Itinerary Include flights Expand all Day 1 Fly to Marrakech Fly to Marrakech, transfer to hotel. Evening briefing Driving time: 20 minutes Riad Hamdane or similar Day 2 Through the High Atlas Mountains to Ait Benhaddou With time to explore Marrakech at the end of our journey, we leave the Red City behind and head east into the Atlas Mountains. Our destination for the day is the well-preserved Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most spectacular sights of the Atlas Mountains, made famous as the filming location for several Hollywood films including 'Gladiator'. The route takes us over Tizi N Tichka pass, the highest in Morocco, arriving mid-afternoon. We will then have time for a walk around the town before dinner. Marrakech –Ait Ben Hadou: 190 km with 4h30min Drive Ksar el janoub or similar Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 3 Walk in the Todgha Gorges Leaving after breakfast we drive approximately 4 hours on from Ait Benhaddou to reach the Todgha Gorge. A canyon in the eastern part of the High Atlas Mountains, 15 miles long and over 1,000m high. On arrival we take lunch and then have a two hour walk, starting in the Todgha Valley before heading into the gorge itself. The walk is not challenging and the natural rock walls of the canyon provide shade from the Moroccan sun. Overnight at our hotel in the valley. Ait Ben Hadou –Tinghir: 210 km 4h Drive Hotel Taborihte or Similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 4 Through the Ziz Valley to Midelt Our journey today takes us on one of the smaller passes across the Atlas Mountains to the town of Midelt, a remote settlement still quite new to Morocco's tourist map. The pass takes us through the beautiful Ziz Valley, with its lush palmeries and dramatic mountain views. The town itself is populated largely by Berber people, but was settled by the French at the beginning of the 20th century. It was the second town, after Casablanca to get electricity in the country.On arrival we'll have some free time to explore the town with a stop for tea and cakes with a local family. Tinghir –Midelt: 270km, 5h30 drive Hotel Taddart or Similar Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 5 Across the Middle Atlas range to Fez Today we cross the Middle Atlas Mountains. Although not as high as the High Atlas, the range is surprisingly lush containing forests of oak and cedar as well as large swaths of fertile land used for growing all manner of fruits, nuts and cereals. En route we will stop in the small town of Ifran known for its distinctive European architecture, looking more like it belongs in the Alps than the Atlas.On arrival in Fez we should have a some free time before we enjoy a traditional Pastilla dinner, a famous dish from this region of Morocco, at a nearby restaurant. Midelt – Fes: 210 km, 4h30 drive Riad Tafilalet or Similar Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 6 Full day in Fez This fascinating city is the intellectual and religious centre of Morocco. Founded over a thousand years ago, Fez has many mosques and medersas (theological colleges) including the 9th century al-Karaouine University, whose architecture is very similar to that seen in Moorish Spain. The medina in Fez is one of the largest in the world, an immense and confusing warren of souks home to thousands of craftsmen with their tiny shops opening onto the narrow alleyways. Noisy and pungent, the medina of Fez is a totally absorbing and unique experience. Our city guide walks us through different sections of the souk - from those selling leather to brass, copper and ceramics. And of course, no visit to Fez is complete without a visit to the tanneries. Outside the medina we shall visit the Jewish District (mellah), the exterior of the Royal Palace and drive to a panoramic viewpoint over the medina. Riad Tafilalet or Similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 7 Volubilis, Moulay Idriss & Meknes After breakfast we travel to Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, housing the largest and best preserved Roman ruins in North Africa. Despite the damage caused by the 1755 earthquake, this important Roman town managed to retain some detailed and very beautiful mosaics. Our next destination is the sacred hilltop town of Moulay Idriss. Once off limits to non-Muslims, the picturesque medina offers an excellent insight into traditional Moroccan life. We will visit a family with whom we will share a lunch of home-cooked couscous. In the afternoon we travel to Meknes, our next imperial city, where we enjoy a walking tour of this former capital, including the impressive gate with its arches of mosaic tiles. Overnight in imperial Meknes. Fes –Volubilis – Meknes: 110 km, 2h30 min drive (1h15 visit volubilis) Riad D’or or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 8 Transfer to Bin Louidane We break our journey to Marrakech in the small town of Bin Louidane. The ride from Meknes takes us on a different road across the Middle Atlas mountain range. On arrival there will be time to enjoy a gentle walk around the lake, a contrasting experience in a country so famous for its dry desert landscape. In the evening we will enjoy a barbecue dinner in the garden of our gite; Dar L'eau Vive on the banks of the river. Meknes—Mrirt—Bin EL ouidan: 310 km, 6h drive Gite L’eau Vivre or similar Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 9 Bin Louidane to Marrakech; guided city tour From Bin Louidane we continue south to Marrakech, our final imperial city and one of Morocco's most popular and historical destinations. Here we enjoy a guided tour to help us find our feet and soak up the atmosphere of this amazing city. Our guide will take us to the Bahia Palace, the Saadian tombs, ending in Djemma el Fna, where the town becomes a maze of bustling bazaars, palaces and mosques. It is also worth seeing at night when this renowned landmark really comes to life, with the food stalls, snake charmers, juice-sellers and acrobats. It is a place of night-time entertainment for both local people and tourists, not to be missed. Bin EL Ouidan – Marrakech: 190 km, 3h30 min. Riad Hamdane or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 10 Fly to London Meals included: Breakfast
Morocco There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Tetanus, Typhoid and Hepatitis A.
Riad, Hotel and Gite You will spend 5 nights in historic premium riads in all three imperial cities that we visit. These small boutique guest houses offer tranquil, authentic stay in the heart of the city. In the mountains and Midelt we stay in small comfortable hotels, while in Ben Louidane we stay in a gite on the banks of the river, what this property lacks in luxuries is more than made up for by the friendly welcome, barbecue food and beautiful, tranquil setting.
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Reviewed April 2019 Vivienne LOWERY Trip: Mountains and Imperial Cities Imperial Morocco is a great country with lovely people. Marrakesh and Fez were the highlights. Our guide, Mohammed, was excellent. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The tanning in Fez. It made you realise how lucky you are! What did you think of your group leader? He was amazing, very knowledgable and kind. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be aware there are long days in the minibus.
Reviewed April 2019 Vivienne LOWERY Trip: Mountains and Imperial Cities Imperial Morocco is a great country with lovely people. Marrakesh and Fez were the highlights. Our guide, Mohammed, was excellent. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The tanning in Fez. It made you realise how lucky you are! What did you think of your group leader? He was amazing, very knowledgable and kind. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be aware there are long days in the minibus.
Reviewed April 2019 Alys Shale Trip: Mountains and Imperial Cities A great trip This was our first trip with Exodus and we thoroughly enjoyed it. We chose this particular tour as it included fewer big cities and more of the Atlas mountains, which we were keen to experience and the smaller group size of 16 was certainly an important factor. There were quite a few long minibus journeys but we were prepared for that. However, the scenery was wonderful and the riads/hotels sometimes a bit flakey but fine! Our guide was good with a great sense of humour, and we met a friendly and fun group of people. All in all, a good tour and we shall be considering Exodus for our future adventures. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Travelling across the mountains and seeing the valleys below, lush and green, quite a shock from the desert we might have expected. What did you think of your group leader? Good fun and well organised. Took good care of us all. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be aware that there are some long road journeys. The minibus seats 16 - the back row is raised and the front row is very close to the driver's bench seat, so leg-room is limited and uncomfortable for taller people. This also means that the shorter amongst us have to be in the back row more often, and it can be difficult to see out.
Reviewed January 2019 Janet Godwin Trip: Mountains and Imperial Cities Multi coloured Morocco... Could not fault the tour. Wonderful experience, excellent tour guide Yeoseff and driver Mohammed. An absolute assault on the senses. Crossed a variety of terrain: gorges, dessert, oasis, mountains, plains, dams, lakes, villages, towns, Medina's, souks... Never boring. Temps cold in mornings and high in afternoon made an interesting challenge.The pretty constant lack of hot water and completely erratic heating was counteracted with a warm welcome and absolute charm everywhere we went. If you are travelling in January take your thermals! It was very humbling to be cheerfully offered tea and cakes by a Berber mother with a babe on her back who had just hauled water up the mountain on a donkey and entertained by her son spinning his prize possession a spinning top. The house was freezing but her and her son's smile electric. We should all be thankful for what we have. Thank you for such a mind blowing and beautiful holiday. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Walk across dessert to Berber village. What did you think of your group leader? Fantastic, calm, professional, unflappable and constantly charming and vigilant. Thank you. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Check the weather, take thermals if winter. Don't grouse about lack of water n heat, go with the flow. Don't suspect the lovely Moroccoans, it's very safe and the hospitality amazing. Don't expect high quality food but there is no lack of it. Everything is carbohydrate heavy and they may not drink but their drug of choice is sugar!!! Is there anything else you would like to add? Just go it's a magical place.
Reviewed January 2019 Anne Duffield Trip: Mountains and Imperial Cities Mountains and Imperial Cities Good trip, great leader, lots to see and do. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Meeting Fatima on Xmas day for lunch... just what i needed in an alternative xmas! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? It can get really cold in the Winter!! Pack accordingly!
Reviewed November 2018 William Stewart Trip: Mountains and Imperial Cities Great A good trip, with a stop and go tour around the Atlas and cities (Fes, Meknes, Marrackech). Some walking was included which was wonderful (more even better). Alot of distance covered with different countryside and places. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Volubilis visit What did you think of your group leader? Great
Reviewed April 2018 GILL BLACKGROVE Trip: Mountains and Imperial Cities A great week af culture and long journeys The trip involves a lot of travel, but the Sahara and Gite experiences were worth it. Take the itinerary with a small pinch of salt [which the food also needs] and enjoy the experience. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? sleeping out under the Sahara stars, with Bedouin musicians softly drumming me to sleep. I loved the gite too - Walking up to the gite, especially along the river and seeing the villages as we walked. I chose not to go on any walk and enjoyed relaxing in the superb views - the 3-4 hour walk came back in 5 hours...... I enjoyed the ad-hoc school visit too. Ait Ben Haddou at sunset was beautiful What did you think of your group leader? Abdul was fun and funny - though his timings and distances were more Moroccan than British. the Hamman at the gite was "just next door" and turned out to be 10 minutes up a very narrow rocky pathway - hazardous as we came down in pitch dark, some people in flip flops. He was full of enthusiasm and organised us well. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? ITINERARY - go with the flow as far as itinerary and trip notes and timing are concerned. MONEY - We arrived on a Saturday and could change no money until Monday, so I'd advise you to change some money at least on arrival or before you travel. I also lost £150 somewhere between arrival and Ouerzazete [day 1 and day 2] - could have been carelessness, but it was probably stolen. No ATM anywhere would give me money, so I had to borrow. Although we ladies had a huge hilarious laugh at the hammam experience, I'd not do it again - I can scrub myself thank you and am not one who enjoys the stripping off / manhandling experience. Is there anything else you would like to add? there is no formal visit and hand-over of the "pack with a purpose" goods listed in the trip notes. We did visit a school classroom - all very last minute as we passed, and handed over the pens, cards etc. I had packed some gloves and paint brushes which weren't all that appropriate to the school's needs. Expect very ordinary food [ chicken or lamb stew] and a carb overload. Vegetarians beware - there is no understanding of the concept and our vegetarian was expected to fish out the vegetables from the chicken tagine. The alternative is omelette 3 times a day. this is a great trip, slightly whirlwind trip and if you are prepared to be flexible you will love it.
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