Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Atlas Panorama" tour, a captivating exploration of Morocco's High Atlas Mountains and the vibrant city of Marrakech. This small group adventure offers a unique blend of cultural immersion and active exploration. Begin your journey in the bustling streets of Marrakech, where you'll visit the iconic Jemaa el-Fna square and explore the city's vibrant souks. Then, venture into the heart of the High Atlas Mountains, staying in the traditional village of Tighza. Here, you'll discover the rich Amazigh culture, enjoy a traditional hammam experience, and hike through breathtaking landscapes, including the Tizi'n'Ourghsan and Mount n'Oughlagal. With comfortable accommodations in Marrakech and Tighza, and meals included, this tour promises an unforgettable experience of Morocco's natural beauty and cultural richness. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start Marrakech
Location: Marrakech
Accommodation Name: Hotel Gomassine
The adventure starts in the culturally rich city of Marrakech. We gather as a group in the early evening for our welcome briefing.
Accommodation: Hotel Gomassine (or similar)
Day 2 : Explore Marrakech; visit Jemaa el-Fna square to explore a labyrinth of souks with our expert guide. Free afternoon
Location: Marrakech, Jemaa el-Fna
Accommodation Name: Hotel Gomassine
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is spent in Marrakech, where we can soak up the atmosphere of the bustling bazaars, palaces and mosques. In the morning, we have a guided tour to orientate ourselves and the afternoon is free for individual sightseeing. You can choose whether to brave the haggling of the souks, visit the more peaceful Jardin Majorelle or relax in one of the hammam steam baths.In the evening, we visit Jemaa el-Fna, the open-air square around which Marrakech revolves. The name literally means 'place of death' as it was where Sultans once displayed the heads of their enemies. Now, with the juice sellers, travelling musicians, acrobats and food stalls, it is a place of entertainment for both the local people and visitors.Accommodation: Hotel Gomassine (or similar)
Day 3 : Drive to Anmiter; walk to Tijhza and explore
Location: High Atlas Mountains, Tizi'n'Tichka, Telouet, Anmiter, Tijhza
Accommodation Name: Riad Bouchahoud
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we drive into the High Atlas Mountains. The road up to the mountains is a real switchback but very scenic. Eventually we cross the Tizi'n'Tichka which, at 7,415ft (2,260m), is the highest road pass in Morocco. This is a narrow range of mountains and we soon drop into the gorge on the other side. Here we turn into a wide valley towards Telouet, where we stop to look at the kasbah. This amazing fortress-palace was the stronghold of the Glaoui clan until the late Fifties. On their downfall, they dispersed and the castle fell into disrepair. Consequently, we can now only look at this labyrinthine mass from the outside.From here, we travel to Anmiter, where we have lunch with a local family before walking uphill on a track for an hour and a half to our riad. The track leads through lush farmland of fruits, nuts and vegetables and local villages. (our luggage will be transported to the Tijhza for us).Accommodation: Riad Bouchahoud (or similar)Drive time: 3hr 30min
Day 4 : Loop through the Tizi'n'Ourghsan and back down the Ouarikt River to the village
Location: Tizi'n'Ourghsan, Atlas Mountains, Ouarikt River, Atlas Mountains
Accommodation Name: Riad Bouchahoud
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we take a moderate six-hour loop through the Tizi'n'Ourghsan and back down the Ouarikt River to the village. Starting in the terraced fields of Ouarikt, we climb up through the high summer pastures to reach the col with fantastic views of the Ouarikt Gorge. After a relaxing lunch close to a waterfall, we follow the river back to the village. Along the way we may meet nomads and villagers going about their business.
Accommodation Riad Bouchahoud (or similar)
Day 5 : Hike up and around Mount n'Oughlagal
Location: Mount n'Oughlagal, Atlas Mountains, Tijhza Valley, Atlas Mountains
Accommodation Name: Riad Bouchahoud
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving the riad and heading around the back of Mount n'Oughlagal (8,530ft/2,600m), we are met with fantastic views of the valley before arriving back at the riad in time for a late lunch. Please note, the hike includes a scramble along a steep, sandy section of trail, which can be a bit more challenging and is especially tricky in wet weather conditions.
We have the rest of the afternoon to explore the village, take a short walk or relax with a book on the large terrace overlooking the Tijhza valley.
On our return, we visit the village hammam, built with money raised by our passengers. This is a truly authentic and enjoyable experience. It is very much a local hammam and you are likely to get the opportunity to mix with the villagers, which further adds to the experience. A standard treatment is included, but you will need to purchase a scrubber and soap for 20 dirhams (US$1.90) plus a customary tip of 20 dirhams. Refreshed, we return to the riad for dinner.
Accommodation: Riad Bouchahoud (or similar)
Day 6 : Optional harder day, with the chance to trek to beautiful Lake Tamda
Location: Lake Tamda, Atlas Mountains, Jebel Anghomar, Atlas Mountains, Jebel Tamda, Atlas Mountains
Accommodation Name: Riad Bouchahoud
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A longer, harder day includes a visit to a small, unexpected lake nestled among rugged, rocky mountains, which is strikingly azure against the stark white-rock scenery. The small lake lies between the impressive peaks of Jebel Anghomar and Jebel Tamda. In the afternoon, we retrace our steps to our start point. If the leader feels this walk is beyond the capabilities of the majority of the group, a shorter day along the same route will be planned.Accommodation: Riad Bouchahoud (or similar)
Day 7 : Walk to Anmiter; drive to Marrakech across the High Atlas
Location: Tijhza, High Atlas, Marrakech, Menara Gardens
Accommodation Name: Hotel Gomassine
Meals Included: Breakfast
We say goodbye to Tijhza and return to Marrakech by lunchtime, leaving the afternoon free for more sightseeing; you may want to visit the Menara Gardens or do some last-minute shopping. Alternatively, you may decide to relax in the hotel and enjoy the swimming pool.Accommodation: Hotel Gomassine (or similar)Drive time: 3hr 30min
Day 8 : End Marrakech
Location: Marrakech
Meals Included: Breakfast
The adventure ends after breakfast. If you’d like a little more time to explore the city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
What's Included
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All breakfasts, three lunches and four dinners
All breakfasts, three lunches, and four dinners are included in the tour package.
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All accommodation
All accommodation during the tour is included.
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Tour leader throughout
A tour leader will accompany the group throughout the journey.
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Free arrival and departure transfers for everyone
Free transfers are provided for arrival and departure for all participants.
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Visas and vaccinations
Visas and vaccinations are not included and are the responsibility of the traveler.
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Single supplement
A single supplement is not included and may incur additional costs.
Food
All breakfasts, three lunches and four dinners are included.
Moroccan food is, generally speaking, excellent, though not particularly varied. Breakfasts usually consist of porridge, bread and jam with coffee or tea. Where meals are not included, budget for the following approximate prices:
Lunches: 60-100 dirhams (US$6-US$10)
Dinners:
In cities: 80-200 dirhams (US$8-US$19)
In small towns and villages: 60-100 dirhams (US$6-US$10)
Soft drinks in restaurants: 10-20 dirhams (US$1-US$1.90)
Alcohol: Beer 30-50 dirhams (US$2.85-US$5
Wine: 150 dirhams (US$14) and more
Vegetarians can be catered for but there is a fairly limited choice of vegetarian couscous, tajine or omelettes. This is particularly the case during the more rural sections of the trip. Please note, if you have any special dietary requirements, you should inform your sales representative prior to the trip. If you have a specific medical/dietary need (eg coeliac or vegan) you may find it helpful to bring some food with you from home.
Water
On this trip we have large water bottles from which you can fill your reusable bottle. (see packing list)
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Accommodation
Stay in a modern hotel in Marrakech with a pool and nearby amenities, and a family-run property in Tighza offering traditional, spacious rooms with a terrace overlooking the valley.
Mode of Transport
Travel includes scenic drives through the High Atlas Mountains, with luggage transported separately to the riad in Tighza. Free arrival and departure transfers are provided for all participants.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
During the tour, you will stay in two types of accommodation: a hotel in a modern suburb of Marrakech and a family-run property in the Atlas village of Tighza. In Marrakech, you will stay at Hotel Gomassine, which has a small pool and is located near shops and restaurants. In Tighza, you will stay at Riad Bouchahoud, which offers modest, traditional accommodation with spacious rooms and a large terrace overlooking the valley. ...more ...less
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes all breakfasts, three lunches, and four dinners. Moroccan food is generally excellent, though not particularly varied, with breakfasts typically consisting of porridge, bread, and jam with coffee or tea.
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Is there an opportunity to experience local culture during the tour?
Yes, the tour offers several opportunities to experience local culture. You will stay in a traditional Moroccan village, Tighza, where you can interact with friendly local people and discover Amazigh culture and traditions. Additionally, you will visit a traditional hammam in the village, providing an authentic and enjoyable experience. ...more ...less
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What activities are included in the itinerary?
The itinerary includes exploring Marrakech with a guided tour of the souks and a visit to Jemaa el-Fna square, walking through scenic trails in the High Atlas Mountains, visiting the kasbah in Telouet, and hiking around Mount n'Oughlagal. There is also an optional harder day to trek to Lake Tamda. ...more ...less
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Are there any additional costs not included in the tour price?
Yes, additional costs not included in the tour price are travel insurance, visas and vaccinations, and a single supplement if required. You will also need to purchase a scrubber and soap for the hammam visit, along with a customary tip.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
Atlas Panorama
8 Days Starting and ending in Marrakech, Morocco
Visiting: Marrakech, Jemaa el-Fna, High Atlas Mountains, Tizi'n'Tichka, Telouet, Anmiter, Tijhza, Tizi'n'Ourghsan, Atlas Mountains, Ouarikt River, Atlas Mountains, Mount n'Oughlagal, Atlas Mountains, Tijhza Valley, Atlas Mountains, Lake Tamda, Atlas Mountains, Jebel Anghomar, Atlas Mountains, Jebel Tamda, Atlas Mountains, High Atlas, Menara Gardens ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TMP
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 16
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
