Deep in the heart of the Atlas Mountains survives a culture with an ancient way of life virtually untouched by our time. Scattered among the peaks of the High Atlas Mountains, Berber tribes' betrothal traditions began hundreds of years ago in a unique fashion. The Berbers are the indigenous jovial people of North Africa. They are herders, nomads, and mountain rug weavers of the land, and they live a free-spirited mountain lifestyle, a very liberal though archaic way of thinking with a free-spirited lifestyle. Throughout the centuries, Berbers have been exposed to organized faiths with Islam lastly. They have nevertheless kept their rituals and beliefs, a heritage that can be traced to the Neolithic period. This festival tour to Imilchil is a cultural encounter and a journey to explore a unique mountain culture deep in the Atlas Mountains. Join us on this marvelous tour package to the Atlas Mountains in the spirit of exploring the marvels of Morocco and its people. You will hike Berber villages, meet nomads, eat the most tasteful food, and dance to Berber music. Sharing memorable moments is what this tour package to Imilchil is all about.
Upon landing at Casablanca, you will meet our representative, who will transfer you to your hotel in Rabat. Rabat is an imperial city with a rich history of kingdoms that have swept through it since the tenth century, leaving behind a collage of different architectural styles and a unique legacy. Afternoon sightseeing with your local guide will highlight the Mellah, the Mohamed V mausoleum, the Oudaya Kasbah, and the Andalous Gardens. Dinner is at the hotel.
Our cultural expedition will visit some notable historic towns and villages east of Fez. Transfer to Fes via Volubilis, the Roman capital of Northwestern Africa. Lunch is in the exciting city of Meknes. In the afternoon, you will arrive at Fes with sightseeing of the Ramparts, the Gates, the Borjs (forts), and the Andalous quarter. Dinner is at the hotel, followed by an orientation meeting to talk to you about the nature of the Imilchil festival history and the makeup of its existence.
A unique local guide will take you on a morning historical walking tour of Fez. Start the historic sites by the Mellah, the king's palace, and the Batha Museum of Moroccan Arts. Then, there will be a walking tour of the Medina. This fascinating walled city has an incredible maze of medieval twisting alleys, blind turns, mosques, shrines, fountains, workshops, and every conceivable market. This is an experience of a lifetime. Lunch is served in a typical Moroccan restaurant. Continue visiting and shopping at Medina's best craft workshops and guilds in the afternoon. Dinner is at the Hotel.
We will travel from Fez to Imilchil via Midelt, trekking Berber villages and natural sights across the High Atlas Mountains. We will arrive at Tisi'n'Isly pass in mid-afternoon, where a caravan of mules will take us up Mt Tarrirecht (3km) in the High Atlas peaks to Imilchil, where the Festival takes place. A Caidal tent is pitched beside the tribe chief as an honor for us (the guests) to enjoy all the ceremonies and festival activities. Dinner is with the Berbers around the campfire. (Camping)
After breakfast, we will take a morning hiking session to the breathtaking plateau of the lakes to explore the mythic lake of Italy, where it all started here, as the legend narration goes. We shall return to camp for lunch. The afternoon will be devoted to the festival activities as most of the tribes start gathering at Imilchil village. (Camping) Closing Ceremony.
After breakfast, we will take a morning walk in the mountains, visit the Berber nomads in their tents, share their festive time with them, and sip mint tea with them, as the tradition goes. We will then return to Imilchil for lunch. In the afternoon, we will share the happiness of the newlywed couples in a festive atmosphere with the Indigenous Berber celebration in their joyful chants and dances.
Travel across the High Atlas Mountains' breathtaking valleys to reach the Todra Gorges. The whole afternoon will be devoted to exploring the region and its marvelous Kasbahs. Dinner and accommodations are at Hotel Bougafer.
In the morning, travel back to Ouarzazate, visiting the Dades Valley. Then, continue to Marrakesh across the Tiz-in-Tichka pass, trekking oases and valleys out of this world. You will pause for lunch at the legendary Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, hike the valley of Telouat, and proceed to Marrakech on scenic back roads, exploring cliffhanging villages. Dinner is at the hotel.
The historic visit to Marrakech will include the Menara, a magnificent pool surrounded by flowers, reflecting the image of a beautiful Moorish construction built in 1866 for the dignitaries. See glorious sunsets with the Atlas Mountains as a backdrop. Also, the pool is a functional irrigation system for the surrounding areas. The tour will include several impressive sights: The Koutoubia Minaret (the twin tower of la Giralda in Sevilla, Spain) and the Saadian tombs, which demonstrate the perfection of Moorish architecture. The tombs, consisting of splendid mausoleums built in the sixteenth century, were walled for some time, not to be discovered until 1917. Other sites include the Museum of Dar Si Said, which has the best display of Berber arts and crafts, and the remains of the Badii Palace, a historical monument chosen to host the annual National Festival of Popular Arts, beginning on the second Friday in June. Today, the Bahia Palace still hosts dignitaries in the heart of the Mellah (Jewish quarter). Lunch is at the hotel, then a walk through the colorful souks of Marrakech in the afternoon. Conclude the day with a sunset drink overlooking the exciting Jamaa El Fna Square. Dinner is at the Hotel.
Day at leisure, relax and reflect, or go to the colorful souks of Marrakesh. Farewell dinner at a Shehraman Restaurant
Early morning transfer to Marrakesh Airport to connect with the transatlantic flight to NY/JFK from Casablanca with a memorable trip of a lifetime.
| DEPARTING | FINISHING | SEATS | TOTAL IN USD | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue 16 Sep 2025 | Sun 28 Sep 2025 | Available | $3285 | INQUIRY |
Cost per person: $3285 USD
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