OVERVIEW
This trekking journey will enable you to discover the old mystical Berber villages where you will loose yourself in fascination with each Kasbah and let the spectacular gorges of the Dades Valley and the mountain and the sunset on the dunes of Merzouga become the backdrops of your abundant memories of Morocco. The extreme contrasts and splendor of the region all make Morocco a magical place of romance, legend and secrecy. However you choose to encounter Morocco, this trekking experience will be one you will treasure for a lifetime.

PROGRAM ITINERARY

DAY 01: MARRAKESH
Arrival and transfer by Gateway2Morocco staff to your hotel. Dinner and overnight.

DAY 02: MARRAKESH
Half day sightseeing of Marrakech, the second oldest imperial city known as the "Pearl of the South" and home to the Saadian tombs, the Koutoubia Mosque, the Bahia Palace and the Menara Garden. Lunch on your own. In the afternoon, we suggest you explore the souks and the world's famous Djema El Fna place which offers various entertainments (story tellers, acrobats, snake-charmers, magicians, etc.). Afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

DAY 03: MARRAKESH / AIT ZITOUN (2,592 ft / 900 m)
Today, we will be transferred to the Atlas mountain chain (40 minutes drive) where we will meet our mules. On the way, we will enjoy a view of beautiful fields of cereals and barley. Arrival to Ait Zitoun, a Berber village located in Haouz known for its olives trees. Lunch box on the way. Dinner and accommodation at "Chez L'habitant" (local Berber House). (3 hrs of trekking).

DAY 04: AIT ZITOUN (2,952 ft / 900 m) / AIT HMAD (4,592 ft / 1400 m)
After breakfast, we will continue towards the village of Tizgui from where we will enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the Haouz plain and the Amizmiz region. We will then cross Ait Ahmad known for its farming and small foothill villages. We will have lunch on the way and overnight at "chez l'habitant" (local Berber House). Ait Ahmad is a village constructed with clay and stones at an altitude of 3,936 ft (1,200m). This small village with about 200 inhabitants is very charming and the main activity of this village besides the beautiful red stones Berber houses is essentially irrigation farming: fruits trees, cereals, vegetables and animal breeding. (4-5 hours of trekking).

DAY 05: AIT HMAD (4,592 ft / 1,400 m) / IMI N'TALAT (4,920 ft / 1,500 m)
We continue on the left bank of the Amizmiz river. We will discover the local lifestyle of the Berber villages known for their traditional farming and women's handicrafts. We will arrive in the middle of the afternoon at our local Berber house where we will enjoy a Moroccan bath (Hamam). We will also discover the traditional bread-making at our host's house. Lunch on the way and dinner at the Berber house. Imi n'Tala is the largest Berber village of the region located to the right bank of the Amizmiz known for its rich agriculture. Unfortunately, none of theses villages has power nor water but inhabitants' hospitality remains untouchable. (4-5 hours of trekking).

DAY 06: IMIN'TALA / FOREST HOUSE / MARRAKESH
We will cross many villages built of clay on our way to Marrakech after a 4 hours of walking. Arrival in Marrakesh

DAY 07: MARRAKESH
Day at leisure. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

DAY 08: MARRAKESH / DEPARTURE
Breakfast and transfer to the airport.

Note: this trekking journey is offered with a minimum of 5 people and a maximum of 15 people.

PROGRAM INCLUSIONS
•  Greetings and transfer from/to airport by Gateway2Discovery Staff.
•  Half-day sightseeing in Marrakesh.
•  Accommodation for 3 nights at tents/local Berber guest's house with breakfast and dinner during the trekking journey.
•  Accommodations for 4 nights on half board in Marrakesh at 3-star hotel.
•  Sleeping tents, cramps and ice-axes if needed.
•  Guest's House is offered at a minimum on quadruple basis. This is meant to give you experience of a traditional Berber family life.
•  Your personal belongings will be carried by mules.
•  Private cook will be offered with a minimum of 6 people.
•  Baggage handling and tips at airports and hotels.

NOT INCLUDED
•  Meals, alcohol drinks, mineral water, and other items of personal nature.
•  Deviations expenses from the itinerary and any special handling.
•  International and domestic airfare. We offer competitive airfare from New York to Morocco.

ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION:

NOTE: We will exercise our best efforts to secure the accommodations listed above, however, during busy seasons we may only be able to offer similar category accommodations.  In this case, clients will have the option to agree or cancel their booking.  In some instances, a request for a higher grade accommodation will result in an extra fee to compensate for the difference in price.

PROGRAM PRICE PER PERSON ($):

Note: Rates are valid until December 31 2008. Prices are subject to change without notice due to currency fluctuations beyond our control.