Kasbah Trail - 2010/11 Itinerary

10 days - from $860

• Explore the kasbahs & lush oases of the Draa Valley
• Stay in a traditional Berber village in the remote Anti Atlas
• Enjoy relaxed coastal Essaouira & exotic Marrakech

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Ksours, Kasbahs & the Sahara
From Marrakech we head straight up into the High Atlas range over the Tizi n'Tichka pass. We then descend into the Draa Valley, where palms and ksours (fortified villages) line the road, and arrive at the 'Gateway to the Sahara', Zagora. As well as exploring the palmeries and dunes around the village, we visit the famous 17th-century Islamic sanctuary nearby, before finally pushing deep into the wilderness to our desert camp in the great Sahara.

Into the Anti-Atlas
Following a dramatic oasis route, we venture into the Anti-Atlas Mountains to the Berber village of Tagoudiche. Shadowed by the pink and brown peaks of Jebel Lekst mountain, Tagoudiche is an ideal place to soak up the traditional Berber ways and enjoy some spontaneous hospitality - and copious amounts of mint tea! There's also time for some gentle mountain walks or, for the more energetic, the ascent of Jebel Lekst (2359m).

Essaouira & Marrakech
Leaving the Atlas Mountains behind, we continue to the historic port of Essaouira. Though founded by the Portuguese, Essaouira enjoys a subtle blend of Arab, French and Iberian cultures, and is an ideal place to unwind with its fine sandy beach, pavement cafés and hassle-free shopping. Returning to the 'Red City' of Marrakech, a visit to the bustling medina is a must: an intoxicating blend of spice vendors, jewellers, kebab stalls and street entertainers!

Itinerary:

Day 1 Join the tour in Marrakech. Days 2/3 Draa Valley & desert camp Heading over the High Atlas, we descend to the Draa Valley where palms and ksours (fortified villages) line the road. From Zagora, we head into the desert where we camp under the stars and have the option to take a camel ride. Days 4/6 Exploring the Anti-Atlas Mountains Following a dramatic oasis route, we venture into the Anti-Atlas Mountains to the Berber village of Tagoudiche. Tagoudiche is an ideal place to soak up the traditional Berber ways and enjoy some spontaneous hospitality. There's also time for some gentle mountain walks or, for the more energetic, the ascent of Jebel Lekst (2359m). Day 7 Essaouira Founded by the Portuguese, Essaouira enjoys a subtle blend of Arab, French and Iberian cultures, and is a great place to unwind with its sandy beach, cafés and hassle-free shopping. Days 8/9 Marrakech Returning to Marrakech, there is the option to explore the historic streets and souks on a walking tour and not to be missed is Djemma-el-Fna Square. Crammed with story-tellers, musicians, jugglers and water sellers. Day 10 Tour ends in Marrakech.

Accommodation: 6nts hotel, 2nts basic village house, 1nt wild camp; 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 3 dinners included.
Transport: 4WD landrovers or cruisers.
Comment: Expect simple conditions in the village house and desert camp and some fairly long drives. Easy walking whilst exploring old Kasbahs, desert oases and the Ameln Valley.
Group: Approx. 12 to 16.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s).
Trip Reference: KT2010

Dates & Prices
Start	End	Prices in US$	Local Payment	Availability
26 Mar 10	04 Apr 10	$860	0
02 Apr 10	11 Apr 10	$860	0
09 Apr 10	18 Apr 10	$860	0
30 Apr 10	09 May 10	$860	0
21 May 10	30 May 10	$860	0
08 Oct 10	17 Oct 10	$860	0
15 Oct 10	24 Oct 10	$860	0
22 Oct 10	31 Oct 10	$860	0
12 Nov 10	21 Nov 10	$860	0
17 Dec 10	26 Dec 10	$860	0
24 Dec 10	02 Jan 11	$860	0
31 Dec 10	09 Jan 11	$860	0
14 Jan 11	23 Jan 11	$910	0
11 Mar 11	20 Mar 11	$910	0
15 Apr 11	24 Apr 11	$910	0
22 Apr 11	01 May 11	$910	0
27 May 11	05 Jun 11	$910	0

Prices and itineraries shown for tours departing from January 2010 onwards are subject to change and confirmation with the publication of our 2010/11 brochure, due to be published in October 2009.

The price of a Single Room Option does not necessarily guarantee a single room for every night of the tour. For more information, please refer to the trip dossier / more details for this tour.
Single rooms are available for this tour at a supplement from US$ 150, depending on availability.

Kasbah Trail - 2010/11 Itinerary

10 days - from $860

Itinerary:

Dates & Prices