Heart of Atlas Mountains Tour (7 Nights)

from-marrakech-heart-atlas-mountains-tour-mapOur Heart of Atlas Mountains Tour (Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Dades, Amellago, Imilchil, Khenifra, Fes) takes you deep into the heart of the Atlas Mountains and the culture of the Berber people who live there.  You will travel from Marrakech, over the spectacular Tichka Pass, through spectacular gorges, valleys and kasbahs, to our home village of Amellago.  Journey to the Berber heartlands of Khenifra and Imilchil, as you make your way to Fes.  This tour is perfect for the summer months when it is too hot to visit the desert and just perfect for escaping to cooler higher regions.

Our Heart of Atlas Mountains Tour can be modified from 5-12 days or more depending on your time and what you would like to see.  A similar tour can also start in Fes  and end in Marrakech

DAY 1: Marrakech

Upon arrival in Marrakech, you will be met and transferred to your hotel/Riad.  Relax and settle in. Overnight in Marrakech.

DAY 2: Marrakech

morocco-medina-soukExplore the famous city of Marrakech, the ‘southern pearl’ of Morocco, and second oldest Imperial city which has for centuries been an important stop for traders and travellers.  Your tour will include the Menera Gardens, the famous Jardin Majoralle, Bahia Palace, and Saadian tombs.  Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, with its 77m high minaret dominating the centre of Marrakech.  Continue to one of the centre attractions of Marrakech; Djemaa el-Fna, the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site which is one of the main cultural spaces in Marrakech.  Relax at one of the many cafes surrounding the square to take in all the sights.  Continue on and explore the varied and colourful souks.  Overnight in Marrakech

DAY 3: Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate (203kms)

Depart Marrakech for Ouarzazate via the stunning Tichka Pass (2260m) which offers dramatic panoramic views in the heart of the Atlas Mountain chain.  On your way visit the Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, used for more films than any other location in Morocco; including, Lawrence of Arabia and The Gladiator.  Overnight in Ouarzazate.

DAY 4: Ouarzazate – Skoura – Kelaat M’Gouna – Boumalne Dades (111kms)

Depart Ouarzazate for Skoura, a small village on the north side of the road which probably has the most beautiful palm grove in southern Morocco with dozens of inhabited and uninhabited kasbah.  This whole region is called The Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.  Drive through Kelaat M’Gouna, where a rose festival is held every May, to the stunning valleys and gorges of Boumalne Dades.  Overnight in Boumalne Dades.

DAY 5: Boumalne Dades – Todra – Amellago (169kms)

morocco-amellago-fieldsFrom Boumalne Dades depart for our home village of Amellago to meet our family.  This journey will take you through snaking road lines, amazing rock formations, small cultivated fields with silver birch along the river bed, and dozens of predominantly seventeenth century kasbah made from the local red mud.  Stop on your way and explore the towering Todra Gorges.  Time your visit right in Amellago to see (and help with!) traditional harvests of the wheat, olives or almonds.  Overnight in Amellago.

DAY 6: Amellago – Imilchil (154kms)

Depart Amellago, for Imilchil.  This journey passes through many small Berber villages, giving you an unique look into the daily lives of the people in this region.  Imilchil is perhaps most famous for its annual betrothal festival in September.  Explore Imilchil, visit the lake and nearby villages in the valley, or sit back and absorb the daily life of village locals.  Overnight in Imilchil.

morocco-berber-carpet-marketDAY 7: Imilchil – Khenifra (181kms)

Depart Imilchil for Khenfira, the heart of the Middle Atlas. Khenifra is rich in Berber history, with vivid handmade rugs and carpets a speciality of this city. Overnight in Khenifra.

DAY 8: Khenifra – Azrou – Ifrane – Fes (165kms)

Depart Khenifra for Fes.  On your way take some time to explore Ifrane, the Switzerland of Morocco; Azrou, an important centre for Berber artisans; and the impressive cedar forests.  Your tour ends in Fes.

Suggestions for amending your Heart of Atlas Mountains Tour:

  • Omit sightseeing days in Marrakech and leave directly for Ouarzazate
  • Add extra days in Marrakech to explore Marrakech.
  • Add a day or overnight trip from Marrakech to the relaxed coastal city of Essaouira
  • Add extra days in Fes to to your Heart of Atlas Mountains Tour to explore Fes, take a cooking class, or a day trip to Meknes or Volubilis.

Contact Us  for more information