Tuesday 26 January 2010

Atlas Mountains Walking Holiday


Walking in Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains with Travelsphere.
Discover the exotic delights of Marrakech, one of the most vibrant cities in Morocco. Then head into the majestic Atlas Mountains to get a real taste of life in traditional Berber villages against the backdrop of remote peaks and valleys. The four included walks will show you stunning scenery and take you to some places where time has stood still.

Included
- Services of a Travelsphere Tour Manager
- Return scheduled flights to Marrakech via Casablanca
- Transfers between airport and hotel
- All other transportation as detailed
- Seven nights’ accommodation – four nights’ full board, two nights’ half board and one night bed and breakfast
- Four walks with a local guide
- Farewell dinner and show
- All UK and overseas airport taxes and security charges

Included excursions
- City tour of Marrakech

Included Walks
- Imlil
- Tizi Mzik
- Aghren and Mezik
- Tamatert

Walking Information
This Tour contains walks up to Grade 3 - Strenuous

Grade 1 - Easy
These are for anyone of any age. Plenty of rest stops and time to enjoy the local scenery with up to 4 hours walking a day, mostly on good paths but occasionally rough underfoot. Ascent less than 300m per day. Sturdy walking shoes are advisable.

Grade 2 - Moderate
These are moderate, for anyone who is comfortable walking hills. Still plenty of time to rest and enjoy the scenery, however up to 5 hours walking a day on slightly more rugged terrain. Ascent less than 500m per day. Walking boots with ankle support are recommended.

Grade 3 - Strenuous
These are quite strenuous, for the more accomplished hill walker. A larger number of continuous stretches of walking totalling about 5 hours a day, often in mountainous terrain where paths can be steep. Ascent up to 1000m per day. Walking boots with ankle support and trekking poles are recommended.

Please note - Each departure is limited to a maximum of 20 participants and will be accompanied by an experienced local guide who will provide a wonderfully in-depth insight into this beautiful region.

Accommodation
You will stay at the three star Hotel Mont Gueliz in Marrakech which features a swimming pool, roof terrace, fitness centre and restaurant. All bedrooms feature private facilities, satellite TV, telephone, air-conditioning and safe.

In Imlil you will stay in the Gest Imi n’Ouassif. This traditional guesthouse offers basic but comfortable facilities and a truly authentic experience. Some bedrooms have private showers, the remainder share showers and western style toilets. Facilities include a dining area and roof terrace.

Itinerary

DAY 1: UK/Marrakech
Depart on your scheduled flight to Marrakech. On arrival transfer to your hotel for a two night stay. Dinner tonight will be at the hotel.

DAY 2: Marrakech
This morning we include a city tour of Marrakech. Starting in the new quarter, we head through the vibrant spice markets to the site of the Saadian tombs and the Badia Palace before reaching the heart of Marrakech, Djemma el Fna Square (Mosque of the Dead). It comes alive here after sunset with various entertainers and even in the day, is a sight to behold. This afternoon you are free to relax or discover more of this fascinating city at your own pace. Perhaps visit the Koutoubia Mosque and gardens, the Bahia Palace or the Jardins Majorelles. Enjoy dinner this evening at the hotel.

DAY 3: Imlil
After breakfast at the hotel, we drive to Imlil, a small village in the Atlas Mountains which is the perfect base from which to explore the mountain paths and villages on foot. Your accommodation will be in a traditional Berber house for the next four nights. Having arrived, you’ll enjoy some fresh mint tea and lunch before setting off on your first walk to the nearby village of Aremd, at 6,400ft. (approx. 2½ hours’ walk).

DAY 4: Tizi Mzik
Enjoy a more challenging walk today as we ascend 2,150ft. to the Tizi Mzik peak, from which you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. On the way, you’ll pass the sheepfolds of Berdoun and it is here that we’ll return for lunch before heading back to Imlil (approx. 5½ hours’ walk).

DAY 5: Aghren and Mezik
Today you’ll explore the pretty villages of Aghren and Mezik on our walk which also includes a visit to a local Berber house and an insight into how the local bread is made (approx. 3 hours’ walk).

DAY 6: Tamatert
Today’s walk is the longest of the holiday, but is sure to be the most rewarding. It will be an early start as we head towards Tamatert, passing through fragrant pine forests along the way. On reaching the Tizi n’Tamatert pass, you’ll be greeted with beautiful views of the valleys below. Lunch will be enjoyed in a nearby village before our descent through a number of Berber villages, past cultivated terraces and back to Imlil (approx. 6 hours’ walking).

DAY 7: Marrakech
Leaving Imlil behind, we head back to Marrakech. Afternoon at leisure and this evening enjoy a farewell dinner and spectacular show in a local restaurant.

DAY 8: Marrakech/UK
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Dates, Prices and Departure
holiday ref: GLMOR
08/05/2010 £899
26/09/2010 £949

Deposit £150 per person
All prices are per person and are based on two people sharing twin or double-bedded rooms with private facilities

Visit the Travelsphere Website or Tel 0845 358 2368

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