An early arrival is recommended in Marrakech to explore this wonderful city. During our planned sightseeing we visit gardens, mosques, palaces, and the souqs of the old Medina before reaching the humming centre of Marrakesh: the Djemaa el-Fna. The atmosphere of this square is overwhelming with its jumble of food stalls, snake charmers, fortune and storytellers and the wide variety of people that flock to its attractions. We return in the evening, when the square really comes alive. It is a must to taste the many wonderful dishes on offer at the stalls.

Today is completely at leisure. The guide can provide plenty of suggestions as to how to best fill your day, or you may simply choose relaxation by the hotel pool. You will also be given your kit bag including your sleeping bag to pack your gear for the trek. During the evening we have arranged for dinner at a prestigious Riad: an ornately decorated house that displays craftsmanship indicative of the Moroccans' passion for detail, and where fine food, wine and skilled belly dancers enrich our last evening in Marrakech.

Meeting up with the porters and their mules we begin our trek, passing through Tassa National Park. As we walk up the Azzadene Valley we pass small villages shaded by walnut and apple trees, plots of maize and stone walls with beautiful yellow pumpkin flowers creeping over.  Overnight in a Berber house at Tiziane (1600m).

Leaving Tiziane via Tizi N'Touati (2100m) we ascend for 3 hours to reach the Tassaka Plateau passing holm oaks and junipers. Tonight we camp near Tizgui at Azib Assoul.

We ascend steeply from Tizgui towards the Tizi N'Tagoudalte pass at 2700m where we will be rewarded with fine views. Our gradual descent to Tizi Oussem, passes through alpine areas overgrown with beautiful wildflowers: campanulas, red poppies, iris, walls of violets,
various herbs and small succulents. Overnight at the village in a Berber house where you may have the option to enjoy a private hammam, local bath to wash away three days trekking.

Leaving Tizi Oussem, we continue to climb up the Azzadene Valley catching glimpses of the snowcapped Atlas Mountains. Taking lunch at
Cascade d'Irhoulidene, we continue to wind our way up the mountain until we reach our accommodation for the night at a mountain refuge.

Today we cross the impressive and remote Tizi n'Ougalzim (3700m), a steep and rocky pass that zigzags its way steadily up, rewarding us with magnificent views. (There is also an optional climb of Mount Bignousseen 4005m). Upon reaching the top we see the next challenge
awaiting us: Mount Toubkal. We descend to our campsite below and depending on the rains enjoy the waterfalls and pools that the river offers us.

We have an early start for our attempt on Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak. The summit of Toubkal is neither technical nor very demanding, and once at the summit, the views are spectacular. We may start off in the dark to avoid the midday sun and to summit in time for sunrise. If you prefer, you have the option of a rest day relaxing by the cool freshwater pools depending on the rains.

Today we walk down the valley passing through the deeply religious village of Sidi Chamarouch. This area is also rich in wildflowers and in spring we'll find the magnificent Peony Rose. We will also pass herds of goats traversing precarious mountain trails. We take lunch outside the village where we farewell our trekking crew and their mules before driving to Essaouira. 

For a change of pace we make our way to the peaceful Peninsula town of Essaouira. With its Greek-like whitewashed walls and its mixture of Portuguese, French and Berber fortifications, it has a completely different flavour to our previous destinations. Protected by the trade winds,

Essaouira is a handicraft centre, particularly for artisans working with sandal, cedar and lemon wood. We will undertake a half day tour of the city to discover all its highlights with the afternoon free to take a relaxing walk along the Atlantic coastline. Fishing is also one of the main industries of the town and the fresh catch is a specialty of the restaurants and the cheap harbour side fish markets are a must for lunch.

Day at leisure. Your guide will be able to assist with any excursions you may wish to take.

Leaving Essaouira we will travel north toward Casablanca, stopping at coastal villages where we may sample some of the local dishes and stop for a swim. On arrival in Casablanca, the rest of the day is at leisure.

Trip concludes after breakfast.