Toubkal Climb

Our tour of Morocco starts in the Red City. With its dusty rooftops, maze-like streets and bustling souks, Marrakech encompasses the essence of Morocco. Head to the Medina and people watch while you sip a mint tea in Jemaa el-Fna (the main square) or visit the Jardin Majorelle, just a short walk from our hotel. Alternatively, you might like to relax in the hotel's rooftop swimming pool before our adventure begins. There are no activities planned for today, so you're free to arrive at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer, you'll need to arrive at Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK), which is around a 20-minute drive from our hotel. Our tour leader will meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome meeting and then an optional dinner. If you arrive later, they'll catch you up as soon as possible. Stay: Hotel Meriem (Comfortable)

Leaving Marrakech behind, this morning we'll drive south towards the Imlil Valley and the craggy peaks of the Toubkal Massif. We'll begin our climb at the village of Aquersioul (1,600m/5250ft), hiking up into the Matate Valley and then on to the Tizi n'Oudite pass (2,200m/7218ft) where we'll stop for a picnic lunch. Descending through a juniper forest into the Azaden Valley, we'll then continue towards Id Aissa, enjoying views out towards our final stop in Tizi Oussem (1,850m/6070ft). There, we'll receive a warm welcome at our home for the night, a traditional Berber-style mud brick building built into a hillside. The rooms sleep two to four people with thick mattresses on the floor and the property has shared facilities. Today's walk covers 8.5 kilometres/5.30 miles and is graded as moderate. It has a total ascent of 750 metres/2461 feet and descent of 500 metres/1641 feet. We expect it to take around 6 hours. Stay: Tizi Oussem Gite (Simple) (B/L/D)

After breakfast this morning, we'll continue our walk along the valley before beginning a steady ascent up towards Tizi Mzik (2,489m/8166 ft). From this high mountain pass, we'll then begin our descent towards the village of Aremd (1,950m/6398ft). Built on a moraine spur overlooking the valley floor, Aremd is the largest village in the valley and gives us a unique glimpse at Berber life. This afternoon, we'll have a chance to take a walk around the village, soaking up the mountain landscapes, dotted with traditional gites and farms. We'll be staying in a traditional Berber village house with twin and triple rooms, shared facilities, and a communal area for eating. Today's walk covers 7 kilometres/4.40 miles and is graded as moderate. It has a total ascent of 429 metres/1408 feet and descent of 539 metres/1768 feet. We expect it to take around 5 hours. Stay: Aremd Village House (Simple) (B/L/D)

Continuing across the Mizane Valley, today we'll cross the flood plain and follow mule tracks up into the rocky cliffs above. Crossing the river, we'll come to the pastoral shrine of Sidi Chamharouch, set beside a tranquil waterfall and a jumbled cluster of village houses, that cling to the rockface. From here, the trail continues to climb steadily, snaking and zigzagging its way up towards the snowline and the welcoming sight of the Neltner Refuge (3,207m/10,522ft) at the base of Toubkal. Our refuge for the night is basic with dorm rooms and bunk beds. There are shared facilities, a dining room and a lounge area with a wood-burning stove to gather around during the evening. It's a great spot to meet like-minded travellers from all over the world and share tales of the journey so far. Today's walk covers 9.5 kilometres/5.90 miles and is graded as moderate. It has a total ascent of 1,257 metres/4124 feet. We expect it to take around 5 hours. Stay: Refuge Du Toubkal (Simple) (B/L/D)

Setting off early, this morning we'll make our way to the summit of Jebel Toubkal (4,167m/13672ft). Our route takes us up the challenging south cirque, a steep climb across scree and rock that will lead us to the Tizi n'Toubkal saddle (3,975m/13,042ft), just a short walk from the summit. On a clear day, views from up here take in the Marrakech Plain and the High Atlas Mountains and stretch as far south as the Anti-Atlas and the Sahara. Once we've taken in the astounding panorama, we'll trek back down to our refuge. Today's walk covers 4.5 kilometres/2.80 miles and is graded as challenging. It has a total ascent and descent of 960 metres/3150 feet. We expect it to take around 6 hours. Stay: Refuge Du Toubkal (Simple) (B/L/D)

Today, we'll retrace our steps down the mountain and head back towards Imlil. From there, we'll drive back to Marrakech, where we'll have free time to explore the Red City. Take in the pandemonium of Jemaa El-Fna (the main square) or delve into the spice-scented souks to pick up a souvenir to end the trip. Today's walk covers 11 kilometres/6.80 miles. It has a total descent of 970 metres/3183 feet. We expect it to take around 5 hours. Stay: Hotel Meriem (Comfortable) (B/L)

Our tour of Morocco ends at our hotel in Marrakech. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer, you need to depart from Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK). (B)