Rif Mountains Circuit
8 days, Guided for 2 People or more, Seasonal Weekly Departures
At last somewhere different in Morocco!
Somewhere that feels more like Andalucia, where Spanish is widely spoken, you can wander hassle-free through the souks and where tourists have yet to discover the remote mountain villages and paths leading down to the sandy beaches on the Mediterranean coast.
With quick, direct flights, short transfers, peaks that rarely exceed 2000 metres and as your centre, a town which exudes a character all of its own, a uniquely irresistible atmosphere unlike any other town in Morocco - the blue-hued town of Chefchaouen. Like the spectacularly situated Greek island town of Santorini, Chefchaouen's dazzling blue houses gradually rise up the hillside overlooking the lush valley below. It is on the edge of the Talassemtane National Park which covers over 60,000 hectares of breathtaking mountain massifs and cliffs, dense fir forests, an incredibly diverse flora, traditional villages, sparkling springs and waterfalls and wide variety of animal life such as wild boar, monkeys and raptors.
This is a real breath of fresh air for those looking for somewhere different - exotic but safe, remote yet close to the UK, full of genuine tradition and history, perfect for those perhaps who are slightly daunted about the thought of travelling to Morocco or who are overwhelmed by the hustle and popularity of Marrakech.
This is a wonderful contrast to the other destinations in the country, of mountains and sea, of Europe and Africa - a real gem of a Moorish experience.
On this trip you spend a few days in Chefchaouen at the start then embark on a village to village walk to the coast returning to Chefchaouen for a final night.
- Day 1. Outbound
- Take the evening flight from London to Tangiers and overnight at this popular Spanish/African crossroads.
- Day 2. Chefchaouen
- Pass flamingo-filled lakes and reservoirs with verdant green valleys and fields rich in crops and livestock en route to visit the UNESCO medina of Tetouan. The Rif Mountains rise suddenly before you from the coastal plains as you wind slowly up towards Chefchaouen. The town has a dramatic setting with the stark limestone rock face of Jebel el Kelaa (1616 metres) towering above, the surrounding countryside ablaze with vibrant pink oleander. Hispano-Moorish influence is apparent everywhere in the vine-covered vaulted archways that span the cobbled alleyways and in the monumental doorways that open on to sun-drenched patios. However, the singularly most stunning elements are the blue painted buildings and passageways, shades of turquoise and deep azure, creating a semi-mirage effect - where does the village end and the sky begin?
- Days 3 and 4. Rif Mountain Village Walks
- Follow shaded mule paths past tiny smallholdings, old mills and ancient Berber irrigation ditches through the valley of Tissemlal (1300 metres). The views back to Chefchaouen change as the blue hue becomes hazier and the stunning backdrop of green crops creates an almost tropical image amidst the dry heat and arid peaks. Contour the mountainside, competing with the goats for juicy blackberries on the way, to the natural rock arch 'Pont de Dieu' (fiercely guarded by Barbary apes!). Massive rock faces rise scenically above and colourful cultivated terraces layer the landscape below. Descend the flower-filled gorge to an amazingly pretty series of pools and streams providing an ideal opportunity for a refreshing dip. Overnight in picturesquely-sited cosy gites, traditionally decorated, with beautiful vineyard-clad terraces.
- Days 5 and 6. To The Mediterranean
- The scenery changes as you head towards the coast. Magnificent cedar and fir forests line your route as sandy paths zig-zag up to plateaux where you can look back over farmers threshing their crops with the entire Rif Mountain chain beyond them. The landscape greatly resembles southern Spain which you should clearly see. Enjoy sweeping views out to the sea whilst descending down to the sandy beach at Oued Laou to laze on the shores of the Mediterranean and a well deserved wallow.
- Days 7 and 8. Chefchaouen and Homeward
- Enjoy a relaxing morning at the beach and return in the afternoon to Chefchaouen for a last hassle-free souvenir hunt through the craft shops and colourful stalls selling hand-woven rugs and pottery. A delicious dinner perhaps of local goat's cheese salad with olives and figs followed by garlic prawn tagine. Transfer back to Tangiers for your mid-afternoon flight home.
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- Tour grade: B.
- Cost per person: From £695.
- Single supplement: £45.
- CO2 offset cost: £3.25
- What is included: Flights, all transfers, most meals, accommodation, local guide.
- Accommodation: Hotels, gite d'etapes.
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Departure dates:
Saturdays, March to October.