Local Living Morocco–Atlas Mountains

Arrive at any time. Attend a welcome meeting in the evening to get to know your CEO and fellow group members.

Today meet your local guide and begin your adventure through Marrakech’s lively medina. This old, walled city, with ramparts and gates, has stood serving as protection from invaders since the 12th century. Wander through the labyrinthine streets and pass by significant sites like the historic Medersa Ben Youssef and Bahia Palace. Sit down for lunch at the Women’s Riad for some authentic, home-style cooking. While here the group will learn the importance of this business within the community and their support of local female-led initiatives. Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon free to explore. Dinner will be had on your own this evening in the cultural gem Café Clock.

Spend a free morning in Marrakech before transferring to your local living stay in a remote Gîte located in the stunning Ourika Valley. Think breathtaking mountain scenery with snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas Mountains in the distance, and well-preserved Amazigh culture and traditions. There will be stop along the way in this small town near the Ourika River for lunch on your own. The final part of today’s travels includes a 4x4 ride along steep, unpaved roads finishing at the Gîte where there will be welcome tea and a village walk to explore the charming surroundings, and meet some of the locals. Later, learn a few Arabic words to help you communicate over the coming days.

Today the group will split up in the morning. Half will enjoy a bread-making experience in a local village home and half will immerse themselves in a weaving lesson in another village home to learn one of the region’s most cherished traditions: carpet making. Then, the groups will switch homes and experience the other activity before heading back to the Gîte for lunch. Enjoy your freshly-made bread as part of the meal. Later attend a tagine cooking class at another local villager’s home to round out an incredibly immersive cultural day in the Ourika Valley.

Today get ready for a more active adventure as you hike alongside a local shepherd and gain a true feel of his daily routines. Exchange meaningful conversation along the way about his life and experiences in this unique region. Then, sit down for a packed lunch amidst the impressive scenery of the High Atlas Mountains. Return to the gîte in the afternoon to relax and recharge. Perhaps spend time sipping tea on the terrace before heading out to watch a football match amid the local villagers. If you’re feeling up to it, join in the fun and try to score a goal. Enjoy dinner back at the gîte after a full day of cultural immersion.

On your final full day at the gîte the group will travel to the local market where the villagers do their shopping. Explore the many different areas and get a sense of what is sold here, as well as the importance of this market in allowing the village to sustain their way of life outside of the city. Lunch will be had on your own in the market, and you can choose from a variety of local specialties to try. Transfer back to the gîte in the afternoon for some downtime before hiking to a nearby scenic location to have tea and watch the sunset amid the valley. Dinner this evening will be a special affair as it’s your final night together in your local living stay.

After breakfast travel back to Marrakech where the tour ends upon arrival to the airport. Please do not book onward travel before 2pm.

Hotel (2 nts), small locally owned Gîte/guesthouse in a rural village (4 nts)

Private vehicle, land cruiser, walking