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Hike, Bike, and Ride Camels from
the Atlas Mountains to the Atlantic Coast
Lose yourself in the legendary hospitality of Morocco's
exotic culture and breathtaking scenery. Climb the highest
peak in North Africa, bike to remote mountain villages,
ride camelback to stunning ocean beaches, explore the
World Heritage Sites of Essaouira and Marrakesh and
learn to windsurf!
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Days
1-2 Marrakech-High Atlas-Imlil
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Welcome to Marrakech, often called the
"Pearl of the South" for the
beauty of its buildings and stunning natural
setting at the foot of the Atlas Mountains.
Visit El Bahia Palace, a wonderful example
of traditional Moroccan architecture,
walk along the 13th century Ramparts and
tour Dar Si Said Palace, now an opulent
museum. An awesome bike ride into the
High Atlas Mountains awaits--a burly climb
through gorgeous canyons and past remote
villages to a Berber town for lunch, then
a spectacular downhill to the village
of Imlil.
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Days
3-4 Jbel Toubkal
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Begin our two-day ascent of Jbel Toubkal,
the highest peak in North Africa at 13,671'.
Our gear is carried by mules as we hike
to Aroumd and follow a wide valley to
the tiny settlement of Sidi Chamharouch
centered around a Muslim shrine. Our path
begins the steep climb to Neltner Refuge,
a stone hut at 10,531' where we spend
the night. The hike to the summit is challenging
but requires no technical experience.
The views are magnificent in every direction,
spanning the High Atlas and Anti Atlas
Mountains and the vast Sahara. |
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Days 5-7 Imlil-Essaouira
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We descend to Imlil to spend a day exploring
the village. Try a steambath in Imlil's
Hammam or just relax at the cafe with
the local specialty, mint tea. Next we're
off to Foulouss, a Berber village where
we enjoy lunch with a local family before
embarking on a camelback ride to the Atlantic
Ocean and the World Heritage site of Essaouira.
An artistic and handicraft center, Essaouira
was designed by a French architect and
still retains its European appearance.
Swim and sunbathe on the magnificent white
sand beach or try your hand at surfing
or windsurfing.
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Days
8-9 Marrakechl
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Our last day in Morocco is free to explore
Marrakech--don't miss the souks, traditional
covered markets that sell everything!
We visit the Djemma El Fna, a large
central square in the heart of the old
city filled with snake charmers, jugglers,
musicians, and street vendors
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| Inn
& Hut Trip: |
9 days/8 nights
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2007 Dates: |
anytime during
June through October (2 person minimum) |
| Trip
Rating: |
Moderate
to Challenging |
| Gateway
City: |
Marrakech,
Morocco |
| Meeting
Place: |
Marrakech-Menara Airport |
| Activities: |
guided town
tour (1 day)
hike (3 days)
bike (1 day)
camelback riding (1/2 day)
windsurfing (optional, 1/2 day)
free day
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Highlights: |
Start with
a riad in Marrakech. Then it's off to the
Kasbah du Tubkal, which Condé Nast
Traveller considers "the country's first
and foremost mountain retreat". Top if
off with two nights in a stone refuge foot
at 10,500 feet and you've got the makings
for an incredible journey.
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