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.

DAY 2 – Marrakech (450 m) – Asni – Ait Misane valley – Imlil (1750 m) – Toubkal refuge (3200 m) [5h, +1450]

Transfer to Imlil at 1750m in a walnut tree valley – there’s a Berber souk here on Saturdays! Here we meet our team of Berber muleteers. We start our walk in the late morning, reaching “Marabout Sidi Chemharouch” (2250m) in about 2 hours. Here, our cook has prepared a lunch made of salad, vegetables, mint tea, dessert and seasonal fruits. We then continue to climb on a very easy mule track, until we reach Toubkal refuge at 3200m.

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.

After a luxury breakfast we take an easy path up to the Reckingerbach River at 1760m, here there is a most unusual mountain restaurant by the stream; with its garden gnomes, jokes painted on the walls, and a guardian who insisted to write in his visitors’ book. From here the path crosses a succession of streams, the Walibach, Hilpersbach, Wilerbach and, and crossing green pasture and lovely wooden chalets. The next 3 nights in a 4-star hotel, kids friendly, as they can enjoys numerous of activities like an initiation to the Via Ferrata… The restaurant appears in the famous “Gault Millau” & the “Guide bleu”, is just SUPERB

Town: ATM, Food shop, internet in the hotel Hotel: 4* hotel, great comfort, best views on the valley, swimming pool, and free activities for kids (climbing, via ferrata, pony riding, drawing…) Meal: Breakfast, 3 Course dinner

DAY 6 – Blitzingen. Free day
From the town take the cable car up the Eggishorn (2927m), an unspoiled vantage point, above the hamlet of Kuhboden, offering the finest views of the glacier Aletsch for a 360 degree Alpine Panorama and on the magisterial the Eiger, Matterhorn are just Breath-taking.

Town: Same as Day 5.
Hotel: Same as Day 5, 4* hotel.
Meal: Breakfast, 3 Course dinner

DAY 7 – Blitzingen. Day with Options [5h, 13.5km, +50m, -50m]
As we stay a third night in our luxury hotel, you have the option to relax in town, visit Zermatt, less than an hour away by train, or to come with us for a walk. We start ascending to the Schwarzer Brunnen River at 1371m, and then the path climbs again up to 1622m at Obermatta before gradually descending to the outskirts of Bellwald. From here you can take a chairlift up and get great views of this part of the Goms valley. Later today, we will go back to Blitzingen by a low path mostly on the shade.

Town: Same as Day 5.
Hotel: Same as Day 5, 4* hotel.
Meal: Breakfast, 3 Course dinner

DAY 8 – Blitzingen. End of the adventure
After breakfast, we bid you farewell at the train station below

Meal: Breakfast

From Dublin: BA, Swissair, Aer-lingus fly to Zurich, Geneva.

To the beginning of the adventure

To Obergesteln.
Several trains a day operate to
Obergesteln from Zurich[2h00] & Geneva [3h30]

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)

A Walking Holiday in Morocco. Deserts of chalk, cliffs of sandstone and granite, giant dunes, green valleys, deep canyons, perched villages, an expanse of sky above the towering Atlas Mountains and archaeological sites that are testimony to North Africa’s rich historical heritage. Discover Morocco with One Foot Abroad. Morocco is a country full of contrasts, colour and culture, whose land has been inhabited for centuries by the Bedouins, Berbers and Moors.

This trip is perfect for intrepid walkers who are also interested in the traditions and culture of this fascinating country.

Located towards the Eastern end of the Alps’ great curve from the Mediterranean coast through Central Europe to the Balkans, the Dolomites region occupies an area of Northern Italy as large as Wales. Its world famous fairy tale spires, broad rock plateaus and mountain lakes provide a uniquely stunning environment. Its plunging forested valleys deservedly attract mountain lovers and keen walkers. One Foot Abroad are proud to offer this destination to you. This adventurous trip takes you to the highest part of the Dolomites, following rivers and lakes. You will experience the contrast between the lush green valley and the massive limestone peaks looming above you.

This trip alternates between nights in Cortina and high mountain refuges. This enables you to enjoy the comfort of a hotel, as well as getting the unique feeling of high altitude while staying in amazingly located refuges. Every day you have a choice between a “Moderate+” or a “Challenging” itinerary, starting and finishing at the same point. This way, you can vary the difficulty by doing some challenging days and some easier days, depending on the weather, your fitness and experience and what you fancy. In Cortina, you will stay in comfortable hotels, ranging from 2* to 4*.

DAY 1 – Arriving in Cortina (1211m).
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Cortina is also known as the “queen of the Dolomites” because of its amazing geographical location. From this vibrant and tourist-friendly town, the impressive mountains around are easily accessible. Excellent restaurants and nice pubs offer some well-deserved refreshments!

Town: Shops, Bus, ATM, Internet, Pharmacy, Pubs, Restaurants. Accommodation: Hotel 2*/3*/4*in the heart of the town. Room en-suite.

DAY 2 – To Refuge Locatelli (2405m) – Tre Cime area
Moderate+ route: 4h15, +1094m
Challenging route: 6h15, +1211m, -212m

After a short bus transfer to lake Landro, the ascent to one of the greatest highlights of the Dolomites can begin. It is a steady ascent of more than 1000m that will take you directly in front of the mighty Tre Cime. These 3 peaks are emblematic of the Dolomites. The famous Refuge Locatelli will receive you with refreshments and a hearty meal. Walkers who enjoy a challenge can take a hike around the Tre Cime and observe the peaks from every angle.

Accommodation: High mountain refuge. Rooms of 2/3/4 beds, or dorm accommodation, depending on availability. Hot water showers. Meals: Dinner, breakfast

DAY 3 – Back to Cortina (1211m) – Tre Cime area
Moderate+ route: 4h, +595m, -680m
Challenging route: 6h15, +690m, -1215m
Today’s walk was the scene of tragic war act during WWI. You can still see the evidence of these atrocities by walking through the war tunnel of Paterno and the curious looking Sasso di Sesto. The walk leads to the pretty refuge Cengia (2528m), then down into a silent otherworldly ‘amphitheatre’. Then it’s on to the refuge Auronzo, for a short transfer back to Cortina.

Town: Shops, Bus, ATM, Internet, Pharmacy, Pubs, Restaurants. Accommodation: Hotel 2*/3*/4*in the heart of the town. En-suite.

DAY 4 – To Refuge Lagazuoi (2752m) – Cinque Torri.
Moderate+ route: 5h00, +474m, -594m
Challenging route: 5h00, +335m, -455m
After a pleasant transfer on the open-air ski lift, this walk will take you to the very foot of the eroded rock towers of the Cinque Torri. Then, we walk around Nuvolau using either a dramatic and technical path by Ra Gusela (2574m), or an easier path by Passo Giau (2236m) before reaching Passo Falzarego (2105m). Here, you take an enormous cable car up to Refuge Lagazuoi (2752m), where we spend the night in the amazing surroundings of the Tofane range.

Accommodation: High mountain refuge. Rooms of 2/3/4 beds, or dorm accommodation, depending on availability. Hot water showers. Meals: Dinner, breakfast

From Treviso to Cortina
1. Direct Bus (€9.40) from Treviso Autostazione (Bus Station) to Cortina everyday between 13/06 and 31/08 and on Sat & Sun until 20/09, leaving at 8h35 and taking approx 2h45min http://www.atvo.it

2. Alternatively, train (approx 2h) from Treviso to Calalzo: http://www.trenitalia.com + Bus (approx 1h) Dolomitibus: http://www.dolomitibus.it/ (regular service)

3. Option to arrange a direct transfer from the airport with us (see options below)

To Venice
http://www.veniceairport.com/
easyJet, Aer Lingus, Alitalia and other airlines fly to Venice. From the airport, the ATVO line has frequent services to Piazza Roma (Venice) or Mestre Train Station (easier) for €3.

From Venice to Cortina
1. Direct Bus (€11) from Venice Bus Station or Mestre to Cortina everyday between 13/06 and 31/08 and on Sat & Sun until 20/09, leaving at 7h50 and taking approx 3h30min http://www.atvo.it/

2. Alternatively, train (approx 2h40) from Venice or Mestre to Calalzo: http://www.trenitalia.com + Bus (approx 1h) Dolomitibus: http://www.dolomitibus.it/(regular service)

3. Option to arrange a direct transfer from the airport with us (see options below)

To Milan
http://www.sea-aeroportimilano.it/en/
Virtually all major airlines fly to Milan. From the airport, there is an express bus (Malpensa express) taking you to Milan train Station. Train (approx 2h40) from Milan to Calalzo or Dobbiaco: http://www.trenitalia.com + Bus (approx 1h) Dolomitibus: http://www.dolomitibus.it/ regular service)

Other Airports
The train & bus networks in Italy are well developed and very cheap. It is possible to get to Cortina from other major cities in Italy. Ask us for advice and we will help you.

3* hotels. Rooms en-suite. All located in the heart of town

4* hotels. Rooms en-suite. All located in the heart of town

Refuges Locatelli (2405m) and Lagazuoi (2752m)