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Tazegzaoute Valley
Daily tea ritual/Sophie Beaubron

Kasbah Trail - 2010/11 Itinerary

10 days - from $830

• 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!

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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.

Accommodations: 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
08 Oct 1017 Oct 10$8300
15 Oct 1024 Oct 10$8300
22 Oct 1031 Oct 10$8300
12 Nov 1021 Nov 10$8300
24 Dec 1002 Jan 11$8300
31 Dec 1009 Jan 11$8300
14 Jan 1123 Jan 11$8700
11 Mar 1120 Mar 11$8700
15 Apr 1124 Apr 11$8700
22 Apr 1101 May 11$8700
27 May 1105 Jun 11$8700

Prices and itineraries shown for tours departing from January 2011 onwards are subject to change and confirmation with the publication of our 2011/12 brochure, due to be published in October 2010.

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$ 145, depending on availability.