The Atlas Odyssey / Camel Fair

The Atlas Odyssey

Discover Morocco’s Southwestern region, a time-honored aspect of the North African landscape that is celebrated across the globe.  Traverse the savannah and venture into the mountains; navigate the steppe and explore the desert.  Encounter the notorious hospitality of the indigenous Berber tribes, known for an unparalleled joie de vivre exemplified by their distinctive arts and crafts.

 Day 1: New York – Agadir
You will begin your journey at New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport, boarding an overnight flight on Royal Air Maroc, which will connect in Casablanca to Agadir.

 Day 2: Agadir
Upon your arrival at Agadir Massira Airport, you will meet your guide.  From there, you will travel to your hotel, where you will check in and spend the remainder of the morning relaxing and acclimating yourself to your new surroundings.  For lunch, you will enjoy a seafood fest served at the open-air harbor restaurants, followed by a tour of the city’s notorious monuments.  Your tour will include visits to the museum of Berber arts, the Valley of the Birds, where you will see exotic birds in their natural habitats, and the breathtaking view of Agadir from the Kasbah.  With its beautiful beaches lined with Spanish Costa-style high-rise buildings and gentle blend of parks, hotels, gardens, and residential neighborhoods, the quiet town of Agadir is an excellent place to begin any vacation.

 Day 3: Agadir – Massa – Tassila
In the morning, you will leave for the Massa Valley, visiting several typical Berber villages en route, including Inzeggane, Tassila, and Sidi R’bat.  You will eat a typical Berber tagine lunch in a fisherman’s restaurant overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.  Afterward, you will stroll beside the Massa River, walking from Sidi R’bat to Tassila through a conservatory in which you can see the various species of birds which live in the sanctuary of the Massa region.  You will conclude your day in the legendary Mirleft, enjoying a traditional Berber dinner under the North African stars.

 Day 4: Tassila – Bousoum – Sidi Ifni – Algzira
You will depart early in the morning for Sidi Ifni, traveling through the beautiful village of Mirleft to glimpse a beautiful stretch of beach on the Atlantic Ocean.  You will continue onward to visit the ancient city of Sidi Ifni, a remnant of the Spanish colonial era replete with elaborate ironwork, sweeping architecture, and patches of garden providing a refreshing sense of renewal.  You will conclude your day with dinner in Algzira, a seasonal hideaway for fishermen. 

 Day 5: Aglzira
You will spend your day exploring the white beaches and surrounding villages of Algzira, learning of the daily life of Berber fisherman and peasants.  In the evening, you will enjoy a campfire feast on the white sands of Algzira, prepared for you by a local fisherman.

 Day 6: Algzira – Tiznit
In the morning, you will depart for Tiznit, where the region’s tribesmen come to trade goods and entertain themselves.  Tiznit’s military history is evident; the walled city is comprised of small, neatly organized streets and a sizeable garrison, which gives the impression of order and security.  Your city tour of Tiznit will include: the Meshouar (city square), Lalla Tiznit, a natural spring named after the founder of the city, the Kasbah, and the Kissaria, an exclusive market where one can find some of the most unique Berber jewelry in all of Morocco.  You will conclude your day with dinner and other accommodations in the exotic Tiznit hotel. 

 Day 7: Tiznit – Tafraout
You will spend your day amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Atlas Mountains.  The diverse rock formations create an ideal environment for the region’s cliff-hanging villages and wards, which add a touch of civilization to the atmosphere.  You will enjoy a picnic lunch on the road, and will then continue onward to Tafrout, which is situated on the edge of an oasis, providing stark contrast to the region’s otherwise barren landscape.  You will spend your afternoon exploring the village of Tafrout and the nearby rock carving sites, which date back to the Neolithic period.  You will conclude your day nestled between the peaks of the Atlas Mountains, with dinner and other accommodations in the village. 

 Day 8: Tafraout – Taroudant
Early in the morning, you will depart for Taroudant, known as “the bride of the South.”  You will stop for lunch in Ait Baha, the largest Berber village in the area overlooking a valley.  You will spend the remainder of your afternoon exploring the region, followed by dinner and additional entertainment at the Salam hotel.

 Day 9: Taroudant
You will spend your day discovering the marvels that Taroudant has to offer.  Surrounded by regal, red-ochre walls, the city is often referred to as “Little Marrakech.”  You will tour the city’s historic monuments and visit its bustling markets.  You will conclude your day with a tea ceremony in the gardens of the Salam Hotel. 

 Day 10: Taroudant – Tizintest Pass
Immediately before one of the highest, most dramatic passes in the High Atlas Mountains stands Tinmal, birthplace of the Almohade dynasty.  The dynasty is known for uniting all of the tribes of Morocco under the banner of Islam, dramatically shaping the country’s future.  You will visit the Tinmal Mosque, one of the oldest in Morocco, and continue onward to Ouirgane, where you will spend the night in a Berber home.

 Day 11: Ouirgane – Asni – Imlil
In the morning, there will be an optional mule ride into the mountains, where you can hike the slopes of the Toubkal Mountain, a national park with a breathtaking beauty that exceeds that of the Atlas’s other regions.  You will enjoy a traditionally prepared lunch at a Berber home in Imlil, and spend your afternoon visiting a cliff-hanging village.  There, you will learn about the daily life of Berber villagers, spending the night with a Berber family.  You will conclude your day with dinner, followed by traditional music and dancing.

 Day 12: Ouirgane – Tahnaoute – Marrakech
You will spend your morning exploring a Berber market, followed by lunch in the Mountains.  Afterward, you will climb to the Oukaimeden, found in a region known for its Jewish heritage.  There, you will find some ancient Jewish shrines and temples.  In the evening, you will depart for Marrakech, where you will end your day with dinner and accommodations at your hotel.  

 Day 13: Marrakech
You will devote your day to discovering the magnificence of Marrakech, one of the world’s most overwhelming man-mad oases.  You will visit the city’s historic monuments in the morning, followed by a visit to the souks and the bustling Jamaa El F’na square in the afternoon.  Afterward, you will go for a ride in horse Caleches for an exotic view of “Al Bahja,” the glowing city.

 Day 14: Marrakech
You will continue your exploration of Marrakech.  In the afternoon, you will spend your time shopping in one of Morocco’s major craft and trading centers.  Afterward, you will attend a farewell dinner, hosted on your behalf at a traditional Moorish house in the Medina, followed by typical Moorish entertainment. 

 Day 15: Marrakech – Casablanca – New York
In the morning, your driver will take you to Marrakech’s Menara Airport, where you will board your Royal Air Maroc flight back to New York, connecting in Casablanca.

What is included:

-         Round trip tickets New York to Casablanca and additional connecting flights

-         Camping equipment and accommodations in three and four star hotels

-         Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily)

-         Land transportation in an air conditioned, chauffeured vehicle

-         Services of expert guides and tour leaders

-         Entrance fees to monuments and museums

-         Hotel taxes and service charges

Hotels Used:

-         Agadir: Hotel Anezi, 1 night

-         Mirleft: camping, 1 night

-         Agzira: camping, 2 nights

-         Tiznit: Hotel Tiznit, 1 night

-         Tafrout: Hotel Les Amandiers, 1 night

-         Taroudant: Hotel Salam, 2 nights

-         Imlil: camping, 2 nights

-         Marrakech: Hotel Imilchil, 3 nights

Departs any Tuesday, October through June

Minimum four travelers, maximum twelve travelers.

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