Morocco - Gardens of Marrakech & the Atlas Mountains
06 – 13 April 2010
Morocco is a country of contrasts; the buzz of the medina
and exotic souks in Marrakech with hidden courtyard
gardens, long views to the dramatic Atlas mountains from
La Palmeraie and warm, hospitable people who share the
history of their country, often sipping mint tea.
The gardens visited give a balance of intimate courtyard
gardens with vibrant plants, colourful tiles and splashing
water, and country gardens know as jnane (gardens of
paradise) with the emphasis on orchards and decorative
herb gardens. We leave Marrakech for a couple of days in
the Atlas mountains where the Berbers tend their terraced
fields or flocks of sheep and goats.
We change hotels to contrast areas and styles. Hotel
Jnane Tamsa, in La Palmeraie, outside the city in the area
originally forming an oasis, is most comfortable with pool and excellent restaurant; in the Atlas, Kasbah Bab Ourika, a welcoming country hotel; and, back to Marrakech, staying in a typical riad in the medieval medina is an unforgettable experience.
Activity Level: Level walking, except day 4 (4x4 Berber-style available). Extensive walking in Marrakech.
Itinerary
DAY ONE – TUESDAY 06 APRIL
Morning departures from London Gatwick direct
to Marrakech. You will be met and transferred to
our hotel. Late afternoon guided walk through the
sumptuous gardens with aromatic herbs, olive
groves, lemon trees, palms and a vegetable garden.
The scents of jasmine and gardenia, with views
to the Atlas mountains, is a perfect setting for a
welcome aperitif and short talk on the programme,
before enjoying dinner together.
DAY TWO – WEDNESDAY 07 APRIL
We leave after breakfast for the Marrakech for a
guided introduction to the extensive medina. Down
various bustling little streets, we reach a door in the
wall opening into an enchanting riad garden with
rambling bougainvillea, jasmine, glazed pots and
trickling water. An exuberant garden of courtyards
and terraces and a perfect place for lunch. Afternoon
visit to Bahia Palace, before returning to the peace
of our hotel in La Palmeraie. Dinner together on the
terrace.
DAY THREE – THURSDAY 08 APRIL
Morning visit to Jardin Majorelle created in 1924
by Jacques Majorelle, a plant collector. Acquired
subsequently by Yves St Laurent and Pierre Berge,
it is renowned for its inspiring layout with vibrant
coloured columns, pots and walls and its plant
collections. We then visit Nectorama, a well-laid out
garden of fifty varieties of aromatic and medicinal
herbs grown for the local production of essential
oils. Lunch in the garden. We journey up into the
foothills of the Atlas to reach our welcoming country
hotel above the mountain valley. Dinner together in
hotel.
DAY FOUR – FRIDAY 09 APRIL
We leave for the towering Atlas mountains, to the
Berber village of Imlil at the foot of Toukbal mountain
at 4167m. Our guide, Houssaine, takes us on foot
(or a Berber 4x4) up the valley to his outlying Berber
village for mint tea at the family home. We continue
our walk up the valley to the Kasbah du Toukbal. The
dramatic scenery can be viewed from the rooftop
terraced garden before we enjoy lunch. Walk down
to Imlil through a walnut wood with time to explore
the village before descending the valley to our hotel.
Dinner together in the hotel.
DAY FIVE – SATURDAY 10 APRIL
We leave the mountains to visit a garden south of
Marrakech. Orchards with pomegranates, figs and
orange trees, potagers with aromatic herbs, surround
huge scented rose beds. Bird song and water
trickling along seguias ensures an air of tranquillity.
We enjoy lunch in the garden and then discover
the local potter and weaver in their workshops. We
arrive late afternoon at our riad in Marrakech. Dinner
together on the terrace.
DAY SIX – SUNDAY 11 APRIL
Morning visit to the sumptious gardens of La
Mamounia with refreshments. The nearby Koutoubia
mosque is surrounded by well-laid out gardens, a
delight to walk through on our way back to the riad.
Late afternoon we are joined by our guides to visit
the souks and the Jamaa El Fna square with its snake
charmers, storytellers, water sellers, scribes, and
snack producers setting-up their kitchens in the early
evening. We enjoy a drink on the square followed by
dinner together in town.
DAY SEVEN – MONDAY 12 APRIL
Morning visit to the country gardens of La Maison
Arabe in La Palmeraie. Innovative blend of potager
garden with decorative shrubs and climbers. We
enjoy a delicious lunch in the palm-lined courtyard
with time to relax before returning to Marrakech.
Free time in the afternoon – perhaps for a visit to the
hamman. Dinner together in the Medina.
DAY EIGHT – TUESDAY 13 APRIL
After breakfast we depart to Marrakech Menara
airport for the return flights.
