MOROCCO WOMEN'S ADVENTURE ITINERARY:
DAY 1 - Arrival in Fès; easy city walk
We meet at 9:00 am for an introductory meeting at our
opulent hotel, an authentic princely palace bordering the medina
(old city), Fès-El Bali. We depart on foot from the hotel for a
fascinating glimpse into one of the most complete medieval
cities in the world.
The country’s second largest city, Fès remains the most
important intellectual, cultural, and religious center. Its
university is one of the world’s oldest, its handicrafts the
finest, and its monuments are among the most impressive.
Highlights include the Kairaouine Mosque, and Medersas (medieval
colleges) Es Seffarine, El Attarin, and Bou Inania. We also
visit the Nejjarine Fountain, famous for its ornate mosaics,the
metal workers quarter and dyers quarter, where we have a
birdseye view of the tanneries. We will have an opportunity to
shop the souks for crafts such as jewelry, pottery, and
djellabas (the traditional dress). We lunch in the heart of the
medina on traditional Moroccan fare, and continue our walking
tour through the Jewish quarter, or Mellah, and to the Royal
Palace. A visit to a women’s cooperative specializing in the art
of iron forging (a contribution to which is made on behalf of
each guest on this tour) is a highlight of our day.
We return to the hotel late afternoon, and depart early evening
for a welcome dinner at an exquisite 300-year-old private home
where we feast on authentic cuisine and are treated to a special
evening of belly dancing and the ancient art of henna tattoo.
Hotel Palais Jamaï, Fès
DAY 2 - Immouzer du Kandar and Aït Saleh; 6-8 miles, easy to
moderate; transfer to Ifrane
We bid farewell to Fès this morning following breakfast and
trade our city shoes for hiking boots as we depart by minibus
for the Middle Atlas. Immouzer du Kandar is a one-hour transfer
from Fès, and the first hills that we encounter as we travel
south appear strangely un-Moroccan. Covered in forests of cork
oak and giant cedar, the Middle Atlas is beautiful and
surprisingly untouristed.
Our walk begins at the town’s central square, site of its weekly
souk (market), and continues along the red track, which takes
its name from the intense color of the earth. The initial
portion involves a 30-minute climb, followed by rewarding views
to Immouzer below and Salab (Arabic for happy) mountain which
lies before us. We make our way through more verdant countryside
dotted with springs, and encounter semi-nomadic Berber men,
women, and children gathering cedar branches for trade or as
fuel for their homes. We also pass farmers who continue to use
traditional methods, cultivating a variety of crops from turnips
to lentils.
The countryside offers continuous surprises as we follow mule
paths into an almost lunar landscape that shifts from yellow to
brown to red. We enjoy a picnic lunch, possibly shared in the
company of some of the local Berbers. After lunch, there is an
optional 2-mile walk around Daet Aoua Lake, and those who wish
may continue by minibus to Ifrane, the distinctly
French-influenced alpine village built during colonial rule, and
our home for the next two nights. Our hotel, located in the town
center, is modest but comfortable, and there is time to unwind
with a Moroccan beer or a glass of mint tea before dinner.
Le Grand Hotel, Ifrane
DAY 3 - Ifrane and Zaouia Moulay Abdessalam; 6-8 miles, easy
to moderate
After breakfast we drive approximately 30 minutes to Zaouia
Moulay Abdessalam, a Berber village from where we begin our
walk. This morning, we trace a path through cultivated farmland
followed by forests of cork oak, pine, and cedar. We may stop at
the edge of the cedar forest, a unique habitat whose verdant
atmosphere contrasts starkly with the surrounding aridity and
barrenness of the the Middle Atlas range, to catch a glimpse of
the Barbary apes often found feeding along the forest margins.
Their name belies the size of these shy animals and any
excessive intrusion is likely to be met with a retreat to the
lofty sanctuary of the treetops. After approximately three
hours, we stop to enjoy a picnic. Following lunch, there is the
choice to transfer to the hotel in our minibus, or to continue
back on foot.
There may be time to stroll through the town or relax at the
hotel before reuniting for another authentic meal. Le
Grand Hotel, Ifrane
DAY 4 - Travel day to Erfoud; Midelt and Er Rachidia
Following breakfast we embark on a picturesque journey,
crossing passes over both the Middle and High Atlas ranges to
catch our first glimpse of the South’s incredible pisé (mud and
straw) architecture. After 2 ½ hours we reach Midelt, approached
through a bleak plain of scrub and desert. The dramatic peaks of
the High Atlas (12,000 ft peak of Jebel Ayachi), rising behind
the town, provide a spectacular backdrop. We stop to stretch our
legs and explore the town’s center. We depart Midelt, most
famous for its high quality Berber carpets, woven in the Middle
Atlas and sold at the weekly souk, and continue south along a
striking route that marks the transition to the desert. This
area was notorious for raids upon caravans and travelers carried
out by the Aït Haddidou, a nomadic Berber tribe, fear of whom
led the main spring along this route to be known as Ain Khrob ou
Hrob (drink and flee).
After crossing one of the lower mountain passes, the Tizi
n’Talrhmeht (Pass of the She-Camel), we descend into a desert
plain, beyond which we encounter the first of many ksar
(fortified strongholds) that dot the landscape along the Oued
Ziz (Gazelle River). We stop for lunch in Er Rachidia, named for
the 17th-century Alaouite leader Moulay Rachid. It is late
afternoon by the time we reach our final destination of Erfoud,
an administrative and garrison town built by the French to
maintain control over the Tafilalt tribes of this oasis region.
Our hotel is located just outside town, and is fashioned after
the local kasbahs. Upon check-in, there is time to relax or swim
in the outdoor pool before dinner. Hotel Kenzi Belère,
Erfoud
DAY 5 - Rissani, Merzouga; 4-miles, easy walk, and 1½-hour
camel trek
This morning we explore the ksour and kasbahs of Rissani.
The first capital of the Tafilalt and the last stop on the
caravan routes south, Rissani has a special place in Moroccan
lore. It was here that the ruling Alaouite dynasty (from whom
Morocco’s current ruler, Mohammed VI, is a descendant) launched
its bid for power before triumphing finally in Fès and Marrakesh.
We pass through the town’s famous gates coming into contact with
school children who enthusiastically greet every tourist in
French, and pass women dressed in the traditional black djellaba
(hooded robe) carrying fresh baked bread atop their heads. Our
walk takes us to a number of surprisingly ornate mud and straw
structures, including the 19th-century royal Ksar d’Akbar, the
Ksar Oualed Abd el-Helim, and Zaouiet El Maati. Today, a quarter
of Rissani’s population still inhabit a large 17th-century ksar
in the center of town.
Following lunch, we embark on a one-hour transfer, trading our
minibus for Land Rovers, as we travel to Merzouga. The Erg
Chebbi (literally, veins of Chebbi) are one of the greatest
sights of Morocco. This is a magical landscape, with huge
drifting expanses of sand dunes reaching heights of more than
150 feet. Their color shifts from pink to gold to red to white
depending on the time of day.
After a sunset camel trek, we are treated to a gourmet meal
accompanied by traditional musical entertainment. Before
retiring to our tents we may wish to linger under the
mesmerizing star-filled sky. Tented Camp, Merzouga
DAY 6 - Travel day to Ouarzazate; 1½-hour sunrise camel trek
and Todra Gorge
We rise early in the crisp desert air to find our camels saddled
and ready for a sunrise trek. Guided by the Tuareg nomads or
“blue-men” (descendants of the Berbers named for the indigo-dyed
taguelmoust (scarf) they wear), we traverse gently sloping
dunes, dismount, and hike up to watch the sunrise. From
seemingly out of nowhere, a magical ball of fire quickly peeks
over the horizon to meet our gaze before stretching itself out
against an intense blue sky. We descend from our perch, remount
our camels, and return for a breakfast of steaming hot coffee,
fresh-baked bread, and fruit.
The road west to Ouarzazate, today’s final destination, is
marked by one of the harshest and most desolate of the southern
valleys, The Dadès. Along much of its length, the river is
barely visible above ground, and the road and plain are hemmed
in between the parallel ranges of the High Atlas and the Djebel
Sarhro, broken, black-red volcanic rock and limestone pinnacles.
This makes the oases, when they appear, all the more impressive.
After a two-hour transfer by minibus, we reach the bustling town
of Tinerhir and the spectacular Todra Gorge. En route to the
gorge proper, the road climbs along the Todra palmery (a last
fertile shaft of land with date palms, terraces of olive,
pomegranate, almond and fruit trees, with grain and vegetable
crops planted beneath), narrowing at points to a ribbon of palms
between the cliffs. There are more or less continuous villages,
all of them the pink-grey color of the local rock, and the ruins
of kasbahs and ksour dotting the surrounding area. The narrowest
point is also the most dramatic, with canyon walls rising over
900 feet on both sides. Time permitting, we may stop to explore
the gorge before lunch.
We continue our travels past the town of El Kelaâ M’Gouna,
renowned for the cultivation of pink Persian roses, which
according to legend were brought from Persepolis by the
Phoenicians. We arrive in the early evening at our hotel,
modeled after the famous kasbahs and ksour that adorn this
region and providing all the amenities of a first-class hotel.
Le Berbère Palace, Ouarzazate
DAY 7 - Tasslmant to Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou; 6-8 miles, easy
to moderate
Ouarzazate is another garrison and administrative center built
by the French. As the gateway to the south, its biggest draw is
the kasbahs that lie outside of town. After a copious buffet
breakfast, we embark on a 30-minute drive to the village of
Tasslmant, where we begin a four-hour walk (along the dry river
beds or rivers—depending upon the season) to the magnificent
Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou. Piled upon a dark shaft of rock, its
collection of kasbahs are among the most elaborately decorated
and best preserved. Restoration has been carried out under
UNESCO auspices.
We have lunch in a restaurant overlooking this famous kasbah and
return to Ouarzazate where there are several afternoon options.
Some guests may choose to join a two-hour walk to the Kasbah
Tifltout. Others may wish to visit the Kasbah of Taorirt, a
ten-minute walk from our hotel, and a former Glaoui dynasty
stronghold that was once the largest of all Moroccan kasbahs.
Ouarzazate also offers good shopping opportunities with outdoor
souks as well as small boutiques.
This evening we reunite for a buffet dinner served on the
outdoor terrace of our hotel. Le Berbère Palace, Ouarzazate
DAY 8 - Transfer to Ouirgane; 5 miles, easy to moderate
This morning we travel to the High Atlas, to an area known
for breathtaking views of Jbel Toubkal (the highest peak in
North Africa at 13,650 feet). Our drive takes us over the Tizi
n’Tichka pass. At approximately 7,230 feet, it is the highest
mountain pass in the country. Once we reach the summit, a
remarkable scene unveils; the lunar landscape of the Anti-Atlas
and desert to the south give way to green fields and dense
woods. The landscape continues to be a source of awe and
inspiration as we travel through country marked by steep-sided
valleys adorned with flat-topped Berber villages that seem to
dangle from hillsides. Green-stepped terraces are scattered
throughout, cultivated by Berbers whose traditions have changed
little over the centuries.
We stop for a scenic picnic lunch followed by a three-hour walk.
Today’s walk follows an easy dirt path along dry river beds into
a landscape that is reminiscent of the American Southwest. We
continue past dramatic pinkish red sandstone formations,
traversing villages that take their names from the salt mines
that dot this valley to our charming retreat. Roses adorn the
grounds of our hotel, which also features a swimming pool,
hammam (Turkish bath), and horseback riding. There is time to
relax before dinner in the hotel’s restaurant, famous for its
cuisine, which incorporates fresh produce grown on the premises.
Hotel La Roseraie, Ouirgane
DAY 9 - Ouirgane Valley: Agni-Anghaz; 5-8 miles easy to
moderate (1000 ft elevation gain)
After a leisurely breakfast, we depart on foot from our hotel
for the neighboring village of Agni. Crossing pine tree forest,
our trail climbs gradually, bringing us to an area with
wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. We stop for
lunch, followed by a visit to the local Jewish synagogue. We
return on foot to our hotel, through a landscape dotted with
olive, walnut, and plum trees. Some may choose to spend the
remainder of the afternoon relaxing at the hotel, while others
may opt for a horseback ride, massage, or the unique experience
of the hammam. We gather this evening for another sampling of
our restaurant’s renowned specialties.Hotel La Roseraie,
Ouirgane
DAY 10 - Ouirgane Valley and Tin Mal Mosque; 4 miles, easy to
moderate
Following a poolside buffet breakfast, we drive 45 minutes
to Ijoukak, the starting point for today’s walk. It is an easy
four-mile walk along the Oued Nfiss to the isolated village of
Tin Mal. Here we enjoy stunning views of the surrounding valley
and the High Atlas as we explore one of the most secluded
historic sites in Morocco, the Tin Mal Mosque. This impressive
structure, the spiritual home of Morocco’s third dynasty, was
built in 1156 by the Berber Almohads in honor of their founding
father. It was from this area that the Almohads worked to place
Morocco and Spain under their control late in the 12th century.
We return to the hotel for a cooking lesson with a professor
from Marrakesh, who shares her special recipe for Berber tagine
as well as her insight into women’s issues in Morocco.
Afterward, those who wish to avail themselves of the spa
services may do so, or you may choose to relax in the rose
gardens before we reunite for another inviting dinner. Hotel La
Roseraie, Ouirgane
DAY 11 - Transfer to Marrakesh. Marrakesh city tour
We depart after breakfast for a 1½-hour drive to the
red-earthed walls and palm-lined streets of Marrakesh. It is a
vibrant city, unmistakably African in feel, and very different
from that of its counterparts north. At the heart of it all is
the square Djemaa El Fna (literally, Assembly of the Dead)
perhaps the greatest open-air theater in the world where snake
charmers, storytellers, and acrobats all compete for attention.
We begin with a guided visit to some of the major attractions
including the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque, the Palais de la
Bahia, and the Maison Tiskiwin, home to a fine collection of
items related to Moroccan rural culture and society. We take a
break for lunch at a popular local restaurant. After lunch, we
return to the Place Djemaa El Fna, where you are free to explore
the souks and take in some of the activities from a balcony seat
at one of the upstairs cafés. Afterward, we check into our
hotel, a deluxe property situated in the heart of the city with
beautiful gardens and a swimming pool. There is time to relax or
swim before our farewell feast at a special restaurant tucked
away in the medina. Sofitel Marrakech, Marrakesh
DAY 12 - Departure from Marrakesh
This morning we wake to the call of the muezzin, by now both
familiar and soothing. After breakfast, you are free to continue
your exploration of Marrakesh or depart at your leisure for your
next destination.
Itinerary Changes: Please bear in mind that this is
a typical itinerary, and the actual walks and sites may vary due
to season, special events, or weather. We reserve the right to
alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a
year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate
change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour
and your experience.
A word about walking mileage: Though we have
outlined average lengths of the walks, it is very important to
keep in mind that we are not walking on flat, paved surfaces.
Most of the trails in the Atlas Mountains are on uneven paths,
often mule paths, which may have rocks, pebbles, and roots
strewn along the way. It is important that you prepare for this
trip by walking on varied terrain. Please also note that some of
the walks (days 1, 5, 6, and 11) have a cultural emphasis and
are through towns, kasbahs, and medinas (ancient cities).
A word about accommodations: This tour includes a
wide variety of accommodations. They range from a five-star
deluxe hotel to a basic, but comfortable tent erected on a
permanent site. Please be assured that we have chosen the
accommodations that are the best in the area given the other
priorities of the tour (walks, access to the desert, location,
etc.). In Morocco, the hotel ratings are slightly different from
the European system. A five-star deluxe hotel in Morocco is the
highest, with a regular five star being equivalent to most
European four-star hotels. A lot of emphasis is placed on public
areas at Moroccan hotels. The lobbies are ornate, often adorned
with fountains and exquisite mosaic tiles. The rooms may be
somewhat smaller than some may be accustomed to, but are
individually appointed with private baths, TVs, and telephones.
While staying in the desert for one night, you are at a
permanent tented camp. Individual tents (for 1 to 2 guests) are
complete with mattresses, sheets, and wool blankets. Private
bathrooms are not available at the campsite. Toilets and showers
are located within a two-minute walk from the tents. Hot water
may be limited at the camp, and the electricity is provided by a
generator that is turned off around 9:00 pm. (It’s a good idea
to bring a flashlight for this evening.) While we feel the
lodgings on this tour are unique and special, they may not meet
everyone’s specifications. If you have any questions or concerns
about the accommodations on this tour we encourage you to call
our office.
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