Atlas Panorama

The adventure starts in the culturally rich city of Marrakech. We gather as a group in the early evening for our welcome briefing. Stay: Hotel Gomassine (or similar).

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 snake charmers, juice sellers, travelling musicians, acrobats and food stalls, it is a place of entertainment for both the local people and visitors. Stay: Hotel Gomassine (or similar) (B).

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). Stay: Riad Bouchahoud (or similar) Drive time: Three and a half hours (B/D).

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. Stay: After a relaxing lunch close to a waterfall, we follow the river back to the village Accommodation Riad Bouchahoud (or similar) (B/L/D).

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. Stay: Riad Bouchahoud (or similar) (B/L/D).

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. Ascent: 2,460ft (750m) ; descent: 2,460ft (750m) Stay: Riad Bouchahoud (or similar) (B/L/D).

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. Stay: Hotel Gomassine (or similar) Drive time: Three and a half hours (B).

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 (B).