On arrival, meet with a local guide and head off for hike towards the south to the Berber village of Aroumd (Aremd) (1,843m), passing the hamlets of ait souka, Targa, and Imoula, up and down the stark slopes, the jagged Western High Atlas peaks of the Toubkal Massif before us - Jbels Aguelzim (3,547m), Aksouâl (3,847m) and the Adrar Adj (3,122m) watching us all the way. There will be a stop at Aroumd to visit this rather singular village in the Assif Aït Mizane Valley, built seemingly house upon house on a large moraine spur, overlooking ancient irrigated terraced fields of barley, corn and vegetables and always surrounded by almond and walnut trees. We will stop for lunch at local Berber family. After lunch you head back down the other side of the valley to Imlil Included Activities Atlas Mountains – Guided trek Optional Activities Atlas Mountains – Mule ride MAD100

Journey along spectacular mountain roads and over Morocco’s highest pass, the Tizi n’Tichka (2260 m) to Ait Benhaddou on the barren edges of the Sahara. Centuries ago, Ait Benhaddou was an important stop for the caravans passing through as they carried salt across the Sahara, returning with gold, ivory and slaves. Today, its grand kasbah is still one of the most beautiful in all of Morocco and a World Heritage site. This fortified village is a fine example of clay architecture and is also famous for its role on the silver screen, featuring in numerous films such as Lawrence of Arabia, The Jewel of the Nile and Gladiator. Why not join a simple cooking demonstration of Morocco’s most famous cuisine: couscous and tagine. Our local friends will explain the secrets and subtleties of these traditional meals as the ladies of the kitchen prepare a feast. Included Activities: Telouet – kasbah visit Ait Benhaddou – Kasbah guided tour Ait Benhaddou – Tawesna Tea Break Today’s driving time 4.5h

Journey south towards the mighty Sahara, stopping en route in Ouarzazate. The film capital of Morocco, Ouarzazate is the location where productions such as Lawrence of Arabia, The Sheltering Sky and Black Hawk Down were filmed. Travel through the lush Draa Valley to Zagora, home to the famous ‘Tombouctou 52 Days’ sign. Zagora is known as the ‘doors of the desert’, as it’s the last town before the Draa River. This is a palmeraie town with great pottery and ceramic workshops on the way into the desert. Take a stroll through the palm groves of Amazrou, exploring the ksars and surrounding countryside. Today’s total driving time is approximately 4.5 hours

Drive on until we reach the end of the road at the frontier town of M’Hamid, take a short camel ride, with the dunes as a magical backdrop. Head into the dunes in 4WD vehicles. Our rough piste track runs parallel to the Algerian border, across stony Hamada desert whose only populace is small scatterings of hardy nomadic people and their camels, until we reach the massive Erg Chigaga dunes in the late afternoon. Included Activities Sahara Desert – Camel Ride Sahara Desert – 4WD to Erg Chigaga dunes

Rejoin our minivan and continue towards Oulad Berhil. This drive takes us through more superb desert scenery and along a route that’s a reserve for the indigenous argan trees – if we’re lucky we might come across the famous image of goats climbing these trees in search of their tasty nuts. Please note that this is a long travel day and we won’t arrive at our accommodation until late afternoon/early evening. Our riad tonight is 45 km outside of Taroudant and offers the chance to relax by the pool. Today’s driving time is approximately 7 hours.

This morning we’ll visit Taroudant en route to Essaouira. Taroudant is a vibrant market town located in the fertile Souss plains. With an energetic, bustling city centre this is a great opportunity to see an untouched traditional Berber lifestyle. The souks of the medina teem with sights, sound and colour, with terrific bargains to be found. Leave the valleys of the magical High Atlas Mountains behind and head towards the windswept Atlantic Coast and Essaouira. The name Essaouira means image, which is appropriate since it’s such a picturesque town. Its charm is undeniable – within the stone ramparts you’ll find whitewashed houses with bright blue shutters, art galleries and wood workshops. This laidback artists’ town is a former Portuguese trading colony and was once home to sizeable British and Jewish populations. The town faces a group of rocky islands – called the Mogador – and is surrounded by an expanse of sandy beaches and dunes. Today’s driving time is approximately 4.5 hours.

Join our local guide for a walking tour through the UNESCO World Heritage medina, Jewish mellah, port and skala ramparts. You have some free time to soak up the romantic ambience. Everything in the small centre is within walking distance and the beach is clean. Wander the harbour and its adjacent fish markets where you can witness the daily auction. A freshly-cooked plate of the day’s catch is highly recommended. Browse the plentiful shops and intriguing art galleries that make this little town a particularly pleasant place to unwind for a few days. It has a growing reputation for its unique art and is becoming even more famous for its burled Thuya wood – delicately formed and inlaid in tiny shops, which are built into the thick walls of the Portuguese ramparts. The scent from the oils used to polish the richly coloured wood permeates the air and makes walking down the streets incredibly pleasant. Included Activities Essaouira – Seafood Market Lunch Essaouira – Tour leader walk

After breakfast we depart for Marrakech, On arrival, meet with a local guide and head off to the old medina through an early voyage. Our visit is at the excellent Bahia Palace, an amazing manor fabricated in way back to 1866. It was a haven of ex-slaves who had ascended to positions prominence in the management of Moulay Hassan. Our investigation leads as to the peaceful internal patios, filled with the fragrance of orange bloom, and the numerous abolition spots and salons that incorporate a homely and rich abode. This is before heading back to the Djemaa El Fna. The remnants of the day is marked by further prodding the streets and leisure shopping in the bazaars. Included Activities Marrakech – Palais El Badi Marrakech – Palais Bahia Marrakech – Medina guided walk tour Marrakech – Fresh orange juice tasting Today’s total driving time is approximately 2.5 hours.

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Marrakech. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Marrakech at any time. Alternatively, join an post-tour extension to discover more of this fascinating country’s attractions. Speak to your Tour leader about extra activities to do around Marrakech.