Active Morocco: Rif Mountains

Arrive at any time. Attend a welcome meeting at the joining hotel in the evening before an optional group dinner to get to know your fellow travellers.

Travel to Tétouan, a northern city in Morocco along the Martil Valley and a few miles south of the Strait of Gibraltar. Along the way the group will embark on a thrilling hike to Gite Monte Blanco (838 m) nestled amidst the rugged Rif Mountains and enjoy a picnic lunch from the top before the return trip. Arrive in Tetouane in the late afternoon for a walking tour of several historical landmarks throughout the city like El Feddan Square and the Royal Palace. Dinner is on your own.

In the morning leave Tetouan and travel to Chefchaouen, known for the’ striking blue-washed buildings of its old town. From the outskirts of town begin today’s hike through the scenic Rif Mountains passing small waterfalls and streams reaching the Spanish Mosque featuring amazing views of the city below. Then, take part in a hand-on goat cheese making experience with a local family and have lunch together sharing delicious traditional Moroccan dishes. When the group arrives back in Chefchaouen there will be a CEO-led walk through the ‘Blue City’.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then visit Oued ElKannar, the Rif region’s top ravine and enjoy a trek along a scenic trail through this dramatic canyon that is popular for its clear turquoise pools and plunging waterfalls. Finish the hike with a dip in the gentle nearby river for the perfect taste of nature in Morocco’s quaint countryside. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the river or at a local restaurant depending on the season, and then travel back to Chefchaouen for a free evening and dinner on your own.

Head to Fés, considered the cultural capital of the country and enjoy a guided medina tour through the Fés medina, which happens to be one of the largest in the world. Enter through one of the great gates and wander down some of the 9,000 winding streets found here. Observe local tannery workers from the balcony of a leather shop and take some time to search for meaningful souvenirs of your own. The rest of the evening is free to explore on your own.

Depart for Khenifra, a city in Northern Morocco surrounded by the Atlas Mountains. Along the way the group will stop for a hike with a local guide through cedar forest and past many scenic viewpoints for a total 15km. Afterwards, have lunch by the lake with a local family before continuing on to Khenifra. Dinner will be had at the hotel this evening.

Begin the drive to Ouaouizeght in the morning. Upon arrival to this small town and rural commune, the group will either visit the local market or go to a shepherd’s house and do the shopping for lunch. Then relax by the nearby river, have a swim, and enjoy lunch with a local family before continuing on to Bin EL Ouidane. There will be free time here during sunset for optional lake activities.

Enjoy a morning guided hike to Imsfrane Cathedral, this natural marvel resembling a cathedral carved by nature is well worth the hike through Morocco’s rugged terrain to see these towering rock formations. After catching your breath and admiring the beauty, you’ll continue hiking to a local host family’s home for tea and lunch in this idyllic setting. Then, enjoy the opportunity to engage in the age-old tradition of bread-making as you deepen your connection to the local culture’s culinary heritage. Spend a free evening back at the hotel in Bin El Ouidane before a group dinner.

Drive to Marrakech in the morning where the tour ends upon arrival in the early afternoon.