Family Morocco - Atlas Trails Itinerary

Arrive in colourful Marrakech and spend the afternoon soaking up the sun at your hotel pool.

Join a guided walk through the narrow alleyways and colourful souks of this former Imperial city, absorbing Marrakech's history and learning more about its rich legacy influenced by Arab, Berber and French cultures. Set against the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains - the group's next destination - there is a hypnotic madness to the old city and by night the Djemaa el-Fna comes to life, with its myriad of food stalls turning the central square into a giant open-air restaurant.

Leave Marrakech and watch the landscape change en route to the High Atlas. Your starting point, Ouikaimeden, operates as a ski resort in winter but even in summer the snow-capped peaks are visible in the distance. The fisrt day's hiking is spent acclimatising to the mountain conditions before overnighting in Gliz, about a three hours walk away.

Cross verdant valleys and walk through remote villages clinging to the mountainsides, grateful that the mules and muleteers are carrying the luggage. Today's challenge is to reach the village of Aguersioual, accessed by crossing a 2100m high pass.

The picturesque Imlil Valley is surrounded by walnut groves, so enjoy the views as the village of Aremd comes into sight. The next day will be spent following trails to reach the shrine of Sidi Chamarouch before continuing onwards and upwards.

Mission accomplished, it's time to drive back to Marrakech. With the afternoon free, the hotel pool may prove a relaxing alternative to the excitement of the city centre befre bidding farewell to this magical country.