The Intimacy of the Atlas and the South (6 days / 5 nights)

One of the highlights of the day is the **“Jurassic Encounter”**, where you will visit sites known for their remarkable dinosaur footprints and fossil discoveries. These prehistoric remains are impressive both in size and number, offering a fascinating glimpse into Morocco’s ancient past. We then continue along the long mountain track of Jbel Azourki, crossing the Tizi N’Isly Pass and winding through magnificent forests and breathtaking mountain scenery. Passing through the village of Zaouiat Ahansal, we follow the meanders of the river to reach an exceptional bivouac site located at the foot of Morocco’s highest cliffs, known as the **Cathedral Rock**. The journey then continues to Anergui, a remote and picturesque mountain village nestled in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains.

Departure along a long mountain track through **Assif Melloul** (“The White River”), crossing one of the most spectacular and remote regions of the High Atlas Mountains. Leaving behind these unique rocky landscapes, we enter the pastoral world of the Central High Atlas, where shepherds and nomadic communities have lived for centuries. After crossing a series of mountain passes rising above 2,000 meters, we emerge onto the high pastures of **Zaimouzen**, dotted with traditional nomadic tents. We then pass through the village of Tizi N'Isly before descending to the plateau of the legendary lakes Lake Tislit and Lake Isli. According to Berber legend, **Isli** (the Groom) and **Tislit** (the Bride) were deeply in love, but their families opposed their marriage. Their sorrow was so great that they wept endlessly, and their tears formed two lakes that still bear their names today. This legend remains an important part of the cultural heritage of the High Atlas Berber tribes, particularly the **Aït Haddidou** and **Aït Brahim**. Arrival in Imilchil, famous for its annual Marriage Festival and its rich Berber traditions. Dinner and overnight stay in Imilchil.

Departure towards the legendary Lake Isli and Lake Tislit, where history and legend transport you into a magnificent world of colors and traditions, including the famous Berber Engagement Festival (Moussem des Fiançailles). Enjoy a short walk along the lakes and through the beautiful Assif Melloul Valley (the “White River” Valley). Along the way, you will discover the traditional lands of the Berber tribes of **Aït Haddidou**, **Aït Iazza**, and **Aït Brahim**. After crossing the Tigrouzine Pass, we continue towards the spectacular Todra Gorge, famous for its towering cliffs and lush palm groves. A short walk through the palm oasis allows you to appreciate the beauty of this remarkable landscape. The journey then continues through the impressive Dades Gorge before arriving in Boumalne Dades. **Dinner and overnight stay in Boumalne Dades.**

After breakfast, we visit the Dades Gorge and continue along the road leading to the Valley of Roses via the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,” where you will discover numerous kasbahs and ksour. We then visit a beautiful kasbah located in the palm grove of Skoura. Dinner and overnight stay in Skoura.

After breakfast, departure for Ouarzazate. For cinema lovers, an optional visit to the impressive Atlas Film Studios can be arranged, followed by a short visit to the Kasbah Taourirt, a complex of courtyards with a maze of rooms, beautifully decorated interiors, narrow alleyways, and elegant towers. We then visit Ait Ben Haddou, one of the most beautiful villages in southern Morocco, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for hosting major film productions such as *Lawrence of Arabia*, *The Mummy*, *Gladiator*, *Seven Years in Tibet*, *Babel*, and *Alexander*. We leave the village via the ancient caravan route that once connected West Africa to Marrakech. Arrival in Telouet, where we visit the Kasbah of the Glaoui, former Pasha of Marrakech. Finally, we cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m) before returning to Marrakech.