tijhza gîte and return to Marrakech by lunchtime leaving the afternoon free for more sightseeing or last minute shopping.

Day 8

Finish after breakfast. Fly to London.