Think about France. Villages nestled in pretty valleys, steeples of medieval churches pointing out to the blue sky, traditional food fairs, green hilly vineyards, rich food and of course, its prestigious wines. Burgundy has it all, as you are about to discover! Ideally located at the crossroad of Western Europe, Burgundy has played a huge part in the history of France since Gallic times. Add to this all of the best French “cliches” and “raisons d’tre”, and you’ll see there is no wonder that it is called the cradle of France.

For several centuries, the fame and power of the Duchy of Burgundy brought wealth to the region. Nowadays, its amazing architectural heritage can still be seen everywhere as the typical Burgundy tiled roofs testify. Burgundy’s regional gastronomy has spread past its borders to the rest of the country, with well-appreciated dishes such as beef bourguignon, coq au vin, and much more. Burgundy is also renowned for breeding the weirdest food one can think of: snails! The region also owes its fame to its world-class wines, usually produced in small quantities such as Nuits Saint-Georges, Pommard, Mercurey and Meursault, to name but a few.

The walking holidays we have designed for you aim to bring you through the heart of this incredible area and to help you enjoy the wide variety of landscapes, architecture, food and of course, wines, that Burgundy has to offer. The city of Beaune is home to France’s finest medieval hospital (Les Hospices de Beaune) but the surrounding villages have beautiful features of which to boast. Indeed, villages like Pommard, Meursault, Saint-Romain or Rully will seduce you not only with their tortuous streets bordered by stone built houses, food markets, and cafes but they will also ravish your palate with their tannic Pinots Noirs, refreshing Chardonnay, or even the local “Kir” aperitif, a regional blackcurrant cream mixed with local white “aligot” wine. Over the days, the charm of the varying landscapes will bewitch you and visitors often feel their heart sinking when it is time to depart. But don’t worry, we are sure the memories of walking through this life-size postcard added to some wine shopping will comfort you in many ways!

Day 1 – To Beaune (pronounced bone).

You will be pre-booked into an old renovated family house, in the heart of the Vieille Ville (old town).
Beaune is best known for: Red wines made with the Pinot Noir grape, although plantings of Chardonnay have increased recently. There is more sand in the soil here than in most Cote d’Or villages; the red wines tend to be medium bodied, and best drunk between 5 and 10 years old.

Town: Internet, ATM, shops. All facilities. Hotel: 3* hotel in the old town centre. En-suite.

DAY 2 – Beaune – Pommard – Meursault (3h,10km,+29m-5m).

The morning is free in order to visit the medieval city of Beaune. Don’t miss the Hotel Dieu (France’s most beautiful medieval charity hospital), the Basilique Notre-Dame dating from 11th-15th century and the “Musee du Vin de Bourgogne”. Then after an early lunch, it’s an easy 10km to Meusault, on mostly flat ground. On the way we will stop in Pommard, for our first tasting opportunity. Later we reach the town of Meursault for a relaxing evening in the vineyards.

Pommard is best known for: Cote de Beaune’s most powerful Pinot Noir reds.

Meursault is best known for: mainly white wines from the Chardonnay grape. Although it contains no Grand Cru vineyards, the wines of the best Premier Crus are rarely surpassed.

Town: Internet, ATM, shops. All facilities. Hotel: 2* hotel or equivalent, en-suite. Meals: breakfast

DAY 3 – Meursault to Nolay (5h,16km,+359m -360m).

We leave the vineyards today and climb the hill above, meeting the GR76 (a variant of the GR7; a long distance trail that crosses France, east to west). We will walk under the shade of an oak forest, typical of Burgundy. Coming out of the wood, the views of Chateau “La Rochepot” are stunning! The restaurant in the middle of the village serves local specialities and is the best place to stop for lunch. We recommend a visit to the Chateau after lunch. Finally, we follow the GR7 to the small medieval market town of Nolay. Nolay is worth exploring, with his 14th-century market and wooden framed houses.

Town: Internet, ATM, shops. All facilities. Hotel: 2* hotel or equivalent, en-suite. Meals: breakfast

DAY 4 – Nolay to Rully (5h,18km,+470m-472m).

Gentle ascent for the first few kilometers through green pastures, shared with the beautiful Charolais cows. At the top, we are rewarded with wide views of the Saone plain with the Alps in the background. Next, we reach the village of Santenay, for a well-deserved rest (and a wine tasting!). We follow the GR7 across the Canal du Centre, then up Hermitage Mountain, and down through the vineyards to Rully. Please note that if you start the trip on a Friday or Saturday, we will stop in Chassey le Camp, a small hamlet 1km before Rully.

Santenay is best known for: red wines from Pinot Noir grapes and, occasionally, whites. The soils in Santenay tend to be richer than in the rest of the Cote de Beaune and, as a result, wines are more rustic than elegant.

Rully is best known for: its dry whites, made from the Chardonnay grape. These are straightforward and easy to drink.

Town: Shops. All facilities. Hotel: 2* hotel or equivalent, en-suite. Meals: breakfast

DAY 5 – Rully-Mercurey-Rully (5h,18km,+/-481m)

A pleasant walk winding through the vineyards and the “Cote Chalonnaise”, to the village of Mercurey with its robust vintages. On the way we will pass the ancient “Chateau de Montaigu”. A visit here simply necessitates a tasting! Back to Rully via the GR7 and through the sleepy villages of Aluze and Nantoux.
Mercurey is best known for: producing more wine than any other village in the Cote Chalonnaise, 90% of which is red. Pinot Noir is the principal grape variety which is firm, if a little rough when young, but ages well.

Town: Shops. All facilities. Hotel: 2* hotel or equivalent, en-suite. Meals: breakfast

DAY 6 – Rully to Beaune. (5h, 15km, or 24km for the full trip,+401m-422m).

Finally, we head back to Beaune across an undulating landscape, and among some of the best vineyards in the area. We cross the “Canal du Centre” again at the village of Remigny and soon cross the famous vineyards of Chassagne and Puligny Montrachet. Soon after Blagny, we ascend to Mont Melian, to cross the villages of Auxey-Duresses, Volnay and Pommard. From here, you can either retrace the route from Day 2 for 4km to Beaune, or alternatively, call a taxi (not included).
Chassagne Montrachet is best known for: its white wines, made from the Chardonnay grape. The village produces wine at Grand Cru and Premier Cru level, as well as some ‘village’ appellations.
Puligny Montrachet is best known for: Its fine white wines. The village has a number of Grand Cru vineyards in addition to its Premier Cru and ‘village’ wines.
Blagny is best known for: its Appellation status red wines.
Auxey-Duresses is best known for: its medium-priced red and white wines – not dissimilar to those of Volnay and Meursault.
Volnay is best known for: producing elegant red wines from the Pinot Noir grape. More than half of Volnay’s vineyards have Premier Cru status and stretch from Pommard to Meursault. As Meursault is really known for its white wines, the single red wine vineyard of Les Santenots is sold as Volnay Santenots.

Town: Internet, ATM, shops. All facilities. Hotel: 2* hotel or equivalent, en-suite. Meals: breakfast

DAY 7 – Beaune: end of the trip

After breakfast, we bid you farewell.

Town: Internet, ATM, shops. All facilities. Hotel: 3* hotel in the old town centre. En-suite. Meals: breakfast

Please note that all of our hotels and guest houses have been carefully selected for their comfort, location, food, friendliness and character, and are subject to availability. If the hotel described is not available, we will provide you with one of the same standard of comfort & price.

Your luggage is transported by us from hotel to hotel. During the walks, you only carry your day pack!

A Walking Holiday in Dordogne, France. Known to the French as “Prigord”, the Dordogne “department”, is named after the most important of the region’s seven rivers. The area is a celebration of colour and diversity
of landscape. It is also called the “Land of the 1001 stles”. To walk here is to travel through time.

This trip will bring you through the “Parigord Noir”, known for its dark forests, medieval chateaux and great food. Dordogne supplies almost half of France’s fine food produce: wine, cpes, truffles, duck and goose, which yield many specialties from foie gras to the “Demoiselle” (the whole bird grilled over a wood fire).

Town: Internet, ATM, shops, all facilities. Hotel: 2* “Logis de France” hotel, former family residence, situated just 10min from the historic centre. Also features large garden, wimming pool and open fire. En-suite.

DAY 2 – Sarlat to Vitrac [5h30, 19km, +50m -50m].
At first we follow the “piste cyclable” – an old railway track converted into a scenic path – through woodlands. After an hour or so, we leave the path behind and take a marked trail through organic vegetable fields to the cliffside castle of Montfort, overlooking the luxuriant Dordogne valley. It”â„¢s also a perfect stop for lunch! Later, we will arrive in our beautiful 2* “Logis de France” hotel. Jean-Claude, our chef, creates local dishes with passion while maintaining the grand gastronomic tradition of the Prigord Region. Enjoy!

Hotel: 2* “Logisde France” hotel with swimming pool. Rooms en-suite. Meals: Breakfast, dinner

DAY 3 – Vitrac to Beynac [3h30, 12km, +70m -80m]
Probably the most beautiful walking day. From Vitrac, we cross the Dordogne valley and follow the left banks through cornfields. As we ascend to Domme, the views of the white cliffs on the other side of the river are stunning. After one hour we come to Domme, a very well-preserved medieval village and noted as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Going down, we pass walnut trees, fields and forests. You will soon catch a glimpse of the chateau of Castleneau; a superb example of a fortified medieval castle. Efforts have been made to make a visit there interactive, so don’t miss it! Crossing the Dordogne river again, we follow the right bank through a large poplar forest.On the way into Beynec you can see the 900 hundred year-old fortified castle, sitting majestically atop the limestone cliffs.

Town: ATM, shops, all facilities. Hotel: 2* hotel with a large garden. Rooms en-suite. Meals: Breakfast, dinner.

To save you an unpleasant walk along the road, we have organised a 15minute transfer to the picturesque village of St Cyprien. The walk today starts with a steep – but short – walk to the plateau above. As we cross vineyards and cornfields, you can see numerous mansions and small castles. After passing through a forest, you will find a great picnic spot, with super views of the valley below. Continuing down, we arrive in Les Eyzies, the European capital of prehistory. The town is nestled between limestone cliffs.We arrive at our hotel early in the afternoon. Here,a large garden awaits you, and of course – an excellent meal.

If you wish, it is possible to stay an additional day here. Les Eyzies is known for its archaeological wealth and its cliffs with numerous underground caves. The village offers a variety of sites & monuments that will interest both adults & children. We recommend a visit to the Museum of Prehistory. Also of interest – The “Cave du Grand Roc”; a cave inhabited by Cro-Magnon people some 14,000 years ago. The cave is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cave “Font de Gaume”, famous for its well-preserved Cro-Magnon paintings is also worth a visit.

Town: ATM, shops, all acilities. Hotel: 2* hotel with a swimming pool and garden. En-suite. Meal: Breakfast, dinner

DAY 5 – Les Eyzies to Marquay [5h, 19km, +150m -20m]. Today is a very easy walk in a shaded wooded valley. From Les Eyzies we follow the GR6 through typical villages & hamlets. En-route you will have the chance to visit the “Abri du Cap Blanc” to witness some more unique prehistoric art. Tonight we stay in Marquay, a fortified village dating from the 12th century. Michel, our host and chef, is waiting for you in the Hotel La Condamine. Facilities include a swimming pool and a large garden.

Town: Internet, ATM, shops, all facilities. Hotel: 2* hotel “Logis de France”. En-suite. Large garden and very quiet surroundings. Meals: Breakfast, dinner.

DAY 6 – Marquay to Sarlat [4h, 15km, +70m -150m]. Our
last day”â„¢s walk takes us back to Sarlat through shaded woodland and up into the hills for views of the surrounding countryside. We recommend
stopping in Campagnac for lunch. The castle is also
worth visiting. Then it’s back to medieval Sarlat to the hotel we stayed at on Day 1.

Town: Internet, ATM, shops, all facilities. Hotel: 2* “Logis de France” hotel, former family residence, situated just 10min from the historic centre. Also features large garden, swimming pool and open fire. En-suite. Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7 – Sarlat. End of the Adventure

After breakfast we bid you farewell.

Meal: Breakfast

• Flights
• Insurance
• Drinks
• Transfer from/to airport (included in Guided trips departure)

Night 1&6

Night 3

Night 4

Night 5

A Walking Holiday on the Haute Route, Switzerland. The Haute Route, is a cross-country route running between Chamonix in France and Zermatt in Switzerland. First charted by English adventurers at the end of the 19th century, this route follows a 100 km glacier walk (or ski) from the Chamonix valley; home of Mont Blanc, to Zermatt; home of the Matterhorn.

Our team has specially designed this trip for adventurous hikers who don’t want to compromise on comfort. During 8 days you will discover the best of the famous “Haute Route” from Les Hauderes to Zermatt; picturesque villages, massive glaciers, and majestic peaks! As we transfer your luggage during the day, you need only carry a back pack whilst you walk (except Days 2,4 and 6 when you will need your overnight gear). One Foot Abroad also provides detailed walking notes and maps throughout the hike to help you find your way. Enjoy the highest part of the Alps!

Day 1 – Les Hauderes

After flying to Switzerland and making your way to the Goms d’Annivers, you will spend your first night in a charming hotel in a Valaisan-style town. Why not enjoy some regional specialties for dinner with a glass of local Arvine. The added bonus? An accordion-playing hotel owner!

Town: Shops, bus. Accommodation: 2* hotel. Rooms en-suite with view. Meals: Dinner

Day 2 -To Cabane de Moiry

We begin with a tough enough ascent to the Tsat pass (2868m). As we make our way down, the Glacier du Moiry comes into view. You will be afforded a closer view of the glacier as we make our way up to the “Classic” Cabane de Moiry. Good food and a great atmosphere are on the menu this evening.

Town: No public facilities although food and drinks can be purchased in the hut. Accommodation: Mountain hut. Dormitories. Meals: Breakfast, picnic and dinner

Day 3 – To Zinal

You start the day with a gentle walk overlooking the Lac de Moiry with its impressive dam (148m high). Then, after passing the Col du Sorebois (2896m), your descent features an incredible view across the Zinal valley with Les Diablons (3609m) and the Pointe de la Forcletta (3078m). The village of Zinal is charming and compact. Stroll around its pretty streets and see some fine Valaisan houses.

Town: ATM, shops, Tourist Office, bus, train. Accommodation: 2* hotel with restaurant and bar. Meals: Breakfast, picnic and dinner.

Day 4 -To Gruben via Weisshorn

Today we will begin by walking through woodlands towards a high Alpine trail up to the Hotel Weisshorn (2337m). Pasture lands will then bring you up to the Meidpass (2790m). There, the views on the Schwarzhorn, the Gletschhorn and the Weisshorn are stunning. On your way down, you will pass the Meidsee lake before reaching the isolated village of Gruben – so remote that it is only inhabitated from June to September.

For those who wish to have shorter walking days, you have the option to stay in the Hotel Weisshorn and split the stage in 2. See options table below. Subject to availability

Town: No public facilities although food and drinks can be purchased in the hut. Accommodation: Hotel/Hut. Meals: Breakfast, picnic and dinner

Day 5 – To St Niklaus

On this stage, nature rewards the diligent walker with some of the cleanest air and captivating views. Crossing your final pass today is a highlight in every sense of the word. Although the reward is worth every step, the walk is never as demanding as the total height gain and loss might suggest. Enjoy a hike that traverses spacious woodlands, high pastures and stony wildernesses. Your ultimate descent is full of pleasures and surprises – none greater or more beautiful than the discovery of the little hamlet of Jungen, clinging to the mountain side in the region of St Niklaus.

Town: ATM, shops, Tourist Office, bus, train. Accommodation: 2* hotel with restaurant and bar. Meals: Breakfast, picnic and dinner.

Day 6 – To Europahette

Today is a day of contrasts on this recently-opened trail. Starting with a walk up to the statue of St Bernard, you will then experience a walk through boulder fields – the remains of a massive rock fall in 1991. The path is demanding and is often secured with ropes and chains. A challenging, yet rewarding experience. The Europah¼tte offers great comfort and views over the Weisshorn and its glacier.

Town: No public facilities although food and drinks can be purchased in the hut. Accommodation: Mountain hut. Dormitories. Meals: Breakfast, picnic and dinner

Day 7 – To Zermatt

The scenery on the last day is stunning. At the beginning, the path alternates between boulder fields and forest. After a short climb uphill, you will enter Tachalp glen with fantastic views as you exit. Continuing on, the majestic Matterhorn will stun you as you get closer to Zermatt, following the gentle footpath. Zermatt is the place for mountaineering in Switzerland. The streets are busy and vibrant and your hotel is right in the heart of the action.

Town: Shops, bars, restaurants, ATM, Internet, bus, train, all facilities. Accommodation: 3* hotel in the heart of Zermatt. Meals: Breakfast and picnic.

Day 8 – Zermatt

After breakfast, we bid you farewell.

We recommend taking the famous Gornergrat railway to 3090m, which gives you great views of the spectacular Riffelalp glacier!

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation Day 1

Accommodation Day 2

Accommodation Day 3

Accommodation Day 4

Accommodation Day 5

Accommodation Day 6

Accommodation Day 7

• 1 night in 3* hotel, 3 nights in 2* hotels, 1 night in a Hotel/Hut and 2 nights in mountain huts
• Full Board except no dinner in Zermatt
• Transport of luggage to Zinal, St Niklaus and Zermatt
• Detailed walking notes

• Flights
• Swiss Pass
• Transfers from/to the airport (included with the Swiss Pass)
• Drinks

A Walking Holiday around Mont Blanc in France, Italy, and Switzerland. The “Tour du Mont Blanc”, also called “TMB”, is one of the most famous and iconic walking trails through the Alps. It passes through three countries offering three diverse experiences; the Italian slopes with their large rock faces, the Swiss slopes with their soft valleys and the French glacial slopes.
The route below was selected so as to allow you to carry as little heavy equipment as possible. There is no need for a bivouac, tent, stove or pan so you can hike in comfort with just a day pack. Altitude ranges between 1164 m (Argentiere) and 2671 m (Window of Arpette). The paths are well marked in general and should not cause any trouble for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness.

DAY 1 – Coming to Les Contamines (1150m)**
After your flight to Geneva, you will be pre-booked in a modern hotel in the heart of Les Contamines, close to all facilities.

Town: Internet, ATM, shop, all facilities. Accommodation: 2* chalet-style hotel, right in the centre of the resort and in a quiet and sunny location. Balconies, terraces, swimming pool, sauna and fantastic views of the valley! Double rooms en-suite.

DAY 2 – Col de la Croix du Bonhomme 2433m [6h, +1319m].
Today you will have to carry your overnight gear, while the rest of your luggage is being transported to the next stage at the “Refuge des Mottets” (See Day 3). From Les Contamines (1164m), the path ascends gradually to Notre Dame de la Gorge (1210m). You can visit the small, renovated church before ascending more steeply along the Roman way to the Refuge de la Balme (1706m). Shortly after, you will have the option to go to the “Lac Jovet” (2174m) in a natural reserve (+2hrs return), or to continue straight on.
At the Col de la Croix du Bonhomme (2483m), we enter the Beaufortain province. The Refuge “Croix du Bonhomme” (2433m) is our reststop for the night.

Facilities: Food shop at the refuge, phone. Accommodation: Very comfortable mountain hut [2433m]. Hot water showers. Rooms of 4 & 6 beds. Meal: Breakfast, picnic lunch, 3 course dinner

DAY 3 – To the Refuge des Mottets (1887m) [1: 5h30 +313 -876m, 2: 5h, +316 -879].
For this stage, you have 2 options. Both routes are beautiful, but the first should only be attempted if the weather permits!

1- A challenging route up to the “Col des Fours” (2265m), then steeply down to Les Turfs (1993m). It’s an impressive walk below Mt Tondu (3150m).

2- The easy way down to “Les Chapieux” (1554m) through grassland. Then, an easy trail up to the “Refuge des Mottets” (1887m).

Facilities: Food shop, phone. Accommodation: Rooms of 4 & 6 beds. Hot water showers, open fire. Meal: Breakfast, picnic lunch, 3 course dinner

DAY 4 – Col de la Seigne – Col de Checroui 1956m [7h, +974m, -888m].
The “Col de la Seigne” (2516m) opens on the Italian side on the valley called “Goms Veni”. A short ascent to the summit of Mount Fortin (2758m) will give you breathtaking views of the massive “Brenva” face of Mt Blanc. Then, an easy balcony trail brings you to the “Refuge de Maison Vieille” (1956m), where you will spend the night.

Facilities: Food shop, phone. Accommodation: Rooms of 4 & 6 beds. Hot water showers, open fire. Meal: Breakfast, picnic lunch, 3 course dinner

Please note that all of our hotels, refuges and guest houses have been carefully selected for their comfort, location, food, friendliness and character, and are subject to availability. If the hotel described is not available, we will provide you with one of the same standard of comfort & price.

“Lunch boxes” are provided every day. They are filling and very tasty. They usually contain ham or chicken sandwiches (vegetarian options available), a salad and fruit.

Luggage transported by us from hotel to hotel. During the walks
you only carry your day pack! Except on Day 2 where you will have to carry your overnight gear.

Day 1 – To Capiliera**
After flying to Malaga or Granada, you will have a chance to discover the magic of the Sierra Nevada from the typical village of Capiliera. Here, the white washed, flat-roofed houses are reminiscent of Morocco’s Berber architecture. You will be pre-booked in a spacious en-suite room. Tonight’s menu will include traditional Andalusian cuisine as well as other European dishes. Welcome to the valley of the Alpujarras!

Town: (659m, pop 440) Internet, ATM, shops, all facilities. Hotel: 3* hotel with spacious rooms, fantastic views and a swimming pool, situated in the heart of the town. En-suite. Meal: Dinner

Day 2 – Villages of Poqueira valley circular walk/Summit of the Mulhacen [5h,9km,+-762m], [3h45,9km,+-528m]
Today, as we are staying a 2nd night in Capileira, you have 2 options:
1-Villages of Poqueira valley circular
walk Travel along an old mule trail into the dramatic Barranco
de Poqueira (ravine). Here, the villages appear to cling to the sides of the deep valley. On the way you will find Puente Molino, the perfect spot for a picnic or a swim!
2-Summit of the Mulhacen Scale the Mulhacen (3450m),the highest peak in Spain. It starts with a short bus transfer (€8)to the base camp, then it’s a 4h30/5h return hike. The ascent is easy but should be attempted with care. On clear days you can even spot the Moroccan Atlas!

Town: (659m, pop 440) Internet, ATM, shops, all facilities. Hotel: 3* hotel with spacious rooms, fantastic views and a swimming pool, situated in the heart of the town. En-suite. Meal: Breakfast and dinner

DAY 3 – To Busquistar [3h, 9km, +188m, -524m]
The trail starts with a pleasant introduction to the contrasting landscapes of the Alpujarras; from agricultural pastures
to barren lands and wild valleys. Then we will follow an easy track down to the quiet and pretty village of Pitres (1243m). Just below is the famous “Taha”; five lovely hamlets named after the old Arabic administrative units into which Las Alpujarras were divided. We take the old Moorish trail down to the Taha. Here, evidence of a medieval silk trade can still be seen in the abundance of mulberry trees – the leaves of which provided food for the silk worms. Taha is famous for idyllic paths and exceptionally pretty villages, climaxing with the finest vantage point (mirador) in the valley – the Mezquita(1194m).

Town: Food shop. Hotel: beautiful, family-run hotel situated at the edge of the valley in a renovated Berber-style house. Includes a shaded balcony with views over Picon (1275m) and the valley. Meal: Breakfast and dinner

Las Alpujarras has its own unique weather system. Whereas on the coast the temperatures are fairly constant all year round, the combination of mountain air and valleys in Las Alpujarras make the weather more changeable. Summers are often hot and dry, with temperatures in excess of 30 degrees celsius. Rain and cloud is rare, but can occur at higher altitudes, however it never lasts long. Winters are still quite warm and relatively sunny during the day, but can be a lot colder at night after the sun has gone down. If visiting during this time, it is recommended you bring plenty of warm clothing. Both seasons have their advantages – a BBQ in the summer and an evening in-front of a roaring fire in the winter. The best time for walking in Las Alpujarras is from April to mid-June, and from mid-September to
mid-November.

Enjoy a Walking Holiday in the High Atlas exploring remote Berber villages in Morocco, then discover a wealth of culture in Marrakech.

A splendid hike in one of the most remote areas of the High Atlas, featuring picturesque hanging villages, wide green valleys and imposing 4000m peaks. Here, life has barely changed in 300 years. You will discover the true Berber lifestyle and taste indigenous foods like Tajine, Couscous, and incomparable olive oil. You will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide and Berber muleteers who will facilitate you in meeting the locals. Evenings are spent in typical Berber villages where you will experience their world-famous friendliness. Submerge yourself in this refreshingly simple culture by spending your nights in traditional Berber houses.

In Marrakech, you will stay in a 3* hotel, located in a residential area – perfect to chill out after wandering around Djemaa El Fna’s medina quarter and its souks (markets). In the mountains you will stay in comfortable, but basic, mountain refuges and with Berber families in their traditional flat-roofed house.

Our local English-speaking certified mountain guide will show you the way while the Muleteers cook some tasty Moroccan food for you and their Mules carry your luggage!

DAY 1 – Coming to Marrakech
After picking you up at Marrakech Menara Airport, you will be transferred to your 3* hotel, 10 minutes away from Djemaa El Fna.

Town: All facilities, ATM, Internet, food markets, souvenirs. Hotel: 3* Hotel, en-suite. Located in a residential area, 10 mins from “Jamal el fna”. Meals: Marrakech is full of fantastic places to eat, so we decided not to include dinner here.

DAY 2 – To Imeskar, in the High Atlas (4h, +336m)
Short transfer (1hr) at 8h30 to Asni, where we will meet our team of Berber Muleteers (mule drivers) and our cook. While you enjoy the traditional mint tea in a Berber cafe, our team will load the mules. We enter the green valley of Imenane, where we will lunch by the side of the river. For the second part of the day, it’s a slow climb to the village of Imeskar, where we will spend the night.

Accommodation: Friendly family-run guest house. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & (amazing) dinner.

DAY 3 – Imeskar to Gliz (5h, +600m -480m)
We follow a steady mule track across a small valley, under the shade of imposing walnut trees until we lunch close to the river. Then we carry on up to the preserved hamlet of Tidili, and finally to peaceful Gliz, where a refreshing mint tea and a tasty tajine await us!

Accommodation: Friendly family-run guest house. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

DAY 4 – Gliz to Ouaneskra (6h30, 13km, +900m -660m)
With several mountain passes on the way, today can be seen as challenging. First, you will climb up to the “col” or mountain pass Tizin Oukaimden (2600m) passing through juniper trees, then down through the ski slopes of the highest ski resort in Africa. On the way you will be able to admire rupestral (rock) paintings. You will then follow the path of the Oukaimden River and stop for lunch. You will climb again up to the “Col Eddi” (2900 m), in front of the perfectly shaped Angour Mountain. From here it’s a long descent into the Imenane valley and the village of Imenane.

Accommodation: Gite Refuge in the village. The Gite is managed by the inhabitants and most of its profits go to the local community. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner.

DAY 5 – Ouaneskra to Imlil & the “Valley of the Walnut trees” (4h, +80m, -550m)
After yesterday’s challenge, you will appreciate this short and quite easy stage. You will first walk along an easy trail at the foot of Mt Akswal (3200m), on a ridge looking over the Imenane valley. It will offer you some nice scenic views of the Ait Misane and Imenane valley. Then you will walk down through a pine forest to the bustling market town of Imlil. You will have lunch and spend the night here at the gite of Imlil. The afternoon is free. The gite has a terrace and an unbeatable view of the Mt Toubkal (4160m), the highest peak in North Africa.

Accommodation: Comfortable Gite/refuge with spacious terrace. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

DAY 6 – Imlil to Aissa [5h30, +460m, -580m]
We follow a mule trail along the Ait Misane valley to the picturesque village of Ait Talaoul. We continue to the market town of Taddert and finally to Aguersioual. Then we leave the “Valley of the Walnut trees” and head to the village of Matate, where an ancient mine once supported the local economy. We will have lunch close to a spring. Then we climb to the “Col de Toudate”, and descend to “The valley of the Colours”, so named because of the vibrant gray, ochre and red soil. We will spend the night at AISSA: a traditional Berber-run mountain guesthouse.

Accommodation: Traditional Berber-run guest house in the mountains. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

DAY 7 – Aissa to Imioughlad and back to Marrakech (4h, +390m, -476m)
We walk high in the Azaden valley, the most beautiful valley of the Toubkal region. We cross the “Col Tacht” (2000m) then a long descent (1hr30) through juniper and green walnut trees. We lunch here in the Ait Misane valley again. You will then be transferred to Marrakech, via Asni. Free Afternoon, so you can discover the “pink city” and all what Marrakech has to offer.

Town & Hotel: Same as Day 1. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch. Marrakech is full of fantastic places to eat, so we decided not to include the dinner here.

DAY 8 – End of the trip.
After breakfast we transfer you to the airport, and bid you farewell!

Meals: Breakfast

During the trek, meals are cooked by our Berber muleteers. The food provided is fresh and healthy. For Breakfast: Jam, bread, cookies, fruit. For Lunch: Salad, tomatoes, carrots, seasonal fruit, and fish (sardines, tuna). For Dinner: Tajine, couscous, olives, nuts, etc.

Personal baggage, cooking equipment and food are carried by the mules, leaving you to carry only a rucksack with whatever you need close at hand for the day.

In Morocco, it can snow from November to April at altitudes exceeding 2500m. In general, even though the weather is nice during the day, it can be quite cold at night, especially at high altitudes.

• Light walking boots suitable for use in the mountains
• Sleeping bag
• Polar fleece jacket
• Hat
• 60 litres backpack or equivalent (it will be carried by mules during the walks)
• All other useful gear for trekking
• An exhaustive list of items to bring will be sent to you before departure

See our What to Bring section for some recommended items to pack.

what-to-bring From London
- Ryanair from Luton
- easyJet From Gatwick
- BA to Marrakech (October to March)

In Morocco
- Free pick up from Marrakech airport
- From Agadir we can arrange a taxi to collect you see options below). It is also possible to travel by bus (takes 6hrs)
- From Casablanca take a taxi (20 minutes) to Casablanca’s train station (€30), and then a train to Marrakech (takes 3hrs), leaves every 2hrs, €10. Alternatively we can transfer you (see options below)