Arrival day – Tarifa
Your hotel in Tarifa is built within the fortified walls of this old Arabic Spanish town, the most southerly in Europe. It is an ideal location for the start of our adventure across to Africa.
Day 2 – Sierra de Bujeo
Your first walk starts to the east of Tarifa. The route takes a pretty, shady path that follows the Rio de los Mujeres through the cork oaks of Los Alcornocales and up to the ridge of Bujeo. with far reaching views across the Straights to Jebel Musa and, on a fine day, the Rif mountains beyond. The walk along the ridge is easy and the descent to El Bujeo is gentle . Walking time 3 or 5 Hours
Day 3 – Across to Africa
the fast ferry to Tangier takes less than an hour. Everything is so different but modern Tangier has an unexpected affluence. The walk to Cape Spartel starts in the pine forests to the west of the city and close to the King’s summer palace. It is a delightful coastal walk with great views across to Cape Trafalgar, scene of the most famous of all sea battles (1805). Time for lunch at Cape Sparkle and visit to the legendary Cave of Hercules. Transfer by road to Chefchaouen where you stay for three nights. Walking time 3 Hours
Day 4 – Back in Time
After a breakfast of fresh orange, crepes and honey the walk takes you through the east gate of the medina and back into the past. As you pass through countryside you see fully laden donkeys heading into market and Berber ladies tending the pastures, sights that have changed little since medieval times. For lunch you will stop for a traditional meal in a Berber village on the south side of Jebel Tissouka. You can then choose to continue the circular walk back to Chaouen or return by 4×4. Walking time 5 or 3 Hours
Day 5 – A day in ‘Chaouen
Chefchaouen is possibly one of the most photogenic towns of Morocco and hangs like a crescent from the twin horns of Jebel Tisouka (2,050m) and Jebel Megou (1,616m). The medina, a mass of red tiled roofs crisp white and blue washed walls is a precious 15th century relic from the civilision of al -Andalus. Our lovelyl accommodation within the medina is a masterpiece of Moroccan interior design and a great place to stay in this unique, colorful and friendly ‘blue’ town. The souk and bazaars are full of enticing hand made goods and there is a photgraphic ‘gem’ at every turn of the eye. A day to explore, relax and enjoy.
Day 6 – Chaouen to Fes
The journey from Chaouen to Fes by road is just over 4 hours. On route we break to journey for our final rural walk through the wooded southern slopes of the Rif, followed by lunch in a traditional rural house. This is good preparation before our arrival into Fes regarded by many as one of the most traditional cities in Morocco. We stay for our last two nights in a sumptuous riad on the edge of the old medina (Fes el-Bali).
Day 7 – Exploring Fes
The old medina can be initially mind boggling and overwhelming to the unsuspecting visitor. It is home to around 150,00 people and has not significantly changed for a 1,000 years. Once you adjust to the scale and pace of the medina, it reveals it’s charms in most unexpected ways. Our escorted walking tour starts from our hotel, exploring and seeking out the very best parts of this huge walled medieval city. The tour can take from 2 to 4 hours depending on distractions and includes a break for a tranquil and traditional Fassi lunch. Free time to shop and explore the medina close to the to your Riad
Day 8 – Onward transfers to Fes airport for Rynair flight to London Stanstead or onward travel in Morocco or return by train to Tangier and Spain (See notes below).