Marrakech & Mountains

from USD 1040 for 6 days

Visiting: Morocco

Morocco is summed up by its colourful cities and superb scenery, and on this short trip you will gain an insight into both. La Roseraie is a special mountain spa retreat with lush gardens, a pool and a health centre that is a real treat in the mountainous region of the High Atlas. There are fantastic views of the Atlas range and plenty of opportunities to hike in the area and visit local Berber villages. Added to this is the exotic city of Marrakech, where there's time to haggle for souvenirs, visit the many museums, palaces and gardens and soak up the atmosphere of Djemaa el Fna. This trip could be taken on its own as a great introduction to Morocco.

Detailed Description Show brief

Day 1 - MARRAKECH - HIGH ATLAS

On arrival you will be met and transferred to the spa retreat of La Roseraie in the High Atlas Mountains.

High Atlas Mountains
This is North Africa's greatest mountain range. It is a harsh and rugged range that is also a place of great beauty. Lush valleys full of apple, cherry and walnut trees give way to harsh, rugged landscape. All of this is overshadowed by the highest peak in North Africa – Djebel Toubkal (4,167m). These mountains provide some of the country’s finest trekking and there is a wide variety of flora and fauna to be discovered.

This area has long been inhabited by the Atlas Berbers. The Berber people were completely isolated until the early 1900s, and in some villages they still live the way they have for centuries. We spend two nights amongst these fascinating people. They have their own separate language, customs and traditions, and even their own interpretation of Islam. They build their flat-roofed earthen houses clinging to the sides of the mountains. In the valleys below they cultivate beautifully terraced gardens, fruit groves and fields of wheat, barley and vegetables amongst the rocky ground. The region is wild and harsh and the mountains are criss-crossed by mule paths that are the only access ways between villages.

La Roseraie
La Roseraie is a special mountain spa retreat with lush gardens, pool and health centre that is a real treat in this mountainous region. There are fantastic views of the Atlas range and plenty of opportunities to hike in the area and visit local Berber villages.

Day 2 - HIGH ATLAS

Wake to stunning views of the Atlas Mountains. A day to explore the surrounding mountain paths and villages. Guided walks can be arranged. (B)

Day 3 - HIGH ATLAS - MARRAKECH

A morning to relax or take further walks. In the afternoon you’ll be transferred back to Marrakech to your riad in the medina. (B)

Marrakech
Charming, chaotic and charismatic, Marrakech has a truly unique atmosphere. Heaving with activity, Djemaa el Fna, the central square, has been a meeting point for centuries. Packed full of traders, Berber musicians, acrobats, snake charmers, witch doctors, wise men, acrobats and tooth pullers, the square’s hypnotic charm will soon rub off on you. There's no better way to experience Djemaa el Fna than to sample the local specialities on offer at the night-time food stalls. With lights flickering and smoke rising, watching the hive of activity from a café is the ideal way to capture the mystical atmosphere. Marrakech has lots more to offer with souqs bursting with Moroccan crafts, the immense Koutoubia Mosque, and countless museums, palaces, gardens and cultural sites. After a hectic day, the haven of the Marjorelle Gardens, full of cacti and vivid blue buildings, or a sunset drink in the gardens of La Mamounia Hotel, is the perfect way to unwind.

Riad Marrakech
You’ll stay in a typical riad in the heart of the Marrakech medina, with rooms built around a central courtyard and a roof terrace with views out over the medina roof tops and up to the Atlas Mountains. Your hotel will be a haven from the bustling medina streets. Note: on occasion it may not be possible to stay in a riad. In this case a hotel of a similar standard will be used.

Day 4 to Day 5 - MARRAKECH

Two full days to explore Marrakech, soak up the atmosphere of this exotic city and let your senses go wild with the sights, sounds and smells that make this one of the most exciting cities in Morocco. (B)